US1568968A - Posture-adjusting table - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 12 ,1926. 11568368 D. D. EVINS POSTURE ADJUSTING TABLE Filed Nov 28. 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 J 7% Jaase B 132%? -Ja n. 12 1926.

1,568,968 D. D. EVINS ros'runa ADJUSTING TABLE F%d 28, 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 12 1926.

D. D. EVINS rosmuma ADJUSTING TABLE Filed N 2.8. 1924 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jan. 12,1926. 1,568,968

D. D. EVINS rosruas ADJUSTING TABLE Filed Nov. 28. 192-4 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Jan. 12, 1926.

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m eliaamn filed-November 2331924. seriai no. 7523509.

To a'll whom' it may concern:

Be it' 'known that LijDo'ssa D. KEV-INS, a oitizen of the United, States, re'sidingg at Davenport, in the-county of Scott and State I of] Iowa, -iha ve invented a certain newand t-useful Improvement in a"P osture-Ad]usting Tableg'ofwhichthe following is a-speci ficfation.

My invention relates to' an operatingtable 1. or posture-adjusting table and' has for one purpose the provision of -a posture-'ad]usting table for use in chiropractic-or osteopathy or any other methods of treatment 'where pressure is applied to the back or "spine of the patient. One object of my 1n- -ventinis to provide an adjusting table upon whicha patient can easily take a comfort able-initial position, and which may then -be moved,-without effort byxor discom- 0 fort OfillG patient to the final operatingpos Another purposeis to-provide a tableof the class described'in' whichthe posture of thepatient may be altered or adjusted mechanically'without intervention of "the pa- 'tient.

Another purpose is the provisionof a table of the class described which is usable with and adjustable to patients of different heights. Other objectswill appear in the course of the specifications and claims. '1 illustrate my invention more or less diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of mydevice in the initial position.

Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the same mechanism in operating position- Fig. 3 is a side-elevation of the same mechanism in an intermediate position.

Fig. lis a side elevation of the same mechanism in the initial position.

"Fig. 5 is a detailed, longitudinal,sectional view.

Fig. 6 is aside elevation of amodifiedlor variant form of my device i i-which springs are used to provide the motive power, and

- Fig. 7 is a detail on an enlarged scale of the structure of Fig. 6.

Like parts are indicated by like symbols throughout the specifications anddrawings A is the base frame workeomprising the opposite pairs ofsupportingfeet A and A? portions C and supporting late {A gto whieh is secured ilihou'sing 'iri -"an 7 anysuitable-electric motor I lipwardl'y' exitending fromthe "frame A and above the 1egs ;'-A are the; supporting arms A.

Pivo'ted as at 'B to the tops of :the 1 arm A l is a supporting -fra'me comprising \the side elements B, lower transversej 'eleinent "B and thej1ntermed ate -transverse element B "Pivoted toathe' arms A as'atfl; adjacent their j unction; with the frame'f'A, are the *links C "the outer-ends ofwhich are' pivoted as at C to the table -supporting elementsC the upper ends of which are pivoted to the side elements B. asat'C. 'Ihe "elements C are upwardly 'ai'id outwardly bent as at C and continuefas the-horizotal supporting Pivoted tothe tops of-atheside elements C as at D is a supporting yoke D the outer crating pad-ofthe table element E,---from the forwardend 'ofwhich depends thej' slot te d adjusting-leaf E pivo'ted at its inner end as at E and adapted to'he penetrated,

along its outer slotted endyby the bolt E and to be engaged by the adju' sting 'n'utE screw-threaded there'about; which'cla'mps the slotted-leaf E? against the opposed bearing lug D Pivoted to the opposite end of the element E as at E are the adjusting leaves E slotted as at E and adapted to engage the opposed flat surfaces of the'opposite end of the yoke D E are boltsmou'nted on said yoke and penetrating the slots E and E are any suitable "clamping neans. 'E a'rehand holds secured to the element E at each side thereof.

The outward extensionsC? of the elements C form tracks upon which fridethe table frame side elements G whichare joined by the transverse element G t-and are provided with the wheel-supporting lugs G Gr on which are mounted the slotted "o-rfianged wheels G; G engaging the upper and lower edges of the extensions 0 The outer ends of the elements C are "joined by a 'yoke G secured for example by the bolts G and nuts G to the outwardly projecting cars Rotatable in the ear on lug G in the center of said yoke G is the adjusting worm H which is in screw-threaded relation with the lug H downwardly depending from the transverse element G The opposite end of the worm I-I rotates in the bearing H as shown in Fig. 5, and is provided with a bevel gear H in mesh with the bevel gear H on the rotating shaft H which rotates within the combined shield and bearing element H which in turn is bolted at each end to the element C by means of the outwardly projecting arms H H". The opposite end of the shaft H terminates in a bevel gear H in mesh with the bevel gear H controlled by the shaft H of the manual cranks H The housing A contains any suitable mechanism, the details of which form no part of the present invention, it being understood, however, that in response to pressure upon the foot pedal K the crank K in response to the action of the motor A or any other suitable motive power, will make a half revolution and stop at the end of such half revolution. Each crank K is pivoted at its outer end as at K to a link K the opposite end of which is pivoted as at K to'the side of element B.

In Figs. 6 and 7 I illustrate a somewhat modified form of my device wherein powerful springs L, as substitutes for the motor elsewhere shown, provide the motive power for lifting the table into elevated position.

Each spring L is secured at one end as at L to the frame A and is at its opposite end secured to the extension L of the side element B, the extension L being made of sutlicient length to give suflicient leverage to permit the springs, when releaset to lift the table to raised position. In Fig. 7 I illustrate more or less diagrammatically a tensional adjustment for the springs, comprising the eyelet If' to which the spring is secured, the pin L about which the eyelet may rotate, the screw If and the knurled thumb piece L.

It will be realized that, while I have illustrated an operative device, obviously many changes may be made in the size, shape. number and disposition and relation oi parts without departing from the spirit of my invention. Therefore, I wish my description and drawings to be taken as in a broad sense illustrative rather than as limiting me to the specific mechanism herein described and shown.

The use and operation of my invention are as follows:

In giving therapeutic treatn'ients, such as in chiropractic and Osteopathy, wherein the patient is subjected to manual pressure or manipulation along the spine, it becomes desirable to provide an adjusting table or couch which is as comfortable as possible for the patient and as convenient as possible for the doctor, and which permits olf ready adjustment to suit the size of the patient and to bring the body of the patient into the posture best suited for the particular treatment being given.

I provide an adjusting table having two body supporting portions, namely, a lower upholstered pad upon which the patient may kneel and which thus supports the lower portion of the body, and an upper pad to support the upper portion of the patients body. In order to reduce to a minimum the difficulty or discomfort attendant on positioning the patient on the table, I employ a moving supporting mechanism for the two pads, which holds the pads in an initial position adapted for the easy mounting of the patient upon the table and which can subsequently move the two pads, and the patient upon them, to the proper adjusting or operating position.

The lower of the two pads is oi. such height that the patient can easily kneel upon it. The upper pad, in its preliminary position, substantially higher above the base than the lower pad and lies in a plane almost at right angles to the plane of the lower pad. I provide sideholds or hand bars which the patient may grasp with his hands in order to steady himself for the downward trip of the mechanism. The patient then leans against the upper pad, resting his chest against it and turning his head sideways. At the instruction of the doctor he moves his hands along the side bars until his chest is properly positioned along the supporting pad, this adjustment being completed or corrected after the two pads have been moved into the operating position. The doctor then actuates the necessary mechanism. and the electric motor or other motive means moves the pivoted main supporting frame downwardly toward the base. This movement of the main support ing frame has the effect of moving the knee engaging pad somewhat away from the base and into a lower position without, however. tilting it from its relatively horizontal plane. The upper pad on the contrary lllis and folds downwai-.'ll until it r aches a level substantially lower than its original level and lies in a substantially horizontal plane as shown in Figure In order to Olltain correct posture the doctor can then instruct the patient to move his hands along the handholds, thus adjusting the position of his head and chest upon the upper pad. Also by turning one of the hand cranks provided, the doctor can longitudinally move the knee supporting pad and thus adjust the position of the patient without cll'ort or dis l ll) lLiU means might be employed, and the mechani' cal motor means Inig with.

Ielaimy 1. Infan adjusting table, a base, a main t even ,be dispensed supporting memberpivoted thereto, a body,

supporting element pivoted atone point on said'm'ain supporting member, a second body supporting element pivoted at another point upon said main supporting member and means for. tilting and depressing said first mentioned body sup orting element in .ref said main supporting sponseto rotation 0 member, and means, for maintaining said second body supportingelements in sub stantialliy horizontal position during the ro.-

tationo said main supporting member.

2. In an adjusting table, a base, a supportingstructuremounted thereupon, a pair of body supporting elements mounted at different levels npon said supporting structure, means for moving said two body supporting elements in unison from a predetermined initial pgsition adapted for easy access by the patient, to a" predetermined operating position, meansfor tilting the upper of. said body supporting elements, during said move: ment, from. an inclined position to, a relatively horizontal position, and means for maintaining the lower body supporting'ele ment in a substantially horizontalposition thronghout the tilting ,movement of said upperbody supporting element.

. 3. In an adjusting table, a base, a main supporting member pivoted thereto, a" body supporting element pivoted adjacent the top.

of said main supporting member, a body.

supporting element pivoted intermediate the ends of said-main supporting member,and a linkconnection between said bodysupportingelements whereby. a rotation ot'said main supporting member rotates said body "supporting elements through arcs of different degree. 7

4t; In an adjusting table, a base, a main supporting member pivoted thereto at one end thereof, a body, supporting elementpivoted adjacent the top ofsaidmain supporting member, and adapted to overlie said supporting member andtheend of: the base towhich it ispi'voted, a second bodysup-f p rti ge eme t piv ted. o aid main sK1P-- portingmember intermediate its ends and projecting outwardly and downwardly along the base ata level, substantially below that.

of said first mentionedelement, a link con neotion between said two body supporting elements and a link connection between the lower of said boc ly. supporting elements and thebase, whereby a rotation ofsaid main sup.- portingmember rotates saidbody support.- ing elements through arcs of difl'erent degree.

5. In auadjustingtabIe, a base, a main supporting member pivoted thereto at. one end thereof, a body; supporting element piv- O fiflrafljaccnt the top. oisaid main supporting member, and. adaptedato overlie said supporting member and the s end ofthe base to; whichit is pivoted, .a secondbody supporting element. pivoted to .said main supporting member, intermediate its. ends and projecting: outwardly: and downwardly along the base at a level substantially below that of said-first mentioned element, a link connection between said two body-.:supporting elements and .a link connection between the lower. of said body supporting elements and the base, whereby a rotation of said main supporting member rotates said body supporting elements through arcs of differentv degree, and body engaging pads. adjustab-ly mounted .on .eachof said body. supporting elements. i i

6. In an adjusting table, a base, a mainv supporting member pivoted thereto at one:

end thereof, a body supporting element pivoted adjacent the top of said. main supporting member, and adapted to overlie said supporting member and the end of the. base to which it is pivoted, a second body supportingelement pivoted :to said main supporting member intermediate its ends and project ing outwardly and. downwardly along the base, at a level substantially below that of said first mentioned element, a link connec-v tion between. said two body supporting elements and a link connection between the lower of said body supporting elements and the base, whereby a .rotationofsaid main supporting memberv rotates saidbody supporting elements through arcs of different degree, and body engaging. pads adjustably mounted on each of said bodysupporting elements one of said pads being longitudinally adjustable upon the lower of said body supporting elements, and the. other being Vertically adjustableupon the upper of said bodysupporting.elements.

supporting element and means for. support ing it above said base, a second: body supporting element and meanstor supporting it above said base at a substantially higher level, thansaid firstmentioned element in an .inclineclposition, andmeans for. simul-r taneou'slyx tilting said element. into a plane I. In an adjusting table, a base, a body.

approximating the horizontal and for moving it downwardly toward said base and body engaging pads mounted on each of said body supporting elements, the pad mounted upon the upper of said body supporting elements being vertically adjustable in relation thereto.

8. In an adjusting table, a base, a body supporting element, and means for supporting it above said base, a second body supporting element, and means for supporting it above said base at a substantially higher level, than said first mentioned element in an in lined position. and means for simultaneou tilting said element into a plane approximating the horizontal, and for moving it downwardly toward said base, body engaging pads mounted on each of said body supporting elements, and independent vertical adjusting means positioned at each end of the pad mounted upon the upper of said sup 'iorting elements.

9. In an adjusting table, a base, a body supporting element and means for supporting it above said base, a second body supporting element and means for supporting it above said base at a substantially higher level, than said first mentioned element in an inclined position, and means for simultaneously tilting said element into a plane approximating the horizontal and for moving it downwardly toward said base, body engaging pads mounted upon said body supporting elements, and means for longitudinally adjusting one of said pads along the lower of said body supporting elements.

10. In an adjusting table, a base, a body supporting element and means for support ing it above said base, a second body supporting element and means for supporting it above said base at a substantially higher level, than said first mentioned element in an inclined position, and means for simultaneously tilting said element into a plane approximating the horizontal and for moving it donwwardly toward said base, body engaging pads mounted upon said body supporting elements, and means for longitudinally adjusting one of said pads along the lower of said body supporting elements comprising a worm longitudinally disposed along said body supporting element and in mesh with said pad, and means for rotating it.

111 In an adjusting table, a base, a supporting structure mounted thereupon, a pair of body supporting elements mounted at different levels upon said supporting structure, means for moving said two body sup porting elements in unison from a predetermined initial position adapted for easy access by the patient, to a predetermined operating position, means for tilting the up per of said body supporting elements, during said movement, from an inclined position to a relatively horizontal position, and means for niaintaining the lower body supporting element in substantially horizontal position throughout the tilting movement oi said upper body supporting element. and hand holds positioned along the sides of said upper body supporting element.

12. In an adjusting table, a base, a supporting structure mounted thereupon, a pair of body supporting elements mounted at diii'erent levels upon said supporting struc' ture means for moving said two body supporting elements in unison from a predetermined initial position adapted for easy by the patient, to a iredetermined operating position, means tor tilting the upper ot' said body supporting elements, during said movement, from an inclined position to a relatively horizontal position, and means for maintaining the lower body supporting element in a substantially horizontal position throughout the tilting movement of said upper body supporting element, and hand holds positioned along the sides of said upper body supporting element and means for longitudinally adjusting said lower body supporting element while the patient is positioned thereupon.

13. In an adjusting table, a base, a supporting structure mounted thereupon, a pair of body supporting elements mounted at different levels upon said supporting structure, means for moving said two body supporting elements in unison from a predetermined initial position adapted for easy access by the patient, to a predetermined operating position, means for tilting the upper of said body supporting elements, during said movement, from an inclined position to a relatively horizontal position, and means for maintaining the lower body supporting element in a substantially horizontal position throughout the tilting movement of said upper body supporting element, and means for longitudinally adjusting said lower of said body supporting elements while the patient is positioned thereupon.

14:. In an adjusting table, a base, a supporting structure mounted thereupon, a pair of body supporting elements mounted at different levels upon said supporting structure, means for moving said two body supporting elements in unison from a predetermined initial position adapted for easy access by the patient, to a predetermined operating position, means for tilting the upper of said body supporting elements, during said movement, from an inclined position to a relatively horizontal position, and means for maintaining the lower body supporting element in a substantially horizontal position throughout the tilting movement of said upper body supporting element, and means for longitudinally adjusting said lower of said body supporting Ill ments pivotally secured to said lever at diflerent points therealong and adapted at all positions of said lever, to be positioned at substantially different heights above the base.

16. In an adjusting table, a supporting base, a main supporting lever pivoted thereto and means for rotating said lever about its pivot, and a pair ofbody supporting elements pivotally secured to said lever at different points therealong and adapted at all positions of said lever to be positioned at substantially different heights above the base, and body engaging pads, mounted on said elements, and adjustable in relation thereto.

17. In an adjusting table, a supporting base, a main supporting lever pivoted thereon and means for rotating it, a body supporting member pivoted adjacent the outer end of said lever, a second body supporting member pivoted intermediate the ends of said lever, said first mentioned body supporting member being positioned substantially higher above the base than the second member, at all positions of said main sup porting lever.

18. In an adjusting table, a supporting base, a main supporting lever pivoted thereon and means for rotating it, a body supporting member pivoted adjacent the outer end'of said lever, a second body supporting member pivoted intermediate the ends of said lever, said first mentioned body supporting member being positioned substantially higher above the base than the second member, at all positions of said main supporting lever, and means for rotating said first mentioned member in reponse to rotation of said supporting lever.

19. In an adjusting table, a supporting base, a main supporting lever pivoted thereon and means for rotating it, a body supporting member pivoted adjacent the outer end of said lever, a second body supporting member pivoted intermediate the ends of said lever, said .first mentioned body supporting member being positioned substantially higher above the base than the second member, at all positions of said main supporting lever, and means for rotating said first mentioned member in reponse to rotation of said supporting lever, whereby said member is supported in inclined position when said lever is at the upper limit of its excursion and in substantially horizontal position when the lever is at the lower limit of its excursion.

20. In an adjusting table, a supporting base, a main supporting lever pivoted thereon and means for rotating it, a plurality of body supporting members rotatably mounted on said lever and means for rotating said body supporting members in response to rotation of said lever through arcs of sub stantially different degree.

21. In an adjusting table, a supporting base, a main supporting lever pivoted thereon and means for rotating it, a body supporting member pivoted adjacent the outer end of said lever, a second body supporting member pivoted intermediate the ends of said' lever, said first mentioned body supporting member being positioned substantially higher above the base than the second member, at all positions of said main supporting lever, and means for simultaneously rotating and depressing said first mentioned member in reponse to rotation of said supporting lever.

Signed at Davenport county of Scott and State of Iowa, this 25th day of November DOSSA DIXON EVINS.

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