Massage table with perforated frame base

Abstract

A massage table for supporting a person above a surface during a massage includes a leg assembly and a table top assembly. The leg assembly engages the surface. The table top assembly supports the person and is supported above the surface with the leg assembly. The table top assembly includes a first table top having a frame base and a border flange. The frame base includes a generally rigid base support and a plurality of spaced apart base apertures that extend through the base support. With this design, in certain embodiments, the massage table is relatively light weight while maintaining the desired strength characteristics.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/683,362 filed on May 20, 2005 and 60/708,829 filed on Aug. 16, 2005. The contents of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/683,362 and 60/708,829 are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

As the benefits of therapeutic massage are becoming more widely appreciated, more and more people are participating in therapeutic massage. A typical massage table allows the patient to be resting while receiving a massage. Important features for massage tables include high strength, light weight, and easy to fold.

SUMMARY

A massage table for supporting a person above a surface during a massage includes a leg assembly and a table top assembly. The leg assembly engages the surface. The table top assembly supports the person and is supported above the surface with the leg assembly. The table top assembly includes a first table top having a frame base and a border flange. The frame base includes a generally rigid base support and a plurality of spaced apart base apertures that extend through the base support. With this design, in certain embodiments, the massage table is relatively light weight while maintaining the desired strength characteristics.

In one embodiment, the base apertures include a plurality of spaced apart first apertures having a circular shape and a plurality of spaced apart second apertures having a triangular shape. Alternatively, the base apertures can have another shape. The first apertures can be aligned in a first row and the second apertures can be aligned in a second row. Alternatively, the plurality of spaced second apertures can be arranged in a somewhat circular pattern around one first aperture.

In one embodiment, the first table top also includes a reinforcement sheet that provides additional support to the frame base. The reinforcement sheet can be bonded to one or more of the other components of the first table top.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the first table top can include a support pad that supports the frame and a cushion pad that provides cushion for the person. The support pad can be stiffer than the cushion pad. In one embodiment, the reinforcement sheet is positioned between the support pad and the cushion pad.

Moreover, the massage table can include a second table top that is somewhat similar to the first table top.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for making a massage table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a simplified bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of a massage table having features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view taken on line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a simplified bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a massage table having features of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a simplified bottom perspective view of yet another embodiment of a massage table having features of the present invention;

FIGS. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a portion of a massage table having features of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of another embodiment of a massage table having features of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom illustration of a portion of a massage table.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a simplified bottom perspective view of a massage table 10 having features of the present invention. In this embodiment, the massage table 10 includes a table top assembly 12, a leg assembly 14, and a brace assembly 16. It should be noted that one or more leg cross-braces and/or cables can be used to additionally support the leg assembly 14. The cross-braces and cables are not shown in FIG. 1 so that other features of the table top assembly 12 can be better understood. One embodiment of the leg assembly 14, the brace assembly 16, the leg cross-braces and cable structure is disclosed U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,170, issued to Spehar, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In certain embodiments, the massage table 10 is a portable, folding massage table that is moveable between a working configuration (illustrated in FIG. 1) and a transport configuration. In the working configuration, the massage table 10 can be set up on a surface 18 (only partly illustrated in FIG. 1) such as a floor or ground, and the massage table 10 is ready for usage.

The table top assembly 12 provides a resting surface for a person to rest on during a massage. In one embodiment, the table top assembly 12 includes a first table top 22A, an adjacent second table top 22B, and a hinge assembly 24 that connects the table tops 22A, 22B together. Additionally, the table top assembly 12 can include a headrest (not shown) that extends away from the front of the first table top 22A.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each table top 22A, 22B is generally rectangular shaped. Alternatively, for example, one or both table tops 22A, 22B can be another shape, such an oval shape or rectangular shape with one or more rounded corners.

Each table top 22A, 22B includes a frame 30. In one embodiment, each frame 30 includes a frame base 34 and a peripheral border flange 36 that is secured to and cantilevers downward from the perimeter of the frame base 34. In one embodiment, frame base 34 includes a generally rigid base support 34A and a plurality of spaced apart base apertures 34B that extend through the rigid base support 34A. The plurality of base apertures 34B reduce the weight of the frame base 34 and the overall weight of the massage table 10. As a result thereof, the massage table 10 is easier to transport.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the frame base 34 is made of perforated plywood. In this embodiment, the base support 34A is generally rectangular sheet shaped piece of plywood and material has been removed to form the base apertures 34B. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the plywood of the base support 34A has a thickness of approximately 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, or 1 inches. However, other thicknesses can be utilized.

Alternatively, the frame base 34 can be made of another generally rigid material such as plastic, Kevlar, nylon or another rigid material.

The number, spacing, size and shape of the base apertures 34B can be varied to achieve the desired strength and weight characteristics of the massage table 10. In one embodiment, the base apertures 34B includes a plurality of spaced apart first apertures 34C having a circular shape and a plurality of spaced apart second apertures 34D having a triangular shape. Alternatively, one or more of the base apertures 34 can have a different configuration. For example, one or more of the base apertures 34 can have rectangular, octagon, or pentagon shape.

In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, each base aperture 34B has a base area of at least approximately 1, 2, 4, 6, 10 or 20 square inches. However, other sizes are possible.

The pattern of the base apertures 34B can be varied to achieve the desired weight and strength requirements of the massage table 10. In one embodiment, the first apertures 34C are aligned in a generally linear first row 34E and the second apertures 34D are aligned in a generally linear second row 34F. In FIG. 1, each table top 22A, 22B includes a pattern that include two second rows 34F of the second apertures 34C (with the triangles in each second row 34F inverted relative to the other second row 34F) followed by a first row 34E of first apertures 34D.

In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the collective aperture areas of the base apertures 34B is approximately 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 33, 35, 40, or 50 percent of a support area of the base support 34A.

In some embodiments, the strips of the base support 34A (e.g. plywood) remaining in the frame base 34 are aligned to transfer the load to the border flange 36. For example, the base support 34A can have a minimum of 2 inch wide strips, and/or the strips that remain in the base support 34A are aligned to connect the four sides of the border flange 36 at angles of approximately 30, 60 and 90 degrees.

In certain embodiments, the base apertures 34B are positioned away form the edge of frame base 34 and away from the attachment points of the legs 38 and the brace assembly 16. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, each of the base apertures 34B is positioned an aperture distance 39 of at least approximately 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, or 4 inches from the border flange 36. However, other distances are possible.

The border flange 36 is generally rectangular frame shaped and includes a front side 36A (as viewed in FIG. 1), a rear side 36B, a left side 36C, and a right side 36D. Alternatively, the sides 36A-36D can be referred to as first through fourth sides. In one embodiment, each of the sides 36A-36D is rectangular beam shaped. In alternative non-exclusive embodiments, each of the sides 36A-36D has a width of approximately 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, or 1 inch and a height of approximately 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, or 2 inches. Alternatively, the sides 36A-36D could have another configuration.

The frame base 34 and/or the border flange 36 can be made of a rigid material such wood, aluminum, plastic or other suitable materials.

The hinge assembly 24 connects the table tops 22A, 22B together and allows the table tops 22A, 22B to pivot relative to each other between (i) the working configuration in which the table tops 22A, 22B are substantially in the same plane, and (ii) the transport configuration in which the table tops 22A, 22B are in substantially parallel planes and the border flange 36 of the first table top 22A is adjacent to the border flange 36 of the second table top 22B. In one embodiment, the hinge assembly 24 is a piano hinge that is attached to the border flange 36 of the first table top 22A at the right side, and the border flange 36 of the second table top 22B at the left side. Alternatively, the hinge assembly 24 can have another design.

The leg assembly 14 supports the table top assembly 12 above the surface 18. In one embodiment, the leg assembly 14 includes four spaced apart legs 38 that are pivotable and moveable connected to the border flange 36 and/or the rest of the table top assembly 12. In FIG. 1, legs 38 are positioned near the four corners of the table top assembly 12. Alternatively, the leg assembly 14 could be designed with more than four or less than four legs 38 and/or the legs 38 can be positioned in another location than the four corners.

The brace assembly 16 extends betweens the table top assembly 12 and leg assembly 14 to provide additional support to the leg assembly 14 when the massage table 10 is in the working configuration 18. Further, the brace assembly 16 allows the legs 38 to be easily moved between the folded position (not shown), and the unfolded position illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a cut-away view of the second table top 22B taken on line 2-2 in FIG. 1. It should be noted that the first table top 22A can have a similar configuration to that illustrated in FIG. 2. In this embodiment, in addition to the frame base 34 and the border flange 36, the table top 22A includes (i) a support pad 242 that is adjacent to the frame base 34, (ii) a reinforcement sheet 244 that is wrapped around the support pad 242 and that is secured to the border flange 36, (iii) a cushion pad 246 that is positioned over the reinforcement sheet 244, and (iv) a covering 248 that is wrapped around the cushion pad 246 and that is secured to the border flange 36. The design of each of these components can be varied to achieve the desired strength and comfort characteristics of the massage table 10.

The support pad 242 provides some strength to the table top 22B and distributes loads that are applied to the top of the table top 22B to the frame base 34. Stated in another fashion, the support pad 242 distributes point loading to a relatively wide area on the frame base 34 (over approximately 6 inch diameter in certain embodiments).

In one embodiment, the support pad 242 is bonded to the frame base 34 with an adhesive 250, e.g. contact cement. The bonded interface increases the tension load in the frame base 34 and stiffens the structure of the table top 22B. An optional feature of the support pad 242 is that a relatively large chamfer 250 or radius can be used on the top edge of the support pad 242. This feature can increase the stiffness and strength of the reinforcement sheet 344 which is wrapped around this edge. Further, the support pad 242 can distribute point loads that are applied to the top of the massage table.

Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the support pad 242 include ethylene foam, urethane foam and Styrofoam. The support pad 242 can be blue or some other color that and is visible through the base apertures 34B in the frame base 34. In non-exclusive embodiments, the support pad 242 has a thickness of approximately 0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2 inch.

In one embodiment, the support pad 242 is lighter in weight and stiffer than the cushion pad 246.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement sheet 244 is an Olefin fiber sheet. For example, the reinforcement sheet can made of HDPE fiber. A suitable material is sold under the trademark Tyvek, by DuPont. The reinforcement sheet 244 can be tear proof and very strong. As provided herein, the table top 22B can be assembled so that the reinforcement sheet 244 supports a portion of the load under tension. In certain designs, the reinforcement sheet 244 is attached, e.g. by an adhesive 254, e.g. contact cement, to the support pad 242. The bonding can create two important benefits. First, the bonding reduces and/or eliminates crunching noise in the reinforcement sheet 244. Second the bonding increases the tension load on the reinforcement sheet 244. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the reinforcement sheet 244 has a thickness of approximately 5, 10, 50, or 100 mils.

The cushion pad 246 provides a cushion for the comfort of the person resting on the massage table. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the cushion pad 246 include urethane foam, foam rubber, and memory foam. In non-exclusive embodiments, the cushion pad 246 has a thickness of approximately 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, and 3 inches.

Additionally, in alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the thickness of the cushion pad 246 is at least approximately 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, or 4 times greater than the thickness of the support pad 242.

The covering 248 secures the cushion pad 246 to the border flange 36 and provides a protective covering for the cushion pad 246. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the covering 248 include leather, plastic, cloth, sheet vinyl and urethane artificial leather.

FIG. 3 is a simplified bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a massage table 310 that is similar to the massage table 10 described above. However, in this embodiment, each of the table tops 322A, 322B includes one or more runner supports 350 that provide additional support for the table tops 322A, 322B. The design of the runner supports 350 can be varied. In FIG. 3, each of the table tops 322A, 322B includes a pair of spaced apart runner supports 350 that extend between and that are fixedly attached to the left side 336C and the right side 336D of each border flange 336. Alternatively, for example, each of the table tops 322A, 322B can include more than two or less than two runner supports 350 and/or one or more of the runner supports 350 can extend between the front side 336A and the back side 336B of the border flange 336.

In one embodiment, each of the runner supports 350 is a rectangular shaped beam. Alternatively, the runner supports 350 can have another shape or configuration. Suitable runner supports 350 can be made of a rigid material such wood, aluminum, plastic or other suitable materials or flexible materials such as straps and nylon.

In FIG. 3, the runner supports 350 are illustrated as covering a portion of some of the base apertures 334B. Alternatively, the massage table could be designed with base apertures that are not covered by the runner supports. With this design, the entire length of each of the runner supports can be adhered directly to the frame base.

FIG. 4 is a simplified bottom perspective view of yet another embodiment of a massage table 410 that is similar to the massage table 310 described above. However, in this embodiment, each of the table tops 422A, 422B includes one or more runner supports 450 that are different than the runner supports 350 described above. More specifically, in FIG. 4, each of the table tops 422A, 422B includes (i) a pair of spaced apart runner supports 450A that extend between and that are fixedly attached to the left side 436C and the right side 436D of each border flange 436, and (ii) another pair of spaced apart runner supports 450B that extend between and that are fixedly attached to the front side 436A and the back side 436B of each border flange 436. Alternatively, for example, each of the table tops 422A, 422B can include more than two or less pairs of runner supports 450A, 450B350. Additionally, in this embodiment, each of the runner supports 450A, 450B is a flexible strap.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a massage table 510 that is somewhat similar to the massage tables 10, 310, 410 described above. However, in this embodiment, the pattern of the base apertures 534B is different. In this embodiment, the base apertures 534B again includes a plurality of spaced apart first apertures 534C having a circular shape and a plurality of spaced apart second apertures 534D having a triangular shape. However, in this embodiment, the arrangement of the base apertures 534B is different than described above. More specifically, in this embodiment, the base apertures 534B are arranged in a pattern in which the triangular shaped second apertures 534D are positioned in a somewhat circular pattern that encircles one of the circular shaped apertures 534C.

It should be noted that other patterns for the base apertures 534B can be utilized.

FIG. 6 is a cut-away view of another embodiment of one of the table tops 622. In this embodiment, in addition to the frame base 634 and the border flange 636, the table top 622 includes (i) a reinforcement sheet 644 that is adjacent to the frame base 634 and that is secured to the border flange 636, (ii) a cushion pad 646 that is positioned over the reinforcement sheet 644, and (iii) a covering 648 that is wrapped around the cushion pad 646 and that is secured to the border flange 636. The design of each of these components can be varied to achieve the desired strength and comfort characteristics of the massage table.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement sheet 644 is a fiber reinforced material. For example, the reinforcement sheet can made of Kevlar or Cordura fiber. In this embodiment, the table top 622 can be assembled so that the reinforcement sheet 644 supports a portion of the load under tension. In certain designs, the reinforcement sheet 644 is attached with an adhesive 650, e.g. by contact cement, to the frame base 634.

The cushion pad 646 provides a cushion for the comfort of the person resting on the massage table. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the cushion pad 646 include urethane foam, foam rubber, and memory foam. In non-exclusive embodiments, the cushion pad 546 has a thickness of approximately 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, and 3 inches.

The covering 648 secures the cushion pad 646 to the border flange 636 and provides a protective covering for the cushion pad 646. Non-exclusive examples of suitable materials for the covering 648 include leather, plastic, cloth, sheet vinyl and urethane artificial leather.

It should also be noted that stacking of the components illustrated in FIG. 6 can be used with any of the perforated frame bases disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a simplified illustration of a portion of the massage table 710 with the base apertures 734B. In certain embodiments, to optimize strength to weight ratio, the base apertures 734B are organized so the ribs (e.g. the portion remaining) between the base apertures 734B are aligned in approximately straight load lines. FIG. 7 illustrates four examples of load lines. More specifically, arrows 1A-1D illustrate one load line; arrows 2A-2B illustrate another load line; arrows 3A-3D illustrate yet another load line; and arrows 4A-4C illustrate still another load line. These load lines of load bearing webs terminate at the outside frame or at the runner supports.

While the current invention is disclosed in detail herein, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A massage table for supporting a person above a surface during a massage, the massage table comprising:

a leg assembly that engages the surface; and

a table top assembly that supports the person, the table top assembly being supported above the surface with the leg assembly, the table top assembly including a first table top, the first table top including a frame base and a border flange, the frame base including a generally rigid base support and a plurality of spaced apart base apertures that extend through the base support.

2. The massage table of claim 1 wherein the base apertures includes a plurality of spaced apart first apertures having a circular shape and a plurality of spaced apart second apertures having a triangular shape.

3. The massage table of claim 2 wherein the first apertures are aligned in a first row and the second base apertures are aligned in a second row.

4. The massage table of claim 2 wherein the plurality of spaced second apertures are arranged in a circular pattern around one first aperture.

5. The massage table of claim 1 wherein the base support is made of generally rigid material.

6. The massage table of claim 1 wherein the base apertures have an aperture area that is approximately 10 percent of a support area of the base support.

7. The massage table of claim 1 wherein the base apertures have an aperture area that is approximately 30 percent of a support area of the base support.

8. The massage table of claim 1 wherein the first table top includes a runner support that extends across the border flange to support the frame base.

9. The massage table of claim 1 wherein the first table top includes a reinforcement sheet that supports the frame base.

10. The massage table of claim 9 wherein the reinforcement sheet is bonded to the other components of the first table top.

11. The massage table of claim 9 further wherein the first table top includes a support pad that supports the frame and a cushion pad that provides cushion for the person, the support pad being stiffer than the cushion pad.

12. The massage table of claim 11 wherein the reinforcement sheet is positioned between the support pad and the cushion pad.

13. The massage table of claim 1 wherein the table top assembly includes a second table top that is movable attached to the first table top, the second table top including a frame base and a border flange, the frame base including a generally rigid base support and a plurality of spaced apart base apertures that extend through the base support.

14. A massage table for supporting a person above a surface during a massage, the massage table comprising:

a leg assembly that engages the surface; and

a table top assembly that supports the person, the table top assembly being supported above the surface with the leg assembly, the table top assembly including a first table top, the first table top including a frame base and a border flange, the frame base including a generally rigid base support, a reinforcement sheet that supports the frame base, and a cushion pad being position above the reinforcement sheet.

15. The massage table of claim 14 wherein the frame base includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures that extend through the base support.

16. The massage table of claim 14 wherein the reinforcement sheet is made of a flexible material.

17. The massage table of claim 14 wherein the reinforcement sheet is bonded to the other components of the first table top.

18. The massage table of claim 14 further wherein the first table top includes a support pad that supports the frame.

19. The massage table of claim 14 wherein the table top assembly includes a second table top that is moveable attached to the first table top, the second table top including a frame base and a border flange, the frame base including a generally rigid base support, a reinforcement sheet that supports the frame base, and a cushion pad being position above the reinforcement sheet.

20. A method for making a massage table that supports a person above a surface during a massage, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a leg assembly that engages the surface; and

supporting the person with a table top assembly, the table top assembly being supported above the surface with the leg assembly, the table top assembly including a first table top, the first table top including a frame base and a border flange, the frame base including a generally rigid base support and a plurality of spaced apart base apertures that extend through the base support.