U.S. patent application number 09/920885 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-06 for distributed weight massage power reclining chair.
Invention is credited to Barreiro, Armando JR..
Application Number | 20030025366 09/920885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25444563 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030025366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Barreiro, Armando JR. |
February 6, 2003 |
Distributed weight massage power reclining chair
Abstract
A massage chair includes a base frame; a cradle in which a
person sits, the cradle being rotatably mounted to the base frame
on a cradle bearing structure and pivoting at a cradle axis, the
cradle including a vibration generation mechanism mounted within
the cradle for producing and delivering vibration into the body of
a person seated in the cradle; and a having cradle pivot mechanism
connected to the cradle for pivoting the cradle relative to the
base frame to a sitting position in which the center of gravity of
a person seated in the cradle is substantially over the cradle axis
to evenly distribute the weight of a person seated in the cradle
over the cradle, and for pivoting the cradle to at least one
reclining position.
Inventors: |
Barreiro, Armando JR.;
(Albuquerque, NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRANK L. KUBLER
13261 S.W. 54th Court
Miramar
FL
33027
US
|
Family ID: |
25444563 |
Appl. No.: |
09/920885 |
Filed: |
August 2, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/217.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/0149 20130101;
A61H 2205/081 20130101; A47C 31/008 20130101; A47C 3/02 20130101;
A61H 2205/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/217.3 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/62 |
Claims
I claim as my invention:
1. A massage chair, comprising: a base frame; a cradle in which a
person sits, said cradle being rotatably mounted to said base frame
on cradle bearing means and pivoting at a cradle axis, said cradle
comprising vibration generation means mounted within said cradle
for producing and delivering vibration into the body of a seated
person; and having cradle pivot means connected to said cradle for
pivoting said cradle relative to said base frame to a sitting
position in which the center of gravity of a seated person is
substantially over the cradle axis to evenly distribute the weight
of a seated person over said cradle, and for pivoting said cradle
to at least one reclining position.
2. The massage chair of claim 1, wherein said cradle pivot means
additionally pivots said cradle forwardly to a cradle entry and
exit position.
3. The massage chair of claim 1, wherein said cradle comprises a
cradle frame having a cradle perimeter member and cradle frame
cross members extending across and secured to said cradle perimeter
member, said cradle frame being curved to conform to the shape of a
human back.
4. The massage chair of claim 3, wherein said cradle additionally
comprises cradle padding fitted to and substantially covering said
cradle frame.
5. The massage chair of claim 1, additionally comprising a heating
element secured within said cradle for delivering heat into the
back of a seated person.
6. The massage chair of claim 5, wherein said cradle comprises two
arm structures, said arm structures being fastened to opposing
sides of said cradle.
7. The massage chair of claim 6, wherein said cradle bearing means
comprises an axle bore in each said arm structure, and axle means
extending from said base frame and passing into said axle
bores.
8. The massage chair of claim 1, wherein said base frame comprises
two laterally spaced apart side structures interconnected by a
plurality of base frame cross members extending between and
interconnecting said side structures, and a base frame middle
member substantially midway between said side structures and
extending across and secured to said base frame cross members.
9. The massage chair of claim 8, wherein each said side structure
comprises a triangular perimeter member.
10. The massage chair of claim 1, wherein said cradle pivot means
comprises a reversible linear actuating gear motor having an
extension shaft telescopingly mounted within a shaft tube, said
gear motor being pivotally mounted to said base frame and said
extension shaft extending upwardly and being pivotally connected to
said cradle; wherein said gear motor operates in a first direction
to extend said extension shaft out of said shaft tube and forwardly
and thus pivoting said cradle backwardly on said base frame and
wherein said gear motor operates in a second direction to retract
said extension shaft into said shaft tube and rearwardly and thus
pivoting said cradle forwardly on said base frame.
11. The massage chair of claim 10, additionally comprising a cradle
stop element pin protruding inwardly from one of said side
structures for stopping said cradle at a selected rearmost pivot
position.
12. The massage chair of claim 1, wherein said vibration generation
means comprises a plurality of oscillators.
13. The massage chair of claim 12, additionally comprising a
control mechanism comprising a microprocessor mounted to said base
frame, said microprocessor being electrically connected to each of
said oscillators and to said cradle pivot means and controlling
operation of said vibration generation means and controlling
operation and direction of said cradle pivot means having
programming with cradle positioning information including a certain
cradle sitting position and at least one cradle reclined position
and causing vibration generation means deactivation when said
cradle is in any said at least one reclined position; and a remote
control box, and said remote control box is electrically connected
to said microprocessor for chair operation by a seated person.
14. The massage chair of claim 13, wherein said control box
comprises a control panel face including a plurality of control
buttons which send signals to said microprocessor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of body
massaging devices such as massage chairs. More specifically the
present invention relates to a massage chair having a base frame
and a cradle in which a person sits, rotatably mounted to the base
frame on cradle bearing means pivoting at a cradle axis, the cradle
including electrically powered oscillators for producing and
delivering vibration into the body of a seated person, and having
cradle pivot means for pivoting the cradle to a sitting position in
which the center of gravity of the seated person is substantially
over the cradle axis to evenly distribute the weight of the person
over the cradle upper surface, preventing weight concentration in
the body of the person, and for pivoting the cradle to any of
numerous reclining positions. The even distribution of body weight
diminishes stress and permits fuller relaxation, particularly in
the lower back, while at the same time permitting oscillators of
low voltage, low frequency and low amplitude to produce the same
full massage results requiring high voltage, high frequency and
high amplitude oscillators in prior massage chairs. The cradle
pivot means also pivot the cradle forwardly to permit a person to
enter and leave the cradle with minimal effort and stress, so that
the entire chair use cycle contributes to stress relief.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] There have long been chairs for delivering massages to
persons seated in them. Yet prior massage chairs have positioned a
person so that weight distribution is uneven and stress is
concentrated in some region or point in the body, most often in the
lower back. As a result, while the chair relieves some stress it
also causes stress. The uneven weight distribution also has made
necessary the use of high voltage, high amplitude and high
frequency electric oscillators to produce enough vibration with
enough depth to relieve stress in weight loaded muscles.
Furthermore, the awkward body shifting and weight positioning
necessary to enter and leave prior art massage chairs have added
stress to the use cycle of the chair, counteracting its desired
effect. Yet another problem with prior art massage chairs has been
that they are bulky and expensive to ship.
[0005] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a
massage chair having a cradle which pivots to distribute the weight
of a seated person evenly over the chair padding to eliminate
stress-causing weight concentration points in the body of the
person, and so that a full and effective massage can be delivered
using low frequency and low amplitude oscillator vibration.
[0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a massage chair in which the cradle pivots to ease the entry
and exit of a person from the chair, so that the use cycle of the
chair is stress-free from beginning to end.
[0007] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide such a massage chair which delivers oscillator vibration
into regions of the body selectively as well as heat according to
selections made by the seated person with a control device.
[0008] It is finally an object of the present invention to provide
such a massage chair which is relatively small and which easily and
without need of significant skill breaks down into compact and
readily shippable chair portions and is just as easily reassembled,
and which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture, sturdy,
reliable and safe.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention accomplishes the above-stated
objectives, as well as others, as may be determined by a fair
reading and interpretation of the entire specification.
[0010] A massage chair is provided, including a base frame; a
cradle in which a person sits, the cradle being rotatably mounted
to the base frame on a cradle bearing structure and pivoting at a
cradle axis, the cradle including a vibration generation mechanism
mounted within the cradle for producing and delivering vibration
into the body of a person seated in the cradle; and a having cradle
pivot mechanism connected to the cradle for pivoting the cradle
relative to the base frame to a sitting position in which the
center of gravity of a person seated in the cradle is substantially
over the cradle axis to evenly distribute the weight of a person
seated in the cradle over the cradle, and for pivoting the cradle
to at least one reclining position.
[0011] The cradle pivot mechanism preferably additionally pivots
the cradle forwardly to a cradle entry and exit position. The
cradle preferably includes a cradle frame having a cradle perimeter
member and cradle frame cross members extending across and secured
to the cradle perimeter member, the cradle frame being curved to
conform to the shape of a human back. The cradle preferably
additionally includes cradle padding fitted to and substantially
covering the cradle frame. The massage chair preferably
additionally includes a heating element secured within the cradle
for delivering heat into the back of a seated person.
[0012] The cradle preferably further includes two arm structures,
the arm structures being fastened to opposing sides of the cradle.
The cradle bearing structure preferably includes an axle bore in
each arm structure, and an axle extending from the base frame and
passing into the axle bores.
[0013] The base frame preferably includes two laterally spaced
apart side structures interconnected by several base frame cross
members extending between and interconnecting the side structures,
and a base frame middle member substantially midway between the
side structures and extending across and secured to the base frame
cross members. Each side structure preferably includes a triangular
perimeter member.
[0014] The cradle pivot mechanism preferably includes a reversible
linear actuating gear motor having an extension shaft telescopingly
mounted within a shaft tube, the gear motor being pivotally mounted
to the base frame and the extension shaft extending upwardly and
being pivotally connected to the cradle; where the gear motor
operates in a first direction to extend the extension shaft out of
the shaft tube and forwardly and thus pivoting the cradle
backwardly on the base frame and where the gear motor operates in a
second direction to retract the extension shaft into the shaft tube
and rearwardly and thus pivoting the cradle forwardly on the base
frame. The massage chair preferably additionally includes a cradle
stop element pin protruding inwardly from one of the side
structures for stopping the cradle at a selected rearmost pivot
position. The vibration generation mechanism preferably includes
several oscillators.
[0015] The massage chair preferably additionally includes a control
mechanism having a microprocessor mounted to the base frame, the
microprocessor being electrically connected to each of the
oscillators and to the cradle pivot mechanism and controlling
operation of the vibration generation mechanism and controlling
operation and direction of the cradle pivot structure having
programming with cradle positioning information including a certain
cradle sitting position and at least one cradle reclined position
and causing vibration generation mechanism deactivation when the
cradle is in any at least one reclined position; and a remote
control box, and the remote control box is electrically connected
to the microprocessor for chair operation by a seated person. The
control box preferably includes a control panel face having several
control buttons which send signals to the microprocessor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Various other objects, advantages, and features of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following discussion taken in conjunction with the following
drawings, in which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the massage chair, showing the oscillators and heating element in
broken lines.
[0018] FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic side views of the chair in the
sitting and reclined positions, respectively.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a top view of the massage chair of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 5 is an exploded top view of the cradle with the arm
structures unfastened.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of the chair of FIG. 1 with the cradle
removed and moved forwardly of the base frame, revealing the base
frame elements and microprocessor.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view of the control box showing the
control panel face and various control buttons for the several
chair automatic functions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0023] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the
disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which
may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural
and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention in virtually any
appropriately detailed structure.
[0024] Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like
characteristics and features of the present invention shown in the
various FIGURES are designated by the same reference numerals.
First Preferred Embodiment
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a massage chair 10 is disclosed
having a base frame 20 and a cradle 40 in which a person sits,
rotatably mounted to the base frame 20 on cradle bearing means 70
pivoting at a cradle axis A, the cradle 40 including electrically
powered oscillators 12 for producing and delivering vibration into
the body of a seated person, and having cradle pivot means 80 for
pivoting the cradle 40 to a sitting position in which the center of
gravity of the seated person is substantially over the cradle axis
A to evenly distribute the weight of the person over the cradle 40
upper surface, preventing weight concentration in the body of the
person, and for pivoting the cradle to any of numerous reclining
positions. The even distribution of body weight diminishes stress
and permits fuller relaxation, particularly in the lower back,
while at the same time permitting oscillators 12 of low voltage,
low frequency and low amplitude to produce the same full massage
results requiring high voltage, high frequency and high amplitude
in prior massage chairs. The cradle pivot means 80 also pivot the
cradle 40 forwardly to permit a person to enter and leave the
cradle 40 with minimal effort and stress, so that the entire chair
10 use cycle contributes to stress relief.
[0026] The cradle 40 preferably includes a generally rectangular
cradle frame 42 which has a cradle frame perimeter member 44 and
cradle frame cross members 46 extending across and connected to
perimeter member 44. Cradle frame 42 is curved to conform to a
reclined human form, and particularly the lower back. Vibrating
oscillators 12 are secured to the cradle frame cross members 46. A
heating element 50 is also secured to a cradle frame cross member
46. Heating element 50 preferably is a 12 volt element positioned
within cradle 40 to be adjacent to the lower lumbar area of the
seated person, operating at low power for user safety. The cradle
frame 40 and oscillators 12 are covered with a suitable foam
padding material and skin material 52, such a leather. An inverted
triangular arm structure 60 is fastened to each side of cradle 40.
The cradle bearing means 70 includes an axle bore 72 in the peaked
lower end of each arm structure 60 which is mounted to a
corresponding cradle axle 74 extending inwardly from base frame
20.
[0027] Base frame 20 preferably includes two laterally spaced
apart, triangular side structures 22 and 24. Each side structure 22
and 24 includes a triangular perimeter member 26, and four base
frame cross members 32 extending between and interconnecting side
structures 22 and 24, and a base frame middle member 34
substantially midway between side structures 22 and 24 and
extending across and being secured to the base frame cross members
32.
[0028] The cradle pivot means 80 preferably includes a reversible
linear actuating gear motor 82 having an extension shaft 84
telescopingly mounted within a shaft tube 86. The gear motor 82 is
mounted to a base frame middle member 34 extending from one frame
side structure 22 to the other frame side structure 24, and the
extension shaft 84 extends upwardly to the underside of the forward
end of the cradle 40, to which the shaft 84 is pivotally connected.
The gear motor 82 operates in a first direction to extend the shaft
84 forwardly and thus to pivot the cradle 40 backwardly on the base
frame 20. A pair of cradle stop pins 76 protrude inwardly and
toward each other from opposing side structures 22 and 24 of the
base frame 20, to stop the cradle 40 at its rearmost position. See
FIG. 6. The gear motor 82 also operates in a second direction to
retract the shaft 84 rearwardly and thus to pivot the cradle 40
forwardly on the base frame 20.
[0029] For chair 10 assembly, the two arm structures 60 are
maneuvered relative to base frame 20 so that the cradle axles 74
fit into the cradle axle bores 72 in arm structures 60. Then middle
segments of cradle 40 are fitted between arm structures 60 and arm
structures 60 are secured to the sides of the cradle middle
segments, preferably with screws 62. See FIG. 5.
[0030] The cradle pivot means alternatively includes a piston and
hydraulic cylinder (not shown) pivotally mounted at one end to the
base frame middle-member 34 and pivotally mounted at the other end
to the underside of the forward end of the cradle 40. A hydraulic
pump and reservoir (not shown) are fastened to the base frame 20
and hydraulically and operationally connected to the hydraulic
cylinder.
[0031] A control mechanism is provided including a microprocessor
100 mounted to the inside of the base frame 20, the microprocessor
100 being electrically connected to each of the vibrating
oscillators 12, to the heating element 50 and gear motor 82. See
FIG. 6. The microprocessor 100 controls the gear motor 82 operation
and direction, and a specific sitting position and various reclined
positions are programmed into the microprocessor 100. The sitting
position is the one in which the center of gravity is directly over
the cradle axis and the weight distribution is even and in which
the vibrating oscillators 12 may be activated, either all together
or separately. When the cradle 40 is in a reclined position the
microprocessor 100 deactivates the vibrating oscillators 12,
because the person is not positioned properly to receive a massage.
A remote control box 110 is provided for chair 10 operation by the
seated person, and the control box 110 is electrically connected to
the microprocessor with a cord 112. See FIG. 7. The control box 110
has a control panel face 120 including several control buttons,
namely oscillator 12 regional controls, such as "neck area" 122,
"upper back" 124, "lower back" 126, lower body 128 and "full body"
132, and massage force controls such as "low/high force" 134,
"pulse/firm 136, lumbar heat "on/off" 138 and power "low/high"
timer 142, and recline angle controls in the form of "recline" 144
and "sit" 146. All of these controls sent signals to the
microprocessor 100 indicating the operational selections, and the
microprocessor 100 in turn sends signals to the various oscillators
12 for selective operation for pre-programmed durations, and to
heating pad 50 and other selected components to activate and
deactivate these components.
[0032] While the invention has been described, disclosed,
illustrated and shown in various terms or certain embodiments or
modifications which it has assumed in practice, the scope of the
invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be,
limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may
be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved
especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims
here appended.
* * * * *