U.S. patent application number 11/118232 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-08 for rolling case for massage table.
Invention is credited to Michael Friedman.
Application Number | 20070256607 11/118232 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38660060 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070256607 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Friedman; Michael |
November 8, 2007 |
Rolling case for massage table
Abstract
A rolling case for a massage table comprises a substantially
durable storage compartment which is sufficiently large to receive
a folded massage table. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage
compartment includes a bolster pillow pocket and a main pocket on
the front side of the compartment. The storage compartment is
affixed to a base member which includes a leg assembly and a
rolling mechanism. A telescopic handle mechanism is attached to the
base member.
Inventors: |
Friedman; Michael;
(Lincolnwood, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILDMAN HARROLD ALLEN & DIXON LLP
225 WEST WACKER DRIVE, SUITE 2800
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
38660060 |
Appl. No.: |
11/118232 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/36 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 5/06 20130101; A45C
5/00 20130101; A45C 5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/036 |
International
Class: |
A47B 3/00 20060101
A47B003/00 |
Claims
1. A rolling case for a massage table comprising, in combination, a
storage compartment sufficiently large to receive a substantially
folded massage table; a base member affixed to a bottom side of
said compartment and including a rolling mechanism; and a
telescopic handle mechanism attached to said base member, wherein
said handle mechanism extends from said base member along a back
side of said compartment to substantially near said top of said
compartment.
2. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
storage compartment is comprised of a durable material.
3. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
storage compartment is comprised of a plurality of fabric layers
wherein said fabric layers are sewn together with stitching which
spans all of said layers.
4. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
storage compartment further includes at least one pocket shaped to
enclose a bolster pillow on a front side of said compartment.
5. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
storage compartment further includes a material rigidly attached to
said bottom side.
6. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
bottom side includes a support guard along at least one edge.
7. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
base member further includes a support guard along at least one
edge.
8. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
base member further includes a leg assembly substantially near a
front end of said compartment.
9. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
rolling mechanism is substantially near a back side of said
compartment.
10. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 1, wherein said
telescopic handle mechanism further comprises a telescopic handle
near a top of said compartment.
11. A rolling case for a massage table comprising, in combination,
a storage compartment comprised of a durable material and including
an opening mechanism, wherein said storage compartment is
sufficiently large to receive a substantially folded massage table;
a base member affixed to a bottom side of said compartment and
including a leg assembly and a rolling mechanism; and a telescopic
handle mechanism attached to said base member, wherein said handle
mechanism comprises a housing assembly and a telescopic handle
housed within the housing assembly.
12. A rolling case for a massage table comprising, in combination,
a storage compartment comprised of a durable material including an
outer layer and an inner layer, a durable middle layer interposed
therebetween wherein said outer, inner and durable middle layers
are sewn together using stitching which spans all of said outer,
inner and durable middle layers; an opening mechanism extending
along a top, a left and a right side of said compartment, wherein
said storage compartment is sufficiently large to receive a
substantially folded massage table and said durable material
further includes at least one cushion layer along said top, left,
and right sides of said compartment and a substantially rigid
material along a bottom side of said compartment; a base member
affixed to said bottom side of said compartment and including a leg
assembly substantially near the front side of said compartment and
a rolling mechanism substantially near the back side of said
compartment; and a telescopic handle mechanism attached to said
base member, wherein said telescopic handle mechanism comprises a
housing assembly extending from said base member along said back
side of said compartment and including a telescopic handle housed
within the housing assembly substantially near said top of said
compartment.
13. A rolling case for a massage table as in claim 12 wherein said
leg assembly and said rolling mechanism are substantially the same
height.
14. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 12, wherein
said compartment further comprises a first set of handles to lift
said carrier.
15. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 14, wherein
said compartment further comprises a second set of shoulder
handles.
16. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 12, wherein
said stitching runs substantially along the middle and a plurality
of edges of said compartment.
17. The rolling case for a massage table as in claim 14, wherein
said stitching is sewn through the plurality of layers and said
first set of handles and runs along the edges of said compartment
and said handles.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to the field of
cases and carriers and, in particular, to a rolling case for
massage tables.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, massage tables and, more specifically,
portable massage tables have become popular not only with masseuses
and therapists but also with home users and other individuals.
Typically, individuals move the tables to various locations as
needed. For example, masseuses and therapists often carry portable
massage tables to different clients' homes as part of a service;
and a home user moves a table between a use location and a storage
area.
[0003] Existing massage tables typically comprise a sectioned base
and handles so that the table may be folded in half and carried to
another location. However, the mattress pads, base, and leg systems
make the table bulky and/or heavy. Moreover, the exposed cushioned
pads may be damaged during transportation.
[0004] Despite advances in the materials used in manufacturing
massage tables, massage tables are bulky and/or heavy even when
folded. As a result, individuals are either unable to quickly move
the table or must expend considerable energy moving it.
Unfortunately, individuals may succumb to back aches and fatigue
even when using portable massage tables. Finally, the exposed
sections of the table may be damaged or wear out as a result of
frequent transportation. These situations are especially
exacerbated in circumstances where masseuses and therapists need to
carry the table on several occasions within a short period of time
to serve various clients at various locations. Therefore, there is
a need for a case which not only stores the massage table and
protects it from dirt and damage but also facilitates its
transportation.
[0005] The present invention discloses a rolling case which solves
or at least substantially reduces the impact of these problems
associated with existing portable massage tables.
[0006] It is one object and advantage of the present invention to
provide a case which is capable of storing a massage table and
protecting the encased table from dirt and damage.
[0007] It is another object and advantage of the present invention
to provide a case which is capable of facilitating movement of a
massage table from one location to another.
[0008] It is yet another object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a case which is durable.
[0009] It is further another object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a case which is capable of simultaneously
storing a folded massage table and the table's accessories.
[0010] It is an additional object and advantage of the present
invention to provide a case which allows an individual to quickly
access a head attachment to the massage table.
[0011] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will become more readily appreciated and
understood from a consideration of the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the present invention when
taken together with the accompanying drawings of the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] In accordance with the foregoing objects, the present
invention, a massage table rolling case, comprises a storage
compartment large enough to receive a folded massage table. A
bottom side of the storage compartment is affixed to a base member
with legs and wheels. Finally, a telescopic handle assembly is
attached to the base member, wherein the handle assembly may be
used to roll the present invention thereby facilitating movement of
the massage table. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the front
of the compartment further comprises a holster pocket above a main
pocket as well as handles to pick up and lift the present
invention. Finally, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the
compartment is comprised of a plurality of fabric layers with
stitching extending through the layers to achieve substantially
durable properties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The following figures are schematic representations of the
invention:
[0014] FIG. 1--is a side elevational view illustrating the massage
table rolling case;
[0015] FIG. 2--is a side elevational view illustrating the base
with the handle attachment;
[0016] FIG. 3--is a side elevational view illustrating the massage
table rolling case with an open compartment and open pockets;
[0017] FIG. 4--displays a cross-section of the material comprising
the storage compartment; and
[0018] FIG. 5--displays a cross-section of the material comprising
the pockets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] While various embodiments of the present invention are
discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the
present invention provides inventive concepts that can be embodied
in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments
discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use
the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0020] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a rolling case 10
for a massage table. The rolling case 10 is comprised of a storage
compartment 15 wherein the bottom of the compartment 15 is affixed
to a base member 20. This allows the compartment 15 and the
contents of the container 15 to rest on the base member 20 either
during transportation or while at rest. The compartment 15 is
sufficiently large to receive a substantially folded massage table.
As seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, in the preferred exemplary
embodiment, an opening mechanism such as a zipper 25 which runs
along the top as well as at least parts of the first and second
sides of the compartment is used to enclose the opening 30 and the
space within the compartment 15. The zipper 25 encloses the
compartment and secures the contents, such as the portable massage
table, within the compartment. Moreover, the zipper 25 protects the
contents from both dirt and from damage due to exposure.
[0021] It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
art that other mechanisms may be used to enclose the compartment
15. For example, locks, hook and latch assemblies, Velcro, or other
opening mechanisms may be used to allow access to or enclose the
compartment 15. Additionally, it should be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art that the compartment's 15 opening may be
of varying size or shape.
[0022] Turning to FIG. 5, in the preferred exemplary embodiment,
the compartment 15 is comprised of a plurality of fabrics generally
shown as 35. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the plurality
of fabrics 35 comprise a substantially water resistant fabric as an
inner lining fabric 35(a). The inner lining fabric 35(a) and the
substantially durable outer fabric 35(c) enclose a middle fabric
layer 35(b). The inner liner 35(a), the middle fabric layer 35(b),
and the outer layer 35(c) substantially span the front and back
sides of the rolling table 10 and comprise stitching 40 which
extends through the plurality of layers. The plurality of fabrics
35 are folded along the left, right, top, and bottom sides of the
rolling case 10, where extra stitching 40 is used to form a seam
which delineates the left, right, top, and bottom sides from the
front and back sides of the compartment 15. The left, right, top,
and bottom sides of the compartment 15 comprise the inner layer
35(a), a substantially cushioned middle layer. 35(b), and the
substantially durable outer layer 35(c) to form a substantially
rectangular space for the compartment 15. Preferably, the stitching
40 is sewn through the plurality of fabrics at substantially
regular intervals and runs through the middle as well as the edges
of the compartment 15 to improve the support and durability of the
material. Advantageously, this manner of fabric assembly creates a
durable compartment which is difficult to tear or cut. However, it
should be noted that any durable material including plastic, metal,
wood, or other suitable material may be used in creating the
compartment 15.
[0023] In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the compartment 15
further comprises a first set of handles 45 adjacent to the opening
30 on the first side of the compartment 15. As shown in FIG. 3 and
the corresponding cross-section in FIG. 4, the handles are also
secured to the compartment. For example, in the preferred exemplary
embodiment, the stitching 40 is sewn through the material which
comprises the handles and the plurality of fabrics 35. More
specifically, outer portions of the handles 36 extend along the
back and front side of the compartment 15 wherein such extended
portions are secured to the plurality of fabrics 35 of the
compartment 15 with stitching 40 that runs along their edges. In
the preferred exemplary embodiment, a corresponding internal handle
portion 37 is also secured to the plurality of fabrics 35 and the
outer portion of the handle 36 via stitching 40 which not only
extends through all the layers but also runs along all the edges of
the internal portion of the handles 37. These handles allow an
individual to lift the rolling case 10 when desired. It will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the first
set of handles may be comprised of the same or different material
as the compartment 15 and attached to the compartment by various
means.
[0024] Moreover, in the preferred exemplary embodiment, the
compartment 15 further comprises a second set of handles, here
embodied as shoulder handles 50. One shoulder handle of the second
set is attached to the front of the compartment 15 and the
corresponding other shoulder handle is attached to the back side of
the compartment 15. Preferably, the second set of shoulder handles
50 is larger than the first set of handles 45. In the preferred
exemplary embodiment, the second set of handles 50 is sized to
allow an individual to sling the rolling case 10 over the
individual's shoulder. This provides the individual with another
manner in which to carry the rolling case 10. For example, one
individual may feel more comfortable bearing the weight of the
rolling case on a shoulder rather than in a hand when it is
necessary to carry the rolling case 10.
[0025] Finally, the compartment 15 has a bolster pocket 55 above a
main pocket 60 on the front of the compartment 15. As with the
handles, the bolster pocket 55 and main pocket 60 are attached to
the compartment. Consequently, in the preferred exemplary
embodiment, the bolster pocket 55 and main pocket 60 are sewn to
the plurality of fabrics 35 using the same stitching 40 used in the
compartment. The bolster pocket 55 is shaped to enclose a bolster
pillow 65 as shown in FIG. 3. The placement of the bolster pocket
55 advantageously provides an individual with the opportunity to
quickly access the bolster pillow and efficiently set-up a massage
table and configure the table and pillow for massage activities.
The main pocket 60 allows the individual to store other accessories
and materials in a convenient, easily accessible place. As a
result, the individual can not only store and carry a massage table
but also any other accessories that he or she may desire. FIG. 3
shows the rolling case 10 wherein the compartment 15, bolster
pocket 55, and main pocket 60 include a folded massage table 70, a
bolster pillow 65, and a towel 75, respectively.
[0026] Turning back to FIG. 1, the compartment 15 is affixed to a
base member 20. The base member 20 is more clearly illustrated in
FIG. 2. In the preferred exemplary embodiment, the base member 20
comprises a substantially rigid platform 80 with support guards 85
such as, for example, brackets affixed to platform corners. The
base member 20 further comprises a leg assembly 85 with two legs
substantially near the front of the platform 80 and a rolling
mechanism 90 such as wheels near the back of the platform 80,
wherein both the legs 85 and the wheels 90 are attached to the
bottom of the substantially rigid platform 80. The legs 85 and the
wheels 90 are substantially the same height to allow the rolling
case 10 to stand in a substantially upright position while the
rolling case 10 is at rest. The legs allow the rolling case to
stand without tipping. During use, an individual may tilt the
rolling case 10 toward the back to allow it to rest solely on the
wheels. As a result, the individual may roll the case 10 on the
wheels and easily transport the rolling case 10 as well as its
contents.
[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, the base member 20 may
comprise the legs 85 and wheels 90 without a substantially rigid
platform. In this embodiment, the legs and wheels may either
support a hard compartment or support a soft compartment which
includes a substantially rigid bottom side. In this instance,
support guards may be attached to the bottom side of the
compartment. It will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in
the art that the base member may simply comprise one leg or a
stop/support mechanism instead of the two legs. Furthermore, only
one wheel or other rolling mechanisms such as rollers or sliders
may be used instead of the two wheels in the preferred exemplary
embodiment. Finally, both the legs and wheels may be placed at
various positions on the base member.
[0028] A telescopic handle mechanism 25 is attached to the base
member 20. FIG. 2 shows that the telescopic handle mechanism 25 is
attached to the base member 20 at a point 21. More specifically, as
seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the telescopic handle mechanism 25 includes
a substantially hollow housing member 26 which receives a
telescopic handle 27. The telescopic handle 27 further comprises a
button or other mechanism 28 which either locks or unlocks the
telescopic handle 27 at various positions with respect to the
housing member 26. As shown in FIG. 8, in the preferred exemplary
embodiment, a user simply pushes the button 28 on the telescopic
handle 27 to unlock it from its housed position. Consequently, the
user is able to extend the telescopic handle 27 to a desired height
and re-lock the handle 27 at a second position corresponding to the
desired height. The combination of the base member 20 and
telescopic handle mechanism 25 allows an individual to tilt the
rolling case 10 and roll it on the wheels 30.
[0029] However, it should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill
in the art that the invention may use a non-telescopic handle
assembly. For example, the rolling case may comprise a solid member
extending from the base member. Any mechanism which allows an
individual to tilt the rolling case or move the case on the wheels
may be used for this purpose. For example, a single bar handle
assembly with multiple telescopic portions may also be
utilized.
[0030] The specific embodiments discussed in the detailed
description are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and
use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention.
* * * * *