Couch, Chair, Or Other Body Support Patents (Class 601/90)
  • Patent number: 9433550
    Abstract: A traction bed includes (a) a frame upon which an individual is supportable, (b) a first single-sided lever arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate both a first end of the frame and a first side of the frame, wherein the first single-sided lever arm is configured to be coupled to an arm of an individual, (c) a second single-sided lever arm pivotably coupled to the frame at a location proximate both a second end of the frame and the first side of the frame, wherein the second single-sided lever arm is configured to be coupled to a leg of an individual, and (d) a control system operable to direct a force onto each of the single-sided lever arms to pivot the single-sided lever arms relative to the frame, wherein the force directed to the first single-sided lever arm is separately variable from the force directed to the second single-sided lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Country View Medical Center
    Inventors: Jeff Winternheimer, Christopher R. Gray
  • Patent number: 9044362
    Abstract: The present invention embraces a method and an apparatus for preventing, treating or improving the efficacy of a variety of conditions and treatments including breathing difficulties, pitting peripheral edema, post-surgical adhesions, efficacy of CPAP/BiPAP and/or the delivery of inhaled medications. The method include raising and lowering the individual's head and feet in a series of steps and performing the steps of raising and lowering the individual's head and feet to substantially match a breathing cycle. The apparatus includes a platform for supporting the individual's body, a capital support mechanism for supporting and moving the platform, a capital drive mechanism, a pedestal support mechanism for supporting and moving the platform, and a pedestal drive mechanism. The method and the apparatus in operation typically move one or more axes of rotation while simultaneously rotating a platform about the one or more axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: LBR Research, Inc.
    Inventors: George Frank Gozelski, Jr., Nicholas George Gozelski, Robert Roy Redden
  • Publication number: 20150018729
    Abstract: A therapy arrangement comprising a platform capable of oscillating, wherein a computer for actuating the platform capable of oscillating is present, wherein a device for capturing the movements of a test person on the platform capable of oscillating and for converting the captured movements into a first control signal for the computer connected to the device is present, and wherein a first element connected to the computer is present for converting a second control signal of the computer into mechanical deflections of the platform capable of oscillating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Ulrich Kuebler, Peter Kern, Albert Gollhofer
  • Patent number: 8777879
    Abstract: The apparatus for immobilizing and treating a subject includes a suitable apparatus for performing mechanical CPR secured to an immobilization casing. The airtight flexible casing is secured to the apparatus for performing CPR, the casing having variable rigidity which varies as a function of the amount of air within the casing. Two or more slots through the casing permit passage of one or more elements of the CPR apparatus to pass through the casing. One or more incompressible windows may be included in the casing to optimize the performance of mechanical CPR by permitting one or more elements of the subject's skeleton to contact the CPR apparatus. A device for evacuating the air from within the flexible casing to control the rigidity of the casing is included within the CPR apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: ZOLL Medical Corporation
    Inventor: Guy R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140188018
    Abstract: A massage cushion assembly for providing a massage to a user resting on the massage cushion assembly is provided. The massage cushion assembly includes a body supporting portion having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, a base portion defining one or more slots extending longitudinally through the base portion, and a massage unit including one or more massage members. Each of the massage members is movable along a length of a particular slot and between a raised position and a lowered position. Each massage member is further positioned in a particular slot such that a head portion of the massage member extends out of the slot and presses against the second surface of the body supporting portion when the massage member is in the raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Norman L. Vaughn, Christopher L. Glover, David Mandel
  • Patent number: 8708936
    Abstract: The therapeutic system provides an oscillatory, pivoting table for applying motion-induced therapeutic sensory stimuli to a user. Further, therapeutic audio and visual output may be provided to the user during the application of the therapeutic sensory stimuli. The therapeutic system includes a base having an upper vertex. A tabletop is pivotally mounted to the upper vertex of the base, and the upper surface of the tabletop is adapted for supporting the user. At least one piston is provided, with the lower end thereof being mounted within the base, and the upper end thereof being pivotally mounted to a lower surface of the tabletop in order to pivot the table with respect to the base in a controlled, oscillatory manner. Oscillation of the table at a user-controlled frequency and angle induces the therapeutic sensory stimuli in the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Jason V. Ingrao, Justin G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8696608
    Abstract: An objective is to perform a leg massage under appropriate temperature conditions. The lower leg massage apparatus 1 comprises: a pair of right and left insertion recesses 4,4 in a vertically-extending continuous form, into which are inserted feet F and calves C of a user; a first massage mechanism 5 disposed within an upper part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted calves C, and a second massage mechanism 7 disposed within a lower part of the insertion recess 4, for massaging the inserted feet F. Further provided are a cover body 12 of a two-layer structure which is disposed in the insertion recess 4 so as to cover the first massage mechanism 5 and the second massage mechanism 7, and a warm air/cool air supply section 15 for supplying a warm or cool current of air to a region between the two layers constituting the cover body 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Daito Electric Machine Industry Company Limited
    Inventors: Koichi Numata, Teruo Mihara, Shinsaku Shimizu, Shigeki Noda
  • Patent number: 8684955
    Abstract: A back kneading device capable of causing a massage mechanism to protrude forward and return to an original normal position is provided with no increase in size and complexity in construction. The back kneading device mounted in a chair massage apparatus includes the massage mechanism having a pair of right-hand and left-hand massage members, a base member for pivotally supporting the mechanism at its lower end, a vertical movement mechanism for imparting a vertical motion to the base member, an advancing and retracting mechanism for rockably driving the massage mechanism, and a rock restricting mechanism for an adjusting an angle of rotation of the massage mechanism so that, when the device is in an upper position, an upper end of the massage member protrudes forward, whereas, in a lower position, a lower end thereof protrudes forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Daito Electric Machine Industry Company Limited
    Inventors: Ying Liu, Koichi Numata, Shinsaku Shimizu, Fumitaka Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 8568343
    Abstract: This apparatus for mobilization of the body comprises a receiving platform which is movable in relation to a fixed chassis, and which is designed to support a subject who is to be treated in a standing position. The platform is connected to the chassis by a double pivot connection, and it is driven by an oscillating movement in relation to an axis passing substantially through its center, by means of actuators each connected by a pivot connection to a shaft connected to said platform, said actuators themselves being articulated on the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: LPG Finance Industrie
    Inventor: Arnaud Fuster
  • Patent number: 8551028
    Abstract: A force sensing mechanism of the massage machine contains: a frame, a swing seat, a connecting member, and at least one sensing apparatus. The frame includes a rotary shaft fixed thereon and displaces vertically on a second sliding rail of a massage chair. The swing seat is connected with the rotary shaft and includes at least one roller. A first end of the connecting member is coupled with the swing seat, and a second end of the connecting member is connected with a first end of the stopping member, a second end of the stopping member is coupled on the frame. The at least one sensing apparatus is arranged on the frame relative to the stopping member so as to sense a movement of the stopping member, and the sensing apparatus is connected with a controller to transmit a sensing signal toward the controller so that the controller calculates a massage force of the at least one roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Ko-Po Chen
  • Patent number: 8491509
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions, postural instability, or other conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn's disease and kidney and gall bladder stones. An oscillating platform apparatus supports a body to be treated. An oscillator is positioned within the platform apparatus and is configured to impart an oscillating force on the body. Two accelerometers are mounted to the platform apparatus for determining the acceleration and weight of the body. Once the weight of the body is determined, the amplitude of the frequency of the oscillating force and/or frequency of the oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the patient. Information received from the two accelerometers is also used to determine the posture of the patient and the transmissibility of the mechanical vibration energy generated by the oscillating force through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Titi Trandafir
  • Publication number: 20130131561
    Abstract: The therapeutic system provides an oscillatory, pivoting table for applying motion-induced therapeutic sensory stimuli to a user. Further, therapeutic audio and visual output may be provided to the user during the application of the therapeutic sensory stimuli. The therapeutic system includes a base having an upper vertex. A tabletop is pivotally mounted to the upper vertex of the base, and the upper surface of the tabletop is adapted for supporting the user. At least one piston is provided, with the lower end thereof being mounted within the base, and the upper end thereof being pivotally mounted to a lower surface of the tabletop in order to pivot the table with respect to the base in a controlled, oscillatory manner. Oscillation of the table at a user-controlled frequency and angle induces the therapeutic sensory stimuli in the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Jason V. Ingrao, Justin G. NELSON
  • Patent number: 8414510
    Abstract: A massage device has a massage head distance adjustment mechanism. In one embodiment, the massage head distance adjustment mechanism includes a first motor, a first worm coaxially connected to the first motor, a first worm wheel meshing with the first worm, a first gear meshing with the first worm wheel, and a pair of second gears having one second gear meshed with the first gear. The pair of second gears meshes with each other. In operation, the first motor drives, in sequence, the first worm, the first worm wheel, the first gear, and the pair of second gears, thereby causing the pair of massage heads to move along a corresponding pair of arc-shaped slots. Accordingly, the distance between the two massage heads is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Chichun Wu, Zhao Zhang
  • Patent number: 8353855
    Abstract: The therapeutic system provides an oscillatory, pivoting table for applying motion-induced therapeutic sensory stimuli to a user. Further, therapeutic audio and visual output may be provided to the user during the application of the therapeutic sensory stimuli. The therapeutic system includes a base having an upper vertex. A tabletop is pivotally mounted to the upper vertex of the base, and the upper surface of the tabletop is adapted for supporting the user. At least one piston is provided, with the lower end thereof being mounted within the base, and the upper end thereof being pivotally mounted to a lower surface of the tabletop in order to pivot the table with respect to the base in a controlled, oscillatory manner. Oscillation of the table at a user-controlled frequency and angle induces the therapeutic sensory stimuli in the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Jason V. Ingrao, Justin G. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8282584
    Abstract: A massage chair is adapted to give a massage to a user using a massaging element attached to a massaging unit. The massage chair comprises a body-shape-information acquisition section for acquiring body-shape information of the user based on loads imposed on the massaging element from respective regions of the user, a shoulder-position detection section for detecting a shoulder position of the user based on the body-shape information, and a shoulder-position identification section. The shoulder-position identification section is operable to thrust the massaging element in a direction for a target protrusion distance at the detected shoulder position while measuring a load imposed on the massaging element. Then, the shoulder-position identification section is operable, based on the measured load, to determine whether the detected shoulder position is a true shoulder position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Tsukada, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Fumihiro Nishio, Yuichi Nishibori, Takayoshi Tanizawa, Takeo Iijima
  • Patent number: 8147435
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a massage apparatus having a housing with a massage formation for contacting a body part of a user. A massage mechanism is oriented within the housing for imparting a massage effect to the massage formation. A light source is provided on the massage formation for conveying an illumination effect from the massage formation. A partially translucent massager is disclosed for providing a visual effect of the underlying massage operation. Further, a roller massage assembly is provided wherein a load imparted to a roller is distributed directly to a structure of the massager for preventing distribution of the load to the massage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: FKA Distributing Co.
    Inventors: Roman S. Ferber, Huang Wen Wei
  • Patent number: 8133192
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a massage device, and more particularly, to a leg and foot massage device capable of achieving foot swing. The device includes an electrical machinery deceleration element, a wobbler machine element and an air inflatable bag massage element. The electrical machinery deceleration element drives the air inflatable bag massage element through the wobbler machine element, and the electrical machinery realizes the one-off deceleration. Therefore mechanical transmission steps are simplified and transmission noise obviously dropped, wobbler machine element cooperates with air inflatable bags' inflation and deflation, generating many kinds of different massage motions and obtaining a comprehensive massage effect on leg and feet muscles and joints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Shandong Kangtai Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bingyuan Kang, Jibin Li, Haoheng Luan, Zengxian Wang, Qingyong Chen, Ye Zhu
  • Patent number: 8128582
    Abstract: A back massaging device includes two eccentric rotation members each having an eccentric hole and a resting face, and two swing arms each provided with a mounting hole which has a sliding face. Thus, when each of the swing arms is pressed by the user's body, the sliding face of each of the swing arms is slidable on the resting face of the respective eccentric rotation member to freely adjust the angle of each of the swing arms, so that the first massaging member and the second massaging member of each of the swing arms touch the user's body evenly and exactly, and the pressing force applied by the first massaging member and the second massaging member are distributed evenly and smoothly on the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Dong-Her Wu
  • Patent number: 8114036
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating at least a portion of a body. Apparatus and methods according to various embodiments of the disclosure include a platform for supporting at least a portion of a body. The platform includes at least one plate, a drive lever supported from the plate, and a damping member including a cantilever spring in contact with the drive lever. The platform is actuated at a first frequency. Next, the damping member is oscillated to create a force with a second frequency. Then, the force is distributed to at least a portion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: American Medical Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Donald E. Krompasick
  • Patent number: 8105253
    Abstract: A kneading massage device comprises a driving unit for supplying power source including first and second output shafts for outputting dynamics; a differential unit including a differential set and a differential stem, and on one end of the differential set being formed an opening for inserting the first output shaft therein, and on one side of the differential set being arranged a recess in communication with the opening, the differential stem being located in the recess and in connection with the first output shaft and keeping a predetermined distance away from a sidewall of the recess; a first kneading set coupled to the differential stem so as to be actuated by the differential stem; a second kneading set coupled to the second output shaft so as to be actuated by the second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Hung-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 8083698
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a massage device. In one embodiment, the massage device includes a massage assembly and a transmission assembly having a hoist transmission mechanism for driving the massage assembly to provide massage effects. The massage assembly includes a pair of massage members. Each massage member has a driving member having an eccentric wheel and an eccentric block, a massage bracket engaged with the driving member and a plurality of massage heads attached to the massage bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Weightec Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chichun Wu, Zhao Zhang, Chi-Wu Chiang
  • Patent number: 8083697
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a massage device. In one embodiment, the massage device includes a massage assembly and a transmission assembly having a threaded bolt transmission mechanism for driving the massage assembly to provide massage effects. The massage assembly includes a pair of massage members. Each massage member has a driving member having an eccentric wheel and an eccentric block, a massage bracket engaged with the driving member and a plurality of massage heads attached to the massage bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Weightec Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chichun Wu, Zhao Zhang, Chi-Wu Chiang
  • Patent number: 8062240
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a massage device. In one embodiment, the massage device includes a massage assembly and a transmission assembly for driving the massage assembly to provide massage effects. The massage assembly include a pair of massage members. Each massage member has a driving member having an eccentric wheel and an eccentric block, a massage bracket engaged with the driving member and a plurality of massage heads attached to the massage bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Weightec Electronic Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chi-Wu Chiang
  • Patent number: 7998098
    Abstract: A massaging apparatus includes a control unit for controlling first to third drive units so as to drive movement of a second guiding rail unit along a first guiding rail unit in a transverse direction, movement of a mounting seat on the second guiding rail unit in a longitudinal direction, and movement of a post on the mounting seat in a vertical direction such that a massage member mounted on a bottom end of the post is moved to contact a user's body that lies on a bed body at a desired acupuncture point. Thereafter, the control unit further controls the third drive unit so as to drive further downward movement of the post corresponding to a desired massage pressure, and controls the first and second drive units so as to drive movement of the massage member around the desired acupuncture point of the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Tsung-Hsun Yang
  • Patent number: 7985191
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions. A platform supports a body to be treated. An oscillator is positioned within the platform and is configured to impart an oscillating force on the body. A capacitor assembly is positioned adjacent the platform for automatically determining the mass of the body being supported on the platform. Once the mass of the body is determined, an amplitude of the frequency of the oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the patient. Also, the capacitor assembly is configured to turn the oscillator on and off as a function of whether or not a body is being supported on the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: American Medical Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Titi Trandafir, Donald E. Krompasick
  • Patent number: 7951099
    Abstract: A massage device. The massage device includes a pair of therapeutic elements and a bottom therapeutic member. The therapeutic elements are rotated by a driving shaft, driven by a driving mechanism, for supporting and massaging feet. The bottom therapeutic member is disposed between two therapeutic elements, supporting the instep of a foot. The therapeutic elements are formed along the instep.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Marutakatechno Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumitaka Ishiguro, Tetsuya Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 7892192
    Abstract: A massaging device having an applicator driven by a plurality of driving unit to move along two or more different axes to generate a combined massaging action to be applied to the user's body. A controller holds individual speed data each defining a speed at which each of the driving units reciprocates the applicator along each of the different axes, and to control the driving units to reciprocate the applicator in accordance with the associated speed data. The controller controls the speed of the applicator along one of the axes independently from the speed of the applicator moving along another of the axes. Accordingly, the applicator's movements along the different axes can be free from being interfered with each other even being subject to a load, thereby assuring to continue the combined massaging action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Tsukada, Motoharu Muto, Takayoshi Tanizawa, Satoshi Kajiyama, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Hiroyuki Inoue, Masatoshi Dairin, Munekiyo Ikebe, Yoshiharu Hayashi, Masaki Nagano, Takashi Yukawa
  • Patent number: 7850627
    Abstract: An exercise machine is provided. The exercise machine includes a support defining a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a first motion unit coupled to the support to provide a combined translational and pivotal movement of the first motion unit in the transverse direction, a second motion unit coupled to the first motion unit to provide one of a translational movement and a pivotal movement of the second motion unit in the longitudinal direction, and a driving source configured to impart movement to the first and second motion units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ki Chul Woo, Jin Ho Chang, Seon Woong Hwang, Hyung Kyu Youk
  • Patent number: 7845722
    Abstract: An infant seat base removably retaining an infant seat having a seat forward end which a seated infant faces and for simulating the sensations of travel in a road vehicle includes at least one vibration mechanism transmitting vibration into the seat for simulating vehicle vibration from tire movement over road surface irregularities; a recorded sound storing and playing mechanism for playing the sound of a moving road vehicle to an infant in the seat; a view simulation back drop structure having the appearance of a road vehicle seat backrest secured to the base at the seat forward end; and a base circuit including a power source delivering power through the circuit to the at least one vibration mechanism and to the recorded sound storing and playing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher Manenti, Kevin M. Linn
  • Patent number: 7846113
    Abstract: A massage apparatus is disclosed with a housing and a motor oriented in the housing. An eccentric drive is driven by the motor for oscillating an elongate massage member. In one embodiment a pair of elongate massage members are provided. In another embodiment, a massage formation is limited to a range of linear translation in a first direction and limited to a range of rotational translation relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: FKA Distributing Co.
    Inventors: Roman Ferber, Shianp Jyh Chung, Wenjing Li
  • Patent number: 7811240
    Abstract: The invention provides a leg massage machine comprising recessed receiving portions and leg receiving portions which are made movable together rockingly for massaging the feet and calves of the user, respectively. The leg massage machine has recessed receiving portions (70) for inserting the respective feet of the user and leg receiving portions (74) for inserting the respective calves of the user, the recessed receiving portions (70) and the leg receiving portions (74) each having massage means on side walls and/or a bottom wall thereof. The massage machine has a base assembly (20) to be placed on the floor, and a reclining movable assembly (50) rockingly movable forward and rearward relative to the base assembly (20). The recessed receiving portions (70) and the leg receiving portions (74) are provided in the reclining movable assembly (50) and movable together rockingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Tatsuaki Yamamoto, Takashi Nakamura, Noriyuki Okada
  • Patent number: 7744548
    Abstract: A massaging device includes a propeller shaft, at least one first swinging member mounted on the propeller shaft, and at least one second swinging member mounted on the propeller shaft by a male deflection block, a female deflection block and an adjusting rod. Thus, when the rotation direction of the propeller shaft is changed, the push block of the adjusting rod is slidable in the adjusting groove of the male deflection block to produce a time lag of the swinging actions between the second swinging member and the first swinging member, so that the second swinging member and the first swinging member are operated in the same swinging direction or in two different swinging directions so as to produce different swinging actions, thereby providing different massaging effects to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Hsin Hao Health Materials Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuan-Chuen Chen
  • Patent number: 7717868
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chair-type massaging apparatus that is capable of massaging lower legs freely and precisely in pressing angles or pressing positions with a user seated therein and allows the user to assume a desired posture without interference. The chair-type massaging apparatus of the present invention typically includes a leg rest including a support portion configured to support lower legs of a user, and massaging portions configured to protrude and retract to press the lower legs of the user. The support portion includes protrusible portions that is mounted on both sides in the rightward and leftward direction and is protrusible to rise up inward in the rightward and leftward direction and is retractable. The massaging portions are mounted on the protrusible portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Family Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nichimu Inada, Mitsunori Tago, Shiro Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7691073
    Abstract: A base section supports a revolution section. The revolution section supports a tilting section. The tilting section supports a seat section. The seat section includes a seat, a seat back and a step. The seat back has a restraining section. The restraining section includes an occipital region retainer and a temple retainer. Subject is seated with its occipital region and temples restrained by the restraining section. The head of subject is tilted on one side down from a head's horizontal plane in the Reid stereotaxic coordinate system to place one of left and right othlith organs within the head's horizontal plane. In this tilted position, different liner acceleration stimuli are applied to left and right otolith organs, respectively, for independent function tests of the left and right otolith organs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Hideaki Naganuma
  • Publication number: 20100063427
    Abstract: The therapeutic system provides an oscillatory, pivoting table for applying motion-induced therapeutic sensory stimuli to a user. Further, therapeutic audio and visual output may be provided to the user during the application of the therapeutic sensory stimuli. The therapeutic system includes a base having an upper vertex. A tabletop is pivotally mounted to the upper vertex of the base, and the upper surface of the tabletop is adapted for supporting the user. At least one piston is provided, with the lower end thereof being mounted within the base, and the upper end thereof being pivotally mounted to a lower surface of the tabletop in order to pivot the table with respect to the base in a controlled, oscillatory manner. Oscillation of the table at a user-controlled frequency and angle induces the therapeutic sensory stimuli in the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Jason V. Ingrao, Justin G. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100056965
    Abstract: An oscillating mechanism includes a motor, a speed reduction assembly, a transporting assembly, and a linking base. The motor operated in a rotational reciprocating motion. The speed reduction assembly is connected to the motor and driven by the motor. The transporting assembly is connected to the speed reduction assembly. The transporting assembly includes a conveyer belt wound around two rollers. One of the two rollers is driven by the speed reduction assembly. The linking base is mounted on the conveyer belt and driven by the conveyer belt to move between the two rollers. A bed is connected to the linking base and moves in a linear reciprocating motion to provide the effort of whole body massage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Don-Lon Yeh
  • Patent number: 7632240
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising two table-like supporting plates, which serve as operating and functional units. The supporting plates each have a longitudinal and transversal extension, are arranged parallel to one another in a frame that can be immobilized in a fixed manner, and are each mounted so that they can spatially move with three-dimensional degrees of freedom that are independent of one another. In addition, a motor-operated drive is provided that can set the supporting plates in oscillatory motion at least in a one-dimensional direction and independent of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Romert GmbH
    Inventors: Dietmar Schmidtbleicher, Christian Haas, Peter Kühn, Wolfgang Häussel, Georg Disch
  • Patent number: 7566312
    Abstract: A massage machine is provided, which can efficiently create a massage program to meet the user's preference by reflecting a change in massage parameter performed during an execution of the massage program on the next execution of the massage program. This massage machine comprises an input unit configured to input the change in massage parameter, first memory for temporarily storing the change in massage parameter input by the input unit in a desired massage stage during the execution of the massage program, second memory for storing the change in massage parameter provided from the first memory after the completion of the massage program, and a control unit configured to modify the desired massage stage according to the change in massage parameter stored in the second memory at the next execution of the massage program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayoshi Tanizawa, Masamichi Miyaguchi, Fumihiro Nishio, Daisuke Tsukada, Yuichi Nishibori, Motoharu Muto
  • Patent number: 7559906
    Abstract: An apparatus for massaging calves is able to adjust a distance between two plates, the apparatus having at least two plates that are arranged at a distance from one another and that come into contact with the calf during massage on both sides thereof, and having a drive shaft, the plates being connected to the drive shaft by coupling members in such a manner that a rotational movement of the drive shaft brings about a movement of the plates for carrying out the calf massage. A distance adjusting mechanism is also provided in order to adapt the distance between the two plates to the size of the calf to be massaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Ciar S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Bugo
  • Publication number: 20090126108
    Abstract: An oscillating bed supporting structure (10) particularly adapted to provide conditions for a snore-free sleep, said structure comprising a base member (11) and a bed supporting member (12) spaced above said base member (11). At least a first oscillation imparting drive means (14) is provided between the base member (11) and the bed supporting member (12) so as to impart to the bed supporting member (12) oscillating movements (A) at least in a substantially horizontal plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Clas Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 7534215
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. The apparatus can be constructed to include a motor and crank assembly connected to a flexible sheet and a stationary inertial member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Somawave Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Saringer
  • Patent number: 7530960
    Abstract: A therapeutic vibration apparatus includes a motor operated vibrator mounted beneath a vibration platform. The motor drives a drive shaft on which a fixed weight is eccentrically mounted. Further, a rotatable weight is eccentrically mounted to the drive shaft. The fixed weight includes a stop protruding outwardly and the rotatable weight is positioned on the drive shaft at a location to be caught by the stop when the shaft is rotating. A controller is used to change the direction of rotation of the motor so that when the drive shaft is rotated in one direction, the rotatable weight is caught by the stop on a side aligned with the eccentric portion of the fixed weight and when the motor is reversed in direction the weight is caught on the other side of the drive shaft in opposition to the eccentric portion of the fixed weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gerry Cook
  • Patent number: 7419475
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a massage apparatus having a housing with a massage formation for contacting a body part of a user. A massage mechanism is oriented within the housing for imparting a massage effect to the massage formation. A light source is provided on the massage formation for conveying an illumination effect from the massage formation. A partially translucent massager is disclosed for providing a visual effect of the underlying massage operation. Further, a roller massage assembly is provided wherein a load imparted to a roller is distributed directly to a structure of the massager for preventing distribution of the load to the massage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: FKA Distibuting Co.
    Inventors: Roman Ferber, Huang Wen Wei
  • Patent number: 7354406
    Abstract: As one of exercising apparatuses, in particular an exercising apparatus giving exercising effect by contracting and relaxing user's muscles, an exercising apparatus which includes at least one motion unit including a moving unit installed at one end thereof with a hinge unit rotatably fixed; and an up-and-down reciprocating unit connected with the other end of the moving unit, the up-and-down reciprocating unit reciprocating upward and downward and making the moving unit rotate in an angular interval, and a driving unit connected with the up-and-down reciprocating unit of the motion unit, the driving unit driving the up-and-down reciprocating unit to reciprocate upward and downward is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Human Medextec Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7354409
    Abstract: An assembly comprising of spiral sub-assemblies, each provided with plastic rollers and connected to an output shaft of a gearbox attached to a swinging beam, is mounted to a seat frame with two vertical wires. Two adjustable cables are connected to the swinging beam-ends, and press the spiral assembly rollers against the seat-back cover by bending the vertical wires. The rotation of the spiral assemblies moves the contact points of the rollers with the seat-back cover up and down, creating a massage effect throughout the seat-back cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventor: Horatiu Mircea Popescu
  • Patent number: 7338458
    Abstract: An air-pressure massaging device having an automatic adjustment function comprises: a base, inside which being disposed a drive rod; two fixed massaging assemblies mounted onto the drive rod; two adjustable massaging assemblies moveably mounted onto the drive rod; an airbag disposed in the base serving to move the adjustable massaging assembly relative to the fixed massaging assembly. Through inflation and deflation of the airbag, the adjustable massaging assemblies will be caused to move relative to the fixed massaging assemblies, so that a distance between the fixed massaging assemblies and the adjustable massaging assemblies is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Wen-Hsu Hsien
  • Patent number: 7322949
    Abstract: A lower-limb massage machine is provided with a stand having an upper stand member disposed on an upper portion of a lower stand member to be placed on a floor surface, and a casing. The casing has a pair of right and left recess portions, on its face side, extending in a front-and-rear direction so that lower limbs are fitted in the recess portions, respectively. The casing is supported rotatably around an axis extending in a right-and-left direction with respect to the upper stand member, a massage mechanism incorporated in the casing for massaging the lower limbs. Also provided is an attitude holding mechanism for holding the casing at an attitude with respect to the upper stand member to which the casing is rotated. Accordingly, the attitude and height of the casing of the lower-limb massage machine can easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Daito Electric Machine Industry Company Limited
    Inventor: Nobuzo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7278976
    Abstract: A body vibrator includes a platform disposed above a base, two support devices each having a pivotal arm coupled to the platform for pivotally supporting the platform above the base, a motor-driven reduction gearing device disposed on the base and having an eccentric member coupled to the arm of the one of the support devices for allowing the platform to be rotated and driven by the reduction gearing device. The platform may stably support a user and may be suitably vibrated for massaging the whole user' body and for facilitating the blood and/or lymph circulation of the user and for decomposing the fatty tissue and thus for suitably reducing the fat from the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Ming Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 7278977
    Abstract: A body vibrating device includes two rods rotatably straddled between two plates, two followers attached to the rods and coupled together with a link, two foot supports attached to the followers, a reduction gearing device disposed on the base and having an eccentric member coupled to either of the followers for allowing the followers and the rods and the foot supports to be rotated and driven by the reduction gearing device, and a motor coupled to the reduction gearing device for driving the reduction gearing device to vibrate the followers and the rods and the foot supports. The foot supports may be stably supported and driven or vibrated by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: Ming Nan Chen
  • Publication number: 20070232968
    Abstract: The invention provides a leg massage machine comprising recessed receiving portions and leg receiving portions which are made movable together rockingly for massaging the feet and calves of the user, respectively. The leg massage machine has recessed receiving portions (70) for inserting the respective feet of the user and leg receiving portions (74) for inserting the respective calves of the user, the recessed receiving portions (70) and the leg receiving portions (74) each having massage means on side walls and/or a bottom wall thereof. The massage machine has a base assembly (20) to be placed on the floor, and a reclining movable assembly (50) rockingly movable forward and rearward relative to the base assembly (20). The recessed receiving portions (70) and the leg receiving portions (74) are provided in the reclining movable assembly (50) and movable together rockingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Tatsuaki Yamamoto, Takashi Nakamura, Noriyuki Okada