APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING AND ROCKING A PERSON IN A PRONE POSITION

Abstract

The present invention relates to apparatus 1 for supporting and rocking a person, the apparatus comprising a base 2, a platform 3 that is configured to support a person thereon in a prone position, and a mounting system 4 that mounts the platform to the base and enables the platform to be rocked relative to the base. The mounting system 4 comprises at least one linkage mechanism 60 including a plurality of rigid linkage members that are pivotally connected to each other, to the base 2 and to the platform 3. In particular, the linkage mechanism 4 includes a first linkage member 61, a second linkage member 62 and a third linkage member 63, each of which has a first end and a second end. The first end 61a of the first linkage member 61 is pivotally connected to a first one of the base 2 and the platform 3 at a first pivot point P1. The first end 62a of the second linkage member 62 is also pivotally connected to the first one of the base 2 and the platform 3 at a second pivot point P2 spaced apart from the first pivot point P1. The first end 63a of the third linkage member 63 is pivotally connected to the second end 61b of the first linkage member 61 at a third pivot point P3 and pivotally connected to the second end 62b of the second linkage member 62 at a fourth pivot point P4 spaced apart from the third pivot point P3, and the second end 63b of the third linkage member 63 is pivotally connected to a second one of the base 2 and the platform 3 at a fifth pivot point P5.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting and rocking a person, the apparatus comprising a base, a platform that is configured to support a person thereon in a prone position, and a mounting system that mounts the platform to the base and enables the platform to be rocked relative to the base; wherein the mounting system comprises at least one mounting assembly in the form of a linkage mechanism including: a first linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first linkage member being pivotally connected to a first one of the base and the platform at a first pivot point; a second linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second linkage member being pivotally connected to the first one of the base and the platform at a second pivot point spaced apart from the first pivot point, and a third linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third linkage member being pivotally connected to the second end of the first linkage member at a third pivot point and pivotally connected to the second end of the second linkage member at a fourth pivot point spaced apart from the third pivot point, the second end of the third linkage member being pivotally connected to a second one of the base and the platform at a fifth pivot point.

2. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 1, wherein the linkage mechanism is configured to allow the portion of the platform to which it is connected to rotate about a pivot axis located above the platform.

3. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 2, wherein the pivot axis is located at least substantially directly above a mid-point of the platform and/or at least substantially directly above a center of mass of the platform when the platform is around a mid-point of its movement path.

4. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 1, wherein the first and second linkage members are pivotally connected to the base at the first and second pivot points, and the third linkage member is pivotally connected to the platform at the fifth pivot point.

5. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 1, wherein the third and fourth pivot points at which the first and second linkage members are pivotally connected to the third linkage member are arranged above the first and second pivot points at which the first and second linkage members are pivotally connected to the first one of the base and the platform.

6. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 1, further comprising a motor that is configured to control movement of the platform.

7. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 6, wherein the motor is configured to drive an output shaft, wherein the output shaft is operatively coupled to the platform by a drive mechanism, optionally via the linkage mechanism, the drive mechanism including a first drive member or cam that is connected to the output shaft and configured to rotate together with the output shaft, and a second drive member that is pivotally connected to the first drive member or cam and further pivotally connected to the platform or to one of the linkage members of the linkage mechanism in order to control movement of the platform.

8. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 1, wherein the mounting system further comprises a second mounting assembly that is connected to the platform at a location that is spaced apart from the location at which the linkage mechanism is connected to the platform in a direction aligned with a movement direction of the platform, the second mounting assembly being configured to control movement of the portion of the platform to which it is connected relative to the base.

9. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 8, wherein the second mounting assembly is configured to allow the portion of the platform to which it is connected to rotate about a pivot axis located above the platform.

10. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 9, wherein the pivot axis about which the second mounting assembly allows the portion of the platform to which it is connected to rotate is at least substantially aligned with the pivot axis about which the linkage mechanism allows the portion of the platform to which it is connected to rotate.

11. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 8, wherein the second mounting assembly comprises a second linkage mechanism including: a first linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first linkage member being pivotally connected to the first one of the base and the platform at a first pivot point; a second linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second linkage member being pivotally connected to the first one of the base and the platform at a second pivot point spaced apart from the first pivot point, and a third linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third linkage member being pivotally connected to the second end of the first linkage member at a third pivot point and pivotally connected to the second end of the second linkage member at a fourth pivot point spaced apart from the third pivot point, the second end of the third linkage member being pivotally connected to the second one of the base and the platform at a fifth pivot point.

12. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 8, wherein the first and second mounting assemblies are connected to the platform on a first side of the platform, wherein the mounting system further comprises third and fourth mounting assemblies having similar configurations to the first and second mounting assemblies, the third and fourth mounting assemblies being connected to the platform on a second side of the platform opposed to the first side.

13. An apparatus for supporting and rocking a person, the apparatus comprising a base, a platform that is configured to support a person thereon in a prone position, and a mounting system that mounts the platform to the base and enables the platform to be rocked relative to the base; the mounting system comprising: a first mounting assembly that is coupled to the platform at a first connection point and configured to allow the portion of the platform to which it is connected to rotate about a first pivot axis located above the platform, and a second mounting assembly that is coupled to the platform at a second connection point spaced apart from the first connection point in a direction aligned with a movement direction of the platform and configured to allow the portion of the platform to which it is connected to rotate about a second pivot axis located above the platform, wherein the second pivot axis is at least substantially aligned with the first pivot axis to form a common pivot axis.

14. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the first and second mounting assemblies comprises a linkage mechanism including a plurality of rigid linkage members that are pivotally connected to each other, to the base and to the platform.

15. The apparatus for supporting and rocking a person according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the first and second mounting assemblies comprises a linkage mechanism including: a first linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first linkage member being pivotally connected to a first one of the base and the platform at a first pivot point; a second linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second linkage member being pivotally connected to the first one of the base and the platform at a second pivot point spaced apart from the first pivot point, and a third linkage member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the third linkage member being pivotally connected to the second end of the first linkage member at a third pivot point and pivotally connected to the second end of the second linkage member at a fourth pivot point spaced apart from the third pivot point, the second end of the third linkage member being pivotally connected to a second one of the base and the platform at a fifth pivot point.

16. An apparatus for supporting and rocking a person, the apparatus comprising a base, a platform that is configured to support a person thereon in a prone position, and a mounting system that mounts the platform to the base and enables the platform to be rocked relative to the base; wherein the platform comprises a platform body, an upper body support that is mounted to the platform body and configured to support the upper body or torso of a person, and a lower body support that is mounted to the platform body and configured to support the lower body or legs of a person; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the upper body support and the lower body support is movable relative to the platform body in order to facilitate mounting and/or dismounting of the platform and/or to facilitate adjustment of the platform to accommodate people of different sizes.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the upper body support is pivotable relative to the platform body between a first position in which the upper body support is configured to support the upper body of a person while the person is being rocked on the platform, and a second position for facilitating mounting and/or dismounting of the platform.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the upper body support comprises an upper body support frame that is connected to the platform body and extends outwardly therefrom, and a skin or pellicle that is connected to the upper body support frame and configured to support the upper body or torso of a person thereon.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the upper body support frame is provided with a length adjustment system that is operable to adjust the length of the upper body support in order to accommodate people of different sizes.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the lower body support is movable relative to the platform body in a direction towards and away from the upper body support in order to accommodate people of different sizes.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] Embodiments of the invention will now be described as non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0084] FIGS. 1 to 3 schematically illustrate an apparatus for supporting and rocking a person in a prone position according to one possible embodiment of the present invention;

[0085] FIGS. 4a-4c schematically illustrate side views of the apparatus with a platform of the apparatus at different positions relative to a base of the apparatus;

[0086] FIGS. 5a-5c schematically illustrate side views of a frame and mounting system of the apparatus at different positions relative to the base;

[0087] FIGS. 6a and 6b schematically illustrate a curved path along which the platform of the apparatus is rocked during use of the apparatus;

[0088] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the base of the apparatus;

[0089] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the base of the apparatus with the mounting system connected thereto;

[0090] FIGS. 9a and 9b schematically illustrate a drive system of the apparatus that is configured to drive movement of the platform and a locking system that is configured to lock the position of the platform;

[0091] FIGS. 10a and 10b schematically illustrate the apparatus with an upper portion of the platform in an elevated position;

[0092] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an underside of a frame forming part of the apparatus;

[0093] FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a lower portion of the platform of the apparatus, and

[0094] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a remote controller of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0095] FIGS. 1 to 13 schematically illustrate an apparatus 1 for supporting and rocking a person in a prone position according to one possible embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 1 extends in a length direction L between first and second ends 1a, 1b, and in a width direction W between first and second sides 1c, 1d. The length and width directions L, W of the apparatus 1 are perpendicular to each other, and extend in a horizontal plane when the apparatus 1 is on flat level ground. The apparatus 1 also has a height direction H which extends perpendicular to the length and width directions L, W, and is vertical when the apparatus 1 is on flat level ground.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a shroud 100 that extends around both sides and a first end of the apparatus 1 and is configured to provide privacy to a person using the apparatus 1. However, the shroud 100 has been omitted from the remaining figures for clarity.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the apparatus 1 comprises a base 2 that is configured to rest on the ground and to support the weight of the apparatus 1, and a platform 3 that is configured to support a person thereon in a prone position. The platform 3 is mounted to the base 2 by a mounting system 4, which is visible in FIGS. 3 and 4a-4c. The mounting system 4 is configured to enable the platform 3 to be rocked backwards and forwards relative to the base 2 with a regular, rhythmic, swinging motion along a curved movement path about a pivot axis located above the apparatus 1 in order to induce relaxation and sleep in a person located on the platform 3, as described in more detail below.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7, the base 2 comprises a base frame 10, which is formed by a plurality of interconnected struts 11 and is substantially planar and substantially rectangular in shape. The base 2 has length, width and height directions that are aligned with the length, width and height directions L, W, H of the apparatus 1, and the base frame 10 extends in the length direction L between first and second ends 10a, 10b and in the width direction W between first and second sides 10c, 10d. The base frame 10 is configured to extend in a horizontal plane when the apparatus 1 is on flat level ground.

[0099] The base 2 further comprises a plurality of feet 12 that are configured to support the base 2 on the ground. The feet 12 are connected to the base frame 10 and extend downwardly from a lower side thereof in order to engage the ground.

[0100] The base 2 further comprises a plurality of lugs 13 that are configured to support the mounting system 4 of the apparatus 1. The lugs 13 are connected to the base frame 10 and extend upwardly from an upper side thereof. The lugs 13 are provided in pairs, each of which includes a first lug 13 provided towards the first side 10c of the base frame 10 and a second lug 13 provided towards the second side 10d of the base frame 10. The pairs of lugs 13 include a first pair of lugs 13a that are provided towards a mid-point of the base frame 10 in the length direction L, a second paid of lugs 13b that are offset from the first pair 13a in a direction towards the first end 10a of the base frame 10, and a third pair of lugs 13c that are offset from the first pair 13a in a direction towards the second end 10b of the base frame 10. The opposed lugs of each pair are connected together by a reinforcing strut 14.

[0101] Each of the lugs 13 includes a mounting aperture 15 that extends therethrough in a direction aligned with the width direction W of the apparatus 1 and is configured to receive and retain a shaft of the mounting system 4. In particular, as shown in FIG. 5b, the first pair of lugs 13a supports a first mounting shaft 71 that extends in the width direction W of the apparatus 1 at a location towards the mid-point of the base frame 10, the second pair of lugs 13b supports a second mounting shaft 72 that extends in the width direction W of the apparatus 1 at a location offset towards the first end 10a of the base frame 10, and the third pair of lugs 13c supports a third mounting shaft 73 that extends in the width direction W of the apparatus 1 at a location offset towards the second end 10b of the base frame 10.

[0102] The base 2 further comprises a pair of mounting towers 16, 17 that are configured to support a drive system of the apparatus 1, as described in more detail below. The towers 16, 17 are connected to the base frame 10 and extend upwardly from the upper side thereof. The mounting towers 16, 17 are aligned with each other in length direction L at a location between the first and third pairs of lugs 13a, 13c, and are offset from each other in the width direction W, with a first one of the mounting towers 16 being provided towards the second side 10d of the base frame 10 and a second one of the mounting towers 17 being provided towards the first side 10c of the base frame 10.

[0103] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base 2 is also provided with a cover 18 which covers the base frame 10 during normal use of the apparatus 1. However, the base cover 18 has been omitted from the remaining figures for clarity.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 3, the platform 3 comprises a platform frame 20, a first support portion or upper body support 30 that is movably mounted to the platform frame 20 and configured to support the upper body or torso of a person, and a second support portion or lower body support 40 that is movably mounted to the platform frame 20 and configured to support the lower body or legs of a person.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 11, the platform frame 20 is formed by a plurality of interconnected struts, has a 3-dimensional cage-like structure, and extends between first and second ends 20a, 20b in the length direction L and between first and second sides 20c, 20d in the width direction W of the apparatus 1. The platform frame 20 comprises first and second side portions 21, 22 that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction W of the apparatus 1 and define the first and second sides 20c, 20d of the platform frame 20.

[0106] Each of the first and second side portions 21, 22 of the platform frame 20 comprises a lower member 20 that extends in a direction substantially aligned with the length direction L of the apparatus 1 between the first and second ends 20a, 20b of the platform frame 20, a front member 20 that is connected to the lower member 20 at the first end 20a of the platform frame 20 and extends upwardly therefrom in a substantially vertical direction, a rear member 20 that is connected to the lower member 20 at the second end 20b of the platform frame 20 and extends upwardly therefrom in a direction that is angled towards the first end 20a of the platform frame 20, and an upper member 20 that extends between and is connected to the upper ends of the front and rear members 20, 20.

[0107] The first and second side portions 21, 22 of the platform frame 20 are connected together by a plurality of connecting struts 23, which extend between and connect the side portions 21, 22 at various different locations and prevent the side portions 21, 22 from moving relative to each other. The connecting struts 23 include a first connecting strut located adjacent to the lower ends of the rear members 20, a second connecting strut located adjacent to the upper ends of the rear members 20, and a third connecting strut located approximately half way along the upper members 20 of the platform frame 20.

[0108] The platform frame 20 is provided with a plurality of mounting apertures 24, each of which is configured to receive and retain a shaft of the mounting system 4 in order to mount the platform 3 to the base 2. In particular, the lower members 20 of the platform frame 20 are provided with a first pair of mounting apertures at a location towards the first end 20a of the platform frame 20, and a second pair of mounting apertures at a location towards the mid-point of the platform frame 20. The first pair of mounting apertures support a pair of first mounting shafts 74 and the second pair of mounting apertures support a pair of second mounting shafts 75 at a location that is offset from the first mounting shafts 74 in a direction towards the second end 20b of the platform frame 20. Each of the mounting shafts 74, 75 (which are not shown in FIG. 11 but are visible in various other figures including FIGS. 4a and 8) extends inwardly from the lower member 20 to which it is connected a short distance into the interior of the platform frame 20 in the width direction W of the apparatus 1.

[0109] The platform frame 20 is also provided with a pair of lugs 25 that extend outwardly from the rear members 20 on either side of the platform frame 20 in a direction towards the second end 20b of the platform frame 20. The lugs 25 support a shaft 26 (shown in FIG. 5a) that extends therebetween in a direction aligned with the width direction W of the apparatus 1, which is used to mount the upper body support 30 to the platform frame 20. The platform frame 20 is also provided with a pair of elongate guide rails 27 that are connected to and extend between the first and second connecting struts 23. The guide rails 27 extend parallel to each other in a direction aligned with the rear members 20 of the platform frame 20, and are used to mount the lower body support 40 to the platform frame 20.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 2, the platform frame 20 is provided with a cover 28 which covers the platform frame 20 and the mounting system 4 by which the platform frame 20 is mounted to the base 2 during normal use of the apparatus 1. However, the platform cover 28 has been omitted from the remaining figures for clarity.

[0111] As also shown in FIG. 2, the upper body support 30 comprises a frame 31, and a skin or pellicle 50 that is mounted to the frame 31 and configured to support the upper body or torso of a person thereon. The frame 31 is pivotally connected to the lugs 25 of the platform frame 20 at a proximal end 31a thereof via the shaft 26, and extends upwardly and outwardly away from the platform frame 20 in a direction towards the first end 1a of the apparatus 1 to a distal end 31b located away from the platform frame 20. The frame 31 also has first and second sides 31c, 31d extending between the proximal and distal ends 31a, 31b.

[0112] The frame 31 of the upper body support 30 is formed of tubular struts and comprises first and second side sections 32, 33 that extend from the proximal end 31a to the distal end 31b of the frame 31 along the first and second sides 31c, 31d thereof. The frame 31 also comprises an end section 34 that extends between and connects the first and second side sections 32, 33 at the distal end 31b of the frame 31. A downwardly curved reinforcing strut 35 is also provided which extends between and connects the first and second side sections 32, 33 at a location adjacent to the proximal end 31a of the frame 31 in order to increase the rigidity of the frame 31 and prevent relative movement between the first and second side sections 32, 33.

[0113] The frame 31 of the upper body support 30 is provided with a pair of mounting portions 36 at its proximal end 31a, which extend downwardly from the inner ends of the side sections 32, 33 on either side of the frame 31. Each of the mounting portions 36 includes an aperture that is aligned with the width direction W of the apparatus 1. The mounting shaft 26 that extends between the lugs 25 of the platform frame 20 is pivotally received in the apertures of the mounting portions 36 of the upper body support frame 31 in order to pivotally mount the upper body support frame 31 to the platform frame 20.

[0114] The position of the upper body support 30 with respect to the platform frame 20 is controlled by a pair of linear actuators 37, each of which is connected to a side 20c, 20d of the platform frame 20 and to a lower end of one of the mounting portions 36 of the upper body support frame 31. The linear actuators 37 are operable to move the upper body support 30 between a raised position (shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b) for facilitating mounting and dismounting of the platform 3 by a user of the apparatus and a lowered position (shown in FIGS. 1 to 4) in which a user may be rocked on the platform 3 in a relaxed position. The side sections 32, 33 of the upper body support frame 31 extend at an angle of approximately 17 degrees to a horizontal plane when the frame 31 is in its lowered position and the platform 3 is in a neutral position around a mid-point of its movement path in order to hold the upper body or torso of a person supported thereon in a comfortable, inclined position, and at an angle of approximately 65 degrees to the horizontal plane when the frame 31 is in its raised position for facilitating mounting and dismounting of the apparatus 1.

[0115] The frame 31 of the upper body support 30 is also provided with a length adjustment system 38 that is operable to adjust the length of the upper body support 30. In particular, each of the side sections 32, 33 of the frame 31 comprises a pair of telescoping frame sections 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b arranged one inside the other that are slidable relative to each other in a direction aligned with the length of the upper body support 30 in order to adjust the length of the upper body support 30.

[0116] Each of the inner telescoping sections 32a, 33a is provided with a row of apertures on its underside, and each of the outer telescoping sections 32b, 33b is provided with a handle 39 that is pivotably mounted to the outer telescoping section 32b, 33b at its end facing the corresponding inner telescoping section 32a, 33a. Each of the handles 39 includes a locking pin at an end thereof that is configured to be received in the apertures provided on the underside of the corresponding inner telescoping section 32a, 33b in order to prevent relative movement between the telescoping sections 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b. Each of the handles 39 is also provided with a spring that acts to bias the end of the handle 39 on which the locking pin is provided towards the corresponding inner telescoping section 32a, 33a such that the handles 39 remain in locked positions with the locking pins each engaged with a respective aperture of the corresponding inner telescoping section 32a, 33a.

[0117] In this way the telescoping sections 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b are generally prevented from moving relative to each other and the upper body support 30 remains at a fixed length when the apparatus 1 is in use. However, when it is desired to adjust the length of the upper body support 30, for example to allow the apparatus 1 to accommodate people of different heights, the handles 39 may be gripped by a user and pivoted against the biasing force of the springs in order to disengage the locking pins from the apertures, thereby enabling the telescoping sections 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b to be slid relative to each other and the length of the upper body support 30 to be adjusted as desired. Once the desired length has been achieved, the handles 39 may then be released in order to allow the springs to move the handles 39 back towards their locked positions, with the locking pins becoming engaged with different apertures on the inner telescoping sections 32a, 33a in order to lock the upper body support 30 at the desired length.

[0118] As mentioned above, the upper body support 30 is also provided with a skin or pellicle 50 that is configured to support the upper body or torso of a person thereon. The pellicle 50 is formed of a flexible, elastically deformable fabric such as neoprene, and is connected to the frame 31 of the upper body support 30 along the first and second sides 31c, 31d and at the distal end 31b of the frame 31. The pellicle 50 comprises a main body including a first attachment portion 51 that extends between and is attached to the side sections 32, 33 of the frame 31 in a first attachment region located adjacent to the proximal end 31a of the frame 31, and a second attachment portion 52 that extends between and is attached to the side sections 32, 33 of the frame 31 at a second attachment region located between the proximal and distal ends 31a, 31b of the frame 31.

[0119] The main body of the pellicle 50 also includes an intermediate portion 53 that is located between the first and second attachment portions 51, 52, at which the pellicle 50 is not attached to the side sections 32, 33 of the frame 31. The length adjustment system 38 of the frame 31 is configured to adjust the length of the frame 31 between the first and second attachment portions 51, 52 of the pellicle 50. The elasticity of the material of the pellicle 50 allows the pellicle 50 to accommodate changes in the length of the upper body support 30. The intermediate portion 53 of the pellicle 50 also includes some slack in the length direction of the upper body support 30 in order to accommodate changes in the length of the upper body support 30.

[0120] The first attachment portion 51 of the pellicle 50 is configured to support the hips of a person, the intermediate portion 53 is configured to support the waist or belly of a person, and the second attachment portion 52 is configured to support the upper torso or chest of a person lying on the pellicle in a prone position. The intermediate portion 53 and the second attachment portion 52 of the pellicle extend in a plane that is defined by the elongate side sections 32, 33 of the upper body support frame 31 in order to hold the back of a person supported on the pellicle 50 in a neutral position. However, the portions of the side sections 32, 33 to which the first attachment portion 51 is attached are angled downwardly away from this plane. The first attachment portion 51 of the pellicle 50 therefore forms a hip support section that is angled downwardly relative to a main portion of the upper body support 30 in order to hold the hips of a person supported on the pellicle 50 in a relaxed, bent position.

[0121] The pellicle 50 includes a plurality of layers of reinforcement, also formed of the same neoprene material as the main body of the pellicle 50, in the first and second attachment portions 51, 52 to provide increased support for the hips and chest of a person lying on the pellicle 50 in a prone position. However, the additional reinforcing layers are not present in the intermediate portion 53 in order to provide increased comfort around the waist or belly area and to facilitate extension of the intermediate portion 53 when the length of the upper body support 30 is adjusted.

[0122] The pellicle 50 also includes a pair of elongate strap-like connecting portions 54 that extend outwardly from the main body of the pellicle 50 in a direction towards the distal end 31b of the frame 31 and are attached to the end section 34 of the frame 31. The connecting portions 54 of the pellicle 50 are spaced apart from each other to define a head aperture 55 therebetween, and are spaced apart from the side sections 32, 33 of the frame 31 to define a pair of arm apertures 56, which are configured to receive the head and arms of a person supported on the pellicle 50 in a prone position. The main body of the pellicle 50 is also provided with a sleeve on an underside thereof in a location adjacent to the head and arm apertures 55, 56, which is configured to receive and support the arms of a person supported on the pellicle 50 in a prone position.

[0123] The upper body support 30 also comprises a head rest 57 that is configured to support the head of a person lying on the pellicle 50 in a prone position. The head rest 57 is located below the head aperture 55 of the pellicle 50 and is connected to the frame 31 of the upper body support 30 by a mounting arm that extends downwardly from the end section 34 of the frame 31. The head rest 57 has a padded upper surface that is shaped to support a person's face comfortably with an even distribution of pressure, and includes a central aperture to facilitate breathing and/or to allow a person to look through the head rest 57 and see a region below of the head rest 57, for example to view content being displayed on a screen positioned below the head rest 57.

[0124] The pellicle 50 is configured to support the upper body of a person with their back and neck in a neutral, aligned position, as required by the monkey position of the Alexander Technique.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 12, the lower body support 40 comprises frame 41 that is L-shaped when viewed from the side of the apparatus 1 and includes a first section 41a extending in a first plane and a second section 41b that extends outwardly from the lower end of the first section 41a in a direction towards the second end 1b of the apparatus 1 in a second plane. The lower body support 40 further comprises a first pad 42 that is mounted to the first section 41a of the frame 41 and configured to support the knees of a person located on the platform 3, and a second pad 43 that is mounted to the second section 41b of the frame 41 and configured to support the lower legs of a person located on the platform 3. The first pad 42 is angled upwardly in a direction towards the upper body support 30, and is substantially aligned with the hip support section at the proximal end of the upper body support 30. The second pad 43 is angled upwardly in an opposed direction away from the upper body support 30. The first and second pads 42, 43 are configured to support the lower body of a person with their hips and knees in relaxed, bent positions, as required by the monkey position of the Alexander Technique.

[0126] The lower body support 40 is mounted to the platform frame 20 by a pair of linear bearings 44 that are provided on an underside of the first frame section 41a and are slidingly engaged with the guide rails 27 provided at the second end 20b of the platform frame 20. The position of the lower body support 40 with respect to the platform frame 20 is controlled by a ball screw actuator 45 including a motor driven screw 46 that is mounted to the platform frame 20 at the second end 20b thereof, and a carriage 47 that is engaged with the screw 46 and mounted to the underside of the first pad 42 by a mounting bracket. The ball screw actuator 45 is operable to adjust the height of the lower body support 40 relative to the platform frame 20 and move the lower body support 40 towards and away from the upper body support 30 to allow the apparatus 1 to accommodate people of different heights.

[0127] As mentioned above, the platform 3 is mounted to the base 2 of the apparatus 1 by a mounting system 4 that is configured to enable the platform 3 to be rocked backwards and forwards relative to the base 2 with a regular, rhythmic, swinging motion along a curved movement path about a pivot axis located above the apparatus 1 in order to induce relaxation and sleep in a person located on the platform 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the mounting system 4 comprises four linkage mechanisms 60, including first and second linkage mechanisms 60a, 60b that are arranged in line with each other on the first side 1c of the apparatus 1 and third and fourth linkage mechanisms 60c, 60d that are arranged in line with each other on the second side 1d of the apparatus 1. The first and third linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c are arranged opposite each other towards the first end 1a of the apparatus 1 and together form a pair of front linkage mechanisms, and the second and fourth linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d are arranged opposite each other towards the second end 1b of the apparatus 1 and together form a pair of rear linkage mechanisms.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 5a, each of the linkage mechanisms 60a to 60d includes first, second and third linkage members 61, 62, 63 that are pivotally connected to each other, to the base 2 and to the platform 3 in order to mount the platform 3 to the base 2 and control motion of the platform 3 relative to the base 2. The first linkage members 61 are straight, extend in a length direction between a first end or lower end 61a and a second end or upper end 61b, and are provided with apertures at their respective ends 61a, 61b, each of which is configured to receive a mounting shaft therethrough. Similarly to the first linkage members 61, the second linkage members 62 are also straight, extend in a length direction between a first end or lower end 62a and a second end or upper 62b, and are provided with apertures at their respective ends 62a, 62b, each of which is configured to receive a mounting shaft therethrough. The third linkage members 63 are triangular in shape, and take the form of isosceles triangles having a short side and two longer sides. The third linkage members 63 extend in a length direction between a first end or upper end 63a corresponding to the short side of the triangle and a second end or lower end 63b corresponding to the point of the triangle located furthest away from the short side. The third linkage members 63 are each provided with first and second spaced apart apertures at their upper ends 63a and a further aperture at their lower ends 63b, each of which is configured to receive a mounting shaft therethrough. Each of the above-described apertures is provided with a rotary bearing that is configured to support the mounting shaft that passes therethrough in order to reduce the friction of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d.

[0129] The following description relates to the connections of the linkage members 61, 62, 63 of each of the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 5b, the lower ends 61a of the first linkage members 61 are pivotally connected to the base 2 of the apparatus 1 on either side thereof via the first mounting shaft 71 of the base 2. Similarly, the lower ends 62a of the second linkage members 62 are pivotally connected to the base 2 of the apparatus 1 on either side thereof via the second mounting shaft 72 of the base 2. The upper ends 61b of the first linkage members 61 are pivotally connected to the upper ends 63a of the third linkage members 63 via a first floating mounting shaft 76 that extends between the third linkage members 63 and is received in a first one of the apertures provided at the upper ends 63a of the third linkage members 63. Similarly, the upper ends 62b of the second linkage members 62 are pivotally connected to the upper ends 63a of the third linkage members 63 via a second floating mounting shaft 77 that extends between the third linkage members 63 and is received in the other one of the apertures provided at the upper ends 63a of the third linkage members 63. Finally, the lower ends 63b of the third linkage members 63 are pivotally connected to the platform 3 on either side thereof via the first mounting shafts 74 of the platform 3.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 5c, the first mounting shaft 71 of the base 2 defines a first pivot point P1 about which the first linkage members 61 are pivotable relative to the base 2. The second mounting shaft 72 of the base 2 defines a second pivot point P2 about which the second linkage members 62 are pivotable relative to the base 2. The first and second floating mounting shafts 76, 77 define third and fourth pivot points P3, P4 about which the first and second linkage members 61, 62 are pivotable relative to the third linkage member 63. Finally, the first mounting shafts 74 of the platform 3 define a fifth pivot point P5 about which the third linkage members 63 are pivotable relative to the platform 3.

[0132] The rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d are arranged similarly to the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c. However, as shown in FIG. 5b, for the rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d the lower ends 61a of the first linkage members 61 are pivotally connected to the base 2 via the third mounting shaft 73 of the base 2; the lower ends 62a of the second linkage members 62 are pivotally connected to the base 2 via the first mounting shaft 71 of the base 2; the upper ends 61b, 62b of the first and second linkage members 61, 62 are pivotally connected to the upper ends 63a of the third linkage members 63 via third and fourth floating mounting shafts 78, 79 that extend between the third linkage members 63 of the rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d, and the lower ends 63b of the third linkage members 63 are pivotally connected to the platform 3 via the second mounting shafts 75 of the platform 3.

[0133] For the rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d, the third mounting shaft 73 of the base 2 therefore defines a first pivot point P1 about which the first linkage members 61 are pivotable relative to the base 2; the first mounting shaft 71 of the base 2 defines a second pivot point P2 about which the second linkage members 62 are pivotable relative to the base 2; the third and fourth floating mounting shafts 78, 79 define third and fourth pivot points P3, P4 about which the first and second linkage members 61, 62 are pivotable relative to the third linkage member 63; and the second mounting shafts 75 of the platform 3 define a fifth pivot point P5 about which the third linkage members 63 are pivotable relative to the platform 3.

[0134] The linkage mechanisms 60a-60d are configured to enable the platform 3 to be rocked backwards and forwards relative to the base 2 in a direction aligned with the length direction L of the apparatus 1, as illustrated in FIGS. 4a-c and 5a-c. The linkage mechanisms 60a-60d also have geometry that has been designed to provide optimised relaxation and induction of sleep, and to reduce the power that is required to rock the platform 3 relative to the base 2.

[0135] For example, for each of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d, the distance between the third and fourth pivot points P3, P4 at which the first and second linkage members 61, 62 are pivotally connected to the third linkage member 63 (which is governed by the distance between the apertures at the upper end 63a of the third linkage member 63) is set to be less than half of the distance between the first and second pivot points P1, P2 at which the first and second linkage members 61, 62 are pivotally connected to the base 2. This allows each of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d to move or rotate the portion of the platform 3 to which it is connected (in particular the portions of the platform frame 20 in which the first mounting shafts 74 are received in the case of the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c and the portions of the platform frame 20 in which the second mounting shafts 75 are received in the case of the rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d) along a curved or arcuate movement path A that is centered about a pivot axis X located above the platform 3 as the platform 3 rocks back and forth, as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, instead of moving the portion of the platform 3 to which it is connected back and forth along a straight, linear movement path (as would be the case if the distance between the third and fourth pivot points P3, P4 was set to be exactly half of the distance between the first and second pivot points P1, P2). Configuring the platform 3 to swing along a curved or arcuate movement path A that is centered about a pivot axis X located above the platform 3 provides improved relaxation and induction of sleep compared to linear rocking, and also allows the weight of the platform 3 to assist with decelerating and re-accelerating the platform 3 as it approaches and moves away from the end points of its movement path, thereby reducing the power required to rock the platform 3 relative to the base 2.

[0136] If the first, second and third mounting shafts 71, 72, 73 of the base 2 were all arranged at the same height as each other then each of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d would move or rotate the portion of the platform 3 to which it is connected about its own pivot axis located directly above it. In this case the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c would move or rotate the portions of the platform 3 to which they are connected about a first pivot axis located directly above the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c and the rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d would move or rotate the portions of the platform 3 to which they are connected about a second pivot axis located directly above the rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60d. In this case the platform 3 would move backwards and forwards along a curved path but would remain at a constant angle relative to the base 2 throughout its movement in the manner of a glider swing. However, the first second and third mounting shafts 71, 72, 73 of the base 2 are instead arranged at different heights to each other, with the outer second and third mounting shafts 72, 73 being arranged slightly higher than the central first mounting shaft 71 in order to angle the front and rear linkage mechanisms 60a-60d towards each other. The front and rear linkage mechanisms 60a-60d are angled towards each other such that the pivot axis about which the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c move or rotate the portions of the platform 3 to which they are connected is aligned with the pivot axis about which the rear linkage mechanisms 60b, 60c move or rotate the portions of the platform 3 to which they are connected. Aligning the pivot axes of the front and rear linkage mechanisms 60a-60d allows the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d to move the platform 3 with pure swinging motion about the common pivot axis X as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, with each portion of the platform 3 remaining at a fixed distance from the common pivot axis X as the platform 3 moves backwards and forwards, which further improves relaxation and induction of sleep and increases the extent to which the weight of the platform 3 is able to assist with decelerating and re-accelerating the platform 3 as it approaches and moves away from the end points of its movement path.

[0137] The front and rear linkage mechanisms 60a-60d are dimensioned and angled to position the common pivot axis X above a mid-point of the platform 3 at a height in the range 3m to 3.5m above the center of mass of the platform 3 when the platform 3 is loaded with a person of typical size and weight, which further improves relaxation and induction of sleep and increases the extent to which the weight of the platform 3 is able to assist with decelerating and re-accelerating the platform 3 as it approaches and moves away from the end points of its movement path.

[0138] For each of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d, the length of the first linkage member 61 between the first and third pivot points P1, P3 is set to be equal to the length of the second linkage member 62 between the second and fourth pivot points P2, P4, and the third, fourth and fifth pivot points P3, P4, P5 of the third linkage member 63 are arranged in an isosceles triangle configuration with the third and fourth pivot points P3, P4 equidistant from the fifth pivot point P5, which allows the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d to generate consistent, symmetrical movement about their neutral positions.

[0139] For each of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d, the length of the first linkage member 61 between the first and third pivot points P1, P3 and the length of the second linkage member 62 between the second and fourth pivot points P2, P4 is set to be approximately 105% of the distance between the first and second pivot points P1, P2 at which the first and second linkage members 61, 62 are pivotally connected to the base 2. Setting the lengths of the first and second linkage members 61, 62 to be similar to but slightly greater than the distance between the first and second pivot points P1, P2 allows the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d to achieve a good balance between stability/robustness of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d and smoothness/consistency of their movement paths.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the first linkage members 61 each have a length of approximately 260 mm between the first and third pivot points P1, P3, the second linkage members 62 each have a length of approximately 260 mm between the second and fourth pivot points P2, P4, the third linkage members 63 each have a width of approximately 118 mm between the third and fourth pivot points P3, P4 and a length of approximately 250 mm between the fifth pivot point P5 and a line connecting the third and fourth pivot points P3, P4, and the first and second pivot points P1, P2 at which the first and second linkage members 61, 62 of each linkage mechanism are pivotally connected to the base 2 are spaced apart from each other by approximately 250 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the dimensions and geometry of the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d may be varied in other embodiments, for example to achieve different movement paths for the platform 3.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9a and 9b, the apparatus 1 further comprises a drive system 80 that is configured to control movement of the platform 3 relative to the base 2. The drive system 80 comprises an electric motor 81 that is mounted to the base frame 10 on an outer side of the first mounting tower 16. The motor 81 is configured to drive an output shaft 82 that extends in the width direction W of the apparatus 1 through an aperture provided in the first mounting tower 16 in a direction towards the second mounting tower 17. The first mounting tower 16 is provided with a rotary bearing that is configured to support the output shaft 82.

[0142] The output shaft 82 is configured to drive motion of the platform 3 relative to the base 2 via a drive mechanism 83. The drive mechanism 83 comprises a toothed gear 84 that is connected to the output shaft 82 on an inner side of the first mounting tower 16 at a location between the first and second mounting towers 16, 17. The gear 84 is rotationally fixed with respect to the output shaft 82 and is therefore configured to be rotated by the motor 81. The gear 84 is provided with a drive pin aperture at a location that is offset from its axis of rotation. A drive pin 85 is received and retained in the drive pin aperture, and extends outwardly from a side surface of the gear 84 in a direction away from the motor 81 and towards the second mounting tower 17. The drive pin 85 is configured to rotate together with the gear 84, and follows a circular movement path centered about the axis of rotation of the gear 84 as the gear 84 is rotated by the motor 81. The gear 84 forms a first drive member or cam of the drive mechanism 83.

[0143] The drive mechanism 83 further comprises a second drive member 86 having a first end that is pivotally connected to the drive pin 85 and a second end that is pivotally connected to the first linkage members 61 of the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c via a mounting shaft 87. The mounting shaft 87 extends between the first linkage members 61 of the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c, and is connected to the first linkage members 61 at an intermediate location between the ends at which the first linkage members 61 are pivotally connected to the base 2 and to the third linkage members 63 of the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c. The second drive member 86 comprises a first portion that extends from the first end thereof in a direction aligned with the length direction L of the apparatus 1 towards the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c. The second drive member 86 also comprises a second portion that extends outwardly from a distal end of the first portion on either side thereof in a direction aligned with the width direction W of the apparatus 1. The second drive member 86 also comprises third portions that extend outwardly from the distal ends of the second portion via which the second drive member 86 is pivotally connected to the mounting shaft 87. The arrangement of the second drive member 86 allows the second drive member 86 to be operatively coupled to linkage mechanisms on both sides of the apparatus 1 and to provide an equal driving force to the linkage mechanisms on both sides of the apparatus 1, thereby promoting a more even transfer of force and preventing twisting or misalignment of the linkage mechanisms.

[0144] The drive pin 85 that extends outwardly from the gear 84 and is pivotally connected to the first end of the second drive member 86 extends through the second drive member 86 and protrudes outwardly therefrom in a direction towards the second mounting tower 17. The second mounting tower 17 also supports a shaft that extends outwardly therefrom in a direction towards the first mounting tower 16. The shaft supports a passive drive member or cam 88 (shown in FIGS. 5b and 8) having a first end that is connected to the shaft and a second end that is connected to the drive pin 85 on the opposite side to the gear 84. The passive drive member or cam 88 allows the drive pin 85 to be supported on both sides of the second drive member 86, thereby preventing misalignment of the drive mechanism 83.

[0145] When the output shaft 82 is rotated by the motor 81, the drive mechanism 83 exerts a driving force on the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c which causes the platform 3 to rock backwards and forwards along the curved or arcuate movement path A defined by the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d with a smooth, sinusoidal motion, which has been found to be particularly effective at inducing relaxation and sleep. In particular, the drive mechanism will cause the platform 3 to accelerate smoothly while moving towards the mid-point of its movement path, to achieve its highest speed around the mid-point of its movement path, and to decelerate smoothly while moving away from the mid-point of its movement path until it reaches an end-point of its movement path and begins accelerating back towards the mid-point.

[0146] The motor 81 is a variable speed motor, and is configured to rotate the output shaft 82 at rate of approximately 1 revolution every 4 seconds in order to rock the platform 3 at a frequency of approximately 0.25 Hz, and at rate of approximately 1 revolution every 2 seconds in order to rock the platform 3 at a frequency of approximately 0.5 Hz, with the speed being selectable by a user of the apparatus 1. The motor 81 may also be configured to rotate the output shaft 82 at one or more other, intermediate speeds, for example at a rate of approximately 1 revolution every 2.67 seconds in order to rock the platform 3 at a frequency of approximately 0.375 Hz.

[0147] As described above, the movement path A along which the platform 3 moves as it is rocked backwards and forwards is defined by the linkage mechanisms 60a-60d. However, the extent of movement along this movement path A is governed by the geometry and position of the drive mechanism 83 and the location at which the drive mechanism 83 is connected to the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c. In the present embodiment the drive mechanism 83 is configured to drive the platform 3 to move backwards and forwards along the movement path A with an amplitude of approximately 4.55 degrees about the pivot axis X between the end points of its movement, corresponding to movement of approximately 300 mm in the length direction L of the apparatus and a maximum speed of approximately 0.15 m/s when the platform 3 is rocked at 0.25 Hz and 0.3 m/s when the platform 3 is rocked at 0.5 Hz. However, in other embodiments the amplitude of movement along the movement path A may be varied, for example by changing the distance by which the drive pin 85 is offset from the axis of rotation of the output shaft 82 and/or by changing the position at which the drive mechanism 83 is connected to the front linkage mechanisms 60a, 60c.

[0148] The motor 81 may be configured to increase the speed of the output shaft 82 gradually when operated to start rocking motion of the platform 3 from a standstill in order to provide a gradual transition to the full operating speed of the platform 3. The motor 81 may also be configured to perform one or more partial rotations of the output shaft 82 before commencing full rotations of the output shaft 82 when operated to start rocking motion of the platform 3 from a standstill in order to provide a gradual transition to the full operating amplitude of the platform 3.

[0149] As shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, the apparatus 1 further comprises a locking system 90 that is operable to lock the drive system 80 and prevent the platform 3 from moving relative to the base 2. The locking system 90 comprises a locking arm 91 that is pivotally mounted to the base 2 via a shaft that extends between the first and second mounting towers 16, 17. The locking arm 91 comprises a proximal end located on a first side of the shaft and a distal end located on an opposed second side of the shaft. The distal end of the locking arm 91 is provided with a locking tooth 92 that is configured to be received between teeth of the gear 84 in order to prevent the gear 84 from rotating when the distal end of the locking arm is pivoted towards the gear 84. The proximal end of the locking arm 91 is connected to a linear actuator 93 that is configured to pivot the locking arm 91 about the shaft. The linear actuator 93 is operable to move the locking arm 91 between an unlocked position in which the locking tooth 92 is not engaged with the gear 84 and the platform 2 is able to move relative to the base 2, and a locked position in which the locking tooth 92 is engaged with the gear 84 thereby preventing the platform 3 from moving relative to the base 2, for example to facilitate mounting and dismounting of the platform 3.

[0150] As shown in FIG. 13, the apparatus 1 is also provided with a hand-held remote controller 101 including a plurality of buttons 102 that can be operated by a user of the apparatus 1 to engage and disengage the locking system 90, to raise and lower the upper body support 30, to adjust the position of the lower body support 40, to start and stop rocking motion of the platform 3, and to control the rocking frequency of the platform 3. In some embodiments the apparatus 1 may further be provided with a screen below the upper body support 30 that is configured to display visual content that can be viewed through the aperture in the headrest 57 and/or a speaker system that is configured to play audio content while the apparatus 1 is in use. In this case the buttons 102 of the controller 101 may also be used to control the visual and/or audio content that is played by the screen and/or speaker system. In other embodiments any one or more of these functions could alternatively be controlled via a user interface device such as a touch screen provided on the apparatus 1 itself or via an application on a mobile device.

[0151] The description provided above relates to one possible embodiment of the present invention, and is provided for illustrative purposes only. It will be appreciated that many modifications and variations may be made to the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.