US 6,269,500 B1 · Mechanism for generating wave motion

Abstract

The present invention provides a wave generating apparatus for generating waves in for example beds, chairs and the like. In one aspect the device includes a motor driven crankshaft to which are attached several longitudinal beams. The beams mounted on the crankshafts are offset with respect to each other in such a way as to produce a phase shift between the beams. Each beam is provided with several links pivotally attached at one end to each beam and the links are spaced apart along each beam by a distance equal to the desired wavelength of the wave being produced. The other ends of each link is attached to a flexible membrane which forms a support surface of the bed or chair. The links from the different beams are interleaved at equal phase intervals so as to produce a transvers traveling wave in the flexible membrane so that a complete wave passes during each full rotation of the crankshaft assembly.

Claims42

Dependent claims

An apparatus for generating wave motion, comprising;

a) a flexible member;
b) at least one link member having opposed first and second end portions, the at least one link member being rigidly attached at the first end portion thereof to said flexible member;
and
c) oscillatory drive means, the at least one link member being pivotally attached at the second end portion thereof to the oscillatory drive means for imparting oscillatory motion to the second end portion of the at least one link member so that when the oscillatory drive means is engaged the second end portion undergoes oscillatory motion which produces transverse waves in the flexible member.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Mechanism for generating wave motion

Life of this patent

Mechanism for generating wave motion

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims42