llIIlIlllIlIlIllIlIllIllIllIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIllIlIlIlIlIllllIlIllIlIIIlllIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
`US 20030195443AI
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (Rt) Pub. No.: US 2003/0195443 A1
`OCt. 16, 2003
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Miller
`
`(54) PERCUSSIVE THERAPEUTIC DEVICE
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor. Ldward W. Miller, Salem, OR (US)
`
`Corrcspondcncc Address:
`Carl D. Crowell
`P.O. Box 923
`Salem, OR 97308 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. Noc
`
`10/121,568
`
`(22)
`
`I'iled:
`
`Apr. 12, 2002
`
`Publication ChassiTication
`Int. CL'...
`(51)
`(52) U.S. CL
`
`................. A61H I/00
`...... 601/108; 6(/6,'239
`
`A chtropracuc adjustment tool or tapper comprises a hous-
`having an open cnd; a impact assembly
`ing, thc housin
`disposed within the housing and securetl thereto. The impact
`assembly comprises a reciprocating rod with adjustable
`lorce. An impelling means such as a
`travel aml
`impact
`solenoid is provided to accelerate the reciprocating rod
`Disposed on onc end of thc rcciprocatin rod is a coupkr to
`permit multiple impact heads to be attached to the tool The
`tool is further improved tvith thc addition of a fan unit on a
`port tn the housing anil an exit port locatetl on a distal end
`of thc housing, prcfcrably at a location such that air flow is
`across the tmpelltn ~ means, and any switch or circuitry to
`provide coohng aml extentl tool life.
`
`58
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1008, 0001
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 16, 2003 Sheet 1 of 2
`
`US 2003/0195443 Al
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1008, 0002
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Oct. 16, 2003 Sheet 2 of 2
`
`US 2003/0195443 Al
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1008, 0003
`
`

`

`US 2003/0195443 Al
`
`Oct. ]6, 2003
`
`PERCUSSIVE THERAPEUTIC DEVICE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[UUUI] The present invention involves the Iield of. medical
`devices More particularly, it involves the field of percussive
`medical devices used as chiropractic adjustment tools used
`to move bones and rclicvc muscle spasms and stress.
`[0002] Percussion is a new treatment modality for those
`who auger from musculoskeleial pain anti myofascial trigger
`synrlrome It is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure thai
`may serve as a therapeutic alternative to trigger point and
`epidural iniections or be used when other treatments have
`failed Performed on an outpatient basis, percussive treat-
`ment carries little or no risk and is relatively comfortable.
`[0003] As is well-knov:n in the chiropractic ari, ihe spines
`or other bones of humans sometimes go out of. alignment or
`are otherwise mis-arilusted. This can lead to discomfort and
`additional physical symptoms. In such cases an adjustment
`of the spine or other hone to a healthy alignment can have
`substantial thcrapcutic eflccts.
`[0004] Scvcral attempts have bern made to provide hand-
`held or other small devices io assisi in adtusiing a patient*s
`spine or other bone by the use of impacts. However, each of
`these devices provide limited force, are subject to failure,
`and have limited application and adjustability.
`[0005] Nccded in thc fieid is a multiple impact device with
`easily adlustablc impact prcssure and inipact heads. Also
`nccdcd is a device with incrcascd power, and cooling to
`exteml rievice life. The present invenuon is directed to these.
`shortcomings in the pnor art.
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention provides a chiropractic
`[0006] The present
`tool or tapper, which, gcncrally, comprises a
`adjustmcnt
`housing, with or without a handic and a niotor or power
`source to drive an axially reciprocating rod. The reciprocat-
`ing roil is thsposeri perpenihcularly or near perpendicular to
`the hanille. One eml of reciprocating rod extenris irom ihe.
`housing and on the extended end is a impact head ivith a
`coupler for the mounting of one or more impact heads 'I'he
`other cnd of thc reciprocating rod has a spring pair assembly
`to permit thc ready adjustmcnt of impact force and axial
`travel of the reciprocating rod.
`[0007] A fan is aflixeil
`to the housing and mr is used to
`cool the device with an inport and an outport on distal ends
`of the unit retiutring air tlow to transit heat generating
`components, including any motor, switches and circuitry.
`[0008] Thc operation of thc device is with a solenoid, or
`other motive force driving the reciprocating rod axially. The.
`reciprocating rod is sluleably mounted within the housing,
`transtting through the solenoiri cod. The reciprocating rod is
`held in place by springs, aflixed to the reciprocating rod to
`limit travel anil to return the reciprocating rod to the neutral
`position bctwecn impacts. On activation, thc reciprocating
`rod xs acccleratcd axially by thc solenoid. Mounted on thr
`extemleil end of the reciprocating rod is one of a number of.
`impact heads An impact hemi is used to impact the patient*s
`hotly When the solenoid ts reactivated, ihe reciprocahng roti
`is again accelerated toward the patient's body. Atypical rate
`of impact is tivelve impacts per second lieth the speed and
`
`thc force of impact arc adjustable to provirlc optimal thera-
`peutic eilecis. In a prelerretl embodiment, the travel and
`force of impact of ihe reciprocating rod is adjusted by
`adjusting the compression of the spring pair
`
`Improvement over the prior art
`is found in the
`[0009]
`rcrluction of thc mechanical moving parts of thc rlcvicc, thc
`usc of thc spring pair for adjusting impact
`force,
`thc
`improvcrl cooling of thc device anil thc coupler to permit thc
`use of muhiple and adjustable impact heads.
`
`[0010] Though ihe device may be used in a manner that
`provides continuous pressure punctuated by impacts,
`is the use of an
`another improvement over the prior art
`impact assembly that permits an impact head to provide
`instantaneous force without durational pressure. This is
`accomplished through thc usc of an accclcratcrl rcciprocat-
`in ~ rod thai is permitted to bounce or recoil olf oi the p anent,
`providing impact force without pressure of any durauon.
`This is advanta eous as pressure is painful and increases
`bruising
`
`[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present
`rcfcrcncc is niarlc to the following dctailcrl
`invention,
`description and acconipanying rlrawings. In thc drawin s,
`reference numbers refer to like paris through the several
`views.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL
`VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
`
`[0012] FIG. I is an environnicntal view of an adjusting
`tool in accorrlancc ivith the present invention with thrcc
`diifcrcnt impact hearls rlcpictcrl;
`
`laK:. 2 is a cutaway view of the impact
`[0013]
`depicung air flow.
`
`tool
`
`[0014] FIG. 3 is a rlctail of thc spring pair assembly.
`
`IJL'TAII.LJ) I JL'SCRIP'I'ION Olr TJ IL
`INVENTION
`
`[0015] Refernng to ihe drawings,
`there is depicted a
`chiropracuc adtustment tool or nipper in accordance with the
`present invention, generally denoted at 10. The tapper 10,
`generally, comprises a housing 12, a impact assembly 26
`disposed within thc housing, thc impact assembly 26 com-
`a motive source 14, prcfcrably a solenoid 14, thc
`prisin
`motive source 14 providing operanonal power to ihe impact
`assembly Z6 and a reciprocating rod 16 with an impact head
`70 ihsposed ai one end and secureil to the reciprocating rod
`16 by a coupler. At one end of the housin is an import 32
`to permit air flow, and at a distal end, an outport 34 so
`positioned to permit air flow to transit thc ckmcnts of thc
`invention nccding coolin such as the solcnoirl 14, switches
`2g anil any circuitry Z4. A lan 36 is provided to increase
`airflow. Other methods of moving air, including membrane
`driven pumps may also be used.
`
`[0016] Thc housing 12 is a hollow member bavin
`an
`outcr surface 19 and an inner surface 21. Thc housin 12 is
`made of any convemeni maienal, such as plastic, metal, or
`ihe hke. The housin ~ 1Z has a handle portion Z3 to enable
`easy rasping and holding of. ihe tapper 10. The housing 12
`also has a barrel portion 22 integral with the hanrlle portion
`23
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1008, 0004
`
`

`

`US 2003/0195443 Al
`
`Oct. ]6, 2003
`
`[0017] C'ontaincd in the barrel portion 22 and aflixcd
`thereto is the motive source 14, which in the preferreii
`embodiment is a solenoid 14. An improvement in ihe present
`invention is the use of a solenoid 14 ivith at least tive coil
`elements comprising a first coil 42, and a second coil 44
`scparatcd by an airspace 46 to permit improved coolin .
`[0018] Transiting through thc solenoid 14 is a reciprocat-
`ing rod 16 responsive to the lorce generated by the solenoiil
`14 such that on acnvation the reciprocaung rod 16 is
`accelerated axially
`[0019] An electric energy source is operatively connected
`to a switch 28, preferably mounted in thc handle portion 23.
`Thc switch 28 is operatively connected to thc solenoid 14 so
`thc solenoid 14 receives power. Thc
`that on activation,
`switch 28 may be in any well-known form, including a
`'*tngger'r a "button,'ither of which plungingly closes the
`circuit to the power source. In the preferred embodiment, the
`circuit also contains additional circuitry 24 such as a relay or
`similar device to automatically activate and deactivate the
`solenoid 14 at an adjustable rate.
`In the preferreri embodiment, the reciprocating roil
`[002U]
`16 ts axially elongated anil has a forward lirst end 18 on
`whtch is mounted a coupler 62, a martial portion 17 delineii
`by an enlarged diameter portion which receives the motive
`force from the solenoid 14, and a rearward second end 20
`which is prcfcrably threaded. The reciprocating rod 16
`transits thc barrel portion of the housing and the solenoid 14
`containeri therein. The reciprocating rod 16 exits two iiistal
`antis of the barrel portion of. the housing. A coil spnng pair
`52, placed in senes, is riisposeil around the rearward end ZU
`of the reciprocating rod 16 with a foitvard spring 54 and a
`rearward spring 56
`In the preferred embothment, the rearward spring
`[0021]
`56 ts of a heavier gauge than the forward spnng 54. The
`forward spring 54 is disposed around the reciprocating rod
`16 and helrl in place liy an adjustable stop 57 placed in the
`reciprocating rod 16 on the forward end of the forward
`thc inner surface of the
`spring 54 and is biased against
`housing 21 on the rearward cnd of the forward sprin
`54.
`The rearwarri spnng 56 disposed around the reciprocating
`roil 16 is biased against the outer surface of the housing 19
`and htted against a threaded annular head 58.
`
`[0022] Thc thrcadcd annular head 58 is rotatably threaded
`onto the rearward encl 20 of the reciprocating rod 16. In
`operatton the travel anti lorce of. the reciprocating rod 16
`may be adtusted by tightening the annular head 58 anil
`compressing the spring pair 52. As the rearward spring 56 in
`the spring pair is heavier than the forward spring 54 of the
`spring pair, thc forward spring 54 is coniprcsscd at a greater
`rate than thc rcarsvard spring 56, causing the reciprocating
`roil 16 to tlraw bacl or be displaced towards the rear of. the.
`housing. The increaseri compression of the spnng pair 52
`anil displacement of the reciprocaung roti 16 adtusts axutl
`travel of the reciprocating rod 16 when the solenoid 14 is
`'I'he spring pair 52 also provides the neutral
`activated.
`position of thc reciprocating rod 16 when not being impcllcd
`or accclcratcd by thc solenoid 14, such that on deactivation
`of the solenoid 14,
`the reciprocating roti 16 recoils anil
`returns to the neutral potnnon as rietermined by the spnng
`pmr 52 This provides the ariditional benefit of permitting the
`impact head 70 to impart force on the patient heing treated
`without pressure of any duration
`
`In onc cmbodinicnt, thc adjustable stop 57 and thc
`[0023]
`annular head 58 are marl eel with imlicators to permn
`calibrated adjustmenas to the compression of the imlividual
`in the spring pair 52 'I'his may be accom-
`springs 54, 56,
`plished by movin the stop 57 to alter the compression of the
`forward spring 54 against thc inner surface of thc housing 21
`independent of thc adjustmcnts of the annular head 58 which
`principally adjusts the compression of the rearward spring
`56. This permits added control over the force imparted by
`the impact head 70 on the pauent, aml also permiks adtust-
`ment of the movement of the reciprocating rod 16, slowing
`or adjusting the acceleration rate.
`
`the impact head 70 makes contact and
`In use,
`[0024]
`iniparts force only briefly on activation of thc solenoid 14,
`and then is immediately withrlrawn and returned to thc
`neutral posihon by the spring par 5Z. The use of a solenoid
`14 or similarly dnven system permits the imparung of
`therapeutic force without any extended pressure. The benefit
`of the invention is obtained by the acceleration of the
`reciprocating rod 16, and then permittmg the reciprocating
`rod 16 to bounce or recoil on impact of thc impact hcarl 70
`vvith the patient vvithout any persistent pressure on thc
`patient. In the preferred embodiment, acceleration is com-
`plete prior to impact. Extended pressure of any durauon
`increases the likelihood of bruising Avoiding extended
`pressure also permits hi her levels of impact to be used
`without causing the patient pain
`
`[0025] When thc power source 22 is engagcrl via thc
`switch 28, the solenoid 14 impels the reciprocating rod 16
`forward to impact the patient. When the solenoid 14 is
`turned olf or deachvated, the reciprocaung rod 16 returns to
`the neutral position as determined by the spring pair 52. I'he
`device may be set to provide for a single impact in activa-
`tion, or with the use of a relay or similar circuitry 24, a rate
`ot'mpact may bc cstablishcd anil arljustcrl by sequentially
`activating and deactivating the solenoid 14 once thc power
`source is engageil. The switch Z8 may be venable such that
`rate of impact increases with pressure on the switch 28, or
`a second sivitch or dial (not shoivn) may lie used to adjust
`the rate of impact Such second switch may be located at the
`point of the outport 34 or another convenient location
`
`[0026] Alfixcrl to thc forward cnd 18 of thc reciprocating
`rod 16 is a coupler 62. Thc coupler 62 is used for alfixing
`impact heads 7U of varying shapes. In the preferred embodi-
`ment the coupler 62 is formed so as to permit the impact
`head 70 to be removably ailixed to the reciprocating rod 16
`at a set, but adjustable angle. This is accomplished through
`the use of a sleeve element 64 on the impact head 70. The
`coupler is comprised of a collar 62 affixcd to thc rccipro-
`catin rod 16, a collar pin 66 sct on thc collar 62 and pin
`notches 68 set m a sleeve base 67 of the sleeve element 64.
`The collar 6Z is mounted on the reciprocahng rod 16 olfset
`from the forwaril eml 18 so as to permit the sleeve element
`64 of the impact head to receive a portion of the forward end
`18 of the reciprocating rod 16 for stability. The sleeve base
`67 aliuts thc collar 67 and thc collar pin 66 is rcccivcrl into
`onc of a number of dcfincd pin notches 68 on thc slecvc base
`67 so as to prevent rot anon of the impact head 70. A simple
`retaining hook or loop 7Z or similar means retains the impact
`head 70.
`
`l)epending on the positionin of the annular ring
`[0027]
`58 on the reciprocating rod 16, and the relative compression
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1008, 0005
`
`

`

`US 2003/0195443 Al
`
`Oct. 16, 2003
`
`of thc sprin pair 52, the reciprocating rod 16 is driven
`forwarcf ancf forces one of the impact heacfs 70 mounlecf
`thereon to contact the person being treated al any of. a range
`I'he single or continuous
`of rates, travels and force levels
`series of impacts provides therapeutic treatment
`to the
`person bein trcatcd.
`[0028] White thc invention has
`l&ern illustrated and
`described in detail
`the fore oing
`in the cfrawings aml
`description, Ihe same rs to be conmdered as dluslrauve ancf
`not restnclive in character, il being undersloocf that only Ihe
`preferred eml&cd&ment has been shown and described fully
`and that ail changes and modifications that come rvithin the
`spirit of the invention arc dcsircd to bc protected.
`
`1 claim:
`1. An impact loof, Ihe loof composing.
`a housing, said housing having a lirst port and a second
`port,
`said second port heing distal to said first port,
`a impact assembly disposed within thc housing, said
`impact assembly being operauvely connected to a
`power source, aml
`cnnnected to said housing a fan
`2. The impact tool of claim I,
`whc rein said housing is comprised of a handle portion and
`a barrel portion, with said impact assembly comprising
`a reciprocating rod ancf a impelling means cfrsposed
`within sant barrel portion, said lirsl port being cfrsposed
`on said barrel portion opposite saicf handle portion, said
`second port being disposed on the distal end nf said
`handle portinn
`3. Thc impact tool of claim 2,
`whcrcin the imprllin means is comprised of a solenoid.
`4. The impact loof of claim 3,
`wherein the soilenoid is composed of al
`least Iwo coil
`elements and an airspace disposed there bet&veen.
`5 An impact tool comprising
`a housing containing a impact assembly,
`
`said impact assembly comprisin:
`an axially reciprocating rod, said reciprocaung rod
`lo an impelling means, said
`operauvely conneclecl
`reciprocating rod having disposed on one end a
`coupler for removably affixing a one or more impact
`llc:lrcfs.
`6. Thc impact tool of claim 5 further comprising,
`a means lo adluslably fix Ihe angle for mounung said one
`or more impact heads.
`7. The impact tool of claim 5 ivherein said coupler is
`comprised of
`to said reciprocating rod proximate a
`a collar affixccl
`forward end of said reciprocating rod, said collar sct
`with a collar pin,
`a sleeve element disposed within said one or more impact
`heads for insertably receivin said forward end of said
`reciprocating rod,
`a slecvc base affixccl to said sleeve clcmcnt to abut saicl
`collar,
`an at least one pin notch placed in said sleeve base for
`receiving said collar pin,
`a means to removably secure said one or more impact
`heads to said reciprocating rod.
`8. The impact tool of claini 5 further comprising,
`a means to acljust thc travel of said reciprocating rocl
`9. The impact loof of. claim 5 further compnsing,
`a means of. adtusling lhe impact force of. saicf reciprocat-
`ing rod.
`10 A method of providing therapeutic treatment compris-
`in:
`accclcratin an adjustable impact head toward a patient,
`permiuing said acceleralecl adjustable impact head to
`impacl a paiienl, aml
`returning said adjustable impact head to a neutral state
`
`Petitioner Therabody Ex-1008, 0006
`
`