WO2007034531A1

WO2007034531A1 - Massage bed

Info

Publication number: WO2007034531A1
Application number: PCT/IT2006/000678
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Bollani; Elena Rassega
Original assignee: Marco Bollani; Elena Rassega
Priority date: 2005-09-23
Filing date: 2006-09-22
Publication date: 2007-03-29
Also published as: EP1942856A1; ITVR20050112A1

Abstract

An oscillating bed for orthopedic use, or for fitness centres, beauty parlours or the like, in particular an aoscillating massage bed with an upper work surface (22) being positioned on a frame (21) including a support structure (19, 20) which is suspended by a plurality of supporting elements (15) from supports (14) provided on a base (10).

Description

"MASSAGE BED"

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TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention concerns a massage bed, and more specifically an oscillating type massage bed. More specifically, this invention refers to a massage bed with the particular feature being that the support surface for the person being massaged is not fixed to the base but is suspended by means of rigid tie rods, so that it can oscillate 360 degrees in any direction around the suspension vertical and so as to describe a wide trajectory in any direction, with translated, elliptical and circulatory movements, the thrust being imparted during the massaging action of the operator. The massage bed according to the invention is therefore calibrated by the action of the operator and indirectly by the body of the person being massaged, and the extent and direction of the oscillation is imparted by a different grip of the operator's hands or by the different pressure exerted by his/her body, and the gravitational movement of the massaged person's body towards/away from the operator produces a highly effective and very pleasant action on the joints, the muscles, the skin anD connective tissues and on the blood and lymph circulation.

This invention can be applied in the production sector of articles for orthopedic use or articles used in fitness centres, in particular massage beds. BACKGROUND ART

It is known that numerous types of massage/relax beds are present on the market, some of which are similar,, but generally with the following common main features .

Traditional massage beds foresee the use of a load- bearing structure on which a fixed work surface is positioned.

The work surface is usually the one-piece type, but there are also versions in which the work surface is split to provide horizontal, inclined or anatomical support. The work surface can also be bare, without any covering, or padded.

The basic materials used are metal, wood, plastic, glass or artificial leather.

Traditional massage beds can comprise various accessories such as:

- manual or electrical controls for better positioning of the height of the bed and the inclination of the work surfaces;

- ergonomic head rest and/or a hole in the bed for a forehead/face rest that allows easier breathing;

- insertion in the mattress or application on the underlying rigid work surfaces of eccentric electrical motors for generating and transmitting to the body rapid mechanical vibrations without translatory movement;

- insertion in the mattress of rollers, and relative mechanisms, which slide at the sides of the spinal column and/or on the legs for Shiatsu type massage;

- adjustable heating of the mattress;

- roll-holder for the paper to be spread on the bed;

- trays, various fixed or removable accessory-holders fitted on the structure;

- music, coloured lights, emission of infrared rays, fibre optics, perfumes, fragrances, particular settings. In. all the traditional massage beds currently known, there are generally some limiting features common to all models, the main one being that the surface supporting the body of the massaged person and its load-bearing structure are always fixed during the massage, without the possibility of translated movement.

The immediate consequent feature common to all models of known massage beds, which represents a functional limitation for the treatment, concerns the fact that the body of the massaged person is therefore stationary on the bed and the only active movement comes from the operator's body and limbs while carrying out the massage.

Furthermore, the stationary massaged body is in static opposition to the pushing/pulling action of the operator performing the massage, with a certain limitation of the possibilities that could instead be achieved if the massaged body could be freed from its support, as is proposed by the bed according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention proposes to provide a massage bed that can eliminate or at least reduce the problems described above. The invention also proposes to provide a massage bed whose surface supporting the person during the treatment is disjoined from the base of the bed.

This is achieved by means of a massage bed with the features described in the main claim.

The dependent claims described advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The main advantages of this solution, in addition to those deriving from its construction simplicity, concern first of all the fact that the surface supporting the body of the massaged person is suspended on rigid tie rods so that it can oscillate 360 degrees in any direction around the suspension vertical and so as to describe a wide trajectory in any direction, whether pseudo-elliptical or circular under the massaging action of the operator.

Moreover, by using the bed according to the invention, the massaged body is subjected to the pressing/pulling force of the operator, with the possibility of exploiting a pendulum movement on a double pivot that by inertia keeps it centrifugally and gravitationally resting on the work surface, thus avoiding the unpleasant sensation of a rolling push that would cause a state of instability and insecurity.

Another advantage proposed by the invention is that the oscillating work surface could also be divided into several parts, each with its own independent oscillatory movement, to allow diversified movements of the various parts of the body, such as for example shoulders/hips, trunk/legs, etc.

Moreover, by using the bed according to the invention, the oscillation due to gravity could be produced, as an optional accessory, by an electric motor controlled by the masseur.

The bed according to the invention can be advantageously used in the sector of beauty treatments, therapy, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sport, relaxation, fitness, including holistic and meditation centres, and in general in all applications designed to improve personal appearance and/or well-being, and as a valid aid in psychosomatic therapy, in addition to all interventions on the skeletal and muscular apparatus, on venous and lymph circulation and on connective tissue.

The bed substantially consists of a base with a platform and a central load-bearing column, made entirely from sturdy joists, for example in wood, with a rigid structure.

An alternative version foresees the possibility of adjusting the height of the entire bed by adjustment of the supporting feet.

On each short side of the central column are two protruding arms, made from sturdy wooden joists and at an appropriate distance from each other.

These protruding joists are attached in suspension to four adjustable-length oscillating arms of the bed to allow faultless calibration of its position and for perfect balancing adjustment.

The ends of these arms are fitted with stainless steel precision rotating heads, with built-in bearings, specifically modified to carry out wide excursions over 360°. The heads are specifically designed and modified to allow a greater transverse oscillation over 360° in addition to the standard oscillation usually foreseen only for longitudinal surfaces and of a minimum extent for the other directions. Each head is housed and secured with precision pins with special metal forks, anchored at the top to the two arms described above and at the bottom to the horizontal side of two appropriate "U" shaped structures fixed below the frame on which the work surface rests.

The height and width of the two "U" shaped structures is such as to obtain the ideal oscillation ranges: circular, if seen from the long side of the bed; elliptical or pseudo-elliptical if seen from the short side, or, on request, a linear horizontal movement obtained by parallel bars.

. The anchoring position of the "U" shaped structures to the frame lies exactly on the vertical of the forks to reduce any undesired transverse force on the "U" shaped structures .

In the preferred embodiment the rigid adjustable- length oscillating arms, on the short sides of the bed, are not parallel to each other but slightly convergent at the top. In the rest position, they correspond to the oblique sides of an isosceles trapezium. There is also a version with linear movement provided by the presence of parallel bars .

The forks of the bed frame correspond to the ends of the smaller upper base while the forks of the "U" shaped structures correspond to the larger lower base.

The length of the two bases of the trapezium is determining for the construction of the correct oscillation trajectory of the work surface. It is designed to describe both a horizontal linear trajectory and a pseudo-elliptical curve, making it possible to obtain numerous advantages which will' be described below.

As a possible variation, the rigid arms can be replaced by cords, cables, springs, elastic means or other different but expanding systems which, being within the scope of the invention, permit movements of the work surface other than the main oscillating one. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and advantages of the invention will become evident on reading the following description of one embodiment of the invention, provided as a non- binding example, with the help of the accompanying drawings in which: figure 1 represents a prospective view of the overall table according to the invention; figure 2 is a schematic side view of the table seen from the long side; figure 3 is a schematic and prospective view of the base; figure 4 is a schematic and prospective view of the frame supporting the work surface, fitted with "U" shaped support structures; figure 5 is a schematic view of the bed seen from the short front (or rear) side; figure 6 is a schematic view of one of the rigid tie bars; - figure 7 shows a diagram of the isosceles trapezium made up of the assembled parts in the suspended position; figures 8 and 9 are schematic views of the bed according to the invention, showing the oscillation blocking mechanism in the closed and open positions, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the bed according to the invention substantially consists of a base 10 with a platform 11 and a central load-bearing column 12, made entirely from sturdy joists, for example in wood, with a rigid structure. The platform 11 is positioned on self-blocking wheels 13 which allow the bed to be moved and blocked in position when used.

As can be seen in figure 4, the central column 12 of the base 10 presents, on each short side, two protruding arms 14, made from sturdy joists, for example in wood, and at an appropriate distance from each other.

These protruding - joists 14 are attached in suspension to four oscillating arms 15 of the bed, and shown in detail in figure 6. Their length can be adjusted by means of the adjustment device 15', for ideal calibration of the rest position and for perfect balancing adjustment.

The ends of these arms 15 are fitted with stainless steel precision rotating heads 16, with built-in bearings, specifically modified to carry out wide excursions over 360°.

The heads 16 are specifically designed and modified to allow a greater transverse oscillation over 360° in addition to the standard oscillation usually foreseen only for longitudinal surfaces and of a minimum extent for the other directions.

Each head is housed and secured with precision pins with special metal forks 17, anchored at the top to the two arms 15 described above and at the bottom to additional couplings 18 on the horizontal side 19 of two appropriate "U" shaped structures 20 fixed below the frame 21 supporting the work surface 22 and visible in detail in figure 3. The height and width of the two "U" shaped structures 20 is such as to obtain the ideal oscillation ranges: circular, if seen from the long side of the bed; elliptical or pseudo-elliptical if seen from the short side .

The anchoring position of the "U" shaped structures 20 to the frame lies exactly on the vertical of the forks 17 and 18 to reduce any undesired transverse force on the "U" shaped structures.

The rigid adjustable-length oscillating arms, on the short sides of the bed, are not parallel to each other but slightly convergent at the top. In the rest position, they correspond to the oblique sides of an isosceles trapezium, as shown in the diagram in figure 7.

The forks 17 of the bed frame correspond to the ends of the smaller upper base while the forks 18 of the "U" shaped structures correspond to the larger lower base.

The length of the two bases of the trapezium is determining for the construction of the correct oscillation trajectory of the work surface. It is designed to describe an ellipse that makes it possible to obtain numerous advantages which will be described below.

First of all there is a practically horizontal translation around the rest points and a translation with increasing pressure in correspondence with the maximum elongation, both due to a braking effect and to prevent the tendency to roll of the person on the work surface.

Moreover, the greater height reached by the body in these extreme positions gives it more potential energy which translates into greater speed (kinetic energy) in the return phase, thus contributing to accentuate the unconscious active participation of the massaged person.

The bed frame shown in figure 4 is made from joists preferably in wood, and with its "U" shaped components fixed below it at a certain distance from each end it represents the main oscillating structure, the subject of the invention. The work surface and the mattress 23 on which the person undergoing the treatment lies are positioned on the frame. The work surface can be padded and covered in artificial leather, and can be equipped with an adjustable-angle backrest. On request, this feature can also be extended to the surface supporting the legs.

A series of accessories can be fitted on the bed, such as for example a practical and easily accessible wooden holder for a reel of paper. The- device according to the invention is completed by a mechanism which totally blocks all oscillation, shown in figures 10 and 11, independently controlled from both long sides of the bed by simply turning a handle 24, or another equivalent manual or electrical device, positioned on the sides of the column.

The mechanism comprises a ratchet 25 which, when activated by a handle, laterally moves the couplings of flexible rods 26.

The movement of the flexible rods 26 is transferred to rigid vertical rods 27 which pass through holes cut in the fixed joists 14 and into holes 28 cut in the oscillating surface, with the possibility of blocking all movement.

The blocking mechanism 24 has two main aims: the up and down movements of the bed are made easy and secure and the entire bed is transformed into a traditional rigid structure for treatment according to more conventional designs.

The invention described offers numerous important and original advantages, some of which are described below.

In the free (released) position, the bed offers a pleasant feeling of lightness and security, like being rocked on water, with a synergy and symbiosis between the movement of the person being massaged and the operator who, advantageously, can be replaced or flanked by an electrical or electromechanical mechanism. There is also a considerable reduction in the effort of the operator carrying out the massage and the possibility of maintaining an ideal working position for the operator.

No less important is the unconscious active participation of the person being massaged by means of the pulling or pushing action of his/her rocking body which, depending on its position on the oscillation trajectory, tends by gravity to move towards or away from the operator, with different forces and speeds, actually interacting with the operator.

It has also been found that, calibrated by the different pressure of the operator's hands or body, the gravitational movement of the massaged person towards/away from the operator, produces an effective and very pleasant action on the joints, the muscles, the skin and connective tissues and on the blood and lymph circulation.

The benefits of these actions on posture, the psyche, .the soma, and in general on the entire persona, particularly as regards beauty and well-being, are immediately evident and appreciated by both persons.

The synergy with specific cosmetic products for various concerns, music, coloured lights, fragrances and personalized settings contribute in making the treatment unique and exclusive.

According to another embodiment, the suspended structure of the work surface of the bed can be supported from above instead of below, forming a "canopy" type structure, or a swing or hammock type structure. In this case the bed presents suspension points above the work surface.

Even if its use can be considered as being included within the scope of the invention, this structure is however more cumbersome and limits the movements of the operator around the bed as well as making it very difficult to ensure safety in the movements of the person getting on and off the bed. High quality and warm materials, such as wood, were used to construct the prototype, with an attractive ethnic design, in line with current market tendencies.

Alternatively, and for a more stylized and high-tech look, the entire structure and mechanical movements can be left on view, using chromed metal or stainless steel, highlighting what in the previous version was deliberately kept hidden.

The invention is described above with reference to a preferred embodiment. It is nevertheless clear that the invention is susceptible to numerous variations that lie within its scope, in the framework of technical equivalents .

Claims

1) A bed for orthopedic use, or for fitness centres, beauty parlours or the like, in particular a massage bed, characterised in that the bed is the oscillating type, with the upper work surface (22) suspended on a support structure (20) which comprises a plurality of supporting elements (15) positioned on appropriate supports (14, 19).

2) A massage bed according to the foregoing claim, characterised in that it comprises a base (10) with a platform (11), positioned on adjustable feet (13) or self-blocking wheels, and a central load-bearing column (12) with a rigid structure.

3) A massage bed according to either of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the central column

(12) of the base (10) presents, on each short side, two protruding joists (14), positioned at an appropriate distance from each other.

4) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the protruding joists

(14) are coupled in suspension to four oscillating arms ( 15 ) which can be adjusted in length by means of an adjusting device (15'), for ideal calibration of the rest position and for perfect balancing adjustment.

5) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the ends of the arms

(15) are equipped with stainless steel precision rotating heads (16), with built-in bearings, specifically modified to carry out wide excursions over 360 degrees.

6) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing

. claims, characterised in that each head (16) is housed and secured with precision pins with special metal forks (17), anchored at the top to the two arms (15) described above and at the bottom to additional couplings (18) on the horizontal side (19) of two appropriate "U" shaped structures (20) fixed below the frame (21) supporting the work surface (22).

7) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the height and width of the two "U" shaped structures (20) is such as to obtain the ideal oscillation ranges: circular, if seen from the long side of the bed; elliptical or pseudo-elliptical if seen from the short side. 8) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the anchoring position of the "U" shaped structures (20) to the frame lies exactly on the vertical of the forks (17, 18) to reduce any undesired transverse force on the "U" shaped structures (20).

9) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the rigid adjustable- length oscillating arms (15) on the short sides of the bed are not parallel to each other but slightly convergent at the top. In the rest position, they correspond to the oblique sides of an isosceles trapezium, where the forks (17) of the base correspond to the ends of the smaller upper base while the forks (18) of the "U" shaped structures correspond to the larger lower base.

10) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that it comprises a mechanism which totally blocks all oscillation, independently controlled from both long sides of the bed by simply turning a handle (24) positioned on the sides of the column. 11) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the mechanism comprises a ratchet (25) which, when activated by a handle, laterally moves the couplings of flexible rods (26). 12) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the movement of the flexible rods (26) is transferred to rigid vertical rods (27) which pass through holes cut in the fixed joists (14) and into holes (28) cut in the oscillating surface, with the possibility of blocking all movement.

13) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the support elements (15) consist of rigid adjustable rods. 14) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the support elements (15) cords, cables, springs, elastic means or other different but expanding systems.

15) A massage bed according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the suspended structure of the work surface of the bed can be supported from above instead of below, forming a

"canopy" type structure, or a swing or hammock type structure. In this case the bed presents suspension points above the work surface.