US2894505A - Vibrating assembly - Google Patents

Description

July 14, 1959 B. HnMANAusA VIBRATING ASSEMBLY med Feb. 1a, 1957 I5 Sheets-Sheet l 5 M 5m e f fw m m r ,35e/mep Il. MHA/Ausf?,

July 14, 1959 B. H. MANAusA 2,894,505

' VIBRATING ASSEMBLY Filed Feb. 18, 1957 3 sheets-sheet 2 S INVENTOR. ZZr z5 l ,35e/mep' JY. MHA/,405,45

14T TOE/VEK l July 14, 1959 B. H. MANAUSA 2,894,505

VIBRATING ASSEMBLY Filed Feb. 18, 1957 I 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. ,3e-@M490 E MAA/14H54,

TroA/Ey.

United States lPatent O 2,894,505 VvnsRATlNG ASSEMBLY Bernard H. Manausa, Van Nuys, Calif.

Application February 18, 1957, Serial No. 640,962

13 Claims. (Cl. 12S- 33) This invention relates to a vibrating assembly for a chair and particularly to a vibrating assembly, which when incorporated in a chair enables a person to sit or recline on the chair and receive controlled waves of relaxing vibration.

In the prior art various articles of furniture, such as chairs, have lbeen developed lin which the massaging action fwas accomplished |by attaching directly to the mass of theI chair, an electric motor to the shaft of which was attached an olf-center or eccentric Weight. Such massage chairs have utilized a single motor, such as one having a speed of about l750 r.p.m.s with a single switch, and when -it was desired to use the vibration action of the chair the switch was thrown and the chair would receive vibrations. The olf-center eccentric action of the' olf-center weight of the motor transmitted vibrations to the Abody of the chair, which vibrations would -be transmitted through the springs and padding of the chair to the occupant.

IThere are a number of disadvantages to the massage chair Ydescribed above. The use of a single speed of the motor provided only a single type and intensity of vibration. This might be suiiicient to lgive a fairly satisfactory massage action, for example, to certain portions of the tbody of ak woman using the chair wearing light clothing. A man wearing heavier clothing might not receive enough massage action or vibration -to be pronounced while using the same massage chair. Furthermore, the massage action, depending upon the portionvof the chair to which the motor was affixed, would not be transmitted to all portions of the chair, such as the seat, back rest and foot rest, in the case of a recliningtype chair. If a single motor with a range of over 1750 r.p.m.s was used, say up to 3500 r.p.m.s, in an attempt to increase the vibratory eifect, or to attempt to transmit vibrations to all parts of the chair, the chair, floor and entire room vibrated and shook with unsatisfactory results and, indeed, the chair itself would tend to traveL i.e. to move along the floor.v Also a great deal of noise was produced. Thus, commercial massage chairs on the market, using a single motor, have consisted of a chair having a single speed motor with a single switch, having a number of r.p.m.s which result in mild to medium vibration, applicable only to a portion of the chair and without any flexible yrange and having only a single type of massage action. The above disadvantages are obviated by my invention which departs completely from the disclosures of previous constructions in that I Aprovide a floating vibrating assembly, not directly attached to the mass of the chair, and which incorporates a resilient strip, panel or board, which vibrates and oscillates, thus providing a vibratory range and eifect differing in kind from prior constructions.

The general object of the invention is to provide a vibrating assembly which will impart to a chair, or other piece of furniture, controlled waves of vibration which will'produce either a massage action of variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced simple "ice harmonic vibration or a massage action of high harmonic oscillating action of variable high frequency intensity from mild to pronounced oscillation for the purpose of relieving tension, limparting improved muscle tone to various parts of the human body and mechanically assisting circulation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a vibrating assembly which may be incorporated in a conventional chair, lounge, sofa or other piece of furniture designed conventionally for persons to sit or recline in prone position thereon, enabling such a piece of furniture to be used either in its conventional manner as a piece of furniture or as a vibrating or massage device.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vibrating assembly which is resiliently mounted to a chair or the piece of furniture in which it is incorporated in such a manner as to be quiet in operation and provide a minimum amount of noise.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a vibrating assembly in which the speed of the motor may be easily controlled to impart vibration or oscillation to a resilient strip, panel or board, which flexes to provide the desired massage action to the human body within a range of variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced vibration to a massage action of high harmonic oscillating action of variable high frequency intensity from mild to pronounced oscillatiom as desired by the user.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vibrating assembly which when incorporated in a chair will impart vibration to every part of the chair, including the seat, .back and foot rest, in the case of a reclining chair, so that the entire body of a person sitting on the chair will receive the massage action.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a vibrating assembly a rheostat-controlled motor, which, although relatively small, inexpensive and simple of construction, will Itransmit vibration to a vibrating strip, panel or board which ilexes above and below the center of motion to impart effective and pronounced massage action -within a range of variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced vibration to a massage action of high harmonic oscillating action of variable high frequency intensity from mild to pronounced oscillation to a chair or other piece of furniture.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a compact, eiiicient, economical and simple electrical motor construction for imparting vibration to a strip, panel or board, comprising a motor shaft with a fan and eccentric -weight supported thereon, the shaft being supported at its outer -extremities by a housing which completely encloses the parts so that all moving parts are protected.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a compact electrical motor construction for imparting vibration to a strip, panel or board, which motor may be simply and readily attached to the strip, panel or board.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction for a piece of furniture so that when in use as a massage device the piece of furniture, while vibrating, does not transmit the vibrations to the floor upon which the piece of furniture is resting.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a vibrating assembly which is simple in construction and capable of prolonged use with a minimum requirement of repair or maintenance.

In the accompanying drawings, I have illustrated by way of example, but not by way of limitation, a speciiic embodiment of my invention. In such dra-Wings, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a chair, partly broken away and partly in section, to show the vibrating assembly; Fig. 2

view-taken1through the vibrating assembly on the line 33 of Fig. l; Fig. 4 is =a -vertical sectional View taken through the vibrating assembly along the lines 4 4 of -Fig. 3; Fig. 5 lis a-vertical section along the lines 5--5 of Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is an enlarged view ofthe means for attaching the vibrating assembly tothe chair body; Fig. 7 is a lsection from below along the lines 7-7 of Fig. 6; FigLMS Ais a plan View fromrbelow of 'another embodiment of my invention incorporating a vibrating board; Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view taken through the vibrating assembly of the embodiment shown in Fig. 8 along the lines 9-9 of Fig. 8; and Fig. l() is a vertical sectional view, partly broken away, to show the motor used in the embodiment-shown in Figs-S and 9.

`Referring Ymore particularly-to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters identify similar parts in the -several Views, as shown in Fig. l, `the numeral 10 designates generally a .reclining chair which has a seat portion 11, aside arm rest 12, a back rest 13 and a foot rest 14, all suitably upholstered. The chair construction illustrated is of a conventional type wherein the foot rest 14 .inclines forwardly and upwardly when the back rest 13 is actuated rearwardly so that the chair may be used as a club chair, as shown in Fig. l, or as a reclining chair, not`illustrated. The chair 1t) is provided with legs 15, which at their lower extremities are provided with cushion members Y16, ythe function of which will be described in .more ,detail below.

As vshown most clearly in Figs. 2 and 8, the chair 1t) has a bottom -frame structureformcd of wood consisting of outer frame members 17 and cross bar members 18.

In Figs. lthrough 7 I have Villustrated one embodiment of my vibrating assembly incorporated in a conventional reclining chair 10. In this embodiment of my ,vibratingassemblyl provide a resilient I-shaped panel or stlip119 of spring steel. At both extremities of the I-shaped panel 19 are drilled holes 211. The I-shaped Vpanel 19 is'secured .tothe outer frame members 17 of `the chair 1-0 as follows: Z brackets 21 are secured to 4opposite outer frame members 17 of the chair 1t) by screws 22 through holes 23 drilled in arms 24 of the Z brackets 21; arms 25 of Z bracket 21 are provided with -holes 26 adapted to register with the holes 2t? of the I-panel 19; strip orI-shaped panel 19 is secured to Z bracket 21 by two bolts 27, the .inner face of the heads f28 of the bolts 27 contacting the upper faces of the arms 25 of bracket 21, while the downwardly depending portion ofthe bolt 27 passes through Athe holes 26 of the arms 25 of the Z brackets 21 and the holes 20 of the resilient I-panel 19. Lock nuts 29 are threaded on the threaded lower portions of the bolts 27. I may rigidly secure the heads 23 of the bolts 27 to the upper face of the arm 25 of the Zbracket 21 by welding. The bracket 21 is cushioned relative to the resilient I-panel 19 by a rubber `step lwasher 30 disposed as shown most clearly in Fig. 6, the step washer 30 being disposed between the lower face of the brackets 21 and the upper face of the extremities of the I-panel 19, and by the rubber washer .3L-disposed between the lower face of the bracket 21 and the upper face of the extremities of the I-panel 19 yand a metal washer 32, positioned on the bolt 27 between the lock nut 29 and the rubber washer 31.

Disposed centrally between the outer extremities of the AI-panel 19 I provide a split clamp 33 which has an integral attaching plate 34. To secure the split clamp 33 to the resilient I-panel 19 I provide an attaching plate 35 with 4 holes 36 drilled therein, said holes 36 being adapted to register with holes 37 drilled in attaching plate 34. 'I cushion the split clamp attachment relative to the I-panei 19 by positioning the rubber ring 38. Plate 34 of split clamp 33 is secured to plate 35 and thus to the resilient vI-panel 19 by bolts 39 passing through the holes 36 and 37 vrespectively of plates 35 and 34 and nuts 40 are threaded' On the lower `threaded portion of bolts 39.

The split clamp 33 is adapted to secure, relative to I-panel 19, a vibrating motor designated 'generally 4as41. A bolt 42 and a nut 43 screwed on the threaded portion of the bolt 42 serves to tighten the split clamp 33 in conventional manner to secure the motor 41 to the resilient I-panel 19.

Electric cord 44 supplies power to the motor 41 through a rheostat 45. A suitable cord,:not shown, is adapted to be plugged into the house supply to supply current to the rheostat and in turn vto the'motor 41 through the cord 44. The rheostat45 vis secured to one of the cross bars 1S, as shown in Fig. 1, by brackets 46 and screws 47. A control knob 48 is positioned, as shown in Figs. l, 2y and 3, for convenient manual operation -by the occupant of the chair. The contro-l knob 48 is adapted to be turned to rotate the shaft 49 controlling the settings of the rheostat 45. Suitable rheostat indications 50 are provided relative to the control knob, as shown in Fig. l.

As shown most clearly in Figs. l, 2 andl 4, the 'vibrating motor 41 has a metallic alloy housing, designated generally as 51, which is of a conguration'which enables the motor 41 to be either clamped'within the split clamp 33, as illustrated in the drawings, or to be-secured'idirectly to the resilient I-panel 19 without the :use of a'split clamp. This embodiment of my invention `is-not illustrated but it will be apparent that the housing 51is pro- -Vided `with a at bottomportion 52. If desired to secure the motor 41 to the resilient I-panell 19 Withoutlthe -use of a split clamp I drill asuitable number *of holes inthe bottom portion 52 of the housing 51l and -a corresponding suitable number of -holes in the resilient I-pan'el 19 to register withrthe holes in the at'bottom'portion 52 of the housing 51. I then'may usescrewsor bolts lto secure the motor 41 to the I-panel 19. Suitabley cushionis interposed between--the flat bottom Yportion 52 of the housing 51 and the resilient I-panel 19.

In Figs. 4 and 5 I have illustrated in detail the vibrating motor 41. Vibrating motors of 'the prior art used to produce a vibrating effect conventionally utilize an olf conter weight or eccentric attached to a motor shaft. Such a conventional vibrating motor is illustrated in the embodiment of my invention illustratedin Figs. 9v and 10. When the shaft of such a'conventionalmotorrotates a vibrating effect is produced. In such a motor construction, it wiil be noted that a portion of the shaft and the eccentric are exposed, thus creating a possible mechanical and electrical hazard. If such a motor-ismerely enclosed in a housing there is a pronounced damping which seriously affects the Vibratory eect. 'Such a conventional motor is also subject to the disadvantage that relatively cheap sleeve bearings may not'be utilized economicaliy for such a motor as the motor cannot withstand the strain of the rotating eccentric or ott-center *Weight for any prolonged period of time. Thus relatively Vexpensive ball or roller bearings must-be used inthe construction of such conventional vibratory motors to Withstand the strain of the rotating eccentric weight.

To overcome the disadvantages in the conventional motor, as pointed out above, I provide a housing 51 which completely encloses all moving parts of thev motor 41. The housing 51 has air inlet openings53 and air outlet openings 54. At the forward and rearward portions of the housing 51 are provided annular interiorly projecting annular ilanges 55 and 56 which have'tted therein sleeve bearings 57 and 58. Thefrnotor shaftf59 is adapted to rotate and be supported at the outer extremities of the shaft 59 by the sleeve bearings 57 4and 58, lwhich act asV suspension points lfor the motor shaft `59. If desired I may use ball or roller bearings lin place of sleeve bearings 57 and 58 but the principle ofsuspending the motor shaft 59 as described makes it possible'to use the cheaper sleeve bearings with Vsatisfactory results under continuous use of the motor.

The electric motor 41 'which I prefer to utilizeinmy invention is a variable speed electric motorhavinga range from zero to approximately 4,000 r.p.m.s under load or from zero to approximately 11,000 r.p.m.s with free load. I have found that such a motor of approximately 1,40 horsepower gives excellent results in my inventive vibrating assembly. The motor 41 includes a stator frame -60 in which the rotor 461 is mounted and a commutator 62 fixed upon the shaft 59 adapted to operate in conventional manner.

When the rotor 61 rotates a fan 63v secured to the motor shaft 59 Will force air drawn through the inlet openings S3 through the motor 41 and out through the air outlet openings 54, thus keeping the Vibrating motor 41 Icool.

The vibrating motor 41 is mechanically vibrated by an oft-center or eccentric weight 64 mounted on the forward end of the motor shaft 59 by means of a set screw 65 threaded into the eccentric weight and bearing against the motor shaft 59. When the motor 41 rotates, the rotating oi-center or eccentric weight 64 mechanically .vibrates the entire motor assembly, including the housing 51.

I have discovered that in my inventive construction, described above, wherein the vibrating motor is not directly attached to the mass of the chair, that when the rheostat is turned on from the zero point to approximately 65 to 85 on a scale of from zero -to one hundred the motor assembly vibrates mechanically and lthe housing 51 transmits its vibration to the resilient I-panel 19, which l-panel 19 fleXes or is displaced from the center of motion by as much as one-half inch at maximum vibration at the central portion of the resilient l-panel 19, thus imparting massage action to all portions of the chair including the seat 11, side arm rests 12, back rest 13 and foot rest 14, when used as a reclining chair, which is a massage action of Variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced vibration This Vibration in the lower speed range of the motor gives the sensation 'of a thumping up and down massage action, with the efect becoming stronger as the Irheostat is turned up to a setting of approximately 65 to 85. The gap between the pulsations in this vibrating action appears -to be relatively wide. The resilient I-panel 19 vibrates or ilexes and has the form of half of a simple harmonic Wave. However, when the rheostat is turned further up on the scale, i.e. above a setting of approximately 65 to 85, i.e. above approximately 3,000 r.p.m.s the vibration action changes from a thumping up and down massage action into a high harmonic oscillating massage action of variable high frequency intensity to pronounced oscillation The resilient I-panel 19 appears to be displaced during oscillation only about 1A@ of an inch from the center of motion at maximum oscillation at the central portion of the resilient I-panel 19. This oscillation in the upper speed range of the motor gives the sensation of a complex circular Wave motion dilering completely in sensation and feeling to the occupant of the chair from the vibration massage action. It appears that the gap between pulsations in the higher range'is narrower resulting in this circular, rippling, oscillating massage motion. The resilient I-panel 19 oscillates or exes and loses the form of half of a simple harmonic wave and assumes the form of high harmonic waves and there is set up a |circular wave motion. After the range of oscillating massage action has been entered, i.e. from approximately a setting of 65 to 85 up to a setting of 100, if the rheostat is then turned down the oscillating massage action continues until the rheostat reaches a setting within the range of from l5 to 25 when the vibrating massage action resumes. y

I have described the action of the resilient I-panel 19 when both vibrating and oscillating to impart massage action to the chair. The difference between the two actions is readily apparent by observing the action of the resilient 4I-panel 19 and clearly felt by an occupant using the chair 1 0' in which my vibrating assembly is incorpofated.' The operation of my`vibrating assembly: app's to be as follows: During the period of Lfvibrating massage action, as the motor 41 rotates, the rotating offcenter or eccentric Weight 64 rotates imparting vibrations to :the housing 51 which in turn transmits vibration to the resilient I-panel 19. As Ithe speed of the motor 41 and the rotation of the eccentric weight 64 increases, the I-panel y19 begins to ex or vibrate in an up and down motion under the inuence of the housing 51 from a comparatively small displacement from :the center of m'otion at low rheostat settings to a displacement ofras much as half an inch from the center of motion at the center of the resilient I-panel 19 when the rheostat-setting approaches the range of approximately 65 to 85. Apparently the housing 51, during low speed range of the motor, as it vibrates, imparts-to the resilient I-panel 19 impulses or forces which result in an up and down m'otion of the resilient I-panel 19 .but does'not set up high harmonic vibrations in the, I-panel l19 nor is there a perceptible lateral or circular motion. Howevenwhen the rheostat is turned up and enters the range 'of approximately l65 to 85 the oscillating massage action occurs. During the period of oscillating massage action, as de', scribed above, as the m'otor 41 rotates, the rotating offcenter or eccentric weight `64, rotating at high speed, transmits a more rapid impulse to the housingv51 which in part assists the vibration'action and in part opposes the same, thus throwing the resilient I-panel 19 into high harmonic action whereA the maximum displacement observed from the center of motion at the center of the resilient I-panel 19 is only 2%@ of aninch at the maxi.- mum rheostat setting. The complex motion set up during the period of oscillation has a lateral component and a definitely observable circular motion, along with a rapid up and down motion of the resilient I-panel 19. This complex motion may be due in part to they resilient connections between the motor housing S1 and the resilient I-panel 19, the I-pane1'19 and the frame of the chair and to forces set up within the resilient I-panel`19 itself.

lt will be understood that the weight and speed of the motor I41 and the weight of the olf-center or veccentric weight 64 have an effect on the vibratory and,oscil lating massage action, resulting Vromrthe motion ofI the resilient Ir-bar 19. Similarly the proportionsl of theI-panel y1'9 and the material of which it is formed willhave aneffect upon its vibration and oscillation I prefer to use a variable speed series wound motor-,as described above, having an eccentric weighing approximately 3 ounces and utilizing a clamp assembly as illustrated. I prefer to use a `resilient I-panel l19 of spring steel, approximately 24 inches long, one and one-half incheswide and `three-- sixteenths of an inch in thickness, which I have found may be adapted to lit most conventional club orrreclining chairs. The brackets 21 Imay be made adjustable to iit chairs of varying dimensions by appropriate positioning of the holes drilled therein.

I have discovered that my vibrating assembly described above is quiet in operation during the entire .vibratingf and oscillating massage action ranges by reason of the construction of the motor 41, the utilization of the resilient I-panel 19, the disposition of the rubber step washers 30 and the rubber washers 31 cushioning the brackets 21 relative to the resilient I-panel 19 and the rubber ring 38 cushioning the motor housing 51 relative to the resilient I-panel 19. I have also discovered that noise is further minimized and the vibrating and oscillating actionis insulated from the floor upon which the chair rests by the cushion members 16 provided for the legs 15. Thus the vibrating and oscillating massage laction may be vdescribed as a oating action.

'adapted to be incorporated in a conventional'reclining chair, such as is illustrated in Fig. 1. YInthisg. embodiment 1 provide a; resilient board ,66, which I prefer to be formed `ofwaterproof'plywood. Adjacent the two ends of the .board.;66, are drilledholes 67. The l.board 66V is secured tto,the-crossfbarwmembers :18 of the chair 10 as follows: A.1J-shapedbrackets l68 are secured to the cross bars 18 :by-bolts 69` :passing through holes 70 drilled in the `arms .7.1,ofthe U-brackets 68 and holes 72 drilled through the cross :bar members '18; nuts 73 are threaded on the threadedjportion of the bolts :69; the U-brackets 68 have holes74 drilled'thereinfadapted Yto register with the :holes .67 :ofgtheaboard 66. The VU-,bracketsf68.are'cush- .ioned relative Yto the board k66 by-rubber mountings 75. The -rubberfmountings 75 have an'upperl metalstud por- .tion376welded1tofthe rubber, adapted to rfit into the holes 167of1hewfhoard 66. .The upperA metal stud portion 76 Apasses through the holes 67 of the board 66 and are secured: topthe hoard as by the T-nut 77. I may use a lock nut in placent-.the T-nut 77. Therubber mountings 75 have a :downwardly depending metal stud portion 78 2adapted^to=pass through the .holes 74 drilled in the U- -bracket 68 :and are Asecured theretofby the `lock nuts 79. .As-willibe :seen-most clearly in Fig. 9, the rubber mountings 75 .thus provide a cylindrical rubber cushion between nthe board.66 and'fthe U-brackets 68 with no direct-'metal .connection between the stud portions 76 and 78. At the same timethe'studs 76 and 78 of the rubber mountings '75,: with'their` respective securing vmeans 77 and 79 eiectivelyA and-resiliently :secure the yboard 66 and the U- brackets '68 'to' the rubber mountings 75.

1"Disposed centrally of the board 66 I provide brackets '80:and 81 shaped to'receive'an electric motor 82. To se- 'curethemotor- 82 within the brackets 80 and 81 I provide -Ushap`ed- members 83 and 84 terminating in threaded "extremities ywhichpass -through holes 85 drilled in the abrackets 80 -and 81 and through'holes-86 drilled in the -boardf66. 1` To cushion 'the U-shaped members v83 and 84 'relative to the motor 82. and the lbrackets 80 and 81 there 'ispositioned a rubber cylinder 87. l Lock nuts 88 secure the- Ushaped members 83 and84 to the board 66, as shown in Fig. 10. I also provide washers 89 between -the-lock nuts-188 anda-the board 66. 1VElectric cord v44 supplies power to the motor 82through a'rheostati45. A suitable cord, not shown, is adapted to be plugged into the house supply to supply current to the rh'eostat and inturn to the motor 82 through the cord 44. 'The'rheostatS issecured to one of the cross bars V18, as shown Fig. 8 by a bracket 46. Also secured to the Mcross"ba1""18 is a-jlunction box- 90. A control knob '48 is positioned'forfconvenient manual operation by the occupant ofthechair. The control knob 48 is'adapted to be turned'to'rotate the shaft 49 controllingthe setting of the rheostatv 45. YSuitable rheostat indications are provided relative-to the control knob, similar to that shown in .Fig.k l.

As noted above, the motor 82 which I use in this embodiment, is a conventional motor 82,v to the shaft 59 of which is mounted an off-center-or eccentric weight'64 by ncansiof a'set`screw-65'threaded-into the oit-center or eccentric weight and bearing against the `motor shaft 59. `Ifdesired afan, notV shown, may be attached to the motor vshaft 59 to; aid-incooling the motor 82. When the motor ';82rotates, the rotating off-center or eccentric' weight 64 mechanically vibrates the entiremotor assembly, which forces'are: transmitted to the board 66.

vI have discovered, as in the case of the embodiment of my invention illustrated 'in'Figs 1 through 7,-that I may produce both lthe"vibration action vand sensation'and the:oscillatinigfaction and `sensation described hereinabove intthe Vembodiment v'ofmy 'vibrating assembly illustrated'in Figs. 8 through 10.

It will also be understood that the weight and speed of "the motor '82and'the weight of the oil-center or eccentric yvveight64"willhavean-eiectfon the vibratory and oscillating Lmassagegaction Similarlythe -proportions of l111e'@board-'66-and-the material of which it is` formedvvill length, 8 inches in Width and 5/16 of an inch thick. I also prefer touse a variable speed series wound'motor of from zero to 4,000 r.p.m.s under load, Aapproximately 1/r 0 horsepower.

A .person skilled in the art with the knowledge of the invention described herein will be able to relate the dimensions of the resilient I-panel 19, described inthe embodiment shown in Figs. 1 through 7, and the dimensions of the.board.66, described in the embodiment shown in Figs. 8 through 10, .to the various factors to result in a vibrating assembly in accordance with my invention.

Although I prefer to utilize amotor with the range described, together With a rheostat, to provide for a wide range of both the vibrating and oscillating massage action, I may use in my vibrating assembly a single speed motor of a range of from 1500 to 2000 r.p.m.s,under load, with a single on and oli type of toggle switch. In such an embodiment of my invention there will be produced only the vibratory massage action within a medium range. In such embodiment I'preferto use a motor of 1;@0 horsepower.

If desired, I may utilize in my invention a two speed electric motor with a low speed range of from 1500 to '2000 r.p.m.s under load and a high speed range of from 3200 to 3700 r.p.m.s under load. By utilizing a three way switch, in such an embodiment of my invention, the user may produce a single vibrating massage actionrof medium range by throwing the switch to the low speed connection or produce a single oscillating :massagevacytion of medium range by throwing the switch to high speed position. The third position of the switch, of course, would 'be to the oli position.

While I have described the iuse of a spring steel vibrating I-panel, which I have discovered will withstand extreme exing without cracking, and a board of waterproof plywood, which I have discovered will withstand extreme vibration, other metals, woods and plastics, may be used to provide a vibrating or oscillating strip, panel or board.

While I have described particular embodiments of my inventive'structure, it is obvious that many changes may 'be made Without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A vibrating chair comprising a-base frame, a resilient panel resiliently mounted on said base frame and means resiliently mounted on said resilient panel for imparting controlled vibratory motion to said resilient panel, saidresilient panel in turn transmitting controlled vibratory motion through its resilient mounting to said base frame.

2. A chair structure having the appearance of a conventional club or reclining chair and usable as such comprising a base frame, a resilient panel, resilient means interposed between said .base frame and said resilient panel, an oi balance motor centrally and resiliently mounted on said resilient panel and control means lfor actuating said off balance motor.

3. A massage device for a person to recline thereon and receive controlled waves of vibration having either a massage action of variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced vibration or a massage action of variable high frequency intensity from mild to pronounced high harmonic oscillating action comprising a base'frame, said base frame being suitably upholstered to form a seat portion, side arm rests, an upholstered back rest swingably secured to said base frame, an upholstered foot rest swingably secured to said `base frame, a resilient panel, resilient means connected between said resilient panel and said base frame, a vibrator vmechanism secured Y-to and centrally disposed on said resilient panel andelectrical control means for actuating said vibrator mechanism and regulating thev intensityand-characteristics of the vibration of said resilient panel from `a massage action of variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced vibration to a massage action of variable high frequency` intensity from `mild to pronounced high harmonic oscillating action, said resilient panel transmitting vibrations to said base frame and throughesaidbase frame to said seat, side arm rests, back rest and foot rest.

4. A massage device for the `human body having the appearance of aconventional chair and usable as such comprising a base frame, va resilient panel resiliently mounted to lthe base frame, a motor resiliently mounted on said resilient panel, said motor including a shaft and weight eccentrically carried by the motor shaft for imparting vibration to said resilient panel upon rotation of the motor shaft and control means for regulating the speed of said motor, said motor imparting controlled vibratory motion to said resilient panel, said resilient panel in turn transmitting controlled vibratory motion to said base frame.

5. A massage device for the human body comprising a base frame, a resilient panel resiliently mounted to said base frame, means resiliently mounted on said resilient panel for imparting vibrations to said resilient panel and control means for regulating the intensity and character istics of the Vibrations of said resilient panel, said resilient panel transmitting controlled vibratory motion to said base frame.

6. A massage device for the human Ibody comprising a base frame, including outer frame members and cross bar members, a resilient board resiliently mounted to the cross bar members of said base frame, a motor resiliently mounted -on said resilient board, said motor including a shaft and weight eccentrically carried by the motor shaft for imparting vibration to said resilient board upon rotation of the motor shaft, said means resiliently mounting said `resilient board on said cross bar members comprising angle irons secured to the cross bar members of said base frame, cushion elements of resilient material hav ing a centrally disposed stud extending from each of the opposite ends thereof, said cushion elements being disposed between said angle irons and said resilient board, corresponding apertures in said angle irons and in said resilient board to receive the stud portion of said cushion elements and nuts secured on said stud portions of said cushion elements contacting the top of said vibrating board and the underside of said angle irons respectively, to resiliently mount said resilient board to the cross bar members of said base frame.

7. A massage device for the human body having the 'appearance of a conventional chair and usable as such comprising a base frame, including outer frame members, a resilient panel, means resiliently mounting said resilient panel on the outer frame members of said base frame, a motor resiliently mounted on said resilient panel, said motor including a shaft and weight eccentrically carried by the motor shaft for imparting vibration to said resilient panel upon rotation of the motor shaft, the means resiliently mounting said resilient panel to said outer frame members comprising a plurality of Z brackets secured to the outer frame members, a plurality of cushion elements of resilient material disposed between said Z brackets and said resilient panel and bolts extending through corresponding apertures in said Z brackets and said resilient panel to resiliently position said cushion elements between said Z brackets and said resilient panel.

8. A massage device for the human body comprising a base frame including outer frame members and cross bar members, said base ame being suitably unholstered to form a seat portion, side arm rests, a back rest and a foot rest, legs connected to said base frame, -a resilient panel of spring steel, resilient means disposed between said resilient panel and said outer frame members, a vibrator mechanism resiliently secured to said resilient panel and control means for actuating said vibrator mechanism and regulating the intensity and characteristics ofthe vibration to an occupant of the massage device from a massage action of variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced vibration wherein the resilient panel vibrates in the form of half of a simple harmonic wave to a massage action of Variable high frequency intensity from mild to pronounced oscillation wherein the resilient panel oscillates in the form of high harmonic waves.

9. A massage device for the human body comprising a base frame including outer frame members and cross bar members, said base frame being suitably upholstered to form a seat portion, side arm rests, a back rest and a foot rest, legs connected to said base frame, a resilient plywood board, resilient means disposed between said resilient plywood board and said cross bar members, a vibrator mechanism resiliently secured to and centrally disposed on said resilient board and electrical control means for actuating said vibrator mechanism and regulating the intensity and characteristics of the Vibration transmitted by said resilient plywood board to said cross bar members and through said cross bar members in turn through said seat portion, side arm rests, back rest and Afoot rest to an occupant of the massage device from a massage action of variable low frequency intensity from mild to pronounced vibration to -a massage action of Variable high frequency intensity from mild to pronounced oscillation.

l0. A vibrating assembly for attachment to the frame of a chair or like piece of furniture comprising a resilient panel, a housing secured to said resilient panel and centrally 'disposed thereto, a pair of sleeve bearings in the respective ends of said housing, an electric motor within said housing having an armature and -a motor shaft, said motor shaft having its respective ends journaled in said sleeve bearings whereby said motor shaft is supported by said housing at the respective ends of said motor shaft, eccentric vibrating means carried by said shaft within sa'id housing, between said sleeve bearings and freely rotatable on said shaft whereby rotation of said motor will cause vibratory movement of said motor which vibrations are transmitted through said housing to said resilient panel and means mounting said resilient panel on the frame of the chair.

11. A vibrating assembly for attachment to the frame of a chair or like piece of furniture comprising a resilient panel, a housing secured to said resilient panel and centrally disposed thereto, a motor within said housing, a shaft rotatable by said motor, bearings for supporting said shaft at the respective ends of said housing, a Weight eccentrically carried by said shaft Within said housing, between said bearings and freely rotatable on said shaft whereby rotation of said motor will cause vibratory movement of said motor which vibrations are transmitted through said housing to said resilient panel and means mounting said resilient panel on the frame of the chair.

l2. A vibrating assem ly for attachment to the frame of `a chair or like piece of furniture comprising a resilient panel, a housing secured to said resilient panel and centrally disposed thereto, said housing being provided with annular end members projecting inwardly and enclosed within said housing, said annular end members having bearings positioned therein, a motor within said housing including a motor shaft, said motor shaft being rotatably mounted in said bearings and a weight eccentrically carried by said shaft Within said housing, between said bearings and rotatable therewith whereby rotation of said motor will cause vibratory movement of said motor which vibrations are transmitted through said housing to said resilient panel and means resiliently mounting said resilient panel on the frame of the chair.

13. A vibrating assembly for attachment to the frame of a chair or like piece of furniture comprising a resilient panel, a substantially cylindrical housing having a flat bottom portion, the at bottom portion of said housing being resiliently secured to said resilient panel at the central portion of said resilient panel, driving means rotatably mounted within said housing including a shaft journaled in bearings in the opposite ends of said housing, a Weight eccentrically carried by said shaft within said housing, between said 'bearings and rotatable therewith whereby said Weight is driven by said driving means and will cause vibratory movement of said driving means which vibrations are transmitted through said housing to said resilient panel, control means adapted to control the rate of rotation of said driving means whereby the period of vibration of said Weight may be varied and 1.2 means resiliently mounting said resilient panel on the frame of the chair.

References Cited 'in the le of -this patent UNITED STATES PIENTS 1,615,615 VCannon v.- Jan. 25, 1927 2,497,751 Wettlaufer Feb. 14, 1950 2,587,207 Peterson Feb, 26, 1952 2,595,272 Kost May 6, 1952 2,668,530 Tackaberry a Feb. 9, l1954 2,715,900 Posner Aug. 23, 1955 2,717,593 Murphy Sept. 13, 1955

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