Chiropractic adjusting table

Aug. 24, 1937. η. e. saak

2,091,014

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING TABLE

Filed July 29, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1

<img file="US2091014A_D0001.tif" />

Aug. 24, 1937.

Η. E. SAAK

2,091,014

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING TABLE

<img file="US2091014A_D0002.tif" />

Aug. 24, 1937. η. η. saak 2,091,014

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING TABLE Filed July 29, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 3

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/NSentor:

Hen/er e. -SfifiK,

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Ηττο&amp;νεί'.

Aug. 24, 1937.

2,091,014

Η. E. SAAK

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING TABLE

Filed July 29, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 4

<img file="US2091014A_D0005.tif" />

Patented Aug. 24, 1937

2,091,014

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,091,014 CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING TABLE Henry E. Saak, Maplewood, Mo.

Application July 29, 1936, Serial No. 93,189

Claims. (Cl. 128—73)

The object of my invention is to make a table to be used by chiropractors in making spinal adjustments. Among many more specific objects is to devise a table which will be convenient '5 and comfortable for the patient and efficient for the operator. A patient, in order to secure a spinal adjustment and other treatments from the chiropractor must lie flat, face downward on the table. The head, chest and feet are supported 1° on pads or cushions which cushions must be adjustable so as to raise or lower the head, chest and feet selectively and independently. These cushions must be so positioned on the table that _ they may be slid longitudinally relative the table ¹⁰ and means must be provided to secure them in any selected position. The table must be so mounted that it may be rotated in a horizontal plane, either clockwise or anticlockwise through 360 degrees, means must be provided for selec20 tively raising or lowering the table when a patient is lying on the table with a minimum of effort on the part of the operator. The table must be so constructed that it may be tilted to a position substantially vertical so that a patient may stand 25 on a step at the lower table end, when tilted, with his face toward the table, and leaning against the table, so that the operator may easily rotate the table on its support to a horizontal or any intermediate position. This operation is ac30 complished by means of simple controls for the operator; there being one control on each side of the table. Obviously, when the table is in a horizontal position, with a patient lying on it, the patient will be lying face downward, expos35 ing his spine to the operator. All the means necessary to accomplish these ends are herein described.

Additional specific objects consist in supplying hydraulic means for raising or lowering the table -10 and hydraulic means for tilting or rotating the table, the controls for which means are simple levers which may be operated by the flick of a finger. Both these hydraulic means are operated by one electric motor and fluid pump. The 15 same fluid is used by both hydraulic means. A simple two-way valve controls the fluid flow from one hydraulic means to the other. By these means, the structure will accomplish the results intended. The table is made “foolproof” to a 50 degree not heretofore accomplished because the table cannot be tilted when in its elevated position, because the hydraulic tilting means cannot operate in this position, since the fluid medium for tilting is being used in the hydraulic elevat55 ing means and because the two-way valve pre vents the’fluid from passing to the tilting means when the table is in its elevated position.

Furthermore, a jack preferably of the hydraulic type such as used in lifting. automobiles for tire repairs, is: employed to easily raise and lower 5 cushions on the table. The weight of the patient’s body supported by the cushions may be easily raised or lowered thereby. A bifurcated head cushion is used in order to support the patient’s head on the forehead and permit the 10 nose and mouth to extend into the space between the.:bifurcated portions and permits the patient’s cheeks to rest on the bifurcated portions.

AVith these: and other objects in view, my invention·¹ has:.relation, to certain novel features of 15 construction . and arrangement of parts, which will be hereinafter more fully described and pointed-,out?in the claims and illustrated in the drawings in.which:

Fig._: 1 is a plan view of the device, the table ,₂₀being: shown in-horizontal position.

Fig. : 2, is . a side elevation thereof , the broken lines indicating moved positions of the various cushions.

GFig.:3:is a left-end view of Fig. 2. ,.₂₅ : Fig.':4-is.a-view in vertical section, the table top being shown in tilted position.

r Fig.--5.-is- a .-similar view with the left-end portion of -the table top being shown broken away, the table being again shown in horizontal posi- ₃θ tion but elevated vertically from its Fig. 2 position.

: Mg. 6,is. an enlarged fragmentary sectional view similar to Fig. 4, illustrating in more detail the region surrounding the pumps and valve mech- 35 anism.

Fig. 7 is _;a similar view corresponding to the Fig.- 5 position of said parts.

Fig. 8 is a vertical section on the line 8—8 of Fig. 4 and illustrates the valve setting for the for- 40 ward movement of the horizontal piston.

Fig. 9 is a like view illustrating the valve setting for the (return of the horizontal piston.

Fig. 10 is a vertical section on line 10—10 of Fig. 9. 45

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11—11 of Fig. 4.

Fig. ,12 is an enlarged central section through a portion of the left end head rest cushion carrier, showing the means of changing its position 50 and locking it in place.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view on line 13—13 of Fig. 2.

The numeral 14 designates as a whole my improved chiropractic adjusting table top support 55

2.091,014 and table top, which as will be seen, may be rotated as a unit about its center throughout 360 degrees, and may be tilted to various positions, and can be elevated vertically, as desired.

The table top proper indicated as 15 is composed of two side frame channel members 16 tied together at one end by a cross bar and tie rods designated as 11, and at the opposite end by a foot rest 18, as shown. The patient stands upon the foot rest 18, when the table is in its Fig. 4 position, as will be described more fully, hereinafter.

Numeral 19 designates a circumferential base plate, to which is affixed a vertical pedestal 20, which is in the form of a cylinder. Bolted or otherwise fixed to the inturned flanges of a hollow piston 21 is a casting 22 generally cylindrical in contour, except at its left end where a depending horizontal extension 23 thereof supports a motor 24. Numeral 25 designates a cord to be plugged into a wall socket for furnishing current to the motor 24. Numeral 26 designates a hand switch also attached to the end of a cord, which cord is connected to said motor 24, whereby the operator can stop and start the motor at will. Details of the switch, motor, etc. are not shown since they are well known.

Numeral 27 indicates the motor shaft, which is joined by a universal coupling 28 to the drive shaft 29 of a suitable pump 30, mounted within a portion of casting 22, as shown in the drawings. It is deemed unnecessary to illustrate or describe the details of the pump, as the pump is conventional. To the intake side of the pump 39 is fixed a vertical pipe 3i, which extends to within a slight distance of the bottom 32 of the hollow piston 21. The output side of the pump leads by means of pipe 33 to a two-way valve 34, which controls the movements of the table top support and table top. Numeral 35 indicates a pipe, which leads from said valve into the cylinder portion 36 of casting 22, in which portion a hollow piston 37, as will be described, serves to tilt or rotate the table top to any desired angle between the horizontal and that shown in Fig. 4, which illustrates the extreme right position of said piston.

At 38 is shown a short down-turned pipe, and at 39 a long vertical pipe, both of which also extend from the valve 34, as clearly illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7. The pipe 39 extends through the bottom of cylinder 21 and Is in communication with oil chamber 40 formed by the pedestal support 20.

A predetermined amount of oil is, of course, present in the combined vertical and horizontal piston arrangement. An inspection of Figs. 6 and 7 will show the location of said oil under certain conditions. In Fig. 6 the oil is being pumped from the piston 21 into, the cylinder 36 (as indicated by the arrows) forcing piston 37 to the right. In Fig. 7, as indicated by the broken arrows, the oil has been exhausted from the cylinder 36 back into the piston 21, and is being pumped from said cylinder 21 into chamber 49 causing cylinder 2 ί to rise.

In the Fig. 2 position of the table top practically all of the oil is contained in cylinder 21. The description will follow later covering the operation of the device, which will clarify these movements.

Numeral 4! designates a cross pivot pin, which extends from one side of frame 16 to the other, arid supports one end of the table top by means of brackets 42 depending therefrom, the pin pass ing through the side walls of casting 22. Said casting 22, it will be seen, therefore, constitutes the main support for the table top, since a- pair of integral lugs 43, formed on the table top support (see Figs. 2, 8 and 9), and which extend 5 laterally also support the other end of the table top on the table top support, when in horizontal position.

Numeral 44 designates a roller with ball bearings mounted on a transverse pin fixed in a pair 10 of integral upstanding ears formed on the piston 37. A cross-plate 45, welded or otherwise fixed to the table top frame i 5, has a depending arm 45α pivoted on the cross pin 41. The roller engaging edge 46 of this arm terminates in a hook 15 portion 47, see Figs. 4 and 5. When the table top is in its extreme tilted position, the hook portion 47 partially encircles the roller 44 stabilizing the table top in this position.

Referring now to Figs. 8, 9 and 10 particularly, 20 a novel feature of this invention is the simple and efficient method employed to set the valve for raising and lowering the lift and tilting the table top. A pair of bufurcated arms 43 and 49 are pivotally mounted on stud 58, fixed in a 25 vertical wall portion 51 of the casting 22. For convenience of manipulation each arm has affixed thereto, at its outer end, a knob 52. The upper fork 53 of arm 48 is provided on its lower edge with a predetermined number of rack teeth 30 54, which mesh with a pinion 55 fixed to a horizontal shaft 56 extending through wall 51. As shown at 57, the other fork is offset near the pivot 58, in order that the said upper fork 53 may be aligned with fork 58 of arm 49. The 35 latter is provided along its upper edge with a rack 59 comprising the same number of teeth as carried by the fork 53, likewise meshing with said pinion 55.

Numeral 60 designates a comparatively heavy 40 coil spring interposed between the wall 51 and the lower extremities of the arms 48 and 49, the spring surrounding the stud as shown. The function of said spring is to maintain the arms in their Fig. 8 or raised, as well as In their Fig. 9 45 or lowered position, as desired. It is obvious that either the arm 48 or the arm 49 may be dispensed with. However, provision of a pair of such arms enables the operator to manipulate the valve from either side of the table, which 50 is a distinct advantage. It is, of course, apparent that the arms always move together, regardless of which knob 52 is raised or depressed.

Any suitable stop or stops may be employed to limit the upward and downward stroke of the 55 arms. The drawings indicate the downward movement as being limited by the edges of extension 23 of casting 22, and the upward movement by the contour of the upper forks as indicated at numeral 61. 60

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 6, 7 and 11, it will be seen that the valve 34 is mounted with its core at right angles to the horizontal center line of the piston 36. It is also seen that it is a simple two-way valve, since but two 65 settings thereof are required. Mounted on the extension 62 of the valve core is a bevel gear 63 in mesh with a similar gear fixed to the shaft 56, hereinbefore mentioned.

By this arrangement raising or lowering the 70 arms 48 or 49 will rotate the valve core approximately 90 degrees to the right or to the left, as viewed in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings. It is understood, of course, that this particular arrangement is not to be considered limiting, since 75

2,091,014

I have found in actual practice that the valve 34 may be mounted in a plane parallel with the center line of the piston 36. In that case the bevel gearing may be entirely dispensed with, 5 shaft 56 being directly connected with core stem 62, which would then be in alignment therewith. In the latter event, of: course, the parts 48 to 61, inclusive remain as illustrated.

Numeral 64 designates a removable cover plate 10 closing an opening in the casting 22, permitting inspection of the pump, valve, etc., and for replenishing the oil,if necessary. Although omitted in the drawings for the sake of clarity, an inverted U-shaped, hood of thin metal may be 15 placed over the entire casting 22, with necessary openings or slots therein for the arms 48 and 49, ears 43 and the arm 45α. At 65-are shown a pair of handles mounted on the side frames 16 for the convenience of the patient. Referring 20 now to Figs. 1 to 5, there is indicated at 66 a carriage, which supports a bifurcated head rest or cushion 67 and a chest rest or cushion 68. A similar carriage 69 has mounted thereon a weight supporting cushion 70, and a knee flexer or 25 cushion 71.

Each carriage comprises a channel shaped base 72 of a width slightly less than the transverse distance between the inner opposing faces of the channel shaped side frame members. Ball ³⁰ bearing rollers 73 are mounted in the depending flanges of the carriage bases 72, and extend into the channel shaped side members 16, riding between the upper and lower flanges of said channels. Welded or otherwise secured to each base ³³ is a housing 72α containing a pinion 74 fixed to cross shaft 75 journaled in the opposite sides of ί said housing. This pinion may be rotated in either direction by either of two handles 76, one of which is coupled to the shaft 75 at each end. 40; The handles 76 are again in duplicate for each carriage, so that the pinions 74 may be rotated from either side of the table.

Numeral 77 designates a rack bar, extending along the center line of the table top, and fixed 4 5 in any suitable manner to the cross brace 17 at one end, and at the other to the cross plate 45; As shown more clearly in Fig. 12, the rack bar is below the web portions of the carriage bases 72. Therefore, an opening 78 is formed in each base below 50 the housing 72α through which the pinions 74 extend, and mesh with the stationary rack bar 77. It is obvious that rotation of the shaft 75, by means of the handles 76, will move the carriage, riding on the rollers 73, laterally Into various posi5' tions as desired. Fig. 2 indicates in broken lines an extreme right position of the carriages.

In order to lock each carriage in any position, a second handle 79 is fixed to each end of the cross shafts 89, also journaled in the sides of the CO housings 75α. Above the rack, but spaced away from each pinion, there is fixed to each shaft 89 a dog 8! provided with teeth, which cooperates with the rack teeth to lock the carriage in place. To release the carriage, the operator depresses 65 the handle 79 to disengage the dog 81, before manipulating the handles 76.

The cushion 68 is mounted upon a standard 82 secured to base 72. The head rest 67 is pivoted at 83 on said standard, and may be raised or 70 lowered relative to the table top. Means for accomplishing this is designated generally at 84. Pivotally connected to a lug on the housing 75α is an externally threaded rod 85, which works in an internally threaded tube 86-, provided with a 75 handle 87 for manual operation. The tube 86 has an integral collar 88 thereon, which works: against the underside of a collar 89, mounted in extensions 90, of the supporting frame 91 of the head rest cushion as shown in Figs. 2 and 13. By the arrangement described, manipulation of the 5 handle 87 will cause lowering or raising of the head rest as required.

A novel feature of this invention resides in the construction of the head rest cushion per se. A patient lying face downward on a table hereto- 10 fore found the head rest disagreeably uncomfortable. Constructed in the general shape of a rectangle, such a head rest covers the patient’s entire countenance, makes breathing difficult, if not almost impossible, and is generally unsatis- 15 factory.

An inspection of Figs. 1 and 4 will show that the present embodiment overcomes these objections. By constructing the cushion as shown, the two branches 92 and 93 form an opening 94 there- 20 between, of a size to accommodate the average person’s nose, eyes and mouth. The forehead of the patient reposes on the portion of the cushion designated 67α, his chest upon the cushion 68, and the remainder of his body on the cushions 70 and ²³71. It is readily apparent that with this arrangement, a patient can breathe in comfort and relax while being treated. A jack 95, of any suitable type, is mounted on the carriage 69 for raising and lowering the cushion 70, said jack ³⁰being provided with an accessible handle 96 for this purpose. The supporting frame 97 of said cushion is mounted on two standards 98 fixed to the side frames 16, said frame pivoting about pins 99 as shown. Pivotally connected to an ear on ³³the frame 97 is the supporting frame 100 of the knee flexer cushion 71. Secured to the underside of the frame 100 are a pair of curved runners 101., which ride along the top surfaces of the side frame members 16. A comparison of Figs. 4 401 and 5 will suffice to understand the operation of the knee flexer.

The operation of the device is as follows:

Assume that the table top is horizontal and in its lowered position, as shown in Fig. 2, and 45; that the plug on. the end of cord 25 has been inserted; in a wall socket, thereby furnishing current to the motor. The patient to be treated lies prone on the cushions. The arms 48 and 49 are in the position illustrated in Fig. 2 and the 50control· valve is in: thel corresponding Fig. 7 position. Practically all of the oil, however, is in cylinder 21, the piston 37 is at the extreme left, the motor, and, therefore, the pump are not in operation; The operator can revolve the table 55 top laterally 360 degrees, although in practice this is never done. The various cushions, of course, have been adjusted as required. This phase of the operation has been gone into fully heretofore, and it is deemed unnecessary to elabo- 60 rate thereon. In order to elevate the table to the position shown in Fig. 5, the operator merely presses the button on the hand switch 26, which starts the motor and consequently the pump. The fluid is now drawn from the cylinder 21 65 through intake pipe 3 ί, through the pump into valve 34, by means of pipe 33, through the valve and into pipe 39, thence into chamber 40 causing the piston 2i to lift- the table top slowly. The capacity of chamber 40 is considerably 70 greater than that of reservoir 21, obviating any danger of elevating the piston too high. The table top may, of course, be positioned at any desired height between the upper and lower extremes, by again manipulating: the hand switch 75

2,091,014 to shut off the motor and pump, thereby arresting further upward movement of piston 21.

To permit lowering of the lift to its Fig. 2 position, the arms 48 and 49 are now raised to 5 their Pig. 8 position, the valve assuming the corresponding Fig. 6 position. The weight of the table top, plus that of the patient thereon, now forces the fluid beneath piston 21 in chamber 40 to rise in pipe 39, thence it goes through valve 10 34 and out pipe 38, returning into cylinder 21.

If it is now desired to tilt the table with the patient thereon to the Fig. 4 position, no change is made in the valve arrangement from that just described. In other words the Fig. 8 posi15 tion of arms 48 and 49 is not disturbed, and, therefore, valve 34 remains in its Fig. 6 position. The operator manipulates the hand switch 26 to start the motor and pump. The fluid in cylinder 21 is now drawn through pipe 31, pump 30, 20 pipe 33, valve 34, pipe 35 and into the cylinder 36, forcing piston 37 to the right. Roller 44 mounted on said piston rides along the edge of arm 45α slowly raising the table top, as is apparent. The table may be halted at any inter ²³ mediate angle by means of the hand switch. The patient during this operation stands upon the foot rest or step 18 and grasps the handles 65. The table top is returned to its horizontal position as follows:

³⁰' The handles 48 and 49 are depressed to their Fig. 9 position. The valve again assumes the position illustrated in Fig. 7. The weight of the table top, plus that of the patient now slowly forces the piston 37 to the left, the fluid in cylin³⁵ der 36 draining through pipe 35, valve 34 and pipe 38 back into the reservoir 21. While the drawings illustrate the preferred embodiment of my invention, I do not wish to be limited to the exact details shown, as numerous changes might 40 be made without departing from the scope of this invention.