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เกี่ยวกับ “hydrotherapy”
1. AU1555576 - 12.01.1978
COMBINED HYDROTHERAPY SPA AND SWIMMING POOL
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=AU1555576
Inventor(s):
HEEREY FRANK THOMAS (--)
Applicant(s):
HEEREY F T (--)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; E04H
IP Class:
A61H33/00; E04H3/18
E Class: A63B69/12B; A61H33/00N
Application Number:
AU19760015555D (19760705)
Priority Number: AU19760015555 (19760705)
Family: AU1555576
1/2210
2. AU2306299 - 29.06.2000
HYDROTHERAPY JET WITH ARTICULATING JOINTS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=AU2306299
Inventor(s):
CHRISTOPHERSON WILLARD E (--)
Applicant(s):
HYDRO AIR IND INC (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H
E Class: A61H33/02N; A61H33/00N2; A47K3/10; F16L27/04; F16L27/11; B05B15/06B1A
Application Number:
WO1998US26878 (19981218)
Priority Number: US19970932431 (19970917); WO1998US26878 (19981218)
Family: AU2306299
Abstract:
AN ARTICULATED JET STRUCTURE WHICH IS MOUNTABLE ON THE WALL OF A TUBE OR SPA,
AND WHICH CAN BE MOVED INTO A VARIETY OF POSITIONS TO DELIVER A PULSED AIR/WATER
STREAM TO A DESIRED LOACTION. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE HYDROTHERAPY JET WHICH
EXTENDS FROM THE WALL OF THE HYDROTHERAPY SPA CAN BE DIRECTED TO ANY NUMBER
OF DESIRED POSITIONS AND WILL MAINTAIN THE DESIRED POSITION WHILE THE PULSED
AIR/WATER STREAM IS DELIVERED TO THE SPA OCCUPANT. THE HYDROTHERAPY JET
COMPRISES A HOUSING AND AN ARTICULATED OR FLEXIBLE SECTION. THE MIXING OF WATER
AND AIR OCCURS IN THE HOUSING FORMING AN AIR/WATER STREAM WHICH IS DELIVERED TO
THE ARTICULATED SECTION OF THE JET. THE ARTICULATED SECTION OF THE JET
PREFERABLY COMPRISES A PLURALITY OF ARTICULATING ELEMENTS INTERCONNECTED TO
PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF MOTION AND WHICH HOLD THEIR POSITION WHEN RELEASED.
THESE ELEMENTS FORM A WATER TIGHT CONDUIT AND DELIVER THE AIR/WATER STREAM
2/2210
FROM THE HOUSING TO A DISCHARGE NOZZLE ON THE END OF THE ARTICULATED
SECTION.Description:
HYDROTHERAPY JET WITH ARTICULATING JOINTS
Background Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to hydrotherapy jets for whirlpool spas and tubs, and more
specifically to jets that direct a stream of water in different directions.
Description of the Related Art
Whirlpool spas typically include a tub for holding hot water, and a source of pressurized water, often
a recirculating pump, which forces water into the tub in a stream or jet. Often, the tub will include a
seat or bench area, and one or more water discharge openings above the bench to massage the
back of a tub occupant. The water discharge openings are typically fitted with a device called
a"jet"in the industry, which serves to form the water stream into a concentrated flow. In many such
installations, the pressurized water flows through a nozzle or other restricted flow path, and exits the
nozzle into a chamber which is supplied with a source of air. The air may be either at normal
atmospheric pressure, or may be supplied to the jet under pressure. In either case, the pressurized
water exits the nozzle at high velocity, and thus low pressure, to create a vacuum that draws air into
the chamber for entrainment into the water stream as it exits into the tub. The presence of air in the
water stream provides the occupant with a more stimulating massage than does water alone.
However, in some instances water alone may be sent to the jet where pressurized water is not easily
attainable, such as certain bathtub locations.
For many years, a variety of hydrotherapy jets have been manufactured which, in addition to mixing
air with the pressurized water, include an outlet which moves to direct the water flow in a pattern to
reach a variety of areas on the occupant that a typical static jet would not reach. Many of these
moving outlet jets include a rotating element which includes a flow path that imparts a rotating force
to the element, and directs the water flow at an angle to the axis of the jet, so that, as the outlet
element rotates, the angled stream is directed in a circular pattern toward the tub occupant to reach
a variety of areas on the occupant that a typical static jet would not reach.
Other devices utilize the water force to move the jet in a random path to reach a larger area of the
occupant.
3/2210
However, a jet which can be positioned to reach hard to reach locations without covering a large
area of the body is not yet available.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a hydrotherapy jet that can be positioned to
hit specific areas of an occupant, and maintain that position until moved by the occupant.
Summarv of the Invention
The present invention provides a flexible jet structure which is mountable on the wall of a tub or spa,
and which can be moved into a variety of positions to deliver an airlwater stream to a desired location
on the spa occupant. More specifically, the hydrotherapy jet which extends from the wall of the spa
can be directed to any number of desired positions and will maintain the desired position while the
airlwater stream is delivered to the spa occupant.
The hydrotherapy jet comprises a housing or jet body, a water inlet attached to the housing, an
articulated
or flexible conduit extending from the housing opposite the water inlet, and an outlet nozzle on the
end of the flexible conduit. The outlet nozzle may be a static output nozzle or a rotatable nozzle. The
flexible portion of the jet preferably comprises a plurality of articulating elements interconnected to
provide a wide range of motion and which hold their position when released. These elements form a
water tight passageway that delivers the airlwater stream to the outlet nozzle on the end of the
flexible portion. While the friction between the interconnected articulating elements provides enough
resistance to movement so that a pressurized airlwater stream will not alter the position of the flexible
portion, the resistance is low enough so that an operator can move the flexible portion into a number
of positions, if desired. The resistance is also low enough so that if an occupant inadvertently
collided with the flexible portion, no injury would result because the flexible portion would merely
move away from the force associated with the collision.
In another embodiment, the hydrotherapy jet comprises a housing, a water inlet attached to the
housing, an articulated or flexible conduit extending from the housing opposite the water inlet, an
outlet nozzle on the end of the flexible conduit, and a supply of air which is mixed with the water in a
chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing of water and air occurs in the housing or jet body
and the mixed airlwater stream is delivered to the flexible section where the outlet nozzle is located.
The air can be supplied through an air inlet and mixed with the water in the chamber in the housing.
In addition, in one preferred embodiment, a water nozzle is located in the housing between the water
4/2210
inlet and the chamber. The mixing chamber may alternatively be located in the flexible portion, if
desired.
In another embodiment, the housing and flexible portion of the jet are two separate parts that are
connected using threads, glue, or another attachment means. The wall of the tub may be placed
between the ends of the two parts, so that the mating ends of the housing and flexible portion
sandwich the wall between them.
The hydrotherapy jet can be used in combination with a water tub or spa having a wall with an
aperture and a source of water associated with the water tub to form a hydrotherapy system. The
hydrotherapy jet is mounted within the tub wall aperture. The hydrotherapy jet comprises a housing
connected to the source of water and a flexible portion extending into the tub with an outlet nozzle on
the end of the flexible portion. In one embodiment, the water supply is under pressure. In another
embodiment, the tub wall is placed between the housing and the flexible portion so that the flexible
portion extends into the tub.
A method of operating the hydrotherapy jet comprises introducing a water stream to the housing,
forcing the stream through the flexible portion, and positioning the jet in an aperture in a tub wall,
with the flexible portion extending into the tub. In another embodiment, the method of operation may
include the addition of air to the water stream by mixing the air and water in a chamber. The chamber,
in one embodiment, is located in the housing, with the air being supplied through an air inlet.
These and other unique features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to
those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment with
reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention not being limite, however, to any particular
preferred embodiment.
Brief Description of the Drainas
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention with the sleeve removed
from the flexible portion;
Figures 3,4 and 5 are cross sectional views of a preferred embodiment of the invention, taken
through the central axis of the generally cylindrical jet; and showing the jet in three articulated
positions. Of these figures, Figure 5 also shows an alternative outlet end which does not rotate;
Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of the non-rotating outlet end of Figure 5.
5/2210
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
The present invention provides a flexible jet structure which is mountable on the wall of a tub or spa,
and which can be moved into a variety of positions to deliver an airlwater stream to a desired
location on the spa occupant. More specifically, the hydrotherapy jet which extends from the wall of
the hydrotherapy spa can be directed to any number of desired positions and will maintain the
desired position while the airlwater stream is delivered to the spa occupant.
Referring to Figure 1, the preferred embodiment of the jet 10 comprises a main jet body or housing
member 12 and an articulated or flexible outlet portion 14 which is generally cylindrical in its outer
contour, although other contours will work as well. Water enters the housing 12 through a water inlet
conduit 16, mixes with air entering through an air inlet conduit 18, and then passes through the
flexible portion 14 by means of an articulated movable conduit 22 and an outlet end 24. The
articulated conduit 22 is shown in several possible positions, and is comprised of a sleeve 26 and a
plurality of articulating interconnecting members 28 (Figures 2-5). The sleeve 26 has ridges which
allow it to flex when bent. Apart from the sleeve 26, which is preferably made of vinyl, the jet 10 is
preferably made of moldable plastic, such as PVC.
Referring to Figure 2, the jet 10 is shown with the sleeve 26 removed from the articulated conduit 22
to reveal the plurality of articulating interconnecting members 28. The interconnecting members 28
hold the flexible portion 14 in a particular position while the airlwater stream moves through the
members 28. An occupant, however, can move the interconnecting members 28 into a number of
positions, if desired.
The path that the water and air take in the jet 10 can be seen in more detail in Figures 3-5. The
water enters the housing 12 through a first end 30 of the water inlet conduit 16 and passes out a
second end 32 of the water inlet conduit 16. The water then passes through a water nozzle 34, and
enters a mixing chamber 36, where it mixes with air entering the chamber 36 through the air inlet
conduit 18. The airlwater mixture is then expelled from the mixing chamber 36 to the flexible portion
14 of the jet 10. Although a stream of water alone produces adequate results, an airlwater mixture is
preferred because it provides a more stimulating massage for the occupant.
The first end 30 of the water inlet conduit 16 is sized for connection to an inlet water supply pipe.
For example, if the housing 12 is molded of PVC, the first end 30 of the water inlet conduit 16 will be
sized as a standard slip fitting, to be solvent-cemented, at the time the jet 10 is installed in a tub or
6/2210
spa, to a pressurized PVC water pipe (not shown). The other end of this PVC water pipe, for example,
may be connected to a recirculating pump, to supply water under pressure from the spa itself.
Alternatively, the other end of the pipe may be connected to a tap water source, especially if the spa
is filled at each use.
@
The second end 32 of the water inlet conduit 16 is set within a recess 38 that matches the outer
configuration of the second end 32. Within this recess 38, and axially aligned with the second end 32
of the water inlet conduit 16, the water nozzle 34 is mounted. This nozzle 34 may be press-fit into the
recess 38, if different sized nozzles 34 are to be mountable in the jet 10. Alternatively, the nozzle 34
may be mounted permanently, or even molded as a part of the housing 12. In any case, the nozzle
34 includes an inside jet orifice which is generally tapered, and which forms a high speed stream of
inlet water. This water exits into the hollow interior of the mixing chamber 36, which interior forms a
venturi chamber. This venturi chamber is supplied with air, either at ambient or elevated pressure,
through the air inlet conduit 18 which passes through the wall of the housing 12. The air inlet conduit
18 is typically sized to fit snugly within the inside diameter of flexible PVC tubing from the air supply.
Because the nozzle 34 forms a high speed stream, the pressure of the stream is reduced, creating
(through the venturi principle) a vacuum within the mixing chamber 36. This vacuum draws air into
the mixing chamber 36, and the air becomes entrained in the water stream from the nozzle 34,
forming an airlwater stream. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing of water and air occurs in the
housing 12 and the mixed airlwater stream is delivered to the flexible portion 14 and outlet end 24, as
described above. However, it is possible to route the air and water to the flexible portion 14 and have
the mixing occur in the flexible portion 14, if desired.
This preferred embodiment of the jet 10 includes two parts, the housing 12 and flexible portion 14,
that are attached together at the spa or tub wall. However, the jet 10 could also contain the housing
12 and flexible portion 14 in one continuous part, if desired. In either case, the flexible portion 14
extends into the tub. When the jet 10 is comprised of two parts that must be joined, an open end 41
opposite the water inlet conduit 16 of the housing 12 includes an outwardly extending flange 40. An
inlet end 42 of the flexible portion 14 is axially aligned with the water nozzle 34 and includes an
outwardly extending flange 44. The housing 12 is generally cup shaped, with its open end 41
mounted onto the inlet end 42 of the flexible portion 14 of the jet 10. An aperture in the tub wall (not
shown) is sized to receive the housing 12 on one side, and the flexible outlet portion 14 on the other,
so that the articulated or flexible portion 14 extends into the tub. The outwardly extending flange 40
7/2210
clamps onto the flange 44, generally through a threaded interconnection. The outwardly extending
flange 44 clamps, in a manner well known in this art, within the main body member 12 and against
the inside of the wall of the spa or tub, thereby sandwiching the tub wall between the flange 40 and
the flange 44. The region of the housing 12 adjacent the flange 40 may be threaded (not shown) to
receive the flange 44 which is similarly threaded (also not shown) of the flexible outlet portion 14 to
clamp the flexible portion 14 to the housing 12. This mounting may also be by gluing, if the
connection is to be permanent.
After passing through the inlet end 42 of the flexible portion 14 of the jet 10, the airlwater stream
passes through the articulated conduit 22 and outlet end 24. As described above, in this preferred
embodiment, the articulated conduit 22 comprises interconnecting members 28 surrounded by the
sleeve 26. The sleeve 26 has ridges that allow it to flex when bent and is attached to the flexible
portion 14 at its inlet end 42 and outlet end 24. The sleeve 26 protects the interconnecting members
28. The interconnecting members 28 provide a sealed conduit for the airlwater mixture between the
inlet end 42 and outlet end 24 of the flexible portion 14. The members 28 also provide a wide range
of motion and hold their position when released. As the number of members 28 is increased, the
possible range of motion increases. As few as two members 28 are necessary, with four members
being shown in this preferred embodiment. In this embodiment, the members 28 are a series of
overlapping and articulating knobbed elements. The members 28 have an overlapping end 50 and a
knobbed end 52. The knobbed end 52 of the member 28 nearest the inlet end 42 is overlapped by
the overlapping end 50 of the member 28 second closest to the inlet end 42. This is repeated for
other members 28. The friction formed between the overlapping ends 50 and knobbed ends 52
provides enough resistance to hold the members 28 in position as the airlwater mixture passes
through them, but not so much resistance that an occupant cannot move the flexible portion 14 into
various positions. In the preferred embodiment, the cross sections of both the knobbed end 52 and
overlapping end 50 are generally circular. The overlapping end 50 flexes slightly as the knobbed end
52 is press fit into it. As a result, the interconnecting members 28 are slidably connected to one
another to allow for the positioning of the flexible portion 14 of the jet 10. This means for connection
allows the overlapping end 50 and knobbed end 52 to slide relative to one another along the
overlap, so that the outlet end 24 can be placed at various angles, if desired, relative to the inlet end
42 of the flexible portion 14, but hold their position once released. An occupant can still easily move
the flexible portion 14, either intentionally to direct the stream to a certain body area, or
unintentionally if an inadvertent collision occurred. The sleeve 26 provides protection from
contaminants that could enter the overlapping area and impede the function of the members 28.
8/2210
Figures 3,4, and 5 illustrate the flexible portion 14 and its articulated conduit 22 at several different
angles.
After moving through the interconnecting members 28, the airlwater mixture enters the outlet end 24
of the flexible portion 14 of the jet 10. The outlet end 24 is mounted to the last of the plurality of
interconnecting members 28. The outlet end 24 generally closes and seals the end of the jet 10 from
contaminants except at an open end from which the airlwater mixture exits the jet 10 from a
discharge nozzle 54 to the tub or spa.
The discharge nozzle 54 may be a static output nozzle or may be a rotatable nozzle. In one
embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 1-4, the discharge nozzle 54 is a rotatable nozzle 56. The
rotatable nozzle 56 is a generally Y-shaped tubular conduit, including a single inlet end 58 and a
pair of diametrically opposed outlet ends 60 and 62.
The rotatable nozzle 56 rotates about an axis which is normal to the outlet end 24, such that the
outlet ends 60, 62 rotate in a plane which is parallel to and adjacent the plane of the spa wall. The
inlet end 58 is located on the axis of the flexible portion 14 of the jet 10. The rotatable nozzle 56
includes a bearing member which supports the rotatable nozzle 56 for free rotation on a web 63 of
the outlet end 24. This bearing supports the axial and radial thrust loads of the rotatable nozzle 56.
When the jet 10 is connected to a source of pressurized water and a source of air, the airlwater
mixture passing through the interconnecting members 28 enters the inlet end 58 of the rotatable
nozzle 56. While the rotatable nozzle 56 is generally Y-shaped, as described above, the outlet ends
60,62, or at least one of these ends, is offset into or out of the plane of Figures 3-5, so that the water
flowing through the rotatable nozzle 56 includes a tangential component, which creates a tangential
thrust on the rotatable nozzle 56.
This thrust provides a torque to rotate the nozzle 56. The rate of rotation is controlled by the degree
of offset of the outlet ends 60,62 in the tangential direction, and is moderated by the friction of the
water which fills the outlet end 24. In general, the rate of rotation of nozzle 56 is slow enough to
provide a rapid pulsing action in the jet 10.
In another embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6, a non-rotating discharge nozzle 55 is used in
place of the rotatable nozzle 56.
9/2210
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or
essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended
claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range
of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A hydrotherapy jet for a tub, comprising:
A body including a water inlet and an air inlet, a chamber for mixing water and air together, an
outlet from said chamber and a surface adjacent said outlet for attaching said body to the wall of
said tub;
and
an articulated conduit extending from said chamber outlet into said tub for conducting air and
water from said chamber to said tub.
2. A hydrotherapy jet for a spa, comprising:
apparatus for mixing air and water under pressure outside the wall of said spa; and
a conduit for conducting air and water from said apparatus to a location within the wall of said
spa, said conduit being bendable at a location within the wall of said spa.
3. A method of operating a hydrotherapy jet having a body and an articulated conduit, comprising:
mixing air and water in the body outside of a tub wall;
directing the air and water mixture through an aperture in the tub wall; and
directing the air and water mixture to various locations inside the tub wall by maneuvering an
articulated conduit.
4. A method for massaging a tub occupant, comprising the steps of:
providing a water flow through an aperture in a tub wall;
providing an articulated conduit through which the water flow passes, whereby the water flow
can be aimed toward various areas of the tub occupant by moving a conduit having at least two
swivel
joints.
10/2210
5. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 1, wherein the body and the articulated conduit are attached by
connecting means.
6. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 5, wherein the connecting means includes threads.
7. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 5 wherein the connecting means includes glue.
8. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 1, wherein the articulated conduit has members connected by
means whereby the articulated conduit can be manually placed in a variety of positions and will
maintain its position when released.
9. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 8 wherein the connecting means is provided by a knobbed element
of one member being press fit into an overlapping end of an adjacent member so that the knobbed
element and overlapping end are slidably attached to one another.
10. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 9 wherein the press fit forms friction between the knobbed element
and overlapping end that impedes the movement of the knobbed element relative to the overlapping
end.
11. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 1 wherein the articulated conduit includes a sleeve surrounding
the articulated conduit.
12. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 1 wherein said outlet conduit includes an outlet nozzle having a
rotating element, the rotating element having an inlet end for receiving water from the articulated
conduit, and an outlet end which is offset from the inlet end to provide thrust from the water for
rotating the element.
13. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 1, wherein the articulated conduit comprises two or more
articulating points.
14. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 1, wherein the articulated conduit comprises two or more swivel
joints.
11/2210
15. The hydrotherapy jet of Claim 15, wherein the swivel joints are formed between interconnecting
members.
12/2210
3. AU2594901 - 28.06.2001
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE FOR THE ARM
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=AU2594901
Applicant(s):
BAJZA MARY (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H35/00
E Class: A61H33/00T; A61H33/00N; A61H35/00
Application Number:
WO2000US35138 (20001222)
Priority Number: US19990471465 (19991222)
Family: AU2594901
Cited Document(s):
US5241958; US5241953; US4945901
Abstract:
THE HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE (10) FOR THE ARM IS PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF AN
ELONGATED BASIN (12) FOR RECEIVING A USER'S ARM AND IS OF SUFFICIENT HEIGHT AND
WIDTH AS TO PERMIT THE BASIN TO HOLD A RESERVOIR OF THERAPEUTIC LIQUID TO
COMPLETELY IMMERSE THE USER'S ARM. DEVICES FOR AERATING (20,24,62), CIRCULATING
(26,60), AND HEATING (28) THE THERAPEUTIC LIQUID IS INCLUDED TO MASSAGE THE ARM.
HANDLES (22,34) TO FACILITATE EASY LIFTING AND TRANSPORTATION, A STORAGE
COMPARTMENT FOR THE ELECTRICAL POWER CORD, A DRAIN WITH A REMOVABLE PLUG FOR
EASY LIQUID DRAINAGE, AND A LIQUID LEVEL INDICATOR (70) ARE ALSO
INCLUDED.Description:
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE FOR THE ARM
13/2210
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hydrotherapy devices are known to be beneficial for the treatment of different medical problems and
common ailments. The flow of liquid at an elevated temperature relieves pain, muscle spasm and
stiffness, allowing the arm to relax. In addition to the heat, agitated liquid will provide a
hydromassage effect. At times, it may also be desirable to bathe the arm in cool water, which helps
decrease swelling and pain.
Though hydrotherapy devices have been previously primarily used in medical settings, their use in
the home is becoming more prevalent. The fast pace of daily living, the usage of computers, and the
popularity of recreational sports has created an increased need for the use of hydrotherapy devices.
People with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive use injury also benefit from the use of
hydrotherapy in the home. The therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy have been recognized by the
consumer and they are responding by increased purchases of these devices.
The most popular hydrotherapy devices have been geared for treatment of the feet and are readily
available in the marketplace. These foot spas offer the advantage of portability which allows the user
to place them in front of a comfortable chair in which the user can relax while treating their feet.
Hydrotherapy devices for the arm are still mainly limited to medical settings. A number of
hydrotherapy devices for the treatment of the arm have required the user to insert or wrap his or her
arm in the device. For example, U. S. Pat. No. 5,634,890, issued to Morris, describes a
watermassaging device that is wrapped around the user's arm and provides fluid jet-like action
against the arm (or other body part). The fluid flows through a manifold consisting of convoluted coils
with perforations to release the fluid against the arm with the temperature being controlled by
introducing hot or cold water into the coils. Such a device requires assistance to place it on the arm
and must be attached to a reservoir for containing the water that is pumped into and out of the
device. U. S. Pat. No. 5,688,208 issued to Plemmons, discloses a limb therapy apparatus which
includes a glove that extends into a sealed container of viscous fluid. The user's hand is inserted into
the glove and moved within the fluid so that the fluid provides resistance.
While it may be possible to use a conventional foot hydrotherapy device for treatment of the arm,
particularly the forearm, there are a number of drawbacks to such an application. First, typical"foot
spas"are configured to receive both feet and contain sufficient water, or other therapeutic liquid, to
fully cover the feet. The length of typical foot spas is not enough to accommodate the arm, since the
average person's arm is twice the length of his or her foot. Furthermore, since such a device can
contain a gallon or more of liquid, it can be difficult to carry the device from one location to another
14/2210
without spillage. The need to lift the device up onto a table or other raised surface to allow the lower
arm to be comfortably placed in the bath increases the risk of spillage. In addition, since the user is
seeking to treat a sore or tired arm, it could exacerbate the problem to attempt to carry a heavy
container filled with liquid.
For the reasons described above, there remains a need for a lightweight, compact, and simple-touse therapeutic alternative such as the hydrotherapy device for the arm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that allows
hydrotherapy treatment by immersing the forearm from the fingertips to the elbow in a basin filled
with a therapeutic liquid.
It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that
provides hydrotherapy treatment by way of devices for heating, cooling, aerating, and/or circulating
a therapeutic liquid within the basin.
It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that
provides for easy drainage of liquid from within the basin.
Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that is
lightweight, compact, and simple-touse.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that
uses the benefit of an open air style basin, thereby allowing users with problems like tennis elbow,
carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or chronic pain the ability for simple daily use.
In an exemplary embodiment, the hydrotherapy device for the arm comprises a basin for receiving a
user's arm. The basin is configured as a trough or elongated container. The basin is preferably
molded using a durable, rigid plastic. To enhance the rigidity and strength of the basin to avoid
bending or torsion while carrying, a lip arch is formed around its upper edges. Further enhancement
of the rigidity can be obtained by forming ridges at least in the bottom of the basin. The basin is of
sufficient height and width as to permit the basin to hold a reservoir of therapeutic liquid to
completely immerse the user's arm from the fingertips to the elbow. The therapeutic liquid is typically
water, however oils, salts, or other treatments may be added. The rear of the basin will preferably be
15/2210
sloped or slantable in a manner that would best accommodate the user's arm with the elbow bent at
an angle within the range of 90 to 150 . The front top of the basin has a removable cover that will
preferably act as a splash guard and/or support one or more control knobs or other control means.
Within the removable cover are located devices for aerating, circulating, and heating the therapeutic
liquid. The aerating pump will provide air that will be pumped through the aerating nozzle into a lower
chamber located in the bottom of the basin. The lower chamber is comprised of a thickened inner
wall. The lower chamber will channel the air 4 to the aerating jets that will apply pressure evenly or to
specific areas. The aerating jets will preferably be evenly distributed within the basin located on the
bottom and sidewalls. The circulating pump provides a means for circulation and movement of the
therapeutic liquid through the circulating nozzle. The circulating pump will preferably be an air
source or other means that will provide pumping action to allow for circulation of the therapeutic
liquid.
In the exemplary embodiment, control knobs can be provided for selection of aerating jets, a
circulating pump, or both to be used simultaneously. The same control knob, or a second control
knob, can be provided to control a heater for adjusting the temperature of the therapeutic liquid.
These knobs have a rheostat-type mechanism that allows a user to control the degree of temperature
and the amount of air pressure in the aerating jets. The heater can be configured to either heat the
therapeutic liquid or to heat the lower portion of the basin. When used to directly heat the liquid, the
heater can be a watertight, covered resistive coil immersed in this liquid with appropriate safety
precautions being taken to ensure that electric current is not allowed to contact the water. For
heating of the basin, resistive wires can be embedded in the bottom of the basin. The heater will
preferably include a thermal sensor or other means that will prevent the bath temperature from
exceeding a safe level. The electrical components of the devices for aerating, circulating, and
heating the therapeutic liquid are preferably encased in a watertight enclosure to prevent electric
shock or damage to the electronic devices. A power supply with necessary components will be
included to convert and supply power to the aerating, circulating and heating devices.
The front of the basin houses a small closable compartment that provides for storage of an electrical
power cord. The hinged compartment door will preferably open by pushing on the top of the
compartment door, thereby releasing an internal latch that will open the door. The electrical 5 power
cord can simply be manually coiled for storage after use, or a retractable spool can be incorporated
so that the cord automatically retracts into the compartment when no longer needed.
16/2210
The front and back of the basin is configured to have protruding handles allowing for easy lifting and
transportation. A liquid level indicator may be included within the basin to allow the user to easily
monitor the liquid level during use. A drain with a removable plug can be located on the back of the
basin to allow easy drainage of liquid from within the basin without requiring the basin to be tilted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed
description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hydrotherapy device for the arm;
Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1; and
Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As illustrated in Figure 1, the hydrotherapy device for the arm 10 comprises a basin 12 for receiving
a user's arm. The basin 12 is configured as a trough or elongated container. Basin 12 is preferably
molded using a durable, rigid plastic. To enhance the rigidity and strength of basin 12 to avoid
bending or torsion while carrying, a lip arch 38 is formed around its upper edges. Further
enhancement of the rigidity can be obtained by forming ridges 48 at least in the bottom of the basin.
The basin 12 is of sufficient height and width as to permit the basin 12 to hold a reservoir of
therapeutic liquid to completely immerse the user's arm from fingertips to just above the elbow. A
level indicator 70, such as an indentation or raised area of the sidewall, provides an indicator for the
user to gauge a desired liquid level.
The width of the basin should be dimensioned to fit the forearm of a larger 6 person with sufficient
clearance to permit good liquid circulation throughout the basin. On the other hand, the dimensions
of the basin should not be overly large since an important advantage of the invention is to minimize
the volume of liquid required for effective therapy. The therapeutic liquid is typically plain water,
however oils, salts, or other treatments may be added as desired. The rear of the basin 42 as shown
in Figures 1 and 2, is preferably sloped or slanted in a manner that would best accommodate the
user's arm at a comfortable angle while the user is relaxing in a sitting or reclining position, which is
typically within the range of 90 to 150 . In one embodiment of the invention, the rear of the basin 42
has a means for adjusting the inner wall 52 upward or downward to a preferred angle
The front top of the basin has a removable cover housing 14 that can act as a splash guard and/or
support one or more control knobs 16,18 or other control means. Referring to Figures 2 and 3,
17/2210
located within the removable cover housing 14 are devices for aerating and/or circulating, and
heating the therapeutic liquid. An aerating pump 62 provides air that can be pumped through the
aerating nozzle 24 into a lower chamber 54 located in the bottom of the basin 12. The lower
chamber 54 comprises a thickened inner wall 52. The lower chamber 54 channels the air to the
aerating jets 20. Although one lower chamber 54 is shown, it is possible to divide the chamber into a
number of smaller chambers, which can permit differential application of pressure to the aerating jets
20, allowing the jets to be focused on, or blocked from, a particular location on the user's arm. Where
multiple chambers are provided, pump 62 can be fitted with a corresponding number of nozzles. The
aerating jets 20 will preferably be evenly distributed within the basin 12 located on the bottom 44 and
sidewalls 50, but it may be desirable to include means for selecting certain jets to focus on specific
areas of the arm. In another embodiment, the inner wall 52 of the basin may include air tubes that
distribute forced air from the aerating pump 62 along the length of the basin 12. A circulating pump
60 can be provided for circulation and movemert of the therapeutic liquid through the circulating
nozzle 26. The aerating pump 62 can double as the circulating pump 60 or a separate water pump
can be included as shown to provide pumping action to circulate the therapeutic liquid. Selection
and incorporation of such pumps will be apparent to those of skill in the art.
One control knob 18 or other control means will preferably be provided for selection of aerating jets,
a circulating pump, or both to be used simultaneously. The control knob 18 may simply provide on or
off selection of aerating and/or circulating functions, or can provide for adjustment of air pressure of
the jets 20 and/or the circulation speed, e. g. low, moderate, and high. A second control knob 16, or
other control means, may be used for controlling a heater for adjusting the temperature of the
therapeutic liquid within a therapeutic and safe range. This temperature control means 16 will allow
a user to choose an initial preferred temperature, e. g. cool, warm, or warmer, and adjust the
temperature during the therapeutic session.
The heater 28 can be configured to heat the therapeutic liquid or to heat the lower portion of the
basin. When used to directly heat the liquid, the heater 28 can be a watertight, covered resistive coil
immersed in the liquid with appropriate safety precautions being taken to ensure that electric current
is not allowed to contact the liquid. For heating of the basin, resistive wires can be embedded in the
bottom 44 of the basin 12. Selection and incorporation of such heaters will be apparent to those of
skill in the art.
The heater 28 will preferably include a thermal sensor or other means that will prevent the bath
temperature from exceeding a safe level. The electrical components of the devices for aerating,
18/2210
circulating, and heating the therapeutic liquid are preferably encased in a watertight enclosure 36 to
prevent electric shock or damage to the electronic devices. A power supply 64 with necessary
components will be included to convert and supply power to the aerating, circulating and heating
devices.
~~g~In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basin 12 may be utilized for a number of
therapeutic purposes. In one application, a person with arthritis in his or her arms may adjust the
heater knob 16 to the warmest temperature setting, and the aerating knob 18 to a high flow
circulation. A person with an infected wound on the forearm and/or hand may desire to use a tepid
temperature of fluid while soaking his arm in an antibiotic solution without any circulation of fluid. An
open traumatic wound impacted with dirt, oil, and/or grease would benefit from a basin filled with a
diluted betadine solution in normal saline with a low amount of pressure to circulate the fluid. This
type of therapy utilizing the present invention may be utilized prior to surgically repairing the injured
areas. A person who has suffered a burn on her hand or forearm may have her wound debrided with
a minimal amount of pain by soaking the burned extremity in a normal saline solution with ingredients
as prescribed by a medical doctor. Post operative patients and arthritic patients may increase their
flexibility by preforming exercises with their fingers, hands, or forearms while submerging the
extremity in a warm circulating solution. The present invention may also be utilized in health spa
settings to provide relaxation by soaking the arms in a warm circulating aroma therapy solution, or to
facilitate manicure procedures such as the removal of artificial nails.
Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the front of the basin 40 houses a small closeable compartment
30 that provides for storage of an electrical power cord 32 which is connected through the wall of
compartment 30 to power supply 64. The hinged compartment door 56 will preferably open by
pushing on the top of the compartment door, thereby releasing an internal latch that will open the
door. The electrical power cord 32 can simply be manually coiled for storage after use, or a
retractable spool can be incorporated so that the cord automatically retracts into the compartment
when no longer needed. Such mechanisms are well known to those of skill in the art.
The front and back of the basin 12 is configured with protruding handles 22 and 34, allowing for
easy lifting and transportation. A liquid level indicator 70 may be included within the basin 12 to allow
the user to easily monitor the liquid level during use. A drain 46 with a removable plug can be
located on the back of the basin 12 to allow easy drainage of liquid from within the basin without
requiring the user to lift and tilt the basin over a sink. Instead the basin can be placed on a counter
19/2210
with the drain end extending over the edge of a sink, so the therapeutic liquid will readily drain out
once the drain plug is removed.
The arm hydrotherapy device10 of the present invention provides many advantages over devices
currently available for home treatment. It can be set up with little difficulty, since it is lightweight and
easy to handle. It does not require a large volume of water or other liquid and most users will not
require additional assistance to use the device, contrary to many of the devices currently available.
In addition the device provides convenient controls for adjusting water temperature and aeration.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations be made in the
apparatus and process of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modification and variations of this
invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
I CLAIM :
Claims:
--10CLAIMS
1. A hydrotherapy device for a user's arm, comprising:
(a) a basin comprising an elongated container adapted to retain a therapeutic liquid, the basin
having a length and a width for receiving the arm, so that the arm is immersed within the therapeutic
liquid ;
(b) a circulating pump for circulating the therapeutic liquid around the arm.
2. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1, wherein the basin has a removable cover
housing mounted on the basin.
3. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 2, wherein the removable cover housing has a
plurality of control devices mounted thereon.
4. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 3, wherein the removable cover housing comprises
a watertight enclosure.
20/2210
5. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1, wherein the circulating pump comprises an air
source.
6. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1, further comprising an aerating pump.
7. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 6, wherein the aerating pump comprises an air
source.
8. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1, further comprising a heater.
--1 1-9. A hydrother. 1py device for the arm as in Claim 1, further comprising a liquid level'ndicator.
10. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1, further comprising a drain; and a removable
plug for draining the therapeutic liquid from the basin.
11. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment for
storing an electrical cord.
12. A hydrotherapy device for treatment of a user's arm, the device comprising:
(a) an elongated basin for retaining a therapeutic liquid, the basin
having a front, a back, a length and a width adapted for fully
immersing the user's arm in the liquid so that the liquid can
freely circulate about the arm;
(b) a handle disposed at each of the front and back of the basin for
carrying the basin;
(c) a pump for generating a pressure for moving the liquid within
the basin;
(d) at least one chamber disposed along the length of the basin for
receiving the pressure from the pump;
(e) a plurality of jets distributed along the at least one chamber for
directing the pressure against the arm;
(f) a pump controller for controlling the pressure;
(g) a heater for heating the liquid ;
21/2210
(h) a heater controller connected to the heater for monitoring and
controlling a temperature of the liquid to within a therapeutic
temperature range ;
(i) a cover disposed at the front of the basin for housing the pump,
pump controller and heater controller ; and
(j) a storage compartment disposed at the front of the basin for
retaining a power cord.
13. The hydrotherapy device of claim 12, wherein the pump comprises an aerating pump.
14. The hydrotherapy device of claim 12, wherein the pump comprises a water pump.
15. The hydrotherapy device of claim 12, further comprising a drain disposed at the back of the
basin.
22/2210
4. AU3050984 - 31.01.1985
AERATED HYDROTHERAPY BATHS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=AU3050984
Inventor(s):
DYBALL CAROLINE (--)
Applicant(s):
DYBALL C (--)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/02
Application Number:
AU19840030509D (19830728)
Priority Number: AU19840030509 (19830728)
Family: AU3050984
23/2210
5. AU565403 - 24.12.1985
ROTATABLE HYDROTHERAPY NOZZLE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=AU565403
Inventor(s):
MATHEWS LESTER R (US)
Applicant(s):
CARETAKER SYSTEMS INC (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; E03C
IP Class:
A61H33/02; E03C1/02
E Class: A61H33/00N2; B05B3/04C2H
Application Number:
US19830468174 (19830225)
Priority Number: US19830468174 (19830225); US19820438978 (19821103)
Family: AU565403
Equivalent:
AU2084983
Abstract:
A REPLACEABLE ROTATABLE THERAPY HEAD IS DISCLOSED WHEREIN THE OPERATING
MECHANISM INCLUDING AN IMPELLER AND A GEAR TRAIN BETWEEN THE IMPELLER AND A
RING GEAR ON THE HOUSING IS SUPPORTED BY A RING WHICH IS INTEGRAL WITH THE
EMITTING NOZZLE AND THE SUPPORTING RING IS HELD TO THE BODY OF THE STRUCTURE BY
MEANS OF THE FLANGE RING ALSO BONDED TO THE BODY OF THE THERAPY HEAD. THE
GEAR TRAIN IS AT THE DOWNSTREAM END OF THE HOUSING AND THE IMPELLER BLADES ARE
AT THE UPSTREAM END OF THE HOUSING SPACED FROM THE GEAR TRAIN. A WATER
DIVERSION MEANS IS DISPOSED BETWEEN THE GEAR TRAIN AND THE IMPELLER BLADES. A
FRICTION REDUCING RING OR THE LIKE IS DISPOSED BETWEEN THE SUPPORT RING AND THE
24/2210
HOUSING. THE SYSTEM UTILIZING THE HEADS, WHICH MAY BE AT A SELECTED ACUTE ANGLE,
INCLUDES AERATORS IN THE SUPPLY LINES FOR MIXING THE WATER WITH AIR.Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to hydrotherapy heads or nozzles for spas and the like and systems thereof,
more particularly to a replaceable rotatably hydrotherapy head or nozzle and systems thereof, and it
is an object of the invention to provide an improved device and system of this nature.
Spas for health as well as enjoyment purposes are well-known and are becoming ever more popular.
Such spas involve, briefly, a tank or container at the surface of the ground or floor into which water of
varying temperatures mixed with air is pumped at relatively high pressure for impingement on the
bodies of the people using the spa. The aerated water jets from openings in nozzles disposed in the
floor and wall of the spa in the past have had a fixed orientation, and have been relatively difficult to
replace when servicing is needed. A hydrotherapy nozzle in accordance with the invention is
rotatable and thus provides a jet or stream of aerated water impinging on the bodies of users
irrespective of location in the spa and the head is provided with threads for easy attachment to a spa
wall so that whenever any existing head is to be replaced, it is a very simple matter to remove it and
replace it with one according to the invention. The rotatable feature of the nozzle is provided by gear
mechanism attached to the nozzle support itself so that no further separate mechanism is needed.
Rotatable valves wherein the rotation is achieved by water flowing through the valve and impinging
upon an impeller which through an appropriate gear train drives the valve are known, as for example,
in the Henry D. Gould U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,269. In addition to the size of valves of the Gould patent,
the operating mechanism thereof is carried by the support structure. Hence Gould does not present
the problems of manufacture involved in small therapy heads of the type forming the subject matter
of this application. According to the invention the impeller and the connected gear train are
supported by the rotating nozzle portion itself.
Hydrotherapeutic spa systems are also well known and include mechanisms for the entrainment of
air in the circulating water. Reference, in this respect, may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 3,159,849,
Jacuzzi, U.S. Pat. No. 3,943,580 Carter, and the U.S. Pat. to Neenan No. 4,320,541.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
25/2210
It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved rotatable hydrotherapy head and system
thereof which overcomes the defects of the prior art.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improved rotatable hydrotherapy head and
system thereof that is simple in form, easy to construct, and efficient in operation.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improved rotatable hydrotherapy head of the
nature indicated which is simple and easy to replace when service is needed.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide an improved hydrotherapy head of the nature
indicated having improved flow characteristics and reduced fluid pressure drop therethrough.
It is an additional and further object to provide an improved hydrotherapy head of the nature
indicated that shields gears from the fluid flow path.
In carrying out the invention according to one form there is provided a replaceable rotatable
hydrotherapy head, or nozzle for spas and the like comprising, a housing having an inlet end and an
outlet end through which water is adapted to flow, a nozzle member including a base rotatably
mounted in the housing, an impeller supported on the base and adapted to rotate under the
influence of water flowing from the inlet through the outlet, and mechanism supported by the base
and driven by the impeller for rotating the nozzle.
In carrying out the invention according to another form there is provided a rotatable hydrotherapy
head or nozzle comprising a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end through which water is
adapted to flow, a support ring having an opening therethrough disposed at the outlet end of the
body, an annular flanged ring attached to the outlet end of the body and rotatably holding the
support ring at its periphery to the body, an impeller including a gear member adapted to be rotated
by water flowing through the inlet end of the body mounted on the support ring, a ring gear on the
interior of the housing adjacent the outlet end of the housing, a gear train operatively between and
engaging the gear member and the ring gear mounted on the support member, and a nozzle
member mounted in the support ring opposite to the impeller, said nozzle member having a water jet
opening at a selected angle.
In carrying out the invention according to a still further form there is provided a hydrotherapeutic
system including in combination: a container for fluid having a size sufficient to permit at least partial
26/2210
submersion of a person therein; a plurality of hydrotherapy heads in said container located beneath
the normal fluid level thereof for supplying streams of fluid under pressure at an acute angle to the
surface of the container at the location of each of said heads; and means for simultaneously and
continuously rotating the streams of fluid issuing from said heads to create a varying pattern of fluid
movement in said container.
The rotating nozzles at an angle create a rolling water motion for massaging, so to speak, the body of
the user.
Improved flow characteristics and decreased fluid pressure drop through the head are achieved by
an angular shield or baffle directing fluid flow away from the gear train thereby preventing turbulence,
a shroud of increased length surrounding and spacing the impeller a greater distance away from the
gear train.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the invention, reference may now be had to the drawings in which
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view in perspective illustrating a spa utilizing the therapy head according to
the invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view on a larger scale of a rotatable therapy head according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a view taken substantially in the direction of arrows 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the parts shown in the preceeding figures;
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic developed view of the gear train of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a modified form of the hydrotherapy head according to the invention;
FIG. 7 is a top plan view, somewhat diagrammatic, of the head shown in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view, somewhat diagrammatic, of the head shown in FIG. 6;
27/2210
FIG. 9 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken in the direction of arrows 9--9 of FIG. 6;
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a further modification of a therapy head according to the invention;
FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the head shown in FIG. 10; and
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view, partially in section and partially broken away of the head
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings there is shown in FIG. 1 a spa 10 which may comprise any suitable
container or tank 11 disposed on the ground or surface 12 and having a series of nozzles or therapy
heads 13 disposed in its surface at various points. The heads may be referred to as hydrotherapy
heads. Each of the heads 13 is connected through one or more conduits 14 to the output of a wellknown filter 15. In each of the lines 14 leading to a head 13 there is an aerating device 13A which
may be of any well-known form, for example, as shown in the Jacuzzi or Carter patents. Water
collected from a drain 16 in the bottom of the spa is fed through a drain pipe or conduit 17 to a pump
18. From the output of the pump water is forced through a pipe or conduit 19 to the filter 15 and
thence through the conduits 14 to the ejecting nozzles or therapy heads 13 through the aerating
devices 13A as is well understood. The conduit, filter and pumping arrangement etc. shown in FIG. 1
is by way of example only and does not form any portion of the invention of the subject application.
The water and air issuing from nozzles 13, of course, is under such pressure as is desired.
Therapy heads known to the prior art were fixed in nature and whatever direction the emitting jet of
water had it would retain and always be the same. In addition prior art heads were difficult to remove
and replace whenever servicing was needed.
In the sectional view of FIG. 2 the conduit 14 is shown imbedded in or passing through the body of
the spa 11 and the hydrotherapy head 13 is shown held in the conduit 14 by virtue of the threaded
connection 21.
28/2210
The therapy head 13 comprises a body 22, a support ring 23, a domed-shaped nozzle 24, a gear
train 25 supported on the ring 23 and an impeller 26 also supported from the ring 23. The jet or
nozzle opening 19 is enlarged and disposed at an angle to the nozzle axis as may be visualized in
FIG. 2 in order that a substantial stream of water may emit therefrom to contact the bodies of the
persons using the spa. The object is to obtain a substantial flow of water as compared with having a
small relatively high pressure jet. The larger stream of water massages the body of the user. Any
angle of the nozzle opening 19 may be selected and more than one nozzle opening may be provided,
as desired. The nozzle opening is shown in FIG. 2 the acute angle alpha. A varying pattern of water
and air movement is created.
The water level in the spa 10 may be as desired but typically may be above the highest row of
nozzles as shown by the broken line 20.
The domed nozzle 24 may be a molded part and attached to the support ring 23 at the juncture 27
which forms a ring as may be visualized. The joint or juncture 27 may be achieved by sonic welding
or by some suitable adhesive, as is well understood, so that the dome nozzle 24 and the support ring
23 form a unitary part. Projecting bosses 28, 29, 31 and 32 (FIG. 4) may be formed on the
undersurface of the supporting ring 23 for receiving shafts 33, 34, 35 and 36, respectively, to support
gears, as will be described. The bosses may be eliminated, if desired and the shaft supported in the
material of the ring itself if sufficient strength is thereby available. There are openings, of course, in
the various bosses in order to support the shafts shown or dispositioned therein.
The shaft 36 is received in the opening in boss 32 and disposed on the shaft is a main gear 37
whose lower end 38 will be cemented to the upper surface 39 of the impeller 26 so that the gear 37
and the impeller 26 form a unitary piece. The impeller 26 has a pair of oppositely disposed angularly
formed vanes 41 and 42 so that when water impinges there against in flowing through the head, as
shown by the arrow A (FIG. 2), the impeller 26 rotates thereby causing the gear 37 to rotate.
Interiorly of the cylindrical body or housing 22 is a ring gear 43 which meshes with a spur gear 44
supported on shaft 33 received in the opening in boss 28. Meshing with gear 44 is a gear 45
attached to gear 46 as a unit and supported on shaft 34 received in the opening in boss 29.
The gear train 25 is shown in developed diagrammatic form in FIG. 5 and this figure should be
considered in connection with FIG. 4 in the description of the gear train.
29/2210
Gear 46 meshes with a gear 47 attached to and forming a unit with gear 48, the two gears 47 and 48
being mounted on shaft 35 received in the opening in boss 31. The gear 48 meshes with a gear 49
attached to and forming part of a gear 51, the gears 49 and 51 being mounted on shaft 34. Gear 51
meshes with a gear 52 which forms part of and is attached to a gear 53, the gears 52 and 53 being
mounted on shaft 35. Gear 53 meshes with a gear 37 which as already stated is mounted on shaft 36
and is attached to the impeller 26.
Thus, as may be seen when comparing FIGS. 5 and 4, when the impeller 26 rotates under the
influence of water moving thereby, through the various gears of the gear train illustrated, the gear 44,
engaging with the ring gear 43 causes the assembled mechanism including the support ring 23 to
rotate. A clamp ring 54 is disposed at the end of shaft 36 and holds the impeller 26 in position, a
second clamp ring 55 or the like is disposed above the gear 37 to hold the gear and the attached
impeller 26 from moving upwardly from beyond where it is supposed to be in relationship to the other
gears. Attached to the end of shaft 35 is a clamp ring 56 holding the gear 53 in position and thus the
other gears on shaft 35. It will be noted that the dimensions of the various other gears on shaft 33
and 34 are such that these gears will be held in position on their shafts without any further clamp
rings, or the like. It will be understood, of course, that other well-known means for holding the gears
to the shafts on which they are disposed may be used without departing from the scope of the
invention. The step-down gear ratio of the gear train 25 from the impeller 26 to the ring gear 43 may
be very large so that relatively high rotational velocities of the impeller 26 will be reduced to relatively
slow automatic, continuous rotational movements of the therapy head nozzle 24. Two sets of gears
on each of the shafts 34 and 35, of course, assist in the development of the desired gear ratio.
The impeller 26, the various gears 44-53 may all be of lightweight synthetic materials and thereby
keep the weight of the unit to a low level.
The bosses 28, 29, 31 and 32 may, in effect, be formed on a web 57 from the center of which there
extends a reinforcing or strengthening web 58. The webs 57 and 58 form the interior part of the ring
23, the rim of which is bonded to the nozzle head 24 at the juncture 27 as already described. The
spaces between the webs 57 and 58 of the ring 23 form openings through which the water flows in
passing from the inlet of the therapy head to the outlet or discharge opening 19.
When the impeller 26 rotates and causes the various gears of the gear train to rotate, ultimately the
gear 44 is caused to rotate and since this gear meshes with the teeth of the ring gear 43 the whole
mechanism supporting the gear train is caused to rotate as will be understood.
30/2210
The ring 23 supporting the gear train and impeller and the nozzle head is disposed atop the surface
59 as may be seen best in FIG. 2 and a flange ring 61 is disposed so as to hold the assemblage
together. The circular flange 62 extending inwardly from the rim 63 of flange ring 61 serves to hold
the rim of the ring 23 in position as may be visualized in FIG. 2. An interior circular surface 64 of the
rim 63 is bonded or otherwise sealed to the periphery of the circular surface 59. In this manner the
rotating nozzle 24, the ring 23, the flange ring 61 and the body 22 are held together as a unitary
structure.
Water flowing inwardly as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 2 passes by the vanes of the impeller 26, and
passes through the openings 60 defined by the webs 57 and 58 and emerges through the nozzle
opening 19 and in the process, the nozzle 24 including the opening 19 rotate at a predetermined rate.
Disposed between the underside of the flange ring 62 and the upper surface of the adjacent rim or
periphery of the ring 23 there is a friction reducing ring 65 which may be formed of the synthetic
material known as Teflon. The Teflon ring or gasket 65 being of a very low frictional nature enables
the head 24 to rotate even though the water moving through the therapy heads causes the rotating
head 24 to bear against the undersurface of the flange ring 62.
The fit between the periphery of support ring 23, the associated surfaces of the flange ring 61 and
the adjacent surface 59 of the body 22 may be relatively loose so that the rotating nozzle 23 can
easily rotate. If some slight leakage occurs of the water flowing through the nozzle around the
periphery of the support ring 23 and out past the rotating nozzle 24, thereby by-passing the jet
stream through openings 19, this is relatively unimportant because only a small amount of water will
so by-pass. The Teflon ring provides a seal preventing any substantial leakage or by-passing while
still providing anti-friction. Other synthetic, or friction reducing materials may be used. Similarly
mechanical, e.g., roller bearings may be used, but some by-passing would need to be tolerable or a
further solution found.
Reference should now be had to FIGS. 6-9 inclusive which show a modified form of the invention
having certain advantages. To the extent possible the same reference characters will be used for
FIGS. 6-9 inclusive as were used for the preceeding figures, in some instances using suffix letters to
identify slightly different parts.
Thus in FIG. 6 the hydrotherapy nozzle 13A is shown in sectional view and includes a body, or
housing, 22A including threads 21 for receiving it in the conduit 14. Similarly to the structures of the
31/2210
preceeding figures, water enters according to the direction of arrow A and exits through the nozzle
opening 19A as shown by the arrow A' whose direction is that of an acute angle to the surrounding
surfaces or to the original direction of water flow. Thus the water flowing out according to the arrow A'
exits at an acute angle, as described.
Across the lower portion of the housing 22A there is a spider framework 70 having three legs 71, 72
and 73 which come together and join to a central hub 74 and may be an integral part of the lower
edge of housing 22A. Such a configuration may conveniently be formed by a molding process. The
central hub 74 also forms a bearing for the shaft 36. Attached to the shaft 36 in the same manner in
connection to the preceeding figures is the impeller 26 having, as shown, four blades. The blades 71,
72 and 73 are essentially triangular in shape as may be seen best in FIG. 9. However, the end
adjacent the direction of water flow is truncated as shown for ease in manufacturing these parts and
for increased strength. The blades of the impeller 26 are also essentially triangular in form as shown
in FIG. 9 with the angular surface 26A facing toward the direction of water A as represented by the
arrow A". The direction A" represents the direction of the water flow of arrow A after impingment upon
the angular surface 71A of the spider legs 71, 72 and 73.
Forming the legs upon which water impinges, as shown, by the angular surface 71A, causes the
direction of the water to be altered to better impinge upon the angular surfaces 26A. This effects
rotation of the impeller in a better and more reliable fashion.
The dome nozzle 24 of FIG. 2 has been reduced in profile to that shown by the reference character
24A of FIG. 6. The dome 24A extends around the periphery of the exit of the nozzle substantially,
perhaps more than half-way, as may be visualized best in FIG. 7. This defines the nozzle opening
19A as shown in this figure. The nozzle dome 24A may be welded to, so to speak, a cylindrical
member 75 which together with the dome nozzle 24A forms the nozzle member and a supporting
base for holding the gear train 25 similarly to that shown in the preceeding figures.
The gear train includes a gear 44 which meshes with a ring gear 43 formed on the inside of the
housing 21. The gear 44 through the various gears of gear train 25 engages a gear 57 on the shaft
36 all as similar to the preceeding figures. The various gears, shafts and the shaft 36 are supported
at their ends in suitable supporting arms as shown by the arm 76 in FIG. 8. Similar supporting
members, not shown, are provided at the other ends of the shaft which are adjacent the bottom
surface of the dome nozzle 24A in FIG. 6. If desired, the gear members may be in a separate
compartment defined by a wall 77 which may or may not be present, as desired, the upper end of
32/2210
the wall 77 being attached as by integral casting with the upper edge of the cylindrical member 75.
Referring to FIG. 7 the cylindrical wall may follow the outline 78 of the nozzle opening 19A. Thus as
may be visualized in FIG. 6, the shaft 36 is supported at its lower end in the hub 74 and at its upper
end in a supporting spider network at the upper end of the cylindrical member 75 which is at the
bottom of the dome nozzle member 24A.
The dome nozzle 24A is made of low profile in order to avoid having this member project too far into
the spa, for example, and thus become something upon which the bather may bump into or have his
bathing suit hang up on.
The wall of the cylindrical member 75 has an opening 79 in it through which the gear 44 projects in
order to engage the ring gear 43.
It may be preferable in some structures to make the nozzle dome 24A virtually flat or planer with the
surrounding surface of the spa.
Adjacent the nozzle exit 19A the dome nozzle 24A may have an angular surface 81 which may be
termed the angular exit of the nozzle and assists in achieving the water direction of A' at the acute
angle alpha as desired.
When it is desired to remove the therapy head it is only necessary for the service man, for example,
to grasp the flange ring 63 and turn the head in the appropriate direction whereby, by means of the
threads 21, the therapy head is screwed out. A second head may, of course, immediately replace
the one removed without having the spa inoperative for anything other than a very short interval.
FIGS. 10-12 inclusive show a modified and presently preferred form of the invention having certain
advantages. To the extent possible the same reference characters will be used for FIGS. 10-12
inclusive as were used for the preceeding figures, in some instances using suffix letters to identify
slightly different parts.
Thus, in FIG. 11 the hydrotherapy nozzle 13B is shown in sectional view and includes a body, or
housing, 22B including threads 21 for receiving it in the conduit 14. Water enters the housing 22B
according in the direction of arrow A and exits through the nozzle opening 19B as shown by the
arrow A' whose direction is that of an acute angle to the surrounding surfaces or to the original
33/2210
direction of water flow. Thus the water flowing out according to the arrow A' exits at an acute angle,
as described.
Across the lower portion of the housing 22B there is a spider framework 70 having three legs 71, 72
and 73 which come together and join to a central hub 74. Such a configuration may conveniently be
formed by a molding process, may be an integral part of the lower edge of housing 22A. The central
hub 74 also forms a bearing for the shaft 36A. Attached to the shaft 36A in the same manner as in the
preceding figures is the impeller 26 having, as shown, four blades.
The blades 71, 72 and 73 are essentially triangular in shape as may be seen best in FIG. 9. However,
the end adjacent the direction of water flow is truncated, as shown, for ease in manufacturing these
parts and for increased strength.
The blades of the impeller 26 are also essentially triangular in form as shown in FIG. 9 with the
angular surface 26A facing toward the direction of water A as represented by the arrow A". The
direction A" represents the direction of the water flow of arrow A after impingment upon the angular
surface 71A of the spider legs 71, 72 and 73. Forming the legs upon which water impringes with an
angular surface 71A causes the direction of the water to be altered to better impinge upon the
angular surfaces 26A. This effects rotation of the impeller in a better and more reliable fashion.
The dome nozzle 24 of FIG. 2 has been opened in profile to that shown by the reference character
24B of FIG. 10. The dome 24B extends around the periphery of the exit of the nozzle substantially,
perhaps more than half-way. This defines the nozzle opening 19B as shown in this figure. The nozzle
dome 24B may be welded to, or integral with, a hollow cylindrical member 75A which together with
the upper land 126 and lower land 122 forms the nozzle member and a supporting base for holding
the gear train 25.
Referring to FIG. 12, the gear train includes a gear 44 which meshes with a ring gear 43 formed on
the inside of the housing 22B. The gear 44 through the various gears of gear train 25 engage a gear
57 on the shaft 36A, similar to the preceding figures. The various gears, shafts and the shaft 36A are
supported at their ends in suitable bosses and indentations on lower land 122 as shown in FIGS. 11
and 12. Similar supporting members are provided at the other ends of the shafts which are on the
bottom surface 125 of upper land 126 per FIG. 11. Thus, as may be visualized in FIG. 11, the shaft
36A is supported at its lower end in the hub 74 and at its upper end in a boss on the lower surface
125 of upper land 126.
34/2210
The wall of the cylindrical member 75A has an opening 79 in it through which the gear 44 projects in
order to engage the ring gear 43.
Adjacent the nozzle exit 19B the dome nozzle 24B may have an angular surface 81A which may be
called the angular exit of the nozzle and which assists in achieving the water direction of A' at the
acute angle alpha as desired.
When it is desired to remove the therapy head it is only necessary for the service man, for example,
to grasp the flange ring 63 and turn the head in the appropriate direction whereby, by means of the
threads 21, the therapy head is screwed out. A second head may, of course, immediately replace
the one removed without having the spa inoperative for anything other than a very short interval.
In the embodiment of the rotatable therapy head shown in FIGS. 10-12 other improvements have
been made which include (1) lengthening the body 22B to make room for, and providing a stream
flow diversion means--here an angular baffle, or shield, 123 (which is hollow to save weight and
materials) depending from lower land 122 and which compresses and guides the stream into
channel 134 past gear train 25; and (2) lengthening the impeller shaft 36A to extend past shield 123
to thereby dispose impeller blades 26 at the upstream end of body 22B, spaced from gear train 25.
This combination of shield and impeller placement minimizes stream turbulence and eliminates a
flutter that is sometimes detectable in the stream output of less preferred embodiments. Also,
pressure drop is lessened and no auxiliary device for forcing entrained air through the system, such
as a motor driven fan, is required.
In this embodiment a semicircular channel 149 is provided in the shield to receive a section of the
impeller shaft 36A which assists in stabilizing the longer shaft which is supported by hub 74. The
gear train is securely held in place of the presence of suitable bosses 128 and 129 and indentations
130 for the journalling of of the shafts of the individual gears of the gear train 125 between the upper
land 126 and the lower land 122. In the configuration of this embodiment, the nozzle presents a more
open and vertical profile also tending to lessen turbulence in the stream. An additional advantage is
that the shield's angularly disposed surface 140 deflects sediment in the water from the gear train
which protects the gears from jamming.
35/2210
Additionally, a therapy head as described may be constructed wherein there is a drive means
operably connected to the nozzle or its base and which is adapted to rotate the nozzle and the
means may include one or more vanes adapted to rotate the nozzle responsive to the flow of water
through the housing, either with or without a gear reduction means or train.
A very simple, lightweight, easily serviceable, and efficient therapy head has been achieved as
described. The various parts of the therapy head may be formed of synthetic material such for
example, nylon, and the parts may be injection molded to the fullest extent desired thereby achieving
a further efficiency and lightweight.
Claims:
I claim:
1. A hydrotherapeutic system including in combination: a container for fluid having a size sufficient to
permit at least partial submersion of a person therein; a plurality of hydrotherapy heads in said
container located beneath the normal fluid level thereof for supplying streams of fluid under pressure
at an acute angle to the surface of the container at the location of each of said heads; and rotating
means comprising an impeller and gear train mechanism rotated by the fluid flowing through each of
said heads for rotating each head independently of the others to thereby automatically,
simultaneously and continuously rotate the streams of fluid issuing from said heads to create a
varying pattern of fluid movement in said container.
2. A hydrotherapeutic system including in combination: a container for fluid having a sufficient size to
permit at least partial submersion of a person therein; at least one hydrotherapy head in said
container located beneath the normal fluid level thereof for supplying a stream of fluid under
pressure at an acute angle to the surface of the container at the location of said at least one
hydrotheraphy head; and means located within said head and responsive to said stream of fluid
passing through said head for automatically and continuously rotating the stream of fluid issuing from
said head to create a varying pattern of fluid movement in said container.
3. A hydrotherapeutic system including in combination: a container for fluid having a size sufficient to
permit at least partial submersion of a person therein; a plurality of hydrotherapy heads in said
container located beneath the normal fluid level thereof for supplying streams of fluid under pressure
at an acute angle to the surface of the container at the location of each of said heads; and means for
independently rotating each of said heads for automatically, simultaneously and continuously rotating
36/2210
the streams of fluid issuing from said heads to create a varying pattern of fluid movement in said
container.
4. The combination according to claim 3 wherein said rotating means comprises an impeller and
gear train mechanism rotated by the fluid flowing through said head for rotating each head
independently of the others.
5. The combination according to claim 4 wherein each of said plurality of hydrotherapy heads
supplies a mixture of water and air under pressure, and streams of water and air issue from each of
said heads to create said varying pattern of water and air movement in said container.
6. A hydrotherapeutic system including in combination: a container for fluid having a size sufficient to
permit at lease partial submersion of a person therein; a plurality of hydrotherapy heads in said
contianer located beneath the normal fluid level thereof for supplying streams of fluid under pressure
at an acute angle to the surface of the container at the location of each of said heads, each of said
plurality of hydrotherapy heads supplying a mixture of water and air under pressure; and means for
automatically simultaneously and continuously rotating the streams of water and air issuing from
each of said heads to create a varying pattern of water and air movement in said container.
37/2210
6. AU5835700 - 11.01.2001
COLON HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=AU5835700
Inventor(s):
THUERINGER ISTVAN (HU); SZIKLA LASZLO (HU); GAJDOS GABOR (HU);
MARTON JANOS (HU)
Applicant(s): KONDI ELEKTRONIKAI BT (HU); THUERINGER ISTVAN (HU); SZIKLA LASZLO
(HU); GAJDOS GABOR (HU); MARTON JANOS (HU)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/02
E Class: A61M3/02D4
Application Number:
WO2000HU00068 (20000630)
Priority Number: HU19990002266 (19990702)
Family: AU5835700
Equivalent:
HU9902266
Cited Document(s):
US2873739; US3823714; WO8800840
Abstract:
APPARATUS COMPRISING A WATER TANK (1) AND AN A DISCHARGE PIPE (2), WHEREIN THE
DISCHARGE PIPE (2) IS EQUIPPED WITH A PRESSURE LIMITING UNIT (3) CONSISTING OF A
HORIZONTAL PIPE (7) HAVING A 10-50 CM HIGH VERTICAL TUBE BEND (8) AND A CONTROL
DEVICE (10), WHEREBY THE PIPE (7) IS MOUNTED ROTATABLE AROUND ITS HORIZONTAL AXIS
AND THE VERTICAL TUBE BEND (8) HAS ONE SEGMENT CONDUCTING UPWARD AND ANOTHER
38/2210
SEGMENT CONDUCTING DOWNWARD, IN ADDITION TO A SEGMENT (11, 12, 13) OF SAID PIPE
(7) THAT CONNECTS SAID TWO OTHER SEGMENTS.Description:
Hydrotherapisches Colon-Gerдt
Die Erfindung betrifft ein hydrotherapeutisches Colon-Gerдt, das einen Wasserbehдlter und eine
Abflussleitung enthдlt.
Die hydrotherapeutischen Colon-Gerдte sind Vorrichtungen zur Behandlung des Dickdarmes, die in
der letzten Zeit sowohl in der tдglichen дrztlichen Praxis wie auch in der Komplementдrmedizin sehr
an Bedeutung gewonnen haben.
Mit diesen Gerдten kann der Colon in seiner gesamten Lдnge gereinigt werden, was zum Beispiel
in Vorbereitung einer Operation oder vor einer mit Gerдten vorgenommenen Untersuchung
erforderlich ist. Mit dem Colon-Gerдt kцnnen auch unterschiedliche Arzneimittel und
hydrotherapeutische Wirkstoffe in den Darm eingebracht werden.
Die Behandlung besteht im wesentlichen darin, dass der Dickdarm unter stдndiger Druckkontrolle
mit einer Waschflьssigkeit entsprechender Temperatur bis zur ileocцkalen Einmьndung gefьllt
wird. Nach Beendigung der Waschung wird die Flьssigkeit abgelassen.
Im allgemeinen wird die Behandlung mit Hilfe eines an die Abflussleitung angeschlossenen, vorher
sterilisierten Einweg-Kunststoffrohrsystems mit in den Behдlter des Gerдtes gefьlltem
Leitungswasser vorgenommen. Das bei der Behandlung anfallende Abwasser kann in das zentrale
Abwassersystem geleitet werden.
Mit einer derartigen Behandlung erцffnet sich in der Gastroenterologie die Mцglichkeit, den
Dickdarm vor einer Operation oder vor einer mit Gerдtschaften, zum Beispiel dem Endoskop,
vorgenommenen Untersuchung grьndlicher als ьblich zu sдubern. Durch regelmдssige
vorbeugende Behandlung der Diverticulose kцnnen auch Stockungen und sich aus diesen
ergebende Entzьndungen vermieden werden.
39/2210
Auch bei irritablem Colon-Syndrom, chronischer Verstopfung und Durchfall ist das Verfahren
erfolgreich anwendbar. Durch Ablцsen der an der Darmwand haftenden Stuhlklumpen kann die
Peristaltik des Dickdarmes verbessert werden.
Mit Einlaufflьssigkeiten unterschiedlicher Temperatur kann auch das Adernetz der Darmwand
trainiert werden, wodurch die Blutversorgung und dementsprechend die Darmfunktion verbessert
werden.
Bei chronischer Dickdarmentzьndung kцnnen die Arzneimittel wirksamer und hцher in den Darm
eingebracht werden, als das mit den ьblichen Clismen der Fall ist.
In der Komplementдrmedizin werden Colon-Gerдte in erster Linie zur Detoxikation und zur
Behandlung von Colondisbiosen angewendet.
Bei den gegenwдrtig in Gebrauch befindlichen Gerдten wird nach Beendigung der Behandlung
durch Цffnen eines Ventils die Waschflьssigkeit aus dem Dickdarm abgelassen. Wдhrend der
Behandlung ist bei den gegenwдrtig verwendeten Gerдten jedoch die Druckregelung und die
schnelle Entleerung nicht gelцst. Tritt zum Beispiel ein plцtzlicher Krampf ein, so kann es, wird das
Ventil nicht rechtzeitig geцffnet, zu einem Druckanstieg kommen, der die Darmwand verletzen kann.
Ziel der Erfindung war daher die Bereitstellung eines Gerдtes, bei dessen Benutzung das Wasser
ьber lange Zeit hinweg sicher im Dickdarm gehalten werden kann und inzwischen die Mцglichkeit
besteht, den mit Wasser gefьllten Dickdarm beziehungsweise den Bauch zu massieren und
dadurch die an der Darmwand haftenden Schlackenstoffe wirksam zu entfemen, ohne dass ein
unerwьnschter Druckanstieg eintritt.
Die gestellte Aufgabe wurde mit einem Gerдt gelцst, das einen Wasserbehдlter und eine
Abflussleitung enthдlt, und fьr das kennzeichnend ist, dass in die Abflussleitung eine
Druckbegrenzungseinheit eingebaut ist, die aus einem waagerechten, mit einer 10-50 cm hohen
senkrechten Lyra (Ausgleichsschleife) versehenen Rohr und einer Steuerung besteht, wobei das
Rohr um seine waagerechte Achse drehbar gelagert ist und die senkrechte Lyra aus einem nach
oben und einem nach unten fьhrenden Abschnitt sowie einem diese beiden verbindenden
Abschnitt des Rohres ausgebildet ist. Das Rohr ist zweckmдssig ein Glasrohr, die Lyra bildet
zweckmдssig ein umgekehrtes U, und ihre Hцhe ist zweckmдssig 30 cm.
40/2210
Die Steuerung ist im allgemeinen als elektronische Einheit ausgebildet.
Gegenьber den herkцmmlicherweise verwendeten Gerдten hat die erfindungsgemдsse Lцsung
den grundlegenden Vorteil, dass der im Dickdarm herrschende grцsste intraluminare Druck genau
bestimmt und eingestellt werden und dadurch automatisch verhindert werden kann, dass der Druck
ьber diesen Wert hinaus ansteigt. Dadurch wird die Gefahr einer Verletzung der Darmwand
bedeutend verringert.
Weitere Einzelheiten der Erfindung werden an einem Ausfьhrungsbeispiel mit Hilfe der
Zeichnungen erlдutert. In den Zeichnungen stellt
Fig. 1 eine Skizze der erfindungsgemдssen Vorrichtung dar, wдhrend in
Fig. 2 einige mцgliche Ausfiihrungsformen der in der Druckbegrenzungsein heit angewendeten
Lyra zeigt.
Die Haupteinheiten der in Fig. 1 schematisch dargestellten Vorrichtung sind ein
Flьssigkeitsbehдlter 1, eine Abflussleitung 2 und eine Druckbegrenzungseinheit 3.
Zweckmдssig enthдlt die Vorrichtung auch eine Einlaufpumpe 4.
Zu dem Flьssigkeitsbehдlter 1 gehцren eine Flьssigkeitszuleitung 5 und zweck-mдssig ein
Niveaufьhler 6, femer kann sie mit einer Luft-und/oder Ozonzuleitung und einem Temperaturfьhler
versehen sein.
Aus dem Flьssigkeitsbehдlter 1 gelangt das Wasser oder die Behandlungsflьssigkeit in
bestimmten Fдllen auf dem Gravitationswege, im allgemeinen jedoch rnittels der Einlaufpumpe 4 in
Richtung des oberen Pfeiles in das auf der Zeichnung nicht dargestellte Einweg-Einlaufrohrsystem.
Die aus dem Dickdarm austretende Flьssigkeit gelangt in der Richtung des unteren Pfeiles in die
Abflussleitung 2.
Die in die Abflussleitung 2 eingebaute Druckbegrenzungseinheit besteht aus einer in ein
waagerechtes Rohr 7 eingebauten Lyra 8, ferner einem die Drehung der Abflussleitung 4
bewerkstelligenden Niveaueinstellungsmotor 9 sowie einer elektronischen Steuerung 10. Der die
Lyra 8 einschliessende Abschnitt der Abflussleitung 2, d. h. das Rohr 7, ist drehbar gelagert ;
dadurch wird ermцglicht, dass der Niveaueinstellungsmotor 9 die Lyra 8 in die gewьnschte
Stellung drehen kann.
41/2210
Die Lyra 8 kann auf verschiedene Weise ausgebildet sein, einige Varianten zeigt Fig. 2. In der
Praxis hat sich die oberste Ausgestaltung gut bewдhrt, bei der die Lyra 8 im wesentlichen die Form
eines umgekehrten U aufweist. Der erste Abschnitt 11 der U-Form ist ansteigend, und auf den
mittleren Bogenabschnitt 12 folgt ein absteigender Abschnitt 12.
Im Fall der mittleren Variante ist die Lyra 8 aus einem allmдhlich ansteigenden Abschnitt 11, einem
kurzen waagerechten Abschnitt 12 und einem senkrechten Abschnitt 13 ausgebildet.
Die dritte Variante ist wieder im wesentlichen eine U-Form, jedoch sind die die Lyra 8 bildenden
Rohrabschnitte 12 und 13 nicht senkrecht, sondern schliessen mit der Waagerechten einen spitzen
Winkel ein.
Die erfindungsgemдsse Vorrichtung arbeitet folgendermassen.
Das Wasser beziehungsweise die Behandlungsflьssigkeit der gewьnschten Temperatur gelangt
durch die Flьssigkeitszuleitung 5 in den Flьssigkeitsbehдlter 1.
Gegebenenfalls kann in die Flьssigkeit Luft oder in einem Ozonentwickler hergestelltes Ozon-LuftGemisch eingeleitet werden. Die Flьssigkeit wird mittels der Einlaufpumpe 4 in der gewьnschten
Menge in den Dickdarm eingebracht.
Wдhrend der Darmwдsche wird der zulдssige Druck des Wassers oder der
Behandlungsflьssigkeit mit Hilfe der Druckbegrenzungseinheit 3 eingestellt, und zwar, indem mit
dem Niveaueinstellungsmotor 9 die Lyra 8 in eine Winkelstellung eingestellt wird, mit der die
gewьnschte Druckbegrenzung gewдhrleistet werden kann.
Da die Lyra 8 hцchstens 50 cm hoch ist, kann der Druck der Behandlungsflьssigkeit diesen
maximalen Druckwert unter keinen Umstдnden ьberschreiten, hingegen kann notwendigenfalls,
indem die Lyra aus ihrer senkrechten Stellung geneigt wird, ein geringerer Grenzwert eingestellt
werden.
In der Praxis hat sich eine 30 cn hohe Lyra gut bewдhrt, welche einen Druckgrenzwert von 30 cm
Wassersдule gewдhrleistet.
42/2210
Durch das Abflussrohr mit der Lyra und dem Niveaueinstellungsmotor wird erfindungsgemдss
gewдhrleistet, dass der maximale Druck der verwendeten Flьssigkeit mit Sicherheit eingehalten
werden, erforderlichenfalls sofort verringert oder die Waschflьssigkeit schnell abgelassen werden
kann. Es ist offensichtlich, dass der hцchste Druckgrenzwert in senkrechter Lage der Lyra erzielt
wird, wдhrend beim Neigen der Lyra in Richtung der Waagerechten der Druck stufenlos auf Null
absinkt
Es ist ebenfalls offensichtlich, dass ausser den hier erlдuterten Ausfьhrungs- formen die Erfindung
noch auf unterschiedliche Weise realisiert werden kann, das Wesen ist in jedem Falle, dass in den
Weg der den Darm verlassenden Waschflьssigkeit eine Lyra eingeschaltet wird, durch welche die
Flьssigkeit hindurchfliesst und die verhindert, dass der Druck wдhrend der Behandlung den
eingestellten Wert ьberschreitet.
Der Durchmesser des Abflussrohres ist prinzipiell beliebig, in der Praxis ist es jedoch zweckmдssig,
ihn dem Durchmesser des zum Einlauf verwendeten Einwegrohres entsprechend zu wдhlen.
Unabhдngig vom Durchmesser ist es die Aufgabe der Druckbegrenzungseinheit, die
Waschflьssigkeit im Dickdarm zu halten und zu gewдhrleisten, dass der Druck nicht hцher als ein
vorgegebener Grenzwert sein kann.
Schliesslich, am Ende der Behandlung, wird die Lyra in waagerechte Lage gebracht, wodurch die
Flьssigkeit frei abfliessen kann.
Die beschriebenen Ausfьhrungsformen dienen nur der Illustration der Erfindung, die innerhalb des
durch die Patentansprьche bestimmten Umfanges noch in zahlreichen Varianten verwirklicht werden
kann. Claims:
Patentansprьche
1 : Hydrotherapeutisches Colon-Gerдt, das einen Wasserbehдlter und eine Abflussleitung enthдlt,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Abflussleitung (2) mit einer Druckbegrenzungseinheit (3)
versehen ist, die aus einem waagerechten, mit einer 1050 cm hohen senkrechten Lyra (8)
versehenen Rohr (7) und einer Steuerung (10) besteht, wobei das Rohr (7) um seine waagerechte
Achse drehbar gelagert ist und die senkrechte Lyra (8) aus einem nach oben und einem nach unten
fьhrenden Abschnitt sowie einem diese beiden verbindenden Abschnitt (11,12,13) des Rohres (7)
ausgebildet ist.
43/2210
2. Gerдt nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Rohr (7) ein Glasrohr ist.
3. Gerдt nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Lyra (8) die Form eines
umgekehrten U hat.
4. Gerдt nach einem der Ansprьche 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Hцhe der Lyra (8) 30
cm betrдgt.
5. Gerдt nach einem der Ansprьche 1-4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Steuerung (10) als
elektronische Einheit ausgebildet ist.
44/2210
7. AU592362 - 25.08.1987
HYDROTHERAPY VEST
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=AU592362
Inventor(s):
MCWATERS JAMES G (US)
Applicant(s):
MCWATERS JAMES G (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: B63C
IP Class:
B63C9/08
E Class: B63C9/115
Application Number:
US19850776688 (19850916)
Priority Number: US19850776688 (19850916)
Family: AU592362
Equivalent:
AU6171586; JP62051118; NZ216923
Abstract:
A FLOTATION DEVICE FOR ATHLETIC TRAINING OR FOR HYDROTHERAPY UTILIZES A VEST-LIKE
MEMBER WHICH ENCASES BUOYANT MEMBERS OF UNEQUAL BUOYANCY SUCH THAT A
WEARER IS SUPPORTED IN WATER IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION, YET INCLINED SLIGHTLY
FORWARD, AND IMMERSED ABOVE THE SHOULDERS. THE VEST IS FITTED TO THE WEARER BY
ADJUSTMENT AND RETAINING STRAPS AND PROVIDES COMPLETE UNHAMPERED FREEDOM
OF MOVEMENT OF THE APPENDAGES WHEREBY THE USER MAY EXERCISE USING THE SAME
BIOMECHANICAL MOTIONS INVOLVED IN A LIKE EXERCISE PERFORMED OUT OF THE
WATER.Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
45/2210
The present invention relates to the field of hydrotherapy or aquatic conditioning in general and more
particularly relates to a means for utilizing water as a restrictive medium in which to perform
conditioning exercises or other training. In even greater particularity the present invention may be
described as a flotation vest which holds the user in a generally upright and forwardly inclined
posture and supports him at neck level to enable the user to exercise his limbs when immersed in
water without contact with the ground or floor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Water provides greater resistance to movement of the appendages than does air, consequently, it
has been accepted that swimming and other water sports in which a portion of the body is immersed
in the water are quite useful in conditioning muscles. However, muscles develop specifically in the
way in which they are trained. That is, muscular development generated by swimming or such
alternatives as cycling and weight training are good secondary methods of overall conditioning for
people who are not engaged in cycling, swimming or weight training as their primary sport or activity;
however they do not lead to the direct development of the muscles required for other activities. Thus
it should be seen that for proper training the athlete or patient, as the case may be, should utilize the
correct biomechanical movements in order to properly develop his musculature. That is to say, for
example, the person should engage not in swimming but rather in running immersed in and buoyed
by water in order to strengthen the muscles desired for running.
Unfortunately flotation devices developed heretofore have not been designed to allow the user to
perform such exercises but rather have been designed for safety purposes. The ski vests and life
jackets which are used for flotation by most people are designed to keep the upper body well out of
the water and to force the wearer onto his or her back to prevent drowning. Consequently such
devices support the wearer in what would be an unnatural position for repetitive exercises such as
running or aerobics, which will also be referred to as "running activities". Also, such devices are not
designed to allow the freedom of movement associated with proper running or aerobic exercises. As
a result of these shortcomings, a person attempting to use a standard ski vest or life jacket to
condition himself through performing his normal exercise routine in water will find that he is utilizing
muscles in a manner not normally utilized in his particular sport due to the improper positioning
afforded by these flotation devices and is likely to experience at least some discomfort due to the
bulkiness of such devices. Furthermore, since these devices are designed to hold the wearer
substantially out of the water, the upper extremities, that is the arms and shoulders of the wearer, are
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generally held above the water and do not benefit greatly from the increased resistance afforded to
the wearer by the water.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is the object of the present invention to provide a flotation device which will support a wearer in
water in such a manner that he may perform running or other exercises in a manner which allows the
exact duplication of the primary exercise.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide improved athletic form by practice of correct
biomechanical movements in an environment which provides increased resistance to such
movements.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide intense training with less risk of injury in less time.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a means of exercise for the elderly, handicapped, or
arthritic which allows a full range of motion, yet which provides substantial resistance and is not likely
to cause injury or discomfort.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide injured athletes or performers the ability to continue
in training and rehearsal while aiding recovery.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the hydrotherapy vest showing the front portion closed;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 showing internal flotation elements; and,
FIG. 3 is a pictorial rendition of a user wearing the hydrotherapy vest in water and supported at the
proper angle for running.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
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Referring to FIG. 1 it may be seen that my hydrotherapy vest utilizes a vest-like cover member 11
which extends over the shoulders and down below the arms of a user to the hipline. There are
armholes 12 and suitable closure members 13 which may be hook and pile type closures or belt
closures or any combination of other closures which are adjustable such that the vest-like member
11 may be adjusted in girth to fit snugly about the torso of the user. Attached to the rear of the vest
and extending to the front of the vest is a crotch strap 14, also called a beaver tail, which extends
between the legs of the user and fastens to the front of the vest 12 by suitable hook and pile type
fasteners or other type fasteners. The crotch strap 14 should be of sufficient width as to disperse any
load and forces created by the buoying effect of the hydrotherapy vest evenly in the region without
discomfort.
As may be seen in FIG. 2 the vest-like member 11 encloses suitable buoyant materials which give
the hydrotherapy vest additional thickness in the forward and rear regions. A rear flotation element 16
is encased within the back of the vest-like member 11 and extends from the hipline of the user
upwards to the shoulderline of the user and is a generally planar member of substantially uniform
thickness which tapers outwardly toward the sides of the user. A forward or front flotation element 17
may be divided into a left half and right half and is spaced within the front of the vest-like member 11
and extends from the hipline upwards to the pectoral region of the user. Like the rear flotation
element 16, the front flotation element 17 is a generally planar element of substantially uniform
thickness which also tapers laterally toward the sides of the user. The taper of the thickness of the
front and rear flotation elements 17 and 16 provides a lateral region 18 beneath the armholes 12
which is substantially thinner than the remainder of the vest, having a thickness of approximately
1/16th of an inch. The thinness of this lateral region 18 allows the user the unrestricted movement of
his arms adjacent his torso thereby enabling the user to move his arms in a natural mechanical
motion while performing most exercises. It will be appreciated, of course, that the crotch strap 14
must be sufficiently comfortable as to allow the user to exercise his legs in a natural biomechanical
motion without chafing or other discomfort.
The flotation elements 16 and 17 provide buoyancy which supports the user in water, preferably the
water is of a depth such that the user cannot touch bottom when supported by the hydrotherapy vest.
To properly train the muscles by duplicating their biomechanical motions in water as opposed to on
the track or the dancefloor, it is necessary that the user be supported in a manner which does not
require him to overcome the effects of the support mechanism in order to perform the natural
biomechanical motions. Therefore the flotation elements 16 and 17 are proportionately sized such
that the rear flotation element 16 provides greater buoyant force than does the front flotation element
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17 thereby causing the user to be supported in the water in an upright position which is slightly
inclined forwardly of the vertical plane preferably at an angle of 10 DEG to 30 DEG. This allows a
user who is training for running exercises, for example, to assume a natural forward inclination, which
would be the same position utilized in running on a track, while in the water without having to
overcome the effect of a flotation device which would inherently cause him to float on his back. It
should be noted that contrary to conventional flotation devices which do cause the user to float on his
back, the present device would constitute a hazard if used as a safety device and is therefore not
considered to be a safety device but rather a training device. Additionally, for proper conditioning it
is necessary that as much of the body as possible be immersed in the water, so that each muscle
involved in a particular activity may benefit from the resistive forces encountered by motion through
the water; therefore, the buoyant forces exerted by the combined front and rear elements is sufficient
to support the user in the aforementioned upright position with only the head and part of the neck of
the user extending above the waterline. That is to say, when properly utilized the hydrotherapy vest
allows the user to sink in the water to the extent that his shoulders are immersed, whereby the
shoulder muscles and upper arms are subjected to the resistive forces of the water. It should
therefore be abundantly clear that the present device is not intended as a substitute for conventional
life preservers or ski vests which in fact hold the upper torso above the water line.
It should be clear from the above description of the position in which the hydrotherapy vest supports
the user, that it is imperative that the vest fit properly; therefore the vest is to be made in a range of
different sizes to fit the torso of the individual user and can be custom designed as necessary for
athletes or users of particularly unusual sizes. Regardless of the size of the user, the hydrotherapy
vest must be adjusted in girth by the closure members 13 and the crotch strap 14 must be adjusted
such that the hydrotherapy vest does not ride up the torso of the user when in the water but rather
remains in a substantially fixed position on the body.
In use, the user dons the hydrotherapy vest prior to entering the water and adjusts the closure
members 13 and the crotch strap 14 for the proper fit prior to entering the water. The user then
enters water of sufficient depth to prevent him from touching the bottom of the pool and proceeds
with his exercise routine as he would on dry land, with the difference being that his muscular system
is subjected to increased resistance due to the water having greater resistance than air and he
encounters no traumatizing contact with a supporting surface as occurs in the case of running. For
example, the musculo-skeletal structure of the foot may encounter a force of 800 pounds per foot
strike when running; however this is reduced to zero pounds by the use of the hydrotherapy vest in
deep water. Consequently, none of the deleterious effects of running or other physical exercise, such
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as aerobics or dance, which involve contact with a supporting surface are encountered in the use of
the hydrotherapy vest. While these deleterious effects are removed, it should be noted that the
positioning of the user in the water by the hydrotherapy vest enables the user to utilize the same
muscles in the same manner as he would in normal training inasmuch as the hydrotherapy vest
provides complete freedom of movement of the appendages and supports the user in a manner
which does not require exertion of muscle groups to maintain the natural balance and position.
While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is
not so limited, but is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing from the
spirit thereof.
Claims:
What I claim is:
1. Apparatus for use by a wearer in performing within a body of water exercise movements
corresponding to a land-based running activity, comprising: (a) flotation means substantially
conforming to the torso of a wearer for supporting the wearer in water with his body submerged to a
level above the shoulders said flotation means extending in front of and behind the wearer's body
and being constructed so as to support him in a substantially upright position with a forward lean of
less than approximately 30 DEG from the vertical, said position corresponding to a body position
assumed in a land-based running activity; and (b) restraining means for holding said flotation means
snugly in position on said user during said exercise.
2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said flotation means provides buoyant force proportional
between the front and back of the user such that the user is supported at an angle of 10 DEG to 30
DEG forwardly of vertical.
3. Apparatus as described in claim 2 wherein said flotation means comprises a plurality generally
planar buoyant members having a generally uniform thickness and extending from the hips of the
user to the shoulder of the user along the front and back of the torso of the user.
4. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a vest-like member encasing said flotation
means and operably attached to said restraining means with said vest-like member being adjustable
in girth.
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5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said restraining means comprises a strap extending
between the user's legs and detachably affixed to said vest-like member.
6. Apparatus for use in performing within a body of water exercise movements corresponding to a
land-based running activity comprising: (a) a vest-like member worn by the user and extending from
the shoulders of the user to the hips of the user; (b) flotation means enclosed within said vest-like
member for imparting a predetermined level of buoyancy to the user such that the user is supported
in water with his body submerged to a point above the shoulders, said flotation means being
constructed to exert a greater buoyant force on the rear of the user than the front of the user so as to
support said user in an upright position inclined forwardly of vertical by less than approximately 30
DEG, which position corresponds to that assumed in a land-based running activity; and (c)
restraining means attached to said vest-like member for preventing longitudinal motion of said vestlike member along the torso of the said user.
7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein the buoyant force exerted by said flotation means is
proportionally divided to support said user at a forward inclination between 10 DEG and 30 DEG
from vertical.
8. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said vest-like member and said flotation means have a
combined thickness of approximately one-sixteenth inch beneath the arms of the user, whereby the
user is provided unrestricted arm motion adjacent the body of the user.
9. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said vest-like member is adjustable in girth to
substantially conform to the torso of the user.
10. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said restraining means comprises a strap-like member
extending between the legs of the user and detachably affixed to said vest.
11. Apparatus as defined in claim 6 wherein said flotation means comprises generally planar panels
of buoyant material having a substantially uniform thickness and extending from the hips of the user
upwards to the shoulders of the user.
12. Apparatus for use in performing within a body of water movements corresponding to a landbased running activity, comprising: (a) a vest-like member extending from the shoulders of a user to
the hips thereof and adapted to substantially conform to the torso of the user without restricting the
51/2210
movement of the user's arms or legs; (b) a rear flotation element contained within said vest-like
member and positioned along the back of the user; (c) a front flotation element contained within said
vest-like member and positioned along the front of the user, said front flotation element providing
sufficiently less buoyant force than said rear flotation element so that the user is supported by said
vest at an inclination forward of vertical of less than approximately 30 DEG, said front and rear
flotation elements having a combined buoyant force calculated to support the user with his body
submerged in water to a level above the shoulders and in a generally upright position corresponding
to the position assumed by the body in a land-based running activity; and (d) means passing
between the legs of the user and attached to said vest for restraining said vest from upward motion
along the torso of the user.
13. Apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said front and rear flotation elements support the user
at an angle of between 10 DEG and 30 DEG forward of vertical.
14. Apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said vest includes side portions beneath the arms of
said wearer with said side portion having a thickness of approximately one-sixteenth of an inch.
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8. CA1079452 - 25.09.1979
FLOAT AND CHECK VALVE FOR HYDROTHERAPY UNIT AIR INTAKE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1079452
Inventor(s):
RAAB ALFRED (--)
Applicant(s):
JACUZZI BROS INC (--)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00
E Class: A61H33/02
Application Number:
US19770801622 (19770531)
Priority Number: US19770801622 (19770531)
Family: CA1079452
Equivalent:
BR7706225
Abstract:
A ONE-WAY FLOW CHECK VALVE IS PLACED OVER AN AIR INLET CONDUIT TO A
HYDROTHERAPY UNIT TO PREVENT BACK FLOWS OF AIR AND WATER UP THROUGH AND OUT
OF THE CONDUIT WHEN THE HYDROTHERAPY NOZZLE OUTLET IS BLOCKED. A BODY OF THE
VALVE CONTAINS A VERTICALLY-MOVABLE FLOAT WHICH NORMALLY RESTS UPON A
RETAINER RING IN A DOWNWARD, AIR SUCTION POSITION. THE FLOAT IS RAISED UPWARDLY
AND AGAINST A VALVE SEAT UPON REVERSE FLOW OF AIR AND WATER. THE LIGHT WEIGHT,
BUOYANT CONSTRUCTION OF THE FLOAT, AS A HOLLOW PLASTIC MEMBER WITH TOP AND
SIDE WALLS, ALLOWS THE VALVE TO SHUT OFF REVERSE FLOWS OF WATER WHETHER FAST
OR SLOW MOVING AND TO RESPOND ALSO TO FAST REVERSE FLOWS OF AIR AHEAD OF A
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RISING COLUMN OF WATER. A RETAINER RING WITH FLOAT ABUTMENT PINS RETAINS THE
FLOAT IN THE BODY REMOVABLY FOR CLEANING THE VALVE SURFACES.Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to equipment used to control flows of air and water to fittings used to
combine air with pressurized water streams for aeration, hydrotherapy, and like purposes, and
especially to vertical-axis, one-way flow valves for low pressure applications.
2. The Prior Art
Hydrotherapy fittings for aerating streams of water directed into a pool or bath of water below the
surface thereof are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,297,025 and 3,905,358. In such devices, a stream of
water is introduced into a nozzle submerged in the body of water. An air inlet zone about the
periphery of the nozzle or, in the later-issued patent, in the center of the nozzle, is connected to
atmosphere and draws air by venturi action into the stream of water. The air emerges from the nozzle
as bubbles within the stream of water, to provide a vigorous massage of the body of the bather.
During normal operation of the hydrotherapy or whirlpool bath, if the nozzle outlet is blocked with a
hand or foot or with a wash rag, the water pressure will back up water into the air line, normally
necessitating that the air line be connected to a drain over flow or back into the pool of water. Even in
such arrangements, blockage of the nozzle can create a spray from the top of the air intake line,
undesirably wetting adjacent areas. While one-way flow check valves are known generally in the art,
no simple, inexpensive, and light weight check valve specifically adapted for use with the peculiar
requirements of hydrotherapy nozzles is generally available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A float and check valve adapted for use with a hydrotherapy nozzle allows free axial flow of air in a
downward direction and blocks any upward, reverse flow of water arising from blockage of the
hydrotherapy nozzle outlet. A light weight plastic float is slidable in a ribbed bore of the valve body.
The float is open at the bottom and has closed top and side walls to form an air chamber or bell to
assure buoyancy thereof. A retaining ring releasably secures the float in the body. Downward air flow
passes around the float and between the ribs, while upward flows of air and water urge the float
upwardly into sealing engagement with a valve seat. Slow flows of water will buoy the float into
54/2210
sealing position, while rapid flows of water or air will by their pressure alone force the float to seal the
valve.
THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view, partly broken away, through a hydrotherapy unit with float valve.
FIG. 2 is an exploded view in side elevation of the float and check valve of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a side sectional view through the float and check valve of the invention in assembled
condition.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken on line IV--IV of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, taken on line V--V of FIG. 3, and showing thereon the orientation of
FIG. 3 at III--III.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view, taken on line VI--VI of FIG. 3.
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A hydrotherapy nozzle unit 10 is provided in a wall 11 of a body 12 of water such as a swimming pool,
bath, or spa, with an outlet 13 from the nozzle unit 10 being submerged below a surface 14 of the
body of water 12. A pump P such as a swimming pool filter or a motor driven pump provided
specifically for the purpose provides a flow of water 15 under pressure into a rear connection 16 to
the hydrotherapy unit 10. The pressurized water flow 15 flows along an axis 17 of the hydrotherapy
unit 10 and past an air inlet port 18 disposed centrally in the flow about the axis 17. The flow
continues through a nozzle bore 19 for mixing of the air from the port 18 with the water from the
pump P. The flow of water about the air inlet port 18 creates a venturi or suction action, which draws
atmospheric air through a conduit 20 which generally extends above the level 14 of the body of water
12, to an upward termination 21, as shown.
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The advantages of the particular hydrotherapy nozzle arrangement shown, and further structural
features thereof such as the universal joint mounting 22, are fully developed in the U.S. Pat. No.
3,905,358, issued to the assignee of the present invention on Sept. 16, 1975. Any other hydrotherapy
unit such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,025, also issued to the assignee of the present
invention, may also be employed. In this earlier patent, a stream of water is introduced under
pressure into the center of a nozzle submerged in a pool or bath of water. Air inlet zones about the
periphery of the nozzle are connected to atmosphere through a conduit and serve to draw air by
venturi action into the stream of water from the outside of such stream.
In all of such prior art devices, water will flow whenever the pump P is not operating through the air
inlet port 18 and into the conduit 20 to the water level 14 of the body of water 12. When the pump P
does operate, the venturi action clears the conduit 20 and air inlet 18 of such water for normal
operation. However, if the outlet 13 from the nozzle assembly 10 is restricted or blocked while the
pump P is operating, as from the hand or foot of the user or by a wash cloth inadvertently or playfully
pressed against the nozzle 13, pressurized water from the flow 15 will enter the air inlet 18 and can
shoot with substantially full pump force out the top end 21 of the air intake conduit 20. The virtual
certainty of such back up of pressurized water at some point during operation of the hydrotherapy
unit 10 requires that the air conduit termination 21 be located in a drain overflow area or for draining
back into the body of water 12, or that some other provision be made for containing water exiting
from the upper end 21. In some installations the air conduits 20 of several hydrotherapy units 10 are
connected together and run to a mechanical room to terminate in a large-size check valve for
preventing water from spilling out.
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a float and check valve assembly 25 is
fitted onto an upper end 26 of the conduit 20 about the upper end 21 thereof. The float and check
valve 25 principally comprises, as shown in the drawing figures, a tubular valve body 27 and a float
28 slidably received within the body 27. A lower end 29 of the tubular body 27 snugly engages about
the upper end 26 of the conduit 20, in a press-fitting relationship providing a water tight seal between
the parts and a joint resistant to separation under water pressures to be contained in the conduit and
valve.
An annular inner wall 30 of the tubular body 27, beginning upwardly of the bottom end portion 29
thereof, carries a plurality of axially extending ribs 31 projecting radially inwardly therefrom. Each rib
31 has an axially extending guide surface 32 spaced inwardly from the inner wall 30, and a flow
passage 33 is formed by spaces between the ribs 31.
56/2210
An upper end 35 of the valve body 27 has a radially inwardly-extending portion 36 forming a top
opening 37 with an annular valve seat 38 on an undersurface thereof, in the interior of the valve body
27. The top opening 37 is protected against entry of foreign particles thereinto by a protective cap 39
which is spaced upwardly from an upper lip 40 of the inlet 37. The cap 39 is held in place by
integrally molded legs 41 adhesively engaging a recess 42 about the top end 35 of the valve body
27. Air can flow freely into the top opening 37 beneath the protective cap 39, but foreign particles are
at least partially excluded by the fairly sharp flow angles presented. A conical surface 43 joins the lip
40 and the top opening 37.
The float 28 is carried within the valve body 27, inwardly of the guide surfaces 32 of the ribs 31. The
float 28 comprises a unitary float member 50 having an open bottom 51, an annular side wall 52
freely receivable in the space defined by the guide surfaces 32 of the ribs 31, and a top wall 53
joined to the side wall 52 to form an air bell chamber within the float member 50. The float 28 is
comprised of a light plastic, such as ABS (Cycolac), grade T. The float 28 further has a vertical or
axial length sufficient in view of the clearances between the outside of its side wall 52 and the rib
guide surfaces 32 to maintain itself in a vertical orientation without cocking or binding therein.
A top surface 54 of the float member 50, on the top wall 53, is annular in form and is sized to abut
cleanly against the valve seat surface 38 in the upper portion 35 of the valve body 27. It has been
found that the plastic-to-plastic contact between the surfaces 54 and 38 if carefully controlled will
provide a good seal against leakage of water and air out the top opening 37 when the float 50 is
urged upwardly. It is preferably, however, to provide a gasket 55 over the surface 54 to insure that
the seal is absolutely water and air tight regardless of minor manufacturing variations. The gasket 55
may be any form of flexible, resilient rubber material such as neoprene. A hole formed in the center
of the gasket 55 permits the gasket to be retained on the top wall surface 54 of the float 50 by an
outwardly-flared retaining post 56 formed on the axis of the float 50. Although the retaining post 56
extends above the surface of the gasket 55, the post 56 extends in the raised position of the float 50
into the top opening 37 and does not interfere with the valve seat 38. Since the gasket 55 is resilient,
it may be stretched slightly for assembly about the post 56 for initial assembly, cleaning, and
replacement.
To retain the slidable float 28 in the valve body 27, a retainer ring 60 is provided having an annular
portion 61 with an outer wall 62 sized to be received within the inner wall surface 30 of the valve body
27. The retainer ring 60 has an inner cut out portion 63 for passing air and water upwardly and
57/2210
downwardly through the upper portion of the valve body 27. At least one and preferably three
abutment pins 64 are formed integrally with the retainer ring annulus 61 and extend upwardly
therefrom to abut against the lower surface of the side wall 52 of the float 28 in all radial positions
thereof during downward flow of air through the valve 25 or while the system is at rest. The abutment
pins 64 are circumferentially spaced about the axis of the retainer ring 60 to project into the spaces
33 among the guide ribs 31, as shown in FIG. 5. The retainer ring itself is maintained in position
abutted against lower ends 65 of the guide ribs 31 by at least one and preferably three inwardlyprojecting nubs 66 molded into the inner wall 30 of the valve body 27. The nubs 66 are very small in
radial dimension, so that the retaining ring 60 and/or the side wall of the valve body 27 can flex
sufficiently to pass the retainer ring 60 upwardly or downwardly when some axial pressure is applied
thereto. By this arrangement, removal of the valve body 27 from the conduit 20 and removal of the
retainer ring 60 from the valve body 27 through its lower end 29 frees the float 28 from within the
valve body 27 for inspection and cleaning as may be necessary.
In operation, once the float and check valve 25 has been assembled and placed over the upper end
26 of the conduit 20 leading to the hydrotherapy unit 10 and the air intake port 18 thereof, the float 28
will permit passage of air downwardly beneath the protective cap 39, through the top opening 37,
through the passage spaces 33 between the guide ribs 31 and about the top wall 53 and side wall
52 of the float 28, and through the interior space of the retainer ring 60. In this mode, the
hydrotherapy unit 10 is unaffected by the presence of the float and check valve 25.
When the outlet 13 from the nozzle of the hydrotherapy unit 10 is restricted or blocked from passing
full flow of the pump P, pressure at the air inlet port 18 increases, driving air back out of the conduit
20 in a reverse flow. Because the float 28 is very sensitive to pressure variations across its top wall
53, due to its light weight and also its open-bottom shape, it may happen that if the blocking of the
nozzle outlet 13 is sufficiently rapid, the float 28 will rise and seal the top wall 54 and gasket 55
against the valve seat 38 even before any appreciable amount of water has entered through the port
18 or into the conduit 20. Once the float 50 has sealed against the seat 38, only a relief of the
pressure through the air intake port 18 can release the valve 28 for downward flow of air through the
float and check valve 25. Where the restriction of the nozzle 13 is more gradual, it may be that the air
passing through the valve 25 is not a sufficiently strong flow to activate the float 28. However, once
the water level does reach the bottom 51 of the float 28, the float 50 will tend to float buoyantly on the
surface of the water and will rise with the rise in water until the top surface 54 and gasket 55 thereon
engage the valve seat 38. At that point the water level will rise only to compress the air within the
valve body 27, but no more air will escape through the top opening 37. Once the blockage of the
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outlet 13 is removed, water will flow back downwardly through the retainer ring 60 and conduit 20
and out the air inlet port 18, followed by air newly admitted through the unseated valve 25.
Although various minor modifications may be suggested by those versed in the art, it should be
understood that I wish to embody within the scope of the patent warranted hereon all such
modifications as reasonably and properly come within the scope of my contribution to the art.
Claims:
I claim as my invention:
1. A float check valve comprising: an elongated tubular unitary body having an annular inner wall,
with a substantially constant diameter and a top member at an upper end of the body forming a valve
top opening and a peripheral valve seat on an underside thereof; at least one nub selectively affixed
to said annular inner wall of said body, said body having an open lower end of a diameter
substantially equal to said diameter of said body, a float having a side wall and a top wall, said float
being slidably received in said tubular body inwardly of said annular wall and carrying on said top
wall, a removably mounted, compressible sealing means operable to seal against said valve seat;
and a retainer removably engaging said nub, the retainer receiving the float in abutting, underlying
relation thereto in an open position of the valve, and operable to retain said float within said body
member, said retainer being located between said nub and said float and being flexible so as to be
slidable past said nub and removable through said open lower end so that said float might also be
removed through said port for cleaning or repair,
whereby in a first flow condition fluid is passed downwardly through said valve top opening, about
said float, and past said retainer and in a second, opposite flow condition fluid passing upwardly
through said body urges said float in an upward direction so that said sealing means of said float
sealingly engages said valve seat.
2. A float and check valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the inner wall carries a plurality of radially
inwardly-extending, elongate guide ribs spaced circumferentially about the inner wall and spaced
radially for guiding the float therealong.
3. A float and check valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the float is hollow and the side and top walls
form an upwardly-closed air chamber to ensure positive buoyancy of the float with respect to water.
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4. A float and check valve as defined in claim 1, wherein said sealing means comprises a resilient
gasket, said gasket being compressible between said valve seat and said float to seal against fluid
passage in the second direction.
5. A float and check valve as defined in claim 4, further comprising a tapered member extending
upwardly and radially outwardly from a center of said top wall of said float, the member receiving
said gasket over its taper and retaining it on said top wall of said float, and wherein said tapered
member is receivable into said top opening of said top member.
6. A float and check valve as defined in claim 1, wherein said retainer comprises an annular ring
received within said lower portion of said tubular body between said float and said nub.
7. A float and check valve comprising: an elongated tubular body having an annular wall, and
surface means at an upper end of the body forming a top opening and a peripheral valve seat on an
underside thereof; a float having side wall and a top wall, the float being slidably received in said
tubular body inwardly of said inner wall and carrying an annular valve surface on said top wall
thereof; and a retainer engaged in a lower portion of the tubular body, the retainer receiving the float
in abutting, overlying relation thereto in an open position of the valve,
whereby in a first flow condition fluid is passed downwardly through the valve top opening, about the
float, and past the retainer and in a second, opposite flow condition fluid passing upwardly through
the body urges the valve surface of the float sealingly against the valve seat; wherein the retainer
comprises an annular ring received within the lower portion of the tubular body and; wherein the
retainer further comprises at least one abutment pin extending axially upwardly from the ring and into
contact with the float in the first flow condition thereof.
8. A float and check valve comprising: an elongated tubular body having an annular wall, and
surface means at an upper end of the body forming a top opening and a peripheral valve seat on an
underside thereof, a float having side wall and a top wall, the float being slidably received in said
tubular body inwardly of said inner wall and carrying an annular valve surface on said top wall
thereof; and a retainer engaged in a lower portion of the tubular body, the retainer receiving the float
in abutting, overlying relation thereto in an open position of the valve,
whereby in a first flow condition fluid is passed downwardly through the valve top opening, about the
float, and past the retainer and in a second, opposite flow condition fluid passing upwardly through
the body urges the valve surface of the float sealingly against the valve seat;
60/2210
wherein the retainer comprises an annular ring received within the lower portion of the tubular body
and; wherein the retainer is snap-fittingly retained in the tubular body by at least one nub extending
into engagement therewith inwardly from the inner wall of the body below the retainer.
9. A float and check valve as defined in claim 1, further comprising a protective cap spaced above
said top opening to form thereunder a passage for fluid into said opening while blocking downward
passage of foreign matter into said opening.
10. In combination with an air inlet to a hydrotherapy nozzle, the nozzle mixing air from an air intake
conduit with a stream of pressurized water, a float and check valve comprising: a vertical axis tubular
valve body having an annular wall, a lower end received on said air intake conduit, and surfaces
forming a top air inlet radially inwardly of said wall and a downwardly-facing valve seat; and a valve
float received in said valve body in axially slidable relation thereto, said float being buoyant upon
water, and having a valve surface on an upper portion thereof engageable against the valve seat
surface in a raised position of the float to form a liquid-tight seal therewith.
11. In combination, a hydrotherapy nozzle assembly having an inlet for a stream of pressurized water,
a suction inlet for passing atmospheric air into said stream, and an outlet for a flow of aerated water;
a conduit means for connecting said suction inlet to atmosphere and having an upper end; and a
float and check valve having a tubular body sealingly received on said upper end of the conduit, an
annular wall forming a generally vertical flow passage through the body, a valve seat surface on an
upper portion of the body, and a valve float slidable in the body and sealingly engageable with the
seat surface upon a rise in water level in the conduit and body about the float.
12. The combination defined in claim 11, wherein the float and check valve is comprised of a plastic
material and the float is a hollow member open at the bottom and having side and top surfaces
forming an air bell therein, whereby to assure positive buoyancy of the float.
13. The combination of claim 11, wherein a resilient gasket is carried by atop surface of the float,
thereby to seal the seat surface and the float against passage of air and water therebetween.
14. The combination of claim 11, further comprising: a plurality of radially inwardly-extending,
elongate ribs on said annular wall, said ribs having inward surfaces for guiding the float in a selected
fixed orientation with respect thereto; and an annular retainer ring retained in a lower portion of the
61/2210
valve body upwardly of the conduit means and carrying circumferentially-spaced lower abutment
surfaces engageable with the float in a lowermost position of the float,
whereby air passing downwardly through the valve body passes about the float, among the guide
ribs, among the abutment surfaces, and through the retainer ring into the conduit means, and water
passing upwardly into the valve body buoys the float upwardly into sealing engagement with the
valve seat surface to stop the water flow.
15. The combination of claim 14, wherein the annular retainer ring is snap-fittingly received between
a plurality of nubs extending inwardly from the annular wall of the valve body and lower abutment
surfaces of the guide ribs.
16. The combination of claim 14, further comprising a protective cap spaced over a top opening of
the flow passage.
17. A check valve comprising: a hollow tubular valve body having an interior annular wall, with a
substantially constant radius, a plurality of guide ribs extending axially of said radially inwardly from
said wall, and surfaces forming a fluid passage along the wall and ribs and a valve seat about a top
fluid passage opening in the body; a port at a lower end of said valve body of substantially said
radius and perpendicular to said valve body; and a valve float received axially slidably in the body
inwardly of the guide ribs and having a closed, annular side wall, a closed top wall unitary therewith,
and a seal on said top wall engageable with said valve seat, a retainer having substantially said
radius positioned within said body below said float and removably engageable with at least one nub
selectively located on said interior annular wall, said nub operable to retain said retainer between
said float and said nub,
whereby air can flow downwardly through the valve but water cannot flow upwardly out of the valve
past the valve float.
62/2210
9. CA1109209 - 22.09.1981
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1109209
Inventor(s):
FREDERICK STANLEY H (--)
Applicant(s):
ITT (--)
IP Class 4 Digits: A47K
IP Class:
A47K3/10
Application Number:
CA19800351956 (19800514)
Priority Number: CA19800351956 (19800514)
Family: CA1109209
Abstract:
S.H. FREDERICK-5 IMPROVED HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE A HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE, SUCH AS A
SPA, WHIRLPOOL OR JET STREAM EXERCISER IS CONNECTED TO A CLOSED WATER
CIRCULATION LOOP HAVING A DRAIN, A PUMP, A HEATER, A FILTER, A VALVE CONTROLLED
FILTER BYPASS AND INJECTION NOZZLES. THE PUMP IS EQUIPPED WITH A CLOSE-COUPLED
DRIVE MOTOR HAVING TWO SETS OF STATOR WINDINGS FOR ALLOWING THE SELECTION OF
ONE OF TWO MOTOR SPEEDS TO ACHIEVE IMPROVED OPERATION AND GREATER EFFICIENCY
OF THE HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE. A LOW MOTOR SPEED IS SELECTED DURING PERIODS OF
NON-USE, AT WHICH TIME THE FILTER DEVICE IS CONNECTED INTO THE CIRCULATION LOOP
SO THAT A LOW WATER CIRCULATION RATE IS PROVIDED IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN PURITY OF
THE WATER. DURING PERIODS OF USE, A HIGHER MOTOR SPEED IS SELECTED AND THE
FILTER IS BYPASSED TO PROVIDE A HIGH WATER CIRCULATION RATE AND HIGH VELOCITY
WATER INJECTION INTO THE HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE. REDUCED MOTOR SPEED DURING
PERIODS OF NON-USE RESULTS IN SUBSTANTIAL ENERGY SAVINGS AND A REDUCTION IN THE
NOISE GENERATED BY THE DEVICE.
63/2210
10. CA1194746 - 08.10.1985
HYDROTHERAPY TANK
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1194746
Inventor(s):
REMEYER WILLIJAN P (--)
Applicant(s):
REMEYER WILLIJAN P (--)
IP Class 4 Digits: E04H
IP Class:
E04H3/18; E04H3/16
Application Number:
CA19840447303 (19840213)
Priority Number: CA19840447303 (19840213)
Family: CA1194746
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPEUTIC MASSAGE STRUCTURE COMPRISING A LARGE VOLUME, UPWARDLY
OPENING WATER-FILLED CONTAINER WITH AT LEAST ONE SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL SIDE, A
SMALL VOLUME, ELONGATE, VERTICALLY EXTENDING UPWARDLY OPENING WATER-FILLED
TANK WITH SUBSTANTIALLY VERTICAL SIDES AND POSITIONED ADJACENT SAID ONE SIDE OF
THE CONTAINER, AN ELONGATE, VERTICAL GATE OPENING BETWEEN THE CONTAINER AND
TANK, A PLURALITY OF WATER JET AND AIR ASPIRATOR NOZZLES CARRIED BY THE SIDE WALL
OF THE TANK IN CIRCUMFERENTIAL AND VERTICAL SPACED RELATIONSHIP ABOUT AND
DISPOSED RADIALLY INWARDLY TOWARD THE CENTRAL VERTICAL AXIS OF THE TANK, AIR
SUPPLY MEANS CONNECTED WITH THE NOZZLES AND WATER RECIRCULATING MEANS
DRAWING WATER FROM THE CONTAINER AND DELIVERING IT AT HIGH PRESSURE TO THE
NOZZLES. THE TANK IS SLIGHTLY GREATER IN DIAMETRIC EXTENT THAN THE MAJOR
DIAMETRIC EXTENT OF A PERSON STANDING SUBSTANTIALLY UPRIGHT AT THE CENTER OF
THE TANK AND IS SUBSTANTIALLY EQUAL IN VERTICAL EXTENT WITH THE SHOULDER HEIGHT
OF THE PERSON. THE GATE OPENING IS SUFFICIENTLY WIDE TO ALLOW A PERSON TO MOVE
64/2210
SUBSTANTIALLY FREELY BETWEEN THE CONTAINER AND THE TANK AND IS OF SUFFICIENT
VOLUMETRIC FLOW CAPACITY TO ALLOW AERATED WATER INTRODUCED INTO THE TANK BY
THE NOZZLES TO FLOOD INTO THE CONTAINER.
65/2210
11. CA1280553 - 22.03.1988
WATER ENTRAINMENT HYDROTHERAPY JET ASSEMBLY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1280553
Inventor(s):
HENKIN MELVYN L (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
Applicant(s):
HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; E03C
IP Class:
A61H33/02; E03C1/02
E Class: A61H33/02N
Application Number:
US19870064138 (19870619)
Priority Number: US19870064138 (19870619)
Family: CA1280553
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPY JET ASSEMBLY AND/OR INSTALLATION CONFIGURED TO DISCHARGE A
HIGH INTENSITY STREAM INTO A WATER TUB WITHOUT REQUIRING AIR ENTRAINMENT.
PASSAGEWAY MEANS ARE PROVIDED FOR DRAWING WATER FROM THE TUB INTO THE MIXING
CHAMBER OF A JET ASSEMBLY FOR ENTRAINMENT BY A WATER JET. THE STREAM
DISCHARGED FROM THE JET ASSEMBLY INTO THE TUB IS COMPRISED OF (1) WATER SUPPLIED
UNDER PRESSURE INTO THE MIXING CHAMBER BY A WATER JET NOZZLE AND (2) WATER
DRAWN FROM THE TUB FOR ENTRAINMENT BY THE WATER JET. THE EFFECT OF TUB WATER
ENTRAINMENT IS TO PRODUCE A HIGH INTENSITY STREAM FOR IMPACTING AGAINST A USER'S
BODY WITHOUT SIGNIFICANTLY LOWERING THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER POOL IN THE
TUB.Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
66/2210
This invention relates generally to hydrotherapy and more particularly to improvements in
hydrotherapy jet installations for use in water tubs, typically referred to as spas, hot tubs, and jetted
bathtubs.
Hydrotherapy jet assemblies of various configurations are well known in the art and are readily
commercially available. Such assemblies are typically comprised of a housing adapted for mounting
behind an opening in a tub peripheral wall. A nozzle mounted in the housing receives water under
pressure from a water supply pipe and discharges a water jet through a mixing chamber, creating a
low pressure therein, and drawing ambient air into the chamber, via a suction opening, from an air
supply pipe. The water jet entrains the air and the resulting water/air stream then exits through a
tubular flow director having a discharge orifice into the tub, below the surface of a water pool therein.
Exemplary prior art jet assemblies are disclosed in U.S. Pats. Nos. 3,890,655, 3,890,656, and
3,949,449. These particular patents were the subject of litigation in Mathis v. Hydro Air Industries, Inc.
1 U.S.P.Q. 2nd 1513 (D.C. C.D. CA, 1986). The case, as reported, includes a listing of additional
prior art at pages 1524, 25.
The water/air stream preferably exits from the discharge orifice at a high velocity for the dual
purposes of creating turbulence in the water pool and impacting against a user's body. Typically, the
tubular flow director, or "eyeball", can be manually adjusted by the user to enable him to selectively
direct the discharged stream. Then, by moving his body relative to the stream, the user is able to
massage various body muscles.
Parenthetically, it is pointed out that whereas typical jet assemblies enable the user to direct the
discharge stream in a selected, but stationary direction, applicants' copending applications Nos.
843,151 filed Mar. 24, 1986, 902,179 filed Aug. 29, 1986, 796,987 filed Nov. 12, 1985, and 038,780
filed Apr. 15, 1987, disclose jet assemblies for discharging a stream while concurrently translating
the stream along a path oriented substantially perpendicular to the stream direction.
Hydrotherapy jet assemblies are typically used in situations where it is desired to maintain the water
pool at an elevated temperature for the comfort of the user. (In spa and hot tub situations, the water
is typically circulated through a heater to maintain the desired water temperature. In bathtub
situations, the tub is typically first filled with hot tap water and then additional hot tap water is added
as required). It is commonly recognized, however, that the ambient air entrained by the water jet acts
to lower the water temperature thus requiring more heater intervention or more hot water replacement.
67/2210
Although it might at first seem that this problem could be readily avoided by reducing the amount of
air entrained by the water jet, this solution is not acceptable because the intensity of the discharge
stream typically diminishes considerably as the amount of entrained air decreases.
This reduction in discharge stream intensity (i.e. momentum) occurs because the area of the nozzle
outlet is typically much smaller than the area of the passage through the flow director to the
discharge orifice. The discharge orifice is typically made longer to define a larger impact spot
against the user's body. When sufficient air is entrained by the water jet, the air tends to fill the
difference in area between the discharge orifice and the nozzle outlet to thus maintain the velocity
(and momentum) of the water jet. When the amount of air is reduced, the velocity of the water slows
thus diminishing the intensity of the stream exiting from the discharge orifice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improved hydrotherapy jet installation configured to discharge
a high intensity stream without requiring air entrainment.
In accordance with the invention, passageway means are provided for drawing water from the tub
into the mixing chamber of a jet assembly for entrainment by the water jet. The stream discharged
from the jet assembly into the tub is thus comprised of (1) water supplied under pressure into the
mixing chamber by the water jet nozzle and (2) water drawn (aspirated) from the tub for entrainment
by the water jet. The tub water entrained by the water jet increases the mass of the stream
discharged from the discharge orifice, as compared to the mass of the water jet alone. Thus, the
effect of tub water entrainment is to maintain the momentum of the water jet to produce an apparently
higher intensity stream for impacting against a user's bode, as compared to a stream without air
entrainment, without significantly lowering the temperature of the water pool.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention which can utilize a conventional jet assembly
structure, tub water, rather than air, is supplied to the mixing chamber suction inlet. Preferably valve
means are also provided for enabling user to vary the amount of tub water entrained by the jet to thus
adjust the discharge stream intensity.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a specially configured jet assembly
structure is used which is similar to prior art structure but which differs therefrom in that a
passageway is integrated into the assembly for passing tub water rearwardly around the flow director
68/2210
into the mixing chamber for entrainment by the water jet. More particularly, a conventional jet
assembly typically includes a housing having an internally threaded cavity with a nozzle mounted at
one end for discharging a water jet axially into the cavity. A wall fitting carrying a tubular flow director
or "eyeball" is threaded into the cavity so that the flow director inlet orifice is substantially aligned with
the nozzle. The housing and fitting each have radially extending flanges for mounting the assembly in
an opening in the peripheral wall of a water tub by sandwiching the wall between the flanges. A
suction inlet conventionally opens into a mixing chamber formed in the housing cavity so that suction
created by the water jet can draw in ambient air for entrainment by the water jet. Whereas in such
conventional jet assemblies, the only fluid inlets to the mixing chamber are from the nozzle outlet and
an air pipe, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an additional inlet
comprises a water passageway formed in the wall fitting exteriorly of the flow director.
As in a conventional jet assembly, the flow director comprises a tubular member having an interior
wall surface defining a short flow path extending from the inlet orifice to a discharge orifice and an
exterior wall surface having a substantially spherically shaped portion. The flow director is held in an
internal cavity of the wall fitting by an annulus threaded into the cavity and bearing axially against a
coil spring which is held against a wall fitting flange extending radially inward in the cavity. Whereas
the annulus conventionally seals against the flow director exterior wall surface, in the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the annulus is configured with openings to define the
aforementioned passageway for permitting water flow around the flow director exterior wall surface
into the mixing chamber.
In accordance with a further feature of the preferred embodiment, a second annulus is threaded into
the wall fitting internal cavity and cooperates with the flow director exterior wall surface to adjust the
effective size of the passageway and thus the amount of tub water which can be drawn into the
mixing chamber for entrainment by the water jet.
In accordance with the invention, the passageway is intended to be of sufficient size when fully open
to permit a relatively large tub water flow into the mixing chamber for entrainment by the water jet. In
a preferred embodiment, the passageway area, when fully open, should approximate the difference
between the nozzle outlet area and the flow director discharge orifice area. Smaller passageways
can be used but the enhanced discharge stream intensity achieved in accordance with the invention
diminishes as the passageway area is reduced. Accordingly, it is proposed that the passageway
area be no less than 20% of the difference between the nozzle outlet area and the discharge orifice
area.
69/2210
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a prior art hydrotherapy jet assembly mounted in an opening of the
peripheral wall of a water tub, and schematically showing conventional plumbing for supplying
ambient air and pressurized water to the jet assembly;
FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view showing the wall fitting and isolated elements of the jet
assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a hydrotherapy installation in accordance with the invention which
can utilize the prior art jet assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view of a jet assembly of FIG. 3 taken substantially along the plane 4--4 of
FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of an alternative hydrotherapy installation in accordance with the
invention;
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a further alternative installation in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a still further alternative installation in accordance with the
invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a hydrotherapy jet assembly, similar to that depicted in FIG. 1, but
modified in accordance with the invention to incorporate a passageway for passing tub water
exteriorly of the tubular flow director into the mixing chamber of the assembly; and
FIG. 9 is an exploded isometric view depicting the wall fitting and related elements of FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
70/2210
Attention is initially directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 which illustrate a typical prior art hydrotherapy jet
assembly 10 mounted in an opening 12 of the peripheral wall 14 of a water tub 16, such as a spa, hot
tub, jetted bath tub, etc. Briefly, the jet assembly 10 is comprised of a housing 20 which is mounted
adjacent to the rear face of the peripheral wall 14 and a wall fitting 22 which is mounted adjacent the
front face of the peripheral wall 14, nesting within a cavity of the housing 20.
More particularly, the housing 20 comprises a substantially cylindrically shaped body 24 having an
internal cylindrical cavity 26 defined by a threaded interior wall surface 28. At one end, the cylindrical
body 24 is provided with a radially outwardly extending flange 30 intended to bear against the rear
face of peripheral wall 14 with a suitable gasket material 32 sandwiched therebetween.
The housing 20 is shaped to define a cylindrical water pipe section 36 which opens at 38 into a
nozzle member 40 threaded into a boss 42. The nozzle 40 is oriented substantially along the axis of
the cylindrical cavity 26. Pressurized water is supplied to the pipe section 36, as by an electrically
driven pump 44 to cause the nozzle to discharge a water jet axially into the cavity 26. The housing 20
further defines an air pipe section 46 which opens via path 48 including suction inlet 50, into the
cavity 26 proximate to the nozzlw outlet 52. In typical installations, ambient air is supplied via valve
56 and pipe 58 to the interior of pipe section 46.
The jet assembly 10 further includes the aforementioned wall fitting 22 which comprises a
substantially cylindrical member 62 including an open central cavity 64 defined by a threaded
interior wall surface 66. The wall fitting 22 additionally has an exteriorly threaded wall surface 68
which is threaded into the interior wall surface 26 of housing 20. The wall fitting 22 also includes a
radially outwardly extending flange 70 at one end and a radially inwardly extending flange 72 at its
other end.
The wall fitting 32 additionally includes an adjustable flow director or "eyeball" comprising a tubular
member 80 having an enlarged spherical portion 82 and a substantially cylindrical portion 84. The
tubular member 80 defines a central flow path extending from an inlet orifice 86, through a throat
region, to a discharge orifice 88. The tubular member 80 extends through the center of a tapered coil
spring 90. The springs larger diameter coils are intended to rest on the inwardly extending flange 72
of wall fitting 22 with the smaller diameter coils engaging the outer spherical surface of the spherical
portion 82.
71/2210
The wall fitting 22 further includes an annulus, i.e. open ring, 94 which has a threaded outer surface
96 threaded into the interior surface 66 of cylindrical member 62. The inner diameter of the annulus
94 is provided with a lip 95 dimensioned to engage the outer spherical surface of spherical portion
82 to seal thereagainst. The spherical portion 82 is urged upwardly (as depicted in FIG. 1) against
the annulus lip 95 by spring 90. A user is able to adjust the orientation of the tubular member 80 by
pressing the member 80 inwardly (i.e. toward the nozzle 40) to slightly compress the spring 90 thus
enabling the spherical portion 82 to rotate relative to the annulus lip 95. When released, the spring 90
again urges the spherical portion 82 into sealing engagement with the annulus lip. Note that the
annulus 94 is provided with a pair of tabs 99 to facilitate the manual threading of the annulus.
In the conventional use of the hydrotherapy jet assembly 10 of FIG. 1, the electrically driven pump 44
draws water into its suction side from a water pool 100 in the tub 16 via an opening 102 in peripheral
wall 14 and return line 104. The pump in turn discharges that water from its discharge side 108 to the
water pipe section 36 via pipe 110, which typically comprises a manifold coupled to a plurality of jet
assemblies. The pressurized water supplied by the pump 44 causes the nozzle 40 to discharge a jet
from outlet 52 into the inlet orifice 86 of tubular member 80. As is well known, when the water jet
emerges from the outlet 52, it creates a low pressure in the mixing chamber 112 just forward of the
outlet 52, and extending into the throat section of the tubular member 80. This lowered pressure
produces a suction effect in the mixing chamber functioning to draw ambient air from pipe section 46
into the chamber via suction inlet 50. This air is entrained by the water jet to produce a water/air
stream which then flows through the tubular member 80 and discharges through the orifice 88
beneath the surface of water pool 100.
The foregoing describes the structure of a typical prior art jet assembly and a conventional plumbing
installation using such an assembly. Although such jet assemblies find wide use in hydrotherapy
applications for creating water turbulence and massaging user's bodies, it is commonly recognized
that the ambient air supplied through pipe 58 for entrainment by the water jet acts to lower the
temperature of the water pool 100. Generally, the user desires to maintain the temperature of the
water pool 100 at an elevated level and this is accomplished in a typical spa situation by, for
example, providing a heater (either electrically or gas fired) in series with the pump 44 or in a bathtub
situation by supplying additional hot tap water to the water pool 100. The heat loss problem could of
course be aleviated by shutting off the ambient air supply by use of valve 56. However, this is not a
satisfactory solution because without the air mass entrained by the water jet, the intensity of the
stream discharged from discharge orifice 88 will diminish considerably.
72/2210
A significant object of the present invention is to provide an improved hydrotherapy jet installation
configured to discharge a high intensity stream without requiring air entrainment. Specifically, in
accordance with a basic aspect of the present invention, in lieu of entraining ambient air, water from
the pool 100 is entrained by the water jet discharged from nozzle 40.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 which illustrates a first embodiment of the invention showing how
the conventionally structured hydrotherapy jet assemblies 10 of FIG. 1 are utilized to discharge a
high intensity stream without significantly reducing the temperature of the water pool. Specifically, as
depicted in FIG. 3, an opening 120 is formed in the tub peripheral wall adjacent to the jet assembly
10. Pipe 122 is used to couple the opening 120 to what was previously referred to as the air pipe in
Figure 1. In other words, in lieu of opening pipe 46 to ambient air, as is conventional practice and as
is depicted in Figure 1, FIG. 2 depicts that the opening 120 and pipe 122 provides a passageway
from the water pool 100 to the suction inlet 50 and mixing chamber of the jet assembly 10. Thus, with
pressurized water supplied by pump 44 to the water pipe 36, tub water will be drawn through the
passageway defined by 122 into the mixing chamber 112 for entrainment by the water jet produced
by nozzle 40. In order to assure the availability of sufficient tub water for entrainment by the water jet,
it is important that the pipe 122 provide a sufficiently large passageway. Preferably, the cross
sectional area A3 of the passageway should be equal to the difference between the area A1 of the
nozzle outlet 52 and the area A2 of the discharge orifice 88 of the tubular member 80. In any event,
in accordance with the invention, the passageway area A3 should be equal to or greater than 20% of
the difference between the discharge orifice area A2 and the nozzle outlet area A1.
FIG. 4 shows a plan view of one of the jet assemblies 10 of FIG. 3 as would be seen by a user sitting
in the tub 16. Note that the opening 120 is located vertically above the discharge orifice 88. This
placement prevents the discharge of a high intensity stream above the pool water level which could
splash out of the tub. That is, a high intensity stream will only be discharged when the pool water
level is above the opening 120 so as to allow tub water to be entrained. When the pool water level is
below the opening 120, then the intensity of the discharge stream will be insufficient to splash out of
the tub.
FIG. 5 illustrates a variation of the system shown in FIG. 3 in which a valve means 130 is incorporated
in the pipe 122 for enabling a user to vary the amount of tub water drawn through the passageway
122 into the jet assembly mixing chamber 112. By adjusting the valve 130, the user can vary the
intensity of the stream discharged from the discharge orifice 88.
73/2210
Whereas the embodiment of FIG. 5 depicts a plurality of wall openings 120, each associated with a
different jet assembly 10, FIG. 6 depicts a variation in which a single wall opening 132 is provided
and connected to a tub water manifold 134 forming the passageway to the pipes 46 of each of the jet
assemblies 10. A manually adjustable valve 138 is preferably included in the pipe between opening
132 and manifold 134. Adjustment of the valve 138 varies the stream intensity discharged from all of
the jet assemblies. It should, of course, be recognized that the opening 132 and manifold 134 must
be large enough in cross-sectional area to distribute tub water to all of the assemblies.
From the foregoing description of FIGS. 3-6, it should now be recognized that applicants have
disclosed herein a hydrotherapy system employing conventionally structured jet assemblies which
are operated to discharge high intensity streams, comparable to that normally delivered by
assemblies entraining ambient air, but with the advantage that the entrained tub water does not
reduce the temperature of the pool water as is characteristic of conventional systems.
Although a high intensity stream is discharged by the embodiments of FIGS. 3-6 without lowering the
water pool temperature, it is recognized that some users may still desire the appearance of air
bubbles in the discharged water stream. In order to accommodate such a preference, FIG. 7 depicts
a further variation in which air is introduced via valve 140 into the manifold 134. With the configuration
depicted in FIG. 7, by manual manipulation of both valves 138 and 140 (which could be constructed
as a single valve mechanism) the user can adjust the ratio of tub water and air drawn via manifold
134 into the chambers of the multiple jet assemblies 10.
Whereas all of the embodiments depicted in Figures 3-7 teach the broad concept of the present
invention of providing a passageway for drawing tub water into the mixing chamber of a jet assembly
for entrainment by a water jet discharged by a jet assembly nozzle, they all are characterized by a
plumbing system which may be considered somewhat more complex than conventional installations.
In order to achieve the aforediscussed benefits of entraining tub water while avoiding any additional
plumbing complexity, applicants have provided in FIGS. 8 and 9 an improved jet assembly structure
in which the passageway for drawing tub water into the assembly mixing chamber is fully defined
within the assembly itself. Moreover, the embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 9 can be used to replace jet
assemblies 10 in existing installations.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 8 which shows a jet assembly 200, similar to the jet assembly 10 of
FIG. 1, but modified to provide for an interior passageway from the water pool 202 to the mixing
chamber 204. The housing 206 of the assembly 200 can be identical to the housing 20 depicted in
74/2210
FIG. 1. The wall fitting 208 differs from the wall fitting 22 of FIG. 1 in that the first annulus 210 and
radially inward extending flange 212 on the cylindrical member 213 are configured to define a
passageway, represented by the flow arrows 214 in FIG. 8, for passing water from the pool 202 to the
chamber 204.
More particularly, note in FIG. 9 that the inwardly extending flange 216 of annular 210 is actually
comprised of separate fingers spaced by openings 218, 220, 222, and 224. The fingers of flange 216
engage the outer spherical surface 228 of tubular member 230. Similarly, in lieu of providing a
continuous inwardly extending flange on the cylindrical member as was depicted in FIG. 1, the
flange 212 of Figures 8 and 9 is formed of spaced radially inwardly projecting fingers 240 separated
by opening 242, 244, 246, and 248.
With the annulus 210 and the cylindrical member 213 configured as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, water
from the pool 202 can be drawn into the mixing chamber 204 along a passageway represented by
arrows 214. That is, as pressurized water is supplied from pump 250 to water pipe 252, nozzle 254
will discharge a water jet into the throat or inlet of tubular member 230. This will create a suction
within the mixing chamber 204 defined proximate to the outlet 256 of nozzle 254. On the assumption
that pipe 260 is closed, the suction created by the water jet will suck water from the pool 202 past the
annulus 210 and the flange 240 into the chamber 204 for entrainment by the jet for discharge through
the tubular member 230.
In order to permit the user to adjust the intensity of the stream discharged from the discharge orifice
262 of tubular member 230, a second annulus 270 is provided. The second annulus 270 includes a
threaded exterior surface 272 which threads into the threaded surface 274 of cylindrical member 213.
The annulus 270 includes a continuous radially inwardly projecting lip 276 which, by threading the
annulus 270 down toward the annulus 210 can restrict the tub water flow passageway 214 to control
the amount of water drawn from the pool 202 into the mixing chamber 204. When the annulus 270 is
threaded downward sufficiently, its inwardly projecting lip 276 will seal against the spherical surface
228 of the tubular member 230 to close off the passageway 214 entirely.
As aforenoted, it has thus far been assumed that pipe section 260 has beenclosed so that the
suction created within chamber 204 acts to pull water from the pool 202 exteriorly of the tubular
member 230 into the chamber 204. Alternatively, pipe section 260 can be coupled via pipe 290 and
valve 292 to an air supply, such as an ambient air opening. By adjusting the valve 292 and the
position of annulus 270, a user can vary the ratio of air and tub water drawn into the chamber 204 by
75/2210
the water jet discharged from nozzle 254. This configuration is thus analogous to that previously
discussed in connection with FIG. 7. The annulus 270 preferably has a pair of tabs 274 axially
extending therefrom to faciliate manual adjustment of the annulus 270 for varying the intensity of the
stream discarged from orifice 262 of tubular member 230.
As was previously discussed, it is preferable that the jet assembly 200 be dimensionally configured
so that the passageway 214 permits a sufficient amount of water to be drawn into the chamber 204.
More specifically, with the annulus 270 in a position such that the passageway 214 is fully open, it is
preferable that the effective area A3 of the passageway 214 is equal to or greater than 20% of the
difference between the area A2 of the discharge orifice 262 and the area A1 of the nozzle outlet 256.
From the foregoing, it should be appreciated that a hydrotherapy system has been disclosed herein
in which conventionally structured hydrotherapy jet assemblies are utilized to entrain tub water,
rather than air, to discharge high intensity streams without lowering the temperature of the water pool.
Specifically, a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in FIGS. 8 and 9 in which
the passageway 214 for drawing tub water into the chamber 204 for entrainment by the water jet
discharged by the nozzle 254 is interior to the housing 206 and wall fitting 208 and exterior of the
tubular member 230.
Claims:
We claim:
1. A hydrotherapy jet assembly suitable for mounting in an opening of a water tub peripheral wall for
discharging a water stream into said tub for impacting against a user's body, said assembly
including: housing means defining a mixing chamber and including means for discharging a water
jet along a defined axis into said chamber for creating a suction therein; tubular flow director means
having an inlet orifice and a discharge orifice; means mounting said flow director means with said
inlet orifice open to said mixing chamber and substantially aligned with said water jet axis whereby
water supplied by said jet will flow through said flow director means to said discharge orifice; and
passageway means exteriorly of said flow director means for passing water into said chamber,
drawn by said suction, from said tub for entrainment by said water jet.
2. The assembly of claim 1 including valve means for opening and closing said passageway means.
3. The assembly of claim 1 including adjustable valve means for varying the amount of water passed
by said passageway means for entrainment by said water jet.
76/2210
4. The assembly of claim 1 further including means for supplying air to said mixing chamber for
entrainment by said water jet.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said means for discharging a water jet defines an outlet of area
A1 and said discharge orifice has an area A2; and wherein said passageway means defines an area
A3, where A3.gtoreq.20%(A2-A1).
6. A hydrotherapy jet assembly comprising: a housing defining a substantially cylindrical interior
cavity having an inlet end and an outlet end; nozzle means mounted in said cavity proximate to said
inlet end for discharging a water jet substantially along the axis of said cavity toward said outlet end;
a tubular member defining an interior flow path having an inlet orifice and a discharge orifice; and
means mounting said tubular member in said cavity proximate to said outlet end with said inlet orifice
substantially aligned with said cavity axis, said mounting means including means defining a
passageway, exteriorly of said tubular member, for passing water into said cavity.
7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said housing includes a threaded interior wall surface defining
said interior cavity; and further including a tubular fitting having an exterior wall surface threadedly
engaged with said housing interior wall surface.
8. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said housing includes a radially outwardly extending flange
formed proximate to said housing outlet end; and wherein said fitting includes a radially outwardly
extending flange spaced from said housing flange whereby said assembly can be mounted in a
peripheral wall opening by sandwiching said peripheral wall between said housing flange and said
fitting flange.
9. The assembly of claim 7 wherein said tubular fitting includes a radially inwardly extending flange;
and wherein said tubular member comprises a wall having an interior wall surface defining said
interior flow path and an exterior wall surface having a substantially spherically shaped portion.
10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein said tubular fitting has a threaded interior wall surface; and
further including first annulus means threadedly engaged with said fitting interior wall surface for
engaging said tubular member; said first annulus means including openings therein defining said
passageway for passing water exteriorly of said tubular member into said cavity.
77/2210
11. The assembly of claim 10 including adjustable second annulus means threadedly engaged with
said fitting interior wall surface for cooperating with said first annulus means to vary the water flow
through said passageway.
12. The assembly of claim 6 wherein said nozzle means defines an outlet area of A1 and said
discharge orifice defines an area of A2; and wherein said passageway has an effective area
A3.gtoreq.20%(A2-A1).
13. In a hydrotherapy jet assembly comprised of: a housing having an internally threaded cylindrical
cavity; a nozzle mounted at one end of said housing cavity for discharging a water jet toward a
second end of said housing cavity; a tubular fitting threaded into said housing cavity, said fitting
having an internally threaded cylindrical cavity and a radially inwardly extending flange in said fitting
cavity; a tubular flow director having an inlet end and a discharge end; and an annulus threaded into
said fitting cavity engaging the exterior wall surface of said flow director for urging it toward said
flange in said fitting cavity; the improvement comprising: passageway means formed in said annulus
for permitting water to flow exteriorly of said flow director exterior wall surface past said annulus into
said housing cavity.
14. The jet assembly of claim 13 wherein said improvement further comprises: second annulus
means threaded into said fitting cavity for varying the water flow past said first recited annulus.
15. In combination: a tub for containing a water pool, said tub having a peripheral wall including a jet
opening and a water return opening formed therein; a housing mounted in alignment with said jet
opening, said housing defining a mixing chamber and including nozzle means for discharging a
water jet along a defined axis into said chamber for creating a suction therein; electrically driven
pump means having an inlet side coupled to said water return opening and an outlet side coupled to
said nozzle means for drawing tub pool water and supplying pressurized water to said nozzle means;
a suction inlet formed in said housing communicating with said chamber; and passageway means
open to said water pool and communicating with said suction inlet for passing water from said pool
into said chamber, drawn by said suction, for entrainment by said water jet.
16. The combination of claim 15 further including adjustable valve means for varying the amount of
water passed by said passageway means for entrainment by said water jet.
78/2210
17. The combination of claim 15 further including means for supplying air to said passageway means
for entrainment by said water jet; and adjustable valve means for selectively varying the amounts of
water and air passed by said passageway means for entrainment by said water jet.
18. The combination of claim 15 further including: a tubular member defining an interior flow path
having an inlet orifice and a discharge orifice; means mounting said tubular member in said housing
with said inlet orifice open to said mixing chamber and substantially aligned with said water jet axis
and said discharge orifice open to the interior of said tub whereby water supplied by said jet will flow
out said discharge orifice into said water pool.
19. The combination of claim 18 wherein said passageway means extends through said housing
exeriorly of said tubular member.
20. The combination of claim 19 wherein said nozzle means defines an outletof area A1 and said
tubular member discharge orifice has an area A2; and wherein said passageway means defines an
area A3, where A3.gtoreq.20%(A2-A1).
21. The combination of claim 18 wherein said passageway means includes an inlet orifice in said tub
peripheral wall and a pipe coupling said inlet orifice to said suction inlet.
22. The combination of claim 21 wherein said wall inlet orifice is located vertically above said
discharge orifice.
23. A method of discharging a high intensity hydrotherapy stream through an opening in the
peripheral wall of a water tub, comprising the steps of: mounting a housing, having an internal
chamber, a suction inlet to said chamber, and a discharge orifice from said chamber, behind said
wall with said discharge orifice aligned with said opening; mounting a nozzle in said housing oriented
to discharge a water jet through said chamber to said discharge orifice; supplying water under
pressure to said nozzle for discharging a water jet through said chamber for creating suction therein;
and providing a passageway for the flow of pool water from said water tub to said chamber via said
suction inlet for entraining said pool water in said water jet for discharge through said discharge
orifice.
24. A method of operating a hydrotherapy jet assembly to discharge a high intensity stream through
an opening in the peripheral wall of a water tub beneath the surface of a water pool contained therein,
79/2210
which assembly includes a nozzle for discharging a water jet into a mixing chamber to create a
suction at an inlet to said chamber and an orifice for discharging a stream from said chamber, said
method including the steps of: pumping water from said water pool and supplying it under pressure
to said nozzle to produce said water jet; and providing a passageway from said water pool to said
suction inlet for drawing water from said pool for entrainment by said water jet.
80/2210
12. CA1286755 - 23.07.1991
LIQUID SENSOR AND TOUCH CONTROL FOR HYDROTHERAPY BATHS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1286755
Inventor(s):
JOHNSON GREGORY R (US); SHEPHERD PHILIP E (US)
Applicant(s):
SHEPHERD PHILIP E (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: E03C
IP Class:
E03C1/05
Application Number:
CA19870551163 (19871105)
Priority Number: CA19870551163 (19871105)
Family: CA1286755
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPY SYSTEM IS PROVIDED INCLUDING A HYDROTHERAPY TUB WITH A WATER
CIRCULATION PUMP AND MOTOR. ELECTRICAL PROXIMITY SENSOR TERMINALS ARE
MOUNTED TO THE TUB ON THE OUTSIDE SURFACE, ONE AT A RELATIVELY LOW LEVEL FOR
DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF WATER IN THE TUB AND A SECOND PREFERABLY AT A HIGHER
LEVEL FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF THE USER TO SERVE AS AN "ON" AND "OFF" SWITCH
WHICH THE USER CAN OPERATE BY PLACING HIS HAND IN PROXIMITY THEREWITH. NEITHER
OF THE TERMINALS REQUIRES PHYSICAL CONTACT TO BE ACTUATED. EACH IS CONNECTED
TO CIRCUIT MEANS FOR ESTABLISHING THE PRESENCE OF AN OBJECT IN PROXIMITY WITH IT
AND EACH OF THE TERMINALS IS OPERATIVELY CONNECTED TO THE PUMP MOTOR SO THAT
THE PUMP MOTOR WILL OPERATE ONLY WHEN BOTH OF THE TERMINALS ARE ACTUATED.
81/2210
13. CA1288299 - 08.10.1987
HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE METHOD AND APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1288299
Inventor(s):
LABY JORDAN MYRON (US); HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US)
Applicant(s):
HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: E03D
IP Class:
E03D11/10
E Class: A61H33/00N; B05B3/00
Application Number:
WO1987US00614 (19870320)
Priority Number: US19860843151 (19860324)
Family: CA1288299
Equivalent:
AU586746; AU7233887; EP0265484; ES2004905; NZ219742; ZA8702150
Cited Document(s):
US4523340
US4220145; US4335845; US4339833; US4446141; US4520514;
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPY METHOD AND APPARATUS (100) FOR DISCHARGING A FLUID STREAM
THROUGH AN OPENING (134) IN THE WALL (130) OF A WATER TUB (120), WHILE
CONCURRENTLY TRANSLATING THE STREAM ALONG A RANDOM PATH, TO IMPACT AGAINST
AND MASSAGE THE BODY OF A USER (123) VIA A NOZZLE (108) THROUGH ORIFICE
(142).Description:
82/2210
TITLE: HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE METHOD AND
APPARATUS
INVENTORS: MELVYN LANE HENKIN & JORDAN MYRON LABY
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Application No. 796,987 filed November 12, 1985 whose disclosure is, by reference, incorporated
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to hydrotherapy and more particularly to an improved method and
apparatus useful in spas, hot tubs, bathtubs, and the like for discharging a fluid (e.g.water-air)
stream to impact against and massage a user's body. Applicants prior Application No. 796,987 filed
November 12, 1985 discloses an apparatus including a nozzle having a discharge orifice mounted
for movement so as to cause the impacting fluid stream to sweep over an area of the user's body.
The present application discloses improved embodiments for translating the stream along a
substantially random path.
Other hydrotherapy devices for massaging a user's body by moving a discharge nozzle are
disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,523,340; 4,339,833; 4,220,145; and 3,868,949. Various other
hydrotherapy devices for discharging water-air streams are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
4,502,168; 4,262,371; 3,905,358; and 3,297,025.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to improvements in hydrotherapy and more particularly to a method
and apparatus for discharging a fluid stream, while concurrently translating the stream along a
substantially random path. A user can fixedly position his body proximate to the apparatus to enable
the discharged stream to impact against and sweep over an area of the user's body.
In a preferred application of the invention the apparatus is mounted in an opening in the perimeter
wall (i.e. including floor) of a spa, hot tub, bathtub, etc., generically referred to herein as a water tub.
83/2210
The apparatus includes a housing which can be formed integral with the tub wall but which more
typically comprises a separate box-like structure adapted to be mounted adjacent to the rear face of
the wall and accessible through an opening in the wall.
In a preferred embodiment, an elongated conduit means is mounted in the housing having a supply
end, including a supply orifice, and a nozzle end, including a discharge orifice. The conduit means
supply end is mounted so as to couple the supply orifice to a fluid supply pipe and the nozzle end is
left free to move within the wall opening, i.e. in two dimensions across a substantially planar area
roughly approximating an extension of the tub wall. The nozzle end is oriented to discharge a fluid
stream (e.g. water-air mixture) from the discharge orifice primarily in a direction along the elongation
of the conduit means substantially perpendicular to the aforesaid planar area.
Additionally, the fluid stream discharge produces a thrust component extending substantially
perpendicular to the conduit means elongation to produce a thrust force for moving the nozzle along
a path coincident with said planar area; i.e. nozzle travel area.
In accordance with an important.aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is constructed so as
to cause the nozzle to trace a substantially random travel path within said nozzle travel area. The
area itself can be designed to be of substantially any shape or size but is preferably selected to have
equal order of magnitude vertical and horizontal dimensions (i.e., vertical: horizontal < 4:1)
approximating the area of a typical users back (e.g. 8-20 inches vertical and 5-14 inches horizontal).
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, thrust modifier means are associated with the
boundary of the nozzle travel area to change the direction of the thrust component whenever the
nozzle approaches the boundary.
In accordance with a first embodiment, the conduit means comprises a substantially rigid tube
mounted so as to be able to swivel about its supply end to permit its nozzle end to translate across
said travel area. The nozzle discharge orifice is oriented to discharge a stream having a thrust
component extending substantially perpendicular to said tube to thrust said nozzle end across said
travel area. The rigid tube preferably carries drag plates which encourage the nozzle end to trace a
nonlinear path segment across the travel area. A thrust modifier means is provided in the form of a
frame, mounted proximate to the boundary of the travel area, and a cooperating pivot pin secured to
said tube.The pivot pin and nozzle end are preferably mounted so as to diverge from one another
toward their free ends with each preferably being aligned with the center of rotation of the tube swivel
84/2210
mount. The frame includes a series of open recesses, each intended to momentarily capture the
pivot pin, as the nozzle end is thrust toward the area boundary. With the pivot pin so captured, the
stream thrust component acts to pivot the nozzle end around the pivot pin to thereby redirect the
thrust component enabling the nozzle to withdraw the pivot pin from its open recess and initiate a
new traverse across the travel area.
In common with certain embodiments disclosed in applicants aforementioned Application No.
796,987, the rigid tube conduit means of said first embodiment is preferably curved (e.g. "S" shape),
defining entrance, intermediate, and exit sections. This configuration of the rigid tube minimizes the
depth of the housing required for a given sized nozzle travel area while also permitting smooth flow
and low pressure drops within the tube. Additionally, in order to provide sufficient thrust to start the
nozzle moving and prevent it from moving too fast, a speed sensitive drag means, e.g. the
aforementioned drag plates, are affixed to, and extend radially from, the conduit means.
In accordance with a second embodiment, the conduit means also comprises a substantially rigid
tube mounted so as to be able to swivel about its supply end to permit its nozzle end to translate
along a random path in said travel area. The thrust modifier means of said second embodiment
includes a thrust director mounted on said nozzle for movement between first and second positions
to respectively direct said thrust component in different first and second directions.
Means are also provided for switching the position of the thrust director when the nozzle approaches
the travel area boundary to redirect the thrust component.
In accordance with a further feature of the second embodiment, the rigid tube is preferably curved
in a single plane and the planar orientation of the tube is maintained substantially radial to the fluid
supply means nozzle axis to assure smooth flow through the conduit means.
In accordance with a third embodiment, random motion of a discharge orifice across the
aforementioned two dimensional travel area is achieved using a flexible tube and relying on directed
whip hose action as contrasted with properly orienting a rigid tube nozzle, as in the first and second
embodiments.
In accordance with the third embodiment, the flexible tube has a first end mounted on the fluid
supply means and a second discharge end essentially unrestrained and able to traverse said travel
area. A buoyancy collar is mounted on the discharge end to facilitate its vertical motion.
85/2210
In accordance with a significant aspect of the third embodiment, the flexible tube extends through a
fixedly mounted ring which acts to limit the tube movement and bend the tube to effect more
pronounced directional changes. The ring contact surface is preferably noncircular and includes an
oblique chord to encourage the tube to traverse in directions other than vertically up and down.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is an isometric exploded view of a first embodiment of a hydrotherapy apparatus in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 is an isometric view, partially broken away, depicting the apparatus of Figure 1 mounted
behind the perimeter wall of a water tub, e.g. a spa;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which an apparatus in accordance with
the invention is plumbed in a typical spa installation;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 4-4 of Figure 1, slightly simplified for
clarity, depicting a first embodiment of the invention;
Figure 5 is a sectional view, slightly simplified for clarity, taken substantially along the plane 5-5 of
Figure 1;
Figure 6 is an isometric view depicting a portion of the frame used in the embodiment of Figures 4
and 5;;
Figure 7 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 7-7 of Figure 5;
Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 8-8 of Figure 5;
Figure 9 is a front schematic view depicting the action of the thrust modifier means of the
embodiment of Figures 4,5;
Figure 10 is a front view depicting the nozzle travel path in the embodiment of Figures 4,5;
Figure 11 is a front view of a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view taken through Figure 11;
Figure 13 is an isometric view primarily depicting the moving components of the embodiment of
Figure 11;
Figure 14 is a side view, partially broken away, primarily depicting the thrust modifier means, and
particularly the thrust director, means of the embodiment of Figure 11;
Figure 15 is an end view of the thrust director means of Figure 14;;
Figure 16 is a front schematic view depicting a first orientation of the thrust director means;
Figure 17 is a front schematic view depicting a second orientation of the thrust director means;
Figure 18 is an end view primarily depicting the relationship between the rigid tube radial arm, the
slider, and the fixed pin;
86/2210
Figure 19 is a front view of a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 20 is a side sectional view taken substantially along the plane 20-20 of Figure 19;
Figure 21 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 21-21 of Figure 20;
Figure 22 is a side sectional view showing the manner of mixing air and water at the supply end of
the tube in the embodiment of Figure 19; and
Figure 23 is a side sectional view showing an alternative manner of mixing air and water at the
discharge end of the tube.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Attention is initially directed to Figure 1 which illustrates an exploded view of a hydrotherapy
apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 100 is intended to be
mounted adjacent to the outer surface of a perimeter wall of a water tub such as a spa, hot tub, or
bath tub, as depicted in Figure 2, for massaging the body of a user. The apparatus 100 is essentially
comprised of a box-like housing 102 having side walls 103, a rear wall 104, and an open front frame
106 surrounding an essentially planar nozzle travel area 107. A nozzle 108 is mounted for random
movement in the planar area 107.
Figure 2 depicts the hydrotherapy apparatus 100 in use in a typical spa installation wherein the spa
tub 120 is shaped to define, for example, a bench 122 upon which the user 123 can comfortably sit
with the major portion of his body below the upper surface 126 of a water pool 128. The water tub
120 includes an inner perimeter wall 130 preferably having one or more flat portions 132 through
which a wall opening 134 is formed. The apparatus 100 is intended to be mounted in the opening
134 with the housing 102 projecting rearwardly from the flat wall portion 132 and with the housing
frame 106 bearing against the front surface of the flat wall portion 132.
The general function of the hydrotherapy apparatus 100 is to provide a pleasing massaging effect
on the body of the user 123 without requiring that the user move his body relative to a fixedly
positioned jet, as is customary in conventional spa installations. In order to achieve this effect, the
apparatus 100 includes the nozzle 108 having an orifice 142 through which a water stream is
discharged against the users body. The nozzle 108 is operable, as will be described hereinafter, to
travel along a substantially random path coplanar with area 107 to cause the discharged water
stream to sweep over and impact against a relatively large area of the users body. The random path
is comprised of a sequence of path segments, all lying within area 107, and extending in various
directions across the area.The vertical and horizontal dimensions of the area are typically of the
same order of magnitude, e.g. vertical dimension between 8 and 20 inches and horizontal dimension
87/2210
between 5 and 14 inches. Although these dimensions may vary considerably in different
embodiments, it is preferable if the ratio of the vertical to horizontal dimensions of the area is less
than 4:1.
As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the apparatus 100 includes a conduit means 156
which supplies a water stream to the nozzle 108 from the outlet of a water supply fitting 158.
Typically, the water supply fitting 158 is supplied with water from the outlet side 160 of a motor driven
pump 162, schematically depicted in Figure 3. The pump 162 has an inlet side 164 coupled to a
suction port 166 formed in the wall of a water tub 120. The pump 162 sucks water from the port 166
and supplies a water stream to the conduit means 156 which is then discharged through the nozzle
orifice 142 back into the water tub 120. It is preferable, but not necessary, to include a manually
adjustable valve 170 in the plumbing line connecting the pump outlet 160 to the conduit means 156.
It should be noted that Figure 3 also schematically depicts an air supply pipe 172 connected to the
conduit means 156. The pipe 172 is typically open to the air 174 to permit the water stream supplied
by the pump 162 through conduit means 156, to draw air in through the pipe 172, as by venturi
action, for mixing with the water stream. Alternatively, the air can be introduced into the water stream
by a motor driven blower 175 coupled to the pipe 172. Figure 3 also depicts a manually adjustable
valve 176 mounted in the air supply pipe 172 to enable the user to control the amount of air
introduced into the water stream exiting from the discharge orifice 142.
In the use of the apparatus 100, the nozzle 108 translates along a substantially random path while
continually discharging the impacting water stream against a large area of a users body. As will be
seen hereinafter, the nozzle 108 is -driven along the random path by a thrust force, preferably
produced by a component of the water stream discharged from nozzle orifice 142 in a direction
parallel to the substantially planar area 107.
With the foregoing general description in mind, attention is now directed to Figures 4-10 which
illustrate the apparatus 100 in greater detail. Figure 4 depicts a horizontal sectional view taken
through the apparatus 100 and looking down from the top Figure 5 depicts a vertical sectional view
of the same apparatus 100 looking in from the side. The apparatus housing 102 has side walls 103
and a rear wall 104. The front of the housing is open with frame 106 surrounding- the essentially
planar area 107. The frame 106 is shaped to define a shoulder 210 against which an open grill 212.is
mounted.
88/2210
A conduit means 156 is mounted in the housing 102 for discharging a moving water stream through
the grill 212. The conduit means 156, in the embodiment of
Figures 4-10, comprises a rigid tube 226 having a supply end 228 and a nozzle end 230. A ball 232
is fixedly mounted on the tube supply end 228 and defines a tapered central bore comprising a
supply orifice 234. The orifice 234 opens into an internal passageway 236 extending through tube
226 to discharge orifice 238 in the nozzle end 230 (Figure 7). The internal passageway 236
extending from the supply end 228 to the nozzle 230 has a central axis essentially lying in a single
plane. However, the internal passageway 240 within the nozzle 230 defines an axis diverting at a
small angle a (e.g. 150) from the axis of internal passageway 236.
The ball 232 of the conduit means 156 is mounted for swivel movement about its center. More
specifically, the mounting means for ball 232 includes a flanged pipe section 250 having an internally
threaded bore 251. The pipe section 250 extends rearwardly through an opening in the rear wall 104
of housing 102 with the pipe section flange 252 bearing against wall 104.
An externally threaded fitting 254 is provided which is threaded at 253 into the internally threaded
bore 251 of pipe section 250. Fitting 254 has a central bore 255 through which the tube 226 extends.
A radially inwardly projecting lip 256 is formed in bore 255 to define a socket surface against which
ball 232 can rotate. A water-air jet subassembly 260 is threaded (or otherwise equivalently fastened,
as by an adhesive) to the external threads of the pipe section 250. The subassembly 260 includes a
water inlet 270 and an air inlet 272. Water under pressure entering the inlet 270 is discharged
through a short nozzle member 274 into a cavity 276. The discharged water stream is then mixed
with air entering from the air inlet 272.The air can be drawn in through the inlet 272 via venturi action
caused by the water exiting from the nozzle 274, or alternatively, air can be supplied to the inlet 272
by a blower (Figure 3). The water-air stream discharged into the bore 234 of the ball 232 essentially
seats the ball surface against the lip 256 of the fitting 254 to prevent leakage therepast. By proper
choice of materials, the ball 232 can nevertheless freely rotate with respect to the lip surface 256.
By allowing the surface of ball 232 to rotate within the bore of fitting 254, the nozzle end 230 of tube
226 is free to traverse along substantially any path lying within a defined area of an essentially planar
imaginary surface. The surface is, of course, defined by the locus of all points of the nozzle travel
path as the ball 232 is rotated in its socket against lip 256. The surface may be considered as a two
dimensional essentially planar area, although indeed it is slightly spheric.
89/2210
A water-air stream supplied under pressure into the bore 234 of the ball 232 will traverse the internal
passageway 236 of the tube 226 and emerge through the passageway 240 of nozzle 230 and the
discharge orifice 238. With the small angular deviation a of the axis of the nozzle passageway 240
(Figure 7), the discharge stream may be considered as having a primary component, extending
substantially along the elongation of the tube 226, and a secondary component extending
substantially transverse to the elongation of the tube 226. The primary component is discharged into
the tub for impacting against and massaging a user. The secondary component produces a thrust
force which acts on the nozzle 230 to move it within the aforementioned planar area, as the ball 232
rotates against lip surface 256.In order to cause the nozzle to trace sequential path segments across
the planar area, as contrasted with being forced and held against a boundary thereof, means are
provided for modifying the direction of the thrust force produced on the nozzle 230 as it approaches
the boundary of the planar area.
In the embodiment of Figures 4-10, this thrust modifier means includes a frame 300 carried by the
aforementioned grill 212. The frame 300 includes an internal scalloped edge 304 defining a series of
open recesses 306. In addition, the thrust modifier means of Figures 4-10 includes a pin 320,
received in pin socket 321, fixed to the tube 226. The pin 320 is mounted in socket 321 so as to lie
substantially in the plane of tube 226, extending substantially along the axis of bore 234 and through
the center of rotation of ball 232. The tube 226 is preferably "S" shaped defining an entrance section
322 immediately downstream from supply orifice 234, an exit section 324 immediately upstream from
discharge orifice 238, and an intermediate section 326 therebetween. The sections 322, 324, 326 lie
in a single plane, connected by gentle curves.The entrance section is preferably oriented to diverge
by only a small angle, e.g. < 200, from the axis of bore 234 to assure smooth flow and low pressure
drops. The exit section 324 extends substantially in alignment with the center of rotation of ball 232
but it diverges from the pin 320 toward their free ends as depicted in Figures 4 and 5.
In order to understand the operation of the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, initially assume that the
tube 226 is in the solid line position depicted in
Figure 5. In that position, note that the nozzle passageway 240 is tilted down into the plane of the
paper. As a consequence, the water-air stream discharged through the orifice 238 will produce a
thrust force on the nozzle 230 tending to lift it out of the plane of the paper as the ball 232 rotates in
its socket. Movement of the nozzle 230 out of the plane of the paper in Figure 5, of course,
corresponds to essentially horizontal movement of the nozzle 230 in the installed apparatus as
depicted in Figure 2. With the tube 226 and pin 320 so moving, as the nozzle approaches the
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boundary of its planar area, the pin 320 will be temporarily captured in one of the open recesses 306 of frame 304, as is best depicted in
Figure 9. With the pin so captured, the continuing thrust force produced by the thrust component of
the discharged water stream will pivot the nozzle 230 around the pin until the thrust force acts in a
direction to free or remove the pin from the recess in which it is captured. This will then enable the
nozzle to embark on its next path segment traversing the area toward an opposite side of the
scalloped frame 300. In this manner, the nozzle will trace sequential path segments across the
planar area. As a consequence of drag means affixed to the tube 226, to be discussed hereinafter,
the nozzle will trace a somewhat nonlinear path segment between recesses on opposite sides of the
frame 300. Of course, between successive path segments, the nozzle will move along a small
semicircular path as it frees the pin 320 from the recess 306 in which it is captured, as depicted in
Figure 9.
The speed with which the nozzle moves through the water depends upon several factors including
the pressure and magnitude of the stream discharge and the angle a at which the nozzle
passageway 240 diverts from the passageway 236. The force with which the discharged stream
impacts against the users body for massaging is similarly dependent upon these factors.
As is depicted in Figure 3, it is desirable to provide the user with a manual valve 170 to enable him to
control the impact force against his body. The pump 162, for example, can typically provide an
output pressure of 30 psi and the user may desire to cut this down substantially for comfort. In order
to enable the user to vary the impact force without significantly changing the speed with which the
nozzle translates along its travel path, it is desirable to select the stream discharge angle a to yield
sufficient nozzle movement speed at a relatively low pressure, e.g. 10-15 psi. Additionally, it is
necessary to select the discharge angle so it is sufficient to provide an adequate starting thrust
regardless of the position of the nozzle when the system is initially turned on.It should of course be
appreciated that the magnitude of thrust required to assure that the nozzle comes up to speed from
rest is greater than that required to maintain the speed of the nozzle once it is already in motion. In
order to accommodate a discharge angle sufficient to ensure start up and yet prevent the nozzle
means from thereafter moving at an uncomfortably high speed, a speed sensitive drag means is
incorporated in the embodiment of Figures 4-10.
More specifically, the speed sensitive drag means comprises one or more cupped plates 350
mounted on and extending substantially radially from the primary axis of the rigid tube 226, defined
by ball bore 234 and pin 320. Each plate 350 is internally cupped to provide a cone-like internal
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surface 352 having an aperture 354 at its apex. Each cupped plate 350 acts similarly to a sea anchor
in that it exhibits a very low drag at low speed and increasing drag as the tube 226 attempts to move
more quickly through the water. Preferably, four cupped plates 350 are used extending radially
outward from the tube 226 in cruciform fashion as shown in Figure 8. For clarity, only two of the
cupped plates are illustrated in
Figures 4 and 5.Because the plates produce nonsymmetric drag as the nozzle and pin move through
the water along a path segment, they cause the nozzle to trace a nonlinear path between opposite
sides of frame 300, and thus an essentially random path along the travel area.
Attention is now directed to Figures 11-18 which illustrate a second embodiment in accordance with
the present invention for moving a discharge nozzle along a substantially random path within an
essentially planar area. The embodiment of Figures 11-18 is structurally similar to the previously
discussed embodiment of Figures 4-10 in that it includes a housing 402 having side walls 404 and a
rear wall 406.
The housing is open at its front 408 and a grill 410 is mounted across the opening.
Additionally, a conduit means 412 is provided in the form of a rigid tube 414 having a ball 415
fixedly mounted on its supply end 416. The tube 414 differs from tube 226 of Figures 4-10 at its
nozzle end 417 in that the axis of the nozzle end internal passageway 418 is not diverted as is
characteristic of the tube 226 (Figure 7). Rather, in the embodiment of
Figures 11-18, a funnel-shaped nozzle extension member 420 is provided to discharge the stream in
a direction having a primary massage component extending along the elongation of the tube and a
secondary thrust component extending transverse to the elongation of the tube.
The nozzle extension member 420 is mounted for pivotal movement on aligned pins 421, 422 (Figure
15) between first and second positions, respectively illustrated in solid and dashed line form in
Figure 14, to enable the direction of the thrust component to be changed.
More particularly, as can be noted in Figure 14, the nozzle end of tube 414 terminates in outwardly
radially directed arms 424 and 426. The arms 424 and 426 together define a concave substantially
cylindrical inner surface 428. The nozzle extension member 420 has a flared entrance end 430 and a
substantially cylindrical discharge end 432. The flared entrance end 430 is shaped to mate with and
slide on the inner cylindrical surface 428 defined by arms 424 and 426.
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Thus, the nozzle extension member 420 can move from the solid line position depicted in Figure 14
in which it abuts shoulder 440 to the dashed line position in which it abuts shoulder 442. In either
position, the internal passageway 418 of the tube 414 communicates with the internal passageway
through the nozzle extension member 420. When in the clockwise solid line position (Figure 14), the
nozzle extension member 420 will discharge a stream whose primary component is in the plane of
the paper issuing upwardly and whose secondary component is in the plane of the paper issuing to
the right. In the counter clockwise dashed line position of Figure 14, the nozzle extension member
420 will discharge a stream having a similarly directed primary component but a secondary
component issuing to the left.Thus, depending upon the position of the nozzle extension member 420,
a thrust force will be developed for urging the tube nozzle end 417 in the plane of the paper of Figure
14 either to the left or the right.
The mechanism for switching the position of the nozzle extension member 420 includes a U-shaped
slider 450 mounted for sliding movement on an arm 452. The arm 452, which supports the
aforementioned pins 421, 422, is secured to cupped drag plates 454, 456 which in turn are affixed to
rigid tube 414 (Figure 13). The tube 414 is preferably "S" shaped, similar to aforedescribed tube 226
(Figures 4-10), and the arm 452 extends essentially transverse to the elongation of the tube. The
slider 450 is comprised of first and second collars 468 and 470 which are connected by a cross
member 472. The cross member 472 extends parallel to the rod 452 but is spaced therefrom by a
slot 476.
A pusher rod 474 is connected to collar 468 for pivotal motion about pin 477. The second end of
pusher rod 474 is pivotally connected to link 478 by pin 479.
Link 478 is mounted for pivoting about aforementioned pin 422, located intermediate its ends. The
lower end 480 of link 478 is connected to the first end of a coil spring 482. The second end of the coil
spring is connected to stud 484 affixed to the lower edge of the nozzle extension member 420.
A pin 490 is affixed to the grill 410 aligned with the axis of a jet subassembly 492 discharge nozzle
494. The nozzle 494 discharges a water-air stream into the supply orifice of the aforementioned ball
415. The pin 490 extends into the slot 476 between the slider cross member 472 and the arm 452.
In the operation of the embodiment of Figures 11-18, initially consider that the tube 414 has
swiveled to the solid line position depicted in Figure 14 with the nozzle extension member oriented
clockwise and located close to the pin 490. This same position of the tube 414 and nozzle extension
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member 420 is schematically depicted in Figure 16. With the member 420 oriented clockwise, it will
discharge a stream having a secondary component acting to thrust the nozzle 417 to the left, as
depicted in Figure 16, relative to the pin 490. The pin 490 will of course remain fixed and the slider
450 and arm 452 will move with respect to the pin 490. As the slider 450 and arm 452 move to the left
from the position depicted in
Figure 16, the slider collar 470 will move into engagement with the fixed pin 490.As the discharge
stream continues to thrust the nozzle further to the left, the pin 490 acting on the collar 470 will slide
the slider 450 to the right relative to the arm 452.
This action moves pusher rod 474 to the right thereby pivoting link 478 clockwise around pin 422.
Thus, the lower end 480 of link 478 moves toward stud 484 thereby compressing coil spring 482.
More particularly, as the link 478 pivots clockwise a-bout pin 422, the coil spring 482 will move from
its extended position depicted in Figure 416 to a compressed position as the link end 480 moves
close to stud 484. As soon as link 478 rotates clockwise beyond this neutral position, the spring then
acts on stud 484 to quickly push the stud to the right and thereby pivot the nozzle extension member
420 counterclockwise as shown in Figure 17.
With the nozzle extension member 420 in the counterclockwise position, the discharge stream will
produce a component thrusting the nozzle 417 to the right (Figure 17). This action will of course slide
slider 450 and arm 452 to the right relative to pin 490. As previously mentioned, the pin 490 extends
through slot 476 between the slider 450 and arm 452. A notch 491 is formed between the drag plates
454 and 456 to permit the pin 490 to pass therethrough. After the nozzle 417 has moved to the right
sufficiently, slider collar 468 will engage pin 490 and as a consequence pusher rod 474 will be
forced to the left (Figure 17) to thus pivot link 478 counterclockwise about pin 422.
As a consequence, the lower end 480 of the link 478 will move in a path to a neutral position, initially
compressing the spring 482, and as the end 480 moves past the neutral position, the spring 482 will
quickly expand to drive the nozzle extension member 420 back to the clockwise position depicted in
Figure 16.
Thus, the nozzle extension member 420 will be alternately switched, as a consequence of the
aforedescribed cam over mechanism, from a clockwise position to a counterclockwise position and
then back again as the slider 450 and arm 452 move essentially linearly with respect to fixed pin 490.
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Although the slider 450 and arm 452 may be viewed as moving linearly with respect to the pin 490 to
alternately switch the nozzle extension member 420 to change the direction of the thrust component,
the tube 414 will concurrently slowly rotate about the ball 415, primarily as a consequence of the
nonsymmetric drag produced by the drag plates 454 and 456. This nonsymmetric drag is
attributable to the cupped drag plates being oppositely oriented, as depicted in
Figures 11 and 13. Thus, the nozzle extension member 420 will traverse a substantially random path
as it moves both linearly with respect to the pin 490 while the tube 414 is concurrently rotating about
the center of rotation of ball 415.
It should be recalled that the tube 414 is essentially comprised of an entrance section, an exit
section, and an intermediate section connected by gentle curves. The sections lie in a single plane
and the slider 450 and arm 452 preferably lie in the same plane. As a consequence, the plane of the
tube 414 is maintained substantially radial to the axis of the jet subassembly nozzle 494 thereby
maintaining the orientation of the entrance section of the tube 414 at a relatively small angle relative
to the nozzle 494 to assure smooth flow and low pressure drops.
It is further mentioned that the cupped plates 454, 456 in addition to nonsymmetrically affecting the
movement of the tube 414 through the water, limit the speed of movement, as has been described in
connection with the embodiment of Figures 4-10.
Attention is now directed to the embodiment of
Figures 19-21. This embodiment is similar to the embodiments previously discussed in that it too
includes a housing 600 intended to be mounted within an opening in a peripheral wall of a water tub.
The housing has a rear wall 602 which is supplied with a water stream, to be discussed in more
detail hereinafter, which is then discharged through a nozzle 604 which can move randomly in an
essentially planar area proximate to the open front of the housing 600. A grill 606 comprised of
vertical bars 608 is mounted at the open front of the housing 600.
In contrast to the two aforediscussed embodiments which utilize rigid tubes as the conduit means
connecting the water supply to the discharge nozzle, the embodiment of Figures 19-21 utilizes a
flexible tube or hose 610 for supplying a water stream to the nozzle 604. The first or supply end 612
of the tube 610 is fixedly mounted onto a water stream inlet nozzle 614 of a jet subassembly 618
(Figure 22). The flexible tube 610 terminates at its forward end at nozzle 604 which includes a
discharge orifice 620. As is well known, if the flexible tube 610 defines any shape other than a
perfect column, then the water stream exiting therefrom will produce a lateral thrust component
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which will tend to move the nozzle transverse to the elongation of the tube.The present invention, in
the embodiment of Figures 19-21, is particularly constructed to utilize this whip hose action to direct
the nozzle 604 along a substantially random two dimensional path.
In order to thrust the nozzle along such a path, a ring member 640 is fixedly mounted in the housing
forward of the rear wall 602. The axis of the ring member 640 is displaced slightly below the axis of
the jet subassembly 618 nozzle in order to assure that the tube 610 does not form a straight column
outward from the jet subassembly nozzle 614. Additionally, a buoyancy collar 644 is preferably
mounted around the nozzle 604 to assist the nozzle 604 to move vertically against gravity and to
introduce a more pronounced bend in the tube 610 when in its quiescent state, i.e. when no water
stream is being discharged therethrough. The buoyancy collar 644 may be formed of solid flotation
material or alternatively, it can be filled with air, either permanently or via venturi action, as is
depicted in U.S. Patent 4,523,340.
The ring member 640 is provided with a noncircular internal contact surface 650, best depicted in
Figure 21. More specifically, it is preferable that the internal contact surface 650 of ring member 640
include one or more obliquely extending chords 652.
Moreover, in order to reduce contact wear, the ring member contact surface is preferably formed by
one or more rollers (not shown).
In use, the tube 610 and nozzle 604 will generally assume the position depicted in Figure 20 in its
quiescent state. When a water-air stream is supplied into the tube 610 and discharged from the
nozzle 604, the lateral component thereof will produce a thrust force on the nozzle 604 causing it to
whip across the substantially planar area at the front of the housing 600. Regardless of which
direction the tube 610 traverses, it will engage the inner contact surface 650 of the fixedly mounted
ring member 640 which will thereby bend the tube and thus reorient the nozzle to modify the thrust
component to push the nozzle in the opposite direction. By utilizing the ring 640 having an inner
contact surface 650 extending around 3600, the nozzle 604 is essentially free to traverse a two
dimensional path in the planar area.In order to . prevent the tube 610 from adopting a one
dimensional path, e.g. vertically up and down, the oblique chord 652 is provided in the contact
surface 650 to encourage the tube to follow a somewhat lateral direction.
It has been assumed thus far in the description of the embodiment of Figures 19-21 that the tube
610 defines a single internal passageway supplied with a water-air stream from the jet subassembly
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618. In order to produce even greater thrust from.a given water supply, an alternative configuration
is depicted in
Figure 23 in which a tube 670 is substituted-for the tube 610. The tube 670 is comprised of
concentric passages 672 and 674 for respectively passing water and air which are then mixed, via
venturi action, in a chamber 676 of the nozzle member 680.
From the foregoing, it should now be appreciated that multiple embodiments of a hydrotherapy
apparatus have been disclosed herein in which a nozzle is caused to traverse along a substantially
random two dimensional path to discharge a water stream substantially perpendicular to the path for
massaging a user. Claims:
CLAIMS
1. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream substantially in a first direction for
impacting against a user's body, said apparatus comprising:
fluid supply means;
elongated conduit means having a first end including a supply orifice and a second end including a
nozzle having a discharge orifice;
means mounting said conduit means first end for coupling said supply orifice to said fluid supply
means for supplying fluid to said discharge orifice, said mounting means permitting said nozzle to
randomly traverse a substantially planar area spaced from said first end;
said discharge orifice being oriented to discharge a first fluid stream component in a direction
extending along said conduit means elongation in said first direction; and
means applying a transverse thrust force to said nozzle for moving said nozzle across said area.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit means comprises a rigid tube; and wherein
said mounting means includes swivel means for coupling said rigid tube first end to said fluid supply
means.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said swivel means includes mating ball and socket surfaces.
97/2210
4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said rigid tube defines an internal passage including one or
more gradual curves to obtain smooth fluid flow therethrough for multiple orientations of said tube.
5. The apparatus of claim 2 including drag means coupled to said rigid tube for limiting the speed of
movement of said nozzle across said area.
6. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said area has perpendicular first and second dimensions
having a ratio of less than 4:1.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means applying said thrust force comprises means for
discharging a fluid stream thrust component from said discharge orifice in a direction extending
substantially parallel to said planar area.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 including thrust modifier means for redirecting said thrust component in
response to said nozzle approaching a boundary of said area for causing said nozzle to randomly
traverse said area.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said thrust modifier means includes:
a pin secured to said conduit means extending in substantially the same direction as, but laterally
displaced from, said nozzle; and
means associated with said area boundary for pivoting said nozzle around said pin.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said conduit means comprises a rigid tube; and wherein
said mounting means includes swivel means for coupling said rigid tube first end to said fluid supply
means.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said rigid tube includes one or more gradual curves therein
and wherein the axis of said nozzle is laterally displaced from the axis of the first end of said tube.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said thrust modifier means includes:
a pin secured to said tube extending substantially in the same direction as, but laterally displaced
from, said nozzle; and
a plurality of open recesses extending around said area for temporarily receiving said pin to cause
said thrust force to pivot said nozzle around said pin and redirect the direction of movement of said
nozzle across said area.
98/2210
13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said conduit means comprises a rigid tube and wherein said
thrust modifier means includes:
thrust director means mounted on said rigid tube adjacent to said discharge orifice for movement
between first and second positions for respectively directing said thrust component in different first
and second directions.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 including actuator means for switching said thrust director means
between said first and second positions as said nozzle approaches said area boundary.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said actuator means includes a fixedly mounted actuator
member for engaging said thrust director means for switching it from said first to said second and
from said second to said first positions.
16. The apparatus of claim 2 including asymmetric drag means coupled to said rigid tube for
modifying the direction of movement of said nozzle across said area.
17. The apparatus of claim 10 including drag means coupled to said rigid tube for limiting the speed
of movement of said nozzle across said area.
18. The apparatus of claim 10 including asymmetric drag means coupled to said rigid tube for
modifying the direction of movement of said nozzle across said area.
19. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a water stream substantially in a first direction for
impacting against a user's body, said apparatus comprising:
inlet means for supplying water under pressure;
an elongated flexible tube having a first end including a supply orifice and a second end including a
nozzle having a-discharge orifice;
means fixedly mounting said tube first end in axial alignment with said inlet means for supplying
water from said inlet means to said discharge orifice, said mounting means permitting said nozzle to
randomly traverse a substantially planar area spaced from said first end; and
means bending said tube between said first and second ends to discharge a first water stream
component in said first direction, and a second water stream component substantially transverse to
said first direction for moving said nozzle across said area, said bending means including a ring
extending around said tube; and
99/2210
means fixedly supporting said ring to engage said tube and prevent the formation of an
uninterrupted column therein.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 including means for producing buoyancy proximate to said tube
second end.
21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said ring extending around said tube has an inner contact
surface which is continuous but noncircular.
22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said area has perpendicular first and second dimensions
having a ratio of less than 4:1.
23. Hydrotherapy apparatus defining a substantially planar area for discharging a fluid stream
substantially perpendicular to said area while concurrently translating said stream along a
substantially random path lying in said area, said apparatus comprising:
nozzle means having a discharge orifice;
means mounting - said nozzle means for substantially unrestricted movement within said area;
means for supplying a fluid stream to said nozzle means for discharge through said discharge
orifice; and
means orienting said nozzle means for discharging said stream in a direction having a primary
component extending substantially perpendicular to said area for impacting against a user's body
and a thrust component extending substantially parallel to said area for moving said nozzle means
across said area, said area having perpendicular first and second dimensions having a ratio of less
than 4:1.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 including thrust modifier means for varying the orientation of said
nozzle means in response to said nozzle means approaching the boundary of said area for changing
the direction of said thrust component to cause said nozzle means to sequentially travel along
different path segments across said area.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said thrust modifier means includes:
a pin secured to said nozzle means extending in substantially the same direction as, but laterally
displaced from, said nozzle means; and
means associated with said area boundary for pivoting said nozzle means around said pin to
redirect said thrust component.
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26. The apparatus of claim 24- wherein said thrust modifier means includes thrust director means
mounted on said nozzle means adjacent to said discharge orifice for movement between first and
second positions for respectively directing said thrust component in first and second different
directions.
27. In combination with a water tub having a peripheral wall and an opening therein, apparatus
mounted adjacent to said opening for discharging a water stream through said opening into said tub
and for concurrently translating said stream in a direction transverse to said stream, said apparatus
comprising:
a housing mounted adjacent the outer surface of said peripheral wall defining a substantially planar
nozzle travel area substantially coincident with said wall opening, said travel area having
perpendicular first and second dimensions having a ratio of less than 4::1;
a pressurized water source means;
a nozzle having a discharge orifice;
means mounting said nozzle in said housing for substantially unrestricted translation across said
travel area;
means coupling said water source means to said nozzle for discharging a water stream through said
discharge orifice;
means orienting said nozzle to discharge a primary stream component in a direction extending
substantially perpendicular to said travel area; and
means for thrusting said nozzle along a substantially random path coincident with said travel area.
28. The combination of claim 27 wherein said area has a vertical dimension between 8 and 20
inches and a horizontal dimension between 5 and 14 inches.
29. The combination of claim 27 wherein said means for thrusting includes means for discharging a
secondary stream component in a direction extending substantially parallel to travel area.
30. The combination of claim 27 wherein said coupling means comprises a rigid tube.
31. The combination of claim 27 wherein said coupling means comprises a flexible tube.
32. A method of massaging a user's body in a water tub having a perimeter wall, said method
comprising the steps of:
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discharging a stream of water into said tub through an opening in an area of said wall; and
translating said water stream along a substantially random path extending substantially parallel to
said wall area, said path including portions extending in first and second substantially perpendicular
directions.
33. A method of massaging a user's body in a water tub having a perimeter wall, said method
comprising the steps of:
supplying a water stream;
supplying an air stream for mixing with said water stream to produce a water-air stream; and
discharging said water-air stream into said tub through an opening in an area of said wall such that
said discharged stream has a massage component extending substantially perpendicular to said
wall area and a thrust component extending substantially parallel to said wall area for moving said
water stream along a substantially random path extending substantially parallel to said wall area.
34. A method of massaging a user's body in a water tub having a perimeter wall, said method
comprising the steps of:
supplying a water stream;
discharging said water stream into said tub through an opening in an area of said wall such that said
discharged stream has a primary component extending substantially perpendicular to said wall area
for impacting against said user's body and a secondary component extending substantially parallel
to said wall area for producing a thrust in a direction substant ally parallel to said wall area; and
sequentially directing said secondary component in different directions to move said stream along a
substantially random path extending substantially parallel to said wall area.
35. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream for impacting against a user's body, said
apparatus comprising:
fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized water flow along an entrance axis;
elongated conduit means having a first end including a supply orifice and a second end including a
discharge orifice;
means mounting said conduit means first end proximate to said fluid supply means for directing said
water flow through said conduit means to said discharge orifice, said mounting means positioning
said conduit means second end to permit said discharge orifice to travel along a substantially
random path defining a substantially planar area spaced from said conduit means first end;;
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said conduit means including means for diverting said water flow away from said axis to produce a
lateral thrust on said conduit means second end for moving said discharge orifice along said
substantially random path.
36. The apparatus of claim 35 including thrust modifier means for redirecting said lateral thrust in
response to said conduit means second end approaching a boundary of said area for causing said
discharge orifice to randomly traverse said area.
37. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said conduit means comprises a rigid tube; and wherein
said mounting means includes swivel means for coupling said rigid tube first end to said fluid supply
means
38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said swivel means includes mating ball and socket surfaces.
39. The apparatus of claim 37 including asymmetric drag means coupled to said rigid tube.
40. The apparatus of claim 35 including a substantially closed housing having an opening formed
therein; and wherein
said conduit means is mounted in said housing for movement of said discharge orifice along said
substantially planar area in said housing opening.
41. The apparatus of claim 40 in combination with a spa tub or the like having a perimeter wall
defining an interior wall surface and an exterior wall surface;
an opening formed in said perimeter wall; and wherein
said housing is mounted in said wall opening extending exteriorly with respect to said perimeter wall
and with said housing opening and said wall opening being substantially coincident.
42. The combination of claim 41 including a suction port formed in said perimeter wall; and
recirculation means for drawing water in through said suction port and for supplying water to said
fluid supply means.
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14. CA1288300 - 10.03.1988
TAP WATER POWERED HYDROTHERAPY METHOD AND APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1288300
Inventor(s):
LABY JORDAN MYRON (US); HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US)
Applicant(s):
HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: E03D
IP Class:
E03D11/10
E Class: A61H33/00N2; B05B3/16
Application Number:
WO1987US02008 (19870813)
Priority Number: US19860902179 (19860829)
Family: CA1288300
Equivalent:
ZA8706145
AU600520; AU7850987; DK235588; EP0279829; ES2005277; NZ221436;
Cited Document(s):
US4523340
US4220145; US4335854; US4339833; US4466141; US4520514;
Description:
TAP WATER POWERED HYDROTHERAPY METHOD AND APPARATUS - RELATED
APPLICATIONS This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 796,987 filed
November 12, 1985 and U.S. Patent Application No. 843,151 filed March 24, 1986, which are, by
reference, incorporated herein.
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to hydrotherapy and more
particularly to a method and apparatus useful in spas, hot tubs, bathtubs and the like (hereinafter,
"water tubs") for discharging a water-air stream to impact against and massage a user's body.
Application No. 796,987 filed November 12, 1985, discloses a hydrotherapy unit including a
discharge nozzle mounted for translation along a two-dimensional path so as to cause the
impacting fluid stream to sweep over an area of the user's body. Application No. 843,151 filed
March 24, 1986, discloses improved hydrotherapy embodiments for translating the discharge
nozzle along a substantially random two-dimensional path.
Whereas the aforementioned applications discuss the use of electric pumps to power the
disclosed hydrotherapy units, the present invention is primarily directed to a system which derives
energy from a tap water supply to power hydrotherapy units, similar to those disclosed in the
aforecited applications.
Exemplary hydrotherapy devices for massaging a user's body by moving a discharge nozzle are
disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,523,340;4,339,833: 4,220,145; and 3,868,949.. Other exemplary
hydrotherapy devices for
discharging water-air streams are disclosed in the following U-s.
Patents: 4,502,168; 4,262,371; 3,905,359; and 3,297,025.
Other systems useful in water tubs for discharging water-air streams, including some
systems supplied by a tap water supply source, are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
4,525,881; 4,502,168; 4,422,191; 4,340,039; 3,805,772; 3,745,994; 3,742,521; 3,736,924;:
3,7L7,142; 3,587,976; 3,541,616; 3,528,411; 3,345,982; 3,340,9,70; 3,325,829; 3,319,266;
3,297,025; 3,271,790; 3,204,254: and 1,526,179.
Modern bathtub installations frequently include one or more jets mounted in the tub wall for
discharging a water-air stream for impacting against the body of a user. Although most such
installations include an electric: pump for supplying recirculated tub water to the jets, the prior art
(e.g. Patent 3,742,521) does teach systems which avoid the use of electric pumps by using
pressurized tap water to produce and discharge a combined flow of fresh water, air, and
recirculated tub water.: SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to
improvements in hydrotherapy and more particularly to a method and apparatus for using
available tap water supply pressure to mix fresh tap water, tub water, and air to discharge a waterair stream into a tub below the water surface. In accordance with a preferred embodiment,
105/2210
energy derived from the tap water supply is additionally used to concurrently translate a discharge
nozzle along a path substantially transverse to the stream discharged from the nozzle.
Systems implemented in accordance with the present invention preferably include at least one jet
pump for entraining tub water in the fresh tap water flow supplied to the pump. The combined taptub water flow is then mixed with air to form a water-air stream prior to being discharged into
the tub. Systems in accordance with .the invention preferably include multiple hydrotherapy units,
each including a discharge nozzle, which may either be fixedly mounted or mounted for movement
substantially transverse to the stream discharged therefrom.
In an exemplary system installed in a bathtub, a first moving nozzle unit can be installed in a tub
first end-wall to discharge a stream for massaging a user's back while a second moving nozzle unit
can be installed in the opposite end wall to discharge a stream for massaging a user's feet.
Additional units having fixed or moving nozzles can be installed in the tub sidewalls.
Hydrotherapy units in accordance with the present invention preferably each include a jet pump for
producing the aforementioned discharge stream. Each jet pump is comprised of a driving nozzle
through which fresh tap water is supplied. The driving nozzle exits into a suction chamber having a
suction inlet in communication with the tub water. The tap water entrains the tub water and the
mixture then flows through a mixing tube into a second chamber having a suction inlet open to the
air. The tap-tub water flow entrains the air to produce a water-air stream for discharge through a
discharge nozzle into the tub. The discharge nozzle can either be fixedly mounted or mounted for
movement along a path oriented substantially perpendicular to the discharged stream. The moving
nozzle units can, for example, be of the type disclosed in applicants aforementioned applications.
Although embodiments of the invention can operate satisfactorily over a very wide range of tap
water pressures, preferred embodiments are designed to operate most effectively with tap water
pressure delivered to the:. jet pump of between about 30 PSI and 65 PSI. Preferred:
embodiments of the invention are designed so that the amount of freshwater supplied to the jet
pump aspirates a much greater amount of tub water: Typically, 2/3 to 4/5 of the water discharged
from the discharge nozzle will be water captured from the tub for recirculation. This allows
embodiments of the invention to consume relatively small amounts of water, e.g. 3.5 gallons per
minute. Although this water consumption exceeds that used in conventional systems powered. by
electric pumps, the difference is not as great as it first seems. In the typical use of conventional jet
tubs, the continual recirculation of the water cools the water in the tub and as a result the- user
106/2210
has to frequently add hot water. In the typical use of embodiments of the present invention, warm
tap water is supplied to the jet pump so that the discharge stream maintains the elevated
temperature of the tub water. Excess water, of course, escapes through a conventionally provided
overflow drain. A significant advantage of embodiments of the invention is that the need for an
electric pump and related electrical components is eliminated. As a consequence, equipment
and installation costs are considerably reduced and safety and reliability are enhanced.
In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a particularly efficient jet pump is utilized
comprised of a straight, relatively long, mixing tube of substantially uniform diameter having a
length about seven times its diameter (typically about 3/8"). The exit diameter of the jet pump
driving nozzle is preferably about one third of the mixing tube diameter and the distance from the
driving nozzle exit to the mixing tube entrance is approximately three times the driving nozzle
exit diameter. A curved flow tube couples the downstream end of the mixing tube to the discharge
nozzle. In a preferred installation in a water tub, the tub water suction inlet to each jet pump is
positioned below the tub water line defined by the level of the tub overflow drain inlet. The air
suction inlet associated with each jet pump derives air from a port positioned above the water line.
The nozzle for discharging the water-air stream into the tub, whether in a fixed nozzle or moving
nozzle unit, is spaced below the tub water suction inlet to assure that whenever tub water is
being aspirated, the stream will be discharged into the water pool, i.e. below the water surface, to
minimize splashing out of the tub. If tub water is not being aspirated, the fresh water flow out of the
discharge nozzle will be sufficiently small that splashing will not be a problem.
In accordance with further aspects of a preferred bathtub installation, the existing hot and cold
water supply lines, controlled by conventional hot and cold water valves, are used to supply a pipe
coupled to a selector and flow control valve.- The selector/flow control valve enables a user to direct
the supplied water flow either to the hydrotherapy units of the present invention or to the
conventionally provided shower head and bathtub spout. The valve also enables the user to readily
adjust the flow to the hydrotherapy units. An anti-siphon valve is preferably provided between the
selector/flow control valve and the hydrotherapy units to prevent tub water from being sucked back
into the supply lines in the event of a pressure drop. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure
1 is an isometric view, partially broken away, showing an exemplary bathtub installation of a
hydrotherapy system in accordance with the present invention including a moving nozzle
hydrotherapy unit and a fixed nozzle hydrotherapy unit:
Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view
taken substantially along the plane 2-2 of Figure 1 showing a fixed nozzle hydrotherapy unit in
accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is an isometric front view of the moving nozzle
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hydrotherapy unit of Figure 1; Figure 4- is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the
plane 4-4 of Figure 3; Figure 5- is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along the plane 55 of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 6-6 of Figure 4.;
Figure 7_ is an isometric view primarily depicting the moving nozzle mechanism, including speed
sensitive drag means, of the hydrotherapy unit of Figure 3; - Figures 8-, 9 and 10 schematically
depict different orientation of the moving nozzle mechanism of Figure 7 as it traverses its travel path;
Figure 11A is an exploded isometric view depicting 'an exemplary selector/flow control valve
useful in the system of Figure 1 and Figure 11B illustrates the shape of a flow control opening used
therein; and Figures 12A, 128, and 12C schematically depict different settings of the selector/flow
control valve of figure 11A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Attention is initially directed to Figure
1 which depicts a preferred embodiment of the invention installed in a water tub 20. Although the
water tub 20 depicted in Figure 1 is of a size and shape commonly referred to as a bathtub, it is
pointed out that embodiments of the invention are useful not only in bathtubs, but also in a variety
of other water tubs variously referred to as spa tubs, hot tubs,-etc.
Thug, ii-- should be
understood that the term "water tub" as used hereinafter is intended to encompass a11 forms of
tubs capable of containing a water pool and suitable for enabling a user to partially or fully
immerse his body in the water pool.
The water tub 20 defines an inner peripheral wall ZZ: and an outer peripheral wall 23. The inner
wall 22 has an inner wall surface 24 which contacts and contains a water pool 26, and an outer
wall surface 28 spaced from the peripheral 23.
In accordance with the invention, one or more hydrotherapy massage units are mounted between
the peripheral walls 22, 23 for discharging a water stream through an opening in wall 22 into the
water pool 26 for massaging the body of a user. These hydrotherapy massage units can include a
fixed discharge nozzle unit 30, to be discussed in detail in connection with Figure 2 hereinafter,
and a moving discharge nozzle unit 32, to be discussed in detail hereinafter in connection with
Figures 3-10. These hydrotherapy massage units can be installed at various locations along the
peripheral wall 22 depending upon the exact shape and dimensions of the water tub 20. As
depicted in Figure 1, the unit 32 is placed to discharge a stream primarily for massaging a user's
back. The unit 30, as shown, discharges a stream which will impact the user's back closer to his
side. It should be understood that the location of the units 30, 32, as depicted in Figure 1, is
exemplary only and that the units can be installed at various locations along the tub peripheral wall,
as for example in the floor portion of the peripheral wall 22 for massaging a user's feet and legs.
108/2210
In accordance with a significant aspect of the invention, the hydrotherapy massage units 30; 32 are
driven by an available pressurized tap water supply, instead of by an electrically driven pump.
Figure 1
illustrates a typical plumbing arrangement utilized when hydrotherapy massage
units in accordance with the invention are installed in an otherwise substantially conventional
bathtub configuration.
More specifically, Figure 1 depicts conventional hot and cold water supply pipes 40 and 42. Pipes
40 and 42 are intended to represent the pipes typically available in a residential or commercial
structure for supplying water to a conventional bathtub.. The water supplied to the pipes 40 and 42
is pressurized and, in most residential settings, varies between about 30 psi and 65 psi: The hot
and cold water pipes 40, 42 respectively have manually operable valves 44, 46 connected therein.
In conventional installations, the downstream sides of the valves 44, 46 would directly supply the
bathtub discharge spout 48 and shower head 50. However, in the exemplary plumbing
installation depicted in Figure 1, the downstream sides of valves 44, 46 instead supply a common
outlet pipe 54. The pipe 54 in turn is coupled to the inlet port 60 of a selector and flow control
valve 62. The valve 62 is provided with first and second outlet ports 64, 66. Outlet port 64 is coupled
via pipe 68 to the bathtub spout 48 and shower head 50 in a substantially conventional manner. That
is, the bathtub spout 48 includes a directional valve 70 such that in one position of the valve 70,
water supplied via pipe 68 is discharged into the tub via spout 48 and in a second position of the
valve70, water supplied via pipe 68 is diverted to shower head 50.
The selector and flow control, valve 62 (depicted in figures 11 and 12) functions to direct water
supplied to inlet port60 to either outlet port 64 or outlet port 66. In addition to selecting the active
outlet port, i.e. 64 or 66, the valve 62 enables a user to control the volume of the flow directed to the
active outlet port. Outlet port 66 is connected through an in-line screen filter and an antisiphon
valve 74 to a manifold pipe 76. The aforementioned hydrotherapy units 30, 32 and any additional
hydrotherapy units, not shown, are supplied with pressurized tap water from water manifold
pipe 76. The purpose of the screen filter is to prevent small debris from reaching the hydrotherapy
units and the purpose of the antisiphon valve is to prevent the possibility of tub water back flow
to pipe i 54 in the event of a sudden drop in the tap water supply pressure.
The plumbing installation depicted in Figure 1 additionally includes a manually operable air control
valve 80 which enables a user to vary an opening 81 at the end of air tube 82. Air tube 82 is coupled
by an air manifold pipe 84 to the aforementioned hydrotherapy units 32, 30 and any additional
units, not shown. In addition to the foregoing, the water tub 20 is provided with an overflow drain
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port 86 which functions to define the upper surface level of the water pool 26. The opening at the
end of air pipe 82 is located vertically above the level of drain port 86.
Prior to providing a detailed explanation of the structure of the preferred hydrotherapy unit
embodiments 30, 32, it would be helpful if the reader understood the purpose and operation of the
system depicted in Figure 1. Basically, the system of Figure 1 incorporates hydrotherapy units
within an otherwise essentially conventional bathtub plumbing system and utilizes the available
pressurized tap water supply to operate the units, without requiring an electrically driven pump.
To understand the operation, initially, consider the valve 62 to be in the position such that it couples
inlet port 60 to outlet port 64. When valve 62 is so positioned, the tub 20 can be operated in a
conventional manner with the hot and cold water provided through valves 44 and 46 being directed
either to shower head50 or bathtub spout 48, depending upon the position of directional valve 70.
Prior to using the hydrotherapy units 30, 32 the user would initially fill the tub 20 to accumulate the
water pool 26. With the tub so filled, the user will then operate the valve 62 to couple inlet port 60 to
outlet port 66 to thereby supply pressurized water to hydrotherapy massage units 30, 32 via water
manifold pipe 76. The temperature of the water supplied to the units 30, 32 is controlled by the
valves 44 and 46. The maximum quantity of water discharged from port 66 is also determined
by the valves 44, 46, but may be reduced more conveniently by the flow control valve 62.
As will be seen hereinafter, the tap water flow supplied to the hydrotherapy units 30, 32 is used to
aspirate water from the tub water pool 26 to discharge a stream into the tub comprised of both a
fresh tap water constituent and a recirculated tub water constituent. In addition, the stream may
include: an air constituent entrained in the water flow, dependent upon the opening defined by the
air control valve 80. The temperature of the stream discharged from the hydrotherapy units 30,32 is
dependent upon the temperature of the tap water supplied to the valve 62 via pipe 54. By properly
setting the valves 44, 46 the user can maintain the temperature of the water pool at a desired level
and avoid the cooling that would otherwise be experienced by recirculating tub water and
introducing air. As will be discussed hereinafter, the water stream discharged from the units 30, 32
into the water pool 26 will be comprised of about 25 percent fresh tap water and 75 percent
recirculated tub water. The excess water introduced into the tub will of course flow out of the
overflow drain port 86.
Attention is now directed to Figure 2 which illustrates a sectional view of the fixed discharge nozzle
hydrotherapy unit 30 previously mentioned in
connection with Figure 1. The unit.30 is basically
comprised of a jet pump means 100 generally including a supply inlet 102, a driving nozzle 104, a
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suction inlet 106, an elongatedmixing tube 108, and a discharge outlet i10. Fresh tap water
supplied to the inlet 102 flows under pressure through the driving nozzle 104 creating a low
pressure region in suction chamber 111 to thus aspirate tub water available at the suction inlet 106.
The combined tap water-tub water flow is then directed through mixing tube 108 to the discharge
outlet 110 and into a second suction chamber 112. Air drawn into the mixing chamber 112 via inlet
114 is entrained in the water flow out of discharge outlet 110 and supplied to a discharge nozzle
orifice 116.
Now considering the unit 30 in greater detail, it is pointed out that it is comprised of parts which are
preferably fabricated of plastic material which can be injection molded, e.g., PVC or ABS. The unit
30 is preferably designed so that it can be readily assembled of a minimum number of low cost
injection molded parts, as by threading or cementing the parts together. The detailed fabrication of
the unit 30 is of course subject to many variations and, in large part, is dictated by fabrication cost
considerations. Thus, it should be understood that the particular implementation illustrated in Figure
2, and for that matter a11 of the detailed implementations illustrated in this application, are intended
to be exemplary only. Having said that, it is pointed out that the unit 30 includes a first part 120
including a pipe section 122 which defines the aforementioned first supply inlet 102. The pipe
section 122 is intended to be connected, as depicted in Figure 1, in the water manifold pipe 76 to
permit straight through flow therethrough. The part 120 also defines the driving nozzle 104 which
includes a converging internal bore 128 extending from a nozzle entrance opening 130 to an exit
opening 132. The diameter of the internal bore128 tapers downwardly from the opening 130 to
the: opening 132.
A second part comprising an elongated mixing tube 108 is mounted proximate to the exit opening
132 of nozzle 104. The mixing tube 108 has an open first end 138, defined by a smoothly contoured
throat entrance, and an open second end 140. The tube 108 defines an internal bore 142 which is
preferably of uniform diameter, including a straight upstream portion 143 and a curved
downstream portion 144. The tap and tub water constituents are mixed primarily in straight portion
143. Tube portion 144 is curved primarily to minimize the amount of space required to mount the
unit behind peripheral wall 22.
Part 120 includes a laterally projecting nipple 150 having an internal bore defining the
aforementioned suction inlet 106. Additionally, the nipple 150 has a flange 152 defining a front
face154 intended to be flush mounted against the rear-surface 28 of the tub peripheral wall 22. The
flange152 is held against the rear surface 28 of wall 22 by an apertured fitting 160 which includes
111/2210
a flange 162 and a rearwardly projecting boss 164. The external surface of the boss 164 extends
coaxially into the internal bore defined by nipple 150 and is fastened thereto, as by threads or
adhesive 166. The rear face 168 of flange 162 bears against the front surface 24 of wall 22 and
thus the wall 22 is sandwiched between nipple flange 152 and fitting flange 162. The suction inlet or
port 106 communicates with the open first end138 of mixing tube 108 proximate to the exit opening
of nozzle 104. The tap water discharged from the driving nozzle 104 produces a low pressure
region in suction chamber 111 to thereby draw tub water through the internal bores of fitting160 and
nipple 150 into the suction inlet 106. The aspirated tub water is thus entrained in the fresh tap water
and mixed in tube 108 prior to being
discharged through orifice 116.
The downstream end 140 of tube108 is coupled to a: third part 170. The part 170 defines the
aforementioned second suction chamber 112. The part 170 also includes a pipe section 172
defining the aforementioned air inlet. The pipe section 172 is similar to the aforementioned pipe
section 122 and is intended to be connected to the air manifold pipe 84 as is depicted in Figure
1. The pipe section 172 defines an opening 174 which communicates with the chamber 112. The
tube second end 140 is mounted in a fitting 176 on part 170 so as to supply the combined water
flow exiting from the tube 108 into the chamber 112. The flow into the chamber 112@produces
a suction to pull air from the pipe section 172 via the opening 174. The part 170 includes a
forwardly projecting nipple 178 which has a flange 180 intended to be mounted flush against the
rear surface 28 of peripheral wall 22. The internal bore of nipple 178 is mounted substantially
coaxially with an opening 182 formed in the peripheral wall 22. More specifically, a fitting 186 is
provided having a flange 188 and a rearwardly projecting boss 190 intended to project into and
be fastened, as by threading, in the internal bore of nipple 178, as at 192. Thus, the peripheral
wall22 will be tightly sandwiched between the flange 180 of part 170 and the flange 188 of fitting
186.
The fitting 186 defines a central bore 193 for accommodating a swivel element 196 outwardly of an
internal flange 194. The swivel element 196 defines a spherical surface intended to seat against
arcuate surface 198 defined by an inwardly projecting ring 200, which is preferably threaded into
fitting 186. The swivel element 196 defines an internal flow passage 202 for passing the water-air
stream from the chamber 112 to orifice 116. The water flow discharged from the tube 108 through
the chamber 112 seats the ball against the arcuate surface 198 and flows through the passage
202 of swivel. element 1.96. By manual manipulation of the element 196, the direction of flow
discharged from the orifice 116 can be varied to suit the user.
112/2210
The hydrotherapy unit 30 of Figure 2 is preferably designed to aspirate the maximum amount of tub
water for the minimum amount of supplied tap water. In order to accomplish this:, it has been
determined that the diameter of the exit opening of the driving nozzle 104 should be approximately
one third the internal diameter of the mixing tube 108. In one typical configuration, the uniform
internal diameter of -the, tube was selected to be 3/8 of an inch. The length of the mixing tube
straight portion is preferably 4-7 times the internal diameter of tube 108.
It should be noted in Figure 2 that the tub water inlet is located vertically above the water-air stream
discharge orifice 116. This is important to minimize water splashing out of the tub 20. That is, as
long as the level of the water pool 26 is vertically above the level of the tub water inlet 106, the
stream discharged from the orifice 116 element 196 will be below the surface of the water pool. If
the water pool level falls below the level of the suction inlet 106, then, of course, no tub water will be
entrained. in the fresh tap water flow discharged by driving nozzle 104. The tap water flow alone
discharged from orifice 116, i.e., without being combined with aspirated tub water, will be
insufficient to produce significant splashing out of the tub.
Attention is now directed to Figures 3-10 which illustrate an exemplary construction of the moving
nozzle hydrotherapy unit 32 depicted in Figure 1, which it will be recognized, is similar to the
embodiment of Figures 18 - 24 of applicant's aforementioned Application 796,987. It should be
understood, however, that the unit 32 depicted in Figure 1 is exemplary only and that numerous
other units, e.g., any of the embodiments disclosed in applicants aforementioned applications,
could be readily adapted for use in accordance with the present invention. More specifically, the
embodiment of Figures 18 - 24 of Application 796,987 has been adapted, as depicted in Figure 1
herein, to incorporate a jet pump means, substantially identical to the jet pump means 100 depicted
in Figure 2 of this application.
Directing attention to Figures 3, 4, 5, the unit 32 can be seen to comprise a housing 200 having
side walls 202, 204, a top wall 206, a bottom wall 208, a rear wall 210, and an open front window
area 212 surrounded by frame 214. The housing is intended to be mounted in an opening in the tub
peripheral wall as depicted in Figure 1 with the frame bearing against the wall inner surface. A
front grill 216 is provided for mounting within the frame 214. Then grill 216 cooperates with ,housing
wall portions 218 to form a guide slot 220 defining a nozzle travel path. A nozzle. means comprised
of a slide member224 and nozzle member 226 is supported for- translation along the slot 220. The
slide member 224 is mounted on the discharge nozzle member226 which is supported, by rotational
coupler 228, on the end of a rigid conduit tube 230 (Figure 6).
113/2210
The rigid conduit tube 230 defines a central passageway 232 open at its free end 234 for
communicating . with the passage 236 through nozzle member 226 and the passage 238 through
slide member 224. It is pointed out that the passage 236 includes a curve or bend which directs the
stream discharged therefrom in a direction having a primary massage component extending
substantially along the elongation of the tube 30 substantially perpendicular to the tub peripheral
wall 22 and a secondary thrust component extending substantially parallel to the peripheral wall
22. The supply end of the rigid tube 230 carries a swivel element 240 having a spherical surface
242 formed thereon. The element 240 is mounted for swivel movement within a socket defined
by ring246 of fitting 250. The fitting 250 is mounted on the housing 200 in alignment with an
opening in the rear housing wall 210. More specifically, the housing rear wall defines a central
opening surrounded by an internally threaded rearwardly projecting wall 256. The fitting 250
carries external threads which are threaded into the internally threaded wall 250 at 258.
A jet pump means 300 is mounted proximate the exterior wall surfaces of the housing 200 to supply
a water-air, stream to the central bore through swivel element 240 and thence through the
tube230 for discharge through the nozzle member 226. The jet pump means300 is substantially
identical to the jet pump means 100 previously discussed in connection with Figure a2. Briefly, the
jet pump means 300 includes a supply inlet 302 which communicates with the entrance opening304
of a driving nozzle 306 having an exit opening 308. The nozzle 3b6 communicates with the open
first end of an elongated mixing tube 312. The downstream second end314 of the mixing tube opens
into a suction chamber 316 which discharges into the bore of the aforementioned swivel element
240. The jet pump means 300 includes a suction inlet 320 which opens to the tub water through the
housing wall 206. Thus, as fresh tap water is discharged through the nozzle 306 to the exit opening
308, it will create a low pressure region to thereby aspirate tub water through the suction inlet 320
for flow through the mixing tube 312. The combined flow through the tube 312, comprised of both
fresh tap water and recirculated tub water constituents, is discharged into the chamber 316. The
water flow discharged into the chamber 316 creates a low pressure region to pull air into the
chamber 316 via air inlet 324 from air pipe 326. The air pipe 326 in Figures 1 and 4 has, for clarity,
been depicted, as being vertically below the downstream end 314 of mixing tube 312. With this
geometry, water could collect in air manifold pipe 84 between units 32 and 30 when the units are
deactivated. In order to prevent such water collection, it is preferable to mount unit 30 at a level
such that pipe 84 slopes slightly downward from unit 32 to unit 30 to drain pipe 84 out through
chamber 112 of unit 30. Alternatively, of course, unit 32, can be configured so that air opening
324 is vertically above chamber 316, similiarly to how unit 30 is depicted in Figure 2.
114/2210
The water-air stream discharged into the bore of element 240 essentially seats the ball against the
ring surface246 and prevents leakage therepast. By proper choice of materials, the ball 240 is
nevertheless able to freely rotate with respect to the surface 246. The water-air stream discharged
into the bore of element 240 flows through the central passage 232 of: tube 230 to the nozzle
member 226. The tube 230 is preferably curved along its length to facilitate smooth flow
therethrough for all possible orientations of the tube relative to the axis of the water-air stream
entering through the bore of element 240. That is, it is desirable that the tube 230 be constructed
so as to minimize the pressure drops which might occur in the stream upon entry into and flow
along the tube. To facilitate smooth flow of the stream through the tube 230, the curved sections
thereof preferably lie in substantially a single plane and the planar orientation of the tube is at a11
times maintained substantially radial to the axis of the water-air stream discharged from the end314
of tube 31.2. That is, as the nozzle member 226 translates along the guide path 220, the plane of
tube 230 is adjusted to maintain it substantially radial to the axis of tube end 314 with the
substantially straight entrance section of tube 230 not deviating by more than about160 from the
axis of tube end 314.
In order to maintain this: radial orientation of the plane of tube 230, an arm340 having a slot
342 therein is mounted for movement on a pin 346 projecting rearwardly from the grill 216. The
pin346 is mounted in alignment with the end 314 of tube312 and because of this relationship,
the arm 340 will always extend in a substantially radial direction from the pin 346. In order to
assure that the plane of the tube 2:30 also extends substantially radial to the pin 346 (and thus
radial to the axis of tube end 314), the arm 340: and tube 230 are structurally fixed to one
another. This is accomplished, as is best shown in Figures 4, 5 and 7, in conjunction with the
provision of apertured cupped plates 350, 352, 354, and:356 which are secured to the tube 230
in a substantially cruciform fashion. Each of the cupped. plates includes an aperture 360 therein
so that they act as sea anchors to introduce drag and slow the movement of the tube 230, and thus
the nozzle member226, through the water. The slotted arm 340 is secured to the forward edge of
cupped plate 352 which in turn is secured to the tube 230.- Thus, the plane of tube 230 will be
fixed with respect to the elongation of arm 340 which in turn will be maintained in orientations
radial to. the fixed pin 346 < Figures 8, 9, and 10 schematically depict the movement of the slotted
arm 340 with respect to the pin 346 for various positions of the nozzle member along the guide
path 220. Note for example in Figure 8 when the slide member 244 is at the one o'clock position in
the outer loop of the guide path, the arm 340 moves- to a position where the pin 346 is very close to
the free end 361 of the arm. Note in Figure 9 when the slide member is essentially at the three
115/2210
o'clock position on the inner loop of the guide path 220, the arm 340 moves to a position where
the pin 346 is at the inner end362 of the arm 340. Figure 10 depicts the slide member 224
moving from the outer,laop of the guide path 220 to the inner loop, at substantially a six o'clock
position, and shows the pin346 substantially intermediate the ends360 and362 of the arm 340.
It should be noted in Figures 8, 9, and 10 that the nozzle member continually moves in a
clockwise direction, as depicted by the arrows along the guide slot. With this motion, the swivel
element 240 tends to continually turn clockwise within the fitting 250. Thus, any friction, between the
surface of the element 240 and the socket surface246 of the fitting 250 will tend to tighten the
threaded coupling between the fitting and the rearwardly extending pipe section 256 of housing
200. It should also be noted that the cupped plates 350, 352, 354 and 356 have been shown
slightly exaggerated for clarity. In actuality, of course, it is essential that they be dimensioned so as
to be accommodated within the housing 200 without contacting the housing wall for a11 positions
of the nozzle means along the guide path.
As previously pointed out, the design of hydrotherapy unit 32 can take many different forms, several
of which are disclosed in applicant's aforementioned applications. Although not essential to the
invention, it is preferred that the discharge nozzle of hydrotherapy unit 32 be able to traverse a two
dimensional area whose horizontal and vertical dimensions are of the same order of magnitude
(e.g. vertical:horizontal < 4:1). Typical dimensions for bathtub applications are 3-12 inches
vertical and 3-8 inches horizontal. For other spas and tubs, the preferred dimensions are typically
greater.
Attention is now directed to Figures 11. and 12 which illustrate a preferred embodiment of a
selector and flow control valve 62 suitable for use in the system depicted in Figure 1. Basically, it
will be recalled that the purpose of the valve 62 is to direct the water flow from pipe 60 either to
the bathtub spout via pipe 68 or to the hydrotherapy units 30, 32 via manifold pipe 76 The valve62
includes a cylindrical cup-shape housing 400. The housing 400 defines a supply opening 402 in the
bottom wall thereof which is coupled to the water inlet pipe 60. The cylindrical wall of the housing
400 defines a first port 64 coupled to pipe 68 and a second port 66 coupled to pipe 76. The upper
end 403 of the housing 400 is open and the upper portion of the housing cylindrical wall is
externally threaded at 4-04.
A substantially cylindrically shaped valve body 410 is provided for nesting within the cylindrical
cavity defined by the cup shaped housing 400. The valve body 410 includes a floor member 412
116/2210
defining a central opening 414 aligned with the supply opening 402 in the housing 400. Valve body
410 additionally includes a cylindrical sidewall 416 and a closed cover 418. Thus, the: floor
member 412, the cover 418, and the cylindrical wall416 define an internal cavity which is supplied
by water from pipe 60 via central opening 414. The cylindrical sidewall 416 has a flow control
opening 422 formed therein adapted to selectively communicate with either port 64 or port 66 as
the valve body 410 is rotated within the housing 400. The opening 422 is tapered, e.g., in the shape
of a horizontal tear drop (Figure 11B), so as to enable the degree of communication between the
opening414 and port 66 to be varied depending upon the rotational position of the body 410.
A splined stem 430 extends upwardly from the cover 418 and is intended to extend through a
central opening in lid 432. Lid432 is internally threaded and intended to be engaged with the
threads 404 on housing 400. An externally threaded nipple extends from the lid 432 for
receiving nut 433 for mounting the valve 62 to the tub wall. A handle 434 is apertured at 436 to
enable the handle to fit on the splined end of stem 430. A screw438 is provided to secure the
handle 434 to the end of the stem 430.
The tear drop opening 422 defined in the cylindrical wall 416 of valve body 410 is preferably
surrounded by sealing material, e.g. O-ring, 450 to prevent leakage along the exterior surface of the
valve body cylindrical wall 416. The sealing material 450 seals against the interior wall of valve
housing 400.
In the use of the valve 62, the user can selectively rotate the valve body 410 to either close both
ports 64 and 66 or selectively open either port by aligning the opening 422 with it. Figure 12A
shows the valve body 410 positioned to supply tap water flow to the hydrotherapy units. Figure
12B shows both ports 64 and 66 closed. Figure 12C shows the valve body rotated to open port 64
to the bathtub spout. It is preferable to incorporate stop members on the valve body 4-10 and
housing 400 to limit the rotation of the body member 410 to facilitate control by the user. Thus, fixed
stop members 460 and 462 are mounted on the interior bottom surface of housing 400.
Additionally, stop members 464 and 466 depend from the bottom surface of valve body floor
member 412 .for engaging the stop members 460 and 462.
Note in Figure 12A that the valve body has been rotated to its maximum counterclockwise
position in which stop member 464 engages stop member 460. In this position, the maximum area
of opening 422 is aligned with port 66 to thereby provide a maximum flow to the hydrotherapy units.
By moving the valve body clockwise from the position depicted in Figure 12A, the flow to the
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hydrotherapy units will gradually diminish as the area of opening 422 overlapping port 66 decreases.
Note in Figure 12B that no portion of valve body opening 422 is aligned with either port 64 or
66. As the valve body rotates further in a clockwise direction, the opening 422 moves into
alignment with port 64 to direct the water flow to the bathtub spout 48.
In typical use, the user will fill the: tub with the valve as depicted in Figure 12C: He will then shut the
flow off by rotating the valve to the orientation of Figure 12B. He will then immerse himself and be
able to initiate and controlthe flow to the hydrotherapy units by rotating the valve toward the
orientation of Figure 12A. Although the opening 422 is depicted as being tapered toward only one
end to vary the flow out of port 66, it should be recognized that,- if desired, the other end
of opening 422 can also be tapered to vary the flow out of port 64 as well.
From the foregoing it should now be appreciated that a hydrotherapy apparatus and method of
operation has been disclosed herein characterized primarily by the use of available pressurized tap
water for powering hydrotherapy tfnits. More particularly, in accordance with the invention, energy
is extracted from the available pressurized tap water to aspirate tub water and mix it with fresh tap
water to discharge a water stream into the tub for massaging a user. The energy derived from the
tap water is also used to entrain air in the discharged water stream to facilitate massaging. In the
disclosed preferred embodiment, a jet pump is incorporated in each hydrotherapy unit mounted
on the peripheral wall of a water tub for aspirating and recirculating the tub water. In accordance
with a further significant aspect of the invention, energy derived from the supplied tap water is also
used to. move a discharge nozzle along a path substantially perpendicular to the water - air stream
being discharged. By using the tap water to supply energy both for recirculating the tub water
and/or moving the discharge nozzle, embodiments of the invention can be: installed and
operated at a significantly lower cost than prior art hydrotherapy systems. Although particular
embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is recognized that
various modifications and alternatives may readily occur to those skilled in the art and it is
intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications, alternatives, and other
equivalents.Claims:
CLAIMS i. in combination: a tub having a peripheral wall for containing a water pool; a
discharge means for discharging a water stream into said pool; means mounting said discharge
means proximate to an area of said peripheral wall for movement along a path extending
substantially perpendicular to said stream; tap water source means for supplying a pressurized
fresh water flow; and means responsive to said pressurized fresh water flow for moving said
discharge means along said path. 2. The combination of claim 1 further including means for
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mixing water from said pool with said supplied fresh water flow to produce said water stream. 3.
The combination of claim 2 further including means for entraining air in said water stream prior to
being discharged into said pool. 4. The combination of claim 2 wherein said means for mixing pool
water and fresh water includes a jet pump having a supply inlet and a suction inlet; means for
communicating said suction inlet with said pool; and means for supplying said fresh water flow to
said supply inlet for aspirating pool water through said suction inlet. 5. The combination of claim 1
wherein said means for moving said discharge means includes means for directing said
discharged stream in a direction having a primary component extending substantially
perpendicular to said wall area and a secondary component extending substantially parallel to said
wall area, said secondary component producing a thrust force for moving said discharge means
along said path. 6. The combination of claim 4 further including: an overflow drain port formed in
said peripheral wall to define a pool water level; and wherein said jet pump suction inlet is located
vertically below said drain port. 7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said jet pump further
includes a discharge outlet for supplying said water stream to said discharge means: and wherein
said discharge means path of movement is vertically below said suction inlet. 8. The combination of
claim 7 including a bathtub spout; and selector valve means for selectively directing said fresh
water flow either to said spout or to said jet pump supply inlet. 9. The combination of claim 7 further
including manually adjustable means for controlling the fresh water flow to said jet pump supply inlet.
10. The combination of claim 7 further including anti-siphon valve means for preventing water flow
from said jet pump to said tap water source. 11. The combination of claim 7 including means for
entraining air in said water stream discharged from said discharge means. 12. In combination: a
tub having a peripheral wall for containing a water pool; a water discharge means mounted
proximate to an area of said wall for movement along a travel path oriented substantially parallel to
said wall area; said water discharge means including an orifice oriented to discharge a water
stream into said tub having a primary component extending substantially perpendicular to said
wall area and a secondary component extending substantially parallel to said wall area, said
secondary component producing a thrust force for moving said discharge means along said travel
path; jet pump means including a supply inlet, a suction inlet and a discharge outlet for responding
to a first pressurized fluid coupled to said supply inlet for entraining a second fluid: coupled to said
suction inlet for discharging a combined flow at said discharge -outlet comprised of a first fluid
constituent and a second fluid constituent; means. for coupling said supply inlet to a source of tap
water; means for coupling said suction inlet to the water pool in said tub; and means for coupling
said discharge outlet to said water discharge means. 13. The combination of claim 12 including
means for entraining air in said combined flow. 14. The combination of claim 12 wherein said
second fluid constituent is larger than said first fluid constituent. 15. The combination of claim 12
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wherein said jet pump means includes a: driving nozzle having an exit opening discharging into an
elongated mixing tube and an entrance opening communicating with said supply inlet. 16. The
combination of claim 15 including an overflow drain port mounted in said tub; and wherein said
means for coupling said suction inlet to said water pool includes a suction port mounted in said tub
vertically below said overflow drain port. 17. The combination of claim 16 wherein said suction port
is vertically above said discharge means path of movement. 18. The combination of claim 17
including means for entraining air in said combined flow comprising an air tube having an entrance
port open at a level vertically above said overflow drain port. 19. The combination of claim 12
including a second discharge means; a second jet pump "means including a supply inlet, a
suction inlet and a discharge outlet for responding to a first pressurized fluid coupled to said supply
inlet for aspirating a second fluid coupled to said suction inlet for discharging a combined flow
comprised of first and second fluid components at said discharge outlet; means for coupling said
second jet pump means supply inlet to said source of tap water; means for coupling said second jet
pump means suction inlet to the water pool in said tub; and means for coupling said second jet
pump means discharge outlet to said second discharge means. 20. The combination of claim 12
wherein said travel path defines an area having perpendicular first and second dimensions having
a ratio of less than 4:1. 21. The combination of claim 12 wherein said water discharge means
includes a conduit having (1) a supply end and (2) a discharge end defining said orifice. 22. The
combination of claim 21 wherein said conduit comprises an elongated rigid tube; and means
mounting the supply end of said rigid tube for swivel movement to enable said discharge end to
move along said travel path. 23. The apparatus of claim 12 including an opening in said wall
coincident with said wall area; a housing projecting rearwardly from said opening comprising a
housing wall including a rear wall portion oriented substantially parallel to a projection of said
peripheral wall in said opening: and wherein said water discharge means includes an elongated
tube having (1) a supply end mounted proximate to said rear wall portion and (2) a discharge end
defining said orifice mounted for movement in said opening along said travel path. 24. The
apparatus of claim 23 wherein said elongated tube is rigid and includes means on the supply end
thereof mounting said tube for swivel movement with respect to said rear wall portion. 25. The
apparatus of claim 23 wherein said means for coupling said suction inlet to said water pool includes
a suction port formed in said housing wall. 26. The apparatus of claim 25 including a drain port
formed in said tub peripheral wall for establishing the level of said water pool; and wherein said
suction port is located vertically below said drain port. 27. The combination of claim 26 wherein
said suction port is vertically above said discharge means path of movement. 28. The apparatus of
claim '23 wherein said jet pump means includes a converging nozzle having an entrance
opening communicating with said supply inlet and an exit opening communicating with an
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upstream end of a mixing tube; and wherein said suction inlet also communicates with said
upstream end of said mixing tube. 29. The apparatus of claim 28 including a curved elongated pipe
section coupled to the downstream end of said mixing tube. 30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein
said means for coupling said suction inlet to said water pool includes a suction port formed in
said housing wall. 31. The apparatus of claim 30 including means defining a suction chamber:
means coupling the downstream end of said mixing tube to said suction chamber; means coupling
said elongated tube supply end to said suction chamber; and means for coupling an air source to
said suction chamber for entraining air in said combined flow supplied to said elongated tube. 32.
The apparatus of claim 31 including a drain port formed in said tub peripheral wall for establishing
the level of said water pool; and wherein said suction port is located vertically below said drain
port. _ 33 The apparatus of claim 32 wherein. said means for coupling an air source includes an
air tube having an entrance port open at a level vertically above said drain port. 34. The apparatus
of claim31 wherein said means for coupling an air source to said mixing chamber includes manually
operable valve means for varying the air flow to said mixing chamber. 35. The apparatus of claim 12
wherein said means for coupling said supply inlet to a source of tap water includes manually
operable valve means for varying the water flow to said supply inlet. 36. Hydrotherapy massage
apparatus suitable for installation in a tub having-(1) a peripheral wall for containing a water pool
and (2) an available source of pressurized water, said apparatus comprising: _ jet pump means
having a supply inlet, a suction inlet, and a discharge outlet for responding to a first pressurized
fluid coupled to said supply inlet for aspirating a second fluid coupled to said suction inlet for
discharging a combined flow comprised of first fluid and second fluid components at said discharge
outlet; means for coupling said source of pressurized water to said supply inlet; means for coupling
said suction inlet to the water pool in said tub; a discharge nozzle means mounted proximate to an
area of said wall for movement along a travel path extending substantially parallel to said wall area;
and means coupling said pump means discharge outlet to said discharge nozzle means for
supplying said combined flow thereto; said discharge nozzle means including means for
discharging a water stream into said tub having a primary component extending substantially
perpendicular to said wall area for impacting against a user's body and a secondary component
extending substantially parallel to said wall area for thrusting said discharge nozzle means along
said travel path. 37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said jet pump means comprises: a
converging nozzle having an entrance opening and an exit opening: means coupling said
converging nozzle entrance opening to said supply inlet: a mixing tube having an open first end
and an open second end; and means mounting said mixing tube first end in close proximity to said
converging nozzle exit opening. 38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said mixing tube has a
substantially uniform internal diameter. 39. The apparatus of claim 38 including a curved flow
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tube coupling said mixing tube second end to said discharge nozzle means. 40. The apparatus of
claim 37 wherein said mixing tube has a diameter substantially larger than the internal diameter of
said converging nozzle exit opening. 41. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein the length of said
mixing tube is substantially greater than the internal diameter of said mixing tube. 42. The
apparatus of claim.37 including means coupling said suction inlet to the open first end of said
mixing tube proximate to said convergent nozzle exit opening whereby fresh pressurized water
discharged from said exit opening into said mixing tube will draw water from said pool into said
mixing tube to produce said combined flow.. 43. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said
discharge nozzle means comprises an elongated conduit tube having a supply end and a discharge
end; means mounting said conduit tube with the supply end thereof proximate to said mixing tube
second end and with the discharge end thereof free to move along said travel path. 44. The
apparatus of claim 41 wherein said travel path defines an area having first and second
perpendicular dimensions having a ratio less than 4:1. 45. A method of discharging a water stream
into a water pool for impacting a user's body, comprising the steps of: supplying a pressurized tap
water flow; directing said @ tap water flow along a convergent path to develop a region of
reduced pressure,; communicating said. reduced pressure region with said water pool to entrain a
pool water flow with said tap water flow to produce a combined water flow; and discharging said
combined water flow into said pool in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of said pool
while concurrently moving said combined water flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to
said direction of discharge. 46. The method of claim 45 wherein said step of discharging said
combined water flow includes the step of directing said combined water flow through a discharge
nozzle mounted for movement along a travel path and wherein said discharge nozzle discharges
said combined water flow in a direction having a primary component extending substantially
perpendicular to said travel path and a secondary component extending substantially parallel to
said travel path for thrusting said nozzle along said travel path. 47. The method of claim 45
including the further step of mixing air with said combined water flow prior to said step of
discharging into said pool. 48. A hydrotherapy device suitable for installation in a water tub for
discharging a stream having tap water and recirculated tub water components, said device
comprising: jet pump means including a pump nozzles having an internal bore diminishing in
cross-section from an entrance opening to an exit opening of said nozzle: first inlet means for
coupling a source of pressurized tap water to said pump nozzle entrance opening: an elongated
mixing tube member having a first end mounted proximate to, and substantially axially aligned with,
said pump nozzle exit opening for receiving tap water exiting therefrom; second inlet means for
coupling tub water to said mixing tube first end proximate to said pump nozzle exit opening for
entraining tub water with tap water exiting from said exit opening: means defining a suction
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chamber; means coupling a second end of said mixing tube to said suction chamber for supplying
a stream thereto comprised of tap water and tub water components: means for introducing air
into said suction chamber: and a discharge port defined in said suction chamber for
discharging a stream therefrom comprised of water and air constituents. 49. The device of claim 48
wherein said mixing tube defines an internal bore having a substantially uniform diameter along
its length from said first to said second end. 50. The device of claim 49 wherein said diameter of
said mixing tube internal bore is considerably larger than the diameter of said pump nozzle
internal bore at said exit opening: and wherein said mixing tube length from said first to said
second end is considerably larger than said mixing tube internal bore diameter. 51. The device of
claim 50 wherein said mixing tube includes a straight upstream portion and a curved downstream
portion. 52. The device of claim 48 wherein said second inlet means for coupling tub water to said
mixing tube is spaced from said suction chamber discharge port whereby said device can be
installed in said water tub with said second inlet means vertically above said discharge port. 53.
The device of claim 48 further including a discharge nozzle; and means mounting said discharge
nozzle proximate to said discharge port for variably directing the stream discharged from said
discharge port. 54. The device of claim 53 wherein said means mounting said discharge nozzle
includes means supporting said discharge nozzle for movement along a travel path oriented
substantially perpendicular to said stream discharged from said discharge port. 55. In combination
with a bathtub having (1) a peripheral wall for containing a water pool, (2) an overflow drain port
formed in said wall to define a pool water level, (3) an available tap water source for supplying a
pressurized fresh water flow, and (4) a spout for directing water supplied thereto into said pool,
hydrotherapy massage apparatus comprising: a hydrotherapy device including jet pump means
having a supply inlet, a suction inlet and a discharge outlet for responding to a first pressurized fluid
coupled to said supply inlet for entraining a second fluid coupled to said suction inlet for
discharging a combined flow at said discharge outlet comprised of a first fluid constituent and a
second fluid constituent: means mounting said device on said peripheral wall with said suction inlet
located vertically below said drain port and said discharge outlet located vertically below said
suction inlet; and selector valve means for selectively directing said fresh water flow either to said
spout or to said hydrotherapy device supply inlet. 56. The combination of claim 55 further including
manually adjustable means for controlling the fresh water flow to said hydrotherapy device supply
inlet. 57. The combination of claim 55 further including anti-siphon valve means for preventing water
flow from said hydrotherapy device to said tap water source. 58. The combination of claim55
including means. for entraining air in said combined flow discharged at. said discharge outlet.
AMENDED CLAIMS (received by the International Bureau on 28 December 1987 (28.12.87) original
claims 1 -57 replaced by amended claims 1 - 58 ( 13 pages)] 1. In combination with a tap water
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source means supplying a pressurized fresh water flow, hydrotherapy apparatus operable without
an electrically driven pump for discharging a water stream for massaging a user's body, said
apparatus comprising: a tub having a peripheral wall for containing a water pool; a discharge
means for discharging a water stream into said pool; means mounting said discharge means
proximate to an area of said peripheral wall for movement along a path extending substantially
perpendicular to said stream; means. responsive to said pressurized fresh water flow for moving
said discharge means along said path. 2. The combination of claim 1 further including means for
mixing water from said pool with said supplied fresh water flow to produce said water stream. 3.
The combination of claim 2 further including means for entraining air in said water stream prior to
being discharged into said pool. 4. The combination of claim 2 wherein said means for mixing pool
water and fresh water includes a jet pump having a supply inlet and a suction inlet; means for
communicating said suction inlet with said pool; and means for supplying said fresh water flow to
said supply inlet for aspirating pool water through said suction inlet. 5'. The combination of claim
1 wherein said means for moving said discharge means includes means for directing said
discharged stream in a direction having a primary component extending substantially
perpendicular to said wall area and a secondary component extending substantially parallel to
said wall area, said secondary component producing a thrust force for moving said discharge
means along said path. 6. The combination of claim 4@ further including: an overflow drain port
formed in said peripheral wall to define a pool water level; and wherein said jet pump suction
inlet is located vertically below said drain port. 7. The combination of claim 4 wherein said jet pump
further includes a discharge outlet for supplying said water stream to said discharge means; and
wherein said discharge means path of movement is vertically below said suction inlet. 8. The
combination of claim 4 including a bathtub spout; and selector valve means for selectively directing
said fresh water flow either to said spout or to said jet pump supply inlet. 9. The combination of
claim 4 further including manually adjustable means for controlling the fresh water flow to said jet
pump supply inlet. 10. The combination of claim 4 further including anti-siphon valve means for
preventing water flow from said jet pump to said tap water source. 11. The combination of claim 1
including means for entraining air in said water stream discharged from said discharge means. 12.
In combination with a tap water source means supplying a pressurized fresh water flow,
hydrotherapy apparatus operable without an electrically driven pump for discharging a water stream
while concurrently moving said stream for massaging a user's body, said apparatus comprising: a
tub having a peripheral wall for containing a water pool; a water discharge means mounted
proximate to an area -of said wall for movement along a travel path oriented substantially parallel to
said wall area; said water discharge means including an orifice oriented to discharge a water
stream into said tub having a primary component extending substantially perpendicular to said wall
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area and a secondary component extending substantially parallel to said wall area, said secondary
component producing a thrust force for moving said discharge means along said travel path; jet
pump means including a supply inlet, a suction inlet and a discharge outlet for responding to a first
pressurized fluid coupled to said supply inlet for entraining a second fluid coupled to said suction
inlet for discharging a combined flow at said discharge outlet comprised of a first fluid constituent
and a second fluid constituent; means for coupling said supply inlet to said source of tap water;
means for coupling said suction inlet to the water pool in said tub; and means for coupling said
discharge outlet to said water discharge means. 13. The combination of claim 12 including
means for entraining air in said combined flow. 14. The combination of claim 12 wherein said
second fluid constituent is larger than said first fluid constituent. 15. The combination of claim 12
wherein said jet pump means includes a driving nozzle having an exit opening discharging into an
elongated mixing tube and an entrance opening communicating with said supply inlet. 16. The
combination of claim 12 including an overflow drain port mounted in said tub; and wherein said
means for coupling said suction inlet to said water pool includes a suction port mounted in said
tub vertically below said overflow drain port. 17: The combination of claim 16 wherein said suction
port is vertically above said discharge means path of movement. 18. The combination of claim16
including means for entraining air in said combined flow comprising an air tube having an entrance
port open at a level vertically above said overflow drain port. 19. The combination of claim 12
including a second discharge means; a second jet pump means including a supply inlet, a suction
inlet and a discharge outlet for responding to a first pressurized fluid coupled to said supply inlet for
aspirating a second fluid coupled to said suction inlet for discharging a combined flow comprised
of first and second fluid components at said discharge outlet; means for coupling said second jet
pump means supply inlet to said source of tap water; means for coupling said second jet pump
means suction inlet to the water pool in said tub; and means for coupling said second jet pump
means discharge outlet to said second discharge means. 20. The combination of claim 12 wherein
said travel path defines an area having perpendicular first and second dimensions having a ratio of
less than 4:1. 21. The combination of claim 12 wherein said water discharge means includes a
conduit having (1) a supply end and (2) a discharge end defining said orifice. 22. The combination
of claim 21 wherein said conduit comprises an elongated rigid tube; and means mounting the
supply end of said rigid tube for swivel movement to enable said discharge end to move along
said travel path. 23. The apparatus of claim 12 including an opening in said wall coincident with
said wall area; a housing projecting rearwardly from said opening comprising a housing wall
including a rear wall portion oriented substantially parallel to a projection of said peripheral wall in
said opening; and wherein said water discharge means includes an elongated tube having (1) a
supply end mounted proximate to said rear wall portion and (2) a discharge end defining said
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orifice mounted for movement in said opening along said travel path. 24. The apparatus of claim
23 wherein said elongated tube is rigid and includes means on the supply end thereof mounting
said tube for swivel movement with respect to said rear wall portion. 25. The apparatus of claim 23
wherein said means for coupling said suction inlet to said water pool includes a suction port formed
in said housing wall. 26. The apparatus of claim 25 including a drain port formed in said tub
peripheral wall for establishing the level of said water pool; and wherein said suction port is located
vertically below said drain port. 27. The combination of claim 26 wherein said suction port is
vertically above said discharge means path of movement. 28. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein
said jet pump means includes a converging nozzle having an entrance: opening communicating
with said supply inlet and an exit opening communicating with an upstream end of a mixing tube;
and wherein said suction inlet also communicates with said upstream end of said mixing tube. 29.
The apparatus of claim 28 including a curved elongated pipe section coupled to the downstream
end of said mixing tube. 30. The apparatus of claim 29 wherein said means for coupling said
suction inlet to said water pool includes a suction port formed in said housing wall. 31. The
apparatus of claim 30 including means defining a suction chamber: means coupling the
downstream end of said mixing tube to said suction chamber; means coupling said elongated
tube supply end to said suction chamber; and means for coupling an air source to said suction
chamber for entraining air in said combined flow supplied to said elongated tube. 32. The
apparatus of claim 31 including a drain port formed in said tub peripheral wall for establishing
the level of said water pool; and wherein said suction port is located vertically below said drain port.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said means for coupling an air source includes an air tube
having an entrance port open at a level vertically above said drain port. 34. The apparatus of claim
31 wherein said means for coupling an air source to said mixing chamber includes manually
operable valve means for varying the air flow to said mixing chamber. 35. The apparatus of claim 12
wherein said means for coupling said supply inlet to a source of tap water includes manually
operable valve means for varying the water flow to said supply inlet. 36. Hydrotherapy massage
apparatus operable without an electrically driven pump suitable for installation in a tub having (1) a
peripheral wall for containing a water pool and (2) an available source of pressurized water, said
apparatus comprising: jet pump means having a supply inlet, a suction inlet, and a discharge
outlet for responding toa first pressurized fluid coupled to said supply inlet for aspirating a second
fluid coupled to said suction inlet for discharging a combined flow comprised of first fluid and
second fluid components at said discharge outlet; means for coupling said source of pressurized
water to said supply inlet; means for coupling said suction inlet to the water pool in said tub; a
discharge nozzle means mounted proximate to an area of said wall for movement along a travel path
extending substantially parallel to said wall area; and means coupling said pump means discharge
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outlet to said discharge nozzle means for supplying said combined flow thereto; said discharge
nozzle means including means for discharging a water stream into said tub having a primary
component extending substantially perpendicular to said wall area for impacting against a user's
body and a secondary component extending substantially parallel to said wall area for thrusting
said discharge nozzle means along said travel path. 37. The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said jet
pump means comprises a converging nozzle having an entrance opening and an exit opening:
means coupling said converging nozzle entrance opening to said supply inlet: a mixing tube having
an open first end and an open second end; and means mounting said mixing tube first end in close
proximity to said converging nozzle exit opening. 38. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said
mixing tube has a substantially uniform internal diameter. 39. The apparatus of claim 38 including
a curved flow tube coupling said mixing tube second end to said discharge nozzle means. 40.
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said mixing tube has a diameter substantially larger than the
internal diameter of said converging nozzle exit opening. 41. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein
the length of said mixing tube is substantially greater than the internal diameter of said mixing tube.
42. The apparatus of claim 37 including means coupling said suction inlet to the open first end of
said mixing tube proximate to said convergent nozzle exit opening whereby fresh pressurized water
discharged from said exit opening into said mixing tube will draw water from said pool into said
mixing tube to produce said combined flow. 43. The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said discharge
nozzle means comprises an elongated conduit tube having a supply end and a discharge end:
means mounting said conduit tube with the supply end thereof proximate to said mixing tube
second end and with the discharge end thereof free to move along said travel path. 44. The
apparatus of claim 41 wherein said travel path defines an area having first and second
perpendicular dimensions having a ratio less than 4:1. 45 A method of discharging a water stream
into a water pool for impacting a user's body, comprising the steps of: supplying a pressurized
tap water flow; directing said tap water flow along a convergent path to develop a region of
reduced pressure; communicating said reduced pressure region with said water pool to entrain a
pool water flow with said tap water flow to produce a combined water flow; and discharging said
combined water flow into said pool in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of said pool
while concurrently moving said combined water flow in a direction substantially perpendicular to
said direction of discharge. 46. The method of claim 45 wherein said step of discharging said
combined water flow includes the step of directing said combined water flow through a discharge
nozzle mounted for movement along a travel path and wherein said discharge nozzle discharges
said combined water flow in a -direction having a primary component extending substantially
perpendicular to said travel path and a secondary component extending substantially parallel to
said travel path for thrusting said_nozzle along said travel path. 47. The method of claim 45
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including the further step of mixing air with said combined water flow prior to said: step of
discharging into said pool. 48. A hydrotherapy device operable without an electrically driven pump
suitable for installation in a water tub for discharging a stream having tap water and recirculated
tub water components, said device comprising: jet pump means including a pump nozzle having
an internal bore diminishing in cross-section from an entrance opening to an exit opening of said
nozzle; first inlet means for coupling a source of pressurized tap water to said pump nozzle
entrance opening; an elongated mixing tube member having a first end mounted proximate to,
and substantially axially aligned with, said pump nozzle exit opening for receiving tap water exiting
therefrom; second inlet means for coupling tub water to said mixing tube first end proximate to said
pump nozzle exit opening for entraining tub water with tap water exiting from said exit opening;
means defining a suction chamber; means coupling a second end of said mixing tube to said
suction chamber for supplying a stream thereto comprised of tap water and tub water components;
means for introducing air into said suction chamber; and a discharge port defined in said suction
chamber for discharging a stream therefrom comprised of water and air constituents. 49. The
device of claim 48 wherein said mixing tube defines an internal bore having a substantially uniform
diameter along its length from said first to said second end. 50. The device of claim 49 wherein said
diameter of said mixing tube internal bore is considerably larger than the diameter of said pump
nozzle internal bore at said exit opening; and wherein said mixing tube length from said first to said
second end is considerably larger than said mixing tube internal bore diameter. 51. The device of
claim 50 wherein said mixing tube includes a straight upstream portion and a curved
downstream portion. 52. The device of claim 48 wherein said second inlet means for coupling tub
water to said mixing tube is spaced from said suction chamber discharge port whereby said
device can be installed in said water tub with said second inlet means vertically above said
discharge port. 53. The device of claim 48 further including a discharge nozzle; and means
mounting said discharge nozzle proximate to said discharge port for variably directing the stream
discharged from said discharge port. 54. The device: of claim 53 wherein said means mounting
said discharge nozzle includes means supporting said discharge nozzle for movement along a
travel path oriented substantially perpendicular to said stream discharged from said discharge port.
55. In combination with a bathtub having (1) a peripheral wall for containing a water pool, (2) an
overflow drain port formed in said wall to define a pool water level, (3) an available tap water source
for supplying a pressurized fresh water flow, and (4) a spout for directing water supplied thereto
into said pool, hydrotherapy massage apparatus operable without an electrically driven pump
comprising: a hydrotherapy device including jet pump means having a supply inlet, a suction
inlet and a discharge outlet for responding to a first pressurized fluid coupled to said supply inlet for
entraining a second fluid coupled to said suction inlet for discharging a combined flow at said
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discharge outlet comprised of a first fluid constituent and a second fluid constituent; means
mounting said device on said peripheral wall with said suction inlet located vertically below said
drain port and said discharge outlet located vertically below said suction inlet; and selector valve
means for selectively directing said fresh water flow either to said spout or to said hydrotherapy
device supply inlet. 56. The combination of claim 55 further including manually adjustable means
for controlling the fresh water flow to said hydrotherapy device supply inlet. 57. The combination of
claim 55 further including anti-siphon valve means for preventing water flow from said hydrotherapy
device to said tap water source. 58. The combination of claim 55 including means for entraining air
in said combined flow discharged at said discharge outlet.
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15. CA1288301 - 20.10.1988
HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE METHOD AND APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1288301
Inventor(s):
LABY JORDAN MYRON (US); HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US)
Applicant(s):
HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: E03D
IP Class:
E03D11/10
E Class: A61H33/00N2
Application Number:
WO1988US00332 (19880128)
Priority Number: US19870038780 (19870415)
Family: CA1288301
Equivalent:
AU1363788; AU602202; EP0309497; ES2009189; NZ223415; ZA8802558
Cited Document(s):
US4220145; US4335854; US4339833; US4466141; US4520514;
US4523340; US4710990; US4716604
Description:
HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE METHOD AND APPARATUS RELATED APPLICATIONS This is a
continuation-in-part of application No. 796,987 filed November 12, 1985 whose disclosure is, by
reference, incorporated herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates
generally to hydrotherapy and more particularly to an improved method and apparatus useful in
spas, hot tubs, bathtubs, and the like for discharging a fluid (e.g.water-air) stream to impact
against and massage a user's body. Applicants prior application No. 796,987 filed November 12,
1985, discloses an apparatus including a conduit having a discharge orifice mounted for movement
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so as to cause the impacting fluid stream to sweep over an area of the user's body., Related
apparatus is disclosed in applicants' pending application No. 843,151 filed March 24, 1986 and No.
902,179 filed August 29, 1986. The present application discloses improved structural embodiments
configured to reduce friction loss and enhance conduit movement.
Other hydrotherapy devices for massaging a user's body by moving a discharge nozzle are
disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,523,340; 4,339,833; 4,220,145; and 3,868,949. Various other
hydrotherapy devices for discharging water-air streams are disclosed in the following U.S. Patents:
4,502,168; 4,262,371; 3,905,358; and 3,297,025.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to improvements in hydrotherapy
and more particularly to a method and apparatus for discharging a fluid- stream, while concurrently
translating the stream along a path describing an area. A user can fixedly position his body
proximate to the apparatus to enable the discharged stream to impact against and sweep over an
area of the user's body.
In a preferred application of the invention, the apparatus is mounted in an opening in the perimeter
wall (i.e. including floor) of a spa, hot tub, bathtub, etc., generically referred to herein as a water tub.
Apparatus in accordance with preferred embodiments- of the present invention, is characterized
by the use of a water-air jet assembly including a nozzle for discharging a water jet under pressure
into a mixing cavity: The water jet creates a suction, via venturi action, which draws air into the
cavity and the resulting water-air stream is then discharged into an elongated rigid conduit having
a tubular supply section, a tubular discharge section, and a tubular intermediate section coupling
said supply section to said discharge section. The tubular supply section defines a supply orifice at
one end of said conduit and the tubular discharge section defines a discharge orifice at the other
end of said conduit. The axis of said intermediate section deviates by an acute angle from the
axis of said supply section. The supply section is mounted for rotation, and, when rotated, causes
the discharge orifice to be translated along a path describing an area.
In accordance with an important characteristic of applicants' preferred embodiments, the axis of
said discharge section is misaligned with the axis of said supply section to discharge a water
stream from the discharge orifice in a direction including a component which produces a force on
said discharge section acting to rotate said conduit around said supply section axis, or more
generally, to move it along a nonlinear travel path. The present invention is based in part on the
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recognition that in the event the air inlet to the mixing cavity becomes obstructed (either intentionally
or inadvertently), the suction created by the water jet can act on the conduit to increase the drag, i.e.
friction loss, between the conduit and its mounting means. As a result, the translation of the conduit
discharge orifice may become sluggish, thus- degrading the massage action of the water-air stream.
Accordingly, in accordance with one aspect of the present invention, means are provided for
enhancing conduit movement regardless of whether air is supplied to the mixing cavity. More
specifically, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, passageway
means are provided for drawing water from outside the conduit into the mixing cavity to thus
mitigate the effect of the suction force acting on the conduit itself.
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the conduit supply section has an
exterior ball surface which is accommodated in a mating mounting socket. First and second axially
spaced annular bearing surfaces are formed in the socket such that in normal operation, the waterair stream from the jet assembly thrusts the conduit forwardly to contact the ball surface against the
first, i.e. forward, annular bearing surface. If the air available to the mixing cavity diminishes
sufficiently to allow the suction to pull the ball rearwardly against the second, i.e. rear, annular
bearing surface, tub water from outside the conduit will be drawn past the front bearing surface into
the cavity to thus mitigate the suction force on the conduit itself. In this first embodiment, the ball
surface contacts and moves with respect to the bearing surfaces which provide support against
both axial and lateral thrust. The ball and socket arrangement essentially defines a universal joint
permitting the conduit supply section to pivot around horizontal and vertical axes and allowing the
discharge orifice to translate along substantially any arbitrarily shaped path including a complex
path, i.e. nonlinear and noncircular.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral wall of the
conduit supply section is cylindrical and is mounted for rotation around its axis within a cylindrical
bushing. The stream discharge from the conduit discharge orifice produces a force which rotates
the supply section around its axis and translates the conduit discharge orifice along a circular path.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of said second embodiment, the forward end of the
conduit is supported by a pin substantially aligned with the supply section central axis. The pin
provides support against lateral thrust (created by the discharged stream ) and additionally permits
the conduit to move axially. As in the aforementioned first embodiment, when suction draws the
conduit to its rear axial position, tub water from outside the conduit is drawn into the mixing cavity to
break the suction and avoid high frictional loading between the conduit and its bearing surfaces.
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In a third embodiment, similar to said second embodiment, the outer peripheral wall of the conduit
supply section is dimensioned to provide sufficient clearance (e.g. greater than a015 inches)
relative to the bushing inner surface so as to permit tub water to be readily drawn therebetween.
This water flow between the conduit supply section peripheral wall and the bushing inner surface
forms a water lubricated bearing enabling the supply section to rotate with very low frictional loss.
In accordance with a more specific aspect of the third embodiment, the conduit supply section outer
peripheral wall is preferably eccentrically and dimensionally configured so that it engages the
bushing inner surface along a very narrow band (i.e. ideally, line contact) with the remainder of the
wall periphery spaced from the bushing inner surface to permit tub water to flow therepast into the
mixing cavity. The water flow, in addition to creating a water lubricated bearing, mitigates the
contact force between the peripheral wall narrow band and the bushing inner surface by reducing
the pressure on the side of the conduit diametrically opposite to the narrow band.
In accordance with a further aspect of the third embodiment, a forwardly projecting pin extends
from the conduit substantially aligned with the axis of the conduit supply section. The pin is
supported for rotation about its axis by a front grill so that the conduit is able to rotate relative to the
grill to thus permit the conduit discharge orifice, to translate along a circular path. The pin mounting
provides support against lateral thrust produced by the stream component discharged from the
conduit discharge orifice and washers associated with the pin afford support against forward axial
thrust produced by the stream discharged from the jet assembly and rearward axial thrust
produced by suction acting on the conduit.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the third embodiment, the grill and conduit comprise a
subassembly which can be readily mounted on, and removed from, a housing mounted on the tub
wall to thus provide ready access to the housing interior and jet assembly, for cleaning and
maintenance. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is an isometric view of a hydrotherapy
apparatus, as depicted in parent Application No. 796,987 and in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a front schematic illustration depicting the conduit
subassembly of Figure 1 and the travel path of the subassembly discharge orifice; Figure 3 is an
isometric view, partially broken away, depicting the apparatus of Figure 1 mounted behind the
perimeter wall of a water tub, e.g. a spa; Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the
plane 4-4 of Figure 1 depicting an embodiment substantially as shown in said parent application;
Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 5-5 of Figure 4; - Figure 6 is a
schematic illustration depicting the manner in which an apparatus in accordance with the invention
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is plumbed in a typical installation; Figure 7 is a sectional view depicting a first embodiment of
the present invention, similar to the embodiment of Figure 4, but differing therefrom to allow axial
movement of the conduit; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 8-8 of
Figure 7; Figure 9 is a partial sectional view showing the conduit of Figure 7 drawn to its rearward
axial position; Figure 10 is a front view of a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11
is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 11-11 of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a sectional
view taken substantially along the plane 12-12 of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a sectional view of the
conduit depicted in Figure 11 but rotated by approximately 900 around the supply axis; Figure 14
is a sectional view similar to Figure 11 but depicting a third embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 15-15 of Figure 14; and Figure 16 is
an exploded isometric illustration generally depicting how the conduit subassembly can be
readily removed for replacement and cleaning. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Attention is initially
directed to Figures 1-5 which illustrate a hydrotherapy apparatus 100 corresponding to the
embodiment disclosed in Figures 18-24 of applicants' parent application No. 796,987. The
apparatus 100 is intended to be mounted behind the .inner peripheral wall 101 of a water tub 102
such as a spa, hot tub or bath tub for massaging the body of a user 104. The apparatus 100 is
essentially comprised of a box-like housing 105 having a front wall 106 defining a guide slot 108. A
movable slide member 110 defining a discharge orifice 112 is mounted in the guide slot 108 for
movement along a travel path 114, depicted by dashed lines in Figure 2. Spaced vertically oriented
bars 116 are provided in front of the slide member 110 and guide slot 108 for supporting the back
of the user 104.
Figure 3 depicts the apparatus 100 in use in a typical spa installation wherein the water tub 102 is
shaped to define for example, a bench 117 upon which the user 104 can comfortably sit with the
major portion of his body below the upper surface 118 of a water pool 120. The tub inner peripheral
wall 101 preferably includes a flat portion 122 through which a wall opening 124,.:.1,s formed.
The apparatus 100 is intended to be mounted in the opening124 with the housing 105 projecting
rearwardly and with the housing front wall frame 126 bearing against the front face of the flat wall
portion 122.
The general function of the apparatus 100 is to discharge a water stream beneath the surface of the
water pool 120 for impacting against the body of the user104 while concurrently translating the
stream along a travel path 114 describing an area. As was discussed in applicants' parent
application, the travel path 114 defined by the guide slot 108 can be of substantially any shape,
including complex (i.e. nonlinear, noncircular) shapes comprised of essentially linear and
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arcuate portions arranged end to end. Figure 2 depicts a preferred travel path configuration
comprised of multiple path portions connected in series to form a closed loop along which the slide
member translates. In typical embodiments of the invention, the travel path describes a
substantially planar two dimensional area having a vertical dimension between six and twenty
inches and a horizontal dimension between five and fourteen inches: Although these dimensions
may vary considerably in different embodiments, it is preferable if the ratio of the vertical to
horizontal dimension of the area is less than 4:1. Figures 4 and 5 show the internal construction of
the apparatus r100 of Figures 1-3. Briefly, the apparatus is comprised of an elongated rigid
conduit 13'0 having a tubular supply section132 defining a supply orifice 134, a tubular discharge
section136 (including rotary coupling 138 and slide member 110) and a tubular intermediate
section 140 coupling said supply section to said discharge section. The supply section 132 outer
wall is shaped to define a ball 142.. which is accommodated for rotation within a socket 144',
defined in a fitting 146. The ball 142 has a tapered central bore which defines said aforementioned
supply orifice 134.
The discharge- section 136 includes rotary coupling 138 (Figure 5) which couples the intermediate
conduit section 140. to a short tubular member 150. yThe slide member 110 is fixedly mounted
on the member 150.
The conduit 130 is mounted as shown in Figure 4 with the ball positioned just forward of a water-air
jet assembly 151. The jet assembly includes a nozzle 152 for discharging a water supply jet along
a defined axis through a mixing cavity or chamber 154 into the conduit supply orifice 134. The water
supply jet discharging. into the cavity 154 creates a suction which typically functions to draw in air
via air inlet 153 for mixing with the water supply jet. This capability for mixing water and air is
typically incorporated in most hydrotherapy units because of the general perception that a more
pleasing massaging effect is achieved by introducing air bubbles into the water stream. As is
discussed in applicants' parent application, the combined water-air stream from the jet assembly is
discharged into the conduit 130 substantially along the axis of the conduit supply section 132. The
stream then flows through the conduit and- is discharged through the conduit discharge orifice 112
for impacting against the user 104. The conduit discharge section 136 discharges the stream from
the discharge orifice 112 in a direction (Figure 5) having a primary massage component extending
substantially perpendicular to the tub wall and a secondary thrust component extending laterally to
the supply section axis, or in other words, substantially parallel to
travel path 114. This
secondary thrust component produces a force on the discharge section 136 which thrusts it
along the travel path 114 while rotating the ball 142 in the socket 144. The ball and socket surfaces
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essentially define a universal joint enabling the ball to rotate about both a horizontally oriented
axis (i.e. along the axis of the jet supply nozzle 152 and supply section axis) and a vertical axis
therethrough. As a consequence of the rotational degrees of freedom between the ball 142 and
the mating surfaces of socket 144, the slide member 110 is able to traverse the complex travel path
114.
Figure 6 schematically depicts a typical plumbing installation for embodiments of the present
invention and includes an electric motor driven pump 155 which pulls water from-tub 102 via port
156.- The pump155 then supplies a water stream through a manually variable valve 157 to the jet
assembly 151. Air is supplied to the jet assembly 151 via manually variable valve 158. The inlet side
of valve 158 can simply be open to the air or can be coupled to the outlet of a motor driven blower
159.
The aforedescribed structure and operation of Figures 1-5 is disclosed in considerably more detail
in applicants' parent application. Although the apparatus works quite well as described therein, in
use it was observed that when the air supply to the mixing chamber 154 is cut off, either
intentionally or inadvertently, the movement of the slide110 along the travel path 114 becomes
sluggish. It has now been recognized that this sluggishness occurs as a consequence of
increased friction attributable to the suction, created by the water jet, acting on the conduit 130.
More specifically, and with continuing reference to Figure 4, note that the socket 144
accommodating ball 142 is provided with a front annular bearing surface 161. In normal usage
with sufficient air supplied into the cavity 154, the water jet from nozzle 152 acts to thrust the ball
142 forwardly against the annular bearing surface 161. The ball surface material and the annular
bearing surface material are selected so as to produce relatively little friction loss. It has been
observed, however, that when the air supply into the mixing chamber 154 is cut off, the suction
created by the water jet discharging into the chamber 154 acts on the conduit 130 which forcefully
draws the ball142 rearwardly against the annular bearing surface 163. As a consequence, early
embodiments of the invention as depicted in Figure 4 have experienced some sluggishness of
movement in the absence of sufficient air flow into cavity 154. Based on the foregoing, an
improved embodiment of the invention has been designed and is depicted in Figures 7-9. Briefly,
the embodiment of Figures 7-9 has been modified to mitigate the effects of friction increase
attributable to air flow cut off by permitting the suction to draw tub water into the mixing cavity
thereby breaking the suction effect on the conduit itself. Referring now to Figures 7-9, note that the
jet assembly 160 includes a forwardly projecting cylindrical section 162, internally threaded at 164.
The section 162 defines a radially outwardly extending flange 166 which bears against the rear face
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of wall 168 of housing 170. A fitting 172 is threadedly engaged with section 162 and has a flange
174 which bears against the front face of housing wall 168. Fitting 172 defines an inner bore
including a radially inwardly projecting ridge 180 which has axial passageways 182 extending
therethrough. An annular bearing surface, such as O-ring 186, is formed on the forward side of
ridge 180.
The forward end of the inner bore of fitting 172 is internally threaded at 190 for accommodating an
externally threaded portion of fitting 192. Fitting 192 defines a central bore and a radially inwardly
projecting ridge 194. An annular bearing surface, such as an O-ring 196, is formed on the rear side
of ridge 194. With the fittings 172 and 192 threaded to each other and to the jet assembly 160 and
housing 170 as depicted in Figure 7, it will be noted that the conduit ball 197 is accommodated
between the front annular bearing surface196 and the rear annular bearing surface 186. These
annular bearing surfaces 186, 196 are spaced sufficiently to permit limited axial movement of the
conduit ball 197.
-In normal use, the water jet 198 supplied from jet assembly nozzle 200 will produce a suction
within the mixing cavity 201 defined by the bore of jet assembly section 1:62. This will draw air 202
from air supply pipe 204. The water jet with the air entrained therein will be discharged into the
conduit supply orifice 205 thrusting the ball 197 forwardly against the annular bearing surface 196.
With the conduit ball sealed against the bearing surface 196, the passageway openings 182 serve
no function. However, now assume that the available air 202 is cut off or substantially reduced. As a
consequence, the suction created by the water jet 198 will act on the conduit drawing it to its
rearward position as depicted in Figure 9. As a consequence, clearance is then created between
the ball surface and the forward annular bearing surface 196. This permits tub water 208 to be
drawn between the ball surface and the bearing surface 196 through the passageway openings
182 into the mixing cavity 201. As a consequence, the force drawing the ball against the rear
annular bearing surface 186 will be mitigated as compared to the embodiment of Figure 4, and the
aforementioned sluggish movement of the conduit will be avoided.
Attention is now directed to Figures 10-13 which illustrate a second embodiment of the invention
particularly intended for installations in water tubs where only a shallow depth is available behind the
water tub inner peripheral wall and/or where it may not be practical to provide a large flat tub wall
portion 122 as shown in Figure 3. Figure 10 shows a front view of a hydrotherapy apparatus 220
mounted in an opening in the inner peripheral wall 222 of a water tub, as would be seen by a user
sitting in the tub. The apparatus 220 includes an external grill member 224 comprised of an outer
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flange ring 226, an inner central ring 227, and radial arms 228, 230, and 232 extending from ring
227 to ring 226. A conduit 240 is mounted behind the grill member 224 so as to enable its
discharge orifice242 to move along a circular path as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
With continuing reference to Figure 11, note that the grill member 224 includes a cylindrical section
246 projecting rearwardly through opening 250 in tub wall 222. The flange ring 226 bears
rearwardly against the front face 252 of the tub wall 222. Although the apparatus 220 can
theoretically be of any size, it is intended primarily for applications where the wall opening 250 is of
relatively small dimension, e.g. between two and six inches in diameter. The rearwardly
extending section 246 is externally threaded at 248 and is engaged with internal threads 251 formed
within central bore 253 of pipe section 254 of jet assembly 256. Section 254 is provided with a
radially extending flange 258 which bears against the rear face 270 of wall 222.
The jet assembly 256 additionally includes a water inlet 274 for supplying water to jet nozzle276 and
an air inlet 278. The water jet 279 discharged from nozzle 276 into cavity 280 normally draws
air281 into the cavity from inlet 278. A radially extending wall284 is formed within the bore of
section 246. The wall 284 has a large central opening 286 defining a bushing or bearing surface.
Multiple passageway openings 290 extend axially through the wall 284 around the central opening
286.
The aforementioned conduit 240 comprises an integral, i.e. one piece, elongated rigid tube which
is formed to essentially define a cylindrical supply section 30-0, a cylindrical discharge section
302, and a cylindrical intermediate section 304. The conduit is open at both ends having a supply
orifice301 at its supply section end and the aforementioned discharge orifice242 at its discharge
section end. The supply and intermediate sections are oriented so that the axis (depicted by
dashed line 305) of the intermediate section304 deviates by an acute angle (Figure 11) from the
axis (depicted by dashed line 307) of the supply section 300. The axes of the supply and
intermediate sections 300, 304 define a plane and the axis (depicted by dashed line 309) of the
discharge section 302 deviates by an acute angle (Figure 13) from that plane. The outer wall
surface of the conduit supply section 300 is recessed at 310 and a bearing member 312 is fixed
therein. The bearing member 312 includes a cylindrical section 314 and a flange section 316. The
bearing member cylindrical section 314 is accommodated within the central opening286 bearing
surface for rotation around the axis of supply section 300. The conduit 240 includes a forwardly
projecting boss 320 which has a pin 322 staked therein along the axis of the jet assembly nozzle
276 and supply section axis 307. The pin 322 extends through a small bushing 323 mounted in the
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central ring 227 of the grill member 224. The pin 322 is dimensioned so that it can both rotate in,
and move axially in, the bushing 323. Similarly, the bearing member 312 is dimensioned so that it
can both rotate in, and move axially in the central wall opening 286. As a consequence, the
conduit is able to move between the forward solid line position depicted in Figure 11 and a rearward
dashed line position. Note that when the conduit is in the forward position, the passageway
openings 290 will be sealed by the bearing member flange 316. When the conduit 240 is moved to
the rear position, the flange 316 is displaced from the passageway openings 290 to permit tub
water to be drawn rearwardly into the mixing cavity 280.
In the normal operation of the embodiment of Figures 10-13, nozzle 276 will discharge a water jet
into the conduit supply section 300 through the mixing cavity 280. The discharged water jet will
produce a suction which will draw air into cavity 280 via air inlet 278 and the mixed water air stream
will then traverse the length of the conduit and be discharged through the discharge orifice 242.
Inasmuch as the stream will be discharged in a direction having a component extending laterally to
the rotational axis defined by pin 322 and supply section axis 307, and because it is displaced from
the rotational axis, the component will act to rotate the conduit around the rotational axis i.e., around
pin 322. With sufficient air supplied via air inlet 278, the conduit will be in its forward axial position
and the axial thrust produced by water supply jet 279 will be borne primarily by washer 330.
Since washer 330 contacts bushing 323 over a small diameter it will produce relatively low frictional
loading. If the air supply from inlet 278 is reduced or cut off, the suction produced by the water jet
will pull the conduit 240 rearwardly to its dashed line position (Figure 11) thereby opening
passageway openings 290 enabling tub water to be drawn rearwardly therethrough for
entrainment with. the supplied water jet. In the rearward position, the rearward axial thrust is
borne primarily by washer332 acting between bushing323 and a retaining clip 324 mounted in a
slot near the free end of pin 322. This engagement will likewise produce very low frictional loading
because of the minimal contact area over a small diameter.
As might be expected, a slightly different massaging sensation is produced depending upon
whether the supplied water jet entrains air or tub water. By providing an air control valve (as158 in
Figure 6) a user can control the amount of air and amount of tub water entrained in the discharge
stream without significantly varying the speed at which the discharge orifice 242 moves along its
circular travel path.
In order to prevent the conduit 240 from rotating too fast, speed dependent drag elements in the
form of wings or plates 340 extend radially from conduit 240. On starting from rest, the plates340
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provide relatively little resistance to rotation of the conduit. However, as rotational speed increases,
the plates 340 encounter increasing resistance as they move through the water and thereby
essentially act as a governor to limit the speed of rotation.
Atttention is now directed to Figures 14-16 which illustrate a still further embodiment 400 of the
present invention. The embodiment of Figures 14-16 is intended for the same type of applications
and installations as the previously discussed embodiment of Figures 10-13. Indeed, 'the front
view depicted in Figure 10 is the same for both embodiments. However, the embodiment of
Figures 14-16 is somewhat simpler in construction, operates with even lower friction losses, and can
be more readily cleaned and serviced.
The apparatus 400 includes a jet assembly402 including a forwardly projecting substantially
cylindrical section 404 having a central bore 406 internally threaded at 408. The section 404 is
provided with a radially extending flange 410 which bears against the rear face 412 of tub wall 414
around wall opening 416. The section 404 is retained against wall face 412 in alignment with wall
opening 416 by fitting 418 which includes an externally threaded rearwardly . extending section
420 engaged with the internally threaded wall of bore 406. Fitting 418 is provided with radially
extending flange 419 which bears against the front face of tub wall 414. The jet assembly 402
further includes a water'inlet 430 for discharging a water jet through nozzle 432 into cavity 433
and an air inlet 434 for supplying air to the cavity. A conduit/grill subassembly 440 is provided
and includes a front grill plate 442 comprised of an outer ring 444 and radially extending arms
446 which are joined to a central ring 448. A bushing 450 is mounted in the ring 448, and
accommodates pin 452 for rotation therein. The pin 452 is staked into the forward end of conduit
458. Figure 14 depicts the integral conduit 458 slightly differently than in Figures 11 and 13
primarily in that the conduit supply, intermediate, and discharge sections are shown blending into
one another with smooth curves rather than the more severe angles shown in Figures 11 and. 13.
Smooth curves afford smoother fluid flow and lower energy loss and are therefore preferable. In
any event, the conduit 458 still includes a supply section 460, a discharge section 462, and
intermediate section 464. The pin452 is aligned with the axis of the supply section 460 and, when
assembled, with the axis of jet nozzle 432. The axis of intermediate section 464 deviates by an
acute angle from the axis of supply section 460. The axis of discharge section 462 deviates by an
acute angle from the plane defined by the axes of the supply and intermediate sections. Thus, a
water stream will exit from the discharge orifice of the discharge section 462 in a direction which
includes a component extending normal to said plane and displaced from the axis of the supply
section 460 thereby tending to rotate the conduit around the pin 452. The pin452 acts to
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accommodate both axial and lateral thrust acting on the conduit. That is, in contrast to the
embodiment of Figure 11 in which the conduit was mounted for limited axial movement between
forward and rearward positions, the conduit of Figure 14 is fixedly axially mounted relative to the
front grill plate 442. Forward thrust developed against the conduit by the water jet from nozzle 432
is thereby accommodated by the bearing washer 472. Rearward thrust produced by suction is
accommodated by the bearing washer 473 acting between bushing 450 and a retaining clip carried
by pin 452.
The wall fitting 418 defines a central bore including a forward portion 480, enlarged to
accommodate the conduit drag plates 481, and .a reduced rear portion 482. The conduit supply
section 460 is received for rotation within the reduced portion 482 or more specifically, within a
cylindrical bushing 490 mounted within portion 482. The supply section 460 preferably has- a
specially configured bearing 491 mounted thereon for cooperating with the inner bearing surface of
bushing 490 in order to minimize friction loss therebetween. More specifically, whereas the
inner bearing surface of bushing 490 is cylindrical, the outer surface of bearing 491 is configured
eccentrically with respect thereto so that they contact along a very narrow band (i.e. ideally, line
contact). With reference to Figure 15, note that bearing 491 has an inner circumferential wall
surface 492 defined by a circle whose center lies on the axis of rotation 493 defined by pin 452. The
outer circumferential wall surface 494 of bearing 491 is also defined by a circle but whose center is
slightly displaced from the center 493 of circle 492. As a result, the outer wall surface 494
effectively has a high point, as at 495, along which it contacts the inner bearing surface of bushing
490, as the bearing 491 rotates around axis 493. The outer wall surface 494 is dimensioned so as to
provide a significant gap 496 (e.g. so that the gap at its widest point is in excess of .015 inches)
between wall 494 and the inner surface of bushing 490. The gap 496 permits tub water to be drawn
rearwardly into mixing cavity 433, functioning as a water lubricated bearing, but also further
reducing friction loss by creating, via venturi action, a reduced pressure in the gap thus mitigating
the intensity of the engagement between the high point 495 of the bearing wall surface 494 and the
bushing inner surface. It should be noted that the orientation of the bearing 491 is keyed to the
conduit at 500 to assure that the high point 495 of the outer wall surface 494 is located opposite to
the effective direction of the thrust produced by the water stream discharged from the conduit
discharge orifice. More specifically, the stream discharged from the discharge orifice will produce a
lateral force on the conduit which, acting at a distance from the rotational axis defined by pin 452,
will produce a torque for rotating the conduit about the rotational axis. However, this lateral
force will also produce a lateral thrust on the conduit which will be absorbed partially by the pin 452
but which will also act on the conduit bearing491 engaging against the bushing490 inner surface.
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The conduit/grill subassembly 440 is removably mounted to the fitting 418 by a snap fit so it can be
readily removed from the fitting 418 for cleaning and for access to the jet nozzle 432. The fitting418
includes a forwardly projecting lip520 which accommodates a flexible O-ring 524 extending
circumferentially therearound. The ring 444 of the conduit/grill subassembly 440 includes a
circular recess 526 for accommodating the lip520 of the fitting 418. The O-ring 524 extends slightly
out of its recess in the lip 520 to engage a shallow annular depression 525 in the surface of the
recess526 in the ring 444. When it is desired to remove the subassembly 440, it is withdrawn by
manually pulling axially on the grill plate. In this manner, access is -provided to the interior of fitting
418 for cleaning, which is indeed desirable in a bath tub type installation. Moreover, this manner of
mounting the conduit/grill subassembly makes it readily available for servicing should such be
necessary. Although embodiments of the invention, of course, can be constructed in various sizes,
an exemplary apparatus constructed in accordance with Figures 14-16, and intended to fit within a
2 1/2 inch circular wall opening 416, has the following dimensions: 1. conduit overall length
(without pin): approx. 2.5 inches 2. conduit inner diameter : approx. .67 inches 3. supply
nozzle inner diameter : approx. .37 inches 4. section angle : approx. 30 5.
discharge section/plane angle : approx.100 6. front grill outer diameter : approx. 3.5 inches
The apparatus can be contructed entirely of molded plastic parts but it is preferable for the pin
452 and associated washers to be of metal to minimize friction and wear.
From the foregoing, it should now be apparent that an improved method and apparatus for
hydrotherapy has been disclosed herein characterized by discharging a water stream through a
rigid conduit while concurrently translating the conduit discharge orifice along a nonlinear path. The
conduit is generally comprised of a supply section and a discharge section having an axis
misaligned with the supply section axis for discharging a stream in a direction tending to rotate the
conduit around the supply section axis. In two of the disclosed embodiments, the conduit is
mounted so that it can rotate around only one axis whereby the conduit discharge orifice is
constrained to move long a circular travel path. In another embodiment, a ball and socket mounting
permits motion of the conduit discharge orifice along a complex, i.e. nonlinear, noncircular travel
path. In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, frictional loading of the conduit
attributable to suction is mitigated by providing a passageway which permits the suction to draw
tub water into a cavity where it is entrained by a water supply jet for discharge through the conduit.
In accordance with another preferred aspect, a pin mounted for rotation is secured to the conduit
and extends therefrom in alignment with the supply jet, for providing support against axial and
lateral thrust.
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Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it
is recognized that various modifications and alternatives may readily occur to those skilled in the art
and it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications, alternatives, and other
equivalents.Claims:
CLAIMS 1. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against
and massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising: supply means including a
cavity and means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis into said cavity for creating a
suction therein; an elongated rigid conduit including a tubular supply section having a supply orifice
and a tubular discharge section having a discharge orifice, said discharge section defining an axis
misaligned with the axis of said supply section; means mounting said conduit with said supply
orifice opening to said cavity and with said supply section axis substantially aligned with the axis of
said water jet whereby water supplied from said jet will flow through said conduit to said discharge
orifice; said mounting means including means supporting said conduit supply section for rotation
about said supply section axis whereby said discharge orifice will translate along a nonlinear path
describing a substantially planar area; and passageway means for drawing water from outside said
conduit into said cavity to mitigate the effect of said suction on said conduit. 2. The apparatus of
claim 1 wherein said supply means further includes means for supplying air to said cavity. 3. The
apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit further includes a tubular intermediate section coupling
said supply section to said discharge section; and wherein said intermediate section axis deviates
by an acute angle from said supply section axis. 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the axis of
said conduit discharge section deviates by an acute angle from the plane defined by the axes of
said supply and intermediate section whereby water is discharged from said discharge orifice in a
direction including a component producing a force on said discharge section for rotating said
conduit around said supply section axis. 5. The apparatus of claim 1 in combination with a water
tub having a peripheral wall; means mounting said apparatus in a first opening in said peripheral
wall with said conduit oriented so that water discharged through said discharge orifice flows into
said tub. 6. The apparatus of claim 5 including a second opening in said peripheral wall; pump
means having a suction side and a pressure side; and means coupling said pump means suction
side to said second opening and said pressure side to said means for discharging said water jet
into said cavity. 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means supporting said conduit supply
section for rotation about said supply section axis further permits said supply section to pivot
vertically and/or horiziontally relative to said water jet axis. 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein
said conduit supply section includes a peripheral ball surface; and wherein . said means
supporting said conduit supply section includes socket means for accommodating said ball
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surface for permitting said supply section to rotate about, and pivot vertically and/or horizontally
relative to, said water jet axis. 9. The apparatus of claim 8 including guide means defining said
path; and means coupling said conduit discharge section to said guide means for translating said
discharge orifice along said path. 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit is mounted
for limited movement substantially along said conduit supply section axis between forward and
rearward positions; and including means for sealing said passageway means when said conduit is
in said forward position and opening said passageway means when said conduit is in said
rearward position. 11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said conduit is mounted for limited
movement substantially along said conduit supply section axis between forward and rearward
positions. 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said socket means includes spaced forward
and rearward bearing surfaces; and wherein said ball surface bears against said forward bearing
surface when said conduit is in said forward position and against said rearward bearing surface
when said conduit is in said rearward position. 13. The apparatus of claim 1 including: a bushing
fixedly mounted along the axis of said water jet, said bushing having a bore extending axially
therethrough; and wherein said conduit supply section is accommodated in said bushing bore for
rotation therein about said supply section axis. 14. The apparatus of claim 13 including a pin
supported substantially in alignment with said water jet axis proximate to said conduit discharge
section; and means coupling said conduit to said pin for rotation thereabout for translating said
discharge orifice along a circular path. 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said conduit supply
section is accommodated in said bushing for limited movement substantially along said supply
section axis between forward and rearward positions; and including means for sealing said
passageway means when said conduit is in said forward position and opening said passageway
means when said conduit is in said rearward position. 16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said
conduit supply section has an outer cross-sectional wall surface dimensioned sufficiently smaller
than the inner cross-sectional dimension of said bore to pass water flow therebetween. 17. The
apparatus of claim 16 wherein said conduit supply section outer circumferential wall surface is
configured to contact the inner surface of said bushing bore only along a narrow band of said outer
circumferential wall surface. 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said conduit further includes
a tubular intermediate section coupling said supply section to said discharge section; and wherein
said intermediate section axis deviates by an acute angle from said supply section axis; and
wherein the axis of said discharge section deviates by an acute angle from the plane defined by the
axes of said supply section and intermediate section whereby water is discharged from said
discharge orifice in a direction having a component producing a thrust on said discharge section
for rotating said conduit around said supply section axis. 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein
said narrow band is oriented on said supply section outer circumferential wall surface so that thrust
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produced by water discharged from said discharge orifice will urge said narrow band into contact
with the inner surface of said bore; and wherein water flow between said outer circumferential wall
surface and said bore inner surface will mitigate the force with which said narrow band is urged
against said bore inner surface. 20. The apparatus of claim 13 including a substantially planar grill;
and means securing said pin to said grill whereby said conduit, said pin, and said grill comprise an
integrated subassembly. 21. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said supply means further
includes a housing defining said cavity; means for supporting said bushing in said housing; and
means fogy removably mounting said integrated subassembly in said housing with said conduit
supply section extending into said bushing. 22. The apparatus of claim 21 in combination with a
water tub having a peripheral wall including an opening; means mounting said supply means
housing behind said peripheral wall in alignment with said opening; and wherein said integrated
subassembly is receivable through said opening for removable mounting in operative relationship
with said supply means and said bushing. 23. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid
stream useful for impacting against and massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus
comprising: supply means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis; an elongated rigid
conduit including a tubular supply section having a supply orifice and a tubular discharge section
having a discharge orifice, said discharge section defining an axis misaligned with the axis of said
supply section; means mounting said conduit with said supply orifice substantially aligned with the
axis of said water jet whereby water from said jet will flow through said conduit to said discharge
orifice; said mounting means including means supporting said conduit supply section for rotation
about said supply section axis; a pin supported substantially in alignment with said water jet axis;
and means coupling said conduit to said pin for rotation thereabout for translating said discharge
orifice along a circular path and for supporting said conduit against lateral and axial thrust. 24. The
apparatus of claim 23 wherein said conduit includes a tubular intermediate section coupling said
supply section to said discharge section; and wherein said intermediate section axis deviates by
an acute angle from said supply section axis. 25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the axis of
said conduit discharge section deviates by an acute angle from the plane defined by the axes of
said supply and intermediate sections whereby water is discharged from said discharge orifice in
a direction including a thrust component for rotating said conduit around said supply section axis.
26. The apparatus of claim 23 in combination with a water tub having a peripheral wall; means
mounting said apparatus in a first opening in said peripheral wall with said conduit oriented so that
water discharged through said discharge orifice flows into said tub. 27. The apparatus of claim 26
including a second opening in said peripheral wall; pump means having a suction side and a
pressure side; and means coupling said pump means suction side to said second opening and
said pressure side to said supply means for discharging a water jet. 28. The apparatus of claim
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23 including: a bushing having a substantially cylindrical bore fixedly mounted along said water jet
axis; and wherein said conduit supply section is accommodated in said bushing bore for rotation
therein about said supply section axis. 29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said conduit further
includes a tubular intermediate section coupling said supply section to said discharge section; and
wherein said intermediate section axis deviates by an acute angle from said supply end axis; and
wherein the axis of said discharge section deviates by an acute angle from the plane defined by the
axes of said supply and intermediate section whereby water is discharged from said discharge
orifice in a direction having a component producing a thrust on said discharge section for rotating
said conduit around said supply section axis. 30. The apparatus of claim 23 including a
substantially planar grill; and means securing said pin to said grill whereby said conduit, said pin,
and said grill comprise an integrated subassembly. 31. The apparatus of claim 30wherein said
supply means- further includes a housing defining a cavity oriented so that said water jet is
discharged into said cavity to create a suction therein. 32. The apparatus of claim 31 in
combination with a water tub having a peripheral wall including an opening; means mounting
said supply means housing.behind said peripheral wall in alignment with said opening; and
wherein said integrated subassembly is receivable through said opening for removable mounting
in operative relationship with said supply means. 33. Hydrotherapy apparatus for use.in a water
tub for discharging a water stream beneath the surface of a water pool in said tub for impacting
against and massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising: means defining a
suction cavity; means for supplying a water supply stream to said cavity along a defined axis to
create suction in said cavity; an elongated conduit having a supply orifice at one end and a
discharge orifice at a second end; means mounting said conduit for rotation around the axis of said
supply orifice with said supply orifice communicating with said cavity and located proximate to
said means supplying said supply stream; said conduit discharge orifice defining an axis
misaligned with the axis of said supply orifice for discharging a water stream in a direction to rotate
said conduit around said supply orifice axis and translating said discharge orifice along a path
describing said area; and passageway means communicating with said cavity for drawing water
from said water pool into said cavity. 34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said conduit includes
an outer peripheral wall; and wherein said means mounting said conduit for rotation includes a
bearing surface substantially surrounding said conduit outer peripheral wall; and wherein said
bearing surface is dimensioned sufficiently larger than said outer peripheral wall for providing said
passageway means therebetween. 35. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said conduit is
mounted for limited axial movement between a forward position and a rearward position; and
wherein said passageway means is closed when said conduit is in said forward position and open
when said conduit is in said rearward position. 36. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said
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mounting means includes universal joint means permitting said conduit one end to pivot around
horizontal and vertical axes for allowing translation of said discharge orifice along a complex path.
37. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said mounting means includes a bushing defining an inner
bore; and wherein said conduit includes a peripheral wall and wherein the portion thereof
surroundng said supply orifice is accommodated in said bushing bore for rotation therein. 38. The
apparatus of claim 37 wherein said mounting means further includes support means defining a
rotational axis aligned with said supply orifice axis for supporting said conduit proximate to said
second end. 39. A method for discharging a water stream beneath the surface of a water pool
while concurrently translating the stream along a path describing an area, said method including
the steps of: providing an elongated rigid conduit having a supply orifice at a first end and a
discharge orifice at a second end and wherein said conduit is formed so that the axes of said
supply and discharge orifices are misaligned; supporting said conduit first end for rotation around
the axis of said supply orifice; discharging a water supply stream into said conduit supply orifice
substantially along the axis thereof thus (1) discharging a stream from said discharge orifice to
produce a thrust for rotating said conduit around said supply orifice axis and (2) creating suction in
a cavity adjacent to said supply orifice; and drawing water from said pool into said cavity for mixing
with said water supply stream. 40. The method of claim 39 including the further step of providing
sufficient clearance between said conduit one end and its supporting structure to permit said
pool water to be drawn therebetween. 41. The method of claim 39 including the further steps of:
mounting said conduit for limited axial movement between forward and rearward positions; and
permitting said pool water to be drawn into said cavity only when said conduit is in said rearward
position. 42. Hydrotherapy apparatus for use in a water tub for discharging a water stream beneath
the surface of a water pool in said tub for impacting against and massaging an area of a user's
body, said apparatus comprising: supply means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis;
an elongated rigid conduit including a tubular supply section having a supply orifice, a tubular
discharge section having a discharge orifice and a tubular intermediate section coupling: said
supply section to said discharge section; means mounting said conduit with said supply orifice
substantially aligned with the axis of said water jet whereby water from said jet will flow through said
conduit to said discharge orifice; said mounting means including means supporting said conduit
supply section for rotation about said supply section axis; said intermediate section having an axis
which deviates by an acute angle from the axis of said supply section; said discharge section
having an axis which deviates by an acute angle from the plane defined by the axes of said supply
and intermediate sections; whereby water is discharged from said discharge orifice in a direction
including a thrust component for rotating said conduit around said supply section axis to translate
said discharge orifice along a circular path. 43. The apparatus of claim 42 in combination with a
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water tub having a peripheral wall; means mounting said apparatus in a first opening in said
peripheral wall with said conduit oriented so that water discharged through said discharge orifice
flows into said tub. 44. The apparatus of claim 43 including a second opening in said peripheral
wall; pump means having a suction side and a pressure side; and means coupling said pump
means suction side to said second opening and said pressure side to said supply means for
discharging a water jet. 45. The apparatus of claim 42 including: a bushing having a substantially
cylindrical bore fixedly mounted along said water jet axis; and wherein said conduit supply section
is accommodated in said bushing bore for rotation therein about said supply section axis.
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16. CA1288302 - 26.01.1989
HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE METHOD AND APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1288302
Inventor(s):
LABY JORDAN MYRON (US); HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US)
Applicant(s):
HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/02
E Class: A61H33/02N; A61H33/00N2; B05B3/00
Application Number:
WO1988US02344 (19880712)
Priority Number: US19870072409 (19870713); US19870138514 (19871223)
Family: CA1288302
Equivalent:
AU2131088; AU616197; EP0329734; NZ225320
Cited Document(s):
US4220145; US4335854; US4339833; US4466141; US4520514;
US4523340; US4710990; US4716604; US4679258; US4689839; US4692950; US4715071;
US4727605; US4726080
Abstract:
HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS INCLUDING A RIGID ELONGATED CONDUIT (116) HAVING A
SUPPLY ORIFICE (188) AND A DISCHARGE ORIFICE (118). THE CONDUIT (116) IS MOUNTED FOR
SWIVEL MOVEMENT TO ENABLE THE DISCHARGE ORIFICE (118) TO TRAVERSE A PATH
CHARACTERIZED BY A SERIES OF SMALL CIRCULAR OR SEMICIRCULAR PATH SEGMENTS
LINKED BY TRANSLATIONAL PATH SEGMENTS. THE CONDUIT (116) IS MOVED ALONG SAID
PATH BY REACTION FORCES PRODUCED BY THE DISCHARGED STREAM. THE STREAM IS
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PRODUCED BY A SUPPLIED WATER JET WHICH ENTRAINS AIR AND/OR TUB WATER, AS
SELECTED BY THE USER. VALVE MEANS (503) ARE PROVIDED FOR SELECTIVELY VARYING
AMOUNT OF AIR ENTRAINMENT AND/OR WATER ENTRAINMENT AND/OR SUPPLIED WATER
JET.Description:
TITLE: HYDROTBERAPY MASSAGE METHOD AND APPARATUS
This is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
Application 138,514 filed 23 December 1987 which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application
072,409, filed 13 July 1987, which was a continuation-in-part of the application issuing as U.S. Patent
4,679,258 on 14 July 1987, all of whose disclosures are by reference incorporated herein. Related
subject matter is disclosed in applicants' U.S. Patents 4,692,950; 4,689,839; 4,715,071; 4,726,080;
4,727,605; and 4,731,887, and U.S. Application 170,718 filed 21 March 1988.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to hydrotherapy and more particularly to an improved method and
apparatus useful in spas, hot tubs, bathtubs, and the like for discharging a fluid (e.g. water-air)
stream while concurrently causing the stream to travel across an area so as to impact against and
massage an area of a user's body.
Applicants' U.S. Patent 4,679,258 discloses a method and apparatus for discharging a fluid stream,
while concurrently causing the stream to travel along a substantially random path. A user is thus able
to fixedly position his body proximate to the apparatus to enable the discharged stream to impact
against and sweep over an area of the user's body. In a typical application, the apparatus is
mounted in an opening in the peripheral wall (i.e. including floor) of a spa, hot tub, bathtub, etc.,
generically referred to as a water tub.
A preferred embodiment of the travelling discharge hydrotherapy apparatus disclosed in said
patent 4,679,258 is characterized by the use of a water-air jet assembly including a nozzle for
discharging a water jet under pressure into a mixing cavity. The water jet creates a suction, via
venturi action, which draws air into the cavity and the resulting water-air stream is then discharged
into an elongated rigid conduit having supply, intermediate and discharge sections. The conduit is
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open at both ends having a supply orifice at its supply section end and a discharge orifice at its
discharge section end.
The supply section outer wall is shaped to form a ball having a central bore defining said supply
orifice.
The ball is accommodated for swivel movement within a socket with the supply orifice open to the
aforementioned mixing cavity. The conduit discharge end is left free to travel across a substantially
planar travel area roughly approximating an extension of the tub wall. The water-air stream is
discharged from the discharge orifice in a direction having a primary massage component extending
substantially perpendicular to the travel area and having a secondary thrust component extending
substantially parallel to the travel area. The thrust component produces a lateral force for moving the
discharge end along a path lying within said travel area. The boundary of the travel area is
substantially defined by a thrust modifier means in the form of a frame, which cooperates with a pivot
pin secured to the conduit.The frame includes a series of open recesses, each intended to
momentarily capture the pivot pin, as the conduit discharge end moves toward the area boundary.
With the pivot pin so captured, the stream thrust component acts to rotate the discharge end around
the pivot pin and thereby redirect the thrust component enabling the pivot pin to withdraw from its
open recess and initiate a new traverse across the frame.
Thus, the discharge orifice will traverse a path comprised of small substantially semicircular path
segments, each described when the pivot pin is engaged in a recess, linked by longer translational
path segments extending between recesses. The translational recess-to-recess path segments
extend substantially across the frame and occur in an essentially random unpredictable pattern.
Applicants' U.S. Patent 4,715,071 discloses a travelling discharge hydrotherapy apparatus in which
a passageway is provided around the swivel mounting of the conduit supply end for passing tub
water from outside the conduit into the mixing cavity. As discussed therein, this action mitigates the
effect of the suction force produced in the mixing cavity acting on the conduit itself.
Applicants' U.S. Application 170,718 discloses a hydrotherapy jet assembly for discharging a water
stream through an adjustable flow director. The assembly is capable of operating in an air
entrainment mode and/or a tub water entrainment mode and includes a single valve control member
enabling a user to adjust the amount of air entrainment and/or water entrainment and/or supplied
water jet to selectively vary the intensity of the discharged stream.
151/2210
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed, inter alia, to alternative embodiments of the travelling discharge
apparatus disclosed in said U.S. Patent 4,679,258 which are structurally configured to provide
improved massage performance.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the conduit is specially configured to enable
the discharge stream to produce a larger force for initiating and maintaining translational movement
of the conduit discharge end.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the apparatus is configured to define a
passageway proximate to the conduit supply end for permitting tub pool water to be drawn into the
mixing cavity for the purpose of reducing friction loss in the swivel mounting and increasing the mass
of the discharged stream.
In accordance with an additional aspect of the invention, the aforementioned open recesses for
capturing the pivot pin are symmetrically arranged, preferably in a circular pattern, for influencing the
conduit discharge orifice to traverse a more predictable path.
In accordance with a still additional aspect of the invention, an improved thrust modifier means is
provided, configured to influence the conduit discharge orifice to traverse a path comprised of
successive small substantially circular path segments linked by short translational path segments.
More specifically, the open recesses are partially closed to allow the conduit pivot pin to escape only
when the conduit is in a particular orientation. From this particular orientation, the forces produced by
the stream discharged from the discharge orifice will normally move the pivot pin into an adjacent or
near recess.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, to avoid diminishment of the discharge stream
attributable to a user placing his body tightly against the thrust modifier frame, the frame is preferably
provided with radially extending openings to permit the discharge stream to readily flow from the
discharge orifice without building up significant back-pressure in the conduit.
In accordance with a still additional aspect of the invention, valve means are incorporated in a
travelling discharge hydrotherapy apparatus for enabling a user to selectively operate the apparatus
in an air entrainment mode and/or a water entrainment mode. In the air entrainment mode, the
152/2210
suction produced in the mixing cavity will draw in air for mixing with the supplied water jet. In the
water entrainment mode, the suction will draw in tub water for mixing with the supplied water jet.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the valve means can be operated to selectively
vary the amount of air and/or tub water entrained by the supplied water jet. Additionally, in
accordance with still another respect, valve means are incorporated for selectively varying the
amount of water jet supplied.
In a preferred embodiment, the valve means includes a single control member for enabling a user
to adjust the amount of air entrainment and/or water entrainment and/or supplied water jet to
selectively vary the intensity of the stream discharged from the conduit discharge orifice. More
specifically, the preferred embodiment includes an outer housing having an inner housing (or control
member) concentrically mounted therein for limited angular rotation with respect thereto. For different
degrees of angular rotation, water entrainment, air entrainment and the supplied water jet can be
varied as exemplified by the following table:
Rotation Water Water Air Discharge
Angle Entrain Supply Entrain Momentum
AIR 0 (stop) aCED OPEN OPEN +4
ENTRAIN.
NODE 35 CURED
WXIER 40 SMALL SMALL CLOSED SMALL
ENTRAIN.
MODE 750 (OP) OPEN OPEN CLOSED +4
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 is an isometric, partially broken away, view of a hydrotherapy apparatus in accordance with
a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is an isometric view, partially broken away, depicting the apparatus of Figure 1 mounted
behind the perimeter wall of a water tub;
Figure 3 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which an apparatus in accordance with
the invention is plumbed in a typical installation;
Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 4-4 of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 5-5 of Figure 4;
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Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 6-6 of Figure 5;;
Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a preferred conduit subassembly and mounting means in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 8 is a front view of the conduit subassembly of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 9-9 of Figure 7;
Figure 10 is an isometric view of the mounting means near ring shown in Figures 4 and 6;
Figure 11 is an isometric view, partially broken away, of the thrust modifier frame depicted in Figures
1 and 4;
Figure 12 is a front plan view of a front grill incorporating an alternative thrust modifier frame in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 13 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 13-13 of Figure 12;
Figure 14 is an isometric view, partially broken away, depicting the thrust modifier frame of Figure
12;;
Figures 15a through 15e are schematic frontal views of the embodiment of Figure 12 showing the
motion of the conduit subassembly discharge orifice;
Figure 16 is an isometric view of a front grill depicting a further alternative thrust modifier frame in
accordance with the present invention;
Figure 17 is a front plan view of the thrust modifier frame of Figure 16 mounted in front of the conduit
discharge orifice;
Figure 18 is a side sectional view taken substantially along the plane 18-18 of Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention incorporating means for
selectively adjusting the amount of air entrainment and water entrainment;
Figures 20, 21, 22 and 23 comprise sectional views taken respectively along the planes 20-20, 2121, 22-22 and 23-23 of Figure 19;
Figure 24 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 19;;
Figures 25a, 25b, 25c are schematic representations showing the valve orientations for water
entrainment and air entrainment for various degrees of rotation of the control member of the third
embodiment depicted in Figures 19-24;
Figure 26 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the invention incorssormting means for
selectively adjusting the amount of air entrainment, water entrainment and supplied water jet;
Figure 27 is an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of Figure 26;and
Figures 28a, 28b, 28c, are schematic representations showing the valve orientations for water
entrainment, air entrainment, and water supply for various degrees of rotation of the control member
of the embodiment depicted in Figures 26 and 27.
154/2210
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Attention is initially directed to Figure l which illustrates an isometric view of a travelling discharge
hydrotherapy apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus 100 is
intended to be mounted in a discharge opening 104 of the peripheral wall 106 of a water tub 108
such as a spa, hot tub, or bath tub, as depicted in Figure 2, for massaging the body of a user 109.
Briefly, the apparatus 100 is comprised of a tapered substantially cylindrical housing 110 having an
open front frame 112 adapted to accommodate a front grill 114. A conduit 116 having a discharge
orifice 118 is mounted for swivel movement in the housing 110 so as to enable the discharge orifice
118 to traverse a path defining an essentially planar travel area oriented substantially parallel to the
grill 114.The conduit will be caused to swivel by reaction forces produced by a water stream
discharged from the orifice 118.
Figure 2 depicts the hydrotherapy apparatus 100 in use in a typical spa installation wherein the
water tub 108 is shaped to define, for example, a bench 122 upon which a user 109 can comfortably
sit with the major portion of his body below the upper surface 126 of a water pool 128. The water tub
peripheral wall 106 preferably has one or more flat portions 132 through which the wall opening 104
is formed. The apparatus 100 is intended to be mounted in the opening 104 with the housing 110
projecting rearwardly from the flat wall portion 132 and with the housing frame 112 sealed against the
front surface of the flat wall portion 132.
The general function of the apparatus 100 is to provide a pleasing massaging effect on the body of
the user 109 without requiring that the user move his body relative to a fixedly positioned jet, as is
customary in conventional spa installations. In order to achieve this effect, the conduit 116 is
mounted so as to discharge a water stream from said discharge orifice 118 while concurrently
causing the orifice to travel along the path defining said planar travel area. The discharge stream
thus sweeps across and impacts against a two dimensional area of the users body. In accordance
with a first embodiment of the invention (Figures 4 and 11), the discharge orifice 118 describes a
path comprised of successive substantially semicircular path segments linked by translational path
segments. In accordance with second (Figures 12-15) and third (Figures 16-18) embodiments of the
invention, the discharge orifice path is comprised of successive substantially circular path segments
linked by short translational path segments. Figures 5-10 which primarily illustrate structural details of
the conduit subassembly, are common to all three embodiments. As will be seen hereinafter, the first,
second, and third embodiments differ only in the structural configuration of the front grill 114 and
more particularly the thrust modifier frame (134 in Figure 1) portion thereof.
155/2210
Although the particular dimensions of apparatus 100 may vary considerably, in a typical
embodiment it is contemplated that the housing 110 fit within a six inch diameter wall opening 104
and that the discharge orifice traverse a path comprised of circular (or semicircular) path segments
of about two inch diameter. The path preferably defines a circular travel area having a diameter of
about five inches.
Embodiments having differently shaped and dimensioned travel areas are readily attainable but in
any event, it is preferable that the perpendicular dimensions of the travel area have a ratio no greater
than 4:1.
Attention is now directed to Figures 4-11 which illustrate the structural details of a first embodiment
of the present invention. Specifically, attention is initially directed to Figure 4 which shows the
housing 110 mounted within opening 104 of wall 106. The housing 110 is comprised of a wall 140
defining a tapered cylindrical portion 142. The front end of wall 140 terminates in the outwardly
extending open frame 112 comprised of section 146 and 148 connected by shoulder 150. Shoulder
150 is intended to engage the edge of the tub peripheral wall 106 in the opening 104. Frame section
148 is intended to seal against the front surface of peripheral wall 106.
The cylindrical wall 140 blends into radially extending rear wall 156 which extends to wall 158
defining a short axially extending pipe section. The housing wall further defines a water supply pipe
162 and an air supply pipe 164. The water supply pipe 162 has an open end 166 intended to be
connected to a source of pressurized water, such as electrically powered pump 168 of Figure 3. The
inner end of pipe 162 communicates with a nozzle insert 170 mounted to discharge a water jet along
the axis of the aforementioned pipe section 158. The open end 172 of air pipe 164 can be left open
to the ambient air or can be connected to the discharge side of an optional electrically powered
blower 174, depicted in Figure 3.
The apparatus 100 includes a conduit subassembly 180 (Figures 7-9) intended to be mounted in the
housing 110. The conduit subassembly 180 is comprised of an elongated rigid conduit 116 shaped
to essentially define a tubular supply section 186 having a supply orifice 188, a tubular discharge
section 190 having said discharge orifice 118 and a tubular intermediate section 194 coupling said
supply section to said discharge section. The outer wall surface 198 of the supply section 186 is
spherically shaped to essentially define a ball 199 intended to be mounted for swivel movement
within a socket member 200.
156/2210
The socket member 200 comprises an essentially cylindrical member having a radially extending
flange 202 which is mounted against the inner surface of the housing rear wall portion 156. The
socket member 200 includes a cylindrical wall portion 210 which extends rearwardly from the flange
202 and is located substantially axially in the pipe section 158. An
O-ring 212 is mounted on the exterior surface of the wall portion 210 for sealing against the interior
surface of the pipe section 158. The socket member 200 has a radially inwardly extending lip 218 at
its forward end surrounding an opening 220. An O-ring 224 is mounted on the interior surface of the
lip 218 around the opening 220 and is intended to engage the outer spherical surface 198 of said
supply section ball 199.
A ring 228 (Figure 10) is mounted at the rear end of cylindrical wall 210 and internally
accommodates an O-ring 230. The spaced O-rings 224 and 230, together with wall portion 210,
define a socket 232 within which said conduit ball 199 can swivel. The ball and socket mounting
defines an essentially universal joint enabling the ball 199 to rotate around the axis defined by nozzle
170 and also around first and second (e.g. vertical and horizontal) axes perpendicular to the nozzle
axis.
Figures 4 and 7-9 illustrate a preferred conduit geometry in which the axis of the tubular intermediate
section 194 deviates by an acute angle, e.g. 240, from the axis of the tubular supply section 186 and
the axis of the discharge section 190 deviates by an acute angle, e.g. 240, from the plane defined
by the axes of the supply and intermediate sections. The sections are preferably curved so as to
blend smoothly into one another. Moreover, in order to develop maximum translational thrust on the
discharge end of the conduit 116 the axis of the intermediate section 194 extends along a line
displaced from the center of rotation of ball 199 within socket 232. As will be seen, the center of
rotation can move axially through a limited distance but will always lie along the axis of nozzle
170.This displacement between the intermediate section axis and the center of rotation produces an
enhanced turning moment for translating the discharge end of conduit 116.
The conduit subassembly 180 includes a forwardly projection pivot pin 240 which is mounted
substantially along a projection of the conduit supply section 186 axis. A plurality of drag plates 244,
246, 248, and 250 extend outwardly from the conduit 116 in cruciform fashion with respect to pin 240
as is best depicted in Figure 8.
The pivot pin 240 extends into the central area 252 of thrust modifier frame 134, best depicted in
157/2210
Figures 1, 4, and 11. The thrust modifier frame 134 comprises part of the aforementioned front grill
114 which additionally includes radially extending arms 264. The arms 264 terminate t their free
ends in perpendicularly extending portions 266 and 268. As is best depicted in Figure 4, when the
grill 114 is installed within the housing frame 112, arm portion 266 bears against the front surface of
frame section 146 while portion 268 bears against the inner surface of housing wall 140. By proper
choice of materials and close dimensioning, the grill 114 will be held in place and yet can be readily
manually inserted into and removed from the housing 110 to provide access to the interior of the
housing.
With the front grill 114 mounted on the housing 110 as depicted in Figure 4, the thrust modifier frame
134 will be substantially axially aligned with the axis of jet nozzle 170.
The thrust modifier frame 134 comprises a ring 260 having an inner surface including a plurality of
symmetrically shaped radially inwardly extending spaced projections 268 defining U-shaped
recesses 270 opening toward the center of the ring 260. Each of the recesses 270 is dimensioned so
as to readily axially accommodate the pivot pin 240. With the pivot pin 240 accommodated in a frame
recess 270, the pin 240 will extend along a line deviating by an acute angle, e.g. 130, (Figure 7) from
an extension of the jet nozzle 170 axis.
In the operation of the apparatus 100 as thus far described, consider now that pressurized water is
supplied from pump 168 via pipe 162 to the nozzle 170. The nozzle 170 will discharge a water jet into
a suction cavity 276 (Figure 4) essentially defined by pipe section wall 158, rear ring 228, and
tapered supply orifice 188 to the supply section 186. The water jet discharged at high velocity into
this suction cavity 276 creates a suction which acts to draw air, via air pipe 164, into the cavity 276
for entrainment by the water jet. The resulting water-air stream then flows through conduit 116
thrusting the ball surface 198 forwardly against the O-ring 224.
The stream will then be discharged through discharge orifice 118 below the upper surface 126 of
water pool 128 in a direction having a primary component extending substantially along the conduit
elongation for massaging user 109 and a secondary component substantially perpendicular thereto
for producing a reaction force which acts on the free discharge end of the conduit 116 to produce
both rotational and translational thrust. More specifically, primarily as a consequence of the deviation
of the intermediate section 194 axis from the supply section 186 axis, a translational thrust will be
produced acting to swivel the ball 199 and translate the discharge end of conduit 116, i.e. orifice 118.
Translation of the discharge orifice 118 of course also translates the pivot pin 240 enabling it to move
158/2210
randomly within the confines of thrust modifier frame 134.In addition to the translational thrust
produced on the discharge end of the conduit 116, the conduit discharge end is also rotated around
the axis defined by nozzle 170, primarily attributable to the deviation between the axis of the conduit
discharge section 190 and the plane defined by the axes of conduit sections 186 and 194. The drag
plates 244-250 prevent the conduit from rotating too fast.
As a consequence of these reaction forces acting on the discharge end of the conduit 116, the pivot
pin 240 will move across the open area 252 defined by thrust modifier ring 260, traversing from one
recess 270 to another in a seemingly random unpredictable pattern. That is, after the pin 240
translates across the open area defined by ring 260, it will enter a recess 270 and engage the ring
260 so that the rotational thrust on the conduit discharge end will rotate the discharge end around
the pin 240 through a substantially semicircular arc until the discharge orifice 118 moves to an
orientation enabling the translational thrust to cause the pin 240 to escape from its recess. The pin
will then translate across the ring open area 252 to an opposite recess.Thus, the path described by
the discharge orifice 118 will essentially be comprised of a series of semicircular path segments
linked by translational path segments.
As a consequence of considerable experimentation, using embodiments of the thrust modifier ring
similar to that depicted in Figures 1, 4 and 11, it has been found that the precise path described by
pin 240 and discharge orifice 118 cannot be accurately predicted.
More specifically, in actual development embodiments, the pin 240 was found to move essentially
randomly from one recess to another, sometimes skipping only one or two recesses and sometimes
skipping a much larger number of recesses. In all instances, however, the discharge orifice path was
comprised of essentially semicircular path segments linked by translational path segments. The
inherent randomness or unpredictability of the discharge orifice path using the thrust modifier frame
of Figures 1, 4, and 11, has been found to produce an interesting and pleasing massaging effect
upon the user. It is not entirely clear, however, whether users prefer such unpredictable randomness
or a similar but more predictable discharge orifice path which can be achieved by certain structural
modifications as are depicted in applicants' second embodiment shown in
Figures 12-15.
Attention is now directed to Figures 12-15 which depict an embodiment which differs from the
previously discussed embodiment only in the - structural configuration of the thrust modifier ring
portion of the front grill. That is, whereas the ring 260 of
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Figure 11 included symmetrically shaped radially inwardly extending spaced projections 268
defining
U-shaped recesses 270 opening toward the center of the ring 260, the thrust modifier ring 300 on
front grill 301 of Figures 12-15 includes recesses 302 which open both toward the center of the ring
and toward an adjacent recess. More specifically, with particular reference to Figures 12 and 14,
note that a plurality of spaced identical projections 304 are formed on the inner circumferential
surface of ring 300. A recess 302 is formed between each adjacent pair of projections 304.
Each projection 304 defines a smoothly curved edge 308 which comprises the exit or right side
edge of a recess 302 along which the pivot pin 240 tends to travel in escaping from a recess. Each
projection further includes a hook portion 310 which lies over the left side edge of a recess 302. The
particular geometry of the thrust modifier ring 300 depicted in
Figures 12-15 tends to cause the pivot pin 240 to precess along a path in which it enters each of the
recesses 302 and while in each recess rotates through a substantially full 3600 circle prior to exiting
for the immediately adjacent recess in a counter clockwise direction around ring 300.
In order to better understand the operation of the embodiment of Figures 12-15, attention is directed
to Figure 15 which in five successive snap shot views shows how the pivot pin 240 escapes from a
recess 302 and translates to the next recess moving around ring 300 in a counter clockwise direction
while rotating in a clockwise direction. To lend clarity to the movement of the pin 240 and the path of
movement of the discharge orifice 118, a force arrow 320 is depicted in Figure 15 showing the
primary direction of the translational thrust on the conduit discharge end for the various orientations
of the conduit. That is, as has been previously mentioned, the translational thrust is primarily
attributable to the deviation between the axes of the conduit supply and intermediate sections and
acts in a.radial direction substantially along drag plate 250.The various orientational views of Figure
15 also show force arrows 322 and 324 which depict the rotational thrust tending to rotate the
conduit in a clockwise direction around the axis of nozzle 170. Although the rotational thrust is
actually produced as a reaction to the stream discharged from orifice 118, for simplicity in Figure 15
it is shown as acting on drag plates 244 and 248.
With the foregoing considerations in mind, now consider the orientation of the conduit 116 in Figure
15a wherein the discharge orifice is located at approximately a five o'clock position. With the
translational force acting in the direction of arrow 320, the pin 240 will be retained in recess 302A by
engaging the overlying hook 310. The rotational force represented by arrows 322 and 324 will rotate
the conduit 116 to move the discharge orifice 118 in a clockwise direction toward the seven o'clock
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orientation depicted in Figure 15b. Note that when in the orientation of Figure 15b, translational force
arrow 320 is now acting in a direction tending to move pin 240 out of the recess 302A essentially
along exit edge 308 of the projection 304. The rotational force arrows 322 and 324 continue to act to
rotate the conduit 116 clockwise. The forces depicted in Figure 15b will move the discharge orifice
118 to the ten o'clock position depicted in Figure 15c which shows the pin 240 having escaped from
the recess 302A. When in this position however note that the translational force arrow 320 is acting
in a direction tending to move the pin to the immediately adjacent recess 302B in a counterclockwise
direction around ring 300. The rotational thrust will continue to rotate the conduit clockwise moving
the discharge orifice to the one o'clock position depicted in Figure 15d whereat the pin 240 begins to
enter the recess 302B. The translational and rotational forces then move the pin fully into the recess
302B below the hook portion 310 of the projection 304.Thus the view in Figure 15e is substantially
identical to that in Figure 15a except that the pivot pin 240 has advanced in a counterclockwise
direction along ring 300 from recess 302A to recess 302B. In the course of advancing one recess,
the discharge orifice 118 has described a circular path segment. Thus, as the pivot pin 240
precesses around the thrust modifier ring 300 in a counterclockwise direction, the discharge orifice
118 will describe a path comprised of circular path segments linked by short translational path
segments from recess to recess.
Although the aforedescribed first and second embodiments operate rather well under most
circumstances, it has been observed that the movement of the discharge orifice 118 can become
rather sluggish or even stop when the user leans back tightly against the front grill 114, 301. This is
believed to be because the user's body effectively blocks the free flow of the discharge stream from
the orifice 118 thus creating turbulence around, and back pressure within, the conduit 116 thereby
reducing the energy available to move the conduit discharge section. The front grill embodiment of
Figures 16-18 has been designed to avoid this potential problem.
More specifically, the front grill 400 of
Figures 16-18 is comprised of an outer frame or ring 402 and a concentric inner frame or ring 404
spaced by radially extending arms 406. The inner ring 404 is configured to include axially spaced
forward and rearward ring portions 408, 410 with the rearward portion 410 supporting inwardly
extending projections 412 which are used to modify the thrust on the conduit discharge section, as
previously discussed. The projections 412 are shaped to define undercut recesses 414 and are
substantially identical to projections 304 and recesses 302 of the embodiment of Figures 12-15 and
function in a substantially identical manner.The particular number of projections used on the thrust
modifier ring is an arbitrary design parameter and it is noted that the ring 410 is depicted in Figures
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16-18 as having fewer projections 412 than the ring 300 of Figures 12-15. The use of fewer
projections 412 will, of course, have the effect of slightly lengthening the translational path segments
linking the circular path segments described by the discharge orifice of Figures 16-18 as compared
with the path described in Figures 12-15.
The forward portion 408 of inner ring 404 is axially spaced from the rearward portion 410 by a
plurality of substantially parallel short ribs 416 which are spaced from one another around the
circumference of the ring portions. Three of the ribs 416 are respectively defined by the radially
inward edges of arms 406. The spacing between adjacent ribs 416 defines openings 420 which
enable components of the discharge stream to flow radially in the event a user seals his body against
the ring portion 408. By allowing the stream to escape in this manner, turbulence and back pressure
buildup in and around the conduit, with attendant diminished discharge orifice motion, can be
avoided.In order to even further avoid such diminished discharge orifice motion, note in Figure 18
that the forward ring portion 408 extends axially forward of the outer ring 402 to thereby assentially
prevent the user from sealing his body against the entire outer ring 402.
In use, the front grill 400 is mounted adjacent the inner surface 430 of tub wall 432 in front of the
conduit subassembly 434, as depicted in Figure 18.
The conduit subassembly 434 is mounted within housing 436 which projects rearwardly through wall
opening 438. Although various techniques could be employed for physically mounting the grill 400 in
front of wall opening 438, it is preferred that the grill 400 be mounted to housing flange 440 by a
bayonet-type coupling (not shown).
Figure 3 schematically depicts a typical plumbing installation for embodiments of the present
invention and includes an electric motor driven pump 168 which pulls water from tub 108 via port 350.
The pump 168 then supplies a water stream through a manually variable valve 352 to the nozzle 170
discharging into suction cavity 276. Air is preferably supplied to the cavity 276 via the air pipe 164
and a manually variable valve 354. The inlet side of valve 354 can be open to the ambient air or can
be coupled to the outlet of an optional motor driven blower 174.
It has been observed that when the air supply to the suction cavity 276 is cut off, either intentionally
or inadvertently, the suction created by the water jet discharged from nozzle 170 acts on the conduit
itself which in some configurations increases friction loss and results in sluggish swivel movement.
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In order to avoid this friction build up and resulting sluggishness, embodiments in accordance with
the present invention contemplate that the O-rings 224 and 230 be spaced sufficiently so that the
ball 199 can exhibit limited axial movement in the socket 232.
More specifically, note in Figure 4 and in Figure 13, that the ball 199 is thrust against the forward Oring 224 as a consequence of the water-air stream entering the supply orifice 188. If the air supply
through air pipe 164 is cut off, the resulting suction produced in cavity 276 will pull the ball 199 to the
rearward position against O-ring 230 as depicted in Figure 6.
When the ball 199 is pulled rearwardly, it opens a passageway from the water pool 128 to the suction
cavity 276 via opening 220 around the surface 198 of ball 199 and through slots 360 in rear ring 228.
As a consequence, the suction created by the jet discharged from nozzle 170 will pull pool water into
the suction cavity 276 and thereby relieve the rearward suction against the conduit itself and the
resulting friction buildup. Instead, the suction will entrain the pool water sucked into the cavity 276
and discharge a water stream of lower velocity but greater mass as compared to a stream with
entrained air.
Attention is now directed to Figures 19-25 which illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention.
Although this fourth embodiment is similar to that disclosed in Figure 18, it has been specifically
configured to enable a user to selectively operate it in an air entrainment mode and/or a water
entrainment mode. In the air entrainment mode, air is drawn into the mixing chamber and entrained
by the supplied water jet to discharge a water-air stream. In the water entrainment mode, tub water is
drawn into the mixing chamber and entrained by the supplied water jet. In a fifth embodiment of the
invention depicted in Figures 26-28, the user is not only able to select between an air entrainment
mode and a water entrainment mode, but additionally is able to vary the amount of air and/or water
which is entrained to thus vary the momentum (i.e. perceived intensity) 6 of the stream discharged
from the discharge orifice.Additionally, the embodiment or Figures 26-28 enables the user to vary
the magnitude of the supplied water jet, also for the purpose of varying the intensity of the discharge
stream.
The ability to operate in an air entrainment mode and/or a water entrainment mode as well as the
ability to vary the amounts of entrained air and/or tub water and/or supplied water jet enables the
user to tailor the massaging effect to his particular taste. For example, some users prefer operation in
the air entrainment mode because it produces air bubbles.
163/2210
However, the introduction of air tends to cool the tub water, thus requiring more frequent heater
intervention or the addition of hot water. On the other hand, operation in the tub water entrainment
mode without air entrainment minimizes heat loss and generally reduces noise. Operation in either
mode can produce a discharge stream of sufficient intensity to create the same pleasing massage
effect.
With continuing reference to figures 19-24, a travelling discharge hydrotherapy apparatus 500 is
disclosed generally comprised of an aerator body 501, an outer housing 502, an inner housing 503,
and a front grill 504. The apparatus 500 is intended to be mounted in an opening 505 behind the
peripheral wall 506 of a water tub.
The housing 502 has a generally conical forward portion 510 and a cylindrical rearward portion 511.
The conical portion 510 terminates at its forward end in circumferential flange 512. The rearward face
514 of flange 512 is intended to bear against the interior face of tub wall 506. The housing 502
includes an externally threaded collar 516 which extends rearwardly from the flange 512. A nut 518
is threaded on the collar 516 to sandwich a sealing gasket 520 against the rear face of tub wall 506
and retain the housing 502 behind the wall opening 505.
The aerator body 501 includes a water supply nipple 520 and an air supply nipple 522. That is,
nipple 520 is intended to be coupled to a water supply manifold (not shown) which is supplied with
water under pressure, e.g. tap water or water from an electrically driven pump in the manner
depicted in
Figure 3. The air supply nipple 522 is likewise intended to be connected to an air supply manifold
(not shown) which is supplied with air as depicted in
Figure 3.
The water supply nipple 520 opens via passage 524 to a nozzle 526. Thus, water supplied to the
nipple 520 will flow via passage 524 to the nozzle inlet 528 to discharge a water jet at the nozzle
outlet 530 into a mixing cavity or chamber 532. The air supply nipple 522 is coupled via air passage
534 and air port 535 to the mixing chamber 532. As will be discussed hereinafter, the embodiment of
Figures 19-24 incorporates a valve means for controlling the air flow between port 535 and mixing
chamber 532. As will also be discussed hereinafter, the embodiment of
Figures 19-24 also incorporates valve means for controlling the flow of tub water from the pool, i.e.
164/2210
via interior space 542, into the chamber 532.
In the embodiment of Figures 19-24, the valve means for both the air entrainment passageway,
incorporated between the port 535 and the chamber 532, and the tub water entrainment
passageway, incorporated between the interior space 542 and the chamber 532, is formed by the
specially configured inner housing 503.
The inner housing 503 is basically comprised of a forwardly located conical portion 552, an
intermediate ring 553, an intermediate cylindrical portion 554, and a rearwardly located cylindrical
portion 556.
As is depicted in Figure 19, the inner housing 503 is intended to nest within the outer housing 502
with the inner housing conical portion 552 fitting within the outer housing conical portion 510.
Similarly, the inner housing intermediate portion 554 fits within the outer housing cylindrical portion
511.
The inner housing 503 is mounted so as to be able to rotate through a limited arc, e.g. 600 with
respect to the fixedly mounted outer housing 502. The inner housing is retained within the outer
housing 502 by the front grill 504, of the type previously discussed in connection with Figure 18,
which is fixed, as by a bayonet coupling 558, 560 to the outer housing flange 512 adjacent the tub
peripheral wall 506. Note that the front grill 504 includes a ring 562 which is positioned immediately
forward of the front edge 564 of the inner housing 503 to thus axially retain the inner housing within
the outer housing 502.
The valve means for the tub water entrainment passageway, i.e. from interior space 542 to chamber
532, is formed by circumferentially spaced slots 566 in ring 553 which are separated by
circumferentially spaced tabs 568. These slots 566 and tabs 568 cooperate with a water entrainment
passageway formed by fixedly positioned axially extending circumferentially spaced slots 570 on the
inner surface of outer housing cylindrical portion 511. That is, when an inner housing slot 566 is
aligned with an outer housing slot 570, then tub water can pass from the interior space 542 through
the slots 566, 570, then through the torsidal space 571 and the slots 572 in the inner housing
cylindrical portion 556, into the mixing chamber 532.Thus, for a rotational position of the inner
housing 503 such that a slot 566 is aligned with a slot 570, tub water will be pulled into the chamber
165/2210
532 by the suction produced therein by the water jet discharged from nozzle 526. On the other hand,
such tub water entrainment will be blocked by rotating the inner housing 503 to a position such that
the tabs 568 are aligned with the water entrainment slots 570.
Rotation of the inner housing 503 also controls the valving of the air entrainment passageway from
air port 535 to the mixing chamber 532. This action is controlled by an air slot 580 formed in the wall
of inner housing cylindrical portion 556. That is, only when the air slot 580 is aligned with the air port
535 can air flow from the air supply nipple 522 to the mixing chamber 532.
In order to retain the inner housing 503 at a desired rotational position, the outer housing 502 is
provided with a rack of teeth 584 defining shallow recesses 586 therebetween. The teeth 584 extend
along an inner circumferential surface proximate to the forward end of the outer housing 502. The
inner housing 503 is provided with a flexible finger 587 having a protuberance 588 which is
dimensioned to be received within a recess 586. The finger 587 may be formed integral with the
inner housing conical portion 552 but is characterized by being able to flex slightly with respect to
the main body of conical portion 552. A lift tab 592 is formed on finger 587 for enabling a user to
readily disengage the protuberance 588 from a recess 586. With the protuberance 588 thus
disengaged, the user can rotate the inner housing 503 relative to the outer housing 502 to thus
progressively vary the valve openings in the air entrainment and water entrainment passageways.
By releasing the tab 592, the protuberance 588 can engage in a recess 586 to detent the
innerhousing 503 relative to outer housing 502. Note that the tooth rack 584 is provided with stops
596 and 598 which limit the angular rotation of the inner housing 503.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 19-24, it i intended that the inner housing can be rotated
through a total of 60 degrees to vary both air entrainment and water entrainment.
Attention is now directed to the following table and Figures 25a, 25b, and 25c which depict the
operation of the embodiment of Figures 19-25 for various angles of rotation of the inner housing 503.
TABLE I
Rotation Water Water Air Discharge
Angle Entrain Supply Entrain Mcr=tum
AIR 0 (stop) CLOSED OPEN OPEN +4
ENTRAIN.
166/2210
MODE
350 PARTIAL OPEN PPAI; +4
E5MIN.
NDDE 600 (SloP) OPEN OPEN CESSED +4
An arbitrary scale (0-4) has been used in Table I to represent the relative magnitude of the discharge
stream momentum.
Note that at the arbitrarily defined zero degree rotational position (Figure 25a), the air entrainment
path from air port 535 through air slot 580 to chamber 532 is open and the water entrainment path is
closed as a consequence of tabs 568 blocking the water entrainment passageway slots 570.
Figure 25b shows the valve configuration after the inner housing 503 has been rotated clockwise
through 350. Note that at this position, the air entrainment path is now only partially open as the air
slot 580 has moved partially out of alignment with the air port 532. Note also that at this 350
rotational position, the water entrainment path has become partially open as the slots 566 on the
inner housing 503 have moved into partial alignment with the fixed slots 570 on the outer housing
portion 511.
Figure 25c shows the valve configuration at a 600 rotational position whereat the water entrainment
path is entirely open and the air entrainment path is entirely closed.
The remaining structural aspects of the apparatus 500 of Figures 19-25 are similar to those
discussed in connection with the prior embodiments.
Thus, apparatus 500 additionally includes a conduit 600 having an exterior ball surface 602 formed
on one end thereof. The ball surface is mounted for swivel movement within a socket 604 defined by
the interior surface of the inner housing cylindrical portion 554 and by a thrust nut 606. In contrast to
the embodiment depicted in Figures 4 and 6 wherein the ball was permitted to move axially to open a
passageway for tub water entrainment, in the embodiment of Figures 19-25, the ball 602 need not be
mounted for axial movement because tub water entrainment is permitted, as has been previously
discussed, via the slots 566 and 570.
167/2210
The ball 602 is mounted within the socket 604 so as to substantially align the conduit supply orifice
608 with the discharge axis of nozzle outlet 530. The conduit 600 is shaped substantially identically
to that previously described in Figures 7, 8, 9, having a supply section, an intermediate section, and
a discharge section, terminating in a discharge orifice 610. Also, as previously described, the
conduit 600 has a pivot pin 612 projecting forwardly therefrom substantially aligned with the axis of
nozzle 526. In operation, the stream discharged from orifice 610 will have a primary massage
component extending substantially parallel to the elongation of the conduit 600.Additionally,
however, the direction of the stream discharge will have a lateral component for producing a thrust
force on the discharge end cf .he conduit 600 to cause the discharge orifice to traverse a
substantially random path as the pin 612 moves from recess to recess within the front grill 504. The
movement of the conduit 600 of Figures 19-24 is the same as is depicted in Figures 15a-15e.
In use, the apparatus 500 of Figures 19-25 will operate in the same manner as was previously
described for the prior embodiments. However, with the apparatus 500, the user will be able to select
whether the apparatus is to operate in the air entrainment mode or the water entrainment mode. An
exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 500 is dimensioned such that the discharge stream, for any
rotational angle of the inner housing, has an essentially constant discharge momentum, as indicated
in the foregoing table I.
Attention is now directed to Figures 26 and 27 which illustrate a still further embodiment 700 of the
invention. The apparatus 700 of Figures 26, 27 is similar to the apparatus 500 of Figures 19-25
except that the apparatus 700 is configured to afford the user greater control over characteristics of
the discharge stream. Specifically, in the apparatus 700, the user is able to readily control the
amount of air entrainment and/or water entrainment and/or supplied water jet to thereby vary the
momentum of the discharge stream. Table II below summarizes the operation of the apparatus 700
for various degrees of rotational position of the inner housing over a range from 00 (air entrainment
open, water entrainment closed) to 750 (air entrainment closed, water entrainment open).Note from
Table II that as the inner housing is rotated from a 0 - to a 350 position, the water supply jet is
gradually closed to reduce the momentum of the discharge stream. From an angle of about 400to
750, the water supply jet is gradually opened to increase the momentum of the discharge stream.
Thus, as will be seen, in the apparatus 700, the user is able to vary the momentum of the discharge
stream while operating either in the air entrainment mode (approximately 00 to 350) or in the water
entrainment mode (approximately 400 to 75o).
TABLE II
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Rogation Water Water Air Discharge
Angle Entrain Supply Entrain Momentum
AIR o (stop) CUEED OPEN OPEN +4
ENTRAIN. : : : 350 CLOSED SMALL CLESED TRIER 40 SMALL SMALL zrqFn SMALL
ENTRAIN.
MODE (STOP) OPEN OPEN CLOSED +4
The apparatus 700 is comprised of an aerator body 701, an outer housing 702, an inner housing 703,
and a front grill 704. The grill 704 is identical to the grill 504 of apparatus 500. The outer housing 702
is identical to the outer housing 502 of apparatus 500 except that the tooth rack 705 is dimensioned
to permit rotation of the inner housing 703 through 750. Most significantly, the apparatus 700 differs
from the apparatus 500 in that the inner housing 703 and aerator body 701 are configured to control
the magnitude of the supplied water jet.
More specifically, note in Figures 26 and 27 that the inner housing 703 is provided with an
additional rearwardly extending cylindrical section 708 having first and second circumferentially
spaced water supply openings 709A, 709B formed therein.
As is depicted in Figures 26 and 27, when the inner housing 703 is nested within the outer housing
702, the cylindrical section 708 extends rearwardly beyond the outer housing 702 into an internal
chamber 712 of the aerator body 701. When the inner housing 703 is properly seated in outer
housing 702, the water supply openings 709 align axially with a port 714 fixedly formed in the water
supply nipple 716. When an opening 709 is rotationally aligned with port 714, pressurized water
supplied to the nipple 716 can flow through port 714 and then through an opening 709 into chamber
718. Chamber 718 communicates with a nozzle 720 which, in contrast to the apparatus 500, is
formed as part of the structure of the inner housing 703.
Pressurized water supplied to the nozzle 720 will be discharged into mixing chamber 722,
corresponding to the aforementioned mixing chamber 532 of apparatus 500. Note in Figures 26 and
27 that an O-ring 724 is preferably provided around cylindrical section 708 to prevent water leakage
therepast from water supply port 714 into the mixing chamber 722.
Attention is now directed to Figures 28a, 28b, and 28c which schematically depict the operation of
the apparatus 700 for various degrees of rotation of the inner housing 703 relative to the outer
housing 702. For a 00 rotation (Figure 28a), note that the water entrainment path is closed as a
169/2210
consequence of inner housing tabs 730 blocking outer housing slots 732. At 00, the air entrainment
passageway is open as a consequence of the inner housing air orifice 740 aligning itself with the
aerator body air port 742.
The air orifice 740 is preferably tear drop shaped so that as it sweeps past air port 742 (Figure 28a),
it can gradually open or close the air entrainment passageway. Figure 28a also depicts the
relationship between the movable water supply opening 709A and the fixed water supply port 714 at
00. That is, at 00 the high pressure water supply path from nipple 716 to nozzle 720 will be fully open.
It should, of course, be appreciated that the schematic representation of
Figure 28a corresponds to the 00 entry in the foregoing Table II.
As the inner housing 703 is rotated clockwise by 350 from the position of Figure 28a to the position
of Figure 28b, note that the water entrainment path will remain closed, the air entrainment path will
move from fully open to closed, and the high pressure water path will move from fully open to almost
closed. It is as a consequence of this variability that the user is able to vary the momentum of the
discharge stream, as represented in Table II, while continuing to operate in the air entrainment mode.
Rotational movement through another 400 to the 750 position represented in Figure 28c opens the
water entrainment passageway as the inner housing slots 748 move into alignment with the outer
housing slots 732. Thus from approximately 350 to 750, the water entrainment passageway
gradually opens.During this movement, the air entrainment passageway remains closed as is
depicted in Figure 28c. However, during this movement from the 350 position (Figure 28b) to the 750
position (Figure 28c), the high pressure water supply gradually opens as the second water orifice
709b moves into alignment with the high pressure water supply port 714.
Except for the users greater ability to control the characteristics of the discharge stream, the
apparatus 700 will operate similarly to the apparatus 500 of Figures 19-25. Thus, the conduit
discharge orifice 750 will describe a substantially random path as the pin 752 moves from recess to
recess in the front grill 704.
From the foregoing, it should now be recognized that several travelling discharge hydrotherapy
embodiments have been disclosed herein for discharging a stream for impacting against a user
while concurrently causing the stream discharge orifice to move along a path defining an area
oriented substantially perpendicular to the primary direction of stream discharge. In the
embodiments disclosed herein the travel path is characterized by a series of small circular or
semicircular path segments linked by translational path segments with the discharge orifice moving
170/2210
along the path attributable to reaction forces produced by the discharged stream. It is pointed out
that although several aspects of the foregoing invention have been disclosed in travelling discharge
hydrotherapy embodiments in which the discharge orifice moves along a somewhat random path,
certain features are well adapted for use in other hydrotherapy embodiments in which, for example,
the discharge orifice is guided along a specifically defined path, of the type, for example, disclosed
in applicants' prior patent 4,692,950. That is, the valving arrangements shown in the embodiments of
Figures 19-25 and Figures 26, 27 of this application also find utility in travelling hydrotherapy
embodiments in which the discharge orifice movement is restricted to a specifically defined path.
Claims:
CLAIMS
1. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against and
massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising:
supply means including a cavity and means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis into
said cavity for creating a suction therein;
an elongated rigid conduit including a tubular supply section having a supply orifice and a tubular
discharge section having a discharge orifice;
means mounting said conduit with said supply orifice opening to said cavity whereby water supplied
from said jet will flow through said conduit to said discharge orifice;
said discharge orifice being oriented to discharge a water stream having a primary massage
component extending substantially in the direction of said conduit elongation and a secondary thrust
component extending substantially perpendicular to said conduit elongation;;
said mounting means including swivel means supporting said conduit supply section for rotation
about the axis of said supply section and about vertical and horizontal axes oriented perpendicular
to said supply section axis whereby said discharge orifice can translate along a random path
describing a substantially planar area; and
passageway means for drawing water from outside said conduit into said cavity to mitigate the effect
of said suction on said conduit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said supply means further includes means for supplying air to
said cavity.
171/2210
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit further includes a tubular intermediate section
coupling said supply section to said discharge section; and wherein
the axis of said intermediate section deviates by an acute angle from the axis of said supply section.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the axis of said discharge section deviates by an acute angle
from the plane defined by the axes of said supply and intermediate sections whereby said water
stream secondary thrust component produces a force on said discharge section acting to translate
said discharge orifice across said area and rotate said conduit supply section around its axis.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said swivel means defines a center of rotation; and wherein
the projection of said intermediate section axis is displaced from said center of rotation.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 in combination with a water tub having a peripheral wall;
means mounting said apparatus in a first opening in said peripheral wall with said conduit oriented
so that water discharged through said discharge orifice flows into said tub.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 including a second opening in said peripheral wall;
pump means having a suction side and a pressure side; and
means coupling said pump means suction side to said second opening and said pressure side to
said means for discharging said water jet into said cavity.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit is mounted for reciprocal movement substantially
along said conduit supply section axis between forward and rearward positions; and including
means for sealing said passageway means when said conduit is in said forward position and
opening said passageway means when said conduit is in said rearward position.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 including thrust modifier means for reorienting said conduit to redirect
said thrust component in response to said discharge orifice approaching a boundary of said area.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said thrust modifier means includes:
a pin extending from said conduit substantially along a projection of said supply section axis so as
to be laterally displaced from said discharge section; and
means associated with said area boundary for pivoting said discharge orifice around said pin.
172/2210
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said thrust modifier means further includes:
a frame defining a plurality of open recesses for temporarily receiving said pin to cause said thrust
component to pivot said discharge orifice around said pin and redirect the movement of said
discharge orifice across said area.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said frame is circular and wherein said recesses open toward
the center of said circular frame.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said frame is circular and wherein each of said recesses
opens toward the center of said frame and toward an adjacent recess.
14. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against and
massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising:
supply means including a cavity and means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis into
said cavity for creating a suction therein;
an elongated rigid conduit including a tubular supply section having a supply orifice and a tubular
discharge section having a discharge orifice;;
means mounting said conduit with said supply orifice opening to said cavity whereby water supplied
from said jet will flow through said conduit to said discharge orifice, said mounting means including
swivel means supporting said conduit supply section for rotation about the axis of said supply
section and about vertical and horizontal axes oriented perpendicular to said supply section axis
whereby said discharge orifice can translate along a random path describing a substantially planar
area;;
said discharge orifice being oriented to discharge a water stream having a primary massage
component extending substantially in the direction of said conduit elongation for impacting against
said user's body and a secondary thrust component extending substantially perpendicular to said
conduit elongation for producing a force on said discharge section acting to translate said discharge
orifice across said area and rotate said conduit supply section around its axis; and;
thrust modifier means for reorienting said conduit to redirect said thrust component in response to
said discharge orifice approaching a boundary of said area, said thrust modifier means including:
a pin extending from said conduit substantially
along a projection of said supply section axis
so as to be laterally displaced from said
discharge section;
a frame having a series of recesses formed
173/2210
therealong, each recess opening toward the
center of said frame and an adjacent recess; and
means mounting said frame substantially
contiguous with said planar area whereby when
said pin moves into a recess to engage said
frame, said thrust component will pivot said
discharge orifice around said pin to redirect
the movement of said pin toward said adjacent
recess.
15. The apparatus of claim 14 in combination with a water tub having a peripheral wall;
means mounting said apparatus in a first opening in said peripheral wall with said conduit oriented
so that water discharged through said discharge orifice flows into said tub.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 including a second opening in said peripheral wall;
pump means having a suction side and a pressure side; and
means coupling said pump means suction side to said second opening and said pressure side to
said means for discharging said water jet into said cavity.
17. The apparatus of claim 14 further including passageway means for drawing water from outside
said conduit into said cavity to mitigate the effect of said suction on said conduit.
18. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said conduit further includes a tubular intermediate section
coupling said supply section to said discharge section; and wherein
the - axis of said intermediate section deviates by an acute angle from the axis of said supply
section.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the axis of said discharge section deviates by an acute angle
from the plane defined by the axes of said supply and intermediate sections.
20. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said supply means further includes means for supplying air to
said cavity.
21. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a water stream beneath the surface of a water pool
while concurrently translating the stream along a path describing an area, said apparatus including:
174/2210
an elongated rigid conduit having a tubular supply section defining a supply orifice, a tubular
discharge section defining a discharge orifice, and a tubular intermediate section coupling said
supply section to said discharge section;
said intermediate section having an axis deviating by an acute angle from the axis of said supply
section;
said discharge section having an axis deviating by an acute angle from the plane defined by the
axes of said supply and intermediate sections;
mounting means formed on said conduit defining a center of rotation proximate to said supply orifice
for swivelling said conduit about said center of rotation; and wherein
the projection of said intermediate section axis is displaced from said center of rotation.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 further including at least one drag plate extending substantially from
said supply section axis.
23. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said mounting means includes an exterior spherical surface
formed on said supply section.
24. The apparatus of claim 21 further including a pin extending from said conduit substantially along
a projection of said supply section axis so as to be spaced from said discharge section.
25. A method of massaging a user's body in a water tub having a peripheral wall, said method
comprising the steps of:
supplying a water stream;
discharging said water stream into said tub through an opening in an area of said wall such that said
discharged stream has a primary component extending substantially perpendicular to said wall area
for impacting against said user's body and a secondary component extending substantially parallel
to said wall area for producing a thrust in a direction substantially parallel to said wall area; and
sequentially directing said secondary component in different directions to move said stream along a
path extending substantially parallel to said wall area and comprised of a series of small circles
successively spaced from one another.
26. The apparatus of claim 10 including a front grill mounted substantially parallel to said planar
area; and wherein
said means for pivoting said discharge orifice around said pin includes an open central frame
formed in said grill, said central frame defining a plurality of open recesses for temporarily receiving
175/2210
said pin to cause said thrust component to pivot said discharge orifice around said pin and redirect
the movement of said discharge orifice across said area.
27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said central frame includes a plurality of openings extending
radially therethrough.
28. The apparatus of claim 10 including a substantially planar front grill comprising an outer frame
and an inner frame;
means mounting said front grill substantially perpendicular to said defined axis forward of said
conduit discharge orifice; and wherein
-said means for pivoting said discharge orifice around said pin comprises a plurality of open
recesses spaced along the periphery of said inner frame for temporarily receiving said pin to cause
said thrust component to pivot said discharge orifice around said pin and redirect the movement of
said discharge orifice across said area.
29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said frame includes a plurality of openings extending radially
therethrough.
30. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said inner frame extends axially forward of said outer frame.
31. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said frame includes a plurality of openings extending radially
therethrough.
32. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said means mounting said frame comprises a substantially
planar front grill including an outer peripheral member surrounding said frame and structurally
attached thereto, said frame projecting forwardly of said peripheral member to prevent said user's
body from sealing against said peripheral member.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein said frame includes a plurality of openings extending radially
therethrough.
34. The apparatus of claim 1 further including control means for varying the flow of water through
said passageway means.
176/2210
35. The apparatus of claim 2 further including control means for varying the flow of water and/or air
to said cavity.
36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said control means includes valve means mounted for
movement from a first to a second position, said valve means operable to progressively close down
said water flow and open said air flow to said cavity while moving from said first to said second
position.
37. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said control means further includes means for varying the
flow of said water jet into said cavity.
38. Hydrotherapy apparatus suitable for mounting in an opening of a water tub peripheral wall for
discharging a water stream into said tub for impacting against a user's body, said apparatus
including:
housing means defining a mixing chamber;
means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis into said chamber for creating a suction
therein;
conduit means having an inlet orifice at a first end and a discharge orifice at a second end;
means mounting said conduit means proximate to said first end with said inlet orifice open to said
mixing chamber and substantially aligned with said water jet axis, said mounting means permitting
said discharge orifice to travel along a path defining an area;
means producing a force for moving said discharge orifice along said path;;
water entrainment passageway means for passing water from said tub into said chamber, drawn by
said suction, for entrainment by said water jet; and
control means for varying the flow of water through said passageway means.
39. The apparatus of claim 38 further including:
air entrainment passageway means coupling an-air source to said chamber for passing air from
said source into said chamber, drawn by said suction, for entrainment by said water jet; and wherein
said control means includes means for varying the flow of air through said air entrainment
passageway means.
40. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said control means includes means for varying the flow from
said water jet into said chamber.
177/2210
41. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said control means includes means for varying the flow from
said water jet into said chamber.
42. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said means for discharging said water jet includes
a nozzle fixedly mounted proximate to said chamber; and
electrically driven pump means for drawing water from said tub for discharge through said nozzle.
43. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said control means includes:
a valve member mounted for movement from a first to a second position for closing down said
passageway means.
44. The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said control means further includes:
a control member for manual movement by a user in said tub; and
means coupling said control member to said valve member.
45. The apparatus of claim 39 wherein said control means includes valve means mounted for
movement from a first to a second position, said valve means operable to progressively close down
said water passageway means while concurrently opening up said air passageway means while
moving from said first to said second position.
46. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein said control means includes valve means mounted for
movement from a first to a second position, said valve means operable to concurrently progressively
close down said water passageway means, open said air passageway means, and vary said flow
from said water jet while moving from said first to said second position.
47. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said conduit means comprises an elongated rigid conduit;
and wherein
said discharge orifice is oriented to discharge a water stream having a primary massage component
extending substantially in the direction of said conduit elongation and a secondary thrust component
extending substantially perpendicular to said conduit elongation for thrusting said discharge orifice
along said path.
48. Hydrotherapy apparatus suitable for mounting in an opening of a water tub peripheral wall for
discharging a water stream into said tub for impacting against a user's body, said apparatus
including:
178/2210
housing means defining a mixing chamber;
means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis into said chamber for creating a suction
therein;
conduit means having an inlet orifice at a first end and a discharge orifice at a second end;
means mounting said conduit means proximate to said first end with said inlet orifice open to said
mixing chamber and substantially aligned with said water jet axis, said mounting means permitting
said discharge orifice to travel along a path defining an area;
means producing a force for moving said discharge orifice along said path;;
said housing including air entrainment passageway means coupling an air source to said chamber
for passing air from said source into said chamber, drawn by said suction, for entrainment by said
water jet; and
control means for varying the flow of of air through said passageway means.
49. Hydrotherapy apparatus suitable for mounting in an opening of a water tub peripheral wall for
discharging a water stream into said tub for impacting against a user's body, aid apparatus including:
housing means defining a mixing chamber;
means for discharging a water jet along a defined axis into said chamber for creating a suction
therein;
conduit means having an inlet orifice at a first end and a discharge orifice a a second end;
means mounting said conduit means proximate to said first end with said inlet orifice open to said
mixing chamber and substantially aligned with said water jet axis, said mounting means permitting
said discharge orifice to travel along a path defining an area;
means producing a force for moving said discharge orifice along said path; and
control means in said housing for varying the flow from said water jet into said chamber.
50. In combination:
a tub for containing a water pool, said tub having a peripheral wall including a discharge opening
and a water return opening formed therein;
a housing mounted in alignment with said discharge opening, said housing defining a mixing
chamber and including nozzle means for supplying a water jet along a defined axis into said
chamber for creating a suction therein;
conduit means having an inlet orifice at a first end and a discharge orifice at a second end;
means mounting said conduit means proximate to said first end with said inlet orifice open to said
mixing chamber and substantially aligned with said water jet axis, said mounting means permitting
said discharge orifice to travel along a path defining an area;
179/2210
means producing a force for moving said discharge orifice along said path::
first passageway means open to said water pool and communicating with said chamber for passing
water from said pool into said chamber, drawn by said suction, for entrainment by said water jet;
second passageway means open to a source of air and communicating with said chamber for
passing air, drawn by said suction, for entrainment by said water jet;
first valve means for varying the flow of water through said first passageway means;
second valve means for varying the flow of air through said second passageway means; and
manually operable control means for controlling said first and second valve means.
51. The combination of claim 50 further including:
electrically driven pump means having an inlet side coupled to said water return opening and an
outlet side coupled to said nozzle means for drawing tub pool water and supplying pressurized water
to said nozzle means.
52. The combination of claim 50 wherein said control means comprises a single control member
mounted for rotation; and
means coupling said control member to said first and second valve means.
53. The combination of claim 50 including third valve means for varying the magnitude of said
supplied water jet.
54. The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said conduit means comprises an elongated rigid conduit;
and wherein
said discharge orifice is oriented to discharge a water stream having a primary massage component
extending substantially in the direction of said conduit elongation and a secondary thrust component
extending substantially perpendicular to said conduit elongation for thrusting said discharge orifice
along said path.
180/2210
17. CA1304641 - 07.07.1992
ADJUSTABLE AIR AND WATER ENTRAINMENT HYDROTHERAPY JET ASSEMBLY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA1304641
Inventor(s):
HENKIN MELVYN L (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
Applicant(s):
HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; E03C
IP Class:
A61H33/02; E03C1/02
Application Number:
CA19890594193 (19890320)
Priority Number: US19880170718 (19880321)
Family: CA1304641
181/2210
18. CA2175280 - 30.10.1997
HYDROTHERAPY NOZZLE ASSEMBLY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA2175280
Inventor(s):
JOHNSON DWIGHT N (US)
Applicant(s):
AMERICAN STANDARD INC (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
Application Number:
CA19962175280 (19960429)
Priority Number: CA19962175280 (19960429)
Family: CA2175280
Abstract:
A NOZZLE ASSEMBLY INCLUDES A HOUSING WITH A MOUNTING FLANGE, A CAVITY, AND A
SKIRT EXTENDING FROM THE FLANGE TO THE CAVITY. WATER AND AIR SUPPLY PORTS
COMMUNICATE WITH THE CAVITY AND A SOCKET RING DIVIDES THE CAVITY INTO WATER AND
AIR SUPPLY REGIONS. A DISCHARGE BALL ASSEMBLY INCLUDES A BALL PIVOTALLY
RECEIVED IN THE SOCKET AND A DISCHARGE NOZZLE. A BEZEL HAS A LIP COVERING THE
MOUNTING FLANGE, A SKIRT COVERING THE HOUSING SKIRT AND SURROUNDING THE
DISCHARGE NOZZLE AND AN END PORTION RETAINING THE BALL IN THE SOCKET. WATER
AND AIR FLOWS ARE CONTROLLED BY A VALVE MEMBER WITHIN THE BALL, AND AN
ADDITIONAL WATER PATH PROVIDES CONTINUOUS FLOW TO AN EJECTOR ORIFICE LEADING
TO A MIXING REGION WHERE AIR IS ENTRAINED IN THE WATER FLOW. THE DISCHARGE
NOZZLE ROTATES TO CONTROL THE VALVE MEMBER BUT DOES NOT MOVE AXIALLY. A CLAMP
MEMBER IS DRAWN BY FASTENERS AGAINST THE TUB SURFACE OPPOSITE TO THE MOUNTING
FLANGE, AND THE HOUSING CAN BE MOUNTED IN DIFFERENT POSITIONS. IN EACH
MOUNTING POSITION, DRAIN PATHS IN THE SOCKET, THE HOUSING SKIRT AND THE BEZEL LIP
182/2210
ARE ALIGNED AT THE LOWERMOST PART OF THE ASSEMBLY TO DRAIN WATER FROM THE
ASSEMBLY AFTER USE.
183/2210
19. CA2340285 - 23.04.2002
SUBMERSIBLE FOOT MASSAGER FOR USE IN HYDROTHERAPY HOT TUBS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA2340285
Inventor(s):
ELNAR JOSEPH G (US)
Applicant(s):
ELNAR JOSEPH G (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00
Application Number:
CA20012340285 (20010309)
Priority Number: US20000692808 (20001023)
Family: CA2340285
Abstract:
A FOOT MASSAGING SYSTEM FOR USE IN A HYDROTHERAPY HOT TUB BY A BATHER AND
HAVING A SUBMERSIBLE MASSAGER UNIT WHICH PROVIDES AN UNDULATING MASSAGING
MOTION TO THE SOLES OF THE BATHER'S FEET WHEN A FLUID FLOW PASSES THROUGH A
TURBINE DRIVE. A FLUID PUMP PROVIDES THE FLUID FLOW TO THE SUBMERSIBLE MASSAGER
UNIT VIA AN INLET HOSE CONNECTING TO THE TURBINE DRIVE. IN ONE EMBODIMENT, THE
MASSAGER UNIT IS MAINTAINED ALONG AN UNDERWATER SURFACE OF THE HYDROTHERAPY
HOT TUB BY USING THE FLUID PUMP TO CREATE A SUCTION ALONG THE UNDERSIDE OF THE
MASSAGER UNIT. FURTHERMORE, THE FLUID PUMP MAY SIMULTANEOUSLY BE USED TO
ASSIST IN THE ROTATION OF THE TURBINE DRIVE FOR IMPARTING THE MASSAGE.
184/2210
20. CA953051 - 14.03.1972
HYDROTHERAPY TANK LINER AND METHOD OF GIVING HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENTS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CA953051
Inventor(s):
MILLER ROBERT C (--); MILLER CARL K (--)
Applicant(s):
BORG WARNER (--)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00
E Class: A61H33/02B
Application Number:
USD3648690 (19700218)
Priority Number: US19700012216 (19700218)
Family: CA953051
Equivalent:
DE2107235; FR2078772; GB1342118
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPY TANK LINER OF A PLASTIC FILM IS PROVIDED WITH LONGITUDINAL
CONDUITS FOR CONNECTION WITH A SOURCE OF PRESSURIZED AND/OR PULSATING GAS.
WHEN USED, THE LINER IS PLACED IN A HYDROTHERAPY TANK AND FILLED WITH THE
TREATING LIQUID. HOLES ARE PUNCHED OR OPENED IN THE CONDUITS FOR PASSAGE OF
THE GAS THERETHROUGH TO AGITATE THE LIQUID CLOSELY ADJACENT THERETO. THE
LOCATION OF THE HOLES IS SELECTED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF THE
PATIENT.Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
185/2210
Generally, hydrotherapy treatments are given to patients by agitating hydrotherapy liquid in which
the patient is at least partially immersed. The liquid may be warm water and can be agitated by
passing a gas, such as air, therethrough. In the past, a pad or the like having one or more conduits
with a series of holes along the length thereof and generally evenly spaced there along is immersed
in the hydrotherapy tank prior to putting the patient therein. The conduit or conduits are connected to
an air source whereby the hydrotherapy liquid is agitated by passing air through the holes.
According to the invention herein to be described a disposable plastic film with conduits adhered
thereto or formed integrally therewith is placed in a hydrotherapy tank so as to form a liner for the
tank. The conduits are connected to a source of pressurized and perhaps pulsating gas and the tank
is filled with the hydrotherapy liquid, as for example warm water. The hydrotherapist places the
patient in the tank and then selects where and only where agitation of the liquid is desirable, such
selection being based upon the needs of the patient. The hydrotherapist then selectively punches or
opens holes in the conduits, so that the air can pass therethrough and agitate the hydrotherapy liquid
adjacent to the hole or holes. After the hydrotherapy treatment an opening is made in the liner at the
location of the tank drain, so that the liquid can flow through the drain and be disposed of. The
plastic film liner is then removed from the hydrotherapy tank and is disposed of. This insures a
sanitary hydrotherapy bath for each patient and eliminates the necessity of sterilizing the
hydrotherapy tank for each patient.
THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydrotherapy tank with a liner made according to this invention
therein, illustrating the conduits connected to a source of pressurized gas;
FIG. 2 is a sectional taken on line 2--2 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view of another embodiment of the invention.
THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The drawings illustrate a hydrotherapy tank 10 having a drain 12 for the passage of waste liquid
therethrough. A liner 14 constructed of a plastic film and having longitudinal conduits 16 and 18,
186/2210
each closed at one terminal end 20 and 22 respectively covers the interior of the tank 10. The
conduits 16 and 18 are joined at the other end, in a connection 24 which is connected to a source of
pressurized and perhaps pulsating gas, such as a pump 26.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the longitudinal conduits 28 and 30 of the liner 32 are
provided with a plurality of openings 34 spaced along their lengths which are covered by a pressure
sensitive cover 36. To use, selected portions of the tape cover 36 are removed to expose the desired
openings 34.
OPERATION
The liner 14 is placed over the tank 10 and the conduits are joined to the pump 26. The liner is filled
with hydrotherapy liquid and a patient is placed therein. The hydrotherapist selects the zone or zones
in which agitation of the liquid is desired depending upon the requirements and needs of the patient.
Holes are punched or opened at the selected locations by any suitable punching means, such as a
common paper punch, or probe or a pressure sensitive cover is removed from selected pre-formed
openings. The pressurized and perhaps pulsating gas flows through the holes and agitates the liquid
adjacent thereto. After the treatment, the pump is inactivated, the patient removed from the tank and
an opening is formed in the liner adjacent the drain, so that the liquid may be disposed of. The liner
is removed and is disposed of.
There are at least three requirements on the plastic used for the tank liner:
A. safety. No potentially harmful compounds may be leached or otherwise removed from the plastic
under conditions of use. This places certain limits on plasticizers and pigments. It need only be
remembered that nerve endings are essentially exposed in burn cases, for example, and free acid
radicals could hurt. Moreover, the plastic surface should be no more slippery than the present
stainless steel now used for hydrotherapy tanks, in order to avoid slips and falls when patients are
entering and leaving the tank.
B. physical strength. Sufficient strength to resist tearing and accidental puncturing are necessary.
The liner must also be flexible to conform to the tank shape.
C. cost. Since the liner is disposable, cost is evidently an important factor. Plastic films of
polyethylene of about 0.001 inch to 0.008 inch and above in thickness have proved to be successful
and can be used. As long as puncture and tear resistance remain high, thin films are preferred from
the standpoint of flexibility and cost. Low density, "no-slip" polyethylene without added pigment in a
187/2210
thickness of 0.002 inch has proved successful and has been found to be less slippery than stainless
steel when wet.
In addition to polyethylene films, polyvinyl chloride films can be used. In all cases, the requirements
set out above must be considered.
Claims:
1.
1. A method of giving hydrotherapy treatments to localized areas only of a patient's body, as
determined by the particular requirements and needs of that patient, by agitating a liquid in a
hydrotherapy tank in which the patient is at least partially immersed comprising: providing a
hydrotherapy tank with a liquid therein; disposing a conduit in the tank for the passage of a gas
therethrough; supplying gas to said conduit; selecting the zone or zones in which agitation of the
liquid is desired in order to treat only those localized areas of the patient's body requiring treatment;
and making openings in said conduit adjacent said zone or zones, so that gas
2. A hydrotherapy tank liner for containing a liquid bath comprising: a plastic film covering the liquid
containing area of the tank; tubular portions associated with the liner; said tubular portions being
closed at one terminal end and open at the other end for connection to a source of gas; and said
tubular portions being selectively provided with openings therethrough for passage of said gas to
agitate liquid of said bath closely adjacent
3. A method of preparing a hydrotherapy bath having selected zones of agitation comprising:
placing a disposable liner in a hydrotherapy tank; said liner covering the interior of said tank and
having conduits for the passage of a gas; flowing liquid into said tank and liner and over said
conduits; connecting said conduits to a source of said gas; punching holes in said conduits at
selected locations where agitation of the liquid is desired; and flowing said gas through said holes to
agitate the liquid adjacent thereto.
4. A method of preparing a hydrotherapy bath having selected zones of agitation comprising:
placing a disposable liner in a hydrotherapy tank; said liner covering the interior of said tank and
having conduits for the passage of a gas; said conduits having openings therethrough covered by a
removable cover; flowing liquid into said tank and liner and over said conduits; connecting said
conduits to a source of said gas; removing said cover over said openings at selected locations
where agitation of the liquid is desired; and flowing said gas through said openings having the cover
removed to agitate the liquid adjacent thereto.
188/2210
21. CN1062461 - 08.07.1992
TRI-PURPOSE INSTRUMENT FOR MEDICATION, HYDROTHERAPY AND MASSAGE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN1062461
Inventor(s):
QINGYING CAO (CN); RUIWEN ZHOU (CN)
Applicant(s):
CAO QINGYING (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; A61M
IP Class:
A61H33/00; A61M37/00
Application Number:
CN19900109991 (19901218)
Priority Number: CN19900109991 (19901218)
Family: CN1062461
Abstract:
THIS INVENTION DISCLOSES AN INSTRUMENT THAT INTEGRATES THREE THERAPIES IN
ANCIENT CHINESE MEDICINE; MEDICATION, HYDROTHERAPY AND MASSAGE. THIS
INSTRUMENT IS COMPOSED OF A CONSOLE, A UNIT ASSEMBLAGE OF A WATER TANK AND A
SLIDE VALVE, AND A THERAPY BOX. NEEDED LIQUID MEDICINE IS HEATED IN BOX, THEN
FEEDED INTO A PRESSURIZING TANK BY A PRESSURE PUMP AND FINALLY SPRAYED TO THE
BODY OF PATIENTS THROUGH THE SLIDE VALVE AND A NOZZLE. IT FEATURES ADJUSTABLE
TEMP., JETTING FORCE AND HIT POSITION, NO PAIN, SAFETY AND HIGH RELIABILITY.
189/2210
22. CN1077881 - 03.11.1993
MULTI-FUNCTION HYDROTHERAPY MACHINE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN1077881
Inventor(s):
CHENGSHUN LIU (CN); GANG YE (CN)
Applicant(s):
KEROTHERAPY MACHINERY FACTORY (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00; A61H33/00
Application Number:
CN19920106146 (19920422)
Priority Number: CN19920106146 (19920422)
Family: CN1077881
Abstract:
MULTIFUNCTIONAL HYDROTHERAPY MACHINE INCLUDES CONTROL BOX, CONSOL AND
SHOWER NOZZLES. THE CONTROL BOX HAS ELECTRIC SYSTEM COMPRISING START SWITCH,
RELAY, TRANSFORMER AND PUMP MOTOR, SHOWER NOZZLE SWITCHES, AND
THERMOCOUPLE CONTROLLER. IN THE CONSOL, THERE ARE TWO WATER DISTRIBUTING
TANKS WITH WATER-SUPPLYING TUBE AND WATER-DRAINING TUBE, ELECTROMAGNETIC
VALVES CONNECTED TO SHOWER NOZZLE SWITCHES, GLOBE VALVES, THERMOMETER AND
MANOMETER. THE SHOWER NOZZLES CAN REALIZE NEEDLE BATH, RAIN BATH, FOG BATH,
SURROUNDING BATH, UPSTREAM BATH AND WATER GUN BATH. THE SAID MACHINE MAY BE
USED FOR SINGLE PERSON OR SEVERAL PERSONS IN HOSPITALS, SANATORIUMS AND
BATHING POOL.
190/2210
23. CN1345606 - 24.04.2002
OUTPUT FLOW DIVIDER FOR LARGE INTESTINE HYDROTHERAPY INSTRUMENT
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN1345606
Inventor(s):
ZHANG YINGJIAN (CN)
Applicant(s):
ZHANG YINGJIAN (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/02
Application Number:
CN20000126601 (20000925)
Priority Number: CN20000126601 (20000925)
Family: CN1345606
Abstract:
THE PRESENT INVENTION PROVIDES AN IMPROVED OUTPUT FLOW DIVIDER OF LARGE
INTESTINE HYDROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS, BELONGING TO THE FIELD OF ENEMATOR
TECHNOLOGY, AND IS CHARACTERIZED BY THAT BETWEEN WATERINTAKE PIPE OF OUTPUT
DEVICE OF KNOWN HYDROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS AND OUTPUT CONNECTOR A THREEWAY PIPE IS CONNECTED TO MAKE FLOW DRIVING SO AS TO INCREASE ONE OUTPUT
CONNECTOR AND IMPLEMENT SEVERAL PURPOSES BY ONE MACHINE. BESIDES, BETWEEN
OUTPUT CONNECTOR AND THREE-WAY PIPE A TIME CONTROL VALVE IS MOUNTED, AND A
BRANCH PIPE IS EXTENDED FROM PIPE BODY, SO THAT SAID HYDROTHERAPEUTIC
APPARATUS CAN BE WORKED IN ORDER, AND IS NOT INFLUENCED BY WATER PRESSURE,
WATER TEMP, AND WATER FLOW RATE, AND DOES NOT PRODUCE LIQUID MEDICINE
BACKFLOW PROBLEM, AND CAN EFFECTIVELY PREVENT POLLUTION.
191/2210
24. CN1451445 - 24.10.2003
MEDICAL APPARATUS FOR CLEANSING COLON OF PATIENT, COMPRISES CLEANSING
INSTRUMENT HAVING CURVE PLANE WITH CLEANSING OPENING FITTED TO BODY PORTION
CLOSE TO ANUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN1451445
Inventor(s):
JIN TAO (--); XU HAOHAN (--)
Applicant(s):
SHENZHEN MERMAID INDUSTRY DEV (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/02
Application Number:
FR20030004397 (20030409)
Priority Number: CN20020115088 (20020412)
Family: CN1451445
Equivalent:
DE10317076; GB2388038; JP2004024846
Abstract:
A COLON-CLEANSING APPARATUS COMPRISES A HOUSING; A HEATING DEVICE; A CLEANSING
DEVICE COMPRISING A CLEANSING INSTRUMENT HAVING A CURVE PLANE PROVIDED WITH
CLEANSING OPENING FITTED TO A BODY PORTION CLOSE TO THE ANUS SO THAT WHEN THE
CURVE PLANE CONTACTS THE BODY PORTION, THE CLEANSING OPENING COMPLETELY FITS
THE ANUS; AND A CONTROL UNIT FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF WATER IN THE
HEATING DEVICE. A COLON-CLEANSING APPARATUS COMPRISES A HOUSING (9) HAVING AN
INLET AND AN OUTLET, A HEATING DEVICE DISPOSED AT THE LOWER PORTION WITHIN THE
HOUSING, A CLEANSING DEVICE (1) CONNECTED TO HOUSING OUTLET, AND A CONTROL
UNIT FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF WATER IN THE HEATING DEVICE. THE
HEATING DEVICE INCLUDES A CONTAINER WITH WATER INLET AND WATER OUTLET, AND A
192/2210
HEATER. THE CLEANSING DEVICE INCLUDES A CLEANSING INSTRUMENT (101) HAVING AN
UPPER SURFACE WITH A CURVE PLANE PROVIDED WITH CLEANSING OPENING (103) FITTED
TO THE BODY PORTION CLOSE TO THE ANUS SO THAT WHEN THE CURVE PLANE CONTACTS
THE BODY PORTION, THE CLEANSING OPENING COMPLETELY FITS THE ANUS. AN
INDEPENDENT CLAIM IS ALSO INCLUDED FOR A METHOD OF CLEANSING THE COLON OF A
PATIENT BY PRODUCING LAVAGE LIQUID AT PREDETERMINED TEMPERATURE THROUGH THE
CLEANSING APPARATUS CONNECTED TO A RESOURCE; CONTACTING THE CLEANSING
INSTRUMENT WITH THE ANUS OF A PATIENT; DIRECTING LAVAGE LIQUID INTO THE ANAL
CANAL OF THE PATIENT UNDER A PREDETERMINED PRESSURE IN COORDINATION WITH THE
ABDOMEN-CONTRACTING ACTION OF THE PATIENT; REMOVING THE CLEANSING INSTRUMENT
WHEN THE PATIENT FEELS ABDOMINAL DISTENSION; AND DISCHARGING THE FECES IN THE
COLON OUT OF THE BODY.
193/2210
25. CN2061840 - 12.09.1990
XT-A MODEL MULTI-FUNCTION ULTROSONIC HYDROTHERAPY PAINLESS INSTRUMENT FOR
EDICINE CHANGING
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2061840
Inventor(s):
RONYKE XIAO (CN)
Applicant(s):
XIAO RONYKE (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; A61B
IP Class:
A61H23/00; A61B19/00
Application Number:
CN19890218754U (19891030)
Priority Number: CN19890218754U (19891030)
Family: CN2061840
194/2210
26. CN2142718 - 29.09.1993
MULTI-FUNCTION SPRAY HEAD OF HYDROTHERAPY MACHINE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2142718
Inventor(s):
CHENGSHUN LIU (CN)
Applicant(s):
SHENYANG KEROTHERAPY MACHINERY (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
Application Number:
CN19920210721U (19920422)
Priority Number: CN19920210721U (19920422)
Family: CN2142718
195/2210
27. CN2376902 - 10.05.2000
WATERFALL TYPE HYDROTHERAPY MACHINE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2376902
Inventor(s):
LU JIANHAO (CN)
Applicant(s):
LU JIANHAO (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00
Application Number:
CN19990214345U (19990624)
Priority Number: CN19990214345U (19990624)
Family: CN2376902
196/2210
28. CN2415768 - 24.01.2001
COMPUTER PULSATING INTESTINAL CANAL HYDROTHERAPY MACHINE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2415768
Inventor(s):
ZHAO GANG (CN); ZHAO HONG (CN); ZHAO BAOWANG (CN)
Applicant(s):
ZHAO HONG (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/02
Application Number:
CN20000234168U (20000430)
Priority Number: CN20000234168U (20000430)
Family: CN2415768
197/2210
29. CN2460091 - 21.11.2001
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE CAPABLE OF ROTATION
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2460091
Inventor(s):
ZHUANG YAQING (CN)
Applicant(s):
YUYONG TRADE CO LTD (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
Application Number:
CN20000266371U (20001221)
Priority Number: CN20000266371U (20001221)
Family: CN2460091
198/2210
30. CN2475408 - 06.02.2002
HYDROTHERAPY ENEMA HEALTH-CARE DEVICE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2475408
Inventor(s):
TANG LIGANG (CN)
Applicant(s):
TANG LIGANG (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/00
Application Number:
CN20010216981U (20010319)
Priority Number: CN20010216981U (20010319)
Family: CN2475408
199/2210
31. CN2538341 - 05.03.2003
MULTIFUNCTIONAL INTESTINES CLEANING HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2538341
Inventor(s):
JIN TAO (CN); XU HAOHAN (CN)
Applicant(s):
MENGMEITE INDUSTRY DEV CO LTD (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/02
Application Number:
CN20020226864U (20020412)
Priority Number: CN20020226864U (20020412)
Family: CN2538341
200/2210
32. CN2538342 - 05.03.2003
NON-INSERTED HYDROTHERAPY HEAD
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2538342
Inventor(s):
JIN TAO (CN); XU HAOHAN (CN)
Applicant(s):
MENGMEITE INDUSTRY DEV CO LTD (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/02
Application Number:
CN20020226865U (20020412)
Priority Number: CN20020226865U (20020412)
Family: CN2538342
201/2210
33. CN2539514 - 12.03.2003
PORTABLE HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2539514
Inventor(s):
ZHANG YING (CN)
Applicant(s):
ZHANG YING (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00; A61H33/00
Application Number:
CN20020234559U (20020509)
Priority Number: CN20020234559U (20020509)
Family: CN2539514
202/2210
34. CN2547314 - 30.04.2003
MULTIFUNCTIONAL BURN-EMPYROSIS HYDROTHERAPY DEBRIDEMENT BATHING TROUGH
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2547314
Inventor(s):
JIA YINMING (CN); SONG SHUCHANG (CN); SONG SHUGUANG (CN)
Applicant(s):
SONG SHUGUANG (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
Application Number:
CN20020267837U (20020620)
Priority Number: CN20020267837U (20020620)
Family: CN2547314
203/2210
35. CN2553780 - 04.06.2003
MOVING SPRINKLING TYPE HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=CN2553780
Inventor(s):
CHEN WUXIONG (CN)
Applicant(s):
CHEN WUXIONG (CN)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00
Application Number:
CN20020241641U (20020711)
Priority Number: CN20020241641U (20020711)
Family: CN2553780
204/2210
36. DE19527549 - 07.11.1996
COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY DISPENSER INCORPORATING VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=DE19527549
Inventor(s):
KUEHNEL SABINE (DE)
Applicant(s):
KUEHNEL SABINE (DE)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M; A61N
IP Class:
A61M3/02; A61M5/00; A61N5/06
E Class: A61M3/02D
Application Number:
DE19951027549 (19950727)
Priority Number: DE19951027549 (19950727); DE19952007494U (19950505)
Family: DE19527549
Abstract:
A DISPENSER FOR COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY (10) INCLUDES A PREPARATION SYSTEM OF
PROBES AND SIGNAL TRANSMITTERS (40) BETWEEN THE FLUID INLET (FE) AND THE OUTPUT
(FA) TO THE PATIENT (P) WHEREBY THE THERAPY FLUID IS PREPARED ACCORDING TO
MEASURED VOLTAGE POTENTIAL. RETURN FLUID FROM COLONIC IRRIGATION ENTERS A
FLUID-PRESSURE TUBE (20) CONTAINING TWO METAL RING ELECTRODES (22,24) WHICH
MEASURE THE VOLTAGE POTENTIAL; THIS IS TRANSMITTED VIA A SIGNAL PROCESSOR (50)
WITH AN INVERTER AND/OR AMPLIFIER TO THE PREPARATION ELECTRODE (60).
ALTERNATIVELY, VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS MAY BE MADE IN A VESSEL (30) CONTAINING
BODILY FLUIDS SUCH AS URINE OR SPIT. A LIGHT-IRRADIATING UNIT (70) MAY ALSO BE
SWITCHED INTO THE FLUID STREAM FOR LOCAL ILLUMINATION IN THE COLON, AS MAY A
COIL (80) FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A MAGNETIC FIELD. OXYGEN CAN BE ADDED TO THE
THERAPY FLUID TO STIMULATE GUT BACTERIAL ACTIVITY.Description:
205/2210
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie eines Patienten.
Es ist eine Vorrichtung zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie bekannt, bei der einem Patienten ьber ein rektal
eingefьhrtes Spekulum Wasse unterschiedlicher Temperatur in das Colon, insbesondere bis zum
Coecum eingeleitet wird. Das Wasser staut sich in dem Colon an und wird eventuell mit einem
Coloninhalt ьber das Spekulum ausgelassen. Das in den Colon eingefьhrte Wasser weist eine
Temperatur auf, welche der Temperatur des menschlichen Kцrpers angepasst ist, und weist
weiterhin einen sehr niedrigen Druck auf, um eine Verletzung der inneren Organe des Patienten zu
vermeiden.
Bei einer mit der bekannten Vorrichtung durchgefьhrten Colon-Hydro-Therapie werden
insbesondere angesammelter, stagnierender Stuhl und Fдulnisprodukte von den Darmwandungen
entfernt, wobei die Therapie bewirkt, dass z. B. Darmverstopfungen beseitigt werden.
Es ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Vorrichtung zur Colon-Hydro- Therapie
bereitzustellen, mittels welcher neue Anwendungsbereiche erschlossen und die Therapieerfolge der
bestehenden Anwendungsbereiche verbessert werden.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemдss durch eine Vorrichtung zur Colon-Hydro- Therapie eines
Patienten gemдss Anspruch 1 gelцst. Bevorzugte Ausfьhrungsformen der Erfindung sind
Gegenstand der Unteransprьche
Erfindungsgemдss ist eine Vorrichtung zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie eines Patienten vorgeschlagen,
welche einen Fluideinlass zum Einlassen eines Therapiefluids in die Vorrichtung, einen Fluidauslass
zum Auslassen des Therapiefluids aus der Vorrichtung, insbesondere zu dem zu behandelnden
Patienten, und einer Sondeneinrichtung zum Messen bzw. Entnehmen eines Spannungspotentials
bzw. einer Spannung umfasst, wobei die Sondeneinrichtung an einer Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung, in der
das zur Therapie angewendete Therapiefluid rьckgefьhrt werden kann, und/oder an einem Gefдss,
in dem Kцrpersubstanzen des zu behandelnden Patienten aufgenommen werden kцnnen,
angeordnet ist, und wobei eine Aufbereitungseinrichtung zwischen dem Fluideinlass und dem
Fluidauslass angeordnet ist, welche das Therapiefluid in Abhдngigkeit von dem gemessenen
Spannungspotential aufbereitet.
206/2210
Es wurde festgestellt, dass durch Aufbereitung des Therapiefluids in Abhдngigkeit von der
gemessenen Spannung, ьberraschende Therapiefolge erzielt werden kцnnen. Insbesondere
kцnnen pathologische Zustдnde im Dickdarm, welche bei einer Therapie mit den bekannten
Vorrichtungen nicht geheilt werden konnten, mit der erfindungsgemдssen Erfindung nunmehr
erfolgreich geheilt werden, wobei sich die Wiederherstellung eines gesunden physiologischen
Zustandes im Darm wegen der im Dickdarm befindlichen Reflexzonen auch auf andere Organe
positiv auswirken kann. Es wird somit das Immunsystem des Organismus entlastet und die
Selbstheilungskraft des Kцrpers aktiviert.
Bevorzugt umfasst die Aufbereitungsvorrichtung eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung fьr das
Spannungspotential, wobei die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung einen Inverter aufweist, welcher das
Spannungspotential invertiert, und besonders bevorzugt einen Spannungsverstдrker aufweist,
welcher das Spannungspotential verstдrkt.
Durch diese bevorzugte Inversion und/oder Verstдrkung des gemessenen Spannungspotentials wird
eine positive therapeutische Wirkung besonders vorteilhaft erreicht.
In einer bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung umfasst die
Aufbereitungsvorrichtung Aufbereitungselektroden, an welche das invertierte und/oder verstдrkte
Spannungspotential angelegt wird und durch welche das Therapiefluid fliesst bzw. strцmt, wobei
besonders bevorzugt die Aufbereitungselektroden insbesondere ringfцrmige Metallelektrod
umfassen
Es wird somit eine vorteilhaft effektive Aufbereitung des Therapiefluids durch die
Aufbereitungseinrichtung erreicht.
Besonders bevorzugt sind an der Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung und/oder an dem Gefдss insbesondere
ringfцrmige Messelektroden zum Messen des Spannungspotentials vorgesehen, wobei am
bevorzugtesten die Messelektroden zumindest zwei voneinander beabstandete Metallelektroden
umfassen.
Es wird somit eine besonders effektive Messung des Spannungspotentials erzielt, wodurch diese
bevorzugte Ausfьhrungsform der Erfindung grosse therapeutische Erfolge ermцglicht.
207/2210
In einer weiterhin bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung weist die
Aufbereitungsvorrichtung weiterhin eine zuschaltbare Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung auf, welche
Licht aus zumindest einer Lichtquelle auf das Therapiefluid richtet.
Es wird somit eine weitere zusдtzliche Aufbereitungsmцglichkeit des Therapiefluids ermцglicht,
welche somit weitergehende Therapieerfolge ermцglicht.
Besonders bevorzugt ist die zumindest eine Lichtquelle eine LED, eine Glьhlampe, eine
Halogenlampe, eine Gasentladungslampe o ein Laser, wobei besonders bevorzugt die
Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung ein Rohr, insbesondere aus Quarzglas umfasst, durch welches das
Therapiefluid fliesst bzw. strцmt, wobei die Rohrwandungen zumindest teil- bzw. bereichsweise fьr
das von der Lichtquelle emittierte Licht durchlдssig sind.
In einer weiterhin bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung umfasst die
Aufbereitungseinrichtung eine zuschaltbare Spuleneinrichtung mit einer Spule, an welche eine
Spulenspannung angelegt wird und durch welche das Therapiefluid fliesst bzw. strцmt, wobei
besonders bevorzugt die Spulenspannung konstant ist.
Es wird somit eine weitere ergдnzende Therapiefluidaufbereitung durch die
Aufbereitungseinrichtung bereitgestellt, welche weitere Therapiemцglichkeiten vorteilhaft ermцglicht.
Weiterhin bevorzugt umfasst die Aufbereitungseinrichtung eine zuschaltbaren
Sauerstoffzufьhreinrichtung, welche Sauerstoff und/oder Ozon in einer vorbestimmten bzw.
vorbestimmbaren Menge dem Therapiefluid beimengt.
Es ist somit vorteilhaft mцglich, die im Darm befindlichen Darmbakterien ьber das Therapiefluid mit
Sauerstoff zu versorgen.
Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der vorliegenden Erfindung werden aus der folgenden, beispielhaften
Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausfьhrungsformen in Verbindung mit der Zeichnung hervorgehen.
Fig. 1 ist eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform der
vorliegenden Erfindung;
208/2210
Fig. 2 ist eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform der
vorliegenden Erfindung;
Fig. 3 ist eine schematische Darstellung einer dritten bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform der
vorliegenden Erfindung;
Fig. 4 ist ein Schaltplan einer bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform einer Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung fьr
das Spannungspotential;
Fig. 5 zeigt eine bevorzugte Ausfьhrungsform einer Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung;
Fig. 6A ist eine Seitenansicht eines Farblichtmoduls der in Fig. 5 gezeigten
Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung; und
Fig. 6B ist eine Frontansicht eines Farblichtmoduls der in Fig. 5 gezeigten
Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung.
Die in Fig. 1 schematisierte Vorrichtung 10 zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie weist einen Fluideinlass FE auf,
um ein Therapiefluid aus einer Therapiefluidquelle F in die Vorrichtung 10 einzulassen. Als
Therapiefluid ist insbesondere Wasser geeignet, wobei dem Therapiefluid je nach Therapieart
Arzneistoffe zugesetzt werden kцnnen. Die Vorrichtung 10 weist weiterhin einen Fluidauslass FA
zum Auslassen des Therapiefluids aus der Vorrichtung 10 auf, um das Therapiefluid zu einem zu
behandelnden Patienten P ьber eine (nicht gezeigte) externe Leitung fьhren zu kцnnen und um
somit den Patienten P mittels eines (nicht gezeigten) Spekulums mit dem aufbereiteten Therapiefluid
therapieren zu kцnnen.
Zwischen dem Fluideinlass FE und dem Fluidauslass FA ist eine Aufbereitungseinrichtung 40
vorgesehen, welche das Therapiefluid aufbereitet. Die Aufbereitungseinrichtung 40 umfasst
Aufbereitungselektroden bzw. eine Aufbereitungselektrodeneinrichtung 60 mit ringfцrmigen
Metallelektroden 62 und 64, an welche ein gemessenes und gegebenenfalls geeignet verдndertes
Spannungspotential bzw. Spannung angelegt wird.
Das Therapiefluid, mit welchem der Patient P behandelt wurde, kann mittels einer weiteren externen
Leitung vom Patienten P zu einer Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung 20 der Vorrichtung 10 zurьckgeleitet
werden, wobei es durch einen Rьcklauffluideinlass RFE in die Vorrichtung 10 eingefьhrt werden
209/2210
kann. Dieses Rьcklauffluid fliesst bzw. strцmt durch ein Rohr 22 insbesondere aus Glas oder
Kunststoff, insbesondere Plexiglas, an welchem zwei ringfцrmige Messelektroden 24, 26 angebracht
sind.
Das zwischen den zwei Messelektroden 24, 26 entstehende Spannungspotential wird ьber
elektrische Leitungen 52, 54 an eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 gefьhrt, welches das
Spannungspotential geeignet verдndert bzw. verarbeitet und an die Aufbereitungselektroden 60 zur
Aufbereitung des Therapiefluids ьbertrдgt.
Die Aufbereitungsvorrichtung 40 weist bevorzugt weiterhin eine Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung 70
auf, welche mittels eines Schalters S1 zwischen den Fluideinlass FE und dem Fluideinlass FA
zwischengeschaltet werden kann. Die Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung 70 strahlt bevorzugt
monochromes bzw. in einem engen Frequenzband liegendes Licht auf das Therapiefluid. Das Licht
kann somit insbesondere mittels Mehrfachreflexion an den Dichteьbergangsflдchen zu dem
Patienten P gelangen und auf diesen insbesondere lokal angewendet werden.
Die Aufbereitungsvorrichtung 40 weist besonders bevorzugt weiterhin eine Spuleneinrichtung 80 auf,
welche mittels eines Schalters S2 zwischen den Fluideinlass FE und dem Fluideinlass FA
zwischengeschaltet werden kann. Die Spuleneinrichtung 80 umfasst eine Spule, durch welche bzw.
durch deren Wicklungen das Therapiefluid fliesst bzw. strцmt und an welche eine Spulenspannung
zum Erzeugen eines Magnetfeldes angelegt werden kann.
Die in Fig. 2 schematisierte alternative Ausfьhrungsform einer Vorrichtung 10 zur Colon-HydroTherapie unterscheidet sich von der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausfьhrungsform im wesentlichen dadurch,
dass anstelle das Rьcklauftherapiefluid zur Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung 20 der Vorrichtung 10
rьckzuleiten, ein Gefдss 30 vorgesehen ist, in welchem Kцrpersubstanzen des Patienten P, z. B.
dessen Morgenurin oder Speichel eingefьhrt werden kцnnen. Das Gefдss 30 weist eine Wandung
32 aus Glas oder Kunststoff auf, in welche insbesondere ringfцrmige Metallelektroden 34, 36
eingelassen sind. Die Metallelektroden stehen in Kontakt mit der Kцrpersubstanz des Patienten und
entnehmen bzw. messen ein Spannungspotential.Das gemessene Spannungspotential wird dann
дhnlich zu der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausfьhrungsform mittels elektrischer Leitungen 52, 54 an eine
Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 ьbertragen und dort geeignet verдndert.
210/2210
In einer nicht gezeigten Ausfьhrungsform ist das Gefдss 30 ausserhalb der Vorrichtung 10
angeordnet und das gemessene Spannungspotential wird durch Leitungen und entsprechende
Anschlьsse in die Vorrichtung eingegeben.
Aus Fig. 3 ist eine weitere Ausfьhrungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung ersichtlich. Eine Fluidquelle
F ist an einer Vorrichtung 10 angeordnet, um das Therapiefluid insbesondere Wasser der Vorrichtung
10 zuzuleiten. Die Fluidquelle F umfasst einen Warmwasseranschluss F4, einen Kaltwasseranschluss
F6, eine Wassermischbatterie F2 und eine Temperaturmesseinrichtung F3, wobei die beiden
Anschlьsse F4, F6 insbesondere selbstschliessende Schnellkupplungen umfassen. In der
Wassermischbatterie F2 wird das Therapiefluid insbesondere das Wasser auf insbesondere etwa 38
DEG C geregelt bzw. gesteuert.
Die Vorrichtung 10 umfasst eine Schaltung von Fluidleitungen, welche bevorzugt aus Kunststoff
insbesondere Polyurethan (PU) gebildet sind. In einer Strцmungsrichtung S des Therapiefluids
gesehen ist hinter b stromabwдrtsliegend dem Fluideinlass FE ein Druckminderer 12 angeordnet,
welcher insbesondere zwischen 0,7 bis 1,7 bar und bevorzugt auf etwa 250 mbar einstellbar und
feststellbar ist. In Strцmungsrichtung S gesehen ist hinter dem Druckminderer 12 ein Dosierventil 14
und ein Druckmanometer 16 angeordnet, mittels welche ein Benutzer (z. B. der behandelnde
Therapeut) den Therapiefluiddruck feineinstellen und kontrollieren kann. Das Manometer 16 ist ьber
eine Abzweigung 16 min an der Fluidleitung angeordnet.
Bevorzugt sind zwischen dem Manometer 16 und dem Dosierventil 14 Aufbereitungselektroden 60
angeordnet, wobei die Aufbereitungselektroden 60 auch stromabwдrtsliegend von dem Manometer
16 angeordnet sein kцnnten. Die Aufbereitungselektroden 60 umfassen ring- oder rohrfцrmige
Metallelektroden 62, 64, welche die Fluidleitung bevorzugt unterbrechen. Bevorzugt werden fьr die
Metallelektroden 62, 64 Schlauchverbindungselemente aus Metall verwendet.
Stromabwдrtsliegend ist bevorzugt eine Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung 70 angeordnet, welche ein
Rohr 74 insbesondere aus Quarzglas umfasst, auf dessen entgegengesetzten Enden die
Fluidleitungen aus Kunststoff aufgesteckt werden kцnnen. An dem Rohr 72 sind Lichtquellen 72, 72
min , 72 min min , 72 min min min verschiedener Farben derart angeordnet, dass sie das
Therapiefluid mit bevorzugt monochromen Licht bestrahlen.
Stromabwдrtsliegend von der Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung ist eine Spuleneinrichtung 80 an der
Fluidleitung angeordnet. Die Spuleneinrichtung 80 umfasst eine gewickelte Spule, durch deren
211/2210
zumindest eine Wicklung bzw. Windung die Fluidleitung bevorzugt mittig verlдuft. An den Enden der
zumindest einen Wicklung wird bevorzugt eine konstante Spannung zur Erzeugung eines
Magnetfeldes angelegt.
Das Therapiefluid wird stromabwдrtsliegend von der Spuleneinrichtung 80 ьber einen Fluidauslass
FA aus der Vorrichtung 10 ausgelassen, und insbesondere einem Patienten P durch (nicht gezeigte)
Leitungen zugefьhrt.
Zwischen der Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung 70 und der Spuleneinrichtung 80 ist bevorzugt eine
Sauerstoffzufьhreinrichtung 90 angeordnet, welche Sauerstoff oder ein Sauerstoff und/oder Ozon
enthaltendes Gas dem Therapiefluid in einer vorbestimmten bzw. vorbestimmbaren Meng beimengt.
Die Sauerstoffzufьhreinrichtung 90 umfasst einen Sauerstoffeinlass 92, ein EIN/AUS- Magnetventil 94
und einen Flowmeter 96, wobei der Sauerstoffdruck mittels des Flowmeters 96 eingestellt werden
kann und die Sauerstoffzufьhreinrichtung 90 ьber eine Abzweigung 98 mit der Fluidleitung
verbunden ist.
Das von dem (nicht gezeigten) Speculum von dem Patienten P rьckfliessende bzw. -strцmende
Therapiefluid bzw. Rьcklauffluid, welches insbesondere auch Stuhlreste und anderen Darminhalt
enthalten kann, wird ьber einen Rьckfluideinlass RFE in die Vorrichtung 10, und insbesondere der
Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung 20 zugefьhrt. Die Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung umfasst ein Glas- oder
Plexiglasrohr 22, durch welches das Rьcklauffluid fьr den Benutzer sichtbar zu einem
Rьckfluidauslass RFA fliesst bzw. strцmt. Das Rьcklauffluid wird durch den Rьckfluidauslass RFA
zur Entsorgung ausgelassen. An den entgegengesetzten Enden des bevorzugt etwa 400 mm langen
Rohres 22 schliessen sich ringfцrmige Elektroden 24, 26 bevorzugt in Form von Rohrmanschetten
an, durch welche eine Spannung gemessen bzw. entnommen wird.
Die an den Elektroden 24, 26 entnommene Spannung wird ьber elektrische Leitungen 52, 54 an eine
Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 ьber einen Eingang 56 gefьhrt, welche die Spannung geeignet
verдndert und ьber einen Ausgang 58 an die Aufbereitungselektroden 60 an der Fluidleitung
weiterleitet bzw. ьbertrдgt.
Es ist weiterhin ein Anschluss 38 vorgesehen, durch welchen ein z. B. in einem externen Gefдss
gemessenes Spannungspotential der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 zugefьhrt wird. Der
Anschluss 38 umfasst bevorzugt hochimpedant abgekoppelte Steckverbindungen z. B.
Bananenstecker.
212/2210
Zur Reinigung der Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung 20 umfasst die Vorrichtung 10 eine
Reinigungseinrichtung 100. Die Reinigungseinrichtung 100 umfasst einen EIN/ AUS-Schalter 102, ein
Rьckschlagventil 104 und ein Einwegventil 106 und zweigt an einer Abzweigung 100 min
Therapiefluid von der Fluidleitung ab, um somit die Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung 20 zu spьlen bzw. zu
reinigen. Bevorzugt kann Reinigungsmittel ьber einen Reinigungsmittelschalter 108 durch einen
Reinigungsmitteleinlass 109 zur besseren Reinigung eingefьhrt werden.
Falls eine Reinigung erwьnscht bzw. notwendig ist, wird die Reinigungseinrichtung 100 ьber eine
Schnellkupplung 110 an den Rьcklauffluideinlass RFE der Reinigungseinrichtung 20 manuell
angeschlossen und der EIN/AUS-Schalter 102 betдtigt.
Weiterhin ist zwischen der Abzweigung 98 und dem Rьcklauffluidauslass RFA ein
Sicherheitsrьckschlagventil 120 angeordnet, welches insbesondere einen zu hohen Druck des
Therapiefluids oder des Sauerstoffs an dem Fluidauslass FA verhindert, wobei sich das
Sicherheitsrьckschlagventil bevorzugt bei etwa 500 bis 550 mbar цffnet und den ungewьnschten
Druck abbaut.
In Fig. 4 zeigt einen Schaltplan einer bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsform einer
Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 fьr das Spannungspotential.
Die Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 umfasst einen operationellen Verstдrker bzw.
Operationsverstдrker OV, dessen Ausgang mit dem negativen bzw. invertierenden Eingang (-) ьber
einen Spannungsteiler ST2 rьckgekoppelt ist, wobei ein Eingangsspannungssignal ьber einen
Widerstand von bevorzugt 100k OMEGA in den positiven bzw. nichtinvertierenden Eingang (+) des
operationellen Verstдrkers OV eingegeben wird. Das Eingangsspannungssigna wird mit einer von
einem Spannungsteiler ST1 gelieferten konstanten Spannung addiert bzw. ьberlagert. Der Ausgang
des operationellen Verstдrkers OV wird ьber einen Widerstand von bevorzugt 100k OMEGA mit
einem Ausgang 58 der Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 verbunden.Die
Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung 50 verstдrkt und invertiert somit das Eingangsspannungssignal und
kann das Ausgangsspannungssignal ьber den Ausgang 58 an die (in Fig. 4 nicht gezeigten)
Aufbereitungselektroden ьbertragen.
In Fig. 5, 6A und 6B ist eine Ausfьhrungsform der Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung 70 bzw. ein Teil
dieser gezeigt. Die Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung 70 umfasst LED min s 72, 72 min , 72 min min
213/2210
und 72 min min min , welche bevorzugt Licht in den Farben Gelb, Grьn, Blau bzw. Rot emittieren,
ein insbesondere aus Kunststoff gebildetes Modul bzw. Farblichtmodul 76, welches die LED min s
72-72 min min min aufnimmt und ein insbesondere aus Quarzglas gebildetes Rohr 74. Das Modul
76 weist eine Lдngsbohrung 78 mit einem geeigneten Durchmesser auf, um das Rohr 74 darin
aufzunehmen.
Das Rohr 74 weist an ihren entgegengesetzten Enden Verjьngungen 74 min , 74 min min auf,
welche eine feste Ankopplung bzw. Verbindung mit den (nicht gezeigten) Fluidleitungen der
Vorrichtung gewдhrleisten. Bezugszeichenliste 10 Vorrichtung zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie
12 Druckminderer
14 Dosierventile
16 Manometer
16 min Abzweigung
20 Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung
21 Glas- bzw.Plexiglasrohr
24 ringfцrmige Metallelektrode
26 ringfцrmige Metallelektrode
30 Gefдss
32 Glaswandung
34 ringfцrmige Messelektrode
36 ringfцrmige Messelektrode
38 Anschluss
40 Aufbereitungseinrichtung
50 Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung
52 elektrische Leitung
54 elektrische Leitung
56 Eingang
58 Ausgang
60 Aufbereitungselektroden
62 ringfцrmige Metallelektrode
64 ringfцrmige Metallelektrode
70 Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung
72, 72 min , 72 min min , 72 min min min Lichtquelle
74 Rohr
74 min , 74 min min Verjьngungen
214/2210
76 Modul
78 Lдngsbohrung
80 Spuleneinrichtung
90 Sauerstoffzufьhreinrichtung
92 Sauerstoffeinlass
94 EIN/AUS-Magnetventil
96 Flowmeter
98 Abzweigung
100 Reinigungseinrichtung
100 min Abzweigung
102 EIN/AUS-Schalter
104 Rьckschlagventil
106 Einwegventil
108 Reinigungsmittelschalter
109 Reinigungsmitteleinlass
110 Schnellkupplung
120 Sicherheitsrьckschlagventil
P Patient
F Therapiefluidquelle
FE Fluideinlass
FA Fluidauslass
RFE Rьcklauffluideinlass
RFA Rьcklauffluidauslass
S1, S2 Schalter
F2 Mischbatterie
F3 Temperaturmesseinrichtung
F4 Warmwasseranschluss
F6 Kaltwasseranschluss
S Strцmungsrichtung
ST1, ST2 Spannungsteiler
OV Operationeller Verstдrker Claims:
215/2210
1. Vorrichtung (10) zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie eines Patienten, welche umfasst:
- einen Fluideinlass (FE) zum Einlassen eines Therapiefluids in die Vorrichtung (10),
- einen Fluidauslass (FA) zum Auslassen des Therapiefluids aus der Vorrichtung (10),
insbesondere zu dem zu behandelnden Patienten (P), und
- eine Sondeneinrichtung (24, 26; 34, 36) zum Messen eines Spannungspotentials,
wobei die Sondeneinrichtung (24, 26; 34, 36) an einer Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung (20), in der das zur
Therapie angewendete Therapiefluid rьckgefьhrt werden kann, und/oder an einem Gefдss (30), in
dem Kцrpersubstanzen des zu behandelnden Patienten (P) aufgenommen werden kцnnen,
angeordnet ist, und
wobei eine Aufbereitungseinrichtung (40) zwischen dem Fluideinlass (FE) und dem Fluidauslass (FA)
angeordnet ist, welche das Therapiefluid in Abhдngigkeit von dem gemessenen Spannungspotential
aufbereitet.
2. Vorrichtung gemдss Anspruch 1, wobei die Aufbereitungsvorrichtung (40) eine
Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (50) fьr das Spannungspotential umfasst, wobei die
Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (50) einen Inverter (VO) aufweist, welcher das Spannungspotential
invertiert.
3.Vorrichtung gemдss einem der vorangehenden Ansprьche, wobei die Aufbereitungsvorrichtung
eine Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (50) fьr das Spannungspotential umfasst, wobei die
Signalverarbeitungseinrichtung (50) einen Spannungsverstдrker (VO) aufweist, welcher das
Spannungspotential verstдrkt.
4. Vorrichtung gemдss Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei die Aufbereitungsvorrichtung (40)
Aufbereitungselektroden (60) umfasst, an welche das invertierte und/oder verstдrkte
Spannungspotential angelegt wird und durch welche das Therapiefluid fliesst bzw. strцmt.
5. Vorrichtung gemдss Anspruch 4, wobei die Aufbereitungselektroden (60) insbesondere
ringfцrmige Metallelektroden (62, 64) umfassen.
216/2210
6.Vorrichtung gemдss einem der vorangehenden Ansprьche, wobei an der Fluidrьcklaufeinrichtung
(20) und/oder an dem Gefдss (30) insbesondere ringfцrmige Messelektroden (24, 26; 34, 36) zum
Messen des Spannungspotentials vorgesehen sind.
7. Vorrichtung gemдss Anspruch 6, wobei die Messelektroden (24, 26; 34, 36) zumindest zwei
voneinander beabstandete Metallelektroden umfassen.
8. Vorrichtung gemдss einem der vorangehenden Ansprьche, wobei die Aufbereitungsvorrichtung
(40) weiterhin eine zuschaltbare Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung (70) aufweist, welche Licht aus
zumindest einer Lichtquelle (72, 72 min , 72 min min , 72 min min min ) auf das Therapiefluid richtet.
9. Vorrichtung gemдss Anspruch 8, wobei die zumindest eine Lichtquelle (72, 72 min , 72 min min ,
72 min min min ) eine LED, eine Glьhlampe, eine Halogenlampe, eine Gasentladungslampe oder
ein Laser ist.
10.Vorrichtung gemдss Anspruch 8 oder 9, wobei die Farblichtbestrahlungseinrichtung (70) ein Rohr
(74) , insbesondere aus Quarzglas umfasst, durch welches das Therapiefluid fliesst bzw. strцmt,
wobei die Rohrwandungen zumindest teilweise fьr das von der Lichtquelle (72, 72 min , 72 min min ,
72 min min min ) emittierte Licht durchlдssig sind.
11. Vorrichtung gemдss einem der vorangehenden Ansprьche, wobei die Aufbereitungseinrichtung
(40) eine zuschaltbare Spuleneinrichtung (80) mit einer Spule umfasst, an welche eine
Spulenspannung angelegt wird und durch welche das Therapiefluid fliesst bzw. strцmt.
12. Vorrichtung gemдss Anspruch 11, wobei die Spulenspannung konstant ist.
13. Vorrichtung gemдss einem der vorangehenden Ansprьche, wobei die Aufbereitungseinrichtung
(40) eine zuschaltbare Sauerstoffzufьhreinrichtung (90) umfasst, welche Sauerstoff und/oder Ozon in
einer vorbestimmten bzw. vorbestimmbaren Menge dem Therapiefluid beimengt.
217/2210
37. DE19601450 - 24.07.1997
HYDROTHERAPY SYSTEM FOR BATH
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=DE19601450
Inventor(s):
LUDEWIG MAX PROF DR ING (DE)
Applicant(s):
ORPU GMBH (DE)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00; A61H33/02; A61H37/00
E Class: A61H33/02B
Application Number:
DE19961001450 (19960117)
Priority Number: DE19961001450 (19960117)
Family: DE19601450
Abstract:
THE SYSTEM INVOLVES A CONVENTIONAL BATH IN WHICH A PERSON CAN LIE FLAT TO BE
TREATED BY A WATER OR WATER AND AIR STREAM. A FLEXIBLE BATH INSERT (3) IS USED
WHICH HAS A SHAPE WHICH MATCHES THAT OF THE INSIDE (1B) OF THE BATH. THE INSERT
CONSISTS OF AN INNER (3A) AND AN OUTER (3B) SKIN WHICH ARE CLOSED TOGETHER AT
THEIR EDGES SO THAT THEY FORM A SEALED CAVITY BETWEEN THEM. WATER AND AIR
CONNECTIONS (4,5) ARE PROVIDED WHICH FEED AIR AND WATER INTO THE CAVITY. SPRAY
NOZZLES (6) AND SPRAY MATS (7,8,9,10) ARE FED WITH THE AIR WATER MIXTURE TO
PRODUCE THE TREATMENT WATER WHICH IS APPLIED TO THE PERSON IN THE BATH. A
PRESSURE SOURCE IS PROVIDED TO COMPRESS THE AIR AND WATER MIXTURE.Description:
218/2210
Die Erfindung betrifft einen Behдltereinsatz, insbesondere fьr eine Badewanne, fьr die Behandlung
des liegend gestьtzten menschlichen Kцrpers mittels Wasserstrцmen und/oder mittels Wasser-LuftStrцmen.
Fьr die Unterwassermassage ist schon ein sogenanntes Whirlpool-Becken bekannt, das fest in
einem Boden auf einer Ebene o. dgl. eingebaut ist, wobei Leitungen an den Rand des Beckens
gefьhrt und an Dьsen im Becken angeschlossen sind.
Ausserdem ist ein Wasserstrahlmassagegerдt bekannt (DE 37 19 605 A1), das mit in Haushalten
vorhandenen Mцglichkeiten, z. B. unter Verwendung einer Badewanne oder einer Duschwanne, eine
Selbstmassage erlaubt. Das Gerдt selbst umfasst einen Elektromotor, eine Fцrderpumpe,
Ansaugstutzen, Druckstutzen, eine Ansaugleitung mit Druckleitung und ein den Wasserstrahl
umlenkendes Endstьck. Die Fцrderpumpe ist in einem tragbaren Gehдuse angeordnet.
Den bekannten Einrichtungen bzw. Gerдten haftet der Nachteil an, dass ein nachtrдglicher Einbau
wirtschaftlich und technisch sehr aufwendig ist und z. B. in den privaten Haushalten nicht
angenommen wird. Der nachtrдgliche Einbau des Gerдtes gemдss DE 37 19 605 A1 ist
demgegenьber aus medizinischen Grьnden nicht sehr wirkungsvoll und erfordert bestimmte
Kцrperhaltungen, die z. B. von Kranken und Gebrechlichen nicht eingenommen werden kцnnen.
Fьr die Zufuhr von Luft ist eine Sprudelmatte an einem Luftsprudelmassagegerдt bekannt (DE 39 31
489 A1), wobei Massnahmen fьr eine Wasserzufьhrung gдnzlich fehlen. Es ist ausserdem eine
Stьtzmatte erforderlich, die als einziges Mattenteil eine ein- oder mehrteilige Folienmatte aufnimmt.
Die Folienmatte besteht aus zwei aufeinanderliegenden Folien, in der die Luftfьhrungskanдle oder
Luftkammern durch Verschweissen oder andere Verbindungen ausserhalb der Luftfьhrungskanдle
oder Luftkammern gebildet sind. Mit den aus den Luftaustrittsцffnungen austretenden Luftstrцmen
kann jedoch eine gesundheitsfцrdernde Behandlung des menschlichen Kцrpers in einer
wьnschenswerten Intensitдt nicht erreicht werden.
Eine andere bekannte Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung einer Massagewirkung im Wasser sieht eine Liege
im Wasser aus Rohren vor, die in einem Kunststoff, wie z. B. Glasfaser verstдrkten Kunststoff
einlaminiert sind, wobei Цffnungen in den Rohren fьr ausstrцmende Luft und/oder Wasser
vorgesehen sind. Da die Strцmungen nur von einem Rohrskelett ausgehen kцnnen, ist die
Beaufschlagung des menschlichen Kцrpers nur sehr ungleichmдssig und nicht kцrpergerecht.
219/2210
Weiterhin ist eine Sprudelmatte zum Einlegen in die Badewanne bekannt (DE 89 14 593 U1), die aus
weichem Kunststoff eine wasserdicht verbundene obere und untere Flдche mit Trennwдnden zur
Bildung von Hohlrдumen aufweist. Die Hohlrдume werden mit Luft beaufschlagt, die dann durch
eine Vielzahl von Lцchern in der Oberflдche der Matte in das Badewasser austritt und es zum
Sprudeln bringt. Auch diese Gestaltung gestattet nur Luftblasen zu erzeugen, aufgrund deren
Aufsteigen nur eine schwache Massagewirkung eintritt. Wasserstrцmungen und deren vorteilhafte
Wirkungen fehlen einer solchen Bauweise vцllig.
Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, die Voraussetzungen fьr ein
gesundheitsfцrderndes bzw. sportkraftstдrkendes System zu schaffen, das auch noch nachtrдglich
in einen Behдlter, insbesondere eine Badewanne, einbaufдhig ist und somit ein teures WhirlpoolSystem ersetzt.
Die gestellte Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemдss dadurch gelцst, dass ein die Behдlterform innen
auskleidender flexibler Behдltereinsatz einlegbar ist, der aus zumindest einer ьber eine Innenfolie
gelegten Aussenfolie besteht, wobei Innenfolie und Aussenfolie an ihren Rдndern gemeinsam
verschlossen sind und zwischen sich Wasser- und Luftzuleitungen aufnehmen, wobei diese an die
Aussenfolie durchdringende Dьsen und/oder an das Innere von Sprudelkissen und/oder an das
Innere von Stьtzkissen angeschlossen sind und dass die Wasser- und Luftzuleitungen an
medienspezifische Druckquellen anschliessbar sind. Diese Einrichtung ist auch nachtrдglich noch in
bestehende Badewannen jeglicher Form einlegbar, passt sich der Kцrperform an, unterstьtzt den
liegenden oder halbaufgerichteten Kцrper und ьbt eine gezielte Unterwassermassage auf die
entsprechenden Kцrperteile aus. Somit werden sдmtliche Whirlpool-Eigenschaften nachtrдglich
ohne grossen Aufwand ьbertragen.
Hierzu ist nach weiteren Merkmalen vorteilhaft, dass die Luft durch eine vom Wasser umflossene
Zuleitung gefьhrt ist und Luftzuleitung und Wasser in zwischen Innen- und Aussenfolie gebildeten
Kanдlen gefьhrt sind.
Die Erfindung wendet sich sodann den Auflagen fьr den menschlichen Kцrper zu, die zwischen
Innenfolie und Aussenfolie gebildet sind oder auch auf die Aussenfolie aufgesetzt sein kцnnen.
Fьr die Bildung eines mehr oder weniger weichen Polsters, das abhдngig von der
Beanspruchungsfдhigkeit eines Patienten hart oder weich gemacht werden soll, ist es vorteilhaft,
220/2210
dass in den Stьtzkissen zwischen einem Einlauf und einem Auslauf mittels eines gedrosselten
Auslaufquerschnitts ein erhцhter Wasserdruck aufrechterhaltbar ist.
Der nachtrдgliche Einbau des Behдltereinsatzes erfordert nur relativ geringfьgige Verbindungen.
Dieses Ziel wird dadurch erreicht, dass die Druckquellen jeweils mittels einer leicht lцsbaren
Schlauchkupplung mit dem Behдltereinsatz verbunden sind. Dadurch ist der Behдltereinsatz
schnell und leicht einsetzbar und wieder entfernbar, so dass der Behдlter oder die Badewanne in
ihrem Ursprungszustand wieder verfьgbar ist.
Obwohl durch die Folien-Oberflдche ein Haften auf der glatten Behдlterinnenflдche ohne weiteres
mцglich ist, kann einem Verrutschen des Behдltereinsatzes weitgehend dadurch entgegengewirkt
werden, dass der Behдltereinsatz mittels Saugnдpfen, Klettbдndern, mechanischen Haltern o. dgl.
an der Behдlterinnenflдche befestigt ist.
Eine Gewichtsersparnis und Werkstoffersparnis kann ausserdem dadurch erzielt werden, dass ein
Luftschlauch und/oder ein Wasserschlauch in die Innenfolie oder in die Aussenfolie integriert ist. Die
Integration kann schon bei der Herstellung in einem Formwerkzeug stattfinden.
Die Herstellung des Leitungssystems umfasst auch die Bildung von Einlдssen, Auslдssen u. dgl.
Nach weiteren Merkmalen ist vorgesehen, dass innerhalb der Wasserzuleitungen Verteilstьcke
befestigt sind, in die Dьsenteller eingesetzt sind.
Eine Herstellung des Behдltereinsatzes aus den Folien begьnstigt auch die Ausbildung der Dьsen.
Hierzu wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Dьsenteller aus Kunststoff bestehen und in Ausnehmungen der
Verteilstьcke eingeklebt sind.
Die Strцmungsverhдltnisse innerhalb des Behдltereinsatzes werden ferner dadurch beeinflusst,
dass die Dьsenteller mit einem abgerundeten Dьseneinlauf versehen sind.
Die Temperaturen der Wasser- bzw. der Luftstrцme kцnnten, jedenfalls zu Beginn eines
Einschaltvorgangs, ungleich sein. Hier kann eine Vergleichmдssigung stattfinden, indem in einer
Dьse eine zentrale Luftzufuhr vorgesehen ist, die vom Wasser eingehьllt wird und dass kleine
Leiteinrichtungen den Wasserstrom in drehende Bewegungen versetzen. Dadurch kann die
Dьsenluft neben der Temperatursteigerung durch den Verdichtungsvorgang auf die
Behдltertemperatur gebracht werden bzw. auf dieser gehalten werden.
221/2210
Der Anfahrvorgang zu einer Gesundheits- oder Fitness-Behandlung, bei der Wasserstrцme und/oder
Wasser-Luft-Strцme eingesetzt werden, findet nach weiteren Erfindungsmerkmalen dahingehend
statt, dass beim Einschalten einer Wasser- oder Wasser-Luft-Druckquelle ьber ein Schaltventil zuerst
ein oder mehrere Stьtzkissen beaufschlagt werden, in einer zweiten Schaltstufe eine oder mehrere
Dьsen beaufschlagt werden und erst in einer dritten Schaltstufe der Luftstrom zugeschaltet wird.
Ein Ausfьhrungsbeispiel der Erfindung ist in der Zeichnung dargestellt und wird im folgenden nдher
beschrieben.
Es zeigen
Fig. 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Behдlters als Badewanne,
Fig. 1A einen vergrцsserten Ausschnitt A aus Fig. 1,
Fig. 2 einen Querschnitt durch ein Verteilstьck mit einem Dьsenteller,
Fig. 2A einen Lдngsschnitt durch das Verteilstьck,
Fig. 3 einen perspektivischen Schnitt durch einen Dьsenteller in Kunststoffherstellung,
Fig. 4 das Verteilstьck in perspektivischer Ansicht.
Ein Behдlter 1, der auch eine kreisrunde oder ovale Form oder andere Formen aufweisen kann, ist
als eine Badewanne 1a gewдhlt. Der Behдlter 1 dient der Behandlung des im wesentlichen liegend
gestьtzten menschlichen Kцrpers mittels Wasserstrцmen und/oder mittels Wasser-Luft-Strцmen. In
der Behдlterform 1b ist auf die Behдlterinnenflдche 1c ein flexibler Behдltereinsatz 2 eingelegt, der
aus einer auf eine Innenfolie 3a aufgelegten Aussenfolie 3b besteht. Die дusseren Rдnder 3c der
Innenfolie 3a und der Aussenfolie 3b sind miteinander dicht verbunden, so dass bei weiteren
Abdichtungsrдndern innerhalb des Umrisses fьr sich getrennte, geschlossene Rдume entstehen,
die nachstehend noch genauer beschrieben werden.
An den Behдltereinsatz 2 sind Wasserzuleitungen 4 und Luftzuleitungen 5 angeschlossen. In dem
flexiblen Behдltereinsatz 2 nehmen zwischen sich die Innenfolie 3a und die Aussenfolie 3b die
222/2210
Wasserzuleitungen 4 und die Luftzuleitungen 5 auf, wobei diese die Aussenfolie 3b durchdringende
Dьsen 6 aufweist. Hierbei sind Sprudelkissen 8 mit Dьsen 6 vorhanden, die das Wasser aus dem
Innern 7 gegen die zu behandelnde Person leiten. Ausserdem sind Stьtzkissen 10 vorhanden, aus
denen ebenfalls aus an deren Inneres 9 angeschlossenen Dьsen 6 Wasserstrцme und/oder
Wasser-Luft-Strцme gegen die zu behandelnde Person gerichtet werden. Sowohl die
Wasserzuleitungen 4 als auch Luftzuleitungen 5 sind an medienspezifische Druckquellen 11a bzw.
11b angeschlossen.
Die Medienfьhrung ist (Fig. 1A) derart gestaltet, um die Dьsenluft neben der Temperatursteigerung
durch den Verdichtungsvorgang auf die Behдltertemperatur zu bringen bzw. die Behдltertemperatur
zu halten, dass die Luft durch die von Wasser umflossene Luftzuleitung 5 gefьhrt ist. Die
Luftzuleitung 5 und das Wasser sind in zwischen Innen- und Aussenfolie 3a, 3b gebildeten Kanдlen
12 gefьhrt, die, wie gezeichnet, z. B. trapezfцrmig, oval o. д. gestaltet sein kцnnen, wobei beliebige
Querschnittsformen durch Aufeinanderlegen und Verbinden von Innenfolie 3a und Aussenfolie 3b
geschaffen werden kцnnen. Selbst die Volumina kцnnen stellenweise durch Verbindungsnдhte o. д.
geдndert werden.
Ein erhцhter Druck des Wassers empfiehlt sich, um Polster fьr den menschlichen Kцrper zu bilden,
d. h. um den Kцrperdruck цrtlich aufzunehmen, dahingehend, dass in den Stьtzkissen 10 zwischen
einem Einlauf 13 und einem Auslauf 14 mittels eines gedrosselten (verkleinerten) Auslaufquerschnitts
ein erhцhter Wasserdruck aufrechterhalten wird. Im ьbrigen kann das (warme) Wasser aus der
Badewanne 1a im Kreislauf entnommen und in die Badewanne 1a zurьckgefьhrt werden.
Die medienspezifischen Druckquellen 11a, 11b, fьr Wasser und/oder Luft sind mittels leicht
lцsbaren Schlauchkupplungen 15 mit dem Behдltereinsatz 2 zu verbinden bzw. von dem
Behдltereinsatz 2 zu lцsen.
Der Behдltereinsatz 2 kann mittels Saugnдpfen, Klettbдndern, mechanischen Haltern 16 o. dgl. an
der Behдlterinnenflдche 1c befestigt werden, wobei die Befestigungsmittel wieder lцsbar sind.
Der Einbau der Dьsen 6, die Zufьhrung von Wasser und/oder Luft zwischen die Innenfolie 3a und
die Aussenfolie 3b kann im Prinzip zwischen den beiden Innenfolien 3a und 3b ohne Rohrleitungen
erfolgen, wobei auch auszufьllende Teilrдume durch Verbindungsstreifen zwischen den Folien
gebildet werden kцnnen.
223/2210
Eine praktisch bevorzugte Ausfьhrungsform sieht vor, dass ein Luftschlauch 17 und/oder ein
Wasserschlauch 18 in die Innenfolie 3a oder die Aussenfolie 3b eingearbeitet ist (Fig. 2).
Innerhalb der Wasserzuleitungen 4 sind speziell ausgeprдgte Verteilstьcke 19 befestigt, in die
Dьsenteller 20 eingesetzt werden (Fig. 2 bis 4). Die Dьsenteller 20 kцnnen aus Kunststoff bestehen
und sind in Ausnehmungen 21 der Verteilstьcke 19 eingeklebt. Die Dьsenteller 20 tragen einen
abgerundeten Dьseneinlauf 20a, um die Strцmungsverluste mцglichst klein zu halten und um eine
weitestgehende Druckumsetzung in der Strцmung zu erzielen.
Das Verteilstьck 19 (Fig. 2, 2A und 4) weist neben einem Mittelteil 19f jeweils einen Rohrstutzen 19a
und 19b auf; ferner sind Dьsenhalteelemente 19c einstьckig mit dem Mittelteil 19f hergestellt, die
eine Tellerringnut 19d zusammen mit Stьtzrippen 19g bilden.
Zur Mittelachse 19e sind noch kleine Leiteinrichtungen 23 im Innern der Rohrstutzen 19a, 19b
angeordnet, die die Strцmung in Umdrehung um die Mittelachse 19e versetzen.
In einer Dьse 6 (Fig. 2) ist eine zentrale Luftzufuhr 22 vorgesehen, wobei der Dьsenteller 20
konzentrisch zur Dьse 6 aufgesetzt ist, so dass durch den Luftschlauch 17 oder durch den
Wasserschlauch 18 ein Wasser-Luft-Gemisch durch eine Dьse 6 von ca. 3 mm Durchmesser das
Medium aus einem Luftschlauch 17 mit einem Durchmesser von ca. 6 bis 8 mm ьber einen
Mischraum 22a von ca. 8 mm Durchmesser bei einem Dьsenteller-Durchmesser 20d von ca. 35 mm
strцmt.
Das Verteilstьck 19 (Fig. 2A) ist zum Beispiel einstьckig aus Kunststoff in einem
Spritzgiesswerkzeug hergestellt.
Fьr den Dьsenteller 20 (Fig. 5A, 5B, 5C) ist ebenfalls Kunststofftechnik oder die Technik dьnnen
Leichtmetalls anwendbar. Der Dьsentellerauslauf 20b ist etwa parabelfцrmig gestaltet und der
Befestigungsrand 20c geht nach innen in den abgerundeten Dьseneinlauf 20a auf.
Der Anfahrvorgang findet sodann in dem Behдlter 1 wie folgt statt, wobei Wasserstrцme und/oder
Wasser-Luft-Strцme gemeinsam oder getrennt hintereinander eingeschaltet werden:
Beim Einschalten einer Wasser- oder Wasser-Luft-Druckquelle 11a, 11b wird ьber ein Schaltventil 24
zuerst ein oder mehrere Stьtzkissen 10 (mit Wasser) beaufschlagt.
224/2210
Dadurch blдhen sich die Stьtzkissen 10 auf und die zu behandelnde Person wird medizinisch
fachgerecht abgestьtzt. In einer zweiten Schaltstufe, in der das Schaltventil 24 weiter цffnet, so dass
z. B. alle Dьsen 6 beaufschlagt werden, entstehen austretende Wasserstrцme. Erst in einer dritten
Schaltstufe des Schaltventils 24, das aus einem Wegeventil bestehen kann, wird der Luftstrom
zugeschaltet, wodurch dann die Whirlpool-Wirkung erzeugt wird.
Bezugszeichenliste
1Behдlter
1aBadewanne
1bBehдlterform
1cBehдlterinnenflдche
2Behдltereinsatz
3aInnenfolie
3bAussenfolie
3cRдnder der Folie
4Wasserzuleitungen
5Luftzuleitungen
6Dьsen
7Inneres
8Sprudelkissen
9Inneres
10Stьtzkissen
11aDruckquelle Wasser
11bDruckquelle Luft
12Kanдle
13Einlauf
14Auslauf
15Schlauchkupplung
16Saugnдpfe, Klettbдnder, Halter
17Luftschlauch
18Wasserschlauch
19Verteilstьcke
19aRohrstutzen
225/2210
19bRohrstutzen
19cDьsenhalteelemente
19dTellerringnut
19eMittelachse
19fMittelteil
19gStьtzrippen
20Dьsenteller
20aabgerundeter Dьseneinlauf
20bDьsentellerauslauf
20cBefestigungsrand
20dDьsenteller-Durchmesser
21Ausnehmungen
22zentrale Luftzufuhr
22aMischraum
23Leiteinrichtungen
24Schaltventil
Claims:
1. Behдltereinsatz, insbesondere fьr eine Badewanne, fьr die Behandlung des liegend gestьtzten
menschlichen Kцrpers mittels Wasserstrцmen und/oder mittels Wasser-Luft-Strцmen, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass der Behдltereinsatz (2) in einen Behдlter (1b) diesen innen flexibel
auskleidend einlegbar ist, der aus zumindest einer ьber eine Innenfolie (3a) gelegten Aussenfolie
(3b) besteht, wobei Innenfolie (3a) und Aussenfolie (3b) an ihren Rдndern (3c) gemeinsam
verschlossen sind und zwischen sich Wasser- und Luftzuleitungen (4; 5) aufnehmen, wobei diese an
die Aussenfolie (3b) durchdringende Dьsen (6) und/oder an das Innere (7) von Sprudelkissen (8)
und/oder an das Innere (9) von Stьtzkissen (10) angeschlossen sind und dass die Wasser- und
Luftzuleitungen (4; 5) an medienspezifische Druckquellen (11a, 11b) anschliessbar sind.
2. Behдltereinsatz nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Luft durch eine vom Wasser
umflossene Zuleitung (5) gefьhrt ist und Luftzuleitung (5) und Wasser in zwischen Innen- und
Aussenfolie (3a; 3b) gebildeten Kanдlen (12) gefьhrt sind.
226/2210
3. Behдltereinsatz nach einem der Ansprьche 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in den
Stьtzkissen (10) zwischen einem Einlauf (13) und einem Auslauf (14) mittels eines gedrosselten
Auslaufquerschnitts ein erhцhter Wasserdruck aufrechterhaltbar ist.
4. Behдltereinsatz nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die
Druckquellen (11a; 11b) jeweils mittels einer leicht lцsbaren Schlauchkupplung (15) mit dem
Behдltereinsatz (2) verbindbar sind.
5. Behдltereinsatz nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der
Behдltereinsatz (2) mittels Saugnдpfen, Klettbдndern, mechanischen Haltern (16) o. dgl. an der
Behдlterinnenflдche (1c) befestigt ist.
6. Behдltereinsatz nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein
Luftschlauch (17) und/oder ein Wasserschlauch (18) in die Innenfolie (3a) oder in die Aussenfolie (3b)
integriert ist.
7. Behдltereinsatz nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass innerhalb der
Wasserzuleitungen (4) Verteilstьcke (19) befestigt sind, in die Dьsenteller (20) eingesetzt sind.
8. Behдltereinsatz nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Dьsenteller (20) aus
Kunststoff bestehen und in Ausnehmungen (21) der Verteilstьcke (19) eingeklebt sind.
9. Behдltereinsatz nach einem der Ansprьche 7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die
Dьsenteller (20) mit einem abgerundeten Dьseneinlauf (20a) versehen sind.
10. Behдltereinsatz nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in einer
Dьse (6) eine zentrale Luftzufuhr (22) vorgesehen ist, die vom Wasser eingehьllt wird und dass
kleine Leiteinrichtungen (23) den Wasserstrom in drehende Bewegungen versetzen.
11. Verfahren zum Anfahren der Behandlung mit einem Behдltereinsatz, bei dem Wasserstrцme
und/oder Wasser-Luft-Strцme eingesetzt werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass beim Einschalten
einer Wasser- oder Wasser-Luft-Druckquelle ьber ein Schaltventil zuerst ein oder mehrere
Stьtzkissen beaufschlagt werden, in einer zweiten Schaltstufe eine oder mehrere Dьsen
beaufschlagt werden und erst in einer dritten Schaltstufe der Luftstrom zugeschaltet wird.
227/2210
38. DE19732296 - 11.02.1999
COLLAPSIBLE SHOWER UNIT FOR HYDROTHERAPY USE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=DE19732296
Inventor(s):
MOISSIOK LIOUDMILLA (DE); GOLDIN EDOUARD (DE)
Applicant(s):
MOISSIOK LIOUDMILLA (DE); GOLDIN EDOUARD (DE)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; E03C; A47K
IP Class:
E03C1/06; A61H9/00; A61H33/00; A47K3/062
E Class: A47K3/28D; E03C1/06
Application Number:
DE19971032296 (19970726)
Priority Number: DE19971032296 (19970726)
Family: DE19732296
Abstract:
THE SHOWER UNIT HAS A WATER PIPE SYSTEM WITH SPRAY APERTURES, WHICH CAN BE
FOLDED INTO A STORAGE POSITIONED WHERE IT IS LOCATED NEAR A VERTICAL SHOWER
TUBE (1). THE SYSTEM HAS A DISTRIBUTOR HEAD (6) FOR CONNECTION VIA A HOSE (5) TO A
FITTING ON THE TUBE. THE PIPES IN THE SYSTEM CONSIST OF ARTICULATED CONNECTED
PIPE SECTIONS (4,7-10). THE PIPE SYSTEM MAY CONSIST OF A HOSE EXTENDING IN A SPIRAL
AROUND THE USER.Description:
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Duschvorrichtung zur Anwendung bei der Hydrotherapie nach
dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1.
228/2210
Eine solche Duschvorrichtung ist aus der FR 2 032 014 bekannt. Dort weist die Duschvorrichtung
einen in einer Betriebsstellung spiralfцrmig um den Benutzer verlaufenden Schlauch auf. Um dem
Benutzer das Ein- und Aussteigen in die und aus der Duschvorrichtung zu ermцglichen, wird der
Schlauch mit einer aufwendigen Heb- und Senkvorrichtung in eine Lagerstellung abgesenkt, in der
er ringfцrmig auf dem Boden aufliegt. Als Spritsschutz ist eine schlauchfцrmige, aussen an dem
spiralfцrmigen Schlauch anliegende Umhьllung vorgesehen, die einstьckig geschlossen aus
flexiblem Material ausgebildet ist. Beim Absenken des Schlauchs in seine Lagerstellung faltet sich
die Umhьllung zusammen, beim Anheben in die Betriebsstellung der Duschvorrichtung wieder
auseinander. Die geschlossene Umhьllung erlaubt es beispielsweise nicht, Armaturen ausserhalb
der Umhьllung wдhrend des Duschens zu bedienen.
Aus der DE-OS 24 51 401 ist eine Duscheinrichtung mit einem an einer vertikal verlaufenden
Duschstange gelagerten Verteilerkopf bekannt, von dem zwei Arme abstehen, die symmetrisch zu
einer Lдngsmittelebene der Duschvorrichtung angeordnet sind. Jeder Arm ist mit mehreren eine
Vielzahl von Wasseraustrittsцffnungen aufweisenden Duschkцpfen versehen, aus denen
Wasserstrahlen in entgegengesetzten seitlichen Richtungen auf den Kцrper eines Benutzers
austreten. Diese bekannte Duscheinrichtung ist in eine Lagerstellung ьberfьhrbar, indem die beiden
Arme nach oben oder unten zu der vertikal verlaufenden Duschstange hin verschwenkt werden.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Duschvorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff des
Anspruchs 1 aufzuzeigen, die in einer normalen Duschkabine auch fьr ein Dampfbad verwendet
werden kann und innerhalb der Duschkabine eine besonders kompakte Lagerstellung aufweist, in
welcher sie eine normale Benutzung der Duschkabine oder deren Reinigung mцglichst wenig
behindert.
Erfindungsgemдss wird diese Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Patentanspruchs 1 gelцst.
Vorteilhafte Ausfьhrungsformen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprьchen beschrieben.
Fьr die Erfindung ist es wesentlich, dass die neue Duschvorrichtung von einer herkцmmlichen
Duschstange getragen wird, und in ihre Lagerstellung nahe dieser Duschstange zusammenlegbar ist.
Bei Ausfьhrungen der neuen Duschvorrichtung zur Anwendung bei der Hydrotherapie, d. h. der
Anregung des menschlichen Organismus durch die Einwirkung von auftreffenden Wasserstrahlen, ist
es bevorzugt, wenn die Wasseraustrittsцffnungen in mindestens zwei in jeweils mindestens zwei
229/2210
vertikal und parallel zueinander verlaufenden Reihen angeordnet und die Wasseraustrittsцffnungen
der einzelnen Reihen unter unterschiedlichen Winkeln auf den Kцrper des Benutzers der
Duschvorrichtung ausgerichtet sind. Bei einem nicht zu steilen Auftreffwinkel der Wasserstrahlen auf
den Kцrper des Benutzers kann so eine mantelartige Verteilung des Wassers auf der Haut des
Benutzers erreicht werden.
Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand eines Ausfьhrungsbeispiels nдher erlдutert und
beschrieben, dabei zeigt
Fig. 1 die Duschvorrichtung in ihrer Betriebsstellung und
Fig. 2 die Duschvorrichtung gemдss Fig. 1 in ihrer Lagerstellung.
Die in den Fig. 1 und 2 dargestellte Duschvorrichtung ist an eine herkцmmliche Duschstange 1
angelagert. Hierzu ist eine Fьhrungshьlse 2 auf der Duschstange 1 gefьhrt. Von der Fьhrungshьlse
2 erstreckt sich ein Haltearm 3. Ein von einer Armatur 28 kommender Schlauch 5 geht direkt in einen
spiralfцrmig um einen Benutzer 25 herum verlaufenden Schlauch 14 ьber, in dem
Wasseraustrittsцffnungen 20 vorgesehen sind. Es kцnnen noch weitere Wasseraustrittsцffnungen
vorgesehen sein, beispielsweise in drei parallel zueinander verlaufenden Reihen, was hier jedoch
nicht dargestellt ist. Gehalten wird der spiralfцrmige Schlauch 14, dessen freies Ende 15
verschlossen ist, um den Benutzer 25 durch Halteseile 26, die an ihrem oberen Ende an dem
Haltearm 3 befestigt sind, welcher sich wiederum ьber die Fьhrungshьlse 2 an der Duschstange 1
abstьtzt. Zum Erreichen der Lagerstellung der Duschvorrichtung gemдss Fig. 2 wird der Schlauch
14 mit seinem freien Ende 15 beginnend angehoben und insgesamt auf einem Duschstangenfortsatz
13 aufgesetzt. Dabei kann der in Fig. 2 nicht sichtbare Haltearm 3 an die Duschstange 11
herangeklappt oder parallel zu dieser aufgehдngt werden. Die Duschvorrichtung gemдss den Fig. 1
und 2 ist von besonders einfachem und kostengьnstig herstellbarem Aufbau, sie ist auch fьr ein
Dampfbad verwendbar. Hierfьr ist eine schlauchfцrmige, aussen an dem spiralfцrmigen Schlauch
14 anliegende (hier nicht dargestellte) Umhьllung vorgesehen, die aus einzelnen lappenfцrmigen
Abschnitten bestehen, welche sich teilweise ьberlappend nebeneinander an dem Schlauch 14
befestigt sind und von dem Schlauch 14 soweit herabhдngen, dass sie mit ihren freien unteren
Enden aussen an der jeweils nдchsten Windung des Schlauchs 14 anliegen. Die lappenfцrmigen
Abschnitte der Umhьllung kцnnen in unterschiedlichen Farben eingefдrbt sein, wodurch ein
interessanter optischer Eindruck hervorgerufen wird. Die lappenfцrmigen Abschnitte behindern das
230/2210
Zusammenlegen der gesamten Duschvorrichtung kaum und sind leicht zu reinigen. Die neue
Duschvorrichtung kommt ohne aufwendige Gelenke aus.Claims:
1. Duschvorrichtung zur Anwendung bei der Hydrotherapie, mit einem zusammenlegbaren,
Wasseraustrittsцffnungen aufweisenden Wasserleitungssystem, wobei das Wasserleitungssystem
eine Betriebsstellung, in der die Wasseraustrittsцffnungen in entgegengesetzten seitlichen
Richtungen auf den Kцrper eines Benutzers gerichtet sind, und eine Lagerstellung aufweist, wobei
das Wasserleitungssystem von einem in der Betriebsstellung spiralfцrmig um den Benutzer
verlaufenden Schlauch ausgebildet ist und wobei eine schlauchfцrmige, aussen an dem
spiralfцrmigen Schlauch anliegende Umhьllung vorgesehen ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das
Wasserleitungssystem in die Lagerstellung nahe einer vertikal verlaufenden Duschstange (1)
zusammenlegbar ist, wobei die Umhьllung aus einzelnen lappenfцrmigen Abschnitten besteht, die
sich teilweise ьberlappend nebeneinander an dem Schlauch (14) befestigt sind und von dem
Schlauch (14) soweit herabhдngen, dass sie mit ihren freien unteren Enden aussen an der jeweils
nдchsten Windung des Schlauchs (14) anliegen.
2. Duschvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wasseraustrittsцffnungen
(20) in jeweils mindestens zwei, vorzugsweise drei parallel zueinander verlaufenden Reihen
angeordnet sind.
3. Duschvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die
Wasseraustrittsцffnungen dem austretenden Wasserstrahl einen Drall verleihen.
231/2210
39. DE3734199 - 15.06.1989
BATH WITH CIRCULATING INSTALLATION, IN PARTICULAR EDDY CURRENT/BUBBLE BATH,
MASSAGE OR WHIRLPOOL FOR HYDROTHERAPY FOR SPORTS HORSES
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=DE3734199
Applicant(s):
MARCANT PUMPEN GMBH (DE); SCHAEFER ARMIN (DE)
IP Class 4 Digits: B05B; A61D
IP Class:
B05B1/14; A61D11/00
E Class: A61D11/00
Application Number:
DE19873734199 (19871009)
Priority Number: DE19873734199 (19871009)
Family: DE3734199
Abstract:
PUBLISHED WITHOUT ABSTRACT.Description:
a) Die Erfindung betrifft: Eine Wanne oder Behдlter mit Umwдlzanlage, insbesondere eine
Wirbelstrom-Sprudel-Wanne oder Whirlpool, mit einer Umwдlzpumpe in Form einer RadialKreiselpumpe, mit einer Mehrzahl von an die Pumpe ьber Verteilerleitungen angeschlossenen
Wasserstrahlern, mit einer Pumpenansaugleitung, sowie mit einem Wasserheizgerдt mit einer
elektrischen Heizschlange.
b) Die Erfindung betrifft: Eine Wanne oder Behдlter mit Luftgeblдse als Wirbelstrom-SprudelWanne bzw. als Luftperl-Massageb mit einem Geblдse, an die Wanne angeschlossener
Luftschlauch mit einer Mehrzahl an die Wanne angeschlossenen Verteilerleitungen, sowie einem
232/2210
doppelten Boden mit einer Vielzahl eingebauter D oder Bohrungen, ьber diese Luft vom Geblдse
eingedrьckt wird, so dass in der Wanne eine Luftperlmassage entsteht.Derartige Badewannen mit
Umwдlzanlage, insbesondere Wirbelstrom- oder Sprudel-Badewannen oder Whirlpools, sind
bekannt und fьr den menschlichen Gebrauch gedacht.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Hydromassagegerдt zu schaffen, dass zur
Therapieanwendung und Therapieunterstьtzung von Bein- oder Fussverletzten Sportpferden dient,
oder auch vor und nach dem tдglichen Training angewendet werden kann.
Fussverletzungen von Sportpferden werden bisher mit Medikamenten oder Injektionen geheilt.
Der Erfindung zu Folge soll die Therapie durch Hydro-Massage, d. h. mit Wasser-Luftgemisch
durchgefьhrt werden. Die Anlage dient zum Vorbeugen von Gelenkerkrankungen, ebenso wie zum
Stabilisieren der Sehnen, bei Sehnenerkrankungen oder Sehnenrissen zur Therapieunterstьtzung.
Weiter ist die Massage durchblutungsfцrdernd, entspa die Muskeln, in Verbindung mit Solebдdern.
Dabei steht das Pferd bei kleinen transportablen Anlagen mit den Vorderfьssen bis ьber die Knie im
Behдlter, oder bei grцsseren stationдren Anlagen mit allen 4 Fьssen in der Wanne.
Die Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemдss dadurch gelцst, dass an einem entsprechend grossen Behдlter
oder einer Wanne die mit Wasser gefьllt wird, eine Umwдlzanlage mit einer Umwдlzpumpe in Form
einer Kreiselpumpe, mit einer Mehrzahl von an die Pumpe ьber Verteilerleitungen angeschlossenen
Wasserstrahlern die in verschiedenen Ebenen und oder im Versatz zueinander vom Wannenboden
bis zum oberen Wannenrand angeordnet sind. Die Pumpenanlage ist leise laufend und entweder
direkt an der Wanne angebracht oder steht in einem gewissen Abstand davon.
Die Wannengrцsse fьr transportable Gerдte ist fьr zwei Pferdefьsse oder bei stationдren Anlagen
fьr alle vier Fьsse ausgelegt, die Hцhe ist so ausgelegt, dass die Massage bis ьber die
Kniegelenke erfolgen kann. Die Wannenform reicht von rechteckig ьber Vieleck bis rund. Die runde
Beckenform ergibt eine optimale Rundum-Ganzfuss-Massage vom Huf bis ьbers Knie. Im weiteren
ist der obere Becken- oder Wannenrand abgerundet, damit beim Einstieg der Pferde in die Wanne
keine Verletzungen an den Fьssen vorkommen und das Pferd nicht scheut. Die Abrundung dient bei
der transportablen Anlage, die zu Turnieren mitgenommen werden, als Tragegriff. Die komplette
Anlage ist sehr handlich und leicht gebaut, so dass sie von jeder Person getragen werden kann.
233/2210
Der eigentliche Massagestrahl wird durch Luftbeimischung in den Wasserstrahlern oder Venturi
gekannt, nach dem Venturiprinzip erreicht. Die Wasserstrahler haben ein Zweileitungssystem, einmal
fьr Wasser, einmal fьr Luft. Der Massagestrahl wird individuell stufenlos sowohl fьr die Wasser- als
auch fьr die Luftzufuhr mit einfachen Kugelhдhnen, Verschraubungen oder ьber elektronisch
gesteuerte Ventile geregelt. Die Dьsenkцpfe der Wasserstrahler sin in jeder Richtung schwenkbar
und kцnnen einzeln geschlossen werden.Die Anlage kann in vier verschiedenen Ausfьhrungen
hergestellt und verwendet werden:
a) Als Hydro-Massage nur mit Wasser.
b) Nach dem Venturiprinzip mit AirJet-Dьsen-Wasser-Luftgemisch.
c) oder Wasserluftgemisch mit zusдtzlichem Geblдse.
d) Als Erweiterung mit doppeltem Boden mit einer Vielzahl von Dьsen oder Bohrungen im
doppelten Wannenboden oder in den doppelten Seitenwдnden als reines Luftperlbad.
Wobei in jedem Falle Solebдder oder Schmerzlindernde bzw. Heilmittel dem Wasser beigegeben
werden kцnnen.
In Erweiterung dazu kann eine Heizanlage in der Pumpe oder im Leitungssystem installiert sein,
damit kann eine Therapie mit kaltem oder warmem Wasser erfolgen. Durch Einbau von
Trockenlaufsensor und Temperatursonde kann die Wassertemperatur unmittelbar erfasst werden,
wodurch eine Korrektur der Wassertemperatur mцglich ist.
Die komplette Anlage ist kompakt und transportabel gebaut und kann auf jedes Turnier
mitgenommen werden, oder wird stationдr im Reitstall installiert.
Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand der Zeichnungen erlдutert, diese zeigt
Fig. I Eine Wanne in Seitenansicht mit Umwдlzpumpe und Rohranlage nach der Erfindung,
Fig. II eine Wanne in Draufsicht mit Umwдlzpumpe, Geblдse und Rohranlage nach der Erfindung,
Fig. III eine Wanne im Vertikal-Schnitt mit doppeltem Boden, doppelten Seitenwдnden mit einer
Vielzahl von Bohrungen oder Dьsen und mit Geblдse nach der Erfindung.
234/2210
Fig. I zeigt eine Wanne 1 bei der aus dem Wannenbecken 2 das Wasser ьber eine Ansaugleitung 3
einer Kreiselpumpe 4 zugefьhrt wird. Nach Verlassen der Pumpe 4 wird das Wasser ьber Verteiler 5
und Verteilerleitung 6 durch die Wasserstrahler (Venturi) 7 mit Luft vermischt und durch die Dьsen 8
dem Wannenbecken 2 als Wasserluftgemisch und Massagestrahl wieder zugefьhrt. Die
Wasserdosierung erfolgt stufenlos mit Kugelhahn oder Regelventil 9, die Luftdosierung ebenfalls
stufenlos mit Kugelhahn oder Regelventil 10. Der abgerundete Wannenrand 11 dient als Tragegriff
und soll Verletzungen beim Einstieg der Pferde in die Wanne 1 vermeiden.
Fig. II zeigt die Wanne 1 bei der durch Pfeile die Strцmung von Wasser wie in Fig. I beschrieben
angedeutet wird. Weiter ein Geblдse 12 das ьber einen Ansaugstutzen 13 Luft ansaugt und diese
ьber die Verteilerleitung 14 in die Wasserstrahler 7 (Venturi) durch die Dьsen 8 mit Wasser gemischt
als Massagestrahl 15 in das Wannenbecken 2 drьckt.
Fig. III zeigt eine Wanne 1 im Vertikal-Schnitt bei der durch Pfeile die Luftstrцmung angedeutet wird.
Im weiteren ein Geblдse 12 das ьber den Ansaugstutzen 13 Luft saugt und diese ьber die
Verteilerleitung 16, dosiert mit Ventil 17, in den Hohlraum 18 von Doppelwandung 19 und
Doppelboden 20 durch die Bohrung oder Dьsen 21 und 22 in das Wannenbecken 2 presst, so dass
ein Luftperl-Massagebad entsteht. Claims:
1. Wanne mit Umwдlzanlage, insbesondere Wirbelstrom- oder Sprudel-Wanne mit einer
Umwдlzanlage in Form einer Radial-Kreiselpumpe, mit einer Mehrzahl von an die Pumpe ьber
Verteilerleitungen angeschlossenen Wasserstrahlern, mit einer Pumpenansaugleitung mit einem
elektrischen Wasserheizgerдt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wanne als Massagegerдt zur
Vorbeugung und Therapie bei Fussverletzungen von Turnier-Reit-Spring-Renn-Pferden dient.
2. Wanne nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wannenform rechteckig, vieleckig
oder rund ist, wobei die runde For eine optimale Rundum-Ganzfuss-Massage vom Huf bis
Kniegelenk ermцglicht.
235/2210
3.Wanne nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass am дusseren Umfang der
Wannenwand vom Boden bis zum oberen Wannenrand eine Mehrzahl von Wasserstrahlern, Venturis
oder AirJets in verschiedenen Ebenen und oder im Verbund und Versatz zueinander montiert sind.
4. Wanne nach Anspruch 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Hydrotherapie als Massage
ьber eine Pumpe mit Wasser oder Wasserluftgemisch in Erweiterung mit einem zusдtzlichen
Geblдse das zur Verstдrkung der Massage Luft einblдst, erfolgen kann.
5. Wanne nach Anspruch 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Massage mit einem
Luftgeblдse ьber eine Vielzahl im doppelten Boden der Wanne oder in der doppelten Wannenwand
eingebauter Dьsen oder kleinen Bohrungen als Luftperl-Massagebad durchgefьhrt werden kann.
6.Wanne nach Anspruch 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wasserdosierung und
Luftdosierung fьr den Massagestrahl unabhдngig voneinander, stufenlos mit einfachen
Kugelhдhnen, Verschraubungen oder elektronisch gesteuerten Ventilen individuell regelbar ist.
7. Wanne nach Anspruch 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Anlage mit einer elektrischen
Heizung ausgestattet ist, so dass die Hydrotherapie mit kaltem oder warmen Wasser mit
entsprechender Korrektur der Wassertemperatur durchgefьhrt werden kann.
8. Wanne nach Anspruch 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Wannenmaterial aus einem
elastischen, weichen Kunststoff-PVC- Plastik bzw. Polyдthylen, oder sonst leicht verformbaren
Material hergestellt ist, damit bei einem Hufschlag oder Fusstritt des Pferdes die Wannenwand
nachgibt, nicht bricht und nicht beschдdigt wird.
9. Wanne nach Anspruch 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Wannenboden mit einer
trittsicheren nicht rutschenden, verrippten Gummiplatte ausgelegt ist.
10. Wanne nach Anspruch 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verwendungszweck dieser
kompletten Anlage nicht nur fьr Sport- Reit-Spring-Renn- und Turnierpferde beschrдnkt ist, sondern
zur Hydrotherapie fьr alle Tierarten angewendet werden kann.
236/2210
40. DE3926867 - 21.02.1991
WATER RESERVOIR FOR HYDROTHERAPY - HAS A BASE AND SEPARATE ACRYLIC] WALLS WITH
A PLASTIC FILM SEAL
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=DE3926867
Inventor(s):
ENGELHARDT GERNOT E (DE)
Applicant(s):
ENGELHARDT GERNOT E (DE)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; E04H; A47K
IP Class:
E04H4/00; A61H33/00; A47K3/00
E Class: A61H33/00; E04H4/12A1
Application Number:
DE19893926867 (19890816)
Priority Number: DE19893926867 (19890816)
Family: DE3926867
Abstract:
A WATER RESERVOIR FOR HYDROTHERAPY, WHICH HAS A BASE (3) AND SEVERAL SIDE WALLS
(2) FORMED OF PLATES (1) OF A TRANSPARENT MATERIAL, TYPICALLY ACRYLIC RESIN.
SEALING BETWEEN THE WALLS (2) AND THE FLOOR (3) IS ACHIEVED BY A PLASTIC FILM (4).
FURTHER SEALING IS REALIZED IF THE SIDEWALLS (2) HAVE A FILM OF PLASTIC ON THE
INSIDE WHICH HAS TRANSPARENT AREAS AND IS WELDED TO THE FILM (4) ON THE FLOOR (3).
USE/ADVANTAGE - SEALING OF WATER RESERVOIRS USED IN HYDROTHERAPY FOR PATIENT
REHABILITATION. ALLOWS A RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE RESERVOIR TO BE BUILT IN SMALL
AREAS.Description:
237/2210
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Wasserbecken fьr die medizinische Hydrotherapie od. dgl., mit einem
Boden und vorzugsweise vier Seitenwдnden und, insbesondere mit einem umlaufenden WasserЬberlauf, wobei mindestens eine Seitenwand aus, vorzugsweise mehrere durchsichtigen
Plattenelementen aus Acrylglas od. dgl. besteht.
Es sind Wasserbecken bekannt, bei denen mindestens eine Seitenwand mehrere durchsichtige,
meist aus Acrylglas bestehende, Plattenelemente aufweist. Solche bekannten Wasserbecken werden
zu medizinischen Zwecken bei der Rehabilitation eingesetzt, wobei ein Patient im Rahmen einer
Hydrotherapie Bewegungen im Wasser ausfьhrt, die von einem Therapeuten geleitet und ьberwacht
werden mьssen. Bei gewцhnlichen Wasserbecken fдllt es schwer, die Bewegung des Patienten
verfolgen zu kцnnen, da Reflexe und Bewegungen der Wasseroberflдche die
Patientenbewegungen stets verzerrt erscheinen lassen. Mit Hilfe mindestens einer durchsichtigen
Seitenwand ist es mцglich, die Bewegungsьbungen des oder der Patienten bis zum Beckenboden
problemlos zu verfolgen.
Die Dichtigkeit solcher Wasserbecken mit mehreren Plattenelementen aus Acrylglas od. dgl. ist
problematisch, da die Plattenelementen sowohl untereinander als auch zum Boden hin abgedichtet
sein mьssen. Bei den bekannten Wasserbecken sind die Plattenelemente in einen umlaufenden
Rahmen eingesetzt und gegen diesen mittels Gummileisten abgedichtet. Die Unterkante des
umlaufenden Rahmens wird dabei von einer Schwelle in einer Bodenwanne aus
glasfaserverstдrktem Polyester (GFK) und die Seiten- und Oberkanten von einer aufgesetzten
Tragkonstruktion aus Edelstahl gebildet.
Das eingangs beschriebene und zuvor nдher erlдuterte bekannte Wasserbecken ist einerseits seht
teuer und andererseits дussers problematisch fьr den nachtrдglichen Aufbau in vorhandenen
Rдumen. Um den Patienten eine ausreichende Bewegungsmцglichkeit im Wasser geben zu
kцnnen, betrдgt das Grundmass des bekannten Wasserbeckens etwa 4 x 2 m. Das bedeutet, dass
die Verwendung einer ebenso grossen, einteiligen Bodenwan die hдufig noch eine gewisse Tiefe
aufweist, einen nachtrдglichen Einbau in vorhandene, oft kleine Therapierдume nicht zulдsst.
Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, das eingangs beschriebene
Waserbecken so auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, dass ein kostengьnstiges Wasserbecken
geschaffen wird und dass ein nachtrдglicher Einbau in vorhandene, kleinere Rдume stets mцglich
ist.
238/2210
Das erfindungsgemдsse Wasserbecken, bei dem die zuvor beschriebene Aufgabe gelцst ist, ist
zunдchst und im wesentlichen dadur gekennzeichnet, dass zur Abdichtung der Seitenwдnde mit
dem Boden eine Folie aus Kunststoff eingelegt ist. Erfindugnsgemдss ist erkannt worden, dass
durch den Verzicht auf eine starre Bodenwanne die Herstellung des erfindungsgemдssen
Wasserbeckens zum einen erheblich verbilligt wird und zum anderen die Plattenelemente die
grцssten zu transportierenden einteiligen Einzelteile bilden. Dadurch, dass die Grцsse der
Plattenelemente beliebig wдhlbar ist, lassen sich selbst Rдume, die nur wenig grцsser sind als das
Ausmass des erfindngsgemдssen Wasserbeckens, problemlos auch nachtrдglich mit einem
solchen Wasserbecken ausstatten.Fьr das erfindungsgemдsse Wasserbecken wird nur ein - meist
ohnehin vorhandener - tragfдhiger, ebener und mцglichst glatter Untergrund benцtigt.
Im einzelnen gibt es nun verschiedene Mцglichkeiten, das erfindungsgemдsse Wasserbecken
auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, wozu einerseits auf die Unteransprьche und andererseits auf di
nachfolgende Erlдuterung bevorzugter Ausfьhrungsbeispiele des erfindungsgemдssen
Wasserbeckens anhand der Zeichnung verwiesen werden darf. In der Zeichnung zeigt
Fig. 1 einen Schnitt durch einen Teil einer Seitenwand eines erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbeckens
und deren Befestigung am Boden,
Fig. 2 einen Schnitt durch eine Stossrichtung zweier benachbarter Plattenelemente des
erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbeckens,
Fig. 3 einen Schnitt durch eine Stossverbindung zweier benachbarter Plattenelemente eines anderen
Ausfьhrungsbeispiele des erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbeckens,
Fig. 4 einen Schnitt durch eine Eckverbindung zweier Seitenwдnde eines erfindungsgemдssen
Wasserbeckens,
Fig. 5 eine Aufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemдsses Wasserbecken mit Wasser-Ьberlauf und
Fig. 7 einen Schniutt durch den Gegenstand aus Fig. 5 entlang der Linie VI-VI.
Fig. 1 zeigt im Schnitt ein Plattenelement 1 eines erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbeckens, welches
eingangs im einzelnen erlдutert worden ist und einen Teil einer aus mehreren durchsichtigen
Plattenelementen aus Acrylglas od. dgl. bestehenden Seitenwand 2 bildet. Erfindungsgemдss
239/2210
benцtigt das Plattenelement 1 keine Bodenwanne, sondern lediglich einen ebenen und mцglichst
glatten Untergrund, im dargestellten und im soweit bevorzugten Ausfьhrungsbeispiel einen Boden 3
aus Beton. Zur Abdichtung eines Plattenelementes 1 mit dem Boden 3 ist erfindungsgemдss eine
Folie 4 aus Kunststoff, beispielsweise PVC, ins Innere des Wasserbeckens eingelegt. Solche
gewebeverstдrkten Folien sind im Schwimmbadbau bereits bekannt, sie dienen hдufig auch zur
nachtrдglichen Verkleidung bzw. Abdichtung bereits vorhandener, nicht gefliesster Bдder.Da ein
Plattenelement 1 aus Acrylglas eine sehr glatte Oberflдche aufweist, liegen die zumindest teilweise
aus Plattenelementen 1 bestehenden Seitenwдnde 2 auf einem umlaufenden, dem Grundmass des
Wasserbeckens entsprechenden Winkelprofil 5, vorzugsweise aus mit PVC beschichtetem Stahl,
dessen liegender Schenkel 6 zur Innenseite des Wasserbeckens weisend angeordnet ist. Nach einer
weiteren Lehre der Erfindung ist zwischen dem Winkelprofil 5 und dem Boden 3 ein Dдmmelement 7,
beispielsweise eine Lage Filz, vorgesehen.
Wesentlich fьr die vorliegende Erfindung ist, dass die Folie 4 zwischen dem Plattenelement 1 und
dem Winkelprofil 5 eingeklemmt ist. Dazu ist es von Vorteil, wenn zwischen Seitenwand 2 und Folie 4
ein weiteres Dichtungsmittel wie beispielsweise ein Dichtungselement 8 aus Neopren oder Silikon
vorgesehen ist. Es ist auch denkbar, das Plattenelement 1 mit der Folie 4 mit einem PVC- AcrylKlebstoff zu verkleben, wie es in Fig. 1 mit der Klebeschicht 9 angedeutet ist.
Wie aus Fig. 1 weiter hervorgeht, sind die Seitenwдnde 2 bzw. Plattenelemente 1 mit auf dem
Boden 3 angeordneten Stьtzwinkeln 10 mittels einer Schraubenverbindung 11 verschraubt. Die
Stьtzwinkel 10 verlaufen im wesentlichen umlaufend oder abschnittsweise entlang der Aussenkante
des Winkelprofils 5. Ihre Lage ist so gewдhlt, dass ihre liegenden Schenkel nach aussen zeigend
angeordnet und mittels Dьbeln 12 und Schraube 13 fest mit dem Boden 3 verbunden sind. Aus Fig.
1 ist ferner ersichtlich, dass sich die stehenden Schenkel von Winkelprofil 5 einerseits und
Stьtzwinkel 10 andererseits in ihrer Hцhe zweckmдssigerweise entsprechen. Nicht dargestellt ist
eine vorteilhafte Abdeckung von Stьtzwinkel und Schraubenkцpfen bzw. Muttern zur Vermeidung
von Verletzungen beim Herantreten an das erfindungsgemдsse Wasserbecken.
Wie eingangs erwдhnt, besteht bei dem erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbecken mindestens eine
Seitenwand 2 in der Regel aus mehreren Plattenelementen 1. Eine erste Mцglichkeit einer
Stossverbindung ist in Fig. 2 im Schnitt dargestellt. Hier stossen zunдchst die Stцsse zweier
benachbarter Plattenelemente 1 stumpf aufeinander.
240/2210
Ein in Hцhe der Stosskante angeordneter Stьtzpfeiler 14 an der Aussenseite des
erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbeckens gibt den Plattenelementen 1 den nцtigen Halt. Der
Stьtzpfeiler besteht zweckmдssigerweise aus einem verzinkten Vierkantrohr aus Stahl. Fig. 2 zeigt
eine von einer Reihe Schraubverbindungen, wie sie ьber die gesamte Hцhe der Plattenelemente 1
bzw. Stьtzpfeiler 14 angeordnet sind. Zur Erhцhung der Stabilitдt ist an der Innenseite des
erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbeckens ein Verstдrkungssteg 15 mцglichst ьber die gesamte Hцhe
der Plattenelemente 1 vorgesehen. Zwischen den benachbarten Plattenelementen 1 ist kein
Dichtelement vorhanden, aber es ist eine Dichtung 16 aus Neopren oder Silikon zwischen den
Plattenelementen 1 und dem Stьtzpfeiler 14 vorgesehen.Schrauben 17 werden von innen durch
entsprechende Ausnehmungen im Verstдrkungssteg 15; in den Plattenelementen 1 und im
Stьtzpfeiler 14 gesteckt und mittels Muttern 18 festgezogen. Zur dauerhaften Verbindung sind
Sicherungselemente 19 vorgesehen, die ein Lцsen der Schraubverbindungselemente 19
vorgesehen, die ein Lцsen der Schraubverbindung sicher verhindern. Ausnehmungen 20 im
Stьtzpfeiler 14 erlauben das Durchstecken eines Steckschlьssels zum Anziehen der Muttern 19.
Nach Festziehen und Sichern der Schraubverbindung werden die Ausnehmungen 20 durch
Abdeckkappen 21 aus Kunststoff od. dgl, verschlossen.
Eine weitere Lehre der Erfindung sieht vor, dass zur Eckverbindung jeweils zwei Seitenwдnde des
erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbeck ьber Eck miteinander verschraubt sind. Dazu weist eine
Seitenwand 2 Bohrungen 22 auf und in der Stossflдche einer anderen Seitenwand 2 sind
Gewindebohrungen 23 zur Aufnahme von Gewindebolzen 24 vorgesehen, von denen jeweils eine im
Schnitt in Fig. 3 dargestellt ist. Eine in ihrer Grцsse der Stossflдche entsprechende Dichtung 25 aus
Neopren oder Silikon sorgt fьr die notwendige Abdichtung zwischen den Seitenwдnden 2. Auch bei
der Eckverbindung sind die Schrauben mittels nicht dargestellter Sicherungselemente gesichert.
Fig. 4 zeigt eine zweite Mцglichkeit der Ausfьhrung einer Stossverbindung: zwei benachbarte
Plattenelemente 1 weisen in ihren Stossflдchen eine Nut 26 auf und sind miteinander sowie mit einer
Feder 27 aus dem gleichen Material wie die Plattenelemente 1 verklebt.
Nicht dargestellt ist eine Ausfьhrungsform mit aus Acrylglas od. dgl. bestehenden Seitenwдnden,
wobei die Stossflдche der ein oder der entsprechende Flдchenrand der anderen Seitenwand eine
oder mehrere Nuten aufweisen und die Seitenwдnde miteinander und mit einer der Anzahl der Nuten
entsprechenden Anzahl von Federn aus Acrylglas od. dgl. verklebt sind. Gegenstand der Erfindung
ist auch eine Eckverbindung, bei der die zuvor aufgezeigten Schraubverbindungen mit
Klebverbindungen kombiniert sind. Eine solche, nicht dargestellte Ausfьhrung hat eine besonders
241/2210
hohe Stabilitдt zur Folge, da die vertikalen Abschnitte zwischen den Schraubverbindungen grцsser
gewдhlt werden kцnnen, ohne auf die gewьnschte Dichtigkeit verzichten zu mьssen.
In einer weiterhin nicht dargestellten Ausfьhrungsform der Erfindung wird zwar fьr eine oder
mehrere der Wдnde Acrylglas verwendet, dieses wird aber gegenьber dem Boden und zwischen
den einzelnen Platten nicht abgedichtet. Die Abdichtungen ьbernimmt dafьr eine das ganze Becken
auskleidende Folie, wobei die Folie an den Wдnden, die aus Acrylglas bestehen, durchsichtig ist.
Diese durchsichtige Folie lдsst sich mit der ьblichen, blaugefдrbten Folie ohne weiteres
verschweissen. Aufwendige Abichtungsmassnahmen kцnnen daher entfallen.
In Fig. 5 ist schliesslich eine Aufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemдssen Wasserbecken dargestellt, ein
umlaufender Wasser-Ьberlauf zur Vermeidung jeglicher Art von Wellenbewegungen ist fьr zwei
Seitenwдnde 2 dargestellt. Dabei ist der Wasser-Ьberlauf als Rohr 28 ausgefьhrt, welches im
dargestellten Ausfьhrungsbeispiel in seiner oberen Hдlfte waagerecht aufgeschnitten ist, wie aus
dem Schnitt in Fig. 6 deutlich hervorgeht. Es ist wichtig, dass das Rohr 28 in Abstдnden ьber
Ablaufeinrichtungen 29 verfьgt, die vorzugsweise gleichzeitig zur Befestigung des Rohres 28 dienen
und dazu durch Bohrungen 30 in den Seitenwдnden 2 gefьhrt und mit diesen befestigt sind. Nicht
dargestellte Antiwirbelelemente in den Abflusseinrichtungen dienen zur Vermeidung bzw. Dдmpfung
von Abflussgerдuschen. Die Ablaufeinrichtungen 29 mьnden in eine geschlossene, geneigt
angeordnete Sammelleitung 31 und werden einer nicht dargestellten Reinigungsanlage zugefьhrt.
Erfindungsgemдsse Wasserbecken sind insbesondere auch als Heimschwimmbдder, vor allem bei
nachtrдglichem Einbau, besonders gut geeignet. Bezugszeichenliste: 1 Plattenelement
2 Seitenwand
3 Boden
4 Folie
5 Winkelprofil
6 liegender Schenkel
7 Dдmmelement
8 Dichtungselement
9 Klebeschicht
10 Stьtzwinkel
11 Schraubverbindung
12 Dьbel
13 Schraube
242/2210
14 Stьtzpfeiler
15 Verstдrkungssteg
16 Dichtung
17 Schraube
18 Mutter
19 Sicherungselement
20 Ausnehmung
21 Abdeckklappe
22 Bohrung
23 Gewindebohrung
24 Gewindebolzen
25 Dichtung
26 Nut
27 Feder
28 Rohr
29 Abflusseinrichtung
30 Bohrung
31 Sammelleitung Claims:
1. Wasserbecken fьr die medizinische Hydrotherapie od. dgl., mit einem Boden und mehreren
Seitenwдnden aus durchsichtigen Plattenelementen aus Acrlylglas od. dgl. besteht, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass zur Abdichtung der Seitenwдnde (2) mit dem Boden (3) eine Folie (4) aus
Kunststoff eingelegt ist.
2. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Seitenwдnde (2) innenseitig
eine Folie aus Kunststoff aufweisen, die durchsichtige Teile aufweist und mit Folie (4) fьr den Boden
verschweisst ist.
3. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Seitenwдnde (2) auf einem
im wesentlichen umlaufenden oder abschnittsweise vogesehenen Winkelprofil (5) angeordnet sind,
dessen liegender Schenkel (6) nach innen weisend angeordnet ist.
243/2210
4.Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen Winkelprofil (5) und
Boden (3) ein Dдmmelement (7) vorgesehen ist.
5. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Folie (4) zwischen
Seitenwдnden (2) und Winkelprofil (5) eingeklemmt ist.
6. Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 3 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen
Seitenwand (2) und Folie (4) mindestens ein weiteres Dichtungsmittel (9) wie ein Dichtungselement
(8) oder eine Klebeschicht vorgesehen ist.
7. Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die
Seitenwдnde (2) bzw. Plattenelemente (1) mit am Boden (3) befestigten Stьtzwinkeln (10)
verschraubt sind.
8.Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Stьtzwinkel (10) entlang der
Aussenkante des Winkelprofils (5) im wesentlichen umlaufend und mit ihrem liegenden Schenkel
nach aussen zeigend angeordnet sind.
9. Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 8, bei dem mindestens eine Seitenwand aus
mehreren durchsichtigen Plattenelementen besteht, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zur
Stossverbindung zwei benachbarte Plattenelemente (1) mit einem Stьtzpfeiler (14) verschraubt sind.
10. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen dem Stьtzpfeiler (14)
und den Plattenelementen (1) eine Dichtung (16) eingeklemmt ist.
11. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 9 oder 10, gekennzeichnet durch einen dem Stьtzpfeiler (14)
bezьglich der Plattenelemente (1) gegenьberliegenden Verstдrkungssteg.
12.Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 9 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der
Stьtzpfeiler innen hohl ist und die Verschraubung an einer Innenflдche des Stьtzpfeilers abgestьtzt
ist.
13. Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zur
Stossverbindung zwei benachbarte Plattenelemente (1) in ihren Stossflдchen mindestens eine Nut
244/2210
(26) aufweisen und miteinander sowie mit mindestens einer Feder (27) aus dem gleichen Material
wie die Plattenelemente (1) verklebt sind.
14. Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zur
Eckverbindung zwei benachbarte Seitenwдnd aus Acrylglas od. dgl. in der Stossflдche in der einen
und am Flдchenrand der anderen Seitenwand mindestens eine Nut aufweisen und miteinander
sowie mit mindestens einer Feder aus dem gleichen Material wie die Seitenwдnde verklebt sind.
15.Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zur
Eckverbindung zwei Seitenwдnde (2) ьber Eck miteinander verschraubt sind.
16. Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 7 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die
Schraubverbindung mittels Sicherungselementen gesichert sind.
17. Wasserbecken nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 16, mit einem im wesentlichen umlaufenden
Wasser-Ьberlauf, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Wasser-Ьberlauf als Rohr (28) ausgefьhrt ist.
18. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 17, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Rohr (28) in seiner oberen
Hдlfte waagerecht aufgeschnitten ist.
19. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 17 oder 18, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Rohr (28) in
Abstдnden Ablaufeinrichtungen (29) aufweist.
20. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 19, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ablaufeinrichtungen (29)
zur Befestigung des Wasser-Ьberlaufs durch die Seitenwдnde (2) gefьhrt und mit diesen befestigt
sind.
21. Wasserbecken nach Anspruch 19 oder 20, dadurch gekennzeichent, dass die
Ablaufeinrichtungen (29) in eine geschlossene, geneigt angeordnete Sammelleitung (31) mьndend
angeordnet sind.
245/2210
41. DE4204647 - 29.07.1993
BUBBLE BATH WITH HYDROTHERAPY BATH FOR SPRAYING FEET AND LOWER LEGS - HAS
HOUSING WITH INBUILT PUMP MOUNTED ON TREATMENT BATH FOR PRODN. OF VIBRATIONS
AND COMPRESSED AIR LED OVER FLEXIBLE HOSE WHICH MAINTAINS SET POSITION TO
OUTFLOW
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=DE4204647
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H35/00; A61H33/02; A61H23/04
E Class: A61H33/02; A61H35/00F
Application Number:
DE19924204647 (19920215)
Priority Number: DE19924204647 (19920215)
Family: DE4204647
Abstract:
THE FLEXIBLE HOSE (3) FITTED AT THE BASE (1A) OF THE HOUSING (1) ACROSS A FIXED POINT
(3B), IS PROVIDED WITH A BALL JOINT (3A). AT ITS OTHER END CARRYING THE OUTFLOW
ELEMENT (4) IT IS FITTED LIKEWISE ACROSS A BALL JOINT (3A), AND THE OUTFLOW ELEMENT
IS FED BY THE AIR HOSE (2B).
THE OUTFLOW ELEMENT (4) IS DESIGNED AS A FLAT PLATE WHICH INCLUDES AN ATOMISER
(4A). A USUAL COMMERCIAL COOLING MEDIUM HOSE WITH BALL JOINTS (3A) IS USED AS THE
FLEXIBLE HOSE. THE AIR HOSE (2B) CAN RUN INSIDE THE FLEXIBLE HOSE (3).
ADVANTAGE - IN SIMPLE AND RELIABLE MANNER ENSURES TARGETTED, LOCALISED AND
INTENSIVE TREATMENT OF SKIN AREAS TO BE TREATED.Description:
246/2210
Die Erfindung geht aus von einem Perlbad zur Besprudelung von Fьssen und Unterschenkeln, wie
es aus der DE-PS 34 10 999 bekanntgeworden ist.
Die genannte Druckschrift bezieht sich auf ein Gerдt, das aus einer handelsьblichen "Kneipp"Fussbadewanne und dem darauf befestigten Antriebsgehдuse besteht. In diesem untergebracht ist
ein Druckluft- und Vibrationserzeuger, von dem aus die Sprudelluft in einen am Wannenboden
befindlichen Ausstrцmer geleitet und da zu Perlblдschen zerstдubt wird.
Die Erfahrung mit diesen Gerдten hat gezeigt, dass die energiereichen Perlblдschen die durch
Geschwьrsbildung gefдhrdeten Regionen an Knцcheln, Schienbein und Waden hдufig gar nicht
erreichen, sondern, durch die Fusssohlen abgelenkt, ohne Hautkontakt wirkungslos zur
Wasseroberflдche aufsteigen.
Ferner sind Gerдte bekannt (DE-PS 34 27 386), die ьber flexible Schlдuche ein Wasser- LuftGemisch gezielt an umschriebene Hautareale, z. B. Unterschenkelgeschwьre, heranbringen kцnnen.
Durch die Verwendung komplizierter Bauteile, wie Mischdьsentrichter, ist diese Lцsung teuer und
anfдllig, letzteres auch durch die Tatsache, dass die Antriebselemente unterhalb des
Wasserspiegels angeordnet und damit durch Wassereinbruch gefдhrdet sind. Ausserdem sind die
Schlдuche erkennbar an einem Ausstrцmerrost befestigt, der am Wannenboden liegt, was eine rel
umstдndliche Bedienung und sogar eine gewisse Verletzungsgefahr beim unvorsichtigen
Eintauchen der Fьsse mit sich bringt.
Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein gattungsgemдsses Fussperlbad so
weiterzubilden, dass auf einfache und sichere Weise eine gezielte, lokalisierte und intensive
Behandlung von umschriebenen Hautarealen an Fьssen und Unterschenkeln mцglich wird, wobei
das Gerдt einfach und kostengьnstig herstellbar sein soll.
Diese Aufgabe wird gemдss der Erfindung durch die im Kennzeichen des Hauptanspruchs dazu
angegebenen Merkmale gelцst.
Auf einer Kneippwanne ist, ihrem Rand konstruktiv angepasst, ein Gehдuse mit Pumpe angebracht.
Diese schickt Druckluft ьber einen Luftschlauch zu einem Ausstrцmelement, das vorzugsweise ьber
einen Zerstдuber verfьgt zur Bildung feiner Perlblдschen. Das Ausstrцmelement wird im
Badewasser positioniert durch einen beispielsweise am Gehдuseboden ьber einen Fixpunkt
gehalterten Flexschlauch, der bis zu gewissen Mindestradien in jeder gebogenen Stellung verharrt.
247/2210
Somit kann das Ausstrцmelement exakt im jeweils erforderlichen Winkel sehr nahe an den zu
besprudelnden Abschnitt der Hautoberflдche, beispielsweise ein Geschwьr, herangebracht werden.
Die feinen Perlblдschen treffen so mit ihrer vollen Energie auf die Haut bzw. den Geschwьrsgrund,
wo sie Wundbelдge ablцsen, Bakterien bekдmpfen, die Sauerstoffversorgung von aussen
verbessern und die Durchblutung anregen.Vorteilhaft dabei ist die Befestigung des vorzugsweise als
handelsьblicher Kьhlmittelschlauch ausgebildete Flexschlauches am Gehдuseboden, da er so
leicht erreich- und einstellbar und ausserdem beim Eintauchen des/der Beine(s) nicht im Weg ist. Bei
einer Befestigung des Flexschlauches am Wannenboden wдre eine Verletzungsgefahr nicht ganz
auszuschliessen. Auch di Umstand wird durch die erfindungsgemдsse Befestigung Rechnung
getragen. Die freizьgige Beweglichkeit des Flexschlauches wird noch gesteigert durch die
Verwendung von Kugelgelenken nicht nur innerhalb desselben, sondern auch am Fixpunkt und am
Ьberg zum Ausstrцmelement.
Sinnvollerweise kann der Luftschlauch zur Versorgung des Ausstrцmelementes innerhalb des
Flexschlauches gefьhrt werden oder, bei entsprechender Dichtheit der Glieder, mit letzterem
identisch sein.
Das Ausstrцmelement kann als zusдtzliche Fixierung, z. B. an der Wannenwand, ьber einen Sauger
an seiner Rьckflдche verfьgen.
Schliesslich kann zur gleichzeitigen Reizung der Fussreflexzonen eine Einlage mit Reiznoppen am
Wannenboden vorgesehen sein.
In einer besonderen Ausgestaltung ist die Pumpe als wasserfцrdernde Kreiselpumpe ausgebildet
mit einem ins Badewasser eingetauchten, ьber eine Welle angetriebenen Flьgelrad, das Wasser
ьber eine regelbare Mischdьse, in der Luft zudosiert wird, zu Ausstrцmelement, z. B. einer spitz
ausgezogenen Dьse, leitet. Es resultiert ein Wasser-Luft- Gemisch, das noch mehr Energie auf die
Haut zu applizieren vermag als die reine Blдschen-"dusche".
Weitere Ausfьhrungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprьchen 8-16 angegeben.
Abschliessend sollen drei Ausfьhrungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnungen erlдutert
werden.
Es zeigen
248/2210
Fig. 1 eine Seitenansicht des Gerдtes mit tangential am Ausstrцmelement 4 befestigtem
Flexschlauch 3,
Fig. 2 eine Seitenansicht mit senkrecht zum Ausstrцmelement 4 angebrachtem Flexschlauch 3 und
die Besprudelung eines Geschwьrs 7a und
Fig. 3 eine Seitenansicht der Ausfьhrung mit wasserfцrdernder Pumpe 2 und Mischdьse 2f.
Auf der Kneippwanne 8 ist, wie in Fig. 1 erkennbar, das Gehдuse 1 befestigt. Auf dem
Gehдuseboden 1a ruht die Pumpe 2, die ьber den Schalter 2a gesteuert wird.
Am Fixpunkt 3b im Gehдuseboden 1a ist der Flexschlauch 3, bestehend aus Elementen mit
Kugelgelenken 3a, angeschlossen, an dessen anderem Ende ьber ein weiteres Kugelgelenk 3a und
die Halterung 4b das Ausstrцmelement 4. Es wird gespeist durch den von der Pumpe 2 kommenden
Luftschlauch 2b, und aus seinem Zerstдuber 4a, beispielsweise einem Sinterstein, entweichen die
Perlblдschen 5 ins Badewasser 6 und streichen am Bein 7 entlang zur Wasseroberflдche.
An der Hinterflдche des Ausstrцmelementes 4 ist ein Sauger 4c angebracht.
In Fig. 2 ist das Ausstrцmelement 4 senkrecht zu dessen Achse am Flexschlauch 3 angeschlossen.
Der Blдschenschwall ist auf ein Geschwьr 7a gerichtet.
Die Pumpe 2 treibt in Fig. 3 ьber eine Welle 2c ein Flьgelrad 2d an, das ins Badewasser 6 eintaucht.
Dieses fцrdert Wasser durch den Wasserschlauch 2e hinauf zu einer im Gehдuse 1 eingebauten
Mischdьse 2f, in der, steuerbar durch einen Regler 2g, nach dem Venturiprinzip Luft beigemischt
wird. Das Wasser-Luft-Gemisch wird ьber den diesmal innerhalb des Flexschlauches 3 gefьhrten
Luftschlauch 2b zum Ausstrцmelement 4, einer in diesem Beispiel spitzzulaufenden Dьse, gepresst
und tritt dort in Richtung auf das Bein 7 aus. Die ьbrigen Bezugszeichen haben ihre Entsprechung in
Fig. 1. Zeichnungslegende 1 Gehдuse
1a Gehдuseboden
2 Pumpe
2a Schalter
2b Luftschlauch
2c Welle
249/2210
2d Flьgelrad
2e Wasserschlauch
2f Mischdьse
2g Regler
3 Flexschlauch
3a Kugelgelenk
3b Fixpunkt
4 Ausstrцmelement
4a Zerstдuber
4b Halterung
4c Sauger
4d Dьse
5 Perlblдschen
6 Badewasser
7 Bein
7a Geschwьr
8 Kneippwanne Claims:
1. Perlbad zur Besprudelung von Fьssen und Unterschenkeln, bestehend aus einer handelsьblichen
Kneippwanne und einem aufgesetzten Gehдuse mit eingebauter Pumpe zur Erzeugung von
Vibration und Druckluft, welche ьber einen in jeder eingestellten Biegung verharrenden Flexschlauch
zu einem Ausstrцmelement im Badewasser geleitet wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der
Flexschlauch (3) am Gehдuseboden (1a) des Gehдuses (1) ьber einen Fixpunkt (3b) mit
Kugelgelenk (3a) angebracht ist und an seinem anderen Ende, gleichfalls ьber ein Kugelgelenk (3a),
das Ausstrцmelement (4) trдgt, das vom Luftschlauch (2b) gespeist wird.
2. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Ausstrцmelement (4) als flache
Scheibe ausgebildet ist, die einen Zerstдuber (4a) umschliesst.
3.Perlbad nach Anspruch 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass als Flexschlauch (3) ein
handelsьblicher Kьhlmittelschlauch mit Kugelgelenken (3a) verwendet wird.
250/2210
4. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Luftschlauch (2b) innerhalb des
Flexschlauches (3) verlдuft.
5. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Ausstrцmelement (4) an seiner
dem Zerstдuber (4a) abgewandten Flдche einen Sauger (4c) besitzt.
6. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass am Wannenboden eine Einlage mit
Reiznoppen mit der Fusssohle anatomisch angepasstem Relief vorgesehen ist.
7.Perlbad nach Anspruch 1,3,4 und 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Pumpe (2) als
Kreiselpumpe ausgebildet ist, die durch ein im Badewasser (6) befindliches und ьber eine Welle (2e)
angetriebenes Flьgelrad (2d) Wasser ьber einen Wasserschlauch (2e) in eine Mischdьse (2f)
fцrdert, wo, durch einen Regler (2g) gesteuert, nach dem Venturi-Prinzip Luft von aussen zudosiert
wird, die, vermischt mit dem Wasser, ьber den Luftschlauch (2b) in das als Dьse (4d) ausgebildete
Ausstrцmelement (4) geleitet und von diesem auf die Haut gelenkt wird.
8. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Pumpe (2) durch einen
Schalter (2a) gesteuert wird.
9. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zusдtzlich zum
freibeweglichen Ausstrцmelement (4) am Wannenboden weitere feste Ausstrцmer vorgesehen sind.
10.Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 8 und 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass mehrere
Fixpunkte 3b an verschiedenen Stellen innerhalb des Wannenraumes vorhanden sind, an denen der
Flexschlauch (3) wahlweise anschliessbar ist.
11. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 8-10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Fixpunkte (3b)
als Saugnдpfe ausgebildet sind.
12. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 8-10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Fixpunkte (3b)
als Schraubverbindungen ausgestaltet sind.
13. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 8-10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Fixpunkte (3b)
als Haftmagnetverbindungen ausgestaltet sind.
251/2210
14. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 8-10 und einem der Ansprьche 11-13, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass mehrere Ausstrцmelemente (4) innerhalb der Kneippwanne (8) von der
Pumpe (2) gespeist werden.
15. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 8-10 und einem der Ansprьche 11-13 sowie 14,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Ausstrцmelement (4) am Flexschlauch (3) lцsbar angebracht ist
und mittels Haftpunkten freizьgig in der Wanne angeheftet werden kann.
16. Perlbad nach Anspruch 1-6 oder 7 sowie 14 und 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass anstelle der
Sauger (4c) gemдss Anspruch 5 Permanentmagnete vorgesehen sind.
252/2210
42. DE4339805 - 24.05.1995
HYDROTHERAPY TUB FOR LOWER LIMBS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=DE4339805
Inventor(s):
FRENKEL WOLF GERHARD DR MED (DE); FRENKEL WALTER (DE)
Applicant(s):
FRENKEL GMBH GERAETE MIT NATUE (DE)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H35/00
E Class: A61G7/00B; A61H35/00F
Application Number:
DE19934339805 (19931123)
Priority Number: DE19934339805 (19931123); DE19934315812 (19930512)
Family: DE4339805
Abstract:
THE TUB CAN BE USED FOR A BED RIDDEN OR SITTING PATIENT ETC. IT IS RELEASABLY
SECURED TO A TABLE WHOSE HEIGHT IS ADJUSTABLE ON A HOISTING COLUMN. BETWEEN
THE LATTER AND THE TABLE IS INCORPORATED A HINGE, WHOSE POSITION CAN BE
ARRESTED. THE TUBE IS OF ELONGATED, FLAT SHAPE.Description:
Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Unterschenkel-Behandlungswanne nach dem Oberbegriff des
Anspruches 1 gemдss P 43 15 812.
Da die gattungsgemдsse Behandlungswanne einerseits am (halb-) liegenden Patienten eingesetzt
wird, andererseits sehr unterschiedliche Anwendungssituationen denkbar sind, z. B. am Bett, mit
253/2210
einem Sessel oder einem Stuhl usw., ist die rein waagerechte Lage der
Unterschenkelbehandlungswanne teilweise ungьnstig, da sie sich der natьrlichen Neigung und
Abwinklung der Extremitдt nicht anpasst.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Neuerung ist daher die Weiterbildung einer UnterschenkelBehandlungswanne in der Weise, dass eine bequeme Anpassung an unterschiedliche
Behandlungssituationen in komfortabler Weise bei jeweiliger Ausnutzung des maximal mцglichen
Wasserstandes erfolgen kann.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch die im Kennzeichen des Anspruch 1 dazu angegebenen Merkmale
gelцst.
Zwischen dem Tisch, auf dem die Unterschenkel-Behandlungswanne ruht, und der Hubsдule, an
dem die Hцhe verstellt wird, ist ein Scharnier - Kugelgelenk, Scharnier mit einem Freiheitsgrad o. д.
eingebaut, so dass die Wanne schrдggestellt werden kann.
Somit ist es mцglich, die Neigung derselben an die jeweilige Behandlungssituation, also Liegen,
Halb-Sitzen, Sitzen usw., anzupassen, die Abknickung bzw. Ьberstreckung der Gelenke zu
vermeiden, ebenso wie das "Einschneiden" des Wannenrandes in die Weichteile des Oberschenkels.
Claims:
Unterschenkel-Behandlungswanne fьr die Badebehandlung der Fьsse und Unterschenkel, mit
einer lдnglich gestreckten, flachen Bauart und auf einen Tisch lцsbar befestigt, dessen Hцhe
mittels einer Hubsдule verstellbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen Tisch und Hubsдule
ein Scharnier mit Feststellmцglichkeit eingebaut ist.
254/2210
43. EP0234723 - 02.09.1987
HYDROTHERAPY NOZZLE.
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=EP0234723
Inventor(s):
QUIRK PATRICK (--); BOLTON ROBERT PAUL (--)
Applicant(s):
BONDWELL LTD (GB)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; B05B
IP Class:
A61H33/02; B05B7/04
E Class: A61H33/02N; B05B7/04C
Application Number:
EP19870300541 (19870122)
Priority Number: GB19860001837 (19860125)
Family: EP0234723
Equivalent:
DE3773505
Cited Document(s):
GB2010107; GB436294
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPY NOZZLE 10 COMPRISES A MAIN BODY 12 AND JET OUTLET, AND A
CHAMBER 14 THEREIN IN WHICH WATER AND AIR MAY BE MIXED. A WATER INLET 16 AND
OUTLET 18 ARE PROVIDED TOGETHER WITH A THREADED PORTION 26 FOR CO-OPERATING
WITH A CORRESPONDINGLY THREADED MEMBER 28, 29 FOR CLAMPING THE NOZZLE TO THE
BATH WALL. THERE IS A RECESS 30 ABOUT THE THREADED PORTION 26 AND A BORE 32
CONNECTING THE RECESS WITH A BACK OF A NOZZLE. THE BORE MAY BE USED TO INJECT
SEALANT INTO THE RECESS AND EFFECT A WATERTIGHT SEAL WITH A MINIMUM OF MESS AND
MANUAL HANDLING.Description:
255/2210
.HYDROTHERAPY NOZZLE This invention relates to a hydrotherapy nozzle in particular for use
with hydrotherapy baths or pools of the Jacuzzi type.
Hydrotherapy baths, pools or tubs have one or more nozzles positioned below the water line in
which air and water are mixed and forced into the bath producing a jet of foaming water which is
said to give a therapeutic effect for persons bathing therein.
Our published UK patent'specification No.2147523 discloses a particularly effective
hydrotherapy nozzle system which can be fitted to existing baths and tubs as well as being installed
at the manufacturing stage.
When fitting such a system to an existing bath it is usual for the fitter to cut holes in the existing bath
to receive the hydrotherapy nozzles, fit the nozzles in place in the hole so cut and partly tighten the
locking nuts,. measure and cut to length the interconnecting hoses, remove the nozzles from the
bath, fit the interconnecting hoses, and refit the assembled system to the bath on this occasion
applying a sealant in the area where the nozzles locate in the holes cut in the bath.
This method of operation .la relatively time consuming and invariably involves a considerable
degree of mesa since the sealant becomes spread about the bath surface during the second
fixing of the nozzles necessitating a considerable amount of cleaning up after the system has
been fitted.
The -invention seeks to provide an improved form of nozzle in which the above disadvantages
can be reduced or eliminated.
According to the present invention there is provided a hydrotherapy nozzle comprising a main body
and jet outlet, a chamber therein in which water and air may be mixed, an inlet and outlet, and a
threaded portion for cooperating with a correspondingly threaded member for clamping the nozzle
to the bath wall characterised in that there is a recess about the threaded portion and a bore
connecting the recess with the back of the nozzle.
Preferably, the recess carries a sealing member, such as an O-ring, which bears against the bath
wall when the correspondingly threaded member is tightened into the nozzle. The bore may
preferably be employed to inject sealant into the recess when the nozzle is assembled in place.
256/2210
The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which Figure 1 is a sectional view of a nozzle in accordance with the invention
clamped in place in the wall of a bath; Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the nozzle of figure 1;
and Figure 3 is a similar view to figure 1 of another embodiment.
Referring to the drawings, a hydrotherapy nozzle generally designated 10, for example in general
similar to that described in our published patent specification No. 2147523, comprises a main body
12 within which is a chamber 14 for mixing air and water. The chamber 14 has water inlet and
outlets 16, 1$ as well as an air supply 20 communicating therewith.
The nozzle 10 is held in place on a wall 22 of a bath having a hole 24 cut therein by means of an
internally threaded portion 26 extending into the chamber 14 which is engaged by a
correspondingly threaded member in the form of a bezel 28 which locates on the inside of the bath
and has an externally threaded portion 29 which protrudes through the hole 24 to engage the
threads 26. An annular ring 31, having bore therethrough, fits with the bezel 28 to provide
mechanical support.
In order that the nozzle: should not leak when the bath is full and the device in use, it is necessary to
seal about the hole-24, particularly on the rear (that is the right hand as viewed in figure 1) surface
since this may be considerably less smooth than the interior bath surface. As mentioned above this
has customarily been done by applying liberal amounts of sealant, for example a silicone sealant,
around the hole 24, the front face of the nozzle 10 and the rear face of the bezel 28.
In the nozzle illustrated, in accordance with the invention, an annular recess 30 is provided
circumscribing the threaded portion 26. A bore or port 32 connects the recess 30 to the back face of
the nozzle 10. A O ring 34 is also located in the recess 30.
In the fitting of nozzles in accordance with the invention, holes 24 may be cut in the bath walls 22 as
before and the nozzle positioned and retained in place by tightening the bezel 28. The hoses
connecting the inlets and outlets 16, 18 of adjacent nozzles (as well as the air supply tubing) may
be measured cut to size and connected up with the nozzles in place about the bath. Final sealing,
in accordance with the invention, is accomplished by slackening off each of the bezels 28 a small
amount, for example one turn, and injecting sealant through the port 32 into the recess 30. In one
preferred form of the invention the nozzle body 12 i$ moulded from a transparent plastics material
and, where this is the case, the injected sealant can be visually checked to ensure that it completely
257/2210
circumscribes the threaded portion 26 filling the recess 30. The bezel may then be retightened
completing the fixing of each nozzle. But in any event and in the case of a non-transparent plastic
nozzle body, the sealant will be seen to exude from the periphary of the O-ring seal thus
indicating that the recess is full. The bezel may then be retightened completing the fixing of
each nozzle.
With the construction in accordance with the invention it has been found that complete sealing is
achieved very simply and easily without any mess and with a simplified method of assembly.
Especially where visual monitoring of the amount of sealant can be carried out, for example where
the nozzles 10 are moulded from transparent material, it is possible to ensure that there is no
leakage of sealant and therefore no excess sealant to clean off the bath after fitting.
The nozzle of the invention may be used with the system described in our above mentioned
published patent specification but is not, of course, so limited since it may be employed
withadvantage in other systems where sealing requires to be effected by the use of a mastic sealant
and it is desired to avoid disassembly and excessive amounts of sealant spreading over adjacent
surfaces.
In normal hydrotherapy systems, the rear of the nozzle is easily accessible and the sealant can be
injected from the tapered nozzle of a mastic gun which forces the sealant through the port 32 and
into the recess 30 under sufficient pressure to ensure that it reaches all parts of the recess and
provide an effective seal.
It is one of the features of the present nozzle, when used with the system of our earlier patent, that
the "V" shaped configuration of the water inlet and outlet 16, 18 ensures that any water remaining in
the system drains down to the nozzle 10 and out through the bezel 28 into the bath. However if the
nozzle is fitted on a sloping portion of the bath wall, e.g. at the sloping "head" end of the bath,
then the angle may cause excessive water to be trapped. In this case it is advantageous to use the
form of nozzle illustrated in figure 3.
In figure 3 the base 36 of the "V" formed by inlet16 and outlet 18 is provided witha drain port 38
coririecting@with a drain pipe 40. when the bath is emptieda valve, either in the port 38 or
elsewhere in the pipe 40, is opened to allow all the water to drain away. A secondary passage 42
may be provided so as to allow any water trapped in the chamber 14 to drain also. The pipe 40 may
be part of a network draining several nozzles 10. The passage 32 in this embodiment has a different
258/2210
circumferential location so as not to interfer with. the port 38 and pipe 40, and is not therefore
seen in this sectional view.
The passage 42 can be serviced if and when necessary to clear it of any sediment, lint, or the like by
means of a flexible rod passed in through the bezel 28 from the bath side.Claims:
CLAIMS 1. A hydrotherapy nozzle which comprises a main body jet outlet, a chamber therein in
which water and air may be mixed, an inlet and outlet, and a threaded portion for co-operating with
a correspondingly threaded member for clamping the nozzle to the bath wall, characterised in that
there is a recess about the threaded portion and a bore connecting the recess with the back of the
nozzle. 2. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the recess carries a sealing member. 3.A nozzle
as claimed in claim 2 in which the sealing member is an O-ring. 4. A nozzle as claimed in claim 1 in
which the bore is adapted to receive injected sealant and convey it into the recess. 5. A nozzle as
claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 in which the inlet and outlet meet in a "V". 6. A nozzle as claimed in
claim 5 in which the "V" is provided with a drain port connecting with a drainage pipe. 7. A nozzle
as claimed in claim 6 in which the port and/or pipe is provided with a drain valve. 8. A nozzle as
claimed in either of claims 6 or 7 in which a secondary passage is provided communicating
between the chamber and the drainage port. 9. A nozzle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 wherein
the nozzle body is moulded from a transparent plastics material. 10. A method of fixing a nozzle as
claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 which comprises inserting a nozzle into a hole cut in a bath wall,
retaining same in place by tightening the correspondingly threaded member, fitting hoses
connecting air and water inlets and outlets, slackening off the correspondingly threaded member a
small amount, injecting sealant into the recess through the bore and finally tightening the
correspondingly threaded member.
259/2210
44. EP0244475 - 15.09.1987
HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE METHOD AND APPARATUS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=EP0244475
Inventor(s):
HENKIN MELVYN L (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
Applicant(s):
HENKIN MELVYN LANE (US); LABY JORDAN M (US)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/02
E Class: A61H33/02N; A61H33/00N
Application Number:
US19850796987 (19851112)
Priority Number: US19850796987 (19851112)
Family: US4692950
Equivalent:
AU583233; AU6732687; CA1288298; NZ218167; WO8703029; ZA8608461
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPY METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISCHARGING A FLUID STREAM THROUGH
AN OPENING IN THE WALL OF A WATER TUB, WHILE CONCURRENTLY TRANSLATING THE
STREAM, TO IMPACT AGAINST AND MASSAGE THE BODY OF A USER.Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to hydrotherapy and more particularly to a method and apparatus
useful in spas, hot tubs, bathtubs, and the like for discharging a fluid (e.g. water-air) stream to impact
against and massage a user's body. The apparatus includes a nozzle having a discharge orifice
mounted for movement to cause the impacting fluid stream to sweep over an area of the user's body.
260/2210
Hydrotherapy devices for massaging a user's body by moving a discharge nozzle are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,523,340; 4,339,833; 4,220,145; and 3,868,949. Various other hydrotherapy devices
for discharging water-air streams are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,502,168; 4,262,371;
3,905,358; and 3,297,025.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to inprovements in hydrotherapy and more particularly to a method and
apparatus for discharging a fluid stream, while concurrently translating the stream, to impact against
and massage an area of a user's body. An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a
movable nozzle for discharging a fluid stream substantially perpendicular to the travel path of the
nozzle. A user can fixedly position his body proximate to the apparatus to enable the discharged
stream to impact against and sweep over an area of the user's body.
In a preferred application of the invention the apparatus is mounted in an opening in the perimeter
wall (i.e. including floor) of a spa, hot tub, bathtub, etc., generically referred to herein as a water tub.
The apparatus includes a housing which can be formed integral with the tub wall but which more
typically comprises a separate box like structure adapted to be mounted adjacent to the rear face of
the wall and accessible through an opening in the wall. The apparatus includes a nozzle mounted in
the housing for movement along an imaginary surface roughly approximating an extension of the tub
wall in the area of the wall opening. Conduit means within the housing supply the fluid stream
(preferably a water-air mixture) to the nozzle for discharge substantially perpendicular to the tub wall
and generally below the surface line of the water in the tub. The conduit means includes swivel
means which permits the nozzle means to move relative to fixed water and air supply sources.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention common to certain embodiments, the nozzle is
moved along its travel path by a thrust force produced by a fluid stream component discharged
substantially parallel to the path.
In accordance with a different aspect of the invention, the nozzle travel path can be of substantially
any shape or size, including complex (i.e. nonlinear and noncircular) shapes comprised of serially
arranged linear and/or arcuate portions circumscribing relatively large areas to effectively massage
correspondingly large areas of the user's body.
261/2210
The preferred embodiments of the invention are characterized by the use of a guide means defining
a complex path along which the nozzle travels. In accordance with a significant feature of the
preferred embodiments, the guide means reorients the nozzle as it travels along the path to
continually maximize the thrust force produced by the fluid stream thrust component.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the conduit means includes a flexible tube to couple
water and air supply sources to the nozzle. The water and air can be mixed at the supply end of the
flexible tube or, alternatively, a dual passage tube can be used with mixing occurring adjacent to the
nozzle. In either case, either a motor driven blower or a venturi means can be used to introduce air
into the water stream.
In a different exemplary embodiment, the conduit means used to couple water and air supply
sources to the nozzle comprises one or more rigid arms mounted for rotation about axes extending
perpendicular to the arms. The arms define internal passages for carrying water and air, either
separately or mixed, from the supply sources to the nozzle.
In still different exemplary embodiments, the water-air conduit means comprises a substantially rigid
tube mounted with a swivel joint (e.g. ball in socket) at its supply end. The swivel joint enables the
rigid tube to rotate about its axis as the nozzle coupled to the tubes discharge end travels along the
path defined by the guide. The rigid tube can be straight but preferably includes one or more curves
(e.g. "S" shape) in order to reduce the required depth of the apparatus housing. In accordance with a
significant feature of this embodiment, the motion of the rigid tube is restricted to orientations which
assure smooth fluid flow and low pressure drops.
In a preferred arrangement, the guide means preferably includes a guide slot defining the nozzel
travel path. The path defined by the guide slot is preferably complex in that it is nonlinear and
noncircular but rather is formed by substantially linear and arcuate portions arranged in series. The
nozzle structure is keyed to the guide slot to optimally orient the nozzle all along the path to produce
maximum thrust. More specifically, the nozzle structure preferably includes a slider member which
fits in the guide slot so as to be restricted to translational movement therealong. In accordance with a
specific feature of one preferred embodiment, the slider translates along the path in a clockwise
direction only, thereby tending to continually tighten a threaded coupling associated with the supply
end of the conduit.
262/2210
The magnitude of the thrust force produced by the fluid stream to drive the nozzle along the travel
path depends on various factors including the fluid stream volume, velocity, and discharge angle.
The volume and velocity depend on the fluid supply source which typically comprises a motor driven
pump which recirculates water from the tub. The component of the fluid stream diverted to produce
the thrust force reduces the portion of the stream available for massaging. Accordingly, when
designing an apparatus in accordance with the invention, it is important to select a fluid supply
source and a discharge angle which provide both sufficient thrust and sufficient massaging action.
The magnitude of thrust required should be sufficient to start the nozzle moving from any position
along the path when the apparatus is first turned on. A thrust of this magnitude may, however, move
the nozzle too fast for a comfortable massaging action once the nozzle is in motion.
Accordingly, in preferred embodiments of the invention, a speed sensitive drag means is utilized to
introduce drag when the nozzle is in motion in order to limit the speed of the nozzle along the travel
path. In an exemplary preferred embodiment, the drag means comprises one or more apertured
cupped plates extending radially outward from the conduit means. The cupped pates act as sea
anchors to limit the travel speed of the nozzle. The inclusion of the drag means allows for the user to
vary the fluid stream flow (as by an adjustable valve) to produce a comfortable impact force without
significantly varying nozzle travel speed.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the invention, the housing includes an outwardly extending
peripheral flange adapted to bear against the front face of the tub wall around the wall opening. A
clamping ring is provided for mounting to the housing adjacent the rear face of the tub wall to clamp
the tub wall between the housing flange and the clamping ring. A suitable sealant is preferably
inserted between the flange and the tub wall front face and between the clamping ring and tub wall
rear face.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hydrotherapy apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view, partially broken away, depicting the apparatus of FIG. 1 mounted behind
the perimeter wall of a water tub, e.g. a spa;
263/2210
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 3--3 of FIG. 1 depicting a first
embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to that depicted in FIG. 3 but illustrating an alternative embodiment
of the invention;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 6--6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a front view depicting the nozzle travel path of the embodiment of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is an isometric view similar to that of FIG. 2 but showing a shallower embodiment of the
invention, as depicted in FIG. 11 mounted behind the perimeter wall of the spa;
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a still further alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is a front view of an apparatus incorporating the embodiment of FIG. 12, illustrating the travel
path of the moveable nozzle;
FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a still further alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 15--15 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 16--16 of FIG. 13;
FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration depicting the travel path of the nozzle mains of the embodiment of
FIG. 14;
264/2210
FIG. 18 is a top sectional view of a still further alternative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 19 is an isometric illustration generally depicting the nozzle, conduit and drag means of the
embodiment of FIG. 18;
FIGS. 20, 21, 22 are front schematic illustrations respectively depicting the orientations of the nozzle
and related elements for different positions of the nozzle along the travel path;
FIG. 23 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 18;
FIG. 24 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 24--24 of FIG. 23;
FIG. 25 is a front view of the housing of the embodiment of FIG. 23;
FIG. 26 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 26--26 of FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is a front view of the removable grill used in conjunction with the housing of FIG. 27;
FIG. 28 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 28--28 of FIG. 27;
FIG. 29 is a sectional view taken substantially along the plane 29--29 of FIG. 27; and
FIG. 30 is a schematic illustration depicting the manner in which an apparatus in accordance with the
invention is plumbed in a typical spa installation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Attention is initially directed to FIG. 1 which illustrates a hydrotherapy apparatus 100 in accordance
with the invention intended to be mounted in the perimeter wall of a water tub such as a spa, hottub,
or bathtub for massaging the body of a user. The apparatus 100 is essentially comprised of a boxlike housing 102 having a rear wall 104 and an essentially open front wall 106 surrounded by a
rectangular frame 107. A guide means 108 is mounted within the frame 107 for guiding a nozzle 109
along a travel path 110 defined by the guide means 108. One or more vertically oriented bars 112
are provided for supporting the back of a user 114, as is generally depicted in FIG. 2.
265/2210
FIG. 2 depicts the hydrotherapy apparatus 100 in use in a typical spa installation wherein the spa tub
120 is shaped to define, for example, a bench 122 upon which the user 114 can comfortably sit with
the major portion of his body below the upper surface 126 of a water pool 128. The water tub 120
includes an inner perimeter wall 130 preferably having one or more flat portions 132 through which a
wall opening 134 is formed. The apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is intended to be mounted in the opening
134 with the housing 102 projecting rearwardly from the flat wall portion 132 and with the housing
frame 107 bearing against the front face of the flat wall portion 132.
The general function of the hydrotherapy apparatus 100 is to provide a pleasing massaging effect on
the body of the user 114 without requiring that the user move his body around a fixedly positioned jet,
as is customary in conventional spa installations. In order to achieve this effect, the apparatus 100
includes a nozzle means 109 having an orifice 142 through which a water stream is discharged
against the user's body. The nozzle means 109 is operable to travel along a path to cause the
discharged water stream to sweep over and impact against a relatively large area of the user's body.
FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the nozzle means 109 travels
along path 110 defined by a guide slot 144 formed in guide means 108. In accordance with th
invention, the guide slot can define a path of substantially any shape, including complex (i.e.
nonlinear, noncircular) shapes, as is exemplified in FIG. 1, showing a path 110 comprised of linear
and arcuate portions arranged end to end. More specifically, in the exemplary path depicted in FIG.
1, substantially linear path portions 146 and 148 are interconnected by an arcuate portion 150
serially arranged therewith. Similarly, arcuate portion 151 couples the aforementioned linear portion
148 to linear portion 152. The multiple path portions depicted in FIG. 1 are connected in series to
form a closed loop along which the nozzle means 109 translates. Although one exemplary path is
depicted in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the invention is not restricted to the use of any
particular path pattern but rather, an essentially limitless number of path pattern variations are
possible.
As will be discussed in great detail hereinafter, the nozzle means 109 is coupled to conduit means
156, shown in FIG. 2, which supplies a water stream to the nozzle means from a pipe coupled to a
water supply fitting 158. Typically, the water supply fitting 158 is supplied with water from the outlet
side 160 of a motor driven pump 162, schematically depicted in FIG. 30. The pump 162 has an inlet
side 164 coupled to a suction port 166 formed in the wall of a water tub 120. The pump 162 sucks
water from the port 166 and supplies a water stream to the conduit means 156, which is then
266/2210
discharged through the nozzle means orifice 142 back in to the water tub 120. It is preferable, but
not necessary, to include a manually adjustable valve 170 in the plumbing line connecting the pump
outlet 160 to the conduit means 156. It should be noted that FIG. 30 also schematically depicts an air
supply pipe 172 connected to the conduit means 156. The pipe 172 is typically open to the air at 174
permitting the water stream supplied by the pump 162 through conduit means 156, to draw air in
through the pipe 172, as by venturi action, for mixing with the water stream. Alternatively, the air can
be introduced into the water stream by a motor driven blower 175 coupled to the pipe 172. FIG. 30
also depicts a manually adjustable valve 176 mounted in the air supply pipe 172 to enable the user
to control the amount of air introduced into the water stream exiting from the discharge orifice 142.
In the use of the apparatus 100, the nozzle means 109 translates along the path 110 defined by the
slot 144 which can circumscribe a relatively large area having, for example, a vertical dimension of
approximately twelve inches and a horizontal dimension of approximately eight inches. Thus, the
moving nozzle means 109, is able to sweep over a large area of a stationary user's back, continually
discharging the impacting water stream it translates along the path 110. As will be seen hereinafter,
the nozzle means 109 is driven along the path 110 by a thrust force produced by a discharged water
stream.
In the preferred embodiments of the invention, a water stream is discharged from the nozzle means
orifice 142 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the path defined by guide slot 144 but with a
component directed parallel the path to thus produce the thrust or reaction force to move the nozzle
means 109 along the path. If the nozzle means is restricted to movement along the path, as defined
by the guide slot 144, then, of course, it will translate along the path while discharging the water
stream in a direction substantially perpendicular to the path to impact against the user's body.
Attention is now directed to FIG. 3 which illustrates the internal construction of a first embodiment of
the invention. For reference purposes, it is pointed out that FIG. 3 illustrates the aforementioned
housing 102, front frame 107, back support bars 112, and guide means 108 defining the guide slot
144 therein. Additionally, FIG. 3 illustrates the water supply fitting 158 and air supply pipe 172.
The embodiment of FIG. 3 depicts the housing 102 as having an opening 200 at it's rear wall 104.
The threaded cylindrical portion 202 of a fitting 204 extends rearwardly through the opening 200 with
the flange 206 of the fitting 204 bearing against the front face of the housing rear wall 104. A fitting
208 is threaded on the portion 202 of fitting 204. Fitting 208 has a nipple 209 intended to be coupled
to aforementioned air supply pipe 172. The water supply fitting 158 is threaded into fitting 208 and
267/2210
includes a rigid tube 210 extending through a central bore of fitting 204 and terminating at a tapered
discharge end 211. Fitting 208 carries a flange 212 which bears against a sealing gasket 218. The
nipple 209 defines an air passage 222 which extends to and is essentially coterminous with the
tapered end 211 of the tube 210. As pressurized water flows through tube 210, it exits at the
discharge end 211 and produces a reduced pressure, by venturi action, which draws air into the
passage 222 from the aforementioned air supply pipe 172. Thus, as the water stream is discharged
from the tube end 211, it mixes or entrains air therein from the adjacent end of the air passage 222.
Secured around a forwardly projecting nipple 224 of fitting 204 is one end of a short flexible tube 236.
The flexible tube 236 is joined at its other end to a rigid tube 238. The tubes 236 and 238 comprise
the aforementioned conduit means which, within the housing 102, couple the water-air stream to the
nozzle means 109 mounted for translation along the guide slot 144.
FIG. 4 illustrates the nozzle means 109 as comprising a slide member 240 secured to the end of a
nozzle member 242 having an internal passage 244. The nozzle member 242 includes a section 246
for diverting the water-air stream by an angle of approximately 50-250. The nozzle member 242 has a
discharge orifice 248 which is immediately adjacent the aforementioned discharge orifice 142 in
slide member 240. The nozzle member 242 is mounted for rotation relative to the rigid tube 238.
More specifically, the nozzle member 242 includes a flange 250 which is mounted between bearing
members 252 and 254 of a sealed rotational coupler 256. Rotational couplers of the type depicted in
FIG. 4 are well known and will not be discussed herein. It is only important that it be understood that
the nozzle member 242 be coupled to the rigid tube 238 in a manner which permits relative rotation
therebetween around the axis of tube 238.
FIG. 3 depicts the slider member 240 at a substantially linear portion, e.g. 148, of the path defined by
the slot 144. When the slider member 240 is on this portion of the path, note in FIG. 4 that the nozzle
member diverter section 246 diverts the water flow therethrough slightly downwardly to thus
discharge the stream with a component extending substantially parallel to the path defined by guide
slot 144. Typically, the nozzle member 242 diverts the water flow by approximately 15 degrees from
its primary direction along tube 238, i.e. essentially perpendicular to the plane of the path defined by
the guide slot 144. This component parallel to the path produces a thrust or reaction force on the
slide member 240 which causes it to translate along the guide slot 144. Nevertheless, the primary
portion of the water-air stream exiting from the nozzle member 242 is directed substantially
perpendicular to the guide path for impacting against the user's body. It should be noted that the
slide member 240 is shaped and dimensioned to fit relatively closely within the guide slot 144 so as
268/2210
to effectively be keyed thereto. As a consequence, the guide slot 144 not only restricts the movement
of the slide member 240 to a particular path but also reorients the slide member as it travels along
the path to direct the thrust component fo the discharged stream in a direction along the path to
produce maximum thrust for translation.
Attention is now directed to FIGS. 5 and 6 which illustrate a second embodiment of the invention
which is similar to that depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 but which differs therefrom in that the water and air
are mixed at the end of the conduit means 156 adjacent to the nozzle means 109, ratherr than
proximate to the supply end of the conduit means as was illustrated in FIG. 3. More specifically, the
conduit means of FIG. 5 is comprised of the aforementioned flexible tube 236 and rigid tube 238 of
FIG. 3 but additionally includes, a flexible outer tube 270 which is mounted around and substantially
concentric with the tubes 236 and 238. The flexible tube 270 defines an internal toroidal air passage
272 for coupling the aforementioned air passage 222 to air passage 276 extending around a tapered
section 280 coupled to the rigid tube 238. That is, whereas, the venturi effect to entrain the air in the
water stream in the embodiment of FIG. 3 was produced at the supply end of the conduit means 156
by narrowing down the end 211 of the tube 210, in the embodiment of FIG. 5 the venturi effect to
entrain the air in the water stream is produced at the nozzle end of the conduit means 156 by
tapering down the end of rigid tube 238 by section 280. In either case, the nozzle means 109,
comprised of slide member 290 and nozzle member 292 in FIG. 6, is mounted for rotation relative to
the rigid tube 238 by a rotational coupler 294. As was discussed in connection with the embodiment
of FIGS. 3 and 4, as the slide member 290 translates along the path defined by the guide slot 144,
the slide member automatically orients itself to rotate the nozzle member 292 relative to the rigid tube
238 to discharge the thrust component along the travel path to develop the maximum thrust for the
amount of water flow.
Although the embodiments thus far discussed in FIGS. 3 and 5 both work well to permit a water
stream to impact against and sweep across a relatively large area of a user's body, they require a
relatively large depth behind the water tub perimeter wall to achieve the desired horizontal and
vertical displacement of the nozzle means. A more compact arrangement is depicted in the
embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 11. FIG. 10 generally depicts the embodiment of FIG. 11 mounted
behind the flat wall portion 132 of a water tub 120. The embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 11 achieve their
compact depth in similar manners by utilizing arms mounted for rotation about axes extending
substantially perpendicular to the tub wall. The embodiment of FIG. 7 is simpler in constuction, and
more limited in operation in that it is restricted to moving the nozzle means in a circular path, and will
be discussed first.
269/2210
The embodiment 300 of FIG. 7 includes a housing 302 including a front frame member 304. The
housing is intended to be inserted through an opening 306 formed in the wall of water tub 120 with
the frame member 304 bearing against the front face of the water tub wall. The embodiment 300
includes a fitting 307 having water inlet 308 intended to be connected to a water supply pipe and an
air inlet 310 intended to be connected to an air supply pipe. Basically, the embodiment of 300
includes an essentially Z shaped arm structure 312 defining water and air passages extending
therethrough. More specifically, the Z shaped arm structure 312 includes first and second leg
portions 314 and 316 which extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to a front plate 320. The
legs 314 and 316 are interconnected by an arm portion 322. The arm portion 322 is mounted for
rotation about a pin 324 which is press fit into sleeve 326 formed integral with arm 322. The pin 324
extends beyond the end of sleeve 326 into thrust bearing 328 which is retained within nipple 330
extending rearwardly from the plate 320.
The plate 320 has an open slot 332 therein defining the circular path depicted in FIG. 9. A nozzle
means 340 carried at the free forward end of the arm portion 316 extend into and is mounted for
movement along the circular path defined by the slot 332.
The water inlet 308 defines an internal water passageway 342 communicating with an internal
passageway 344 extending through leg portions 314, 316, and 332 of the Z shaped arm structure
312. The air inlet 310 defines an internal passageway 348 which communicates with an air
passageway 350 via openings 352 between the fingers of a web member 354. The air passageway
350 extends around, and is isolated from, the central water passage way 344, through the length of
the arm portion 322, to the leg portion 316. The water passageway 344, in leg portion 316, exits
through a narrowed neck member 360 to develop a venturi effect to draw air from the air
passageway 350 as depicted by air flow arrows 351. The water flow from passage 344 exiting
through the orifice 364 of the neck 360 entrains the air 351 drawn through the air passage 350. The
water-air mixture formed in the cavity 368 immediately downstream from the orifice 364 is then
discharged through the discharge orifice 370 of the nozzle means 340.
It can be noted in FIG. 8 that the neck member 360 diverts the water flow from a path extending
substantially perpendicular to the front plate 320 in a direction having a component extending
parallel to the plate. This component produces a thrust force tending to move the nozzle means 340.
Inasmuch as the nozzle means 340 is restricted from movement other than rotationally around pin
324, it will move along the slot 332 as depicted in FIG. 9. In so doing, the Z shaped arm 312 will
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rotate around an axis defined by leg portion 314. The leg portion 314 is mounted within the body of
the fitting 307 in a manner which permits rotation while also providing a watertight and airtight seal.
Whereas the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 is restricted to nozzle movement along a
circular path, the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13, which is similarly constructed, is
able to translate it's nozzle means along a complex path, as exemplified by the path depicted in FIG.
13. The construction and operation of the embodiment of FIGS. 11-13 can be best visualized in FIG.
11 which depicts a first arm member 400, defining internal water and air passages 402 and 404
respectively, mounted for rotation about a first axis defined by sleeve 406. The first arm 400 is
connected to a second arm 410 which is mounted for rotation about a second axis defined by sleeve
412. As will be seen, sleeve 412 is mounted for rotation around the first axis defined by sleeve 406.
More particularly, the first arm 400 is comprised of a first depending leg portion 414 which defines
the separate internal water and air passageways 402 and 404 respectively. These passageways are
intended to be respectively connected to the water and air supply pipes mounted behind the water
tub wall. The internal water and air passages 402 and 404 extend from the depending leg 414
through the connected arm portion 420 terminating in a depending nipple 422. An upwardly
extending nipple portion 424 of arm 410 mates with the nipple portion 422, for rotation with respect
thereto. The nipple portion 422 of arm 410 is coupled to a central arm portion 426 which in turn
extends to a terminal leg portion 430. The arm 410 is constructed internally similar to arm 400 in that
it defines water and air passages 434 and 436 respectively. Water passage 434 of arm 410
communicates with water passage 402 of arm 400 via rotary coupling 437. Similarly, air passages
404 and 436 are also coupled via rotary coupling 437.
The terminal leg portion 430 includes a narrowed neck member 438 defining an orifice 440. The
orifice 440 communicates with the water passage 434 and discharges into a cavity 446 which draws
air from the air passage 436 and entrains it in the water flow. The cavity 446 is defined in a nozzle
member 450 which is coupled to a slider member 454 having a discharge orifice 455. The slider
member 454 is mounted within a guide slot 456 for translation along a complex path as depicted in
FIG. 13. Whereas the water-air stream discharged from orifice 455 is directed primarily perpendicular
to the path defined by guide slot 456, nevertheless the nozzle member 450 includes a section 457 to
divert the water stream flow to introduce a component which extends substantially parallel to the
plane of the path defined by guide slot 456. This component parallel to the path produces a thrust on
the slider 454 to move it along the path.
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The slider member 454 and nozzle member 450 are fixed to one another and mounted for rotation
about the axis of leg 430. The slider member 454 is keyed to the slot 456 to enable the slot to
continually reorient the slider member as it moves along the travel path to direct the thrust
component along the path to produce maximum thrust. The slider member 454 is able to traverse the
complex path defined by slot 456 as a consequence of the rotational freedom around three spaced
axes; i.e. the rotational freedom of the nozzle member 450 with respect to the leg portion 430 via
rotary coupling 460, the rotational freedom of the arm 410 around the axis defined by the sleeve 412,
and the rotational freedom of the arm 400 around the axis defined by the sleeve 406. Sleeves 406
and 412 respectively accommodate pins 462 and 464 which fit into bearings 466 and 468. The
bearing 466 is fixedly mounted within nipple 470 fixed relative to the front guide plate. The bearing
468 is fitted into the end of a support strut 490 which is secured to the leg 430.
Attention is now directed to a further alternative embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS. 14-17.
The embodiment of FIGS. 14-17 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3 except that in lieu of using the
flexible tube 236 and rotary coupling 256 to afford the nozzle means 109 freedom of movement, the
embodiment of FIGS. 14-17 uses a swivel ball and socket joint 498 at the supply end of a rigid tube
connecting water and air supply sources to the nozzle means. More specifically, FIG. 14 depicts a
rigid tube 500 defining a central passageway 502. As shown in FIG. 16, the tube 500 is open at it's
free end 504 to define a nozzle. The nozzle end 504 is preferably bent at 505 and secured to a slide
member 506. The slide member 506 is mounted for translation along guide slot 508. The bent end
504 diverts the stream flowing through passage 502 to produce a thrust component directed
substantially parallel to the plane of guide slot 508.
The supply end of the rigid tube 500 has a spherical surface 512 formed thereon which is mounted
between and adapted to rotate with respect to a socket formed by a pair of sealing teflon O-rings
514 and 516. The O-ring 514 is intended to be seated in a notch formed in the internal bore of an
internally and externally threaded fitting 520 which extends through an opening 522 formed in the
rear wall of housing 524. The O-ring 516 is fitted within an internal notch in the central bore of an
externally threaded fitting 526 intended to be threaded within the central bore of the fitting 520. The
external threads on the fitting 520 in turn are intended to be threaded into an internal bore of a waterair jet subassembly 540. The subassembly 540 includes a water inlet tube 542 intended to be
connected to a water supply pipe and an air inlet tube 544 intended to be connected to an air supply
pipe. The water inlet 542 is coupled to a short tube 546 having a necked down passage to, by
venturi action, produce a low pressure for drawing air into cavity 548 from the air inlet 544. The
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water-air mixture produced in cavity 548 is then forced into the supply end of the passage 502
formed in rigid tube 500.
Note that the water-air jet subassembly 540, fitting 520, and fitting 526 can be readily assembled and
secured to the housing 524. The subassembly 540 includes a flange 549 intended to bear against
the rear face of the housing 524. The fitting 520 includes a flange intended to bear against the front
internal face of the rear portion of the housing when the fitting 520 is threaded into the subassembly
540. The fitting 520 retains the aforementioned rear O-ring 514. The ball portion 512 of the rigid tube
500 is placed against the O-ring 514 and then the fitting 526 is threaded into the fitting 520 to draw
the O-ring 516 down against the ball portion 512 of the tube 500. The O-rings need not be drawn
snugly against the ball to prevent leakage therepast inasmuch as the discharge thrust from the tube
546 typically seats the ball against O-ring 516. By a selection of the correct materials, the ball portion
512 is able to easily rotate within the socket defined by the spaced O-rings 514 and 516.
In accordance with a feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, the complex path defined by the
guide slot 508 is configured, as depicted in FIG. 17, to enable the nozzle means to continually move
in a clockwise direction as shown by the arrows in FIG. 17. The continual translation of the slider
member 506 in a clockwise direction along the slot 508 will act to tighten the fitting 526 in fitting 520,
and the fitting 520 in the subassembly 540, thus enhancing the reliability and maintenance free
operation of this embodiment.
As has previously been noted, the speed with which the slider member 506 translates along the slot
508 depends upon several factors including the pressure and magnitude of the stream discharge
and the angle with which the stream is diverted by the section 504. The force with which the
discharged stream impacts against the user's body for massaging is similarly dependent upon these
factors. As is depicted in FIG. 30, it is desirable to provide the user with a manual valve 170 to
enable him to control the impact force against his body. The pump 162, for example, can typically
provide an output pressure of 30 PSI and the user may desire to cut this down substantially for
comfort. In order to enable the user to vary the impact force without significantly changing the speed
with which the nozzle slider 506 translates along its travel path, it is desirable to select the stream
discharge angle to yield sufficient nozzle movement speed at a relatively low pressure, e.g. 10-15
PSI. Additionally, it is necessary to select the discharge angle so it is sufficient to provide an
adequate starting thrust regardless of the position of the nozzle means when the system is initially
turned on. It should of course be appreciated that the magnitude of thrust required to assure that the
nozzle means comes up to speed from rest is greater than that required to maintain the speed of the
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nozzle means once it is already in motion. In order to accommodate a discharge angle sufficient to
ensure start up and yet prevent the nozzle means, from thereafter moving at an uncomfortably high
speed, a speed sensitive drag means is incorporated in the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17.
More specifically, the speed sensitive drag means comprise one or more cupped plates 560
mounted on and extending substantially radially from the rigid tube 500. The plate 560 is internally
cupped to define a cone-like internal surface 562 having an aperture 564 at it's apex. The cupped
plate 560 acts similarly to a sea anchor in that it exhibits very low draw at low speed and increasing
drag as the tube 500 attempts to move more quickly through the water. Preferably, the cupped
plates 560 extend radially outward in both directions from the tube 500 (FIG. 15). Note that in the
embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, the slider member 506 and the cupped plates 560 are fixed in position
relative to the tube 500 which in turn is able to rotate with respect to the jet subassembly 540 via the
swivel joint 498. Inasmuch as the slider member 506 is essentially keyed in the slot 508, the
orientation of the cupped plates 560 is always determined by the orientation of the slider member
506 which is at all times dependent upon it's position along the guide path. As a consequence of
these interrelationships, the cupped plates 560 will always extend substantially normal to the
instantaneous direction of movement of the tube 500 to thus continually act to limit the nozzle means
speed along the path.
Whereas the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17 is rather simple in construction and can be manufactured
relatively inexpensively of plastic, e.g. ABS, parts, it requires a relatively deep housing 524 to
accommodate the amount of horizontal and vertical nozzle travel which may be desired. Thus, a
similar embodiment depicted in FIGS. 18-24 can be used where a shallower housing depth is
desirable. Briefly, in lieu of using a straight rigid tube 500 having a fixed nozzle connected thereto as
depicted in FIG. 14, the embodiment of FIGS. 18-24 utilizes a curved rigid tube 600 which has a
nozzle means 602 rotationally coupled thereto via rotary coupling 603. The tube 600 is specially
configured to minimize pressure drops in the water-air stream which might occur upon entry of the
stream into the tube and as it flows along the tube from it's supply end to it's nozzle end. More
particularly, the tube 600 can be viewed as including a first straight section 606 coupled to and
extending outwardly along the axis of the tapered central bore 608 of ball 610. Ball 610 is seated for
rotation within a socket defined in fitting 612, to be further discussed hereinafter.
From straight tube section 606, the tube 600 gently curves through section 614. A substantially
straight section 616 couples curved section 614 to a gently curved section 618 connected to the
rotary coupling 603. The nozzle means 602 includes a nozzle member 620 mounted for rotation in
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the rotary coupling 603 (FIG. 24). Additionally, the nozzle means 602 includes a slider member 622
which is fixedly mounted on the end of the nozzle member 620. Note that the nozzle member 620
defines an internal passage including a first section 624 having an axis substantially coincident with
the axis of the tube section 618. The nozzle member 620 internal passage bends slightly at 626 (FIG.
24) to produce the aforediscussed thrust component for moving the nozzle means along the guide
path.
The embodiment of FIGS. 18-24 includes a housing 630 which is depicted asincluding an integral
internally and externally threaded pipe section 632 extending rearwardly from the housing rear wall
634. A water-air jet subassembly 636 is externally threaded (or otherwise equivalently fastened, as
by an adhesive) to the housing pipe section 632. The subassembly 636 includes a water inlet 640
and an air inlet 642. Water entering the inlet 640 is discharged through a short nozzle member 644
into a cavity 646. The discharged water stream is then mixed with air entering from the air inlet 642.
As previously mentioned, the air can be drawn in through the inlet 642 via venturi action caused by
the water exiting from the nozzle 644, or alternatively, air can be supplied to the inlet 642 as from a
blower (175 in FIG. 30). The fitting 612 has external threads and is threaded into the inner bore of the
housing pipe section 632 as is best shown in FIG. 18. The fitting 612 defines an internal socket-like
surface 650 against which the ball 610 can rotate. The water-air stream discharged into the bore 608
of the ball essentially seats the ball against the surface 650 preventing leakage therepast. However
by proper choice of materials, the ball 610 can freely rotate with respect to the surface 650.
Before proceeding further with an explanation of the structure of the tube 600 and the unique manner
in which it is mounted for movement, attention is directed to FIGS. 25-29 which illustrate a preferred
structural arrangement of the housing 630 utilized in FIGS. 18-24 and the front grill structure 660
adapted to be mounted to the housing to define the guide path for the nozzle means 602. FIG. 25
depicts a front view of the housing 630 showing it's front rectangular frame 664 adapted to bear
against the front face 666 of a perimeter wall 668 of a water tub (FIG. 26). The housing 630 projects
through an opening 670 in the wall 664. A clamping ring 672 is intended to be secured to the
housing as by screws 674 for bearing against the rear face 676 of the perimeter wall 668. Thus the
clamping ring 672 can tightly sandwich the perimeter wall 668 between itself and the housing frame
664, with suitable sealing material provided therebetween for preventing water leakage.
As depicted in FIGS. 25 and 26, the frame 664 surrounds an opening into a housing cavity extending
rearwardly to the housing rear wall 634. As depicted in FIGS. 18, 23 and 26, the housing is
essentially trapezoidal in cross section having upper and lower walls 600 and 682 extending from the
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rear housing wall 634 to the front open frame 664. Left and right housing side walls (looking
rearwardly toward rear wall 634) are depicted at 684 and 686 in the top view shown in FIG. 18. It will
be noted that each of the housing walls 680, 682, 684, and 686 includes a shoulder 690 which
extends peripherally within the housing. The shoulder 690, together with the grill structure 660, define
the guide path for the movement of the nozzle means 602. More specifically, the grill structure 660 is
comprised of a frame 700 including vertical bars 702, 704 and 706. The bars are secured to upper
and lower cross members 708 and 710. A horseshoe member 712 is mounted on the bars and is
curved, as is best depicted in FIGS. 28 and 29 so as to appear substantially concave looking
forwardly through the housing cavity from the rear wall 634. The horseshoe member 712 essentially
includes depending leg portions 714 and 716 interconnected by a cross member 718. A central
member 720 is supported on the bar 704 within the horseshoe shaped area defined by member 712.
The central member 720 is spaced from the horseshoe member 712 to define a guide slot 722
therebetween.
The cross members 708 and 710 of the front grill 660 are intended to be snapped into recesses 726
and 728 in the housing front frame 664. When the grill 660 is so placed (FIG. 26) the horseshoe
member 712 will extend rearwardly with the edges thereof being spaced from the housing internal
shoulder 690 to thus define guide slot portion 740. It is also pointed out that the grill 660 includes a
pin 750 which extends rearwardly from the bar 704 positioned substantially centrally of the
horseshoe shaped area defined within member 712 and substantially coincident with the axis of
nozzle 644. The housing and grill structures depicted in FIGS. 25-29 cooperate to define a guide slot
shaped as is shown in FIGS. 20, 21, and 22.
Returning now to the curved rigid tube 600, it is pointed out that the curved portions 606 and 618
thereof are gently curved to facilitate smooth flow therethrough for all permissible orientations of the
tube relative to the water-air stream entering through bore 608 of ball 610. That is, it is desirable that
the tube 600 be constructed so as to minimize the pressure drops which might occur in the stream
upon entry into, and flow along, the tube 600. To facilitate smooth flow of the stream through the tube
600, the curved sections 606 and 618 preferably lie in substantially the same plane and the planar
orientation of the tube 600 is at all times maintained substantially radial to the axis of the nozzle 644.
That is, as the nozzle means 602 translates along the guide path defined by the housing and grill
structures, the plane of tube 600 is adjusted to maintain it substantially radial to the axis of nozzle
644 with the straight tube section 606 thus deviating by not more than about sixteen degrees from
the axis of nozzle 644.
276/2210
In order to maintain this radial orientation of the plane of tube 600, an arm 780 having a slot 782
therein is mounted for movement on the aforementioned pin 750 projecting rearwardly from bar 704.
Because of the relationship of the arm slot 782 and the pin 750, the arm 780 will always extend in a
substantially radial direction from the pin 750. In order to assure that the plane of the tube 600 also
extends substantially radial to the pin 750 (and thus radial to the coincident axis of nozzle 644), the
arm 780 and tube 600 are structurally fixed to one another. This is accomplished, as is best shown in
FIG. 19, which depicts drag means in the form of cupped plates 790, 792, 794, and 796 secured to
the tube 600 in a substantially cruciform fashion. Each of the cupped plates includes an aperture 798
therein so that the cupped plates essentially act as sea anchors to slow the movement of the tube
600, and thus the nozzle means 602, through the water. The slotted arm 780 is secured to the
forward edge of cupped plate 792 which in turn is secured to the tube 600. Thus, the plane of tube
600 will be fixed with respect to the elongation of arm 780 which in turn will be maintained in
orientation radial to fixed pin 750.
FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 schematically depict the movement of the slotted arm 780 with respect to the
pin 750 for various positions of the nozzle means 602 along the guide path. Note for example in FIG.
20 when the nozzle means 602 is at the one o'clock position in the outer loop of the guide path, the
arm 780 moves to a position where the pin 750 is very close to the free end 800 of the arm. Note in
FIG. 21 when the nozzle means 602 is essentially at the three o'clock position on the inner loop of the
guide path, the arm 780 moves to a position where the pin 750 is at the inner end 802 of the arm 780.
FIG. 22 depicts the nozzle means moving from the outer loop of the guide path to the inner loop, at
substantially a six o'clock position, and shows the pin 750 substantially intermediate the ends 800
and 802 of the arm 780.
It should be noted in FIGS. 20, 21, and 22 that the nozzle means 602 continually moves in a
clockwise direction, as depicted by the arrows along the guide slot. With this motion, the ball 610
tends to continually turn clockwise within the fitting 612. Thus, any friction between the surface of the
ball 610 and the socket surface 650 of the fitting 612 will tend to tighten the threaded coupling
between the fitting 612 and the rearwardly extending pipe section 632 of housing 630. It should also
be noted that the cupped plates 790, 792, 794 and 796 have been shown slightly exaggerated for
clarity. In actuality, of course, it is essential that they be dimensioned so as to be accomodated within
the housing 630 without contacting the housing wall for all positions of the nozzle means 602 along
the guide path.
277/2210
From the foregoing, it should now be apparent that an improved method and apparatus for
hydrotherapy has been disclosed herein. In preferred embodiments, the method and apparatus is
characterized by discharging a stream of water into a tub through an opening in the tub wall and
translating the wsater stream along the path extending substantially parallel to the tub wall there at.
Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated in detail, it is
recognized that various modifications and alternatives may readily occur to those skilled in the art
and it is intended that the claims be interpreted to cover such modifications, alternatives, and other
equivalents.
Claims:
What is claimed is:
1. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against and
massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising: fluid supply means; nozzle means
defining a discharge orifice; conduit means coupling said fluid supply means to said nozzle means
for carrying a fluid stream for discharge through said orifice; means mounting said nozzle means for
movement along a nonlinear and noncircular path; and thrust means for moving said nozzle means
along said path.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means mounting said nozzle means includes guide means
defining said path; and means coupling said guide means to said nozzle means for restricting
movement of said nozzle means to said path.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said conduit means carries said fluid stream in a direction
extending substantially perpendicular to said path; and wherein said thrust means comprises means
for producing a fluid flow having a component extending substantially parallel to said path.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said thrust means includes means in said nozzle means for
diverting at least a portion of said fluid stream to produce said component extending substantially
parallel to said path.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means coupling said guide means to said nozzle means
includes means for reorienting said nozzle means as it moves along said path to discharge said
component in a direction extending substantially along said path.
278/2210
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said complex path is comprised of serially arranged linear
and/or arcuate portions.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said conduit means includes swivel means for enabling said
nozzle means to move relative to said fluid supply means.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said swivel means includes a flexible tube.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said swivel means includes mating ball and socket surfaces.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said swivel means includes a rotary coupling.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said conduit means further includes a rigid tube including an
internal passage for carrying said fluid stream in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to
said complex path, said internal passage including one or more gradual curves to obtain smooth
fluid stream flow for multiple orientations of said rigid tube.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 including means for restricting the movement of said rigid tube to
those orientations which yield smooth fluid stream flow.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 including drag means coupled to said nozzle means and/or said
conduit means for limiting the speed of movement of said nozzle means along said path.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said drag means exhibits low drag at low speeds and
increasing drag as speed increases.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said drag means includes a plate secured to said nozzle
means and/or conduit means.
16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said plate includes an aperture.
17. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said guide means comprises a slot defining said path; and
wherein said nozzle means is shaped and dimensioned to fit within said slot for movement along said
path.
279/2210
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said complex path is comprised of serially arranged linear
and/or arcuate portions.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein said nozzle means includes means keyed to said guide
means slot for reorienting said nozzle means as it moves along said slot to discharge said flow
stream component in the direction of said slot.
20. The apparatus of claim 1 including a water tub having a perimeter wall; an opening formed in
said perimeter wall; and wherein said nozzle means is mounted for discharging said fluid stream into
said water tub through said perimeter wall opening.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 including a suction port formed in said perimeter wall; and
recirculation means for drawing water in through said suction port for supplying water through said
fluid supply means to said conduit means to produce said fluid stream.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 including air supply means; and means for mixing air from said air
supply means with said water supplied by said recirculation means.
23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for mixing includes venturi means responsive to
the flow of water therethrough for drawing air from said air supply means.
24. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said mixing means is mounted proximate to said nozzle
means; and wherein said conduit means includes first and second concentric passages respectively
coupling said fluid supply means and said air supply means to said venturi means.
25. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said means for mixing includes blower means for introducing
air into said water supplied by said recirculation means.
26. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against and
massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising: fluid supply means; nozzle means
defining at least one discharge opening; conduit means coupling said fluid supply means to said
nozzle means for carrying a fluid stream for discharge through said opening; means mounting said
nozzle means for movement along a complex path; and means for reorienting said nozzle means as
it moves along said path for discharging said fluid stream in a direction having a primary component
280/2210
extending substantially perpendicular to said path and a thrust component extending substantially
along said path.
27. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against and
massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising: water supply means; air supply
means; nozzle means defining at least one discharge opening; conduit means coupling said water
supply means and said air supply means to said nozzle means for supplying a water-air stream for
discharge through said opening; means mounting said nozzle means for movement along a
nonlinear path; and means supporting said nozzle means for discharging said water-air stream in a
direction having a primary component extending substantially perpendicular to said path and a
thrust component extending substantially parallel to said path for moving said nozzle means along
said path.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said conduit means includes venturi means responsive to
water flow therethrough from said water supply means for drawing air from said air supply means.
29. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said conduit means includes swivel means for enabling said
nozzle means to move relative to said water supply means and said air supply means.
30. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said means mounting said nozzle means includes means for
reorienting said nozzle means as it moves along said path to maintain said thrust component in a
direction extending substantially along said path.
31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said conduit means includes an armhaving separate water
and air passages extending therealong; and rotary means mounting said arm for rotation, said rotary
means including means coupling said water supply means to said water passage and said air
supply means to said air passage.
32. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said conduit means includes first and second arms each
having first and second ends; first rotary means coupling said first arm first end to said water supply
means for allowing said first arm to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to said path; second rotary
means coupling said first arm second end to said second arm first end for allowing said second arm
to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to said path; and means coupling said second arm second
end to said nozzle means.
281/2210
33. The apparatus of claim 32 further including: separate water and air passage means extending
through said first and second arms and said first and second rotary means for coupling said water
supply means and said air supply means to said nozzle means.
34. Apparatus useful in combination with a spa tub or the like for discharging a water stream into the
tub and for moving said water stream substantially perpendicular to the direction of discharge to
impact against and massage the body of a user in the tub, said apparatus comprising: a water
supply fitting; a nozzle means mounted for movement along a nonlinear travel path spaced from said
water supply fitting; and conduit means comprising a rigid tube having a supply end and a
discharge end; swivel means coupling said supply end to said water supply fitting and said
discharge end to said nozzle means for transporting a water stream from said supply fitting to said
nozzle means and for permitting movement of said nozzle means relative to said supply fitting; said
nozzle means including means for discharging said water stream in a direction having a primary
component extending perpendicular to said travel path to impact against a user's body and a
secondary component extending parallel to said travel path to thrust said nozzle means along said
path.
35. The apparatus of claim 34 including guide means defining said travel path; and means coupling
said nozzle means to said guide means for movement along said travel path.
36. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said means coupling said nozzle means to said guide means
include means for reorienting said nozzle means as it moves along said travel path to direct said
secondary component in a direction substantially along said path.
37. The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said travel path is comprised of serially arranged linear and/or
arcuate portions.
38. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said swivel means includes mating ball and socket surfaces
on said rigid tube first end and said water supply fitting.
39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said water supply fitting includes first and second members
adapted for coupling by relative rotation in a single direction, one of said members defining one of
said mating surfaces; and wherein said nozzle means is mounted for movement along said travel
path in a direction tending to rotate said members in said single direction.
282/2210
40. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said rigid tube includes at least one smooth curve along its
length to facilitate smooth flow therethrough from said water supply fitting.
41. The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said rigid tube with said curve therein defines a plane and
wherein said water supply fitting defines an axis; and means for maintaining said rigid tube plane
radial to said water supply fitting axis as said nozzle means moves along said travel path.
42. The apparatus of claim 34 including drag means coupled to said nozzle means and/or conduit
means tending to reduce the speed of movement of said nozzle means along said travel path.
43. The apparatus of claim 34 including a substantially closed housing having an opening formed
therein; and wherein said nozzle means is mounted in said housing for movement along said travel
path in said housing opening.
44. The apparatus of claim 43 in combination with a spa tub or the like having a perimeter wall
defining an interior wall surface and an exterior wall surface; an opening formed in said perimeter
wall; and wherein said housing is mounted in said wall opening extending exteriorly with respect to
said perimeter wall and with said housing opening and said wall opening being substantially
coincident.
45. The combination of claim 44 including a suction port formed in said perimeter wall; and
recirculation means for drawing water in through said suction port and for supplying water to said
water supply fitting.
46. The apparatus of claim 44 wherein said housing includes a flange extending around said housing
opening, said flange engaging said perimeter wall interior surface around said wall opening; and
clamping means mounted on said housing for engaging said perimeter wall exterior surface around
said wall opening to clamp said perimeter wall between said flange and said clamping means.
47. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein said nonlinear path is circular.
48. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said nonlinear path is circular.
49. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against and
massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising: water supply means; air supply
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means; nozzle means defining at least one discharge opening; conduit means coupling said water
supply means and said air supply means to said nozzle means for supplying a water-air stream for
discharge through said opening; guide means mounting said nozzle means for movement along a
defined path; and means supporting said nozzle means for discharging said water-air stream in a
direction having a primary component extending substantially perpendicular to said path and a
thrust component extending substantially parallel to said path; said guide means including means for
reorienting said nozzle means as it moves along said path to discharge said thrust component in a
direction extending substantially along said path.
50. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream useful for impacting against and
massaging an area of a user's body, said apparatus comprising: water supply means; air supply
means; nozzle means defining at least one discharge opening; conduit means coupling said water
supply means and said air supply means to said nozzle means for supplying a water-air stream for
discharge through said opening; guide means mounting said nozzle means for movement along a
defined path; and means supporting said nozzle means for discharging said water-air stream in a
direction having a primary component extending substantially perpendicular to said path and a
thrust component extending substantially parallel to said path; said conduit means including first and
second arms each having first and second ends; first rotary means coupling said first arm first end to
said water supply means for allowing said first arm to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to said
path; second rotary means coupling said first arm second end to said second arm first end for
allowing said second arm to rotate in a plane substantially parallel to said path; and means coupling
said second arm second end to said nozzle means.
51. The apparatus of claim 50 further including: separate water and air passage means extending
through said first and second arms and said first and second rotary means for coupling said water
supply means and said air supply means to said nozzle means.
52. Hydrotherapy apparatus for discharging a fluid stream for impacting against a user's body, said
apparatus comprising: fluid supply means for supplying a pressurized water flow along an entrance
axis; elongated conduit means having a first end including a supply orifice and a second end
including a discharge orifice; means mounting said conduit means first end proximate to said fluid
supply means for directing said water flow through said conduit means to said discharge orifice, said
mounting means positioning said conduit means second end to permit said discharge orifice to
traverse a nonlinear path defining a substantially planar area spaced from said conduit means first
end; said conduit means including means for diverting said water flow away from said axis to
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produce a lateral thrust on said conduit means second end for moving said discharge orifice along
said nonlinear path.
53. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said conduit means comprises a rigid tube; and wherein said
mounting means includes swivel means for coupling said rigid tube first end to said fluid supply
means.
54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein said swivel means includes mating ball and socket surfaces.
55. The apparatus of claim 53 including drag means coupled to said conduit means tending to
reduce the speed of movement of said second end along said nonlinear path.
56. The apparatus of claim 52 including a substantially closed housing having an opening formed
therein; and wherein said conduit means is mounted in said housing for movement of said discharge
orifice along said substantially planar area in said housing opening.
57. The apparatus of claim 56 in combination with a spa tub or the like having a perimeter wall
defining an interior wall surface and an exterior wall surface; an opening formed in said perimeter
wall; and wherein said housing is mounted in said wall opening extending exteriorly with respect to
said perimeter wall and wtih said housing opening and said wall opening being substantially
coincident.
58. The combination of claim 57 including a suction port formed in said perimeter wall; and
recirculation means for drawing water in through said suction port and for supplying water to said
fluid supply means.
59. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said nonlinear path is circular.
60. The apparatus of claim 52 wherein said nonlinear path is comprised of serially arranged linear
and/or arcuate portions.
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45. EP0355299 - 28.02.1990
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE.
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=EP0355299
Inventor(s):
BAUMANN PETER (--)
Applicant(s):
BELTRON GMBH (CH)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/02
E Class: A61H33/00N; A61H33/02; A61H33/02B; A61H33/02P
Application Number:
EP19890111021 (19890617)
Priority Number: DE19883822176 (19880630)
Family: EP0355299
Equivalent:
DE3822176; ES2052818; JP2052657
Cited Document(s):
US3267936; EP0120354; FR2520612
Abstract:
IN A THERAPY DEVICE FOR THERAPY OF THE HUMAN BODY, IN PARTICULAR AN AERATED
BATH FACILITY, THERE IS PROVIDED, IN A DEVICE HOUSING (5A) OF A BASIC DEVICE (2A) TO
BE SET UP AT A DISTANCE FROM THE PERSON TO BE TREATED, AN ESSENTIALLY U-SHAPED
RETENTION OR STORAGE SPACE (10A) FOR THE MAT-LIKE OR GRATE-LIKE THERAPY UNIT,
WHICH LIES ON OR UNDER THE BODY OF THE PERSON TO BE TREATED DURING THERAPY.
BETWEEN THE LEGS (11A) OF THIS STORAGE SPACE (10A) THERE IS A FURTHER HOUSING
SPACE WHICH CAN SERVE, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR RECEIVING THE GENERATOR (6A) FOR
GENERATING THE THERAPY MEDIUM, THE GENERATOR (6A) BEING ARRANGED
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ADVANTAGEOUSLY WITH A VERTICAL MAIN AXIS (30A) AND WITH AN OUTLET (19A) SITUATED
AT THE BOTTOM. THE BASIC DEVICE (2A) IS MADE UP OF DIFFERENT COMPONENTS (33A, 34A,
35) WHICH ARE PLACED ONE ON TOP OF THE OTHER AND WHICH CAN BE REPLACED AS
DESIRED FOR THE PURPOSE OF OBTAINING DIFFERENTLY EQUIPPED THERAPY DEVICES.
FINALLY, A PULSE CONTROL FACILITY (40) IS PROVIDED FOR THE DELIVERY OF THE THERAPY
MEDIUM AT IRREGULAR DIFFERENT INTENSITIES, IT BEING POSSIBLE FOR THIS CONTROL
FACILITY (40) TO BE INFLUENCED, FOR EXAMPLE VIA A RECEIVER (43), BY AN EXTERNAL
SIGNAL TRANSMITTER (45), SUCH AS THE LOUDSPEAKER OF A MUSIC SYSTEM (46). Description:
Strцmungs-Behandlungsgerдt zur Behandlung des menschlichen Kцrpers
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Behandlungsgerдt zur Behandlung des menschlichen Kцrpers,
insbesondere eine Sprudelbadeeinrichtung, mit welchem beispielsweise auf die Haut oder
Muskulatur der zu behandelnden Person unterschiedlich starke Reize ausgeьbt werden, um
Kцrperfunktionen, wie Durchblutung, Kreislauf und Stoffwechsel durch unterschiedliche
Belastungszustдnde und durch psychische Entspannung zu fцrdern.
Derartige Reize kцnnen mechanische Vibrationen mit Massagegerдten, elektrische Reize mit
Reizstromgerдten oder Strцmungsbeaufschlagungen mit Luft- bzw. Wasserstrцmen insbesondere
im Badewasser sein. Das Behandlungsgerдt weist zur Erzielung guter Wirkungen
erfindungsgemдss eine an den Kцrper anzulegende, beispielsweise mattenfцrmige
Behandlungseinheit auf, die zum Beispiel ьber einen meist flexiblen Verbindungsstrang von einem
gesonderten Grundgerдt mit dem zugehцrigen Arbeitsmedium versorgt werden kann, das zum
Beispiel von einem in einem Gerдtegehдuse des Grundgerдtes angeordneten Generator erzeugt
wird. Im Falle von Sprudel-Badeeinrichtungen ist die Behandlungseinheit zweckmдssig durch eine
Luftverteiler-Unterlage gebildet, die ьber einen Druckluftschlauch an einen als Druckluftgeblдse
ausgebildeten Generator des Grundgerдtes anzuschliessen ist.
Die Aufbewahrung der hinsichtlich ihrer Flдchenerstreckung meist recht grossen und selbst im
zusammengefalteten Zustand sperrigen Behandlungseinheit im Nichtgebrauchsfalle bereitet meist
Schwierigkeiten.
Durch die DE-PS 32 02 862 ist es bekannt, in einem Aufnahmebehдlter der Grundeinheit unterhalb
des Geblдses die zusammengefaltete oder gerollte Behandlungseinheit sowie ggf. den Luftschlauch
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unterzubringen, wobei die Behandlungseinheit in der Regel von der Seite oder von oben nach
Abheben des Geblдses eingesetzt werden muss.
Dies ist auch bei dem Luftsprudel-Massagegerдt nach der DE-OS 33 11 103 der Fall, wo jedoch der
Aufnahmebehдlter benachbart hinter dem Geblдse vorgesehen ist. In beiden Fдllen muss die
Behandlungseinheit zu einem Paket voll faltbar ausgebildet sein, wobei im ersten Fall auch eine
Unterbringung als Rolle denkbar ist. Sowohl die aufrollbare wie die voll zum Paket faltbare
Ausbildung der Behandlungseinheit ist aufwendig, zumal die entsprechenden Falt- oder
Rollzustдnde nur fьr die Aufbewahrung und nicht fьr die Anwendung benцtigt werden.Ausserdem
ergibt sich dadurch, dass das gewichtsmдssig verhдltnismдssig schwere Geblдse entweder
oberhalb oder in Hцhe der Oberkante der aufbewahrten Behandlungseinheit bzw. des zugehцrigen
Aufbewahrungsraumes liegt, eine ungьnstig hohe Lage des Schwerpunktes des Grundgerдtes, das
meist als Standgerдt auf dem Badezimmerboden steht und im Interesse der Sicherheitserfordernisse,
insbesondere der Vermeidung der Beschдdigung von elektrisch leitenden Teilen, eine besonders
gute Standsicherheit haben sollte.
Der Erfindung liegt des weiteren die Aufgabe zugrunde, Nachteile bekannter Ausbildungen zu
vermeiden, insbesondere ein Strцmungs-Behandlungsgerдt der genannten Art zu schaffen, bei
welchem sich die Behandlungseinheit im Nichtgebrauchsfalle besonders gьnstig und auch
raumsparend aufbewahren lдsst.
Zur Lцsung dieser Aufgabe ist erfindungsgemдss vorgesehen, dass der Aufbewahrungsraum im
Winkel zueinanderliegende bzw. unterschiedlich gerichtete Schenkel oder Abschnitte fьr die
Aufnahme entsprechender im Winkel zueinanderliegender oder gekrьmmter Lдngsabschnitte der
Behandlungseinheit aufweist, so dass innerhalb der inneren, abgewinkelten oder gekrьmmten
Begrenzung des Aufbewahrungsraumes noch ein Gehдuseraum frei bleibt, in welchem weitere
Funktionsteile des Behandlungsgerдtes fest installiert und/oder herausnehmbar untergebracht sein
kцnnen. Der Aufbewahrungsraum kann somit ьber wenigstens einen Teil des Umfanges des
Gerдtegehдuses an dessen aufrechte Aussenwandungen anschliessen und ьber diesen Umfang
bzw. Umfangsteil den weiteren Gehдuseraum umschliessen.Dadurch braucht die
Behandlungseinheit weder eng faltbar noch eng rollbar ausgebildet zu werden, sondern es genьgen
bereits wenige Gelenke oder ein verhдltnismдssig grosser Rollradius fьr eine raumsparende
Unterbringung in dem Gerдtegehдuse bzw. dem Aufbewahrungsraum.
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Der Aufbewahrungsraum kann entweder im Horizontalschnitt oder aber im Vertikalschnitt und
bevorzugt in beiden diesen Schnitten winkel- bzw. U-fцrmig nach Art eines, aneinander
anschliessende Abschnitte aufweisenden Hohlkцrpers ausgebildet sein, wobei im Falle der zuerst
genannten Ausbildung ein Winkelschenkel bzw. beide U-Schenkel zweckmдssig zur Rьckseite des
Grundgerдtes ausragen, wдhrend sie im Falle der zweiten Ausbildung nach oben ragen kцnnen. Im
Falle der ersten Ausbildung kann ein gegenьber benachbarten Lдngsabschnitten nur um etwa 90
DEG klappbarer Lдngsabschnitt der Behandlungseinheit im Aufbewahrungsfall an der Rьckseite
des Grundgerдtes liegen und beispielsweise die wenigstens im Bereich des Aufnahmeraumes zur
Bildung einer Einschubцffnung offene Rьckseite des Gerдtegehдuses dann verschliessen.Im
zweiten Falle kann der genannte Lдngsabschnitt der Behandlungseinheit etwa horizontal zur
Oberseite des Grundgerдtes hin liegen, wobei der oder die an ihn klappbar anschliessenden
Lдngsabschnitte nach unten ragen und die Behandlungseinheit zur Aufbewahrung auch von oben in
das Gerдtegehдuse einsetzbar ist.
Bei einer weiteren Ausfьhrungsform kann die Behandlungseinheit sowohl etwa horizontal von der
Rьckseite des Grundgerдtes als auch etwa vertikal von der Oberseite des Grundgerдtes her in den
Aufbewahrungsraum eingesetzt werden. Die Entnahme- und Einschubцffnung kann auch mit einer
gesonderten Abdeckung verschliessbar sein.
Der wenigstens teilweise von dem Aufbewahrungsraum umschlossene weitere Gehдuseraum eignet
sich insbesondere fьr die Aufnahme des Generators bzw. des Druckluft-Geblдses derart, dass
dieses hцchstens bis an die obere und/oder die untere Begrenzung des Aufnahmeraumes reicht
und sich somit eine gьnstig tiefe Lage des Schwerpunktes ergibt.
Bei den bekannten Behandlungsgerдten liegt die Hauptachse des Generators, die im Falle eines
Druckluft-Geblдses durch die Rotor- bzw. Motorachse gebildet ist, horizontal, was meist zu einer
raumaufwendigen Anordnung, einer ungьnstigen Schwerpunktlage und im Falle drehender Teile zu
ungьnstigen Lagerbelastungen fьhrt.
Der Erfindung liegt daher des weiteren die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Behandlungsgerдt der oben
beschriebenen oder anderer Art zu schaffen, welches eine kompakte und sichere Aufnahme des
Generators im Grundgerдt gewдhrleistet. Diese Aufgabe wird bei einem Behandlungsgerдt mit
einem Grundgerдt, das ein Gerдtegehдuse mit einem Generator, wie einem Druckluft-Geblдse
aufweist, dadurch gelцst, dass der Generator mit von der horizontalen Lage abweichender,
insbesondere vertikaler Hauptachse angeordnet ist. Dadurch kann der Generator in einer an seinen
289/2210
Aussenumfang angepassten Steckmuffe des Gehдuses sicher gehalten, genau zentriert und von
oben beispielsweise derart eingesetzt werden, dass er mit mindestens einer nach unten weisenden
Stirnflдche auf einer Ringschulter o.dgl. der Steckmuffe sicher ruht.Im Falle eines Geblдses mit
baulich vereintem Elektromotor und auf dessen Antriebswelle angeordnetem Geblдserotor liegt der
Rotor zweckmдssig unterhalb des Motors, wobei sich unterhalb des Geblдserotors noch ein
Auslassstutzen der Steckmuffe anschliessen kann. Steht die Steckmuffe bzw. Halterung fьr den
Generator frei von einer Deckwand des Gehдuses nach unten in das Gerдtegehдuse ab, so kann
sie in einfacher Weise in der beschriebenen Art von dem Aufbewahrungsraum wenigstens teilweise
umschlossen sein.
Um jegliches Einfliessen von Wasser in den Generator zu verhindern bzw. eventuell eingedrungenes
Wasser sofort abfьhren zu kцnnen, ist der Austritt des Generators zweckmдssig an dessen
Unterseite oder nach unten gerichtet vorgesehen. Statt dessen oder zusдtzlich hierzu kann fьr den
Generator auch eine Rьckflusssicherung vorgesehen sein, die vorzugsweise im Bereich des
Austrittes ein Rьckschlagventil zum Verschliessen des Austrittes, einen Nassschalter, wie einen
Membranschalter zum Abschalten des Generators o.dgl. aufweist.
Zusдtzlich hierzu oder statt dessen kann eine Rьckflusssicherung auch in der Leitungsverbindung
zwischen dem Geblдse und der Behandlungseinheit vorgesehen sein, die zweckmдssig durch
einen Auffangspeicher fьr unerwьnscht zurьckfliessendes Wasser o.dgl. in Form einer
Rьckflusskammer gebildet sein kann.Diese Rьckflusskammer ist zweckmдssig durch einen im
wesentlichen gegenьber dem ьbrigen Gerдtegehдuse abgedichteten Raum dieses Gehдuses
unterhalb des Austrittes des Generators gebildet, in welchen der Generator unmittelbar mьndet, so
dass im Falle eines Druckluftgeblдses in dessen Leitungsverbindung mit der Behandlungseinheit,
nдmlich zwischen dem Austritt des Geblдses und dem Eingang des Verbindungsstranges ein
gegenьber deren Querschnitten wesentlich grцsserer Druckraum geschaffen ist, in welchem das
Geblдse einen Druck aufbaut und aus welchem der den Verbindungsstrang bildende Schlauch
versorgt wird.Liegt der Eingang des Schlauches oberhalb des maximalen Speicherpegels der
Rьckflusskammer, so kann kein dort befindliches Wasser in den Schlauch gedrьckt werden;
befindet sich dieser Eingang dagegen unterhalb des maximalen Pegels bzw. im tiefsten Bereich der
Rьckflusskammer, so kann zurьckgeflossenes Wasser jederzeit mit dem Generator bzw. mit der von
diesem erzeugten Druckluft zurьck in die Behandlungseinheit und durch diese in das Badewasser
gefцrdert werden.
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Zur Entleerung der Rьckflusssicherung kann aber auch in vorteilhafter Weise eine beispielsweise im
Boden der Rьckflusskammer vorgesehene Entleerцffnung vorgesehen sein, die zur Vermeidung von
Druckverlusten zweckmдssig mit einem Deckel, einem manuell betдtigbaren Ventil oder mit einem
mit einem Steuerkreis betдtigbaren Ventil, wie einem Magnetventil, beispielsweise so verschliessbar
ist, dass das Ablassventil bei laufendem Generator zwangsgeschlossen und bei stillstehendem
Generator zwangsgeцffnet ist. Die Druck- bzw.- Rьckflusskammer ist zweckmдssig gegenьber
dem Stau- bzw. Aufbewahrungsraum fьr den Behandlungsteil dicht geschlossen. Ist sie gegenьber
dem Aufbewahrungsraum dagegen offen, so ist sie vorteilhaft so gestaltet, dass sie gemeinsam mit
dem Aufbewahrungsraum einen nach aussen abgedichteten bzw. dicht verschliessbaren
Gesamtraum bildet.In letzterem Fall kann die Rьckflusskammer im Nichtgebrauchsfalle wenigstens
einen Teil des Aufbewahrungsraumes bilden.
Zur weiteren Vereinfachung der Handhabung des Behandlungsgerдtes ist zweckmдssig eine
Einzugsvorrichtung zum im wesentlichen vollstдndig versenkten Einziehen des Verbindungsstranges
mit Hilfe einer Antriebskraft, beispielsweise einer ьber ein Gesperre auslцsbaren Federkraft
vorgesehen, wobei die Einzugsvorrichtung zweckmдssig eine Haspel, Trommel o.dgl. zum
Aufwickeln des Verbindungsstranges bzw. -schlauches aufweist. Der Schlaucheingang kann dabei
in der Drehachse der Trommel an dieser bzw. an einer von deren Stirnseiten vorgesehen sein. Ist die
Wickelachse fьr den Verbindungsstrang zur Hauptachse des Generators etwa parallel bzw. sogar
annдhernd achsgleich, so kann der Verbindungsstrang in der Aufbewahrungsstellung gewickelt den
Generator bzw. den diesen aufnehmenden Steckstutzen wenigstens teilweise umgeben, so dass
eine noch kompaktere Ausbildung des Grundgerдtes mцglich ist.Das Wickelpaket des
aufbewahrten Verbindungsstranges bzw. die hierfьr vorgesehene Trommel kann mit horizontaler,
bevorzugt aber vertikaler Achse aber auch benachbart zum Generator, zweckmдssig in einer
gesonderten Kammer und vorzugsweise innerhalb der Rьckflusskammer vorgesehen sein, so dass
der zum Beispiel an der Trommel vorgesehene Eingang fьr den Verbindungsstrang dadurch in
dieser auch als Druckkammer vorgesehenen Kammer liegt. Der Verbindungsstrang ist in diesem Fall
zweckmдssig beispielsweise ьber eine Lippendichtung abgedichtet verschiebbar aus der
Druckkammer herausgefьhrt oder er weist im Bereich seines der Druckkammer zugehцrigen Endes
eine beispielsweise ьber seinen Aussenumfang vorstehende Ringdichtung auf, die sich beim
Herausziehen des Verbindungsstranges von innen dichtend an die Begrenzung der
Durchfьhrцffnung anlegt.Durch die Entleerцffnung ist auch eine Belьftungsцffnung gebildet, durch
welche der eingezogene Verbindungsstrang sowie die Einzugsvorrichtung und die Rьcklaufkammer
belьftet und daher getrocknet werden kцnnen. Die zuletzt beschriebene Einrichtung zur
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Aufbewahrung des Verbindungsstranges kann zusдtzlich oder statt der zuvor beschriebenen
erfindungsgemдssen Ausbildungen vorgesehen sein.
Дhnlich verhдlt es sich auch mit einer vorteilhaft in dem Gerдtegehдuse vorgesehenen
Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung fьr ein Netzanschlusskabel, ьber welches der Generator,
Steuereinrichtungen u.dgl. mit elektrischem Strom versorgt werden. Die Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung ist
zweckmдssig in einer gesonderten, abgedichteten Gehдusekammer, z.B. unmittelbar benachbart
zur Rьckfluss- oder Druckkammer bzw. zur Einzugsvorrichtung fьr den Verbindungsstrang
vorgesehen.
Bei bekannten Behandlungsgerдten mit einem ьber einen Verbindungsstrang an eine
Behandlungseinheit anzuschliessenden Grundgerдt, das ein Gerдtegehдuse mit einem Generator
und/oder ggf. andere Funktionseinheiten aufweist, ist des weiteren nachteilig, dass fьr Grundgerдte
unterschiedlicher Ausstattung, Leistung oder Funktionen insgesamt neu konzipierte Gehдuse
hergestellt werden mьssen. Der Erfindung liegt des weiteren demgegenьber die Aufgabe zugrunde,
ein Behandlungsgerдt der zuletzt genannten oder der zuvor bereits beschriebenen Art zu schaffen,
welches auf einfache Weise in unterschiedlicher Ausstattung hergestellt werden kann.Zur Lцsung
dieser Aufgabe ist gemдss der Erfindung vorgesehen, dass das Grundgerдt aus mindestens zwei
unterschiedlichen, jeweils in einem Gehдuseteil eine Funktionseinheit, wie den Generator, die
Rьckflusskammer, Steuer- und Bedienelemente o.dgl. aufnehmenden Baugruppen
zusammengesetzt ist, so dass unter Aufrechterhaltung einer oder mehrerer Baugruppen durch
Austausch einer oder mehrerer anderer Baugruppen die Ausstattung des Grundgerдtes verдndert
und damit an die jeweiligen Erfordernisse angepasst werden kann. Beispielsweise kцnnen
unterschiedliche, jeweils Generatoren mit verschiedener Leistung aufweisende Baugruppen in
gegeneinander austauschbaren Gehдuseteilen vorgesehen sein oder es kцnnen Gehдuseteile mit
und ohne Einzugsvorrichtung fьr den Verbindungsstrang bzw. Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung nzw.
Fernbedienung gegeneinander austauschbar sein.
Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn mindestens zwei bzw. alle Baugruppen in Hцhenrichtung
aufeinander gesetzt und durch vorzugsweise im wesentlichen horizontale Teilungsebenen
voneinander getrennt sind, so dass das Grundgerдt unabhдngig von der jeweils gewдhlten
Ausstattung stets im wesentlichen die gleichen Grundrissmasse aufweist und sich allenfalls
unterschiedlich hohe Grundgerдte ergeben.
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Bei Behandlungsgerдten, die in der beschriebenen Weise mit einem auf den Kцrper wirkenden
Reizmedium arbeiten, ist es bekannt, die Intensitдt der Behandlung mittels mechanischen und
elektrischen Stellelementen regulieren zu kцnnen. Eine wesentliche Verbesserung der Wirkung auf
den menschlichen Organismus ergibt sich dadurch, dass die Reizung des Kцrpers nicht durch
konstant starke Impulse erfolgt, sondern, dass sich wдhrend der Behandlung der Reizzustand
verдndert, damit die Anpassungsfдhigkeit des Organismus an die unterschiedlichen Reizzustдnde
aktiviert uund damit erhцht wird. Hierzu kann zum Beispiel bei einer Sprudel-Badeeinrichtung mit
einer Steuervorrichtung die zugefьhrte Luftmenge und/oder der Luftdruck periodisch verдndert
werden oder es kann eine Umschaltung vorgesehen sein, durch die wahlweise entweder Druckluft
oder Wasser als Sprudel- bzw. Druckmedium zugefьhrt wird.Die dadurch hervorgerufenen
Belastungsдnderungen befriedigen jedoch wegen ihrer Periodizitдt bzw. des notwendigen
manuellen Eingriffes nur bedingt, weil sie kein ausreichend vielfдltiges Spektrum in den mцglichen
Kenngrцssen der Belastungsдnderungen mit sich bringen und auch weil sie nur auf physischen
Reizungen ohne unmittelbare psychische Beeinflussung beruhen.
Der Erfindung liegt daher des weiteren die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Behandlungsgerдt mit einer an
einen Generator anzuschliessenden Behandlungseinheit zu schaffen, welches eine wesentliche
Erhцhung des Spektrums der auf die Person ausgeьbten Reize und Reizwechsel ermцglicht. Dies
wird bei einem Behandlungsgerдt der zuletzt genannten oder der zuvor beschriebenen Art gemдss
der Erfindung dadurch gelцst, dass mehr als zwei unterschiedliche Reizimpulse sowie ggf.
zwischen diesen liegende Impulsьbergдnge vorgesehen sind, dass aperiodisch wechselnde
Reizimpulse abgegeben werden und/oder dass qualitativ vцllig unterschiedliche Reizimpulse
gleichzeitig und/oder im Wechsel abgegeben werden.
Hierfьr ist zweckmдssig eine unregelmдssig arbeitende Impuls-Steuereinrichtung vorgesehen und
ausserdem kцnnen noch zusдtzlich ьber ein Phonogerдt unterschiedliche akustische,
insbesondere musikalische Reizimpulse auf das Gehцr und damit primдr psychisch auf die Person
wirken, wobei die Kenngrцssen der physisch wirkenden Reizimpulse durch den Rhythmus, die
Tonlage und/oder die Tondauer der akustischen Reizimpulse ьber die Steuereinrichtung determiniert
sein und dadurch zum Beispiel auch extrem starken unregelmдssigen Wechseln unterworfen sein
kцnnen. Der Tontrдger, beispielsweise ein Tonband, eine Schallplatte o.dgl. des Phonogerдtes
kann auswechselbar vorgesehen sein, so dass Musik- oder Sprachaufnahmen nach Wahl
wiedergegeben und zur Beeinflussung der physisch wirkenden Reizimpulse herangezogen werden
kцnnen.
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Das Phonogerдt kann dabei innerhalb des Grundgerдtes oder davon gesondert und mit dem
Grundgerдt ьber ein Steuerkabel verbunden vorgesehen sein. Als weiterer Speicher fьr die
akustischen Signale sowie die Impulssignale wдre auch ein Festspeicher denkbar. Statt der
akustischen Reizimpulse oder zusдtzlich hierzu kцnnen auch optische Reizimpulse, beispielsweise
durch Lichtquellen, vorgesehen sein, die in ihrer Helligkeit und/oder Farbe entsprechend wechseln.
Zur Дnderung der physisch wirkenden Reizimpulse ist es zwar denkbar, in der Leitungsverbindung
zwischen dem Generator und der Behandlungseinheit aufladbare und entladbare ZwischenKapazitдten, ьber die Steuereinrichtung betдtigbare Ventile o.dgl. vorzusehen, jedoch ergibt sich
eine besonders einfache Ausbildung, wenn die Impuls-Steuereinrichtung ьber die Stromspannung
bzw. Stromstдrke auf die Motordrehzahl des Antriebsmotors des Generators wirkt, so dass diese
Motordrehzahl entsprechend den Steuersignalen verдndert wird. Vorteilhaft ist dabei eine untere
Leistungsgrenze des Generators vorgesehen, unter die der Generator unabhдngig von den
Steuersignalen nicht abfallen kann, so dass z.B. im Falle einer Sprudel-Badeeinrichtung in der
Behandlungseinheit stets ein gewisser Mindestdruck gegeben ist.
Insbesondere bei einer Impulssteuerung durch Verдnderung der Motordrehzahl kann sich eine
verhдltnismдssig grosse Trдgheitsverzцgerung zwischen Steuersignal und Einstellen des
vorgegebenen zugehцrigen Reizimpulses ergeben, weshalb es vorteilhaft ist, eine Einrichtung zur
Kompensierung dieser Steuertrдgheit vorzusehen. Zum Beispiel kann das Abspielgerдt eine
Einrichtung zur entsprechend verzцgerten Tonwiedergabe aufweisen oder es kann eine Filterung
der Signale derart vorgesehen sein, dass ausschliesslich Signale einer vorbestimmten Qualitдt, z.B.
einer vorbestimmten Zeitdauer fьr die Steuerung umgesetzt werden. Es ist aber auch denkbar, die
Signale zwar von einem Tontrдger abzuleiten, sie jedoch nicht akustisch wiederzugeben.
Diese und weitere Merkmale von bevorzugten Weiterbildungen der Erfindung gehen ausser aus den
Ansprьchen auch aus der Beschreibung und den Zeichnungen hervor, wobei die einzelnen
Merkmale jeweils fьr sich allein oder zu mehreren in Form von Unterkombinationen bei einer
Ausfьhrungsform der Erfindung und auf anderen Gebieten verwirklicht sein und vorteilhaft sowie fьr
sich schutzfдhige Ausfьhrungen darstellen kцnnen, fьr die hier Schutz beansprucht wird.
Ausfьhrungsbeispiele der Erfindung sind in den Zeichnungen dargestellt und werden im folgenden
nдher erlдutert. In den Zeichnungen zeigen:
Fig. 1 ein erfindungsgemдsses Behandlungsgerдt in wesentlich vereinfachter perspektivischer
Darstellung;
294/2210
Fig. 2 eine weitere Ausfьhrungsform eines Behandlungsgerдtes in teilweise vertikal geschnittener
Explosionsdarstellung.
Das in Fig. 1 im wesentlichen im Aufbewahrungszustand dargestellte erfindungsgemдsse
Behandlungsgerдt 1 besteht im wesentlichen aus einem in Fig. 1 an der Oberseite geцffnet
gezeigten Grundgerдt 2 und einer an bzw. in diesem aufbewahrbaren, strichpunktiert angedeuteten
Behandlungseinheit 3 in Form vorzugsweise einer matten- bzw. rostartigen Luftverteiler-Unterlage fьr
wenigstens einen Teil der Lдnge des Kцrpers der zu behandelnden Person.
Zum Grundgerдt 2 gehцrt im wesentlichen ein Verbindungsstrang 4 in Form eines flexiblen
Druckluftschlauches, der von dem Grundgerдt 2 wegzufьhren und an einen LufteingangsAnschlussstutzen am Fussende der Behandlungseinheit 3 ьber eine leicht lцsbare Steckverbindung
so anzuschliessen ist, dass aus ьber die Lдnge und Breite der Behandlungseinheit 3 verteilte LuftAustrittsцffnungen Druckluft zur Seite und/oder nach oben austreten kann. Die Behandlungseinheit 3
ist in der Regel dafьr bestimmt, auf dem Wannenboden und/oder an der Rьckenflдche einer
Badewanne als Unterlage fьr die badende Person angeordnet zu werden, so dass die austretende
Luft in Form von Luftblasen und unter Erzeugung von Wasserstrцmungen in der gefьllten
Badewanne sprudelnd an den Kцrper der Person gelangt und als Behandlungsmedium wirkt.
Das als Fussboden-Standgerдt ausgebildete Grundgerдt 2 weist ein gegenьber ьblichen
Badewannen wesentlich niedrigeres, beispielsweise hцchstens etwa 60 cm, vorzugsweise nur etwa
45 cm hohes und in Draufsicht annдhernd rechteckig bzw. quadratisch begrenztes Gerдtegehдuse
5 auf, dessen Breite und/oder Tiefe in der Grцssenordnung seiner Hцhe liegen kann, so dass es
annдhernd wьrfelfцrmig ist. Das Gerдtegehдuse 5 hat annдhernd ьber seine gesamte Hцhe im
wesentlichen konstante Aussenform bzw. Aussenquerschnitte.In einer sich ьber einen Teil der
Gehдusehцhe erstreckenden, vorzugsweise annдhernd bis zur Gehдuseoberseite reichenden
Montageebene befindet sich ein Generator 6 zur Erzeugung des Behandlungsmediums, der im
dargestellten Ausfьhrungsbeispiel eine Baueinheit aus einem von einem Elektromotor 7
angetriebenen Geblдse 8 ist, fьr das Ansaugцffnungen in einer der Aussenwandungen des
Gehдuses in Form beispielsweise vor nicht nдher dargestellten Schlitzen vorgesehen sein kцnnen.
Der Elektromotor 7 und das Geblдse 8 sind axial aneinander anschliessend derart verflanscht, dass
das Geblдse 8 an die Unterseite des Elektromotors 7 anschliesst und der Geblдserotor unmittelbar
auf der Motorwelle angeordnet ist. Fьr den Generator 6 ist in dem Gerдtegehдuse 5 eine Halterung
9 vorgesehen, mit welcher der Generator 6 schwingungsgedдmpft lagegesichert ist.
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In einer Montageebene des Gerдtegehдuses 5, vorzugsweise in derselben Montageebene wie der
Generator 6, ist im Gerдtegehдuse 5 des weiteren ein Aufbewahrungsraum 10 fьr die Be
handlungseinheit 3 vorgesehen. Der Aufbewahrungsraum 10 ist im dargestellten
Ausfьhrungsbeispiel sowohl in Draufsicht wie auch in Vorder- bzw. Rьckansicht auf das
Gerдtegehдuse 5 U-fцrmig derart, dass zwei parallele und etwa gleich lange Raumschenkel 11 in
zwei im Winkel aneinander schliessende, flache Raumabschnitte ьbergehen, die ihrerseits
Raumschenkel eines winkelfцrmigen Raumes bilden. Der Aufbewahrungsraum 10 ist somit ein in vier
Ebenen liegender Hohlraum, von dem die beiden Raumschenkel 11 beiderseits des Generators 6
bzw. der Halterung 9 seitlich aussen und annдhernd parallel zueinander liegen und der einen
weiteren Gehдuseraum, nдmlich den den Generator 6 aufnehmenden Gehдuseraum
umschliesst.Die beiden Raumschenkel 11 sind gegenьber diesem weiteren Gehдuseraum bzw.
gegenьber dem Generator 6 durch zwei an ihren einander zugekehrten Innenseiten liegende
Trennwдnde 12 abgetrennt, die unmittelbar beiderseits benachbart zum Generator 6 liegen und
Bestandteil von dessen Halterung 9 sein kцnnen. Die aufrechten Enden dieser Trennwдnde 12
und/oder ihre Oberseiten sind zweckmдssig jeweils gegenьber der benachbarten Gehдusewand so
zurьckversetzt, dass die genannten, die Raumschenkel 11 verbindenden Raumteile fьr die
Aufnahme der Behandlungseinheit 3 freibleiben.
Die Hцhe des Aufbewahrungsraumes 10, die der Breite der Raumschenkel 11 entspricht, ist
zweckmдssig nur geringfьgig kleiner als die Breite der Behandlungseinheit 3. Diese besteht
zweckmдssig aus zwei oder mehreren, vorzugsweise mindestens drei gelenkig und in ihrer
Lдngsrichtung aneinander anschliessenden, platten- bzw. rostartigen Mattenglieder 13 etwa
gleicher Grundflдche und Ausbildung, wobei diese Mattenglieder 13 an ihren einander zugekehrten
Querkanten ьber Mattengelenke 14 gelenkig miteinander verbunden sind, deren Gelenkachsen
rechtwinklig zur Lдngsrichtung und etwa in der Ebene der Mattenglieder 13 liegen. Die
Behandlungseinheit 3 kann zum Beispiel etwa einen Meter Lдnge haben und aus vier
Mattengliedern von jeweils etwa 25 cm Lдnge und annдhernd 30 cm Breite bestehen. Die Lдnge
mindestens eines, insbesondere eines mittleren Mattengliedes 13, entspricht etwa dem mittleren
Abstand zwischen den beiden Raumschenkeln 11 oder einem ganzzahligen Quotienten davon, so
dass zum Beispiel im Aufbewahrungszustand zwischen den beiden Raumschenkeln 11 zwei
aneinander anschliessende Mattenglieder der viergliedrigen Behandlungseinheit 3 liegen kцnnen.
Mindestens ein дusseres Mattenglied liegt dabei in jedem der beiden Raumschenkel 11, wobei
diese дusseren Mattenglieder dann im rechten Winkel zu den mittleren Mattengliedern angeordnet
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sind. Die einzelnen Mattenglieder 13 brauchen also gegeneinander nur um etwa 90 DEG
schwenkbar zu sein.
Gemдss Fig. 1 kann die winkel- oder U-fцrmig vorgefaltete Behandlungseinheit 13 mit ihren etwa
horizontal frei ausragenden Schenkeln voraus von der Rьckseite 15 her in den Aufbewahrungsraum
10 eingeschoben werden, bis die Schenkelenden an der gegenьberliegenden Innenseite des
Gerдtegehдuses 5 und/oder das bzw. die mittleren Mattenglieder an den hinteren Enden der
Trennwдnde 12 anschlagen. Insofern ist an der Rьckseite 15 des Gerдtegehдuses 5 eine
Entnahme- und Einschubцffnung fьr den Behandlungsteil 3 gebildet. Diese Цffnung bzw. die
Rьckseite des Gerдtegehдuses 5 kann mit einer beispielsweise nach Art einer plattenfцrmigen
Rьckwand ausgebildeten Abdeckung 16 verschliessbar sein, die entweder nach Art eines Deckels
ganz entfernbar oder beispielsweise im unteren Bereich schwenkbar am ьbrigen Gerдtegehдuse 5
angelenkt ist.Die Abdeckung 16 kann in geцffnetem Zustand auch den Generator 6 bzw. dessen
Halterung 9 freigeben, so dass dieser fьr Wartungs- oder Reparaturarbeiten sehr einfach
zugдnglich ist. Die in der beschriebenen Weise vorgefaltete Behandlungseinheit 3 kann aber auch
statt dessen oder zusдtzlich hierzu mit nach unten frei ausragenden Schenkeln von oben nach unten
in den Aufbewahrungsraum 10 eingesetzt werden, bis die Schenkelenden am Boden des
Aufbewahrungsraumes 10 und/oder das bzw. die mittleren Mattenglieder 13 an den Oberseiten der
Trennwдnde 12 aufruhen. In diesem Fall ist an der Oberseite des Gerдtegehдuses 5 eine
Entnahme- und Einschubцffnung fьr die Behandlungseinheit 3 gebildet, wobei diese Цffnung
ebenfalls mit einer Abdeckung, beispielsweise einem abhebbaren oder aufklappbaren Deckel
verschliessbar sein kann.
In einer weiteren, gegenьber der zuvor genannten Montageebene wesentlich niedrigeren
Montageebene, die durch einen gesonderten Gerдte- und Gehдuseteil gebildet sein kann, sind
weitere Funktionseinheiten des Grundgerдtes 2 neben- und/oder hintereinander angeordnet. Diese
Montageebene ist von der den Aufbewahrungsraum 10 bzw. den Generator 6 aufnehmenden und
unmittelbar darьberliegenden Montageebene durch einen etwa horizontalen Zwischenboden 17 im
wesentlichen dicht abgetrennt, der den Boden des Aufbewahrungsraumes 10 sowie eine
Stьtzflдche fьr die Unterseite des Generators 6 bilden kann.
In der unteren, flachen Montageebene bildet das Gerдtegehдuse 5 eine nur ьber einen Teil ihres
Grundrisses reichende Druck- bzw. Rьckflusskammer 18, die zweckmдssig nur ьber einen Teil der
Gehдusebreite bzw. annдhernd ьber die gesamte Gehдusetiefe reicht und deren Deckwand durch
den Zwischenboden 17 gebildet sein kann. In die Rьckflusskammer 18 mьndet in Form
297/2210
beispielsweise eines Durchbruches im Zwischenboden 17 der Geblдseaustritt 19 und an die
Rьckflusskammer 18 ist der Schlaucheingang 21 des Verbindungsstranges 4 angeschlossen, so
dass dieser ьber die in der Rьckflusskammer 18 als Zwischenkapazitдt unter Druck stehende Luft
versorgt wird.
Innerhalb der Rьckflusskammer 18 ist eine schematisch dargestellte Schlaucheinzugsvorrichtung 20
in Form beispielsweise einer unter Federkraft in Aufwickelrichtung stдndig belasteten Haspel
angeordnet, an deren Kern das innere Ende des Verbindungsstranges 4 angeschlossen sein kann
und von wel cher der Verbindungsstrang 4 durch eine Schlauchdurchfьhrung 22 im Gerдtegehдuse
5 durchziehbar nach aussen bzw. zur in der Badewanne liegenden Behandlungseinheit 3 gefьhrt ist.
Das Gerдtegehдuse 5 bzw. dessen Gehдuseteil bilden eine im wesentlichen vertikale Vorderwand
23, annдhernd rechtwinklig dazu stehende Seitenwдnde 24 und eine untere annдhernd horizontale
Bodenwand 25, die im Abstand unterhalb des Zwischenbodens 17 liegt. Die Schlauchdurchfьhrung
22 liegt zweckmдssig im Bereich einer aufrechten Wandung, vorzugsweise im zugehцrigen unteren
Eckbereich der Vorderwand 23. Die Innenseite der Vorderwand 23 begrenzt vorteilhaft auch die
Enden der Raumschenkel 11, wдhrend die Seitenwдnde 24 diese Raumschenkel 11 an ihren
voneinander abgekehrten Aussenseiten unmittelbar begrenzen. Die Schlauchdurchfьhrung 22 ist so
vorgesehen, dass der Verbindungsstrang 4 abgedichtet hindurchgefьhrt werden kann, dass also
trotz der Duchfьhrung die Rьckflusskammer 18 nach aussen abgedichtet bleibt.Der
Schlaucheingang 21 steht in Verbindung mit dem Haspelkern und kann beispielsweise an der
oberen oder unteren Stirnseite dieser Haspel vorgesehen sein. Um eventuell in die Rьckflusskammer
18 ьber den Verbindungsstrang 4 eingedrungenes Wasser einfach entfernen zu kцnnen, ist die
Rьckflusskammer 18 mit einer annдhernd in ihrem tiefsten Bereich liegenden Entleerцffnung 26
versehen, die in der Bodenwand 25 oder, wie dargestellt, auch in der Vorderwand 23 und zwar
zweckmдssig in dem von der Schlauchdurchfьhrung 22 entfernten Eckbereich der
Rьckflusskammer 18 vorgesehen sein kann.
Der Geblдseaustritt 19 ist mit einem Rьckschlagventil 27 gesichert, das zum Beispiel durch ein
einfaches Klappenventil gebildet sein kann, welches gegen Federkraft nur durch die den
Geblдseaustritt 19 durchstrцmende Luft geцffnet wird und ansonsten geschlossen bleibt. Die
Entleerцffnung 26 ist zweckmдssig mit einem Ablassventil 28 in Form eines Schaltventils dicht zu
verschliessen, wobei dieses Ablassventil 28 zum Beispiel von Hand oder elektromagnetisch
geschlossen und geцffnet werden kann. Abschlussventil 28 und Rьckschlagventil 27 kцnnen
miteinander gekoppelt sein.
298/2210
Die Wickel- bzw. Drehachse 29 der Schlaucheinzugsvorrichtung 20 ist zweckmдssig vertikal bzw.
rechtwinklig zum Zwischenboden 17 vorgesehen, wobei dann, wenn die Gebrauchslage des
Grundgerдtes 2 gegenьber Fig. 1 um 90 DEG verdreht vorgesehen ist und der Zwischenboden 17
eine aufrechte Zwischenwand. bildet, die Drehachse 29 ebenso wie die Generatorachse horizontal
vorgesehen wдre. Im dargestellten Ausfьhrungsbeispiel ist die Generatorachse bzw. die
Hauptachse 30 des Generators 6 und damit des Elektromotors 7 bzw. des Geblдses 8 ebenfalls
vertikal vorgesehen, wodurch sich eine sehr raumsparende und einfache Montage ergibt. Die
Drehachse 29 kann seitlich gegenьber der Hauptachse 30 versetzt oder im wesentlichen mit dieser
fluchtend liegen, so dass zum Beispiel der Geblдseaustritt 19 mit dem Schlaucheingang 21
ebenfalls fluchtet, jedoch zweckmдssig im Abstand gegenьber diesem liegt.
In der zum Aufbewahrungsraum 10 bzw. zum Generator 6 benachbarten Montageebene ist des
weiteren in einer gesonderten, insbesondere gegenьber der Rьckflusskammer 18 abgedichteten
Gehдusekammer eine Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung 31 fьr ein aus dem Gerдtegehдuse 5
herausgefьhrtes Netzkabel 32 vorgesehen, die vorteilhaft ebenfalls eine durch Federkraft
angetriebene Wickelvorrichtung fьr das Netzkabel 32 aufweist, wobei die Drehachse dieser
Wickelvorrichtung vertikal bzw. parallel zur Drehachse 29 und/oder zur Hauptachse 30 vorgesehen
sein kann. Die Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung 31 befindet sich unmittelbar benachbart zur
Rьckflusskammer 18, wobei ihre Gehдusekammer durch eine Zwischenwand von der
Rьckflusskammer 18 getrennt ist, wдhrend die Rьckflusskammer 18 und die Gehдusekammer der
Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung 31 an ihren voneinander abgekehrten Selten durch die beiden
Seitenwдnde 24 begrenzt sind.Die Gehдusekammer der Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung 31 ist
zweckmдssig an ihrer Vorderseite durch die Vorderwand 23 begrenzt, wobei sie sich vorteilhaft ggf.
ebenso wie die Rьckflusskammer 18 nur ьber einen Teil der Gehдusetiefe erstreckt, so dass in der
zugehцrigen Montageebene noch ein oder mehrere Gehдuserдume zum Beispiel als Staurдume
frei bleiben, die zweckmдssig von der Rьckseite 15 des Gerдtegehдuses 5 her zugдnglich und mit
der Abdeckung 16 verschliessbar sind. Das Netzkabel 32 ist vorteilhaft durch die zugehцrige
Seitenwand 24 des Gerдtegehдuses nach aussen gefьhrt.
Durch die voneinander abgesetzten und gesonderten Montageebenen ist es mцglich, das
Grundgerдt 2 aus einzelnen, beispielsweise aufeinandergesetzten Baugruppen 33, 34
zusammenzusetzen und dadurch in einfacher Weise zu modifizieren. Zum Beispiel kann die untere
Baugruppe 34 wahlweise mit oder ohne Schlaucheinzugsvorrichtung 20 bzw.
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Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung 31 ausgebildet werden und beide Baugruppen kцnnen wahlweise mit der
darьberliegenden Baugruppe 33 kombiniert werden.
Im Falle der Ausbildung nach Fig. 2 ist eine weitere, oberste Baugruppe 35 nach Art einer
Abdeckung fьr die Baugruppe 33a vorgesehen, wobei diese weitere Baugruppe 35 weitere
Funktionseinheiten, nдmlich zum Beispiel insbesondere die Steuerelemente sowie Bedienelemente
fьr das Behandlungsgerдt 1 enthдlt. Im ьbrigen sind in Fig. 2 fьr einander entsprechende Teile die
gleichen Bezugszeichen wie in Fig. 1, jedoch mit dem Index "a" verwendet.
Jede Baugruppe 33a, 34a, 35 weist einen gesonderten Gehдuseteil 36, 37, 38 auf und durch
gegenseitige Befestigung dieser Gehдuseteile sind die einzelnen Baugruppen miteinander zu einem
Gesamtgerдt zu verbinden. Die unterste Baugruppe 34a ist als Boden-Baugruppe vorgesehen und
kann an ihrer Unterseite Standfьsse, selbstlenkende Laufrollen 39 o.dgl. aufweisen. Im dargestellten
Ausfьhrungsbeispiel ist der Ge hдuseteil 37 dieser Boden-Baugruppe 34a nach oben wenigstens
bzw. auch im Bereich der Rьckflusskammer 18a offen und von dem Gehдuseteil 36 der
darьberliegenden Baugruppe 33a nicht durch einen Zwischenboden getrennt, so dass die
Rьckflusskammer 18a wenigstens teilweise ebenfalls den Aufbewahrungsraum 10a, nдmlich
beispielsweise einen Raumschenkel 11a bildet.Zu diesem Zweck ist zum Цffnen des
Gerдtegehдuses 5a der Gehдuseteil 36 bzw. die zugehцrige Baugruppe 33a vom
darunterliegenden Gehдuseteil 37 nach Art einer Abdeckhaube abhebbar bzw. zur Seite
schwenkbar, so dass der Aufbewahrungsraum 10a zugдnglich wird. Bei aufgesetzter Baugruppe
33a greifen die Gehдuseteile 36, 37 derart mit ihren aufrechten Wandungsteilen dicht ineinander,
dass die Rьckflusskammer 18a nach aussen abgedichtet ist. Die Halterung 9a fьr den Generator 6a
ist durch eine von der Deckwand des Gehдuseteiles 36 einteilig nach unten ragende und sich nach
unten mehrfach abgestuft verjьngende Gehдusemuffe gebildet, in welcher der Generator 6a von
oben zentriert eingesetzt ist und deren unteres Ende die Austrittsцffnung 19a bildet.Zur Sicherung
der Austrittsцffnung 19a kann ggf. auch ein Schwimmerventil 27a mit in der Rьckflusskammer 18a
liegendem Schwimmerkцrper vorgesehen sein.
Gemдss einer anderen, besonders vorteilhaften Ausbildung der Erfindung ist eine ImpulsSteuereinrichtung 40 vorgesehen, die so ausgebildet ist, dass der Luftdruck der der
Behandlungseinheit zugefьhrten Druckluft im wesentlichen vцllig unregelmдssigen Дnderungen
bzw. Schwankungen unterworfen werden kann. Zu diesem Zweck weist die Steuereinrichtung 40
zweckmдssig eine Einrichtung 41 in Form eines Steuerteiles auf, ьber welchen die Motordrehzahl
des Elektromotors 7a des Generators 6a im wesentlichen stufenlos oder abgestuft zwischen einer
300/2210
Hцchstdrehzahl und einer Mindestdrehzahl verдndert werden kann, wobei die Mindestdrehzahl so
gross gewдhlt ist, dass immer noch so viel Luft aus der Behandlungseinheit austritt, dass kein
Badewasser in diese eindringen kann.
Die Impuls-Steuereinrichtung 40 kann ihrerseits von einem Signalgeber 45 in Form beispielsweise
einer im Badezimmer an einer Wand aufzuhдngenden Lautsprechereinheit beeinflussbar sein, wofьr
die Steuereinrichtung 40 einen zum Beispiel nach Art eines Mikrofones ausgebildeten Empfдnger 43
fьr die vom Signalgeber 45 kommenden akustischen Signale aufweist, so dass sich eine drahtlose
Wirkverbindung zwischen Signalgeber 45 und Empfдnger 43 ergibt, obgleich fьr die
Signalьbertragung auch eine Kabelverbindung zwischen dem Signalgeber 45 bzw. einem
entsprechenden Verstдrker eines Abspielgerдtes 46 und dem zugehцrigen Eingang des
Steuergerдtes 40 denkbar ist. Dieses Abspielgerдt 46 kann ebenfalls Bestandteil des Grundgerдtes
2a oder gesondert von diesem vorgesehen sein.
Des weiteren weist die Steuereinrichtung 40 als Steuerteil eine Einrichtung 42 zur Kompensierung
der Steuertrдgheit zwischen der Signalabgabe und der Luftdruckдnderung in der
Behandlungseinheit auf, was zum Beispiel dadurch erreicht werden kann, dass die Tonwiedergabe
durch den Signalgeber 45 gegenьber der dem jeweiligen Signal zugehцrigen Verдnderung der
Motordrehzahl verzцgert wird. Die Steuereinrichtung 40 einschliesslich des Empfдngers 43 und ggf.
eines weiteren Empfдngers 44 fьr ein Fernbedienungsgerдt 47 bzw. das Abspielgerдt 46 sind
zweckmдssig Bestandteil der obersten Baugruppe 35, die auch ein Bedienungstableau mit
Schaltern bzw. Kontroll-Leuchten fьr die einzelnen Funktionen des Behandlungsgerдtes aufweisen
kann.
Mit dem zweckmдssig mit Infrarot-Wellen arbeitenden Fernbedienungsgerдt 47 sind vorteilhaft
zumindest alle wesentlichen Funktionen des Behandlungsgerдtes schalt- bzw. einflussbar. Solche
Funktionen kцnnen das Ein- und Ausschalten des Gerдtes, eine Erhцhung und Absenkung des
Luftdruckes bzw. der je Zeiteinheit gefцrderten Luftmenge, das Ein- und Ausschalten der ImpulsSteuereinrichtung 40, das Дndern des Impulsniveaus bzw. des Impulsprogrammes, die Дnderung
der Empfindlichkeit des dem Empfдnger 43 zugehцrigen Empfangsteiles, das Ein- und Ausschalten
des Abspielgerдtes 46, der Eil-Vorlauf bzw. Eil-Rьcklauf dieses Abspielgerдtes 46, der Wechsel des
Tontrдgers des Abspielgerдtes 46, das Erhцhen oder Verringern der Lautstдrke des Signalgebers
45 und дhnliche Funktionen sein. Claims:
301/2210
1. Strцmungs-Behandlungsgerдt (1) zur Behandlung des menschlichen Kцrpers, insbesondere
Sprudelbadeeinrichtung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Behandlungseinheit (3) vorgesehen ist,
die an ein Grundgerдt (2) anschliessbar ist.
2. Strцmungs-Behandlungsgerдt nach Anspruch 1, bei der die nach Art einer Kцrpermatte
ausgebildete Behandlungseinheit (3) ьber einen Verbindungsstrang (4) an das Grundgerдt (2)
anzuschliessen ist, das ein Gerдtegehдuse (5) mit einem Generator (6), wie einem DruckluftGeblдse (8) und einen Aufbewahrungsraum (10) fьr die Behandlungseinheit (3) aufweist, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass der Aufbewahrungsraum (10) annдhernd U-fцrmig ist und zwischen den
Raumschenkeln (11) seiner U-Form ein weiterer Gehдuseraum liegt.
3.Behandlungsgerдt nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der
Aufbewahrungsraum (10) im Horizontalschnitt und/oder im Vertikalschnitt mindestens winkelfцrmig
ist und dass vorzugsweise eine Entnahme- und Einschubцffnung fьr die Behandlungseinheit (3) an
der Rьckseite (15) und/oder an der Oberseite des Gerдtegehдuses (5) vorgesehen sowie
insbesondere mit einer Abdeckung (16) verschliessbar ist.
4.Behandlungsgerдt, insbesondere nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprьche, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass bei einem in einem Gerдtegehдuse (5) angeordneten Generator (6) dessen
Hauptachse (30) aufrecht bzw. vertikal vorgesehen ist und dass insbesondere der Generator (6) an
der Innenseite mindestens eines Raumschenkels (11), insbesondere zwischen zwei Raumschenkeln
(11) des Aufbewahrungsraumes (10) angeordnet ist, wobei vorzugsweise ein Druckluft-Austritt (19)
des Geblдses (8) des Generators (6) an dessen Unterseite und/oder nach unten gerichtet
vorgesehen ist.
5.Behandlungsgerдt nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprьche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
fьr das Geblдse (8) des Generators (6) eine Rьckflusssicherung vorgesehen, insbesondere im
Bereich seines Austrittes ein Rьckschlagventil (27), ein Nassschalter o.dgl. angeordnet ist, dass
ferner vorzugsweise in der Leitungsverbindung zwischen dem Geblдse (8) des Generators (6) und
der Behandlungseinheit (3) bzw. unterhalb des Geblдse-Austrittes (19) in dem Gerдtegehдuse (5)
eine Rьckflusssicherung, insbesondere eine Rьckflusskammer (18) vorgesehen ist und dass ferner
vorzugsweise mindestens eine Rьckflusssicherung eine insbesondere mit einem Ablassventil (28)
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schliessbare und im Bodenbereich der Rьckflusskammer (18) vorgesehene Entleerцffnung (26)
aufweist, wobei insbesondere das Ablassventil (28) bei stillstehendem Geblдse (8) zwangsgeцffnet
ist.
6.Behandlungsgerдt nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprьche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in
dem Gerдtegehдuse (5) eine Schlaucheinzugsvorrichtung (20) fьr den Verbindungsstrang (4),
insbesondere in der Rьckflusskammer (18) angeordnet ist und/oder dass in dem Gerдtegehдuse (5)
eine Kabeleinzugsvorrichtung (31) fьr ein Netzanschlusskabel (32), insbesondere benachbart zur
Rьckflusskammer (18) angeordnet ist.
7.Behandlungsgerдt, insbesondere nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprьche, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass ein ein Gerдtegehдuse (5a) mit einem Generator (6a), wie einem DruckluftGeblдse (8a) aufweisendes Grundgerдt (2a) aus mindestens zwei unterschiedlichen, jeweils in
einem Gehдuseteil (36, 37, 38) mindestens eine Funktionseinheit, wie den Generator (6), eine
Rьckflusskammer (18), Steuer- und Bedienelemente o.dgl. aufnehmenden Baugruppen (33a, 34a,
35) zusammengesetzt ist, wobei vorzugsweise mindestens zwei Baugruppen (33a, 34a, 35)
ьbereinanderliegen und ihre Gehдuseteile (36, 37, 38) insbesondere im wesentlichen
deckungsgleiche Umfangs-Grundrisse haben.
8.Behandlungsgerдt, insbesondere nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprьche, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass fьr ein mit einem Generator (6) zu erzeugendes und/oder zu fцrderndes
Behandlungsmedium eine unregelmдssig arbeitende Impuls-Steuereinrichtung (40) vorgesehen ist.
9. Behandlungsgerдt nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Impuls-Steuereinrichtung
(40) eine Einrichtung (41) zur Verдnderung der Motordrehzahl eines Antriebsmotors (7a) des
Generators (6a), insbesondere oberhalb einer Mindest-Grunddrehzahl, aufweist und/oder dass der
Impuls-Steuereinrichtung (40) ein ausserhalb eines den Generator (6a) aufnehmenden
Grundgerдtes (2a) liegender, insbesondere akustischer Signalgeber (45) zugeordnet ist, der
vorzugsweise drahtlos auf einen Empfдnger (43) der Steuereinrichtung (40) wirkt und insbesondere
durch einen Lautsprecher eines Tontrдger-Abspielgerдtes (46) o.dgl. gebildet ist.
10. Behandlungsgerдt nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die ImpulsSteuereinrichtung (40) eine Einrichtung (42) zur Kompensierung der Steuertrдgheit zwischen
Signalabgabe und Luftdruckдnderung in einer vom Generator (6a) versorgten Behandlungseinheit
aufweist, wobei vorzugsweise das Abspielgerдt (46) eine verzцgerte Tonwiedergabe aufweist
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und/oder ausschliesslich Signale oberhalb einer vorbestimmten Zeitdauer fьr die Steuerung
umgesetzt werden.
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46. EP0593879 - 27.04.1994
TREATMENT APPARATUS FOR COLON HYDROTHERAPY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=EP0593879
Inventor(s):
KRESS GUENTER (DE)
Applicant(s):
KRESS GMBH (DE)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/02
E Class: A61M3/02H
Application Number:
EP19930113621 (19930826)
Priority Number: DE19920012723U (19920922)
Family: EP0593879
Equivalent:
DE9212723; ES2111676
Cited Document(s):
US4704102; EP0116986; WO9212760; US4913698; US4850965
Abstract:
THE INVENTION PROPOSES A TREATMENT APPARATUS FOR COLON HYDROTHERAPY WHICH
COMPRISES AN APPARATUS FOR THE CONTROL AND SUPPLY OF WARM WATER AT AN
ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE WITH OR WITHOUT ADMIXTURE OF OXYGEN, A
SPECULUM WITH INSERTION AID FOR POSITIONING IN THE RECTUM, AN INLET TUBE
EXTENDING BETWEEN THE APPARATUS AND THE SPECULUM, AND AN OUTLET TUBE
EXTENDING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND HAVING A LARGER DIAMETER. BOTH TUBES
END IN THE CENTRAL CHANNEL OF THE SPECULUM, AND A COUPLING (3) AND A LOCKING
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MEANS ARE PROVIDED IN THE INLET TUBE (1) IN THE VICINITY OF THE SPECULUM (4) BUT
SPACED APART THEREFROM.Description:
Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Behandlungseinheit zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie mit einem Gerдt
zur Steuerung und Zufuhr von Warmwasser einstellbarer Temperatur und Druck unter eventueller
Beimengung von Sauerstoff, einem Speculum mit Einfьhrhilfe zur Positionierung im Rektum, einem
zwischen Gerдt und Speculum fьhrenden Zulauf- und einem in Gegenrichtung verlaufenden
Ablaufschlauch von demgegenьber grцsseren Durchmesser, die beide im zentralen Kanal des
Speculums enden.
In jьngster Zeit nehmen als Folge falscher Ernдhrung, mangelnder Bewegung, Stress und anderen
Zivilisationseinflьssen die Erkrankungen des Verdauungstraktes zu. Hierzu zдhlen neben anderen
Krankheitsbildern die Obstipation, bei denen die Verweildauer der Ausscheidungsstoffe im Dickdarm
wesentlich erhцht ist, so dass die entstehenden Fдulnis- und Gдrungsgifte in grцsseren Mengen
resorbiert werden, die zwangslдufig zu einer Auto-Intoxikation des Kцrpers fьhren. Zahlreiche
Erkrankungen, wie Infektionen, Entzьndungen, Rheuma, Polyarthritis, Akne und andere
Hauterkrankungen, lassen sich zumindest teilweise auf die Auto-Intoxikation zurьckfьhren. Die
Anwendung von Abfьhrmitteln und anderer Medikamente wirken in nachteiliger Weise zerstцrend
auf die Darmschleimhaut.
Im professionellen Einsatz findet auch zur Vermeidung anderer, fьr den Patienten subjektiv als
negativ empfundener Begleiterscheinungen zur Reinigung und Sanierung des Darmes immer mehr
die Colon-Hydro-Therapie Anwendung. Hier wird gefiltertes und temperiertes Wasser bis zum
Erreichen der Stelle der Obstipation, die sich durch einen Druckanstieg der Infusion anzeigt, in den
Dickdarm infundiert und, durch eventuell mehrmaliges Wechseln zwischen Fьllen und sofortigem
Ausspьlen auch hartnдckige Ablagerungen gelцst und ьber einen zweiten, dem Ablauf dienenden
Schlauch entfernt.Die Colon-Hydro-Therapie ist hygienisch und geruchfrei und wird vom Patienten
subjektiv als entspannend und frei von unangenehmen Begleiterscheinungen und Verletzung
дsthetischer Gefьhle empfunden.
Die Behandlungseinheit besteht aus einem Gerдt zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie, das der Steuerung und
Versorgung der gesamten Einheit dient. Zu diesem Zwecke weist es einen Anschlussstutzen auf,
durch den Warmwasser vorgebbarer Temperatur zur Verfьgung gestellt wird und an dem ein zur
Weiterleitung an das spдter noch zu erlдuternde Speculum dienender Zulaufschlauch angebracht
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ist. Fьr gewisse Formen der Behandlungen ist eine Mцglichkeit zur Beimischung von Sauerstoff
vorgesehen. Einstellbare Schalter fьr Druck und Temperatur sind selbstverstдndlich.Schliesslich ist
noch ein Rьcklaufanschluss vorgesehen, an den ein vom Patienten zurьckfьhrender Ablaufschlauch
zur Ableitung des gelцsten Stuhles angeschlossen ist. Gleichzeitig ist das Gerдt an eine
Wasserzuleitung, in der Regel an eine Warm/Kaltwasserzuleitung, angeschlossen, die im letzteren
Fall die Einstellung der gewьnschten Temperatur ьber eine Mischbatterie vorzunehmen gestattet.
Ein Anschluss an das Abflussrohr sowie an die elektrische Energieversorgung des Gebдudes
vervollstдndigt das Gerдt.Sowohl der Zu- als auch Ablaufschlauch sind an ihren дusseren Enden an
das Speculum angeschlossen, das durch eine entfernbare Einfьhrhilfe in das Rektum des Patienten
zu Beginn der Behandlung einzubringen ist.
Mit Beendigung der Behandlung werden Zulaufschlauch, Speculum mit Einfьhrhilfe und
Ablaufschlauch vom Gerдt abgezogen und in ihrer Gesamtheit als Mьll beseitigt und fьr den
nдchsten Patienten vцllig neue Schlдuche mit Speculum und Einfьhrhilfe eingesetzt.
Der entscheidende Nachteil ist, dass bei professionellem Einsatz nach einer gewissen Dauer der
Verwendung eine erhebliche Menge an Mьll anfдllt, den es zu beseitigen gilt.Des weiteren bereitet
es fьr den in seinem Durchmesser wesentlich geringeren Zulaufschlauch insbesondere bei
entsprechend geringen Eigentemperaturen des Materiales in der Winterzeit Probleme, den Schlauch
auf den Stutzen sowohl des Gerдtes als auch des Speculums aufzuziehen.
Hiervon ausgehend hat sich die Erfindung die Weiterentwicklung derartiger Behandlungseinheiten
zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie dahingehend zur Aufgabe gemacht, dass die Handhabung erleichtert und
beschleunigt wird.
Ausgehend von einem Gerдt gattungsgemдsser Art, wird die Aufgabe erfindungsgemдss dadurch
gelцst, dass im Zulaufschlauch nahe, jedoch im Abstand zum Speculum eine Kupplung sowie eine
Absperrung angebracht ist.
Der Grundgedanke der Erfindung besteht darin, im Zulaufschlauch in der Nдhe, jedoch in einem
Abstand zum Speculum eine Kupplung sowie eine Absperrung vorzusehen, die im gelцsten Zustand
der Kupplung den Zulaufschlauch sperrt, hingegen in geцffnetem Zustand den Durchlauf frei gibt.
Der Ort der Anbringung auf dem Zulaufschlauch bestimmt sich nach folgenden Ьberlegungen:
Einerseits sollte die Menge des angefallenen Mьlls, den es zu beseitigen gilt, mцglichst gering
gehalten werden, so dass eine Anbringung unmittelbar in Nдhe des Speculums angezeigt erscheint.
Dem steht entgegen, dass eine Zugдnglichkeit der Kupplung im eingesetzten Zustand auch bei
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korpulenten Personen gewдhrleistet sein muss. In Erfьllung beider Forderungen wird als
Kompromiss die Anordnung der Kupplung in der Nдhe, jedoch im Abstand zum Speculum als
optimal vorgeschlagen. Als weiteres Merkmal kommt hinzu, dass im Bereich der Kupplung eine
Absperrung des Schlauches vorhanden ist, die in funktioneller Hinsicht beim Trennen eine
Aktivierung erfдhrt und den Schlauch verschliesst.Es ist sichergestellt, dass die im zum Gerдt
hinweisenden Bereich des Schlauches befindliche Infusionsflьssigkeit zurьckgehalten wird.
Die mit der Erfindung erreichbaren Vorteile sind unter mehreren Gesichtspunkten entscheidend:
Ausgangspunkt der Erfindung war die Vermeidung oder doch zumindest die Reduzierung des
anfallenden Mьlles, die dadurch erreichbar ist, dass neben dem Ablaufschlauch und dem Speculum
lediglich ein kurzes, auf dem Speculum befestigtes Teil des Ablaufschlauches ausgetauscht werden
muss, im ьbrigen hingegen weitere Verwendung finden kann. Der Mьllanfall wird geringer und es
lдsst sich aufgrund Materialersparnis eine Kostenreduzierung der auszutauschenden Einwegteile
erreichen. Aufgrund der Tatsachen, dass zum einen der Zulaufschlauch stдndig an dem der
Versorgung dienenden Gerдt befestigt bleibt und zum anderen im Einwegbereich der anzuliefernde
und auf dem Speculum aufsitzende Teil herstellerseitig bereits aufgebracht ist, ergibt sich eine
wesentliche Vereinfachung und Beschleunigung der mit dem Austausch erforderlich werdenden
Arbeiten.
In einer Weiterbildung ist vorgesehen, die im Zulaufschlauch befindliche Absperrung in der
Kupplung zu integrieren.
Durch entsprechende mechanische Verbindungen lдsst sich zusдtzlich erreichen, dass bei einem
Trennen der Kupplung die Absperrung aktiviert und der Zulaufschlauch demzufolge verschlossen ist.
Umgekehrt wird bei einer Verbindung beider Elemente der Zulaufschlдuche und deren
Zusammenpressen im Inneren der Kupplung die Absperrung gelцst und die Beaufschlagung des
Speculums realisiert.
Schliesslich ist vorgesehen, den Abstand der Kupplung etwa 25 cm von der Befestigung des
Zulaufschlauches am Speculum vorzusehen. Dieser Abstand hat sich im Hinblick auf den
wechselnden anatomischen Aufbau und dem Ziel der Einsparung von Material als vorteilhaft
erwiesen.
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Weitere Einzelheiten, Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung lassen sich dem nachfolgenden
Beschreibungsteil entnehmen, in dem die Erfindung anhand einer in Explosionsdarstellung
widergegebenen Ausfьhrungsform nдher erlдutert ist.
Die in der Zeichnung wiedergegebene Behandlungseinheit ist in demontiertem Zustand dargestellt.
In der Mitte der Zeichnung findet sich der Zulaufschlauch (1), der zur Befestigung an dem der
Steuerung und Versorgung dienenden Gerдt (2) bestimmt ist. Der Schlauch (1) ist aussermittig und
durch eine Kupplung (3) unterteilt, die in Richtung auf das Speculum (4) zu angeordnet ist. Die
beiden Teile des Schlauches (1) werden durch Zusammenwirken von Kupplung (3) und deren
Kupplungsgegenstьck (5), das mit dem kьrzeren Teil des Schlauches in Verbindung steht,
verknьpft oder getrennt. Hierzu wird eine Entriegelungstaste (6) betдtigt, die gleichzeitig die im
Inneren der Kupplung (3) befindliche Absperrung aktiviert, das heisst schliesst oder цffnet. Sie stellt
sicher, dass bei getrenntem Zulaufschlauch (1) die Infusionsflьssigkeit nicht austreten kann.
Das Speculum (4) ist in jener Form widergegeben, wie sie dem Kunden seitens des Herstellers zur
Verfьgung gestellt wird. Im Inneren befindet sich folglich die Einfьhrhilfe (7), die nach dem Setzen
entfernt wird und anschliessend erst die Mцglichkeit bietet, den Ablaufschlauch (8) aufzuziehen und
im ьbrigen ebenfalls am Gerдt (2) zu befestigen.
Die Funktion wurde bereits eingehend erlдutert und entspricht der aus dem Stand der Technik
bekannten Behandlungseinheit. Der Vorteil der Erfindung besteht im rascheren Austausch des
Einwegmateriales und in der Reduzierung der anfallenden Abfallmenge. Claims:
1. Behandlungseinheit zur Colon-Hydro-Therapie mit einem Gerдt zur Steuerung und Zufuhr von
Warmwasser einstellbarer Temperatur und Druck unter eventueller Beimengung von Sauerstoff,
einem Speculum mit Einfьhrhilfe zur Positionierung im Rektum, einem zwischen Gerдt und Speculum
fьhrenden Zulauf- und einem in Gegenrichtung verlaufenden Ablaufschlauch von demgegenьber
grцsseren Durchmesser, die beide im zentralen Kanal des Speculums enden, dadurch
gekennzeichnet, dass im Zulaufschlauch (1) nahe, jedoch im Abstand zum Speculum (4) eine
Kupplung (3) sowie eine Absperrung angebracht ist.
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2. Behandlungseinheit nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Absperrung in der
Kupplung (3) integriert ist.
3. Behandlungseinheit nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Aufschieben
und Trennen der Kupplung (3) das Цffnen und Schliessen der Absperrung betдtigt.
4. Behandlungseinheit nach einem der Ansprьche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der
Abstand zwischen Kupplung (3) und Anschlusspunkt des Speculums (4) etwa 25 cm betrдgt.
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47. EP0743056 - 20.11.1996
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE FOR MASSAGING THE HUMAN BODY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=EP0743056
Inventor(s):
AUBERT ALAIN (FR)
Applicant(s):
DUHM S D SOCIETE A RESPONSABIL (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00
E Class: A61H9/00; B05B1/12; B05B1/16B3B2; B05B1/34A3A
Application Number:
EP19960440045 (19960517)
Priority Number: FR19950006166 (19950519)
Family: EP0743056
Equivalent:
FR2734155
Cited Document(s):
FR2390998; US4154402; FR2452919; US5356077; US4542853;
DE3303925; FR1235458; US3890656
Abstract:
THE MASSAGER CONSISTS OF A HOUSING WITH ONE OR MORE NOZZLES CONNECTED TO A
PRIMARY WATER FEED CIRCUIT AND DESIGNED TO DELIVER A MASSAGING JET. EACH NOZZLE
INCORPORATES A SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMING THE PRIMARY WATER FLOW INTO AN OUTLET
JET AT A HIGHER PRESSURE, COMPRISING A FIRST CHAMBER (A) WHICH REDUCES THE
SECTION OF THE PRIMARY FLOW, FOLLOWED BY AN INJECTION CHAMBER (B) OF REDUCED
SECTION AND A PRESSURE CHAMBER (C) OF GREATER SECTION CONTAINING SWIRLERS (23)
TO CONFER A SPIRAL MOTION ON THE WATER FLOW. THE PRESSURE CHAMBER (C) LEADS
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INTO AN EXPULSION CHAMBER (D) OF SMALLER CROSS-SECTION THAN CHAMBER (C). THE
DIAMETER OF THE INJECTION CHAMBER (B) IS HALF THAT OF THE FIRST CHAMBER (A), WHILE
THE DIAMETER OF THE PRESSURE CHAMBER (C) IS TWICE THAT OF THE FIRST CHAMBER,
WHICH IS MORE OR LESS THE SAME AS THAT OF THE EXPULSION CHAMBER (D). THE FLOW
SWIRLERS CAN BE IN THE FORM OF A LARGE PITCH SPIRAL GROOVE. THE NOZZLES CAN BE
MOUNTED IN A PANEL OR HOUSING, PREF OF PVC.Description:
La prйsente invention concerne un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie destinй au massage du corps humain.
Il est fait de plus en plus appel а ce genre de thйrapies afin d'effectuer par l'intermйdiaire de jets
d'eau, plus ou moins puissants, le massage recherchй.
Il est connu d'appliquer de telles thйrapies а diffйrentes zones du corps humain comme par
exemple pour soigner le mal de dos pouvant provenir de diffйrents facteurs que l'on peut retrouver
de maniиre pathologique, chronique, ou passagиre.
Les attitudes comportementales de la vie moderne contribuent йgalement а ce type de mal. Il
s'agira de la position assise prolongйe devant un poste de travail ou lors de la conduite d'un
vйhicule, des efforts de levage, les vibrations etc...
Entrent йgalement en ligne de compte, les facteurs de stress et neurologiques qui suscitent parfois
un massage en vue d'une relaxation.
On peut aussi avoir recours au massage dans le cas d'une musculature dйficiente afin de stimuler
certaines masses molles.
D'autres situations peuvent aussi inciter au massage comme la mauvaise circulation sanguine, les
rhumatismes etc...
Dans tous les cas de figure le massage peut кtre effectuй а titre prйventif en usage privй ou en
complйment d'un traitement mйdical.
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Les dispositifs gйnйralement connus pour obtenir ces massages par hydrothйrapie sont constituйs,
dans les installations domestiques, par des douchettes а jets rйglables, mais leur efficacitй est
rйduite car la force d'expulsion de l'eau est limitйe а la valeur nominale de la pression du rйseau
primaire d'alimentation. Or l'effort hydromassant n'est obtenu qu'au-delа de cette valeur.
A ce propos, il est connu par le document FR-A-2.452.919 un appareil d'hydrothйrapie, en
particulier pour le traitement des algies vertйbrales, composй d'un cadre tubulaire йquipй de
buses de pulvйrisation d'eau en provenance d'un rйseau d'alimentation eau chaude - eau froide.
Malgrй son ajustement en hauteur possible cet appareil est trиs limitй, quant aux possibilitйs de
massage qu'il est en mesure d'offrir, sans compter que son efficacitй reste, lа encore, trиs rйduite
en raison d'une pression d'eau insuffisante procurйe par des buses, on ne peut plus classiques.
C'est ainsi que dans les installations mйdicales ou paramйdicales professionnelles on obtient des
pressions fortes en ayant recours а des compresseurs auxiliaires.
Tout particuliиrement, il est connu par le document WO-A-87.07499 une machine d'hydromassage а
mкme d'йquiper une cabine de douche et comportant une structure tubulaire en forme d'une cage
dont notamment les montants sont йquipйs de pommes de douchettes. Cette structure tubulaire est
alimentйe en eau sous pression par l'intermйdiaire d'une pompe.
Ce type d'installation est bien entendu fort coыteux et de plus d'usage limitй.
En effet, on imagine mal un particulier investir dans ce type de matйriel tant du point de vue du
coыt que de l'encombrement qu'il reprйsente.
C'est ainsi que selon une premiиre phase de la dйmarche inventive il a йtй imaginй de proposer а
une clientиle professionnelle, mais йgalement privйe, de transformer une cabine de douche
existante ou une baignoire traditionnelle par l'intermйdiaire d'un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie
facilement adaptable se prйsentant sous la forme d'un module prййquipй apte а кtre mis en
place sur une paroi de ladite cabine ou contre le mur par des moyens de fixation appropriйs et sans
aucune intervention de plomberie ou d'йlectricitй.
En fait, il a йtй recherchй de concevoir un dispositif а monter йventuellement soi-mкme,
notamment dans le cadre d'un usage privй, mais ayant des caractйristiques rйpondant aux
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critиres de l'hydromassage, plus particuliиrement en ce qui concerne la valeur de la pression de
sortie des jets d'eau et cela sans aucun matйriel annexe tel que compresseur.
Les objectifs sont atteints par la mise en oeuvre des moyens qui seront dйcrits plus loin et qui
constituent l'invention proprement dite.
A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie destinй au massage du corps humain
et comportant au moins une buse raccordйe а un conduit d'un rйseau primaire d'alimentation en
eau et dйlivrant un jet d'eau а effet massant, ce dispositif comportant des moyens propres de
transformation du dйbit d'eau de ce rйseau primaire en pression de sortie supйrieure а celle dudit
rйseau а son expulsion а l'air libre, caractйrisй par le fait que lesdits moyens de transformation du
dйbit d'eau en pression sont constituйs, en combinaison, par une premiиre chambre de rйduction
de la section du conduit primaire d'alimentation en eau suivie d'une chambre de pression de section
plus importante et comportant des moyens pour confйrer au flux d'eau un mouvement
tourbillonnaire en spirale, dans le prolongement axial de cette chambre de pression se situant une
chambre d'expulsion dont la section, de dimension infйrieure а la chambre de pression, constitue
une nouvelle rйduction.
En outre, selon l'invention, la ou les buses sont raccordйes а un rйseau d'adduction secondaire
d'alimentation en eau йquipant une coque support et comportant des moyens de raccordement
flexibles au rйseau primaire, ladite coque support йtant montйe coulissante sur des glissiиres
latйrales et comportant des moyens de blocage en translation dйverrouillables.
Avantageusement, les extrйmitйs supйrieures, respectivement infйrieures des glissiиres latйrales
sont rendues solidaires de supports de fixation pourvus de ferrures d'articulation, autorisant le
montage pivotant de cette coque sur une paroi.
Les avantages dйcoulant de la prйsente invention sont particuliиrement marquants. En effet, les
caractйristiques spйcifiques des buses permettent d'obtenir, au travers de ces derniиres, des jets
d'eau produisant un rйel effet massant, ceci en partant d'une pression correspondant а celle du
rйseau d'alimentation en eau et sans faire appel а un quelconque surpresseur.
En outre, le montage coulissant de la coque sur des glissiиres latйrales et le raccordement de son
rйseau d'adduction secondaire а l'aide d'un flexible au rйseau primaire d'alimentation en eau
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permettant de la dйplacer aisйment de maniиre а ajuster sa position par rapport aux parties du
corps sur lesquelles l'on souhaite agir et, ceci sans limite de la tкte aux pieds.
La possibilitй d'un montage pivotant de l'ensemble sur une paroi facilite, en outre, son orientation.
En fait, un tel montage est tout particuliиrement avantageux dans le cas d'une application du
dispositif au-dessus d'une baignoire. Tout particuliиrement, dans ces conditions, le dispositif peut
кtre, soit rabattu contre le mur contre lequel est implantйe la baignoire, soit orientй dans l'axe
longitudinal de cette derniиre.
En fin de compte, le dispositif selon l'invention apporte une rйelle solution aux besoins de tout un
chacun, grвce а son efficacitй et son coыt de revient rйduit.
La prйsente invention concerne, йgalement, les caractйristiques qui ressortiront de la description
qui va suivre et qui devront кtre considйrйes isolйment ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons
techniques possibles.
Cette description, donnйe а titre d'exemple non limitatif, fera mieux comprendre comment l'invention
peut кtre rйalisйe en rйfйrence aux dessins annexйs sur lesquels :
la figure 1 est une vue schйmatisйe et en plan d'un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'invention, la
coque йtant illustrйe dans ses deux positions extrкmes sur les glissiиres latйrales le long
desquelles elle est а mкme de se dйplacer ;
la figure 2 est une vue latйrale du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie tel que reprйsentй dans la figure 1,
les glissiиres latйrales n'йtant pas reprйsentйes ;
la figure 3 est une vue schйmatique d'un rйseau d'adduction d'eau secondaire selon un exemple
de rйalisation ;
la figure 4 est une vue du principe gйnйral sur lequel est basйe l'invention ;
la figure 5, correspondant а une vue schйmatisйe, en perspective et en coupe partielle de la
buse, illustre schйmatiquement, le principe mis en oeuvre grвce aux caractйristiques spйcifiques
de la chambre de pression ;
la figure 6 est une vue schйmatisйe et en coupe longitudinale de la buse ;
la figure 7 est une vue frontale de l'insert situй а l'avant de la buse telle que reprйsentйe dans la
figure 6 ;
la figure 8 est une vue schйmatisйe et en coupe longitudinale de la buse exйcutйe selon un
second mode de rйalisation ;
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la figure 9 est une vue de la face frontale de cette buse telle que reprйsentйe dans la figure 7 ;
la figure 10 est une vue schйmatisйe et en plan d'un insert rotatif disposй а l'arriиre de cette
face frontale permettant de varier la nature du jet ;
les figures 11 et 12 illustrent, de maniиre schйmatisйe et en coupe, les moyens de blocage en
translation de la coque sur les glissiиres latйrales, ces moyens йtant reprйsentйs en position de
blocage et de dйblocage ;
la figure 13 est une vue schйmatisйe et en perspective d'un support de fixation dont sont rendues
solidaires, selon le cas, les extrйmitйs supйrieures ou infйrieures des glissiиres latйrales ;
la figure 14 est une vue schйmatisйe et en йlйvation des moyens d'accrochage et de serrage а
mкme d'йquiper notamment le support de fixation supйrieur dudit dispositif permettant
l'accrochage de ce dernier sur une paroi, par exemple, d'une cabine de douche ;
la figure 15 est une vue schйmatisйe et en йlйvation du dispositif dont les supports de fixation
sont pourvus de moyens d'articulation permettant le montage pivotant de ce dispositif contre une
paroi.
Le dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 globalement dйsignй sur les figures 1, 2 et 15, comprend un
panneau support ou coque 2 moulй en matiиre plastique prйfйrentiellement en polychlorure de
vinyle, sur lequel sont disposйes une ou plusieurs buses 3 destinйes au traitement hydrothйrapique
par l'йmission de jets d'eau contrфlйs. Selon l'exemple reprйsentй, les buses 3 sont au nombre de
six, leurs dispositions particuliиres йtant commentйes plus loin.
Comme le montre, йgalement, la figure 1, la coque support 2 est montйe coulissante sur des
glissiиres latйrales 4 et comporte, par ailleurs, des moyens de blocage en translation
dйverrouillables 5, plus particuliиrement illustrйs dans les figures 11 et 12, ayant pour fonction
d'immobiliser ladite coque support 2 sur lesdites glissiиres 4 tout en autorisant, sous l'action d'une
commande manuelle, son dйplacement le long de ces derniиres.
En fin de compte, grвce а cette configuration la coque 2 du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie peut, tel que
reprйsentй dans la figure 1, кtre disposйe а n'importe quel endroit le long de ces glissiиres
latйrales 4 de maniиre а permettre а l'usager d'assurer le massage d'une partie quelconque du
corps.
Pour en revenir aux moyens de blocage dйverrouillables 5, ceux-ci consistent, de part et d'autre de
la coque support 2, en une mвchoire mobile 7 et une mвchoire fixe 8 emprisonnant une glissiиre 4,
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notamment de forme tubulaire. La mвchoire mobile 7 est montйe pivotante autour d'un axe 9
sensiblement parallиle а ladite glissiиre, tandis que des moyens йlastiques 10 assurent son rappel
en position de blocage, resserrйe sur ladite glissiиre 4. A noter que cette mвchoire mobile 7 est
prolongйe, au-delа de l'axe 9, par une poignйe de manoeuvre 11 aisйment accessible par l'usager
sur les cфtйs de la coque support 2 en vue d'assurer le blocage et le dйblocage en translation de
cette derniиre.En outre, au niveau de ses parties latйrales, cette coque support 2 comporte, au droit
desdites poignйes de manoeuvre 11, des rebords d'appui 12 permettant а l'usager de saisir
simultanйment lesdites poignйes de manoeuvre 11 et la coque support 2 en vue d'ajuster sa
position le long des glissiиres 4.
Celles-ci peuvent кtre йquipйes, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure 6 et supйrieure 6A, de moyens de
fixation individuels permettant de les rapporter, indйpendamment contre une paroi. Toutefois, en
vue de faciliter le montage du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 et, par ailleurs, garantir le parallйlisme de
ces glissiиres latйrales 4, celles-ci sont solidaires, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure 6, respectivement,
supйrieure 6A, de supports de fixation 13, 13A.
Tel que reprйsentй plus particuliиrement en figure 13, un tel support de fixation 13, 13A comporte
des moyens de rйception 14 de ces extrйmitйs 6, 6A des glissiиres 4, de forme tubulaire, ainsi
qu'une embase de fixation 15. A ce propos, celle-ci est pourvue d'ouvertures 16 servant au passage
d'organes de fixation, tels que vis, lorsqu'il convient de rapporter, directement, le dispositif
d'hydrothйrapie 1 sur une paroi quelconque.
Toutefois, lorsque l'on souhaite йquiper sa douche d'un tel dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1, il peut
s'avйrer utile de pouvoir l'appliquer directement sur la paroi 17 d'une cabine de douche, telle que
reprйsentйe dans la figure 14. Or, celle-ci est souvent constituйe par un panneau, soit en verre soit
en plexiglas translucide, qui ne permet pas la pose au moyen de vis. Dans de telles conditions, cette
embase de fixation 15 peut recevoir des moyens d'accrochage 18 et des moyens de serrage 20
permettant, finalement, d'accrocher, simplement, le dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 sur une telle paroi
17 d'une cabine de douche.
Finalement, de tels moyens d'accrochage 18 se prйsentent sous forme d'une piиce en <> renversй
19 dont au moins une des parois parallиles verticales 19A est rendue solidaire de l'embase de
fixation 15, tandis que l'autre paroi parallиle verticale 19B reзoit les moyens de serrage 20, tels
qu'une vis ou analogue. Ceux-ci sont resserrйs sur le profilй supйrieur 17A de cette paroi 17 une
fois la piиce en <> 19 engagйe sur cette derniиre.
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Tel que visible en figure 15, on peut, encore йquiper les supports de fixation 13, 13A, а l'une de
leurs extrйmitйs latйrales 21, d'une ferrure d'articulation 22 sous forme, par exemple, d'une
paumelle, dont la lame fixe est rendue solidaire, а l'aide d'organes de fixation appropriйs, d'une
paroi quelconque. A noter que, selon une variante de rйalisation, les supports de fixation 13, 13A
peuvent кtre montйs ou faire partie intйgrante d'un seul et mкme panneau lequel peut alors
recevoir, sur l'un de ses bords latйraux de telles ferrures d'articulation 22 autorisant le pivotement du
dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 autour d'un axe vertical.
En fin de compte, le fait que ce dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 soit pivotant par rapport а la cloison
contre laquelle il est fixй peut s'avйrer particuliиrement avantageux dans le cadre d'une application
de ce dispositif au-dessus d'une baignoire. Plus particuliиrement, dans ce cas d'espиce, ce
dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 peut, selon le cas, кtre rabattu parallиlement а la cloison contre
laquelle il est fixй en vue de le rendre moins encombrant ou, au contraire, en cas d'utilisation,
ramenй perpendiculairement а cette cloison, par exemple dans l'axe longitudinal de la baignoire.
Pour en revenir aux buses 3, celles-ci sont raccordйes а un conduit 47 d'un rйseau primaire
d'alimentation en eau et dйlivrent un jet d'eau а effet massant. En fait, ces buses 3 comportent des
moyens de transformation du dйbit d'eau du rйseau primaire en pression de sortie supйrieure а
celle de ce dernier, а son expulsion а l'air libre.
Selon le schйma de principe de la figure 4, les moyens de transformation du dйbit d'eau en
pression sont constituйs par une premiиre chambre A de rйduction de la section du conduit
primaire d'alimentation en eau de la buse 3 et une chambre de pression C lui succйdant, de section
plus importante et se prolongeant, elle-mкme, par une chambre d'expulsion D dont la section de
dimension infйrieure а la chambre de pression C constitue une seconde rйduction.
En outre, selon l'invention, la chambre de pression C comporte des moyens pour confйrer au flux
d'eau un mouvement tourbillonnaire en spirale, ces moyens 23 йtant constituйs, substantiellement,
par une rainure hйlicoпdale 24, assimilable prйfйrentiellement а un filet dont le pas de l'hйlice est
trиs grand et comportant, avantageusement un profil dissymйtrique.
Avantageusement, une chambre d'injection B de section infйrieure а celle de la premiиre rйduction
A est interposйe entre cette derniиre et la chambre de pression C pour constituer une troisiиme
rйduction.
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Selon un mode de rйalisation prйfйrentiel, si l'on dйfinit la premiиre chambre A comme une
chambre d'admission, la chambre d'injection B comporte un diamиtre correspondant au diamиtre
de la chambre A divisй par deux. Tandis que la chambre de pression C comporte, elle, un diamиtre
correspondant а deux fois le diamиtre de la premiиre chambre A, soit quatre fois supйrieur au
diamиtre de la chambre d'injection B. Finalement, la chambre d'expulsion D comporte un diamиtre,
correspondant, sensiblement, а celui de la premiиre chambre d'admission A.
De maniиre а mieux comprendre le phйnomиne mis en application dans le cadre de la prйsente
invention, l'on se reportera, plus particuliиrement, а la figure 5. Ainsi, l'on observe que sous l'effet de
la mise en mouvement tourbillonnaire en spirale du flux d'eau celui-ci est divisй en une masse en
rotation a et une masse en accйlйration b. Plus particuliиrement, la mise en rotation d'une partie du
flux gйnиre une dйpression au centre de la chambre de pression C qui permet а la partie du flux b
d'йvoluer librement et de s'accйlйrer. L'on peut, йvidemment, prйvoir au niveau de cette buse 3,
des moyens d'injection d'air fonctionnant, par exemple, par effet venturi.
Comme le montrent les figures 6 et 8, une buse 3 est constituйe d'un corps arriиre tubulaire 24
dйterminant les diffйrentes chambres A, B, C de transformation du dйbit d'eau en pression de
sortie et une partie avant 25 destinйe а assurer l'йmission d'au moins un jet d'eau sous pression et
constituant, substantiellement, la chambre d'expulsion D.
Selon ces exemples de rйalisation, la chambre de pression C de la buse 3 et la chambre d'injection
B sont disposйes sur un mкme axe X, X' alors que la premiиre chambre d'admission A se situe sur
un autre axe Y, Y' perpendiculaire au premier.
Quoi qu'il en soit, ce corps arriиre 24 de la buse 3 comporte, а son extrйmitй avant et sur son
pourtour externe, un dйcrochement 26 dйfinissant un embout 27 de section plus rйduite destinй а
кtre insйrй dans un orifice 28 mйnagй dans la coque support 2. Cet embout 27 est, par ailleurs,
filetй sur son pourtour externe pour la rйception d'un contre йcrou 29 permettant, en dйfinitive, de
fixer la buse 3 sur cette coque support 2.
Quant а la partie avant 25 de ladite buse 3, elle est constituйe, substantiellement, par un insert
tubulaire 30 dont le diamиtre interne est dйfini de maniиre а constituer, substantiellement, ladite
chambre d'expulsion D.
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Tel que visible dans la figure 7, cet insert 30 comporte un flasque avant 31 pourvu d'au moins une
perforation centrale 32 destinйe au passage d'un jet d'eau sous pression.
En fin de compte, selon un mode de rйalisation prйfйrentiel, le flasque avant 31 de cet insert 30
comporte, une perforation centrale 32 et une ou plusieurs perforations pйriphйriques 33. Plus
particuliиrement la perforation centrale 32, prйfйrentiellement d'un diamиtre plus important a pour
but de permettre l'expulsion du flux d'eau accйlйrй b, tandis que les perforations pйriphйriques 33
permettent l'йjection de la masse d'eau en rotation a.
Finalement, cette partie avant 25 d'une buse 3 peut recevoir une calotte de rйglage 34 а mкme
d'кtre vissйe sur l'embout filetйe 27 du corps arriиre 24 et offrant la possibilitй de rйgler le ou les
jets d'eau en sortie de buse. Plus particuliиrement, cette calotte de rйglage 34 comporte, sur sa
face avant, des perforations 35, 36 dont une 35 centrale susceptible de se positionner au droit de la
perforation centrale 32 de l'insert 30. En consйquence, en vissant а fond, la calotte de rйglage 34
de telle sorte qu'elle vienne en applique contre le flasque avant 31 de l'insert 30 tout en assurant le
dйcalage des perforations pйriphйriques 32 de ce dernier par rapport а celles 36 de ladite calotte
de rйglage 34, l'on obtient un jet central unique.Puis en dйvissant, progressivement, cette calotte
de rйglage 34, l'on obtient autant de jets que de perforations 35, 36 sachant que plus on s'йloigne
du flasque avant 31, plus les jets sont йvasйs.
Il est йgalement possible de prйvoir qu'en dйvissant la calotte de rйglage 34, il en rйsulte une
injection d'air, par effet venturi, dans la buse 3, tout particuliиrement au niveau de la chambre
d'expulsion D.
La buse 3 correspondant au mode de rйalisation illustrй dans la figure 8 se distingue,
essentiellement, de celle dйcrite prйcйdemment en ce que le corps arriиre 24 est constituй de
deux piиces 24A, 24B. La premiиre dйfinit, en quelque sorte, la chambre de pression C et se
prйsente sous forme d'une douille vissйe dans la piиce 24B et comportant au niveau de sa paroi
interne, le filetage dйfinissant les moyens 23 pour confйrer au flux d'eau un mouvement
tourbillonnaire en spirale. En fin de compte, cette partie 24A en forme de douille comporte,
йgalement en pйriphйrie, un rebord annulaire 37 jouant, en quelque sorte, le rфle du contre йcrou
29 dans le mode de rйalisation correspondant а la figure 6.Plus prйcisйment, lors du montage de
la buse 3 sur la coque support 2, l'on introduit la partie 24A, en forme de douille, dans l'orifice 28
mйnagй dans ladite coque support 2, puis on vient la visser dans la partie 24B dudit corps arriиre
24 jusqu'а obtenir leur resserrement sur la paroi de ladite coque support 2.
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De plus, l'insert 30A que reзoit l'extrйmitй avant du corps arriиre 24 se prйsente, dans ce cas,
sous forme d'un flasque comportant, sensiblement rйparti autour de son centre 38, des perforations
39, 39A de diamиtre diffйrent ou des groupes de perforation 39B au droit desquels l'on peut
positionner une ouverture 40 amйnagйe dans une calotte de rйglage 34A montйe pivotante sur la
partie avant 25 de la buse 3. En fin de compte, en agissant sur cette calotte de rйglage 34A, on
peut, lа encore, obtenir des jets de forme et de pression diffйrentes.
Comme illustrй dans la figure 3, les buses 3 sont disposйes sur un rйseau d'adduction secondaire
41 d'alimentation en eau selon une rйpartition telle а obtenir une rйgulation des flux en fonction des
conditions et points de massage du corps souhaitйs.
Ainsi, selon l'exemple illustrй le rйseau d'adduction 41 est constituй de deux groupes 42, 43 de
buses en parallиle 3.1 а 3.6 par rapport а un point d'alimentation commun 44. Chacun des groupes
42, 43 йtant lui-mкme formй de trois buses 3.1 а 3.3 et 3.4 а 3.6 raccordйes entre elles, en sйrie.
On notera la prйsence d'un raccord 45 branchй en parallиle sur le point d'alimentation commun 44
et destinй а une douchette (non reprйsentйe).
On peut, naturellement prйvoir une vanne multivoies permettant de sйlectionner le ou les groupes
de buses alimentйs en eau ou encore pour orienter l'eau en direction d'une douchette. Il est ainsi
obtenu un dispositif disposant de six jets et d'une douchette.
Bien entendu, bien d'autres combinaisons sont possibles. Tout particuliиrement, au travers de la
vanne multivoies l'on peut encore envisager la possibilitй de sйlectionner une sortie en direction
d'une fente de sortie d'eau horizontale 46 placйe dans la partie supйrieure de la coque support 2
destinйe а produire un jet en forme de cascade.
Quoi qu'il en soit, l'on observera que le rйseau d'adduction secondaire d'eau 41 peut constituer, en
soi, la premiиre chambre de rйduction A, ceci par rapport au rйseau d'alimentation primaire 47.
En outre, selon l'invention, le raccordement de ce rйseau d'adduction secondaire 41 au rйseau
primaire 47 est obtenu а l'aide de moyens de raccordement flexibles.
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Concrиtement, lors d'un usage domestique du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 conforme а l'invention,
l'on vient raccorder le rйseau d'adduction secondaire 41 de ce dernier au moyen d'un flexible а la
sortie douchette du robinet de douche existant. On constate, lа encore, que l'on йvite, par ce biais,
toute plomberie d'exйcution dйlicate.
Selon une autre caractйristique de l'invention les buses ou groupes de buses 3 sont reliйs а des
moyens d'alimentation en eau agissant successivement et/ou progressivement dans un sens allant
du bas vers le haut pour les zones de massage situйes en dessous des hanches et du haut vers le
bas pour les zones situйes au-dessus des hanches en vue d'obtenir un effet de drainage.
Ces moyens de drainage sont constituйs, par exemple, par une vanne multivoies entraоnйe en
rotation, soit par la pression hydraulique produite par le flux d'eau d'alimentation primaire 44, soit par
un moteur йlectrique appropriй.
Selon une autre variante de rйalisation illustrйe en figure 2, une buse 3 peut кtre prйvue tournante
et entraоnйe en rotation par la pression hydraulique ceci afin de produire un massage local
pйnйtrant.
En dйfinitive, on constate que le dispositif d'hydrothйrapie, conforme а l'invention tout en йtant
d'une efficacitй remarquable s'avиre d'utilisation facile et, plus particuliиrement, d'un montage aisй
de sorte que l'on peut envisager son implantation dans tout type de cabine de douche ou encore audessus d'une baignoire quelconque. Claims:
1. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie destinй au massage du corps humain et comportant au moins une
buse (3) raccordйe а un conduit d'un rйseau primaire d'alimentation en eau et dйlivrant un jet
d'eau а effet massant, ce dispositif comportant des moyens propres de transformation du dйbit
d'eau de ce rйseau primaire en pression de sortie supйrieure а celle dudit rйseau а son expulsion
а l'air libre, caractйrisй par le fait que lesdits moyens de transformation du dйbit d'eau en pression
sont constituйs, en combinaison, par une premiиre chambre (A) de rйduction de la section du
conduit primaire d'alimentation en eau, suivie d'une chambre de pression (C) de section plus
importante et comportant des moyens (23) pour confйrer au flux d'eau un mouvement tourbillonnaire
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en spirale, dans le prolongement axial de cette chambre de pression (C) se situant une chambre
d'expulsion (D) dont la section, de dimension infйrieure а la chambre de pression (C), constitue une
nouvelle rйduction.
2. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй par le fait qu'une chambre
d'injection (B) de section infйrieure а celle de la premiиre rйduction (A) est interposйe entre cette
derniиre et la chambre de pression (C) pour constituer une troisiиme rйduction.
3. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon les revendication 1 et 2, caractйrisй par le fait que la chambre
d'injection (B) comporte un diamиtre correspondant au diamиtre de la chambre (A) divisй par deux,
tandis que la chambre de pression (C) comporte un diamиtre correspondant а deux fois le
diamиtre de la premiиre chambre (A) qui est sensiblement йgal au diamиtre de la chambre
d'expulsion (D).
4.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй
par le fait que les moyens (23) pour confйrer au flux d'eau un mouvement tourbillonnaire en spirale
sont constituйs par une rainure hйlicoпdale (24), prйfйrentiellement sous forme d'un filet а grand
pas.
5.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй
par le fait qu'une buse (3) est constituйe d'un corps arriиre tubulaire (24) dйterminant les
diffйrentes chambres (A, B, C) de transformation du dйbit d'eau en pression de sortie et une partie
avant (25) destinйe а assurer l'йmission d'au moins un jet d'eau sous pression et constituant la
chambre d'expulsion (D), ledit corps arriиre (24) comportant, sur son pourtour externe, un
dйcrochement (26) dйfinissant un embout (27) de section plus rйduite et destinй а кtre insйrй
dans un orifice (28) mйnagй dans une coque support (2), cet embout (27) йtant, en outre, filetй sur
son pourtour externe pour la rйception d'un contre йcrou (29).
6.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 4, caractйrisй par le fait
qu'une buse (3) est constituйe d'un corps arriиre tubulaire (24) dйterminant les diffйrentes
chambres (A, B, C) de transformation du dйbit d'eau en pression de sortie et une partie avant (25)
destinйe а assurer l'йmission d'au moins un jet d'eau sous pression et constituant la chambre
d'expulsion (D), ledit corps arriиre (24) йtant constituй de deux piиces (24A, 24B) dont la
premiиre (24A) dйfinit la chambre de pression (C) et se prйsente sous forme d'une douille vissйe
323/2210
dans la piиce (24B) et comportant, en pйriphйrie, un rebord annulaire (37) а mкme de jouer le
rфle de contre йcrou.
7.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй
par le fait que la partie avant (25) de la buse (3) est dйfinie par un insert (30; 30A) comportant une
ou plusieurs perforations (32, 33 ; 39, 39A, 39B) servant au passage de jets d'eau sous pression.
8. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 7, caractйrisй par le fait que la partie avant (25)
d'une buse (3) reзoit une calotte de rйglage (34 ; 34A) comportant une ou plusieurs perforations (35,
36 ; 40) permettant, en combinaison avec l'insert (30 ; 30A), le rйglage du ou des jets d'eau de
sortie.
9. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй
par le fait qu'une buse (3) est tournante et entraоnйe en rotation par la pression hydraulique.
10.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй
par le fait que les buses (3) sont disposйes sur un rйseau d'adduction secondaire (41)
d'alimentation en eau selon une rйpartition telle а obtenir une rйgulation des flux en fonction des
conditions et points de massage du corps souhaitйs.
11. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 10, caractйrisй par le fait que le rйseau
d'adduction secondaire (41) d'alimentation en eau comporte un raccord (45) destinй а une
douchette.
12.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 et 11, caractйrisй par
le fait que le rйseau d'adduction secondaire (41) d'alimentation en eau comporte une vanne
multivoies permettant de sйlectionner un ou des groupes de buses alimentйes en eau ou encore
pour orienter l'eau en direction de la douchette ou toute autre sortie d'eau (46).
13. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes,
caractйrisй par le fait que la ou les buses (3) sont raccordйes а un rйseau d'adduction secondaire
(41) d'alimentation en eau йquipant une coque support (2) et comportant des moyens de
raccordement flexibles au rйseau primaire (47), ladite coque support (2) йtant montйe coulissante
sur des glissiиres latйrales (4) et comportant des moyens de blocage en translation dйverrouillable
(5).
324/2210
14.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 13, caractйrisй par le fait que les moyens de
blocage en translation dйverrouillables (5) sont constituйs par une mвchoire mobile (7) et une
mвchoire fixe (8) emprisonnant une glissiиre (4), ladite mвchoire mobile (7) йtant montйe pivotante
autour d'un axe (9) sensiblement parallиle а ladite glissiиre (4), tandis que des moyens йlastiques
(10) assurent son rappel en position de blocage, resserrйe sur cette glissiиre (4), ladite mвchoire
mobile (7) йtant prolongйe, au-delа de son axe de pivotement (9), par une poignйe de manoeuvre
(11).
15. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon les revendications 13 et 14, caractйrisй par le fait que la coque
support (2) comporte, au niveau de ses parties latйrales, des rebords d'appui (12) autorisant
l'usager а saisir, simultanйment, lesdites poignйes de manoeuvre (11) et la coque support (2) en
vue d'ajuster sa position le long des glissiиres (4).
16. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 а 15, caractйrisй par
le fait que les glissiиres (4) comportent, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure (6) et supйrieure (6A), des
moyens de fixation individuels permettant de les rapporter, indйpendamment, contre une paroi.
17.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 а 15, caractйrisй par le
fait que les glissiиres latйrales (4) sont rendues solidaires, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure (6),
respectivement supйrieure (6A), de supports de fixation (13, 13A).
18. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 17, caractйrisй par le fait qu'un support de
fixation (13, 13A) comporte une embase de fixation (15) pourvue d'ouvertures (16) servant au
passage d'organes de fixation, tels que vis.
19. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 17 et 18, caractйrisй par
le fait qu'un support de fixation (13) comporte des moyens d'accrochage (18) et des moyens de
serrage (20) permettant d'accrocher ledit dispositif d'hydrothйrapie (1) sur une paroi (17),
notamment d'une cabine de douche.
20.Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 17 а 19, caractйrisй par le
fait que les supports de fixation (13, 13A) comportent, а l'une de leurs extrйmitйs latйrales (21),
une ferrure d'articulation (22) sous forme, notamment, d'une paumelle dont la lame fixe est rendue
solidaire, а l'aide d'organes de fixation appropriйs, d'une paroi quelconque.
325/2210
21. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 17, caractйrisй par le fait que les supports de
fixation (13, 13A) sont montйs ou font partie intйgrante d'un seul et mкme panneau, notamment
pourvu de ferrures d'articulation (22) autorisant le pivotement du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie (1) autour
d'un axe vertical.
22. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 13 а 21, caractйrisй par
le fait que la coque support (2) comporte, dans sa partie supйrieure, une fente de sortie d'eau
horizontale (46) raccordйe au rйseau d'adduction secondaire (41) d'alimentation en eau destinйe а
produire un jet d'au en forme de cascade.
326/2210
48. FR2536274 - 25.05.1984
ORAL HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE WITH ADJUSTABLE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE, FOR
DISPENSING DENTIFRICE OR MEDICINAL PRODUCTS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2536274
Applicant(s):
NARBONI VICTOR (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61C
IP Class:
A61C17/00
E Class: A61C17/02F
Application Number:
FR19820019642 (19821124)
Priority Number: FR19820019642 (19821124)
Family: FR2536274
Abstract:
THE OBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION IS TO CREATE A DEVICE WHICH IS VERY SIMPLE,
EFFICIENT AND SAFE SINCE IT ONLY USES THE TOWN'S WATER TAP PRESSURE, MAKING IT
POSSIBLE TO CLEAN TEETH UNDER A PRESSURE WHICH IS CONTROLLED AS IS THE
TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER, WHICH CONVEYS A SOLUTION OF DENTIFRICE, OR OF A
MEDICINE INTO A SUITABLE MIXER. THIS DEVICE IS COMPOSED OF A RIGID PART CONTAINING
A COMPONENT 6 MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO SPLIT THE JET INTO A PLURALITY OF SMALL JETS,
CONNECTED TO A FLEXIBLE PART WHICH IS ITSELF CONNECTED TO A RESERVOIR 4 WHICH IS
ALSO FLEXIBLE AND MAY CONTAIN A SMALL FUNNEL 5 DRILLED WITH VARIOUS HOLES AND
WHICH CAN CONTAIN EITHER DENTIFRICE OR MEDICINAL SUBSTANCES. Description:
327/2210
Douche buccale а pression et а tempйrature rйglables et distributrice de dentifrices ou produits
mйdicamenteux
Depuis quelques annйes, sont apparus des dispositifs qui projettent un faible jet d'eau, actionnйs
par un moteur йlec trique et une pompe. Pour des raisons de sйcuritй le fabricant recommande
bien de ne projeter que de l'eau а l'exception de tout autre produit tels que des sels par exemple.
Ces appareils (dimportation le plus souvent) sont couteux et fragiles 9 en quelques mois la pompe
se dйtйriore par le dйpot calcaire
l'invention consiste а produire un dispositif trиs robuste et pratiquement inusable car il utilise la
pression du robinet de l'eau de la ville. On peut rйgler comme l'on veut la puis- sance du jet et la
tempйrature de l'eau.
Sa conception trиs simple et sa robustesse vont-кtre dйcrites par les textes et dessins qui sont
donnйs a titre des- criptifs et non limitatifs dans leurs formes 9 dйtails et dessins qui vont suivre
L'appareil est reprйsentй sur la planche unique par la
Fig.1 il est constituй d'un tube rigide dont la partie avant projectrice (2) а йtй coudйe de telle
faзon que tenue dans la main par une sorte de poignйe le jet peut attreindre n'importe qu'elle partie
de la bouche9 dans les interstices dentaires sous les prothиses fixйes sur piliers ( bridges ) etc et
certaines prothиses orthodontiques que portent souvent les enfants9fixйes elles aussi sur des
dents et qui sont autant de rйceptacles ali- mentaires engendrant caries inflammation des tissus,
gonflement des gencives, saignements et toujours mauvaise haleine,
L'embout (2) est vissй sur@corps du tube rigide et reзoit une piиce en forme d'йtoile а profil
tronconique (6) et (6') laquelle guidera le jet,
A la sortie de la poignйe de prйhension9 le tube rigide est reliй а un tube souple grвce а un
rйtreint du tube (3) main tenu par un collier de serrage.Ce tube souple se termine par un rйservoir
souple (4) en forme de poire faisant corps avec lui comme le montre la Figes 9 ce rйservoir
possиde а son sommet un trou (4) qui servira а se brancher sur un robinet possйdant Un
mйlangeur, Si le branchement ne comporte pas de mйlangeur on pourrait y adjoindre une piиce en
forme de Y.
Dans le rйservoir mйlangeur (4) on placera une cartouche(5) constituйe comme un entonnoir
dont la partie cylindrique la plus faible s'encastrera dans la base du rйservoir mйlangeur et la
partie- supйrieure de cet entonnoir percйe d'une malti- tude de petits trous pourra recevoir un
dentifrice de prйfй- rence solide, l'eau arrivant dessus produira а la sortie une eau savonneuse ou
additionnйe de dentifrice. On pourraitйgalement placer dans cet entonnoir une ou deux sphиres (7)
328/2210
percйes comme l'entonnoir 65) et contenant un dentifrice ou placer dans ces petites sphиres
certains mйdicaments dйsin- fectants ou du fluor par exemple etc.
Beaucoup de gens apprйcient maintenant dans les cures thermales, les douches au jet, c'est un
moyen radical pour activer la circulation et йprouver un mieux кtre.
Les Praticiens dentistes, prescrivent aussi un brossage intensif des dents et des gencives pour les
mкmes raisons.
ON pourrait йgalement utiliser ce dispositif en gйnycologie en remplaзaift l'embout (2) par un
autre appropriй а SE fonction. Claims:
- REVENDICATIONS
1 - Douche buccale а pression et а tempйrature rйglables distribuant du dentifrice ou des produits
mйdicamenteux caractйrisйe par
a) un tube rigide dont la partie avant a йtй coudйe et se termine par un embout (2) vissй sur le
tube rigide, et muni dlune piиce en forme dlitoile а profil tronconique (6) et (61)
b) un tube souple reliй au tube rigide grвce а un rйtreint (3) maintenu par un collier de serrage.
c) ce tube souple se termine par un rйservoir souple'(4) en forme de poire ayant un trou au sommet
(4') pouvant se brancher sur un robinet mйlangeur.
d) une cartouche(5) en forme d'entonnoir dont la partie cylindrique la plus faible s'encastre dans la
base du rйservoir mйlangeur.
2-- Douche selon la rev. 1 caractйrisйe en ce que la cartouche (5) peut кtre remplacйe par 1 ou 2
sphиres (7) percйes comme l'entonnenoir.
3 - Utilisation de la douche buccale selon les revendications 1 et 2 caractйrisйe par la seule
utilisation de la pression de l'eau de ville а l'exception de toute йnergie йlectrique ou mйcanique.
329/2210
4 - Utilisation de la douche selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes caractйrisйe
par la projection dun mйdicament sous pression sels de fluor par exemple ou tout autre
mйdicament en instillation.
5 - Utilisation de la douche selon l'ensemble des revendications prйcйdentes en gynйcologie en
plaзant un embout vissй appropriй.
330/2210
49. FR2536656 - 01.06.1984
HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS FOR RESORPTION OF OEDEMAS OF LIMBS OF THE HUMAN BODY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2536656
Applicant(s):
ORHAN JEAN (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H35/00
E Class: A61H9/00; A61H35/00
Application Number:
FR19820019928 (19821126)
Priority Number: FR19820019928 (19821126)
Family: FR2536656
Abstract:
THIS APPARATUS COMPRISES MEANS 1, 7 FOR SPRAYING ONTO THE LIMB TO BE TREATED A
SUCCESSION OF SHEETS OF LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE ROTATING AROUND THE SAID LIMB
WHILE AT THE SAME TIME MOVING FROM THE END TO THE ROOT OF THE LATTER.
PREFERABLY, THE SPRAYING MEANS 1, 7 CONSIST OF A TUBE 1 HAVING THE SHAPE OF A
HELIX, MOUNTED SO AS TO ROTATE AROUND THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS 2 OF THE LATTER AND
SUPPORTING A SUCCESSION OF SPRAYING NOZZLES 7 REGULARLY SPACED ALONG ITS WALL,
ONE 1B OF THE ENDS OF THIS TUBE BEING CONNECTED TO A CIRCUIT FOR FEEDING WITH
LIQUID WHILE ITS OTHER END 1A IS CLOSED. TREATMENT OF OEDEMAS OF LOWER AND
UPPER LIMBS OF THE HUMAN BODY. Description:
La prйsente invention concerne un appareil d'hydrothйrapie pour la rйsorption des oedиmes des
membres du corps humain.
331/2210
Parmi les solutions proposйes actuellement pour rйsorber les oedиmes des membres du corps
humain, il existe par exemple la mйthode dite du bac de mercure qui consiste а introduire le
membre malade dans du mercure, ou la mйthode dite du tuyautage dans laquelle on tend un tuyau
en caoutchouc tout en l'enroulant autour du membre а soigner, depuis l'extrйmitй libre jusqu'а la
racine de celui-ci. Ces deux mйthodes ne donnent toutefois pas entiиre satisfaction, la premiиre
йtant coыteuse et rйservйe а l'hфpital alors que la seconde est traumatisante et longue а mettre
en oeuvre.
La prйsente invention se propose de remйdier а ces inconvйnients et, pour ce faire, elle a pour
objet un appareil qui se caractйrise essentiellement en ce qu'il comprend des moyens pour projeter
sur le membre а soigner, une succession de lames de liquide sous pression tournant autour dudit
membre tout en se dйplaзant de l'extrйmitй а la racine de celui-ci.
Les lames de liquide successives exercent ainsi sur le membre malade une sйrie d'ondes de
pression contraignant l'oedиme а remonter jusqu'а la racine du membre oщ il pourra se rйsorber
plus facilement.
Selon um mode de rйalisation particulier de l'invention,
les moyens de projection sont constituйs par un tube ayant la forme d'une hйlice, montй rotatif
autour de l'axe longitudinal de celle-ci et portant une succession de buses de projection
rйguliиrement rйparties le long de sa paroi, l'une des extrйmitйs de ce tube йtant reliйe а un
circuit d'alimentation en liquide tandis que son autre extrйmitй est fermйe.
Les lames de liquide peuvent ainsi кtre rйalisйes de faзon rйguliиre et simple. Leur propagatlon
et leur espacement peuvent en outre кtre contrфlйs facilement, par exemple en intervenant sur la
vitesse de rotation du tube.
Avantageusement, le tube est situй а l'extйrieur d'une cage fixe coaxiale avec l'axe longitudinal de
l'hйlice et dont l'entrйe est situйe du cotй de l'extrйmitй fermйe du tube.
Cette cage, qui est suffisamment ajourйe pour ne pas modifier de faзon sensible la trajectoire et la
forme des lames de liquide, est destinйe а protйger le membre а soigner d'un contact accidentel
avec le tube.
332/2210
De prйfйrence, le circuit d'alimentation comprend une cuve situйe sous le tube, une conduite
reliant la cuve au tube et une pompe montйe dans la conduite pour refouler le liquide de la cuve
dans le tube.
Le liquide utilisй pendant le traitement est donc constamment recyclй, ce qui permet de limiter la
consommation de liquide et de rйduire par consйquent les dйpenses pour la fourniture de celui-ci.
Selon une disposition particuliиre, llextrй- mitй du tube qui est reliйe au circuit d'allmantation est
solidaire d'lald manchon montй rotatif autour de l'axe de l'hйlice et reliй а la conduite par un joint
tournant.
Un mode d'exйcution de la prйsente invention sera dйcrit ci-aprиs а titre d'exemple nullement
limitatif en rйfйrence aux dessins annexйs dans lesquels
- la figure 1 est une vue en coupe schйmatique d'un appareil conforme а l'invention ; et
- la figure 2 est une vue en coupe effectuйe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1.
L'appareil que l'on peut voir sur les dessins est plus particullи- rement destinй au traitement des
oedиmes des membres infйrieurs du corps humain, mais il va de soо qugil pourrait йgalement
etre utilisй pour traiter les oedиmes des membres supйrieurs.
Cet appareil comprend un tube 1 ayant la forme d'une hйlice dont l'axe longitudinal 2 s'йtend
horizontalement et qui est situйe а la partie supйrieure d'une chambre 3 mйnagйe dans un carter
4 comportant dans sa paroi transversale antйrieure 5 une ouverture circulaire 6, laquelle est centrйe
sur lraxe 2 et est rйalisйe avec un diamиtre lйgиrement infйrieur а celui de l'hйlice.
Dans l'exemple reprйsentй, l'hйlice comporte environ une spire et demie et a le mкme diamиtre
sur toute sa longueur. Il va de soi cependant qu'elle pourrait avoir un nombre de spires diffйrent et
un diamиtre variant avec sa longueur.
Le tube 1 est montй rotatif autour de l'axe 2 et porte une suces* sion de buses 7 rйguliиrement
rйparties le long de sa paroi. Il est fermй а son extrйmitй la qui est situйe du cфtй de l'ouverture
6 et dйbouche, а son extrйmitй lb, dans un manchon 8 montй а rotation autour de l'axe 2 dans un
palier 9 portй par une cloison verticale 10 parallиle а la paroi trans- versale 5 du carter.
333/2210
On notera ici que le tube 1 comporte un tronзon le s'йtendant sensiblement perpendiculairement а
l'axe 2 et grвee auquel il peut кtre plus facilement raccordй avec le manchon 8.
Le manchon 8 porte une poulie 71 et peut кtre entraоnй en rotation par l'intermйdiaire d'une
courroie 12 tendue entre la poulie 11 et la poulie 13 d'un organe moteur 14 tel qu'un moteur
йlectrique. Naturellement, d'autres solutionspourraient кtre utilisйes pour entrainer le manchon en
rotation.
A son extrйmitй qui est а l'opposй du tube 1, le manchon 8 est raccordй par l'intermйdiaire d'un
joint tournant 15 а un manchon fixe 16 prenant appui sur la paroi transversale postйrieure 17 du
carter 4.
Le manchon 16 est reliй а une cuve 18 situйe а la parte infйrieure de la chambre 3 par une
conduite 19 dans laquelle est insйrйe une pompe 20
La cuve 18 est remplie d'eau, de prйfйrence de l'eau thermale. Elle est alimentйe а partir d'une
tuyauterie de remplissage 21 pourvue d'un robinet 22 et raccordйe au rйseau de distribution d'une
maniиre connue en soi. Elle comporte par ailleurs une tuyauterie de vidange 23 pourvue d'un
robinet 24 et une tuyauterie de trop plein 25.
Quand la pompe 20 fonctionne, elle aspire l'eau dans la cuve 18 et la refoule dans la conduite 19, le
manchon fixe 16, le manchon tournant 8, le tube 1 et les buses 7. On notera ici que le dйbit de l'eau
parvenant dans le tube 1 peut avantageusement кtre rйglй au moyen d'un robinet 26 prйvu а
l'extrйmitй libre du manchon fixe 16.
Les buses 7 sont conformйes et disposйes le long du tube 1 de telle sorte que pendant la rotation
du tube 1 autour de l'axe 2, elles projetent une succession de lames minces continues, inclinйes par
rapport а l'axe 2 et se dйplaзant le long de celui-ci en direction de l'ouverture 6.
L'appareil que l'on peut voir sur les dessins comporte par ailleurs une cage fixe 27 disposйe а
l'intйrieur de l'hйlice formйe par le tube 1. La cage 27 comprend une paroi latйrale pratiquement
cylindrique formйe de fils entrecroisйs ayant un petit diamиtre pour ne pas perturber les jets d'eau
sortant des buses 7, un fond 28 dont le centre est pourvu d'une douille 29 recevant а rotation un
tйton cylindrique 30 solidaire d'une paroi fermant l'extrйmitй du manchon 8 qui est situйe dans la
chambre 3, et une entre 31 dйlimitйe par une collerette annulaire 32 fixйe а la pйriphйrie de
l'ouverture 6 contre la face intйrieure de la paroi transversale 5 du bati 4.
334/2210
Cette cage est destinйe а recevoir le membre а soigner et а le protйger contre les blessures que
le tube 1 pourrait lui occasionner du fait de sa rotation.
On notera enfin que l'appareil selon l'invention pourrait avantageusement comporter des moyens
pour rйgler la vitesse de rotation du tube 1 autour de l'axe 2. Il pourrait йgalement comporter des
moyens pour-rйgler la tempйrature de l'eau afin d'effectuer le traitement а une tempйrature
constante bien dйterminйe, ou au contraire afin de soumettre le membre a une douche йcossaise.
Pour utiliser l'appareil selon l'invention, on procиde de la maniиre suivante
Tout d'abord, on remplit la cuve 18 avec de l'eau, on actionne le moteur 14 afin de faire tourner le
tube 1 et l'on met la pompe 20 en route pour envoyer de l'eau dans les buses 7. Bien entendu', on
rйglera йventuelle ment la vitesse de rotation du tube 1, ainsi que la pression et la tempйrature de
l'eau sortant des buses 7.
Le patient introduit alors le membre malade dans la cage 27 jusqu'а ce que l'extrйmitй libre de
celui-ci vienne prиs du fond 28.
Compte tenu de la disposition. particuliиre des buses 7 le long du tube 1, l'eau sortant de ces
buses forme une succession de lames sous pression tournant autour du membre tout en se
dйplaзant dans le sens de la flиche F, c'est-а-dire vers la racine du membre.
Le traitement pourra par exemple кtre rйalisй quotidiennement pendans une sйance de 10 а 20
minutes. Quant а la pression de l'eau qui est projetйe sur le membre, elle pourra par exemple кtre
comprise entre environ 1 et 10 kg/cm2 (105 et 106 Pa).
Sous l'action de l'eau, l'oedиme remonte vers la racine du membre oщ il peut se rйsorber plus
facilement. En faisant varier rapidement la tempйrature de l'eau, il est par ailleurs possible de
soumettre le membre а une douche йcossaise afin de pratiquer une gymnastique ou une
rййducation permettant une musculation de la paroi vasculaire et des sphincters de l'unitй
circulatoire pйriphйrique.
Pour кtre complet, on prйcisera que l'appareil selon l'invention pourrait йgalement кtre utilisй pour
assurer un massage tйgumentaire centripиte permettant d'assouplir les tissus sclйreux. Claims:
335/2210
REVENDICATIONS
1. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie pour la rйsorption des oedиmes des membres du corps humain,
caractйrisй en ce qui comprend des moyens (17) pour projeter sur le membre а soigner, une
succession de lames de liquide sous pression tournant autour dudit membre tout en se dйplacant
de l'extrйmitй а la racine de celui-ci.
2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй en ce que les moyens de projection (1,7) sont
constituйs par un tube (1) ayant la forme d'une hйlice, montй rotatif autour de l'axe longitudinal (2)
de celle-ci et portant une succession de buses de projection (7) rйguliиrement rйparties le long de
sa paroi, l'une (lob) des extrйmitйs de ce tube йtant reliйe а un circuit d'alimentation en liquide,
tandis que son autre extrйmitй (la) est fermйe.
3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, caractйrisй en ce que le tube (1) est situй а l'extйrieur d'une
cage fixe (27) coaxiale avec l'axe longitudinal (2) de l'hйlice et dont l'entrйe (31) est situйe du
cфtй de l'extrйmitй fermйe (la) du tube (1)
4. Appareil selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractйrisй en ce que le circuit d'alimentation comprend
une cuve (18) situйe sous le tube (1), une conduite (19, 16 ), reliant la cuve au tube, et une pompe
(20-) montйe dans la conduite pour refouler le liquide de la cuve dans le tube.
5. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que
l'extrйmitй (lb) du tube (1) qui est reliйe au circuit d'alimentation est solidaire d'un manchon (8)
montй rotatif autour de l'axe (2) de l'hйlice et reliй а la conduite (19, 16) par un joint tournant (15).
336/2210
50. FR2550087 - 08.02.1985
BATH FOR HYDROTHERAPY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2550087
Applicant(s):
BILLARD HENRI (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/02
E Class: A61H37/00F
Application Number:
FR19830008307 (19830519)
Priority Number: FR19830008307 (19830519)
Family: FR2550087
Abstract:
THIS BATH ESSENTIALLY COMPRISES A BOTTOM WALL 1 INCLUDING A BUMP 2 WHICH
PROJECTS TO THE INSIDE OF THE BATH IN THE VICINITY OF ONE 3 OF ITS END WALLS 3, 9 IN
ORDER TO SUPPORT THE NAPE OF THE NECK 4 OF A PERSON P STRETCHED OUT IN THE BATH,
WHILE NOZZLES 8 FOR INJECTION OF A LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE ARE PROVIDED AT THE TOP
OF THE BUMP 2. THE BATH OF THE INVENTION ALLOWS TREATMENT OF VARIOUS PAINS AND
FATIGUES BY HYDROMASSAGE. Description:
La prйsente invention a essentiellement pour objet une baignoire permettant le traitement par
hydrothйrapie de la fatigue et en gйnйral des douleurs diverses que peut ressentir un individu.
337/2210
On a dйjа proposй des baignoires йquipйes d'une pluralitй de buses d'injection de liquide sous
pression susceptibles d'effectuer des hydromassages plus ou moins localisйs sur le corps d'un
individu reposant dans la baignoire.
Toutefois, les baignoires d'hydrothйrapie utilisйes jusqu'а maintenant n'йtaient que de simples
cuvettes s'apparentant aux baignoires classiques а usage sanitaire.
Or, le demandeur a dйcouvert qu'en modifiant la forme elle-m8me de la baignoire, le traitement par
hydrothйrapie pouvait non seulement кtre amйliorй mais aussi donner des rйsultats
considйrablement meilleurs pour ce qui est du soulagement de la fatigue et des douleurs.
A cet effet, l'invention a pour objet une baignoire pour hydrothйrapie йquipйe d'une pluralitй de
buses d'injection de liquide sous pression susceptibles d'agir sur le corps d'un individu reposant
dans la baignoire, caractйrisйe en ce que la paroi de fond de ladite baignoire comporte un
bossage ou analogue faisant saillie vers l'intйrieur de la baignoire au voisinage de l'une de ses
parois d'extrйmitй pour ainsi supporter la nuque de l'individu allongй dans la baignoire.
On comprend donc dйjа que grвce au bossage prйcitй, l'individu sera nйcessairementmaintenu
en position de flottaison ou de "lйvitation" а la surface du liquide dans la baignoire, ce qui rendra
plus efficace l'action des buses sous-jacentes d'injection de liquide sous pression, et assurera par
consйquent un meilleur massage des parties douloureuses du corps de l'individu pour finalement
soulager efficacement les douleurs et la fatigue.
Suivant une autre caractйristique de l'invention, le bossage et la paroi d'extrйmitй voisine de ce
bossage dйlimitent une cuvette recevant la tкte de l'individu en position de basculement arriиre.
Une telle position, correspond un peu а celle d'un nageur faisant la planche а la surface de liteau
et permet, comme on le comprend, une relaxation maximum.
Selon encore une autre caractйristique de l'invention, on prйvoit au moins une buse d'injection de
liquide sous pression qui dйbouche sensiblement au sommet du bossage prйcitй.
Ainsi, la nuque de l'individu reposant sur ce bossage, on pourra avantageusement effectuer un
hydromassage de la rйgion cervicale qui, comme on le sait, est frйquemment le siиge de douleurs
engendrйes par la fatigue ou autre chose.
338/2210
On ajoutera encore ici que, selon l'invention, la partie de la paroi de fond qui s'йtend depuis le
bossage prйcitй jusqu'а l'autre paroi d'extrйmitй de la baignoire forme une partie lйgиrement
incurvйe jusque vers sensiblement le milieu de la baignoire et se prolongeant par une partie
sensiblement horizontale.
Ainsi, le corps de l'individu, depuis la nuque jusqu'aux pieds pourra reposer confortablement au
fond de la baignoire et pourra, en potion soulevйe de flottaison, rйaliser un dйgagement pour
permettre une action efficace de l'hydromassage effectuй par les buses d'injection.
Selon encore une autre caractйristique de l'invention, la partie lйgиrement incurvйe prйcitйe est
munie d'au moins une ligne de buses d'injection de liquide sous pression, orientйes verticalement.
Ces buses permettront avantageusement un traitement anti-fatigue des rйgions sacrйe, lombaire et
dorsale du corps de l'individu.
On notera encore ici que des buses d'injection de liquide sous pression dans un plan
sensiblement horizontal sont aussi prйvues sur la paroi d'extrйmitй opposйe а celle voisine du
bossage prйcitй, et йgalement sur les parois latйrales de la baignoire sur une longueur
correspondant sensiblement а celle de la partie horizontale de la paroi de fond.
Ces buses а action sensiblement horizontale permettront un massage particuliиrement efficace de
la voыte pantareet des membres infйrieurs notamment.
On prйcisera encore ici que la cuvette prйcitйe recevant la tкte de l'individu prйsente
sensiblement la forme d'un U en section transversale, la base du U se situant de prйfйrence audessus du niveau de la partie horizontale de la paroi de fond de la baignoire.
Mais d'autres caractйristiques et avantages de l'invention apparattront mieux dans la description
dйtaillйe qui suit et se rйfere aux dessins annexйs, donnйs uniquement а titre d'exemple, et dans
lesquels
- la figure 1 est une vue schйmatique en plan et de dessus d'une baignoire d'hydrothйrapie
conforme aux principes de l'invention, et
- la figure 2 est une vue en coupe verticale de cette baignoire, faite suivant la ligne Il-Il de la figure 1.
339/2210
Suivant un exemple de rйalisation, et en se reportant aux dessins annexйs, une baignoire conforme
а l'invention comprend essentiellement une paroi de fond 1 qui comporte un bossage ou analogue 2
faisant saillie vers l'intйrieur de la baignoire au voisinage de l'une 3 de ses parois d'extrйmitй pour
ainsi supporter la nuque 4 d'un individu P, comme on le voit bien sur la figure 2.
Le bossage 2 et la paroi d'extrйmitй 3 de la baignoire forment, comme on le voit encore sur la
figure 2, une cuvette 5 recevant la tкte 6 de l'individu P en position de renversement ou de
basculement arriиre. Bien entendu, lorsque la tкte 6 de la personneP est en position basculйe
dans la cuvette 5 , la surface 7 du liquide contenu dans la baignoire devra laisser apparaоtre а l'air
le dez et la bouche deladite personne .On insistera ici sur le fait que cette personne, gracie au
bossage 2 > sera nйcessairement maintenue en position de flottaison oQde lйvitation а la surface
du liquide, une-telle position permettant avantageusement une relaxation maximum, ce qui par
consйquent place la personne dans les meilleures conditions possibles de traitement pour le
massage.
On a montrй en 8 des buses d'injection rotative de liquide sous pression qui dйbouchent au
sommet du bossage 2. Ces buses,- qui sont destinйes а masser la rйgion cervicale de la personne
P peuvent bien sыr кtre en un nombre quelconque et agencйes suivant une orientation appropriйe
quelconque, sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.
La partie de la paroi de-fond 1 qui s 'йtend depuis le bossage 2 jusqu'а l'autre paroi d'extrйmitй 9
de la baignoire forme une partie lйgиrement incurvйe 10 jusque vers sensiblement le milieu de la
baignoire, laquelle partie 10 est suivie par une partie Il sensiblement horizontale.
Comme on le voit bien sur les figures, la partie incurvйe 10 du fond 1 est munie de deux lignes de
buses 12 d'injection de liquide sous pression. Ces buses sont orientйes verticalement et sont
situйesau voisinage du plan axial mйdian de la baignoire. Elles permettent le massage de la rйgion
sacrйe, lombaire et dorsale de la personne P, comme on le comprend en se reportant а la figure 2.
La paroi d'extrйmitй 9 de la baignoire est йgalement munie de buses 13 d'injection rotative de
liquide sous pression dans un plan sensiblement horizontal, de faзon а permettre notamment un
massage au niveau de la voыte plantaire de la personne P.
340/2210
Des buses 14 sont йgalement prйvues sur les parois latйrales 15 de la baignoire, et ces buses,
comme les buses 9 sont de prйfйrence orientйes suivant un plan sensiblement horizontal. Elles
permettent le massage par jets rotatifs des membres infйrieurs, des jambes et des genoux.
Revenant а la cuvette 5 du c8tй de la paroi d'extrйmitй 3 de la baignoire, on voit sur la figure 2
que ladite cuvette prйsente sensiblement la forme d'un U en section transversale, la base 5a du U
se situant de prйfйrence au-dessus du niveau de la partie horizontale Il de la paroi de fond 1 de la
baignoire.
On pourrait bien entendu prйvoir une autre forme pour la cuvette 5 sans sortir du cadre de
l'invention, йtant entendu que l'idйe essentielle de cette invention est de prйvoir un bossage 2
faisant saillie de la paroi de fond de la baignoire 1 pour supporter la nuque d'une personne P dans la
baignoire et pour dйlimiter avec la paroi d'extrйmitй adjacente 3 une cuvette 5 permettant а la
personne de basculer sa tкte en arriиre.
On a montrй schйmatiquement en 16 sur la figure 2 une conduite d'alimentation en liquide des
buses 8, 9, 12 et 14.
Bien entendu, la baignoire 1 peut кtre encastrйe d'une maniиre quelconque, dans un coffrage par
exemple, comme on l'a montrй en 17. Mais elle pourrait tout aussi bien reposer directement par des
pieds sur le sol sans sortir du cadre de l'invention.
On ajoutera encore ici que le traitement par massage de jets d'eau sous pression peut
avantageusement кtre programmй en fonction de la personne а traiter, cette personne йtant par
exemple dans un premier temps allongйe en position classique sur les parties incurvйe 10 et
horizontale 11 de la paroi de fond 1, puis en position de flottaison par appui de la nuque 4 sur le
bossage 2, comme on le voit bien sur la figure 2.
On a donc rйalisй suivant I'invention une baignoire pour hydrothйrapie qui permet une grande
variйtй de traitements de la fatigue, et qui permet а de tels traitements d'avoir un efficacitй
remarquable.
Bien entendu, l'invention n'est nullement limitйe au mode de rйalisation dйcrit et illustrй, qui n'a
йtй donnй qu'а titre d'exemple. Au contraire, elle comprend tous les йquivalents techniques des
341/2210
moyens dйcrits ainsi que leurs combinaisons si celles-ci sont effectuйes suivant l'esprit de
l'invention. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
1.- Baignoire pour hydrothйrapie йquipйe d'une pluralitй de buses d'injection de liquide sous
pression susceptible d'agir sur le corps d'un individu reposant dans la baignoire, caractйrisйe en
ce que sa paroi de fond comporte un bossage ou analogue faisant saillie vers l'intйrieur de la
baignoire au voisinage de l'une de ses parois d'extrйmitй pour supporter la nuque de l'individu
allongй dans la baignoire.
2.- Baignoire selon la revendication 1, caractйrisйe en ce que le bossage et la paroi d'extrйmitй
voisine de ce bossage dйlimitent une cuvette recevant la tкte de l'individu en position de
basculement arriиre.
3.- Baignoire selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractйrisйe par au moins une buse d'injection de
liquide sous pression qui dйbouche sensiblement au sommet du bossage prйcitй.
4.- Baignoire selon l'une des revendications 1 а 3, caractйrisйe en ce que la partie de la paroi de
fond qui s'йtend depuis le bossage prйcitй jusqu'а l'autre paroi d'extrйmitй de la baignoire forme
une partie lйgиrement incurvйe jusque vers sensiblement le milieu de la baignoire et se
prolongeant par une partie sensiblement horizontale.
5.- Baignoire selon l'une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisйe en ce que la partie
lйgиrement incurvйe prйcitйe est munie d'au moins une ligne de buses d'injection de liquide sous
pression, orientйes verticalmement
6.- Baignoire selon l'une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisйe en ce que des buses
d'injection de liquide sous pression dans un plan sensiblement horizontal sont prйvues sur la paroi
d'extrйmitй opposйe а celle voisine du bossage prйcitй, et йgalement sur les parois latйrales de
la baignoire, sur une longueur correspondant sensiblement а celle de la partie horizontale de la
paroi de fond.
342/2210
7.-'Baignoire selon l'une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisйe en ce que la cuvette
prйcitйe prйsente sensiblement la forme d'un U en section transversale, la base du U se situant de
prйfйrence au-dessus du niveau de la partie horizontale de la paroi de fond.
343/2210
51. FR2558725 - 02.08.1985
PROCESS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF THE BODY BY RHYTHMICAL PROGRAMMED
THERMAL CYCLES IN HYDROTHERAPY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2558725
Applicant(s):
CAZENABE ALAIN (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
E Class: A61H33/00N
Application Number:
FR19840001251 (19840127)
Priority Number: FR19840001251 (19840127)
Family: FR2558725
Abstract:
THE INVENTION RELATES TO A PROCESS FOR TREATMENT OF THE BALNEOTHERAPY TYPE
ALLOWING ITS ACCURATE AND MEASURED IMPLEMENTATION WITHOUT USING A MANUAL. IT
COMPRISES A BATH, WITH A HOOD AND A REST BED. THIS BATH IS FITTED WITH NOZZLES
WHICH ARE FIXED, ARTICULATED OR ROTATING WHICH CAUSE JETS OF WATER AND AIR TO
ACT ON THE PARTS TO BE TREATED. ACTIVATION OF THESE JETS IS PRODUCED BY MEANS OF
A COMPUTER WHICH DETERMINES THE DESIRED TREATMENT PARAMETERS, WHICH RELATE
TO LEVEL, PRESSURE, TIME AND THERMAL VARIATIONS BY SWEEPING OR CONTINUOUS WAVE.
AMONGST THE MOST IMPORTANT APPLICATIONS OF THE INVENTION MAY BE MENTIONED
REEDUCATION IN BALNEOTHERAPY, THALASSOTHERAPY, RETRAINING OF THE PREVENTATIVE
MEDICINE TYPE. Description:
344/2210
L a prйsente invention coneerne un procйdй permettant les soins corporels des parties
abdominales,bassin,tronc,membres inf -йriers et e t c e r v i c o do r s o lombaires d'un corps
humain dans une baignoire par cycles rythmйsgprogrammйs et variations thermiques de jets d
eau , d' insu flation d'air,l'кtre humain йtant allongй sur un lit immergй dans l'eau ainsi qu'un
dispositif servant а mettre en oeu-vre ce procйdй.
L'invention a pour but d'йviter l'intervention manuelle qui ne peut apprecier d'une faucon
prйcise,la puissance,la chaleur et la cadence de fluide mis en action.Il exite des baignoires de
traitement hydrothйrapiques qui sont d'un usage simple d'immersion sans pour autant mettre en
action un programme de soins prйcis et contrфlй par un thйrapeute.
I1 s'agit d'eau chaude (de 30 а 370) mise en agitation par moyens de jets rotatifs,directionnels ou
fixes,sous pression, permettant des soins sur le corps humain.Ces soins sont programmйs par un
ensemble йlectronique qui tйlйcommande des organes de pompe et de vannes йlectriques.Le
thйrapeute peut choisir,le niveau de
l'eau dans la baignoire,un cycle,dans le temps dйsirй ,en pression en tempйrature et le dйfinir sur
les parties а traiter en le
visualisant sur un synoptique.De plus le thйrapeute peut а l'aide
d'une cassette type magnйtophone ,mettre en mйmoire un programme de
soins qui pourra йtre rйutilisй dans tout autre matйriel de ce type
En outre on peut adapter un dispositif de lit en bandes
йlastiques croisйes ou en plastique prй moulй,rйglable en hauteur
et longueur permettant une totale immersion йcartant tout danger de noyade pour un handicapй
physique.De plus la suspension dans l'eau donne а l'encontre des baignoires traditionnelles
йxistantes une totale efficacitй des jets dans la masse d'eau.
La description qui va suivre,en regard des dessins annexйs
fera comprendre la mise en pratique de l'invention.
La figure 1 montre schйmatiquement un dispositif de traite
-ment
La figure 2 montre les positions des diffйrentes buses de
traitement.
La figure 3 montre les diffйrents dispositifs mis en oeuvre
345/2210
pour rйaliser le traitement.
Le dispositif des soins comporte une cuve de forme idйale avec pente dorsale(l) sur laquelle
apparaissent des buses fixes sur la partie mйdiane .Sur les cфtйs de la baignoire apparaissent des
buses tangentielles(2) ainsi que sur le fond.Ces derniйres sont dites postйrieures(3) et internes(4)
par rapport а la disposition du membre infйrieur.Les buses 2,3,4, sont articulйes.En outre sur le
bossage (5) des buse fixes permettent un brassage de l'eau boullonnant du а une insuflation d'air.
Sur la baignoire et cela jusqu'а la hauteur de la poitrine du corps humain un "capot" ferme
l'ensemble de cette cuve.Sous-le "capot" se trouve un ensemble rotatif de trois buses (6) qui permet
les soins abdominaux.En plus de cet ensemble rotatif deux rampes latйrales croisйes (7)
permettent les soins supйro internes des membres infйrieurs. Le traitement dйbute par le choix du
thйrapeute sur un mini calculateur (8)dйterminant le niveau du bain,la tempй -rature de l'eau,la
pression des jets, et le temps de travail et de repos sur les rйgions а traiter. Le thйrapeute peut
obtenir soit un
flot continu vibrez par niveau successif, soit par balayage ascendant
rapide,soit une rotation des buses abdominales lente ou rapide avec plus ou moins de
puissance.Ce calculateur entrain des combinaisons multiple de traitements variйs les uns des
autres,chaque patient
tant un cas diffйrent.
De plus une mйthode d'activation circulatoire vaso motrice peu t кtre obtenue par un changement
rapide de la tempйrature des jets,mais pour cela une compensation therm-ique par rampes
latйrales (9)est obligatoire afin de conserver la tempйrature. ambiante du bain
Le procйdй et dispositif de ces soins corporels peut кtre adaptй а toute baignoire,la partie
technique de pompe d'йlectrovan -nes,de niveau pouvant кtre plaзйe sous la cuve elle mкme ou
dans un local technique annexй au local de soin.Le calculateur йtant indйpendant de la cuve.
Toutes ces indications techniques peuvent кtre l'objet de de realisation dans les domaines
hospitaliers,cliniques,centres thermaux et de thalassothйrapie,sans oublier les centres de prйven.
-tion de santй. Claims:
346/2210
REVENDICATIONS
l.-Dispositif industriel de commande,pour soins corporels permettant le choix du niveau d'eau,la
rйgulation des cycles rythmйs programmйs,thermiques,pour un patient dans un bain
dynamique,par jets de fluide et d'air tйlйcommandйs suivant les besoins.
2.-Dispositif suivant 1a revendication 1,caractйrisй par le fait que le patient peut entre immerge
dans le fluide en reposant sur un lit en bandes йlastiques croisйes,ou en plastique moulй,rйglable
en hauteur et longueur pour йviter toute noyade et permettre les soins par jets d'eau sur les parties
а traiter au travers de l-a masse du fluide
3. -Dispositif selon la revendication 2,caractйrise par le fait que le lit de repos permet par sa
conception le passage des jets de fluide,venant des buses articuleessfixes ou rotatives,afin de
pratiquer des soins prйcis et mesurйs.
4.-Dispositif suivant 1a revendication'3,caractrisй par le fait que les jets peuvent permettre une
variation thermique sans changer la tempйrature du bain grace aux rampes latйrales de
compensation.
347/2210
52. FR2608421 - 24.06.1988
HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS FOR THE RESORPTION OF OEDEMATA IN THE LIMBS OF THE
HUMAN BODY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2608421
Applicant(s):
ORHAN JEAN (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00; A61H37/00
E Class: A61H9/00
Application Number:
FR19860017844 (19861219)
Priority Number: FR19860017844 (19861219)
Family: FR2608421
Abstract:
THE HYDROTHERAPY APPARATUS ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION COMPRISES AN ANNULAR
TUBE 6 CAPABLE OF BEING FITTED OVER THE LIMB TO BE TREATED, A SERIES OF NOZZLES 22
IMPLANTED IN THE WALL OF THE TUBE, PERPENDICULAR TO THE AXIS OF THE LATTER, AT
LEAST ONE PIPE 7, 8 CONNECTING THE TUBE TO A PRESSURISED FLUID SOURCE 9, AND
MEANS 14 FOR MOVING THE TUBE ALTERNATELY BETWEEN A REAR END POSITION, IN WHICH
IT IS ADJACENT TO THE END OF THE LIMB TO BE TREATED, AND A FRONT END POSITION IN
WHICH IT IS CLOSE TO THE ROOT OF THE LATTER. IT IS CHARACTERISED IN THAT THE TUBE 6
IS ADJACENT TO THE ROOT OF THE LIMB TO BE TREATED WHEN IT IS IN ITS FRONT END
POSITION, AND IN THAT CONTROL MEANS 20, 21 ARE PROVIDED IN ORDER TO CAUSE THE
FLUID TO TRAVEL TO THE NOZZLES 22 WHEN THE TUBE 6 MOVES TOWARDS ITS FRONT END
POSITION, AND TO PREVENT THIS TRAVEL WHEN THE TUBE MOVES IN THE OPPOSITE
DIRECTION, THESE CONTROL MEANS 20, 21 BEING ACTUATED WHEN THE DIRECTION OF
MOVEMENT OF THE TUBE 6 IS CHANGED. Description:
348/2210
Appareil d'hydrothйrapie pour la rйsorption des oedиmes des membres du corps humain
La presente invention concerne un appareil d'hydrothйrapie pour la rйsorption des oedиmes des
membres du corps humain, du type comprenant un tube de forme annulaire apte а etre enfilй sur le
membre е soigner, une sйrie de buses implantйes dans des orifices mйnagйs dans la paroi du
tube, perpendiculairement а l'axe de celui-ci, au moins un conduit reliant le tube а une source de
fluide sous pression, et des moyens pour dйplacer alternativement le tube entre une position
extrкme arriиre dans laquelle il est adjacent а l'extrйmitй du membre а soigner et une position
extreme avant dans laquelle il s'est rapproche de la racine de ce dernier.
Le brevet allemand DE-A-2 437 049 dйcrit un appareil d'hydrothйrapie de ce type utilisable dans
une baignoire pour masser les membres infйrieurs du corps humain, le massage йtant exercй par
les jets d'eau йmis par les buses pendant que le tube se dйplace de sa position extrкme avant а
sa position extrкme arriиre.
Cet appareil ne convient toutefois pas pour le traitement des oedиmes des membres du corps
humain. En effet, son tube n'est pas dйplaзable jusqu'а la racine du membre а soigner. Par ailleurs,
l'eau de la baignoire affaiblit considйrablement la puissance des jets йmis par son tube. Enfin, le
dйbut et la fin de la projection des jets doivent кtre commandйs manuellement, ce qui rend
l'utilisation de l'appareil particuliиrement fastidieuse.
La prйsente invention se propose de remйdier a ces inconvйnients et, pour ce faire, elle a pour
objet un appareil d'hydrothйrapie du type susmentionnй qui se caracterise en ce que le tube est
adjacent а la racine du membre а soigner lorsqu'il est dans sa position extrкme avant et en ce que
des moyens de commande sont prйvus pour autoriser la circulation du fluide vers les buses lorsque
le tube se dйplace de sa position extrкme arriиre а sa position extrкme avant et pour interdire
cette circulation lorsque le tube se dйplace en sens inverse, ces moyens de commande йtant
actionnйs lors du changement du sens de dйplacement du tube.
Comme les jets de fluide se dйplacent jusqu'a la racine du membre а soigner et qu'ils sont йmis
dans l'atmosphиre et seulement lorsque le tube se dйplace de sa position extrкme arriиre а sa
position extrкme avant, on conзoit aisйment qu'ils sont particuliиrement efficaces pour repousser
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vers le coeur les liquides prйsents dans les ganglions et le milieu extra cellulaire sous-jacent et
permettre ainsi une rйsorption rapide et complиte des oedйmes.
Par ailleurs, l'appareil selon la prйsente invention est entiиrement automatisй, ce qui facilite
grandement son utilisation et, tout en permettant a son tube de se dйplacer а vitesse constante
entre ses positions extrкmes, rend le traitement particuliиrement efficace.
Avantageusement, l'appareil selon la prйsente invention comporte une seconde sйrie de buses en
avant de la premiиre sйrie, les buses de la seconde sйrie йtant dirigйes vers l'avant et йgalement
inclinйes sur l'axe du tube.
La rйsorption des oedиmes est grandement facilitйe par les jets de fluide йmis par les buses de la
seconde sйrie, d'abord parce ceux-ci exercent sur le membre а soigner une action
complйmentaire de celle des jets de fluide йmis par les buses de la premiиre sйrie, et ensuite
parce qu'ils ont la possibilitй d'atteindre la partie toute proximale du membre а soigner lorsque le
tube vient dans sa position extrкme avant.
Selon un mode de rйalisation particulier de l'invention, les buses de la seconde sйrie sont
implantйes dans des orifices mйnagйs dans la paroi du tube.
Les buses de la seconde sйrie pourraient toutefois etre implantees dans des orifices menagйs
dans la paroi d'un second tube de forme annulaire dйplaзable avec le premier tube et relie а la
source de fluide sous pression.
Gracie а cette disposition, la pression des jets йmis par les buses de la seconde sйrie pourrait, si
nйcessaire, кtre choisie diffйrente de celle des jets йmis par les buses de la premiиre sйrie.
Pour que les diaphragmes liquidiens projetйs par les buses exercent une action aussi uniforme
que possible sur le membre, il est souhaitable que les premier et second tubes se prйsentent sous
la forme d'anneaux fermйs.
Il est par ailleurs recommandй de prйvoir des moyens de protection pour empйcher tout contact
entre les buses et le membre а soigner.
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D'autres caractйristiques et avantages de la prйsente invention ressortiront de la description qui
sera donnйe ci-aprиs е titre d'exemple nullement limitatif en rйfйrence aux dessins annexйs dans
lesquels
la figure 1 est une vue en coupe schйmatique d'un appareil d'hydrothйrapie conforme а l'invention
la figure 2 est une vue en coupe effectuйe selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1
la figure 3 est une vue en coupe partielle montrant les buses dans le cas oщ elles sont portйes par
deux tubes toriques de mкmes dimensions ; et
la figure 4 est une vue en coupe partielle montrant les buses dans le cas oщ elles sont portees par
deux tubes toriques concentriques.
L'appareil d'hydrothйrapie que l'on peut voir sur les dessins est plus particuliиrement destinй au
traitement des oedиmes des membres infйrieurs du corps humain.
Il comprend tout d'abord une chambre parallйlйpipйdique 1 dont la paroi longitudinale infйrieure
2 est constituйe par une grille s'йtendant au-dessus d'une cuve 3 et dont la paroi transversale
antйrieure 4 est pourvue d'une ouverture 5 a travers laquelle le patient peut passer l'un de ses
membres infйrieurs.
La chambre 1, dont l'axe longitudinal s'йtend horizontalement, est suffisamment longue pour que le
membre infйrieur а soigner puisse y sйjourner en position allongйe, comme reprйsentй sur la
figure 1.
L'appareil selon l'invention comprend йgalement un tube torique 6 s'йtendant verticalement dans la
chambre 1 et dont l'axe passe par le centre de l'ouverture 5. Le tube 6 est raccordй а un conduit
rectiligne 7 reliй par l'intermйdiaire d'un conduit flexible 8 au refoulement d'une pompe 9 pourvue
d'un moteur d'entraоnement 10 et dont l'aspiration est reliйe par l'intermйdiaire d'un conduit il а la
partie infйrieure de la cuve 3.
On prйcisera ici que le conduit 7 est perpendiculaire au plan du tube 6 et traverse avec un faible
jeu la paroi transversale postйrieure 12 de la chambre 1 pour se prolonger а l'intйrieur d'une
seconde chambre 13 renfermant la pompe 9 et -le moteur 10. On prйcisera йgalement que le
conduit 7 est fixй а la partie supйrieure du tube 6 -et que son axe est dans le plan diamйtral
vertical de ce dernier.
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Le tube 6, qui est susceptible d'кtre enfilй sur le membre а soigner, est dйplaзable
alternativement entre une position extrкme arriиre visible en traits continus sur la figure 1 dans
laquelle il est adjacent а l'extrйmitй du membre а soigner et une position extrкme avant visible en
traits mixtes sur la figure 1 dans laquelle il est adjacent а la racine dudit membre а soigner.
Dans l'exemple reprйsentй, le dйplacement du tube 6 est assurй par un vйrin & double effet 14
alimentй d'une maniиre connue en soi е partir d'une source de fluide sous pression non
reprйsentйe. Le cylindre 15 de ce vйrin est fixй sur la paroi longitudinale supйrieure 16 de la
chambre 1 tandis que sa tige de piston 17 porte une patte 18, laquelle traverse une lumiиre 19
rйalisйe dans la paroi supйrieure de la chambre 13 et est reliйe а l'extrйmitй antйrieure du
conduit 7.
La patte 18 est apte а actionner un contacteur 20 lorsque le tube 6 atteint sa position extrкme
arriиre et un contacteur 21 lorsque celui-ci atteint sa position extrкme avant. Plus prйcisйment, les
contacteurs 20 et 21 sont montйs dans des circuits de commande non reprйsentйs de maniиre а
dйclencher le premier la rйtraction de la tige de piston 17 et la mise en route du moteur 10 de la
pompe et le second la sortie de la tige de piston 17 et l'arrкt du moteur 10.
Bien entendu, on ne sortirait pas du cadre de la prйsente invention si l'on remplaзait le vйrin 14
par un dispositif d'entraоnement йquivalent.
Le tube 6 comporte une premiиre sйrie de buses radiales 22 implantйes е йgale distance les
unes des autres le long de sa pйriphйrie interne, ainsi qu'une seconde sйrie de buses 23 en avant
des buses 22, les buses 23 йtant dirigйes vers 1 'avant, a йgale distance les unes des autres et
йgalement inclinйes sur l'axe du tube 6. Dans le mode de rйalisation reprйsentй sur le dessin, les
buses 23 forment un angle d'environ 70' avec la verticale, mais cette valeur pourrait йvidemment
кtre modifiйe en fonction des besoins
Les deux sйries de buses sont destinйes е projeter un fluide sous pression, de l'eau dans le mode
de rйalisation reprйsentй, sur le membre а soigner pendant que le vйrin 14 dйplace le tube 6 de
sa position extrкme arriиre а sa position extrкme avant.
Lors de son йmission, ce fluide forme alors deux diaphragmes annulaires entourant le membre а
soigner et exerзant sur celui-ci une pression suffisante pour repousser vers le coeur du patient les
liquides contenus dans les ganglions et le milieu extra cellulaire sous-jacent.
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On prйcisera ici que le diaphragme de fluide йmis par les buses 23,-qui est lйgиrement en avant
du diaphragme de fluide provenant des buses 22, atteindra la partie toute proximale du membre е
soigner chaque fois que le tube 6 parviendra dans sa position extrкme avant.
L'appareil selon l'invention comporte par ailleurs une console 24 s'appuyant sur les parois
transversales antйrieure 4 et postйrieure 12 de la chambre 1 et destinйe а supporter le membre а
soigner pendant le traitement.
Dans le mode d'exйcution envisagй, la console 24 comporte deux tiges adjacentes 25 s'йtendant
parallиlement а l'axe du tube 6 qu'elles traversent lйgиrement au-dessus de sa partie infйrieure,
une plaquette 26 pour supporter le talon du patient et un crochet 27 pour immobiliser latйralement
le pied, ce crochet йtant situй en arriиre de la plaquette et apte а кtre insйrй entre le gros orteil et
l'orteil adjacent du pied.
On notera ici que la plaquette 26 et le crochet 27 sont montйs coulissants le long des tiges 25 afin
de pouvoir modifier leur position en fonction de la longueur du membre а soigner.
On remarquera par ailleurs que des anneaux de protection 28, 29 et 30 sont fixйs sur le tube 6, de
part et d'autre des buses 22 et 23 afin d'йviter que celles-ci puissent blesser accidentellement le
patient pendant le fonctionnement de l'appareil.
Les figures 3 et 4 reprйsentent deux variantes de rйalisation possibles du dispositif prйvu pour
projeter le fluide sur le membre а soigner.
D'aprиs la figure 3, les buses 23 peuvent кtre implantйes dans la paroi d'un second tube torique
31 solidaire du tube 6, situй en avant de celui-ci et ayant les mкmes dimensions que lui, alors que
d'aprиs la figure 4, les buses 23 peuvent кtre implantйes dans la paroi d'un second tube torique 32
solidaire de la pйriphйrie externe du tube 6.
Dans les deux cas, les tubes 3i et 32 peuvent etre reliйs respectivement par des conduits 33 et 34
а la pompe 9 ou а une pompe additionnelle non reprйsentйe lorsque l'on souhaite que la pression
du fluide sortant par les buses 23 soit diffйrente de celle du fluide sortant par les buses 22.
On va maintenant dйcrire le fonctionnement de l'appareil selon l'invention en supposant au dйpart
que la cuve 3 contient de l'eau et que le tube 6 est dans sa position extrкme postйrieure.
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Tout d'abord, le patient s'allonge sur une table non reprйsentйe et introduit l'un de ses membres
infйrieurs dans la chambre 1 de maniиre а ce que la racine du membre ainsi en place soit situйe
au niveau de l'ouverture 5.
Dйs que le patient est convenablement installй, on commande la mise en route du moteur 10 de la
pompe ainsi que le fonctionnement du vйrin 14, ce qui permet а la pompe 9 d'envoyer de l'eau sous
pression dans les buses 22 et 23 et а la tige de piston 17 de se rйtracter.
Le tube 6 se dйplace alors dans le sens de la flиche F, vers sa position extrкme avant
reprйsentee en traits mixtes sur la figure 1, tandis que les buses 22 et 23 projettent sur le membre а
soigner deux diaphragmes d'eau successifs.
Puis, lorsque le tube 6 atteint sa position extrкme avant, la patte 18 actionne le contacteur 21 qui
dйclenche l'inversion du sens de fonctionnement du vйrin 14 et l'arrкt de la pompe 9. Le tube 6 se
dйplace donc dans le sens inverse de la flиche F pour revenir dans sa position extrкme arriиre
tandis que les buses 22 et 23 ne projettent plus d'eau sur le membre а soigner.
Lorsque le tube 6 arrive dans sa position extrкme arriиre visible en traits continus sur la figure 1, la
patte 18 actionne le contacteur 20 qui dйclenche une nouvelle inversion du sens de fonctionnement
du vйrin 14 et la mise en route de la pompe 9. Le tube 6 se dйplace donc а nouveau dans le sens
de la flиche F pendant que les buses 22 et 23 projettent de l'eau sur le membre а soigner.
Il est bien entendu nйcessaire de laisser l'appareil fonctionner pendant une durйe raisonnable, par
exemple une vingtaine de minutes, pour traiter efficacement les oedйmes affectant le membre
infйrieur.
Pour etre complet, on prйcisera que la durйe de dйplacement du tube 6 de sa position extrкme
arriиre а sa position extrкme avant peut кtre de l'ordre de 10 а 60 secondes alors que la durйe de
son dйplacement en sens inverse peut кtre de quelques secondes seulement.
On prйcisera йgalement que des moyens de chauffage pourraient кtre prйvus pour chauffer l'eau
stockйe dans la cuve.
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Il va de soi par ailleurs que l'on ne sortirait pas du cadre de la prйsente invention si l'on reliait le
conduit souple 8 non pas а la pompe 9 mais directement au rйseau de distribution, l'eau
rйcupйrйe dans la cuve 3 pouvant alors кtre йvacuйe vers le rйseau des eaux usйes.
On pourrait йgalement, dans le cadre de la prйsente invention, alimenter les buses 22 et 23 avec
de l'air comprimй.
Dans l'exemple de rйalisation qui vient d'кtre dйcrit, on a envisagй le traitement des membres
infйrieurs du corps humain. Il est йvident que l'on pourrait traiter de la mкme faзon les membres
supйrieurs, le patient introduisant alors l'un de ses bras dans la chambre 1. Claims:
EEVEDICATIOS
1. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie pour la rйsorption des oedйmes des membres du corps humain, du
type comprenant un tube de forme annulaire (6) apte а кtre enfilй sur le membre а soigner, une
sйrie de buses (22 > implantйes dans des orifices mйnagйs dans la paroi du tube,
perpendiculairement а l'axe de celui-ci, au moins un conduit (7, 8) reliant le tube а une source de
fluide sous pression (9), et des moyens (14) pour dйplacer alternativement le tube entre une p
position extrкme arriиre dans laquelle il est adjacent а l'extrйmitй du membre а soigner et une
position extrкme avant dans laquelle il s'est rapprochй de la racine de ce dernier, caractйrisй en
ce que le tube (6) est adjacent а la racine du membre а soigner lorsqu'il est dans sa position
extrкme avant et en ce que des moyens de commande (20, 21) sont prйvus pour autoriser la
circulation du fluide vers les buses (22) lorsque le tube (6) se dйplace de sa position extrкme
arriиre а sa position extrкme avant et pour interdire cette circulation lorsque le tube se deplace en
sens inverse, ces moyens de commande (20, 21) йtant actionnйs lors du changement du sens de
dйplacement du tube (6).
2. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй en ce qu il comporte une
seconde sйrie de buses (23) en avant de la premiиre sйrie, les buses de la seconde sйrie йtant
dirigйes vers l'avant et йgalement inclinйes sur l'axe du tube (6).
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3. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 2, caractйrisй en ce que les buses (23) de la
seconde sйrie sont implantйes dans des orifices mйnagйs dans la paroi du tube (6).
4. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 2, caractйrisй en ce que les buses (23) de la
seconde sйrie sont implantйes dans des orifices mйnagйs dans la paroi d'un second tube de
forme annulaire (31, 32) dйplaзable avec le premier tube (6) et reliй а la source de fluide sous
pression (9).
5. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 4, caractйrisй en ce que les premier et second
tubes (6, 31, 32) se prйsentent sous la forme d'anneaux fermйs.
6. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй
en ce qu'il comporte des moyens de protection (28, 29, 30) pour empкcher tout contact entre les
buses (22, 23) et le membre а soigner.
7. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй
en ce que l'axe du ou des tubes (6, 31, 32) s'йtend horizontalement.
8. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 7, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte une console
allongйe (24) pour supporter le membre а soigner, cette console traversant l'йvidement central du
ou des tubes (6, 31, 32).
9. Appareil d 'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 8 pour le traitement d'une jambe d'un patient,
caractйrisй en ce que la console (24) comprend deux tiges ndjacentes (25) s'йtendant
parallиlement а l'axe du ou des tubes (6, 31, 32), une plaquette (26) pour supporter le talon du
patient, cette plaquette йtant montйe coulissante le long des tiges (25).
10. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 9, caractйrisй en ce que la console (24)
comprend йgalement un crochet (27) pour immobiliser latйralement le pied du patient, ce crochet
йtant montй coulissant le long des tiges (25), en arriиre de la plaquette (26 > , et apte а etre
insйrй entre le gros orteil et l'orteil adjacent.
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53. FR2630911 - 10.11.1989
MOVING AND MODULATED HYDROTHERAPY BATH DEVICE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2630911
Applicant(s):
BERTORA RENE (FR); TESTA JEAN PIERRE (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/02
E Class: A61H33/00N
Application Number:
FR19880006197 (19880504)
Priority Number: FR19880006197 (19880504)
Family: FR2630911
Abstract:
THE SUBJECT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION IS A MOVING AND MODULATED HYDROTHERAPY
BATH DEVICE. IT CONSISTS OF THE COMBINATION, FIRST OF A BATH TUB 1 OR OF A DEFINED
SPACE OF A LARGER TANK, COMPRISING A HEADREST 2 AND A FOOTREST 3 WHICH CAN BE
ADJUSTED IN HEIGHT AND WHICH HOLD THE PATIENT 4 AFLOAT, AND WHICH IS EQUIPPED
WITH HEADS WHICH ARE FIXED OR TILT 5 USING A MOTOR SYSTEM 11, THE HEADS BEING
PROVIDED WITH SPRAY NOZZLES 6 DIRECTED TOWARDS THE BODY, SECONDLY, OF A PUMP 9
WITH A FILTER DELIVERING INTO A MANIFOLD 12 WHICH SUPPLIES THE NOZZLES
INDIVIDUALLY AND RECYCLES THE WATER FROM THE BATH, THIS WATER BEING
TEMPERATURE-CONTROLLED AND CONTAINING SOLID, LIQUID OR GASEOUS THERAPEUTIC
PRODUCTS, AND FINALLY, OF A PROGRAMMING MEANS 7 WHICH SYNCHRONISES THE
SEQUENTIAL SUPPLY OF THE NOZZLES AND THEIR PIVOTING MOVEMENTS. IT IS INTENDED TO
INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HYDROTHERAPEUTIC TREATMENTS BY SUBJECTING THE
PATIENT TO PASSIVE ACTIVE OR ACTIVE/PASSIVE EXERCISES UNDER THE ACTION OF
DIRECTED AND MODULATED JETS. Description:
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BAIN DYNAMIQUE
La prйsente invention a pour objet un dispositif de bain hydrothйrapique mouvant et modulй.
Il est destinй а augmenter l ' efficacitй des traitements hydrothйrapiques en faisant effectuer au
patient une gymnastique passive active et activo-passive sous l1action de jets dirigйs et modulйs.
Les dispositifs rйalisйs а ce jour mettent а profit le pouvoir relaxant, tonifiant et curatif des bains,
les rйsultats йtant renforcйs en jouant sur les variations thermiques, la projection de jets ou
l'adjonction de gaz, sels, boues, etc.
Mais l'action des traitements hydrothйrapiques courants est anarchique, superficielle et
approximative.
Le dispositif suivant la prйsente invention se propose de remйdier а ces inconvйnients. En effet, il
permet de faire effectuer au patient une gymnastique passive,' active et activo-passive et une
relaxation profonde par la transmission de mouvements prйcis, variйs et modulables de reptation
antйro postйrieurs, latйraux, et combinйs dans le but d'obtenir - une dйcoaptation des
articulations vertйbrales par mobilisation passive et douce assurant un assouplissement du rachis, une relance de la circulation gйnйrale et capillaire permettant la restauration des йchanges
chimiques au niveau musculaire et intra-articulaire afin de freiner ou de provoquer la rйgression de
toute pathologie non infectieuse de l'axe vertйbral, - une activitй musculaire induite, dosйe et
prйcise, - une relaxation psychique donnant accиs а des niveaux supйrieurs de conscience.
I1 est constituй par la combinaison d'abord, d'une baignoire, ou d'un espace dйterminй d'un
bain de plus grande dimension, comportant un appui-tкte et un appui-pieds rйglables en hauteur
maintenant le patient en йtat de flottaison, et йquipй de tкtes fixes, ou oscillantes grвce а un
systиme а moteur, munies de buses de projection dirigйes vers le corps ensuite, d'une pompe
avec filtre dйbitant dans un distributeur alimentant individuelle ment les buses, et recyclant l'eau du
bain, cette eau йtant contrфlйe en tempйrature et contenant des produits thйrapeutiques solides,
liquides ou gazeux, enfin, d'un moyen de programmation assurant la synchronisation de
l'alimentation sйquentielle des buses et de leurs mouvements oscillants.
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Sur les dessins annexйs, donnйs а titre d'exemple non limitatif d'une des formes de l'invention
Les figures 1, 2, 3 reprйsentent schйmatiquement le dispositif avec buses oscillantes, vu en coupe
longitudinale (fig 1), en plan (fig 2) et en coupe transversale (fig 3).
Les figures 4, 5, 6 montrent de la mкme maniиre le dispositif avec buses fixes.
Le dispositif, figure 1 а 3, est constituй d'une baignoire 1 ou d'un espace dйterminй d'un bain de
plus grande dimension, rempli d'une eau contenant des produits thйrapeutiques, comportant un
appui-tкte 2 et un appui-pieds 3 rйglables en hauteur maintenant le patient 4 en йtat de flottaison,
et йquipй de tкtes pivotantes 5 munies de buses de projection 6 dont le champ d'action couvre la
surface du corps du baigneur 4. Les tкtes pivotantes 5, constituйes d'une enveloppe fixйes sur les
parois de la baignoire 1, ou sur des supports immergйs, et d'une partie mobile portant la buse 6,
sont alignйes sur le fond 7 ou sur les parois latйrales 8 de la baignoire et sont alimentйes par une
pompe 9 recyclant l'eau du bain. Le flux de liquide propulsй par les buses 6 balaie un espace et
crйe une poussйe qui se dйplace avec la rotation et le relayage des diffйrentes tкtes.
Comme les parties mobiles des tкtes 5 sont reliйes entre elles par un systиme de tringlerie 10
assurant une parfaite synchronisation des mouvements d'oscillations gйnйrйs par un ou plusieurs
moteurs 11 et qu'elles sont successivement alimentйes par un distributeur 12, le rйsultat sera une
onde se dйplaзant sur le corps du baigneur 4. La forme de cette onde pourra кtre multiple, selon
les choix effectuйs pour les commutations, les durйes, vitesses, pressions et dйbit, ces choix йtant
ajustables et programmables grвce а un moyen de contrфle 13 consistant prйfйrentiellement en
un systиme а microprocesseur agissant aussi bien sur le distributeur 12 que sur le ou les moteurs
11. Un filtre et un rйgulateur de tempйrature complиtent le dispositif.
Les figures 4 а 6 montrent ie mкme dispositif, mais avec buses fixes 6, montйes sur des rampes 14
fixйes longitudinalement sur le fond 7 ou les parois 8 de la baignoire 1 ou sur des support s
immergйs. Les flux de liquide propulsйs par les buses 6 de diffйrents dйbits et mises
successivement sous pression crйent une onde qui progresse. Diffйrentes figures peuvent кtre
envi sagйes en fonction des sйquences de commutation du distributeur 12 contrфlй par le moyen
de programmation 13.
Grвce aux nombreuses possibilitйs de rйglage et de programmation, permettant une grande
divйrsitй de mouvements modulables induits, et entraоnant une efficacitй notablernent accrue des
traitements hydrothйrapiques, le dispositif qui vient d'кtre dйcrit se prкte particuliиrement bien а
359/2210
la rйalisation d'installations de bains dans tous les йtablissements oщ cette thйrapeutique est
appliquйe.
Le positionnement des divers йlйments constitutifs donnent а ce dispositif un maximum d'effets
utiles qui n'avaient pas йtй obtenus а ce jour par des dispositifs similaires.
Cependant, les formes, dimensions et dispositions des diffйrents йlйments pourront varier dans la
limite des йquivalents, sans changer pour cela, la conception gйnйrale de l'invention qui vient
d'кtre dйcrite. Claims:
REVENDICATlONS
1" Dispositif de bain hydrothйrapique mouvant et modulй, caractйrisй par la combinaison d'une
baignoire (1), comportant un appui-tкte (2) et un appui-pieds (3) rйglables en-hauteur et maintenant
le patient (4) en йtat de flottaison, et йquipйe de tкtes pivotantes (5) constituйes d'enveloppes
fixйes longitudinalement sur le fond (7) et les parois latйrales (8) de la baignoire (1) ou sur des
supports immergйs, et munies de buses (6) alimentйes individuellement et dont le champ d'action
couvre la surface du corps du baigneur, avec un ensemble de sйquence ment composй d'une part
d'une pompe (9) dйbitant dans un distributeur (12) assurant une alimentation indйpendante de
chaque buse (6) et d'autre part, d'un ensemble de tringlerie (10), assurant une parfaite
synchronisation des mouvements d'oscillation des buses (6), et actionnй par un ou plusieurs
moteurs (11) йtant contrфlйs et synchronisйs par un moyen de programmation (13)
prйfйrentiellement а microprocesseur, agissant sur la durйe et la vitesse de sйquencement, la
pression et le dйbit dans le but de crйer sur le corps du patient (4) des ondes de pression de forme
quelconque.
20 Dispositif suivant la revendication 1 et une variante d'exйcution, se caractйrisant par des buses
fixes (6) de formes et dйbits variables montйes sur des rampes (14) disposйes longitudinalement
sur le fond (7) et les parois latйrales (8) de la baignoire, ou sur des supports immergйs.
30 Dispositif suivant les revendications 1 et 2 caractйrisй par l'utilisation de filtres et rйgulateurs de
tempйrature, et l'ajout а l'eau du bain de produits solides, liquides ou gazeux.
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54. FR2637497 - 13.04.1990
INSTALLATION FOR BODY MASSAGE, IN PARTICULAR BY MEANS OF HYDROTHERAPY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2637497
Applicant(s):
TRIZAC JACQUES (FR); COGNET JEAN (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H37/00
E Class: A61H9/00
Application Number:
FR19880014516 (19881012)
Priority Number: FR19880014516 (19881012)
Family: FR2637497
Abstract:
THE INSTALLATION IS CHARACTERISED IN THAT IT COMPRISES A SEALED MODULAR
ENCLOSURE 1 DIMENSIONED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ACCOMMODATE A PATIENT AND A
PRACTITIONER; THE SAID ENCLOSURE IS FITTED WITH A MULTIPOSITIONAL SUPPORT
SURFACE 10 FOR THE PATIENT, A WATER HOSE 14 WHICH IS VARIABLE AND IS LINKED TO
DISTRIBUTION, CONTROL AND ADJUSTMENT MEMBERS ASSOCIATED WITH A TECHNICAL UNIT
17, MEANS 4, 12, 13 FOR ADJUSTABLE POSITIONING OF THE WATER HOSE, A LOWER INCLINED
SURFACE 2A FOR THE REMOVAL OR THE RECYCLING OF THE WATER DISTRIBUTED BY THE
HOSE, AND MEANS 24 FOR REMOVAL OF STEAM. Description:
L'invention concerne une installation de massage corporel par hydrothйrapie notamment.
361/2210
L'objet de l'invention se rattache au secteur technique du traitement du corps humain par action de
l'eau.
On connatt des baignoires et des cabines de douche йquipйes de jets d'eau multiples pour le
massage musculaire du corps humain en position allongйe ou en station debout.
On connaоt йgalenent des installations d'hydro- thйrapie amйnagйes dans les stations
thermales ou dans des centres spйcialisйs.
Les baignoires et les cabines de douche actuelles ne pernettent pas le traitement efficace du
patient dans n'importe quelle position de la -verticale & l'horizontale.
D'autre part, ces йquipements sont individuels et de ce fait, il n'est pas possible de combiner le
massage par projection d'eau avec un massage manuel effectuй par une autre personne, comme
cela est pratiquй dans les centres de traitement spйcialisйs et les stations thermales.
Cependant, dans ces stations, le volume occupй pour les traitements hydrothйrapiques du corps
n'est pas limitй les massages manuels sont rйalisйs simultanйment aux massages aquatiques
dans des locaux trиs vastes ou bien aprиs dans des locaux annexes.
L'installation selon l'invention remйdie h ces inconvйnients et offre de nouvelles perspectives
thйrapeu- tiques, en ce sens qu'elle permet dans un meme volume compact de masser un patient
manuellement et par l'hydrothйrapie1 ce qui met & portйe de tous praticiens les traitements
jusqu'ici rйservйs aux stations thermales ou aux centres spйcialisйs.
Pour cela et selon une premiиre caractйristique, l'installation comprend une enceinte modulaire
йtanche dimensionnйe pour abriter un patient et un praticien ; ladite enceinte est amйnagйe avec
un plan d'appui & positions multiples pour le patient, une lance h eau rйglable et reliйe & des
organes de distribution, de connande et de rйglage associйs а un bloc technique, des moyens de
fixation a position rйglable de la lance, un plan infйrieur inclinй pour l'йvacuation ou le recyclage
de l'eau distribuйe par la lance, et des moyens d'йvacuation de vapeur.
Selon une autre caractйristique, l'enceinte йtanche et modulaire est constituйe par un socle
incorporant le plan infйrieur inclinй, en direction d'un bac de rйtention de l'eau utilisйe, des
montants et traverses en profilйs d'alliage lйger servant de cadre a des parois & une porte et a
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un plafond de prйfйrence transparents, et de crйmaillиres pour la fixation rйglable en hauteur
d'une barre transversale de montage du moyen de fixation de la lance & eau.
D'autres caractйristiques se trouvent dans les organes de distribution, de commande et de rйglage
de la lance а eau selon lesquelles
- la lance est reliйe par une rotule е un flexible de liaison avec l'arrivйe d'eau
- la lance est йquipйe d'un organe de rйglage de la forme du Jet
- le dйbit et la pression de la lance sont commandйs par des vannes de rйglage
- l'eau amenйe а la lance est chauffйe par un chauffe-eau йlectrique а contrфle constant de
tempйrature
- le bac de rйtention de l'eau utilisйe est йquipй d'un dispositif de filtration et de canalisations de
recyclage ou de mise а l'йgout
- le bloc technique et/ou le socle reзoivent une arrivйe d'eau froide, une arrivйe d'eau recyclйe,
une pompe йlectrique de circulation de l'eau, un dispositif de mise en pression de l'eau, un
systиme tampon par ballon d'eau, et des vannes de rйglage d'arrivйe et d'йvacuation d'eau
- des moyens de stйrilisation de l'eau utilisйe.
Ces caractйristiques et d'autres encore ressortiront de la suite de la description.
Pour fixer l'objet de l'invention, sans toutefois le limiter, dans les dessins annexйs
La figure 1 est une vue en perspective illustrant un exemple de rйalisation de l'installation selon
l'invention.
La figure 2 est une vue en coupe de l'installation selon la figure 1.
La figure 3 est une vue en coupe montrant le massage combinй manuel et hydrothйrapique.
La figure 4 est une vue en coupe montrant le massage hydrothйrapique seul.
Afin de rendre plus concret l'objet de l'invention, on le dйcrit maintenant d'une maniиre non
limitative en se rйfйrant aux exemples de realisation des figures des dessins.
Pour la clartй des dessins, on a reprйsentй une installation relativement vaste, mais dans la
rйalitй l'enceinte modulaire est йtablie avec des dimensions simplement suffisantes pour loger un
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patient et un praticien. Ces dimensions peuvent кtre sensiblement les suivantes : longueur 3m,
largeur lm, hauteur 2m.
L'enceinte (1) est rйalisйe avec des matйriaux rйsistant a l'eau et comprend principalement un
socle (2) en matйriau plastique, dont la face supйrieure est inclinйe longitudinalement en
direction d'un bac (3) de rйtention de l'eau -qui peut etre indйpendant du socle ou formй d'une
seule piиce avec lui, et qui s'йtend transversalement & une extrйmitй longitudinale de l'enceinte.
Des montants d'angle et intermйdiaires (4a > sont solidarisйs au socle par tous moyens
dйmontables appropriйs, ainsi qu'a des traverses < 5) pour constituer un cadre gйnйral rйalisй
avec des profilйs en alliage lйger et destinй & recevoir des parois latйrales (6 > , une porte et
un plafond (8). D'une maniere prйfйrйe quoique non limitative, ces elйments (6, 7 et 8 > sont
rйalises en matiиre transparente ou translucide et sont assujettis aux profilйs d'encadrement de
maniиre йtanche.
Du cфtй du bac de rйtention (8 > , les montants d'angle (4) sont reliйs entre eux par des barres
parallиles < 9) dйfinissant un espalier et sur lesquelles est accrochй en < 10a) un plan du type
planche, destinй & l'appui du patient & BR< traiter. Comme on le voit bien aux figures des dessins,
on peut ainsi obtenir diffйrentes inclinaisons de la planche suivant le niveau d'accrochage, йtant
entendu que ladite planche est toujours en appui sur le socle. D'autre part, l'extrйmitй opposйe i
l'accrochage est йquipйe d'un piиtement rabattable permettant, lorsqu'il est dйpliй, un
positionnement horizontal de la planche comme illustrй & la figure 8.
Dans la longueur de l'enceinte et par exemple innediatement aprиs la porte (7), les deux montants
intermйdiaires C4a > sont rйalisйs sous forme de crйmaillиre afin de recevoir, de maniиre
rйglable en hauteur, par accrochage ou autrement, une barre transversale sur laquelle est montй
а coulissement un support (18 > pour une lance а eau (14) а forme de jet rйglable reliйe par une
canalisation flexible (15 > a des moyens de distribution de l'eau. La lance est avantageusement
йquipйe d'un dispositifsupport е rotule (14a > pour кtre orientйe tous azimuts lorsqu'elle est
solidarisйe а son support (13). D'autre part, la lance peut кtre mise en attente sur un autre
support .
Dans l'exemple non limitatif illustrй, le support est associй d un bloc technique C1F) disposй
dans l'enceinte d l'opposй du patient, mais il est bien йvident que ce bloc peut кtre placй a
l'extйrieur de l'enceinte ou bien encore ses principaux organes peuvent etre logйs dans
364/2210
l'йpaisseur du socle et/ou en partie dans les bacs de rйtention, seules les manettes de commande
d'arrivйe, de pression, de dйbit, de rйglage de tempйrature, йtant intйgrйes a l'enceinte pour
la facilitй de manipulation.
Dans l'exemple illustrй, le bloc technique incorpore une pompe йlectrique, un chauffe-eau
йlectrique (non reprйsentes) assurant le maintien en tempйrature quel que soit le dйbit de l'eau,
un dispositif de mise en pression de l'eau (non reprйsentй) et des vannes de passage et de
rйglage d'arrivйe et d'йvacuation d'eau (non reprйsentйes). A titre indicatif, la pression maximum
est de l'ordre de 5 bars et le dйbit 100 litres/minute.
Le bac de rйtention est йquipй d'un moyen de filtration de l'eau utilisйe soit par des fiitres-grilles
amovibles (18) soit par un filtre du type utilisй pour les piscines, soit encore les deux moyens selon
l'intensitй d'utilisation.
De mкme, l'eau utilisйe est stйrilisйe avant recyclage soit par un dispositif d ultra-violets disposй
sur le circuit soit par adjonction dans le bac d'un produit du type chlore, soit encore par les deux
selon l'intensitй d'utilisation.
Entre la canalisation (19) de recyclage de l'eau et la lance, un systиme tampon est prйvu par
exemple par ballon d'eau .
Bien entendu, dans le point le plus bas du bac de rйtention est prйvue une canalisation (21) de
mise A l'йgout de l'eau utilisйe, de mEme qu'une arrivйe d'eau neuve (22) йquipe le bloc
technique pour renouvellement avec dispositif de trop plein pour йvacuation directe & l'йgout.
Comme indiquй plus haut, des manettes de commande C23) reliйes a des vannes assurent les
diffйrentes fonctions nйcessaires, c'est- & dire le rйglage en tempйrature, le rйglage du dйbit et
le reglage de la pression. Ces manettes sont disposйes sur le bloc technique ou sur l'un des
montants de l'enceinte pour кtre accessibles au praticien.
Enfin, un dispositif d'йvacuation de vapeur ou de recyclage de l'air chaud et humide (ventilateur
йlectrique (24) par exemple > est fixй au plafond de l'enceinte.
Les avantages ressortent bien de la description, on souligne notamment
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- Le caractиre compact et modulaire de l'installation, permettant sa mise en oeuvre dans tous
locaux de petites dimensions et avec un minimum d'adaptation des lieux.
- La possibilitй pour un masseur de pratiquer des soins parfaitement adaptйs aux diffйrents cas
pathologiques, par le positionnmeent rйglable du patient, les multiples rйglages de distribution de
l'eau, la fixation rйglable tous azimuts de la lance dans l'enceinte, lui permettant d'effectuer
simultanйment un massage manuel.
Cette installation s'avиre particuliиrement interessante sur un plan thйrapeutique en associant les
bienfaits d'un massage manuel au massage hydrothйrapique apportant un effet antalgique,
circulatoire, dйcontractant musculaire et relaxant psychique, et sur un plan de confort et d'hygiиne
pour des prйparations ou rйcupйrations sportives, pour les soins du corps et de l'esprit. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
-1- Installation de massage corporel par hydrothйrapie notamment, caractйrisйe en ce qu'elle
comprend une enceinte modulaire йtanche (1) dimensionnйe pour abriter un patient et un praticien ;
ladite enceinte est amйnagйe avec un plan d'appui (10) a positions multiples pour le patient, une
lance а eau (14) а rйglage et reliйe а des organes de distribution, de commande et de rйglage
associйs а un bloc technique (17 > , des moyens (4, 12, 13 > de fixation & position rйglable de la
lance, un plan infйrieur < 2a) inclinй pour l'йvacuation ou le recyclage de l'eau distribuйe par la
lance, et des moyens (24) d'йvacuation de vapeur.
-2- Installation de massage selon la revendication 1, caractйrisйe en ce que l'enceinte йtanche et
modulaire (1) est constituйe par un socle (2) incorporant le plan infйrieur (2a) inclinй, en direction
d'un bac (3) de rйtention de l'eau utilisйe, des montants C4) et traverses (5 > en profilйs d'alliage
lйger servant de cadre а des parois (6), а une porte < 7) et а un plafond (8) de prйfйrence
transparents, et de crйmaillиres (4a) pour la fixation rйglable en hauteur d'une barre transversale
(12) de montage du moyen de fixation (13) de la lance a eau .
-3- Installation de massage selon la revendication 1, caractйrisйe en ce que la position rйglable du
plan d'appui < 10? est obtenue par accrochage en (lOa) d'une de ses extrйmitйs longitudinales
366/2210
sur des barres parallиles < 9) dйfinissant un espalier et reliйes aux montants d'angle (4) de
l'enceinte, tandis que l'autre extrйmitй du plan (10) prend apui sur le socle (2) de l'enceinte.
-4- Installation de massage selon la revendication 3, caractйrisйe en ce que le plan d'appui (10) est
йquipe du cotй opposй а son accrochage sur les barres (9V, d'un piиtement rabattable (11)
permettant un positionnement horizontal du plan d'appui (10 > .
-5- Installation de massage selon la revendication 1, caractйrisйe en ce que les moyens de fixation
а position rйglable de la lance (13) sont constituйs par un support de lance (13) montй а
coulissement sur une barre transversale (12 > elle-neme montйe de maniere rйglable en hauteur
par rapport а deux montants intermйdiaires (4a > de l'enceinte formant crйmaillиre par exemple.
-6- Installation de massage selon la revendication 2, caractйrisйe en ce que le bac de rйtention C3)
est disposй dans l'enceinte е ltextrйmitй longitudinale la plus basse du plan inclinй (2a > en
йtant intйgrй au socle ou accolй а lui.
-7- Installation selon la revendication 1, caractйrisйe en ce que la lance (14 > est йquipйe d'un
organe de liaison avec sa canalisation du type rotule (14a) autorisant son orientation tous azimuts
lorsqu'elle est assujettie а son dispositif de fixation а positionnement rйglable.
-8- Installation selon la revendication 1, caractйrisйe en ce que le circuit des moyens de
distribution de rйglage et de commande de l'eau comprend des vannes de rйglage de la
tempйrature du dйbit et de la pression de l'eau, des manettes de commande C23) accessibles
dans l'enceinte, un chauffe-eau йlectrique а contrфle constant de la tempйrature, une pompe
йlectrique de circulation de l'eau, un dispositif de mise en pression de l'eau, un systиme tampon du
type ballon d'eau C20), des moyens de filtration et de stйrilisation de l'eau utilisйe, ainsi que des
canalisations d'arrivйe d'eau neuve (22) et d'йvacuation des eaux usйes (21 > .
-9- Installation selon la revendication 8, caractйrisйe en ce que les moyens composant le circuit
d'eau sont logйs totalement ou en partie dans un bloc technique (17) qui est soit intйgrй dans
l'enceinte, soit amйnagй dans le socle, soit encore situй а l'extйrieur de l'enceinte.
-10- Installation selon la revendication 1, caractйrisйe en ce que les moyens d'йvacuation de la
vapeur sont constituйs par un ventilateur йlectrique fixй au plafond de l'enceinte et autorisant le
recyclage de l'air chaud humide.
367/2210
55. FR2644547 - 21.09.1990
REMOVABLE AND ADJUSTABLE FLUID DISTRIBUTOR INTENDED, FOR EXAMPLE, FOR THE
PRACTICE OF VIGOROUS HYDROTHERAPY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2644547
Applicant(s):
NACCACHIAN RENE (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; F16K
IP Class:
A61H9/00; A61H39/04; F16K11/074
E Class: B05B1/16B3B
Application Number:
FR19890003282 (19890314)
Priority Number: FR19890003282 (19890314)
Family: FR2644547
Abstract:
REMOVABLE AND ADJUSTABLE FLUID DISTRIBUTOR INTENDED FOR THE PRACTICE, FOR
EXAMPLE, OF VIGOROUS HYDROTHERAPY BY STIMULATING THE ACUPUNCTURE POINTS AND
MERIDIANS IN THE SEARCH FOR A BETTER BIOTONIC BALANCE. ESSENTIALLY CONSISTING OF
A STATIONARY SLEEVE 1 FIXED TO THE WRIST AND OF A ROTATING SLEEVE 9, THE PLANES OF
THE TWO SLEEVES BEING MOUNTED WITH SLIGHT FRICTION. THE STATIONARY SLEEVE 1 IS
PIERCED WITH HOLES 6, 7, 8 FOR THE ARRIVAL OF THE FLUID, WHICH HOLES, BY ROTATING 9
PASS IN SUCCESSION IN FRONT OF THE CHANNELS 13, 15, 17 COMMUNICATING WITH THE
DISTRIBUTOR HOLES 12, 14, 16 WHICH DRIVE THE FLUID OUTWARDS, THE DISTRIBUTION OF
THE HOLES DEPENDING ON THE SOUGHT EFFECT. THE DEVICE WITH RUBBING PLANES
CLAMPED BY AN ELASTIC POINT 5 ALLOWS THE USE OF THE APPLIANCE WITH ANY NONAGGRESSIVE FLUID, WATER, AIR, STEAM, PRESSURISED MINERAL WATERS. Description:
368/2210
L'invention a pour objet un distributeur de fluide amovible et
rйglable destinй, par exemple, а la pratique de l'hydrothйrapie
energetique : stimulation des mйridiens et des points d'acupuncture
dans la recherche d'un meilleur йquilibre biotonique.
L'effet de massage, obtenu par les mouvements du manipulateur,
est dosй en surfacй travaillйe, et en concentration de jet, par la
simple variation de position de la capsule mobile coiffant le
dispositif hydrothйrapique, capsule qui selon ses positions,
conditionne la distribution, la concentration et la puissance des jets d'esu sur les points choisis.
A la description d'un exemple de rйalisation sont annexees,
pour la meilleure comprйhension du dispositif de rйglage, deux
planches, I comprenant en figure 1 une coupe axiale de l'ensemble,
en figure 2 une vue de dessus de l'йlйment distributeur et II en
figure 3 une vue de dessous du gicleur et de ses canaux d'alimentation.
L'ensemble peut etre soit fixй en rajout sur une monture
hydrothйrapique classique qui a le rфle de filtre, soit montй sur
une poignйe prйvue а cet effet.
L'appareil dйcrit est prйvu pour venir complйter une poignйe hydrothйrapique classique du
commerce.
L'ensemble se compose d'une bague fixe (1) munie d'un filtrage
intйrieur conique (2) qui se visse et se bloque sur la monture du
commerce. La bague fixe (1) comporte plusieurs points fixes (3)
placйs sur la partie cylindrique et servant de repиre au rйglage. Sur la bague (1) une rainure
extйrieure (4) est amйnagйe pour recevoir un
joint (5) 25 qui empкche les remontйes d'eau. Le fond de la bague
(1) est percй de trous (6) disposйs а la pйriphйrie et (7) et (8)
disposйs vers le centre. La disposition des trous et leur nombre
peuvent кtre diffйrents. Ils sont fonction de leur rфle face а la coupelle mobile (9).
369/2210
La coupelle mobile (9) est fixйe tournante sur (1) par un jonc
rabattu serti (10) qui coiffe le joint d'йtanchйitй (5).
Cette coupelle (9) est munie d'un index (11) qui situe les bonnes positions face aux points de
repиre (3) de la bague (1).
La coupelle (9) comporte plusieurs sйries de trous gicleurs
Ici trois sur cet exemple а savoir un trou central (12) et son canal
d'alimentation (13), une sйrie de trous mйdians (14) et leurs canaux
(15) et une couronne de trous extйrieurs (16) et leurs canaux (17).
Les trous (12) (14) et (16) йtant de diamиtre diffйrent, ici,
dйcroissants.
La bague mobile (9) dans l'exemple choisi est а 3 positions
A.B.C. face aux points (3) de la bague fixe (1), points 3 et 12 sont
lа а titre indicatif, mais toutes les positions intermйdiaires sont utilisables. La distribution йtant telle
qu'elle n'est jamais
totalement fermйe, il n'y a pas de risque d'йclatement de l'ensemble
hydrothйrapique qui reste commandй par le robinet d'entrйe d'eau qui
garde son role de rйgulateur. L'appareil objet de l'invention йtant
un distributeur hydrothйrapique modulable.
L'index (11) placй face а (3)A,a le trou (7) dйbouche dans le
couloir (13) et l'eau passe forcйe dans le trou (12) en un jet unique
et brutal.
L'index (11) placй entre Aa et B prиs de A,a les trous (6)
libйrant l'eau dans les couloirs (17) et (13) l'eau sort par les trous (16) en pluie fine et (12) en jet а la
pression d'arrivйe.
L'index (11) placй en Ba les trous (6) laissent passer l'eau
dans les canaux (17) et par les trous (16), le trou (7) laissant
passer l'eau en mкme temps dans les canaux (15) et les trous (14)
donnant une pluie irrйguliиre genre averse sans surpression.
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L'index (11) placй entre B et C prиs de C les couloirs (17) sont
seuls alimentйs et une pluie fine de pression moyenne sort par les
trous (16).
L'index (11) placй en C seul le couloir (15) est alimentй par
le trou (7) et les trous (14) libиrent une pluie forte de moyenne pression.
En jouant seulement sur la rotation de la douille mobile (9) on peut
obtenir tous les effets dйsirables en hydrothйrapie bruine, averse,
giboulйe, orage et jet directionnel mince et puissant.
Le dispositif qui ne comporte que deux piиces mйtalliques ou plastiques et un joint peut кtre
utilisй pour tout fluide sous
pression eau, air, vapeur, froid ou chaud,
Le node de distribution avec joint plan assure une grande
portйe, donc une charge par unitй de surface rйduite et une faible usure.
L'absence de piиces mobiles telles que billes, clapets, axes, soupapes et autres, йvite toute
nйcessitй d'entretien. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
1) Distributeur amovible et rйglable caractйrisй en ce qu'il est composй uniquement de trois
pieces : une douille fixe, un joint plastique, une douille mobile 2) Distributeur selon 1 caractйrisй en
ce gue les diffйrentes directions du fluide sont obtenues par rotation de deux plans maintenus face
а face.
3) Distributeur selon les rev 1 et 2 caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte des orifices multiples alimentйs
par des trous ou passages fixes, perces а volontй dans une douille fixe.
371/2210
4) Distributeur selon la rev 3 а effets multiples dont les trous fixes alimentent des canaux situйs dans
la douille mobile, canaux rйpartissant le fluide et le forant au travers de trous ou sйrie de trous
gicleurs selon effet dйterminй par leur emplacement et leur dimension.
5) Distributeurs selon l'ensemble des revendications 1 а 4 а plans frottants utilisables en
hydrothйrapie ou tout autre emploi а base de fluide pulsй.
372/2210
56. FR2647339 - 30.11.1990
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE COMBINING MASSAGE BY WATER JETS AND STRETCHING
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2647339
Applicant(s):
JAMET XAVIER (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
E Class: A61H9/00
Application Number:
FR19890006786 (19890524)
Priority Number: FR19890006786 (19890524)
Family: FR2647339
Abstract:
THIS DEVICE CONSISTS OF THE COMBINATION OF A TRELLIS-TYPE RAMP 1 TO 3 AND WATER
JETS 10, THE LATTER BEING ARRANGED OVERHANGING AND IN LINE WITH THE RAMP IN SUCH
A WAY THAT THEIR JETS 9 COVER PART OR ALL OF THE BACK OF THE USER LYING IN A
POSITION OF HIS CHOICE ON THE SAID INCLINED RAMP. DEVICE ADAPTED TO A POOL FOR
PHYSICAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES. Description:
La prйsente invention concerne un dispositf d'hydrothйrapie associant Ze massage par jets d'eau
et l'йlongation en particulier en piscine et surtout pour les piscines du type intйgrant des postes
d'exercices aux profils anatomique et ergonomique
L'originalitй de cette invention rйside en l'association et la disposition de deux systйmes
constituant d'une part , une rampe espaliйre dont l'inclinaison peut кtre variable suivant le poids et
373/2210
la force des individus, d'autre part, en regard а ladite rampe inclinйe, des jets d'eau а pression et
orientation variable.
L'application de ce dispositif est remarquable pour remddier aux problйmes de colonne vertйbrale.
Cet espalier а jets d'eau associйs permet, avec ou sans exercices, l'йlongation de la colonne
vertйbrale et Ze massage des muscles lombaires.
Ce dispositif dont la description va suivre, tonifie, relaxe et procure une rйelle sensation de bien
etre
La figure 1,reprйsente en vue en coupe de l'amйnagement du dit dispositif sur une extrйmitй de
bassin, w rompe espaXiere constituйe de deux montants (1) en regards comportant des crйneaux
(2) dont Ze pas r4) et le nombre peut-etre variable, recevant des barreaux (3) dont la disposition
peut кtre faite suivant l'agrйment de chaque utilisateur.
Ladite rampe espaZiйre ainsi constituйe peut varier en inclinaison de l'angle (5) par rapport а l'axe
du barreau (7)
Afin d'optimaliser ce dispositif, l'axe du premier barreau position basse (7J devra se situer au
niveau du plan d'eau (8), et d'une distance (6) de Om50 + Om10 du bord du bassin
On comprendra aisйment suivant la figure 1, que cette disposition permet en plus une
gymnastique des membresinfйrieurs.
les hydrojets (10) situйs en surplomb et en regard de ladite rampe espaliйre,les jets (9) peuvent
кtre rйglables en pression et en orientation, ainsi que l'angle formant Ze faisceau des jets, afin
de'masser tout Ze dos de l'utilisateur,des cervicales aux derniйres vertйbres.
La figure 2, est un exemple de l'amйnagement de plusieurs postes sur une extrйmitй de bassin.
Disposition rationnelle et esthйtique.
Donnй а titre d'exemple: une extrйmitй de 5 mйtre de largeur et de 1,30 mйtre de profondeur,
six postes y sont installйs disposant chacun d'environ 0,80 mйtres de largeur.
Le premier barreau (7) sera situй suivant la description de la figure 1, Zes autre barreaux seront
fixes au pas d'environ 0,15 mиtres
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La rampeespaliйre a une inclinaison de 45 degrй sur les supports (1).
On peut sans sortir du cadre de l'invention modifier le dispositif par substitustion d'йquivalent .
On peut notamment changer l'angl d'inclinaison,espacer plus ou moins les barreaux.
- IZ est possible de substituer Zes barreaux par de simple trous sur un plan inclinй Claims:
REVENDICATIONS 1 -Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie associant le massage par jets d'eau et l'йlongation,
caractйrisй en ce qu'il est constituй par l'association d'une rampe espaliйre
(1а3) et d'hydrojets (10),ces derniers йtant disposйs en surplomb et en
regard de la rampe de maniйre а ce que leurs jets ( 9) couvrent une partie
ou l'ensemble du dos de l'utilisateur positionnй d sa convenance sur ladite
rampe inclinйe.
2 -Dispositif selon la revendication n 1 ,caractйrisй en ce que la rampe
espaliйre est formйe par deux montants (1) en regards comportant des crйneaux
(2) dont Ze pas (4J et le nombre est variable,recevant des barreau: (3J dont la
disposition peut etre faite suivant Z'agrйment de chaque utilisateur.
Ladite rampe espaliйre aissi constituйe , peut varier en inclinaison de
l'angle (5) par rapport а l'axe du barreau (7).
3 -Dispositif seZon la revendication n 1 caractйrisй en ce que les hydrojets
(10) situйs en surpomb et regard de Zadite rampe espaliйre.
Les jets (9) sont regZabZe en pression et orientation ainsi que Z'angZe (ss)
formant le faisseau des jets permettant ainsi une efficacitйe maximm des
zones а traiter de l'utilisateur .
4 -Application du dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 3
caractйrisй en ce que l'axe du premier barreau position basse (7) doit se situer
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au niveau du pZan d'eau (8) et d'une distance (6) de son support (11)
5 -Application du dispositif celon l'une quelconque des revvendications 1 а 4,
а tout bassin ou plan d'eau au bord duquel il soit montй te@porairement
ou intйgrй.
376/2210
57. FR2647672 - 07.12.1990
ASSEMBLY FOR EQUIPPING HYDROTHERAPY POOLS, AND POOL FITTED WITH SUCH AN
ASSEMBLY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2647672
Inventor(s):
DUPOUY ROBERT (--)
Applicant(s):
DAX THERMALE (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
E Class: A61H33/02
Application Number:
FR19890007821 (19890602)
Priority Number: FR19890007821 (19890602)
Family: FR2647672
Abstract:
THE ASSEMBLY ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION IS INTENDED TO BE ARRANGED ON THE
BOTTOM WALL 1 OF A POOL AND COMPRISES A TROUGH 2 WHICH IS OPEN TOWARDS THE
INSIDE OF THE SAID POOL AND RECEIVES A GRATING 3 AT A DISTANCE FROM ITS BOTTOM 4,
AT LEAST ONE CONDUIT 5 FOR SUPPLYING FLUID INTO THE TROUGH 2, AT LEAST ONE MAIN
CONDUIT CONNECTED TO THE CONDUIT OR CONDUITS 5, AND AT LEAST ONE SOURCE FOR
SUPPLY OF FLUID. THE ASSEMBLY IS CHARACTERISED ESSENTIALLY IN THAT THE CONDUITS 5
FOR SUPPLYING FLUID INTO THE TROUGH 2 ARE ARRANGED UNDER THE BOTTOM 4 OF THE
SAID TROUGH AND COMMUNICATE WITH THE INSIDE OF THE LATTER BY WAY OF OPENINGS 7.
Description:
377/2210
La prйsente invention a pour objet un ensemble pour l'йquipement de piscines d'hydrothйrapie et
une piscine dotйe d'un tel ensemble.
L'ensemble selon l'invention trouve son application dans les piscines utilisйes dans le cadre de
traitements hydrothйrapeutiques par exemple pour la rййducation, la rhumatologie, la phlйbologie
ou autres.
Les dispositifs connus de l'art antйrieur йquipant les piscines utilisйes dans le cadre ci-dessus
йvoquй sont constituйs d'une centrale d'alimentation en fluide sous pression et de plusieurs tubes
parallиles perforйs libйrant dans le fond de la piscine le fluide sous pression.
Ces ensembles d'amenйe de fluide dans le fond de la piscine sont disposйs dans des fosses
parallиles mйnagйes dans le dit fond de la piscine et recevant un caillebotis formant une surface
de marche.
Le fluide amenй par les tubes forme des bulles qui ont un effet thйrapeutique sur les personnes
circulant sur le caillebotis.
Ces dispositifs connus de l'art antйrieur prйsentent de nombreux inconvйnients dont le plus
important rйside dans la difficultй d respecter les conditions d'hygiиne.
En effet, il est imposй un nettoyage frйquent et profond de l'ensemble du fond de la piscine.
Ces dispositifs existants sont fixйs de faзon dйfinitive dans les fosses du fond de la piscine, ce qui
rend impossible le nettoyage de l'ensemble de leur surface et de celle des fosses.
De plus, les premiers ensembles sont recouverts de caillebotis йgalement fixйs sur les fosses
rendant difficile l'accиs aux tubes d'amenйe de fluide et aux parois des dites fosses.
Ces dispositifs ainsi montйs dans les piscines sont d'ores et dйjв а proscrire pour des raisons
d'hygiиne.
Une solution a йtй apportй е ce problиme de nettoyage en concevant un ensemble d'amenйe de
fluide entiиrement dйmontable toujours disposй dans les fosses recevant un caillebotis amovible.
378/2210
Cette solution donne de trиs bons rйsultats quant aux respects des normes de propretй, mais
prйsente l'inconvйnient de nйcessiter un temps de montage et de dйmontage trиs long et de
prйsenter un coыt йlevй du fait de l'emploi de plusieurs connexions sur les tubes d'amenйe de
fluide.
De plus, tout comme dans l'ensemble antйrieur, le fond de la piscine doit кtre prййquipй de
fosses pour la rйception de ces ensembles d'amenйe de gaz, ce qui allonge le temps de
rйalisation de telles piscines et en grиve par consйquent le coыt.
La prйsente invention vise а obvier d l'ensemble de ces inconvйnients en proposant un ensemble
pour l'йquipement de piscines permettant un nettoyage rapide et profond de toute sa surface,
offrant d'excellents rйsultats quant a son fonctionnement, facilitant la rйalisation de la piscine qu'il
doit йquiper et pouvant кtre adaptй sur n'importe quelle piscine existante.
A cet effet, l'ensemble pour I'йquipement de piscines d'hydrothйrapie est destinй а кtre disposй
sur la paroi du fond de la piscine, comporte une fosse ouverte vers l'intйrieur de la dite piscine et
recevant un caillebotis en йcartement de son fond, au moins une conduite d'amenйe de fluide dans
la fosse, au moins un conduit principal connectй d la-ou aux conduites d'amenйe de fluide et d au
moins une source d'alimentation en fluide et se caractйrise essentiellement en ce que les conduites
d'amenйe de fluide dans la fosse sont disposйes sous le fond de celle-ci et communiquent avec la
dite fosse par des perforations.
D'autres avantages et caractйristiques apparaitront dans la description de formes prйfйrentielles
de rйalisation de l'invention reprйsentйes aux dessins annexйs donnйs b titre d'exemple non
limitatif et en lesquels - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe et en perspective d'une
piscine dotйe de l'ensemble selon l'invention suivant une
premiиre forme de rйalisation, - les figures 2 et 3 sont des vues en coupe en perspective de
l'ensemble selon l'invention suivant deux applications
diffйrentes е une piscine, - la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale de l'ensemble
selon l'invention, - la figure 5 est une vue en coupe longitudinale de l'ensemble, - la figure 6 est une
vue de dйtail en coupe d'une extrйmitй
de l'ensemble selon l'invention, - la figure 7 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne A/A de la
ligne 6.
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Tel que reprйsentй en figures 1, 2 et 3, l'ensemble pour l'йquipement de piscines d'hydrothйrapie
selon l'invention est destinй а кtre disposй sur la paroi 1 du fond d'une piscine.
De faзon connue, l'ensemble pour l'йquipement de piscines comporte une fosse 2 ouverte vers
l'intйrieur de la piscine et recevant un caillebotis 3 en йcartement de son fond 4, au moins une
conduite 5 d'amenйe de fluide dans la fosse 2, au moins un conduit principal 6 connectй a la ou
aux conduites 5 d'amenйe dй fluide dans la fosse 2 et а au moins une source 7 d'alimentation en
fluide.
Prйfйrentiellement, le fluide utilisй pour former des bulles dans le fond de la piscine est un gaz et
avantageusement de l'air, mais il va de soi, que l'ensemble selon l'invention n'est pas limitй a
l'emploi de l'air et peut recevoir tout autre type de fluide.
Le caillebotis 3 est placй sur la fosse 2 de faзon amovible et forme dans l'ensemble selon l'invention
la surface supйrieure qui peut кtre utilisйe comme surface de dйambulation.
Tel que reprйsentй, l'ensemble selon l'invention prйsente trois conduites 5 d'amenйe de fluide
dans la fosse 2, mais il va de soi, que ce nombre n'est pas limitatif et n'est donnй qu'd titre
d'exemple.
Les conduites 5 d'amenйe de fluide sont disposйes sous le fond 4 de la fosse 2 et communiquent
avec l'intйrieur de celle-ci par des perforations 7 par lesquelles l'air s'йchappe pour former des
bulles dans l'eau de la piscine.
Ainsi, aprиs retraft du caillebotis 3, la fosse 2 peut кtre entiиrement nettoyйe sans nйcessiter
aucune opйration de dйmontage.
Suivant une premiиre forme de rйalisation de l'ensemble selon l'invention reprйsentйe en figure 1,
la fosse 2 est formйe par coffrage dans la paroi 1 du fond de la piscine et est йquipйe de moyens
pour recevoir le caillebotis 3 amovible et les conduites 5 d'amenйe de fluide sont encastrйes dans
le fond 4 de la fosse 2 pour venir affleurer avec le dit fond et communiquer avec la dite fosse par des
perforations 7.
Les conduites 5 d'amenйe de fluide sont de section transversale polygonale et une de leur paroi
vient affleurer avec le fond 4 de la fosse 2.
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Prйfйrentiellement, les conduites 5 sont de section trapйzoidale afin d'кtre prisonniиres du bвti
de la piscine et constftuent un coffrage perdu.
Ces conduites 5 sont obturйes d une de leurs extrйmitйs et sont connectйes sur leur autre
extrйmitй avec le conduit d'alimentation principale 6 en fluide.
Suivant cette premiиre forme de rйalisation de l'ensemble pour l'йquipement de piscines
d'hydrothйrapie, la fosse 2 est formйe par coffrage dans la paroi 1 du fond de la piscine lors de la
rйalisation de cette derniиre.
Afin d'йviter ces opйrations de coffrage pour la formation de la fosse 2 et selon une autre forme de
rйalisation prйfйrentielle, l'ensemble selon l'invention est constituй d'un caisson 8 ouvert dotй
d'une paroi infйrieure 9 formant le fond 4 de la fosse 2 et de parois latйrales 10 solidaires entre elles
et а la paroi infйrieure 9 et recevant le caillebotis 3 et les conduites 5 d'amenйe de fluide dans la
fosse 2 sont fixйes sous la paroi infйrieure 9 du caisson 8 et communiquent avec celui-ci par des
perforations 7.
Suivant cette forme prйfйrentielle de rйalisation, le caisson 8 constitue la fosse 2.
Le caisson 8 prйsente des parois latйrales 10 de prйfйrence perpendiculaires d la paroi
infйrieure 9 formant le fond 4.
Ces parois latйrales 10 sont pourvues des moyens de support du caillebotis 3.
Ces moyens de support sont constituйs prйfйrentiellement par un йpaulement ll mйnagй а
l'extrйmitй supйrieure de chacune des parois latйrales 10.
Le caillebotis 3, pouvant кtre formй par plusieurs modules, vient reposer sur cet йpaulement Il
courant sur la pйriphйrie du caisson 8.
Suivant un mode prйfйrentiel de rйalisation, ce caisson 8 est formй d'un seule piиce ou de
plusieurs piиces jointes.
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Ce caisson 8 est rйalisй en une matiиre rigide rйsistant 4 la corrosion telle que de l'acier
inoxydable et est conformй par pliage ou autre.
Sous la paroi infйrieure 9 du caisson 8 sont fixйes les conduites 5 d'amenйe du fluide qui
communiquent avec la caisson 8 par des perforations 7.
Selon une forme prйfйrentielle de rйalisation reprйsentйe en figure 4, les conduites 5 sont
formйes chacune par au moins une plaque 12 conformйe de faзon d prйsenter une section
transversale en U et pourvue de pattes d'accrochage contre la face infйrieure de la paroi 9 du
caisson 8.
Ainsi entre la dite paroi infйrieure du caisson 8 et la plaque 12 conformйe en U est mйnagйe une
conduite 5.
La plaque 12 par ses pattes d'accrochage est fixйe contre la paroi infйrieure 9 du caisson 8.
Avantageusement, toutes les conduites 5 de l'ensemble selon l'invention sont rйalisйes а partir
d'une mкme plaque 12 prйsentant une section transversale en crйneau, chacun des crйneaux
dйfinissant une conduite 5 avec la paroi infйrieure 9.
Cette plaque 12 est fixйe par tous moyens connus contre la paroi infйrieure 9 du caisson, par
exemple, par soudure dans le cas d'utilisation d'acier inoxydable.
Au droit de chacune des conduites 5, la paroi infйrieure 9 du caisson 8 est pourvue de perforations
7.
Ces perforations 7 sont mйnagйes sur toute la longueur des conduites 5 et peuvent кtre pour une
mкme conduite 5 disposйes en ligne ou en quinconce.
Les conduites 5 de l'ensemble selon l'invention, prйsentent de prйfйrence une mкme section
transversale sans que ceci soit limitatif.
Prйfйrentiellement, ces conduites 5 sont de section transversale trapйzoidale dont la petite base
est formйe par la paroi infйrieure 9 du caisson 8.
382/2210
Les conduites 5 de l'ensemble selon l'invention sont solidarisйes les unes aux autres par au moins
une traverse 13 afin dйviter des dйformations de l'ensemble.
Ces traverses 13 sont fixйes sous les conduites 5 a espacements rйguliers.
L'ensemble d'йquipement pour piscines d'hydrothйrapie prйsente selon une forme prйfйrentielle
de rйalisation, une forme rectangulaire allongйe et est destinй е кtre placй suivant la longueur ou
la largeur d'une piscine.
Il va de soi que l'ensemble selon l'invention peut prйsenter tout autre forme sans que ses
caractйristiques essentielles ci-dessus et ci-aprиs prйsentйes en soient modifiйes.
Suivant cette forme rectangulaire, les conduites 5 sont parallиles les unes aux autres.
Les parois latйrales 10 du caisson 8 sont parallиles deux а deux.
L'ensemble selon l'invention dйfinit suivant sa longueur un couloir de dйambulation dont la surface
de marche est constituйe par le caillebotis 3.
Une piscine peut кtre йquipйe de plusieurs ensembles selon l'invention s'йtendant parallиlement
les uns aux autres.
Outre le fait que l'ensemble selon l'invention est d'un nettoyage trиs aisй, une fois que le caillebotis
3 est retirй, le dit ensemble permet de faciliter la rйalisation de piscines d 'hydrothйrapie.
En effet, l'ensemble selon l'invention constitue un coffrage perdu dans la rйalisation de la paroi 1 du
fond de la piscine et les opйrations de cuvelage du fond de la piscine ne sont plus nйcessaires.
Pour cela, sur une chape de fondation mйnagйe entre les parois latйrales de la piscine est ou sont
disposйs un ou des ensembles selon l'invention.
Une fois cette mise en place rйalisйe avec mise au niveau, les espaces existants entre les
ensembles selon l'invention et/ou les parois latйrales de la piscine sont remplies par un liant
hydraulique tel que du bйton.
383/2210
Le remplissage par le bйton se fait jusqu'au niveau du bord supйrieur du ou des ensembles.
Ainsi l'ensemble selon l'invention est prisonnier du fond de la piscine et forme le cuvelage de celui-ci.
La forme trapйzofdale des conduites 5 favorise le maintien de l'ensemble dans le fond de la piscine
ainsi que les traverses 13.
Entre le ou les ensembles selon l'invention et/ou les parois de la piscine peut кtre maintenu un
йcartement pouvant recevoir un revкtement tel que carrelage et des rampes de maintien pour les
personnes devant marcher sur le caillebotis.
Les conduites 5 d'amenйe de fluide dans le caisson 8 sont obturйes sur une extrйmitй et sont
connectйes par leur autre extrйmitй a un conduit principal 6 d'alimentation.
L'ensemble selon l'invention est йquipй entre les conduites 5 et le conduit 6 principal d'un
distributeur 14 sur lequel sont connectйs la conduites 5 et le conduit principal 6 d'alimentation
(figures 5 et 6).
Ce distributeur 14 est fixй avantageusement sous le caisson 8 de l'ensemble selon l'invention.
Le dit distributeur est formй d'un rйservoir prйfйrentiellement de forme parallиlйpipйdique sur
une face duquel sont mйnagйes les entrйes des conduites 5.
Sur la face du rйservoir opposйe aux entrйes des conduites 5 est mйnagйe la connexion du
conduit principal 6.
Ce dernier s'йtend sous une paroi latйrale de la piscine et est noyй dans la construction.
Le conduit principal 6 est reliй а au moins une source d'alimentation 7 en fluide.
Prйfйrentiellement, une seule source 7 alimente un conduit principal 6.
Dans le cas ou la piscine comporte plusieurs ensembles selon l'invention, une mкme source 7 peut
alimenter tous les conduits principaux 6 des diffйrents ensembles.
384/2210
Toutefois, il peut s'avйrer utile d'employer pour plusieurs ensembles selon l'invention, diffйrentes
sources 7 dйlivrant le fluide sous des conditions de dйbit et de pression diffйrentes afin d'obtenir
pour chacun des ensembles des conditions de traitements hydrothйrapeutiques diffйrents.
La ou les sources 7 sont constituйes par des compresseurs de type connu alimentant la ou les
conduits principaux 6 en air et prйfйrentiellement a' gros dйbit et а basse pression.
Lors du fonctionnement de la source 7, l'air est amenй jusque dans les conduites 5 de l'ensemble
selon l'invention via le conduit principal 6 et le distributeur 14 et forme des bulles dans l'eau de la
piscine qui ont un effet sur les personnes se dйplaзant sur le caillebotis.
Lorsque la source 7 ne fonctionne plus, l'eau de la piscine pйnиtre dans les conduites 5 par les
perforations 7, dans le distributeur 14 et le conduit principal 6.
La source 7 est disposйe au dessus du niveau de l'eau de la piscine afin d'йviter les remontйes
d'eau jusqu'а elle par le conduit principal 6.
Lors de la remise en fonctionnement de la source 7, l'eau contenue dans le conduit principal 6, le
distributeur 14 et les conduites 5 est chassйe dans la piscine en passant par les perforations 7.
Afin d'effectuer le nettoyage de la piscine et du ou des ensembles selon l'invention, toute l'eau de la
piscine doit кtre vidangйe.
A cet effet, le caisson 8 de l'ensemble selon l'invention est pourvu d'au moins une bonde 15.
Prйfйrentiellement, la bonde 15 est mйnagйe du cфtй de la conduite principale 6 d'alimentation.
La bonde 15 est rйalisйe а la base d'une paroi latйrale 10 du caisson 8.
Afin de rйaliser une vidange totale de l'eau de la piscine, la paroi infйrieure 9 du caisson 8 est
inclinйe vers le bas et vers la bonde 15 tel que reprйsentй en figure 7.
Les conduites 5 fixйes а cette paroi infйrieure 9 sont donc йgalement inclinйes.
385/2210
Lors de la vidange, de l'eau est encore contenue dans les conduites 5, le distributeur 14 et le
conduit principal 6.
Afin de vidanger totalement cette eau, le conduit principal 6 est pourvu d'un orifice de vidange
obturable.
La pente des conduites 5 favorise йgalement l'йvacuation de l'eau de la piscine.
La bonde 15 de vidange fixйe sur le caisson 8 passe dans la paroi latйrale de la piscine et peut
кtre connectйe а un systиme de pompage et de filtrage pour le recyclage de l'eau.
Une fois la vidange de la piscine rйalisйe, le nettoyage de celle-ci et du/ou des ensembles selon
l'invention peut кtre effectuй.
Du fait de la position des conduites 5 d'amenйe de fluide sous le caisson 8, l'intйrieur des dites
conduites peut кtre nettoyй par remplissage avec un produit lessiviel ou autre puis par rinзage.
Outre le fait de faciliter la fabrication de piscines d'hydrothйrapie et de faciliter le nettoyage,
l'ensemble selon l'invention peut йgalement кtre montй sur une piscine existante non prйvue pour
une application d'hydrothйrapie tel que reprйsentй en figure 3.
La pente du caisson 8 de l'ensemble peut кtre prйvue de faзon е compenser la pente de la paroi 1
du fond de la piscine et en sorte que le caillebotis 3 soit disposй d l'horizontale.
Selon cette application, l'ensemble selon l'invention est fixй sur le fond de la piscine par tout moyen
connu tel que chevillage, spittage ou autre et par l'intermйdiaire des traverses 13.
Dans cette application, les conduites 5 peuvent ne pas prйsenter une section trapйzoidale.
L'ensemble d'йquipement de piscine, tel que reprйsentй et dйcrit, forme un couloir de
dйambulation.
Il va de soi que cette ensemble peut кtre йtendu a une surface plus grande et peut comporter un
rйseau de conduites d'amenйe de fluide plus complexe par exemple en quadrillage.
386/2210
L'ensemble d'йquipement de piscines d'hydrothйrapie selon l'invention peut recevoir tous
amйnagements et toutes variantes dans le domaine des йquivalents techniques sans pour autant
sortir du cadre du prйsent brevet. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
1. Ensemble pour l'йquipement de piscines d'hydrothйrapie destinй а кtre disposй sur la paroi (1)
du fond d'une piscine et comportant une fosse (2) ouverte vers l'intйrieur de la dite piscine et
recevant un caillebots (3) en йcartement de son fond (4), au moins une conduite (5) d'amenйe de
fluide dans la fosse (2), au moins un conduit (6) principal connectй а la ou aux conduites (5) et b
au moins une source (7) d'alimentation en fluide, ensemble caractйrisй en ce que les conduites (5)
d'amenйe de fluide dans la fosse (2) sont disposйes sous le fond (4) de la dite fosse et
communiquent avec 1 'intйrieur de celle-ci par des perforations (7).
2. Ensemble selon la revendication 1 caractйrisй en ce qu'il est constituй d'un caisson (8) ouvert
formant la fosse (2) dotй d'une paroi infйrieure (9) formant le fond (4) de la dite fosse et de parois
latйrales (10) solidaires entre elles et а la paroi infйrieure (9) et recevant le caillebotis (3) et en ce
que les conduites (5) d'amenйe de fluide dans la fosse (2) sont fixйes sous la paroi infйrieure (9)
du caisson (8) et communiquent avec celui-ci par des perforations (7).
3. Ensemble selon les revendications 1 et 2 caractйrisй en ce que les conduites (5) prйsentent une
section transversale polygonale dont une face vient affleurer le fond de la fosse (2).
4. Ensemble selon la revendication 2 caractйrisй en ce que les conduites (5) d'amenйe de fluide
dans la fosse (2) sont formйes chacune par au moins une plaque (12) conformйe de faзon a
prйsenter une section transversale en U pourvue de pattes d'accrochage contre la paroi infйrieure
(9) du caisson (8) et en ce que la dite paroi infйrieure comporte des perforations (7) au droit de
chaque conduite (5).
5. Ensemble selon la revendication 3 caractйrisй en ce que les conduites (5) sont de section
trapйzofdale dont la petite base est formйe par la paroi infйrieure (9) du caisson (8).
387/2210
6. Ensemble selon les revendications prйcйdentes prises dans leur ensemble caractйrisй en ce
que les conduites (5) sont solidarisйes les unes aux autres par des traverses (13).
7. Ensemble selon la revendication 2 caractйrisй en ce qu'il constitue un coffrage perdu pour la
rйalisation de la paroi (1) du fond d'une piscine.
8. Ensemble selon la revendication 2 caractйrisй en ce que les conduites (5) d'amenйe de fluide
dans la fosse (2) et le conduit principal (6) sont connectйs sur un distributeur (14).
9. Ensemble selon la revendication 8 caractйrisй en ce que le distributeur (14) est fixй sous la
paroi infйrieure du caisson (8) et en extrйmitй de celui-ci.
10. Ensemble selon la revendication 2 caractйrisй en ce que le caisson (8) est dotй d'au moins
une bonde (15) de vidange.
11. Ensemble selon les revendications 9 et 10 caractйrisй en ce que le distributeur (14) et la
bonde (15) sont disposйs а une mкme extrйmitй du caisson (81.
12. Ensemble selon les revendications 2 et 11 caractйrisй en ce que la paroi infйrieure (9) du
caisson (8) formant le fond (4) de la fosse (2) est inclinйe vers le bas et vers la bonde (15).
13. Piscine d'hydrothйrapie caractйrisйe en ce qu'elle est йquipйe d'au moins un ensemble selon
les revendications prйcйdentes prises dans leur ensemble.
388/2210
58. FR2656410 - 28.06.1991
DEVICE INTENDED FOR CARRYING OUT THE HEATING UP OF PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR OF
POULTICES IN THE FIELD OF HYDROTHERAPY
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2656410
Inventor(s):
PHILIPPE LAGAROSSE (--); JEAN-BERNARD BARDET (--)
Applicant(s):
CODEF INGENIERIE (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61F; F27B; F27D
IP Class:
A61F7/00; F27B17/00; F27D5/00; F27D7/02
E Class: A61F7/04H
Application Number:
FR19890017409 (19891227)
Priority Number: FR19890017409 (19891227)
Family: FR2656410
Abstract:
THE INVENTION RELATES TO A DEVICE INTENDED FOR CARRYING OUT THE HEATING UP OF
PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR OF POULTICES IN THE FIELD OF HYDROTHERAPY. THIS DEVICE
COMPRISES FIRSTLY AN ENCLOSURE (1) COMPRISING SUPPORT MEMBERS (6) ARRANGED SO
AS TO DEFINE INSIDE SAID ENCLOSURE A PLURALITY OF SUPERPOSED SUPPORT PLANES, A
SYSTEM (15) FOR PULVERISATION OF A LIQUID SPECIFIC TO THE APPLICATION AND HAVING
MEMBERS (20) FOR CONNECTION TO SUPPLY MEANS, AND A HOT-FLUID GENERATOR (14)
CAPABLE OF CARRYING OUT THE HEATING UP OF THE ENCLOSURE (1) AND OF SERVING AS
CARRIER FLUID MAKING POSSIBLE THE DIFFUSION OF THE PULVERISED LIQUID INSIDE SAID
ENCLOSURE. THIS DEVICE ALSO COMPRISES A PLURALITY OF TRAYS (2) ARRANGED ON THE
SUPPORT MEMBERS (6) SO AS TO ALLOW THE CIRCULATION OF THE HOT FLUID BETWEEN
SAID SUPERPOSED TRAYS (2). Description:
389/2210
DISPOSITIF DESTINE A ASSURER LA MISE EN TEMPERATURE DE PRODUITS,
NOTAMMENT DE CATAPLASMES DANS LE DOMAINE DU THERMALISME
L'invention concerne un dispositif destinй а assurer la mise en tempйrature de produits,
notamment de cataplasmes dans le domaine du thermalisme.
Il existe а l'heure actuelle deux types principaux de cataplasmes utilisйs notamment dans le
domaine du thermalisme. Les premiers consistent en des poches plastiques, renfermant par
exemple de la terre, et que l'on applique localement sur le corps enveloppйs d'une serviette, aprиs
mise en tempйrature. Une fois utilisйs, ces cataplasmes sont disposйs dans une йtuve en vue
d'assurer une nouvelle mise en tempйrature et peuvent ainsi кtre rйutilisйs plusieurs fois. Toutefois,
leur effet du point de vue soins est trиs limitй, car l'action de tels cataplasmes se limite aux seuls
effets de poids et de chaleur locale sur une partie du corps.
Le deuxiиme type de cataplasme consiste en une poche poreuse renfermant des boues, trempйe
prйalablement dans des eaux thermales avant mise en tempйrature. De tels cataplasmes
prйsentent par rapport aux prйcйdents un intйrкt mйdical notablement accru en raison, d'une
part de phйnomиnes d'interaction boue/eau thermale, et d'autre part, de phйnomиnes de diffusion
а travers la poche poreuse. Toutefois, leur emploi est limitй pour des raisons de rentabilitй car il
n'existe pas, а l'heure actuelle, de mйthodes permettant de les rйgйnйrer de faзon rationnelle et
dans des conditions d'hygiиne satisfaisantes, et de ce fait ces cataplasmes sont souvent а usage
unique.
La prйsente invention vise а pallier ces inconvйnients et a pour objectif essentiel de fournir un
dispositif permettant d'assurer, а un faible coыt de revient et dans des conditions d'hygiиne
satisfaisantes, la mise en tempйrature et l'humidification de produits, notamment de cataplasmes.
Un autre objectif de l'invention est de fournir un dispositif permettant de rationaliser l'utilisation de
ces cataplasmes.
A cet effet, l'invention vise un dispositif destinй а assurer la mise en tempйrature de produits,
notamment de cataplasmes dans le domaine du thermalisme, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comprend :
- une enceinte comportant
390/2210
des organes-supports agencйs de faзon а dйterminer а l'intйrieur de ladite enceinte une pluralitй
de plans-supports superposйs,
un systиme de pulvйrisation d'un liquide spйcifique а l'application, dotй d'organes de
raccordement а des moyens d'alimentation,
un gйnйrateur de fluide chaud apte а assurer la mise en tempйrature de l'enceinte et а faire office
de fluide vecteur permettant la diffusion du liquide pulvйrisй а l'intйrieur de ladite enceinte,
- une pluralitй de plateaux disposйs sur les organes-supports de faзon а permettre la circulation
du fluide chaud entre lesdits plateaux superposйs.
Un tel dispositif permet donc en premier lieu d'assurer la mise en tempйrature de produits
disposйs sur les plateaux logйs dans l'enceinte, grвce а la circulation entre ces plateaux d'un
fluide chaud. Il permet, en outre, et simultanйment d'imprйqner ces produits d'un liquide spйcifique
а l'application.
Il est а noter qu'une originalitй de l'invention est d'obtenir cette double action, d'une part, en
pulvйrisant le liquide de faзon а former un brouillard se dispersant а l'intйrieur de l'enceinte, et
d'autre part, а diffuser ce brouillard entre les plateaux au moyen d'un fluide vecteur chaud assurant
simultanйment la mise en tempйrature des produits.
Dans le domaine du thermalisme ou de la thalassothйrapie, et dans le but notamment de
rйgйnйrer des cataplasmes, le systиme de pulvйrisation sera alimentй en eau thermale ou en eau
de mer permettant ainsi de reconfйrer aux produits leurs qualitйs originelles.
Il est а noter, en outre, que dans le cas spйcifique oщ les produits sont constituйs de
cataplasmes, ce dispositif permet d'allouer un plateau а chaque curiste de faзon а rationaliser
l'utilisation de ces cataplasmes.
Selon une autre caractйristique de l'invention, le gйnйrateur de fluide chaud est constituй d'un
humidificateur а vapeur dotй d'organes de raccordement а des moyens d'alimentation en eau. Le
fait d'utiliser de la vapeur d'eau comme fluide chaud permet, en effet, d'humidifier les produits lors
de leur mise en tempйrature.
En outre, de faзon а obtenir, de faзon simple, une diffusion correcte du fluide chaud et selon une
autre caractйristique de 1 invention:
391/2210
- les plateaux prйsentent des dimensions infйrieures aux dimensions transversales de l'enceinte et
sont disposйs sur les organes-supports de faзon а mйnager un volume libre sur la hauteur de
ladite enceinte,
- le gйnйrateur de fluide chaud et le systиme de pulvйrisation sont disposйs dans l'enceinte de
faзon а diffuser respectivement le fluide chaud et le liquide pulvйrisй dans le volume libre de ladite
enceinte.
De plus, selon une autre caractйristique de l'invention, et dans un but d'hygiиne sanitaire
- chaque plateau comporte des rainures mйnagйes de faзon а collecter les eaux de ruissellement
et de condensation vers un orifice de vidange,
- l'enceinte comporte des goulottes de rйcupйration d'eau disposйes de faзon а se trouver
chacune а l'aplomb d'un orifice d'un plateau, et des moyens d'йvacuation de l'eau canalisйe par
lesdites goulottes.
Ces dispositions ont pour but d'йviter que les eaux de ruissellement et de condensation йmanant
d'un plateau ne viennent contaminer les produits disposйs sur les plateaux situйs а des йtages
infйrieurs. Ainsi, notamment, un plateau portant des cataplasmes, allouй а un curiste, ne peut
contaminer les plateaux allouйs а d'autres curistes.
Un mode de rйalisation prйfйrentiel de ces moyens d'йvacuation consiste en un profilй creux
s'йtendant longitudinalement а l'intйrieur de l'enceinte et sur la longueur duquel sont solidarisйes
l'ensemble des goulottes, ledit profilй йtant percй, en regard de chacune desdites goulottes d'un
orifice de collecte d'eau.
Par ailleurs, le gйnйrateur de fluide chaud et le systиme de pulvйrisation sont prйfйrentiellement
adaptйs pour maintenir l'intйrieur de l'enceinte а une tempйrature comprise entre la tempйrature
ambiante et 800 C, avec une hygromйtrie relative de cent pour cent.
Cette plage de tempйrature permet de maintenir l'enceinte, dans des conditions normales de
fonctionnement, а une tempйrature de 500 C. Elle permet йgalement de faire monter cette
tempйrature а 800 C, pendant un temps dйterminй par l'utilisateur, en vue de dйtruire les
йventuelles bactйries indйsirables.
D'autres caractйristiques, buts et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description dйtaillйe
qui suit en rйfйrence aux dessins annexйs qui en reprйsentent, а titre d'exemple non limitatif, un
392/2210
mode de rйalisation prйfйrentiel. Sur ces dessins qui font partie intйgrante de la prйsente
description ::
- la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un dispositif conforme а l'invention,
- la figure 2 est une vue latйrale de l'intйrieur de l'enceinte de ce dispositif, sur laquelle seulement
six plateaux sont reprйsentйs,
- la figure 3 est une vue de face de l'enceinte de ce dispositif, sans paroi frontale, sur laquelle
seulement six plateaux sont reprйsentйs,
- la figure 4 est une vue en perspective partielle et а йchelle aggrandie d'une goulotte et du profilй
d'йvacuation des eaux de ruissellement et de condensation,
- la figure 5 est une coupe par un plan longitudinal A, et а йchelle aggrandie, d'un plateau
conforme а l'invention,
- la figure 6 est une vue de dessus, а йchelle aggrandie, de ce plateau.
Le dispositif de mise en tempйrature de produits, tels que cataplasmes, reprйsentй aux figures 1
а 3, comporte une enceinte 1 renfermant vingt-quatre plateaux 2 disposйs horizontalement les uns
au dessus des autres. Chacun de ces plateaux 2 est destinй а supporter deux cataplasmes.
En premier lieu, l'enceinte 1, rйalisйe en acier inoxydable double peau, prйsente une forme
parallйlйpipйdique rectangle et est divisйe intйrieurement et longitudinalement en deux
compartiments 3, 4 par une paroi transversale 5 : un compartiment supйrieur 3 et un compartiment
infйrieur 4.
Le compartiment supйrieur 3 est destinй а loger les plateaux 2 et comporte des organes-supports
6 de ces derniers. Ce compartiment 3 s'йtend sensiblement sur les 4/5O de la hauteur de l'enceinte
1. Les organes-supports sont constituйs de corniиres 6 fixйes en vis а vis sur les parois latйrales
de l'enceinte 1 et rйparties sur la hauteur du compartiment 3, de faзon а former, deux а deux, une
pluralitй de plans-supports superposйs pour les plateaux 2.
Ces corniиres 6 prйsentent une longueur conjuguйe de la largeur des plateaux 2 et infйrieure а la
profondeur de l'enceinte 1 de faзon а dйterminer un volume vide 7 dans le fond et sur la hauteur du
compartiment supйrieur 3. Elles sont, en outre, lйgиrement inclinйes de faзon а prйsenter une
pente descendant vers le fond de 1 'enceinte.
Ce compartiment supйrieur 3 renferme йgalement un profilй creux 8, de section carrйe,
s'йtendant longitudinalement entre la paroi transversale 5 et la paroi supйrieure de l'enceinte 1. Ce
393/2210
profilй 8 est disposй suivant l'axe de symйtrie de l'enceinte 1 (en vue de face), et sensiblement а
l'arriиre de l'extrйmitй des corniиres 6. Il est en outre fixй а la paroi arriиre de l'enceinte au moyen
de deux pattes 9.
Sur la face frontale de ce profilй 8 et dans des plans horizontaux intermйdiaires entre les planssupports de plateaux 2, sont fixйes des goulottes 10 destinйes а la rйcupйration des eaux de
condensation et de ruissellement de ces plateaux 2. En outre, en regard de chacune de ces
goulottes 10, le profilй creux 8 est percй d'un orifice 11 de collecte d'eau, tel que reprйsentй а la
figure 4.
L'eau canalisйe dans ce profilй creux 8 vient se dйverser sur la paroi transversale 5 prйsentant а
cet effet une forme de cuvette dotйe d'un orifice de vidange 12.
Enfin, un tuyau de vidange 13 raccordй а cet orifice de vidange 12 et disposй dans le
compartiment infйrieur 4 assure l'йvacuation de l'eau en dehors de l'enceinte 1.
Outre ce tuyau 13, ce compartiment infйrieur 4, correspondant а un compartiment technique,
renferme un humidificateur а vapeur 14 et un gicleur 15.
L'humidificateur а vapeur 14, apte а produire 3 KG de vapeur d'eau а 1000 C par heure, est
disposй dans le fond du compartiment 4. Son orifice de distribution est raccordй au moyen d'un
manchon souple 16 а un tube inox 17 dйbouchant dans le volume vide 7 du compartiment
supйrieur 3, а travers la paroi transversale 5. Cet humidificateur 14 comprend, en outre, de faзon
classique, des organes de raccordement 18 а des moyens d'alimentation en eau.
Par ailleurs, le fonctionnement de cet humidificateur 14 est pilotй par un rйgulateur tout ou rien 19
а consigne variable, disposй en partie haute de la face frontale de l'enceinte 1, et asservi а une
sonde de tempйrature (non reprйsentйe) placйe а l'intйrieur de cette enceinte 1.
En outre, un inverseur (non reprйsentй) permet de passer du mode de rйgulation ci-dessus dйcrit
а un mode haute tempйrature par la mise en service d'un autre rйgulateur dont le point de
consigne est rйglй а 800 C.
Le gicleur 15 est quant а lui adaptй pour pulvйriser en continu 0,11 1/mon d'eau thermale. Il
comprend des organes de raccordement 20 а des moyens d'alimentation en eau thermale, et une
394/2210
tкte de pulvйrisation dйbouchant dans le volume vide 7 du compartiment supйrieur 3, а travers la
paroi transversale 5.
L'enceinte 1 comporte enfin une paroi frontale fermйe au moyen de cinq portes superposйes : une
porte 21 pour le compartiment infйrieur 4, et quatre portes 22a-22d pour le compartiment supйrieur
3, chacune de ces portes donnant accиs а un nombre prйdйterminй de plateaux 2, en l'exemple
six.
En second lieu, chaque plateau 2, rйalisй en matiиre plastique moulйe, prйsente une forme
rectangulaire de largeur correspondant а la longueur des corniиres 6, et de longueur correspondant
а la largeur de l'enceinte 1.
Ces plateaux 2 comportent un rebord pйriphйrique 23 de raidissement. Ils sont, en outre, dotйs
d'une pluralitй de rainures 24a, 24b destinйes а collecter les eaux de ruissellement et de
condensation vers un orifice de vidange 25 disposй de faзon а se trouver а l'aplomb d'une goulotte
10 lorsque ces plateaux 2 sont logйs dans l'enceinte 1. Il est а noter que l'йcoulement d'eau est
facilitй par la pente des corniиres 6.
En l'exemple, chaque plateau 2 comporte six rainures transversales 24a rйparties sur sa longueur
et dйbouchant dans une rainure longitudinale 24b axйe sur l'orifice de vidange 25.
Le dispositif dйcrit ci-dessus permet d'assurer pendant 24 heures la mise en tempйrature et
l'humidification de quarante-huit cataplasmes ou de tout produit nйcessitant un maintien а une
tempйrature comprise entre la tempйrature ambiante et 800 C.
En outre, les cataplasmes sont imprйgnйs d'eau thermale pendant la totalitй du temps de
traitement, et peuvent subir un traitement supplйmentaire destinй а dйtruire les bactйries, grвce а
une augmentation а 800 C de la tempйrature de l'enceinte 1 pendant un laps de temps donnй.
Enfin, du point de vue sanitaire, tout risque de contamination d'un plateau 2 par les eaux de
ruissellement ou de condensation se trouve йcartй. Claims:
395/2210
REVENDICATIONS
1/ - Dispositif destinй а assurer la mise en tempйrature de produits, notamment de cataplasmes
dans le domaine du thermalisme, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comprend :
- une enceinte (1) comportant
des organes-supports (6) agencйs de faзon а dйterminer а l'intйrieur de ladite enceinte une
pluralitй de plans-supports superposйs,
un systиme de pulvйrisation (15) d'un liquide spйcifique а l'application dotй d'organes de
raccordement (20) а des moyens d'alimentation,
un gйnйrateur de fluide chaud (14) apte а assurer la mise en tempйrature de l'enceinte (1) et а
faire office de fluide vecteur permettant la diffusion du liquide pulvйrisй а l'intйrieur de ladite
enceinte,
- une pluralitй de plateaux (2) disposйs sur les organes-support (6) de faзon а permettre la
circulation du fluide chaud entre lesdits plateaux (2) superposйs.
2/ - Dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractйrisй en ce que le gйnйrateur de fluide chaud est
constituй d'un humidificateur а vapeur (14) dotй d'organes de raccordement (18) а des moyens
d'alimentation en eau.
3/ - D i s p o s i t i f selon l'u ne des revendications 1 ou 2 caractйrisй en ce que
- les plateaux (2) prйsentent des dimensions infйrieures aux dimensions transversales de l'enceinte
(1) et sont disposйs sur les organes-supports (6) de faзon а mйnager un volume libre (7) sur la
hauteur de ladite enceinte,
- le gйnйrateur de fluide chaud (14) et le systиme de pulvйrisation (15) sont disposйs dans
l'enceinte (1) de faзon а diffuser respectivement le fluide chaud et le liquide pulvйrisй dans le
volume libre (7) de ladite enceinte.
4/ - Dispositif s e I o n l'une d e s revendications prйcйdentes caractйrisй en ce que l'enceinte
(1) est divisйe longitudinalement en deux compartiments, par une paroi transversale (5)
- un compartiment supйrieur (3) comportant les organes-supports (6) et destinй а loger les
plateaux (2),
- un compartiment infйrieur (4) renfermant le gйnйrateur de fluide chaud (14) et le systиme de
pulvйrisation (15), lesdits gйnйrateurs de fluide chaud et systиme de pulvйrisation comportant des
sorties de fluide dйbouchant dans le compartiment supйrieur (3) а travers la paroi transversale (5).
396/2210
5/ - D i s p o s i t i f selon l'une d e s revendications prйcйdentes caractйrisй en ce que
- chaque plateau (2) comporte des rainures (24a, 24b) mйnagйes de faзon а collecter les eaux de
ruissellement et de condensation vers un orifice de vidange (25),
- l'enceinte (1) comporte des goulottes (10) de rйcupйration d'eau disposйes de faзon а se
trouver chacune а l'aplomb d'un orifice (25) d'un plateau (2), et des moyens d'йvacuation (8, 11, 13)
de l'eau canalisйe par lesdites goulottes.
6/ - Dispositif selon la revendication 5 caractйrisй en ce que les moyens d'йvacuation d'eau
comprennent un profilй creux (8) s'йtendant longitudinalement а l'intйrieur de l'enceinte (1) et sur la
longueur duquel sont solidarisйes l'ensemble des goulottes (10), ledit profilй йtant percй, en
regard de chacune desdites goulottes, d'un orifice (11) de collecte d'eau.
7/ - Dispositif selon les revendications 4 et 6 prises ensemble caractйrisй en ce que
- le profilй creux (8) s'йtend dans le compartiment supйrieur (3) de faзon а dйverser l'eau sur la
paroi transversale (5),
- la paroi transversale (5) prйsente la forme d'une cuvette dotйe d'un orifice de vidange (12),
- un tuyau de vidange (13) raccordй а l'orifice de vidange (12) de la cuvette (5) est disposй dans
le compartiment infйrieur (4) en vue d'йvacuer l'eau а l'extйrieur de l'enceinte (1).
8/ - D i s p o s i t i f s e 1 o n l'un e des revendications prйcйdentes caractйrisй en ce que
l'enceinte (1) comporte une paroi frontale dotйe de plusieurs portes (22a-22d) superposйes,
donnant accиs chacune а un nombre prйdйterminй de plateaux (2).
9/ - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications prйcйdentes caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte un
rйgulateur tout ou rien (19) а consigne variable, asservi а une sonde de tempйrature disposйe а
l'intйrieur de l'enceinte (1), adaptй pour piloter le fonctionnement du gйnйrateur de fluide chaud
(14).
10/ - Dispositif selon l'une des revendications prйcйdentes caractйrisй en ce que le gйnйrateur
de fluide chaud (14) et le systиme de pulvйrisation (15) sont adaptйs pour maintenir l'intйrieur de
l'enceinte (1) а une tempйrature comprise entre la tempйrature ambiante et 800 C, avec une
hygromйtrie relative de cent pour cent.
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59. FR2667501 - 10.04.1992
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2667501
Inventor(s):
BERNARD SECHET (--)
Applicant(s):
DOYER SA HYDROTHERAPIE (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00; A61H33/00
E Class: A61H9/00
Application Number:
FR19900012424 (19901009)
Priority Number: FR19900012424 (19901009)
Family: FR2667501
Abstract:
IT COMPRISES AT LEAST ONE NOZZLE (2A, 2B) FOR SPRAYING WATER, MEANS (3, 15, 17, 18B,
20A) FOR DRIVING THE NOZZLE TO AND FRO ALONG A PREDETERMINED TRAJECTORY, AND
MEANS (31) WHICH SUPPLY WATER TO THE NOZZLE AND ARE DESIGNED TO VARY, IN A
PREDETERMINED CYCLICAL MANNER, THE STRENGTH OF THE JET EMITTED, OVER AT LEAST A
PART OF THE SAID TRAJECTORY. Description:
L'invention concerne un dispositif hydrothйrapique.
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On connaоt dйjа un dispositif de ce type qui comporte une rampe de pommes d'aspersion
disposйe horizontalement au-dessus d'un support sur lequel le patient а traiter s'allonge, le plus
souvent sur le ventre. Sous aspersion d'eau а forte pression, cet appareil rйalise un traitement dit
douche d'affusion" ou "douche pйnйtrante", tandis que sous faible pression il est utilisй pour laver
des personnes handicapйes ou вgйes, ou plus gйnйralement pour accompagner un massage
effectue manuellement par un praticien qualifiй.
L'invention vise un appareil qui permettrait de rйaliser un tel massage de faзon autonome.
Elle propose а cet effet un dispositif hydrothйrapique, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte au moins
une buse de projection d'eau, des moyens d'entraоnement а va-et-vient de la buse suivant un trajet
prйdйterminй, et des moyens d'alimentation en eau de la buse adaptйs а faire varier de faзon
cyclique prйdйterminйe l'intensitй du jet йmis, pendant au moins une partie dudit trajet.
Le dйplacement de la buse associй aux variations cycliques de l'intensitй du jet йmis produit sur
le corps du patient une action tout а fait similaire а celle de la main du masseur.
L'invention offre ainsi l'avantage de pouvoir rйaliser un massage sous eau sans demander au
praticien ni effort physique ni sa prйsence constante, puisqu'il lui suffit de rйgler au dйpart le
dispositif en fonction du massage а effectuer.
Selon des caractйristiques prйfйrйes de l'invention, le dispositif comporte deux buses montйes
sur les mкmes moyens d'entraоnement et reliйes au mкmes moyens d'alimentation en eau,
adaptйes а traiter respectivement une partie droite et une partie gauche d'une zone
prйdйterminйe du corps du patient.
Avec ces caractйristiques, le massage effectuй par le dispositif se rapproche de trиs prиs du
massage manuel, les buses respectives correspondant aux deux mains du masseur. Ainsi, lorsqu'il
s'agit par exemple de traiter le dos, le patient pourra кtre massй d'un cфtй et de l'autre de la
colonne vertйbrale.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes de l'invention, le dispositif comporte pour chaque buse
des moyens de rйglage de positionnement permettant d'ajuster ltйloignement de la buse et la
direction du jet par rapport а une partie prйdйterminйe du corps du patient.
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On peut ainsi cibler la zone du corps а traiter de faзon particuliиrement souple et prйcise.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes, les moyens d'entraоnement pour la ou les buse(s)
comportent des moyens de rйglage de fin de course, pour au moins une course du mouvement de
va-et- vient.
On s'ajuste ainsi а la longueur de la zone а traiter chez le patient, qui varie en fonction de la taille
de l'individu. On observera qu'un seul moyen de rйglage de fin de course est suffisant pour cet
ajustement, mais qu'il est prйfйrable d'en prйvoir а chaque bout de course, car on йvite ainsi
d'avoir а positionner le patient de faзon prйcise par rapport au dispositif.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes, lesdits moyens d'entraоnement comportent des
moyens de rйglage de la vitesse de dйplacement, pour au moins une course du mouvement de vaet-vient.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes, lesdits moyens d'entraоnement comportent un chariot
portebuse, des moyens de guidage du chariot, un moteur d'entre nement du chariot, et un bloc de
commande du moteur, reliй а au moins un dйtecteur de fin de course, adaptй а inverser le sens
de rotation du moteur chaque fois qu'une fin de course est dйtectйe, le moteur d'entraоnement
йtant placй а distance du chariot et coopйrant avec celui-ci par l'intermйdiaire de moyens de
liaison mйcanique, chaque dйtecteur de fin de course йtant йgalement placй а distance du
chariot.
On йvite ainsi de disposer des organes йlectriques dans la zone du dispositif qui est mouillйe ou
rendue humide par l'eau projetйe, ce qui est particuliиrement avantageux sur le plan de la sйcuritй.
De prйfйrence, le dispositif comporte une butйe mйcanique а chaque bout de course du chariot,
adaptйe а bloquer la progression de ce dernier ; et le moteur d'entraоnement du chariot est montй
sur une platine mobile retenue par un ressort de faзon а adopter une position d'йquilibre quand le
moteur entraоne le chariot, et а se dйplacer pour enclencher un dйtecteur de fin de course si la
progression du chariot est bloquйe.
Ces caractйristiques reprйsentent en effet une faзon simple et commode de placer le ou les
dйtecteur(s) de fin de course а distance de la zone mouillйe ou humide.
400/2210
De prйfйrence aussi, lesdits moyens de liaison mйcanique entre le moteur d'entraоnement et le
chariot comportent un lien souple enroulй dans un premier sens sur une premiиre portion d'un
tambour double mis en rotation par le moteur, quittant cette premiиre portion pour longer les
moyens de guidage jusqu'а une poulie d'extrйmitй а partir de laquelle il revient en longeant а
nouveau les moyens de guidage jusqu'а une deuxiиme portion du tambour ou il s'enroule en sens
inverse, le chariot йtant solidarisй au lien souple entre la premiиre portion du tambour et la poulie
d'extrйmitй.
Il est en effet simple et commode de rйaliser comme ceci les moyens de liaison, qui ainsi
constituйs offrent en outre l'avantage, dans le cas oщ le moteur est montй sur une platine mobile,
de permettre de ne prйvoir qu'un seul dйtecteur de fin de course pour les deux bouts de course du
chariot.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes de l'invention, chacun de ses йlйments susceptibles
d'кtre mouillйs ou rendus humides par l'eau projetez, est rйalisй en matiиre plastique.
On йvite ainsi non seulement les risques йlectriques mais aussi toute attaque du dispositif par les
eaux marines ou thermales gйnйralement utilisйes en hydrothйrapie, qui sont particuliиrement
agressives.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes, les moyens d'entraоnement de la buse comportent un
chariot porte-buse guidй le long du corps du patient par des moyens de guidage reposant sur le sol.
L'implantation du dispositif est ainsi particuliиrement aisйe, ce dernier ne nйcessitant ni mur ni
plafond et йtant indйpendant de l'йventuel support sur lequel prend place le patient.
On notera que toutes les caractйristiques prйfйrйes qui viennent d'кtre exposйes, et qui
concernent la buse ou ses moyens d'entraоnement, peuvent кtre mises en oeuvre dans un dispositif
hydrothйrapique qui ne comporte pas nйcessairement des moyens d'alimentation en eau de la
buse adaptйs а faire varier de faзon cyclique prйdйterminйe 1 r intensitй du jet йmis. Un
dispositif sans moyens d'alimentation en eau ainsi adaptйs serait йgalement avantageux,
notamment pour rйaliser, comme les dispositifs antйrieurs, des douches а affusion ou le lavage des
personnes вgйes ou handicapйes.
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On va maintenant exposer des caractйristiques prйfйrйes des moyens d'alimentation en eau du
dispositif conforme а l'invention.
Selon des premiиres caractйristiques de cette nature, ladite partie du trajet pendant laquelle les
moyens d'alimentation en eau font varier l'intensitй du jet йmis de faзon cyclique prйdйterminйe,
correspond а une course du mouvement de va-et-vient.
On йvite ainsi d'avoir а prйvoir des moyens de detection spйcifiques, le dйtecteur de fin de
course permettant de dйterminer а quel moment l'intensitй du jet йmis doit varier de faзon cyclique.
En fonction des circonstances, on peut prйvoir que pendant la seconde course du mouvement de
va-et-vient, les moyens d'alimentation en eau fixent l'intensitй du jet йmis а une valeur
prйdйterminйe ; ou bien que pendant la seconde course du mouvement de va-et-vient, les
moyens d'alimentation en eau font varier l'intensitй du jet йmis d'une seconde faзon cyclique
prйdйterminйe.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes
- lesdits moyens d'alimentation en eau comportent des moyens de rйglage d'au moins l'une des
valeurs maximale et minimale entre lesquelles varie de faзon cyclique l'intensitй du jet d'eau йmis
- lesdits moyens d'alimentation en eau comportent des moyens de rйglage de la frйquence des
cycles de variation du jet d'eau йmis.
Selon d'autres caractйristiques prйfйrйes lesdits moyens d'alimentation en eau comportent une
source d'eau sous pression, une vanne motorisйe interposйe entre la source d'eau et la ou les
buse(s), et un bloc de commande du moteur de la vanne.
De prйfйrence, la vanne motorisйe comporte un dйtecteur d'une ouverture minimum, le bloc de
commande de son moteur йtant reliй а ce dйtecteur et adaptй, pendant ladite partie du trajet de la
buse oщ l'intensitй du jet йmis doit varier de faзon cyclique, а actionner ledit moteur dans le sens
de la fermeture jusqu'а ce que soit dйtectйe l'ouverture minimum, puis а actionner le moteur dans
le sens de l'ouverture pendant un laps de temps prйdйterminй au bout duquel le moteur est
actionnй dans le sens de la fermeture jusqu'а ce que soit dйtectйe l'ouverture minimum, et ainsi de
suite.
402/2210
Bien entendu, le laps de temps pendant lequel on actionne le moteur dans le sens de l'ouverture
correspond а la durйe pendant laquelle il faut faire fonctionner le moteur de la vanne pour obtenir le
dйbit maximum recherchй.
On notera qu'on obtient ainsi une variation cyclique de l'intensitй des jets de faзon simple et fiable,
puisqu'un seul dйtecteur d'ouverture est nйcessaire.
Pour les mкmes raisons, dans le cas oщ l'intensitй du jet йmis doit кtre fixйe а une valeur
prйdйterminйe pendant une partie du trajet de la buse, on prйvoit de prйfйrence que le bloc de
commande soit alors adaptй а actionner ledit moteur dans le sens de la fermeture jusqu a ce que
soit dйtectйe l'ouverture minimum, puis а actionner le moteur dans le sens de l'ouverture pendant
un laps de temps prйdйterminй au bout duquel le moteur est arrкtй.
L'exposй de l'invention sera maintenant poursuivi par la description d'un exemple de rйalisation,
donnйe ci-aprиs а titre illustratif et non limitatif, en rйfйrence aux dessins annexйs. Sur ceux-ci
- les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en йlйva- tion, respectivement de cфtй et de face, d'un dispositif
hydrothйrapique conforme а l'invention
- la figure 3 montre le moteur d'entraоnement du chariot, la platine qui le supporte йtant dans la
position d'йquilibre qu'elle adopte quand le moteur entraоne le chariot
- la figure 4 montre le chariot bloquй par une butйe de fin de course
- la figure 5 est une vue similaire а la figure 3, la platine supportant le moteur йtant dans la position
qu'elle adopte quand le chariot est bloquй sur une butйe de fin de course ; et
- la figure 6 est une vue schйmatique simplifiйe du circuit йlectrique du dispositif.
Le dispositif hydrothйrapique illustrй est prйvu pour traiter un patient allongй sur un support 1. Il
comporte un couple de buses de projection d'eau 2A et 2B montйes sur des moyens
d'entraоnement а va-et-vient le long du support 1 et reliйes а des moyens d'alimentation en eau.
Les moyens d'entraоnement а va-et-vient comportent un chariot porte-buses 3, des moyens de
guidage du chariot, et un moteur 4 d'entraоnement du chariot, placй а distance de celui-ci au pied
d'une armoire йtanche 5 et reliй au chariot par l'intermйdiaire de moyens de liaison mйcanique
Les moyens de guidage comportent deux rails horizontaux superposйs 6A et 6B solidarisйs а
chaque extrйmitй а des montants respectifs 7A et 7B fixйs au sol, le chariot 3 - comme on le voit
sur la figure 1 oщ il est montrй sans son capot 8A (voir figure 2) - comportant une armature plate 9
sur laquelle sont montйs un galet infйrieur 10 coopйrant avec le dessous du rail 6A et deux galets
403/2210
supйrieurs 11 coopйrant avec le dessus du rail 6B, de sorte que le chariot 3 est guidй а translation
parallиlement au support 1.
Le moteur 4, comme on le voit plus particuliиrement sur les figures 3 et 5, est montй sur le dessus
d'une platine mobile 12 articulйe а sa base sur des pattes transversales 13A et 13B, et retenue par
un ressort 14.
Les moyens de liaison mйcanique entre le moteur 4 et le chariot comportent un lien souple 15
enroulй dans un premier sens sur une premiиre portion 16 d'un tambour double 17 mis en rotation
par le moteur 4, quittant la portion 16 pour tourner sur une premiиre poulie d'angle 18A, longeant а
partir de celle-ci les rails 6A et 6B jusqu'а une poulie d'extrйmitй 18B, а partir de laquelle il revient
en longeant а nouveau les rails jusqu'а une deuxiиme poulie d'angle 18C sur laquelle il tourne
avant de rejoindre une deuxiиme portion 21 du tambour 17 oщ il s'enroule en sens inverse, le
chariot 3 йtant solidarisй au lien souple 15 entre les poulies 18A et 18B. On notera que pour la
clartй du dessin, on n'a pas reprйsentй sur les figures 3 et 5 les enroulements du lien 15 sur le
tambour 17.
Des butйes mйcaniques 20A et 20B sont engagйes а coulissement sur une barre 19 disposйe
parallиlement aux rails 6A et 6B, en йtant fixйe sur le dessus des montants 7A et 7B. Ces butйes
sont disposйes de part et d'autre du chariot 3, et elles sont munies chacune d'un doigt 22 disposй
en travers du trajet d'une colonne 23 du chariot 3, ainsi que d'une vis 38 qui permet de les fixer а la
position voulue sur la barre 19. Tant que le chariot 3 peut progresser librement le long des rails 6A et
6B, la platine 12 qui porte le moteur 4 adopte la position d'йquilibre reprйsentйe sur la figure 3.
Lorsque la colonne 23 vient rencontrer le doigt 22 de la butйe 20A (voir figure 4) la progression du
chariot 3 est bloquйe mais comme le moteur 4 continue а tourner, la platine 12 est soumise а une
force antagoniste et supйrieure а celle exercйe par le ressort 14, elle bascule alors jusqu'а la
position montrйe sur la figure 5, oщ elle enclenche le dйtecteur de fin de course 24. Comme on le
verra par la suite, ce dйtecteur 24 est reliй а un bloc de commande йlectrique du moteur 4 qui
inverse le sens de rotation de ce dernier quand le dйtecteur 24 est enclenchй.Le chariot repart
alors vers la butйe 20B, et lorsque sa colonne 23 rencontre son doigt 22, la platine 12 bascule а
nouveau pour enclencher le dйtecteur 24, le chariot repart alors vers la butйe 20A, et ainsi de suite,
de sorte que le chariot 3 est animй d'un mouvement de va-et-vient entre les butйes 20A et 203.
Les buses 2A et 2B sont montйes sur le chariot 3 par l'intermйdiaire de la colonne 23, au sommet
de laquelle un tube rigide transversal 25 est fixй par sa partie horizontale qui s'dйtend du cфtй du
404/2210
support 1 jusqu'а en surplomber l'axe de symйtrie, le tube 25 se coude alors pour devenir vertical,
et au bout de cette partie verticale il est connectй par un raccord en T а un tube dйformable semirigide 26 connectй а chacune de ses extrйmitйs par un raccord orientable 27A ou 27B а un tube
dйformable semirigide 28A ou 28B, qui porte а son bout la buse 2A ou 2B, respectivement. La
colonne 23 est rendue rйglable en hauteur en йtant formйe par deux portions coopйrant de faзon
tйlescopique avec un dispositif de serrage 29 а leur jonction.En agissant sur la hauteur de la
colonne 23, ainsi qu'en ajustant l'orientation des raccords 27A et 27B et la forme des tubes 26, 28A
et 28B, le praticien peut rйgler le positionnement des buses 2A et 2B par rapport aux parties
respectives du corps du patient qu'elles doivent traiter, tant en йloignement qu'en orientation de
leurs jets.
Les moyens d'alimentation en eau des buses 2A et 2B comportent une source d'eau sous pression
(non reprйsentйe), connectйe а une vanne motorisйe 30 disposйe dans l'armoire йtanche 5, la
sortie de la vanne 30 йtant reliйe а un tuyau souple 31 raccordй а ventrйe du tube 25.
L'eau provenant de la source passe ainsi par la vanne 30, qui en rиgle le dйbit, puis par le tuyau 31,
le tube 25, le tube 26, les raccords 27A et 27B, les tubes 28A et 28B, puis elle est projetйe sur le
corps du patient par les buses 2A et 2B.
Le circuit йlectrique simplifiй du dispositif est montrй sur la figure 6. L'alimentation йlectrique est
indiquйe par la rйfйrence 39 au bout des conducteurs qui y sont connectйs. Le circuit comporte
un bloc de commande gйnйral 40, un bloc 41 de commande du moteur 4, et un bloc 42 de
commande du moteur 43 de la vanne 30.
Le bloc 40 comporte un temporisateur 50 ayant une borne d'alimentation 51 connectйe а
l'alimentation йlectrique, une borne de dйclenchement 52 connectйe а un bouton-poussoir de
commande de dйclenchement 53, une borne d'arrкt d'urgence 54 connectйe а un bouton-poussoir
d'arrкt d'urgence 55, et une borne de sortie 56. Lorsqu'on appuie sur le bouton-poussoir 53, la
temporisation йtablit une connection entre les bornes d'entrйe et de sortie 51 et 56, pendant le laps
de temps rйglй au moyen de l'organe de rйglage 57. Si on appuie sur le bouton-poussoir 55, la
connexion entre les bornes 51 et 56 est interrompue.
Le bloc 41 comporte un relais 60 а deux positions stables, avec une borne d'entrйe 61 reliйe а la
borne de sortie 56 du temporisateur 50, deux bornes de sortie 62 et 63 et une borne de commande
64. Cette derniиre est reliйe au dйtecteur de fin de course 24, et les bornes 62, 63 sont
405/2210
respectivement reliйes aux bornes 65 et 66 du moteur 4, ce dernier entraоnant le chariot 3 dans le
sens aller (c'est-а-dire vers la butйe 20A) quand sa borne 65 est alimentйe, et dans le sens retour
quand sa borne 66 est alimentйe.
Des rйgulateurs 67 et 68 sont interposйs respectivement entre les bornes 62, 65 et 63, 66.
L'organe de rйglage 69 du rйgulateur 67 permet de rйgler la vitesse du chariot 3 dans le sens aller
et l'organe de rйglage 70 du rйgulateur 68 permet de rйgler la vitesse du sens retour.
Lorsque la borne 56 du temporisateur 50 est alimentйe et que le relais 60 est dans la position
illustrйe, le moteur 4 tourne а la vitesse fixйe par le rйgulateur 67 en entraоnant le chariot dans le
sens aller.
Quand le chariot 3 voit sa progression bloquйe par la butйe 20A, le dйtecteur de fin de course 24
est actionnй, le relais 60 change alors de position, et le moteur 4 tourne а la vitesse fixйe par le
rйgulateur 68 pour entraоner le chariot dans le sens retour. Quand le chariot 3 rencontre la butйe
20B, le dйtecteur de fin de course 24 est actionnй, le relais 60 revient а la position illustrйe, le
moteur 4 entraоne le chariot dans le sens aller, et ainsi de suite, de sorte que le chariot 3 est
entraоnй а va-etvient entre les butйes 20A et 20B tant que le temporisateur 50 maintient la borne
56 alimentйe.
Pour permettre au praticien de dйplacer directement le chariot, des boutons-poussoirs 71 et 72
sont prйvus pour connecter directement les bornes 62 et 63, respectivement, а l'alimentation
йlectrique.
Le bloc 42 comporte deux relais monostables 81 et 82, qui adoptent la position illustrйe quand la
commande n'est pas alimentйe alors qu'ils passent et restent dans l'autre position tant que leur
commande est alimentйe.
La borne d'entrйe 83 du relais 81 est reliйe а la borne 62 du relais 60, sa borne de sortie 84 est
reliйe а la borne 85 du moteur 43 de la vanne, sa borne de sortie 86 а la borne 87 du moteur 43 et
sa borne de commande 88 а un dйtecteur 89 d'une ouverture minimum de la vanne.
Lorsque la borne 85 est alimentйe, le moteur 43 actionne l'obturateur de la vanne dans le sens
d'une diminution de dйbit, et lorsque la borne 87 est alimentйe, dans le sens d'une augmentation
de dйbit. Un temporisateur 90 avec un organe de rйglage 91 du temps pendant lequel il reste
406/2210
passant а partir du moment oщ il est alimentй, est interposй sur une liaison йlectrique entre les
bornes 86 et 88, et un rйgulateur 92 avec un organe de rйglage 93 est interposй entre les bornes
62 et 83.
Lorsque la borne 62 du relais 60 est alimentйe et que le relais 81 est dans la position illustrйe, le
moteur 43 entraоne l'obturateur de la vanne 30 dans le sens d'une diminution de dйbit. Lorsque
l'ouverture minimum est atteinte, le dйtecteur 89 s'enclenche, le relais 81 change de position de
sorte que c'est sa borne de sortie 86 qui est alimentйe. Grвce а la liaison entre cette derniиre et la
borne de commande 88, le relais 81 restera dans cette position tant que le temporisateur 90 restera
passant.
Pendant ce temps, c'est la borne 87 du moteur 43 qui est alimentйe, la vanne 30 va donc
augmenter son dйbit. Lorsque le laps de temps rйglй au moyen de l'organe 91 s'est йcoulй, la
borne 88 cesse d'кtre alimentйe et le relais 81 revient dans la position illustrйe. Le dйbit de la
vanne 30 va alors diminuer, jusqu'а ce que le dйtecteur 89 s'enclenche, et ainsi de suite, de sorte
que tant que la borne 62 est alimentйe, le dйbit passant par la vanne 30 (et donc l'intensitй du jet
йmis par les buses 2A et 2B) va varier de faзon cyclique entre le dйbit minimum correspondant а
l'enclenchement du dйtecteur 89 et le dйbit maximum correspondant а l'ouverture qu'atteint la
vanne lorsque le moteur 43 a tournй pendant la durйe fixйe par l'organe 91.
Le rйgulateur 92 agit sur la vitesse du moteur 43, tant dans le sens de l'ouverture que de la
fermeture, on peut donc rйgler avec l'organe 93 la frйquence des cycles de variation de l'intensitй
des jets йmis par les buses 2A et 2B.
La borne d'entrйe 100 du relais 82 est reliйe а la borne 63 du relais 60, ses bornes de sortie 101
et 102 aux bornes 85 et 87 du moteur 43, respectivement, et sa borne de commande 103 au
dйtecteur 89. Une liaison йlectrique est prйvue entre les bornes 102 et 103 et un temporisateur 104
est interposй en aval de cette liaison entre les bornes 102 et 87, son organe de rйglage 105
permettant de rйgler le temps pendant lequel il reste passant а partir du moment oщ il a
commencй а кtre alimentй.
Lorsque la borne 63 du relais 60 est alimentйe et que le relais 82 est dans la position illustrйe, le
moteur 43 diminue le dйbit de la vanne 30. Lorsque son dйbit minimum est atteint, le dйtecteur 89
s'enclenche, le relais 82 change de position de sorte que c'est sa borne de sortie 102 qui est
alimentйe, et du fait de la liaison entre les bornes 102 et 103, le relais 82 restera dans cette position
407/2210
tant que la borne 63 sera alimentйe, alors que la borne 87 du moteur 43 ne sera alimentйe que
pendant le laps de temps rйglй par l'organe 105. Le dйbit de la vanne 30 (et donc l'intensitй du jet
йmis par les buses 2A et 2B) est ainsi fixй а la valeur correspondant au dйbit qu'atteint la vanne
lorsque le moteur 43 a tournй pendant le laps de temps rйglй par l'organe 105.
On va maintenant dйcrire le fonctionnement global du dispositif hydrothйrapique illustrй.
Aprиs que le patient se soit installй sur le support 1, par exemple en s'allongeant sur le ventre avec
la tкte du cфtй de la butйe 20A, le praticien procиde aux rйglages du dispositif.
Lorsqu'il appuie sur le bouton-poussoir 71, le chariot se dйplace dans le sens aller en mкme temps
que les buses 2A et 2B йmettent des jets dont l'intensitй varie de faзon cyclique. Il va alors rйgler
de la faзon indiquйe prйcйdemment le positionnement des buses 2A et 2B par rapport а la zone
du corps du patient а traiter, par exemple la partie du dos situйe а droite de la colonne vertйbrale
avec la buse 2A et celle situйe а gauche avec la buse 2B ; ainsi que la vitesse du chariot avec
l'organe 69, la frйquence des cycles de variation d'intensitй du jet йmis avec l'organe 93 puis
l'intensitй maximale du jet avec l'organe 91.
Lorsque le praticien appuie sur le boutonpoussoir 72, le chariot 3 se dйplace dans le sens retour et
les buses 2A et 2B йmettent un jet dont l'intensitй se fixe а une valeur fonction du rйglage de
l'organe 105, rйglage qu'ajuste le praticien en fonction du patient, ainsi que la vitesse
d'entraоnement du chariot, avec l'organe 70.
Le praticien positionne йgalement les butйes 20A et 20B en fonction de la taille du patient, et rиgle
l'organe 57 pour fixer la durйe du traitement.
Il appuie alors sur le bouton-poussoir 53 et le dispositif fonctionne automatiquement : le chariot se
dйplace а va-et-vient entre les butйes 20A et 20B, les buses 2A et 2B йmettent pendant la course
aller des jets dont l'intensitй varie de faзon cyclique, et un jet а intensitй fixe pendant la course
retour, la course aller se faisant par exemple а vitesse relativement lente tandis que la course retour
se fait а vitesse rapide.
Lorsque le laps de temps rйglй avec l'organe 57 s'est йcoulй le dispositif s'arrкt automatiquement.
408/2210
Afin que le patient puisse descendre plus facilement du support, le praticien peut alors dйsserrer la
butйe 20B et appuyer sur le bouton-poussoir 72 jusqu a ce que le chariot soit en position de retrait
maximum.
En cas de besoin, le dispositif peut кtre arrкtй au cours du traitement en appuyant sur le
boutonpoussoir d'arrкt d'urgence 55.
On notera que pour faciliter la tвche du praticien, certains ou l'ensemble des organes de rйglage
69, 70, 91, 93 et 105 peuvent кtre ajustйs de faзon dйfinitive en usine, le praticien n'ayant plus
dans ce dernier cas qu'а positionner les butйes 20A et 20B et а rйgler la durйe du traitement.
On notera que dans le dispositif qui vient d'кtre dйcrit, chacun de ses йlйments susceptibles
d'кtre mouillйs ou rendus humides par l'eau projetйe, est rйalisй en matiиre plastique.
On a ainsi notamment les rails 6A, 6B et les montants 7A et 7B qui sont en PVC armй, et les galets
10 et 11, la barre 19, les butйes 20A et 20B, les poulies 18A, 18B et 18C ainsi que le lien souple 15
qui est sous forme de ruban, qui sont en "NYLON" (marque dйposйe).
Dans une variante non reprйsentйe, oщ l'on dйsire йmettre des jets d'eau d'une seconde faзon
cyclique prйdйterminйe pendant la course retour, on remplace les йlйments connectйs entre la
borne 63 et les bornes 85 et 87 par des йlйments similaires а ceux disposйs entre la borne 62 et
les bornes 85 et 87. Dans une autre variante, oщ l'on veut avoir le choix entre un jet fixe et un jet
cyclique pendant la course retour, on prйvoоt de disposer dans le bloc 42 un commutateur dont
l'entrйe est reliйe а la borne 63, une premiиre sortie а des йlйments similaires а ceux montrйs
sur la figure 6 entre les bornes 62 et 85, 87, et une deuxiиme sortie а des йlйments similaires а
ceux montrйs entre les bornes 63 et 85, 87.
De nombreuses autres variantes sont possibles, on peut notamment prйvoir de piloter la vanne
motorisйe 30 avec des manocontacts plutфt qu'avec un dйtecteur d'ouverture minimum et un
temporisateur fixant l'ouverture maximum ; ou bien prйvoir pour piloter le moteur 4 un compteur de
rotation plutфt que le dйtecteur 24, ce compteur de rotation permettant йgalement de prйvoir avec
des moyens relativement simples que la partie du mouvement de va-et-vient du chariot pendant
laquelle on йmet des jets cycliques, soit diffйrente de la course aller ou de la course retour. Avec un
tel compteur, on peut йgalement prйvoir qu'а la fin du traitement, le chariot revienne
409/2210
automatiquement en position de retrait maximum, sa progression n'йtant pas bloquйe par une
butйe telle que 20A ou 20B.
On notera qu'une variante simplifiйe du dispositif qui vient d'кtre dйcrit, sans le bloc 42 et avec
une vanne manuelle а la place de la vanne 30, peut кtre intйressante dans certains cas, cette
variante permettant en effet de rйaliser avec des jets а intensitй fixe, une douche pйnetrante sous
forte pression oщ le lavage de personnes вges ou handicapйes sous faible pression.
Bien entendu, l'invention ne se limite pas aux exemples qui viennent d'кtre dйcrits, mais englobe
au contraire toutes les variantes que l'homme du mйtier pourra dйterminer. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif hydrothйrapique, caractйrisй en ce qutil comporte au moins une buse (2A, 2B) de
projection d'eau, des moyens (3, 4, 6A, 6B, 15, 17, 18A, 18B, 18C, 20A, 20B, 24, 41)
d'entraоnement а va-et-vient de la buse suivant un trajet prйdйterminй, et des moyens (30, 31, 42)
d'alimentation en eau de la buse adaptйs а faire varier de faзon cyclique prйdйterminйe
l'intensitй du jet йmis, pendant au moins une partie dudit trajet.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte deux buses (2A, 2B)
montйes sur les mкmes moyens d'entraоnement et reliйes au mкmes moyens d'alimentation en
eau, adaptйes а traiter respectivement une partie droite et une partie gauche d'une zone
prйdйterminйe du corps du patient.
3. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte
pour chaque buse des moyens (26, 27A, 27B, 28A, 28B, 29) de rйglage de positionnement
permettant d'ajuster l'йloigne- ment de la buse et la direction du jet par rapport а une partie
prйdйterminйe du corps du patient.
4. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 3, caractйrisй en ce que lesdits
moyens d'entraоnement comportent des moyens (20A, 20B) de rйglage de fin de course, pour au
moins une course du mouvement de va-et- vient.
410/2210
5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 4, caractйrisй en ce que lesdits
moyens d'entraоnement comportent des moyens (67, 68, 69, 70) de rйglage de la vitesse de
dйplacement, pour au moins une course du mouvement de va-et-vient.
6. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 5, caractйrisй en ce lesdits moyens
d'entraоnement comportent un chariot porte-buse (3), des moyens (6A, 6B) de guidage du chariot,
un moteur (4) d'entraоnement du chariot, et un bloc (41) de commande du moteur, reliй а au moins
un dйtecteur de fin de course (24), adaptй а inverser le sens de rotation du moteur chaque fois
qu'une fin de course est dйtectйe, le moteur d'entraоnement (4) йtant placй а distance du chariot
(3) et coopйrant avec celui-ci par l'intermйdiaire de moyens de liaison mйcanique (15, 17, 18A,
18B, 18C), chaque dйtecteur de fin de course йtant йgalement placй а distance du chariot.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte une butйe mйcanique (20A,
20B) а chaque bout de course du chariot, adaptйe а bloquer la progression de ce dernier ; et en
ce que le moteur (4) d'entraоnement du chariot est montй sur une platine mobile (12) retenue par
un ressort (14) de faзon а adopter une position d'йquilibre quand le moteur entraоne le chariot, et
а se dйplacer pour enclencher un dйtecteur de fin de course (24) si la progression du chariot est
bloquйe.
8. Dispositif selon 1 une quelconque des revendications 6 ou 7, caractйrisй en ce que lesdits
moyens de liaison mйcanique entre le moteur d'entraоnement et le chariot comportent un lien
souple (15) enroulй dans un premier sens sur une premiиre portion (16) d'un tambour double (17)
mis en rotation par le moteur (4), quittant cette premiиre portion pour longer les moyens de guidage
(6A, 6B) jusqu'а une poulie d'extrйmitй (18B) а partir de laquelle il revient en longeant а nouveau
les moyens de guidage jusqu'а une deuxiиme portion (21) du tambour (17) oщ il s'enroule en sens
inverse, le chariot (3) йtant solidarisй au lien souple (15) entre la premiиre portion (16) du tambour
et la poulie d'extrйmitй (18B).
9. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 а 8, caractйrisй en ce que chacun de
ses йlйments susceptibles d'кtre mouillйs ou rendus humides par l'eau projetйe, est realisй en
matiиre plastique.
411/2210
10. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 9, caractйrisй en ce que les moyens
d'entraоnement de la buse comportent un chariot porte-buse (3) guidй le long du support par des
moyens de guidage (6A, 6B, 7A, 7B) reposant sur le sol.
11. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 10, caractйrisй en ce que ladite partie
du trajet pendant laquelle les moyens d'alimentation en eau (30, 42, 43, 89) font varier l'intensitй du
jet йmis de faзon cyclique prйdйterminйe, correspond а une course du mouvement de va-et-vient.
12. Dispositif selon la revendication 11, caractйrisй en ce que pendant la seconde course du
mouvement de va-et-vient, les moyens d'alimentation en eau (30, 42, 43, 89) fixent l'intensitй du jet
йmis а une valeur prйdйterminйe.
13. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 11 ou 12, caractйrisй en ce que pendant
la seconde course du mouvement de va-et-vient, les moyens d'alimentation en eau font varier
l'intensitй du jet йmis d'une seconde de faзon cyclique prйdйterminйe.
14. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 13, caractйrisй en ce lesdits moyens
d'alimentation en eau comportent des moyens (90, 91) de rйglage d'au moins l'une des valeurs
maximale et minimale entre lesquelles varie de faзon cyclique l'intensitй du jet d'eau йmis.
15. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 14, caractйrisй en ce lesdits moyens
d'alimentation en eau comportent des moyens (92, 93) de rйglage de la frйquence des cycles de
variation du jet d'eau йmis.
16. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 15, caractйrisй en ce lesdits moyens
d'alimentation en eau comportent une source d'eau sous pression, une vanne motorisйe (30)
interposйe entre la source d'eau et la ou les buse(s), et un bloc (42) de commande du moteur (43)
de la vanne.
17. Dispositif selon la revendication 16, caractйrisй en ce que la vanne motorisйe (30) comporte
un dйtecteur (89) d'une ouverture minimum, le bloc (42) de commande de son moteur (43) йtant
reliй а ce dйtecteur et adaptй, pendant ladite partie du trajet de la buse oщ l'intensitй du jet йmis
doit varier de faзon cyclique, а actionner ledit moteur dans le sens de la fermeture jusqu'а ce que
soit dйtectйe l'ouverture minimum, puis а actionner le moteur dans le sens de l'ouverture pendant
412/2210
un laps de temps prйdйterminй au bout duquel le moteur est actionnй dans le sens de la
fermeture jusqu'а ce que soit dйtectйe l'ouverture minimum, et ainsi de suite.
18. Dispositif selon la revendications 17, caractйrisй en ce le bloc de commande (42) est adaptй,
pendant une partie du trajet de la buse oщ l'intensitй du jet йmis doit кtre fixйe а une valeur
prйdйterminйe, а actionner ledit moteur dans le sens de la fermeture jusqu'а ce que soit dйtectйe
l'ouverture minimum, puis а actionner le moteur (43) dans le sens de l'ouverture pendant un laps de
temps prйdйterminй au bout duquel le moteur est arrкtй.
19. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 18, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte
des moyens de temporisation (50, 57) pour arrкter son fonctionnement au bout d'un laps de temps
prйdйterminй.
413/2210
60. FR2671826 - 24.07.1992
METHOD OF PRODUCING A PERIPHERAL DRAINAGE CHANNEL (CHUTE) BY OVERFLOW OF
WATER INTO THE SMALL-THICKNESS RIM OF A CONSTANT-LEVEL HYDROTHERAPY POOL, AND
POOL THUS PRODUCED
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2671826
Inventor(s):
PATRICK WINCKLER (--); INGENIEUR-CONCEPTEUR (--)
Applicant(s):
SOMETHY SA (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H; E04H
IP Class:
A61H33/00; E04H4/02
E Class: E04H4/12A1
Application Number:
FR19910000893 (19910122)
Priority Number: FR19910000893 (19910122)
Family: FR2671826
Abstract:
THE PRESENT INVENTION RELATES TO CONSTANT-LEVEL HYDROTHERAPY POOLS IN WHICH
THE WATER IS DRAINED BY OVERFLOW INTO A CHANNEL OF THE UPPER RIM. THE PRESENT
INVENTION RELATES MORE PARTICULARLY TO THE CASE OF POOLS IN WHICH THE RIM IS OF
SMALL WIDTH OR THICKNESS, FOR EXAMPLE OF THE ORDER OF SOME TEN CENTIMETRES.
ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION, THE RIM IS SHAPED AS A "U" ORIENTED DOWNWARDS, THE
SIDES (WINGS) OF WHICH ARE JOINED TOGETHER BY A WALL WHICH IS INCLINED FROM THE
OUTSIDE TOWARDS THE INSIDE OF THE POOL, MAKING A TOP EDGE AND A BOTTOM EDGE
FOR OVERFLOW OF THE WATER LEVEL AND IN THAT THE PERIPHERAL CHANNEL IS SHAPED AS
ONE OR MORE LONGITUDINAL SECTIONS WITH ONE OR MORE NOZZLES AND IN THAT IT IS
414/2210
INSERTED AND LOCKED IN PLACE IN THE "U" OF THE RIM FROM UNDERNEATH, SINCE THE
INCLINED WALL IS CUTOUT FROM THE TOP OF THE CHANNEL. Description:
La prйsente invention a pour objet un procйdй de fabrication d'une goulotte pйriphйrique
d'йvacuation par dйbordement des eaux dans le rebord de faible йpaisseur d'un bassin
d'hydrothйrapie а niveau constant et bassin ainsi rйalise.
La prйsente invention a йgalement pour objet la goulotte ainsi rйalisйe et le bassin qui en est
dotй.
L'invention s'applique а tous les contenants tels que : bassins, baignoires, piscines, spas, pediluves,
maniluves et tous contenants pouvant кtre utilisйs а des fins thйrapeutiques, esthйtiques,
vйtйrinaires, remise en forme, sportives, ludiques et d'utilisations industrielles, oщ il est intйressant
de rйaliser une circulation d'eau constante avec un niveau d'eau constant.
Dans ce type de bassin, l'eau йvacuйe est filtrйe aprиs ou avant passage dans un rйservoir
tampon puis rйinjectйe dans le bassin. Cette technique est connue des piscines ou des spa dans
lesquels les techniques de fabrication oщ les dimensions de la margelle permettent de rйaliser
facilement de telles goulottes.
Dans le cas de bassins tels que des spas rйalisйs de maniиre connue par thermoformage d'une
plaque de matiиre plastique, cette opйration rйalisant simultanйment le bassin, sa margelle et sa
goulotte, il est facile en raison de la largeur de la margelle de confйrer а celle-ci par thermoformage
la configuration adaptйe rйalisant une goulotte en creux avec emplacement de part et d'autre de la
goulotte dans la margelle, de surfaces d'appui, d'une grille а йlйments amovibles pour faciliter le
nettoyage.
Une telle goulotte est rйalisйe dans la masse de la feuille lors du thermoformage, la largeur de la
margelle, de l'ordre de vingt centimиtres autorisant les pliages de la feuille, dont la section est de
forte йpaisseur, pour conformer la goulotte et les surfaces d'appui latйrales а celle-ci et qui sont
rйalisйes sous le niveau du bord supйrieur de la margelle.
415/2210
Dans le cas des bassins concernйs par l'invention, la largeur du rebord ou margelle est de l'ordre
d'une dizaine de centimиtres.
Avec une йpaisseur de feuille а thermoformer de forte йpaisseur, il n'est pas possible de rйaliser
les courbes successives du bord supйrieur а la surface d'appui, puis de celle-ci а la goulotte, de
former la goulotte avec la profondeur nйcessaire а l'admission de la quantitй d'eau souhaitйe pour
obtenir un niveau constant, puis de rйaliser simultanйment de l'autre cфtй les courbes de la
goulotte vers la surface d'appui et de celle-ci vers le bord infйrieur par-dessus lequel passe l'eau
йvacuйe.
La prйsente invention a pour but d'apporter une solution а ce problиme.
A cet effet, selon l'invention, le rebord du bassin est pliй par thermoformage en un "U" ouvert vers le
bas dont les ailes verticales, l'une d'entre elles йtant la paroi du bassin, sont rйunies par une paroi
inclinйe de l'extйrieur vers l'intйrieur pour constituer un bord haut et un bord bas par-dessus lequel
passe l'eau, la goulotte rйalisйe de toute maniиre adaptйe est introduite dans le rebord en U, soit
par en-dessous, la paroi inclinйe йtant dйcoupйe ultйrieurement, soit par en-dessus, la paroi
inclinйe йtant dйcoupйe antйrieurement sur des portions successives de la pйriphйrie du bassin.
Suivant une forme prйfйrйe de rйalisation de l'invention aprиs le pliage, constituant le bord en "U"
inversй du bassin, les parois internes du "U" reзoivent un renfort rйalisй par une couche de rйsine
puis la goulotte est mise en place et est coulйe dans une couche de rйsine.
Suivant une autre forme de rйalisation de l'invention, la goulotte prйsente un fond inclinй vers
l'orifice d'йvacuation de l'eau.
D'autres avantages et caractйristiques de l'invention apparaоtront а la lecture de la description ciaprиs de formes de rйalisation de l'invention donnйes а titre d'exemples non limitatif et illustrйes
par les dessins joints dans lesquels - la figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'une margelle avec goulotte
de l'art antйrieur, - la figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un rebord de bassin avec goulotte selon
l'invention, - la figure 3 est une vue en plan de la grille 6, - la figure 4 est une vue du contour d'un
bassin avec
reprйsentation partielle de la grille 6.
416/2210
En figure 1 est reprйsentйe de maniиre schйmatique une margelle de bassin d'hydrothйrapie
selon l'art antйrieur.
Cette margelle de grande largeur comprend un bord extйrieur 1 au-dessus duquel vient le niveau
d'eau, une premiиre surface d'appui 2, une goulotte 3, une deuxiиme surface d'appui 4 et un bord
intйrieur 5 par-dessus lequel passe le niveau d'eau, le bord 5 йtant plus bas que le bord 1.
Une grille 6 est disposйe de maniиre amovible transversalement а la goulotte sur les surfaces
d'appui 2 et 4.
La rйalisation du profil de cette margelle selon l'art antйrieur entraine des contraintes de dimension
notamment lorsque cette margelle est rйalisйe simultanйment au bassin selon la technique du
thermoformage d'une feuille d'un matйriau synthйtique.
Il est en effet impйratif selon cette technique qui rйalise un йtirement et un amincissement de la
feuille d'utiliser une feuille d'йpaisseur de cinq а six millimиtres dont le pliage ne peut se faire que
suivant des courbures suffisamment amples.
Cela donne des margelles dont la largeur est de la vingtaine de centimиtres depuis la paroi
extйrieure 7.
Cela ne pose pas de problиme lors de la rйalisation de bassins de grandes dimensions tels que
des piscines ou des spas.
Le problиme est complиtement diffйrent lorsque l'on souhaite rйaliser des bassins de plus petite
dimension dans lesquels il est souhaitй que le rebord ait une largeur de l'ordre de la dizaine de
centimиtres.
La solution proposйe а la figure 2 permet de solutionner le problиme.
Selon l'invention, le procйdй de rйalisation consiste а rйaliser le bassin par thermoformage а partir
d'une feuille d'un matйriau synthйtique.
L'йpaisseur de la feuille avant thermoformage est de cinq а six millimиtres pour qu'elle puisse subir
les dйformations et йtirements gйnйrйs par le thermoformage.
417/2210
Selon l'invention, le rebord pйriphйrique de la feuille est conformй en un "U" orientй vers le bas.
L'aile interne verticale 9 du "U" constitue la paroi du bassin.
L'aile externe 10 est sensiblement parallиle а la prйcйdente.
Les ailes 9/10 sont rйunies par une paroi 11 inclinйe de l'extйrieur vers l'intйrieur.
Le sommet de la paroi inclinйe dйfinit le bord supйrieur 12 du bassin.
La base 13 de la paroi inclinйe dйfinit le bord infйrieur par-dessus lequel passe le niveau d'eau.
Selon l'invention, la goulotte 14 est rйalisйe en un ou plusieurs tronзons.
Selon une forme prйfйrйe de rйalisation, la goulotte pйriphйrique est une seule piиce йpousant
le contour du bassin avec un ajutage 15 sur lequel se branche l'йvacuation vers une pompe et/ou
un ensemble de traitement, et/ou un bac tampon.
L'ajutage 15 est le point le plus bas de la goulotte qui est inclinйe, son point haut йtant reprйsentй
par la ligne en pointillйs 18.
Cette pente de la goulotte permet d'amйliorer l'йcoulement de l'eau.
Selon la forme de rйalisation de l'invention reprйsentйe а la figure 2 prйalablement а la mise en
place de la goulotte qui s'effectue par en-dessous du rebord.
Les faces internes au "U" des ailes 9/10 reзoivent une couche 16 d'un revкtement de renforcement.
Cette couche 16 est rйalisйe jusque sur les angles des bords 13 et 14 de la paroi inclinйe 11 mais
non sur celle-ci.
La goulot te est alors mise en place et elle est bloquйe par une couche supplйmentaire 17 de
revкtement qui peut кtre une rйsine polyester armйe ou non de fibres de verre.
418/2210
La paroi supйrieure 11 du rebord du bassin est ensuite dйcoupйe en retrait des bords 12 et 13 а
la verticale des parois de la goulotte.
Cette dйcoupe est schйmatisйe par les pointillйs 19 sur la figure 4.
Une grille de dimension adaptйe peut alors кtre emboitйe dans l'ouverture pйriphйrique rйalisйe.
La dйcoupe 19 a pour effet de sйparer l'aile 10 de l'aile 9 qui restent cependant reliйes par la
goulotte 14.
On peut йgalement concevoir que la goulotte 14 soit rйalisйe en plusieurs tronзons non jointifs sur
la pйriphйrie du rebord du bassin, chaque tronзon ayant son propre ajutage dans ce cas, dont un
exemple est reprйsentй en figure 3, la goulotte est dotйe de rebords 19 qui chapeautent les parois
10 et 9, la goulotte йtant enfilйe par le dessus.
On peut йgalement concevoir sans sortir du cadre de l'invention que la feuille servant а rйaliser
par thermoformage le bassin soit conformйe en sorte de ne rйaliser que la paroi 9, que la goulotte
14 soit accolйe latйralement а la face externe de la paroi 9 et qu'une paroi 10 soit accolйe а la
goulotte.
En figure 3 est reprйsentйe vue en plan la grille 6 qui est constituйe de sections 6A accrochйes
ensemble par tous moyens connus.
La mкme grille 6 est reproduite en vue partielle sur la figure 4 et en pointillйs sur tout le pourtour du
bassin reprйsentй par cette vue.
Une partie du ou des conduits de descente des eaux de dйbordement ; pourra кtre transparente et
recevoir ainsi un йquipement permettant l'йmission de rayons ultra-violets afin d'assurer une
stйrilisation ou tout autre type de rayonnements tel que, par exemple, des micro-ondes.
Une partie du ou des conduits de descente des eaux de dйbordement ; pourra кtre йquipйe
d'une tubulure de type а venturi servant а faire un mйlange hydro-gazeux (le gaz en question sera
consitutй d'air ozonisй produit par un gйnйrateur а lampe).
Cet йquipement permettra lui aussi d'obtenir une action stйrilisante. Claims:
419/2210
REVENDICATIONS :
1. Procйdй de rйalisation d'une goulotte pйriphйrique d'йvacuation des eaux par dйbordement
dans le rebord de faible йpaisseur d'un bassin, baignoire, piscine, spa, pйdiluve, maniluve, et tous
contenants pouvant кtre utilisйs а des fins thйrapeutiques, esthйtiques, vйtйrinaires, remise en
forme, sportives, ludiques et d'utilisations industrielles, а niveau constant, caractйrisй en ce que - le
rebord pйriphйrique du bassin est conformй en un "U" orientй vers le bas dont les ailes verticales
sont rйunies par une paroi inclinйe de l'extйrieur vers l'intйrieur du bassin, - la goulotte
pйriphйrique est conformйe en un ou plusieurs tronзons longitudinaux avec un ou plusieurs
ajutages sur lequel ou lesquels se raccordent des conduites d'йvacuation de l'eau vers le circuit, la goulotte pйriphйrique est introduite et bloquйe dans le "U" du rebord.
2. Procйdй selon la revendication 1 de rйalisation d'une goulotte pйriphйrique d'йvacuation des
eaux dans le rebord de faible йpaisseur d'un bassin d'hydrothйrapie а niveau constant caractйrisй
en ce que la goulotte en un ou plusieurs tronзons est introduite dans le "U" formant le rebord par endessous et qu'elle y est bloquйe en position.
3. Procйdй selon la revendication 1 de rйalisation d'une goulotte pйriphйrique d'йvacuation des
eaux dans le rebord de faible йpaisseur d'un bassin d'hydrothйrapie а niveau constant caractйrisй
en ce que la goulotte en un ou plusieurs tronзons est introduite dans le rebord par le dessus, une ou
plusieurs ouvertures longitudinales йtant mйnagйes dans la paroi supйrieure du rebord inclinй de
l'extйrieur vers l'intйrieur.
4. Procйdй selon les revendications 1 et 2 de rйalisation d'une goulotte pйriphйrique
d'йvacuation des eaux dans le rebord de faible йpaisseur d'un bassin d'hydrothйrapie а niveau
constant caractйrisй en ce que le bassin et son rebord sont rйalisйs par thermoformage d'une
feuille de matйriau synthйtique, qu'aprиs l'opйration de thermoformage, les ailes verticales du
rebord reзoivent une couche de renforcement en un matйriau synthйtique, que la goulotte est
introduite entre les dites ailes et qu'elle y est bloquйe par une couche supplйmentaire de matйriau
synthйtique puis que la paroi supйrieure inclinйe du rebord est dйcoupйe au-dessus de la
goulotte, en mйnageant une ouverture qui recevra une grille.
420/2210
5. Procйdй selon la revendication 1 et l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes de
rйalisation d'une goulotte pйriphйrique d'йvacuation des eaux dans le rebord de faible йpaisseur
d'un bassin d'hydrothйraie caractйrisй en ce que la paroi supйrieure inclinйe du rebord est
dotйe d'autant d'ouvertures que la goulotte comprend de tronзons indйpendants les uns des autres.
6. Procйdй selon la revendication 1 et la revendication prйcйdente caractйrisй en ce que la
goulotte introduite par le dessus coiffe la paroi supйrieure du rebord.
7. Bassin d'hydrothйrapie а niveau constant de l'eau par dйbordement caractйrisй en ce que la
goulotte est mйnagйe dans le rebord de faible йpaisseur du dit bassin en conformant celui-ci en un
"U" ouvert vers le bas par un double pliage, que la goulotte est introduite dans le dit bassin par le
bas, qu'elle y est bloquйe et que la paroi supйrieure inclinйe du rebord est dйcoupйe au-dessus
de la goulotte.
421/2210
61. FR2673837 - 18.09.1992
A HYDROTHERAPY MACHINE WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2673837
Inventor(s):
FRANCOIS HEBRAOUI MICHEL (--)
Applicant(s):
HEBRAOUI MICHEL (FR); CHABRIEL GINETTE (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
E Class: A61H33/00N; E03C1/06B; A61H33/04
Application Number:
FR19910003278 (19910312)
Priority Number: FR19910003278 (19910312)
Family: FR2673837
Abstract:
A HYDROTHERAPY BATH TUB WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS. IT CONSISTS OF: A BATH TUB (1)
WITH 2 SHELLS (66+67), A LID (2) WITH 2 SHELLS (68+69). BETWEEN EACH OF THE DOUBLE
SHELLS A PARTITIONING DEVICE MADE OF U-SHAPED MOULDINGS (71 B), SEALING JOINTS
(71), CREATE INDEPENDENT ZONES FOR CIRCULATION OF WATER (74) PERMITTING PARTIAL
OR INTEGRAL MASSAGE. THE SURFACE OF THE SHELLS (67+68) IS DRILLED WITH HOLES FOR
DIRECTIONAL JETS: FILIFORM AND TRIANGULAR, OR CRESCENT SHAPED (FIG. 11+12). IN
ADDITION, THESE SHELLS BEING OPEN, THIS PERMITS A THOROUGH CLEANING,
GUARANTEEING A RIGOROUS HYGIENE. A REMOVABLE SEAT/HAMMOCK (3) WITH WIDE
MESHES PREVENTS THE PATIENT FROM COMING INTO CONTACT WITH THE WALLS AND THE
BASE IN A RELAXATION POSITION. A BRACKET (COLUMNS (6) + RAMP (4) + SLIDING CARRIAGE
AND SHOWERS (5)) PERMITS MANUAL MASSAGE WITH WATER. THIS BATH TUB PERMITS:
HYDROMASSAGE WITH MULTIPLE JETS, FOAM BATHS, STEAM, OZONE, SUDATION, MANUAL
422/2210
MASSAGE WITH WATER, AND HOSE SHOWER, AND ALSO ALL POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS OF
THESE FUNCTIONS. Description:
DESCRIPTION GENERALE DE L'INVENTION Llinvention est "UNE BAIGNOIRE DIHYDROTHERAPIE
а FONCTIONS MULTIPLES", avec COUVERCLE, POTENCE et des APPAREILS. BAIGNOIRE et
COUVERCLE sont dotйs D'UN SYSTEME de DOUBLES COQUES entre lesquelles un DISPOSITIF de
CLOISONNEMENTS permet de crйer des ZONES INDEPENDANTES de CIRCULATION DIEU. De
plus, ces COQUES йtant OUVRANTES cela permet un NETTOYAGE approfondi, garantissant une
HYGIENE RIGOUREUSE. Elle est destinйe au corps mйdical et para-mйdical, aux esthйticiennes
et aux particuliers.
Cette baignoire (PL 1/9)(Fig l) est composйe de:
1 Baignoire (1) а 2 coques (66+67).
1 Couvercle (2) а 2 coques (68+69).
1 Siиge-hamac en filet (souple ou rigide) (3).
1 Colonne verticale (6).
1 Rampe (4) coulissant sur la colonne (6).
1 Chariot (5) pour l'hydromassage manuel (6) coulissant sur la rampe (4).
1 Reservoir d'eau (7).
1 Prйfiltre (8).
3 Pompes (9)(10)(11).
1 Filtre (12)
1 Rйchauffeur (13).
423/2210
1 Gйnйrateur de vapeur (14).
1 Gйnйrateur d'air (chaud ou froid) (15)
1 Nourrice de distribution d'eau des circuits (16).
1 Tableau de commande (17).
1 Gйnйrateur d'ozone (18).
1 Evacuation d'eau (19).
1 Arrivйe d'eau chaude et froide avec mйlangeur bain-douche (20).
1 Tuyau flexible-lance (22) sur mйlangeur (20).
1 Tuyau flexible-lance (21) fonctionnant en circuit.
TECHNIQUES ANTERIEURES 1)- Les baignoires traditionnelles, destinйes au corps mйdical ou aux
particuliers prйsentent а ce jour plusieurs inconvйnients:
A)- 1 coque unique, parfois а double fond soudй, non ouvrable, avec une entrйe d'eau unique:
impossibilitй de nettoyage du double fond, ni d'une vidange totale de l'eau qui stagnera entre deux
soins.
B)- Systиme de tuyaux de distribution, et appareillage que l'on ne peut ni nettoyer, ni vidanger
entiиrement, donc lа aussi stagnation et croupissement de l'eau restante avant les prochains soins.
Tout le systиme de circuit d'eau dans ces baignoires (tuyaux, coque et appareils) a donc un
inconvйnient majeur: ne pouvant кtre ni nettoyйs ni vidangйs complиtement, l'eau chargйe de
bactйries, de restes de produits de soin, et de micro-organismes va devenir en quelques heures un
vйritable bouillon de culture. Ce processus augmentera au fur et а mesure des soins, surtout s'ils
sont espacйs, sans aucune possibilitй de stopper ce phйnomиne. Si on utilise des produits
dйsinfectants, ces produits attaquent certaines parties de l'ensemble ce qui provoque une
coloration de lteau du roux au noir.
424/2210
Donc tous ces procйdйs ne prйsentent aucune garantie d'hygiиne et peuvent кtre plus dangereux
que curatifs pour les patients qui l'utilisent.
2)- Les baignoires traditionnelles ont d'autres inconvйnients dыs а leur conception:
A)- Elles ne fonctionnent que remplies d'eau. Le patient est donc immergй dans l'eau, et
l'hydromassage, n'est en fait qu'un brassage ou un bouillonnement de cette eau (dans laquelle a
йtй, йventuellement injectй de l'air par un compresseur bruyant): ce bain а bulles n'apporte donc
pas un vйritable "massage" par l'eau.
B)- Les quelques jets filiformes de sorties d'eau que comportent certaines baignoires
professionnelles (en plus des bulles d'air) arrivent sous l'eau. Encore une fois: inefficacitй, car ces
jets sont freinйs par la masse d'eau avant de toucher le patient.
C)- Le patient est allongй ou assis dans la baignoire, en contact avec celle-ci, par consйquent,
toutes les parties de son corps qui touchent le fond (dos, fesses, cuisses,jambes) ne profiteront pas
ni du brassage ni des jets dont une partie sera bouchйe par le corps. Donc: inefficacitй des soins
sur les 90% des parties du corps les plus importantes а traiter.
Tous les systиmes existants dans les baignoires actuelles, n'apportent donc finalement qu'un soin
de relaxation et non pas une vйritable possibilitй d'hydromassage efficace et curatif, ponctuel ou
gйnйral propre а aider rйellement l'utilisateur.
Les baignoires traditionnelles ne servent donc qu'а un seul usage : la relaxation par brassage de
l'eau, йventuellement additionnйe de produits de soins.
Les cabinets mйdicaux ou para-mйdicaux qui les utilisent doivent possйder en plus, d'autres
appareils de soin, s'ils veulent pratiquer d'autres techniques d'hydrothйrapie; comme le bain de
vapeur, le traitement par l'ozone, la sudation, l'hydromassage а la lance ou manuel. L'ensernble de
tous ces appareils demande beaucoup de place, et bien sыr un йnorme investissement pour кtre
complet, donc йfficace.
SOLUTIONS APPORTEES PAR L'INVENTION
La prйsente invention supprime tous les inconvйnients prйcitйs, et apporte, en plus, nombre de
nouveautйs techniques, comme suit: Ip L'HYGIENE: Cette hygiиne est rigoureusement apportйe
par diverses solutions:
425/2210
1)- La baignoire (1)(Fig 5) se compose de deux coques (66+67) qui s'articulent autour de
charniиres (Fig 6+7).
2)- Le couvercle (2)(Fig 5) est composй de deux coques (68+69) qui s'articulent autour de
charniиres (Fig 6+7).
Les coques de la baignoire et du couvercle s'ouvrent aisйment pour un nettoyage facile et minutieux,
et une dйsinfection rapide entre les soins.
3)- Les tuyaux de raccordement solides et souples sont dйmontables et facile а nettoyer.
4)- Les pompes (9+10+11)(Fig 1) qui actionnent l'ensemble de la circulation d'eau sont
suffisemment puissantes pour faciliter le nettoyage intйrieur des circuits, et pour un parfait nettoyage
des йlйments а l'aide du flexible-lance (22).
5)- L'ensemble de l'appareillage est conзu pour кtre totalement vidй (chaque appareil est reliй au
tuyau de vidange (19 B) en plan inclinй, ainsi l'eau du circuit est entiиrement rejetйe aprиs usage,
sans aucune stagnation).
6)- En cas de besoin, il est possible de projeter dans les circuits une vapeur d'eau bouillante avec
ozone ou autres produits pour dйsinfecter et aseptiser encore plus complиtement le systиme tout
entier. Enfin il est possible, de traiter et sйcher l'ensemble par de l'air chaud injectй dans les circuits.
IIF MULTIFONCTIONS : en un seul appareil:
A)- Hydromassage (Fig 21): ce systиme de massage par jets d'eau, dans une coque de baignoire
vide est une innovation car:
1)- La coque (67) qui forme le fond est percйe d'un grand nombre de trous, disposйs sur une
grande partie de sa surface, et permettant de "masser" le corps tout entier, par dessous (Fig 16).
2)- mкme systиme pour la coque (68) qui ferme le couvercle, pour "masser" le corps tout entier par
dessus (Fig 19).
3)- Ces trous se prйsentent sous trois formes d'ouvertures, calculйs pour кtre aussi efficaces que
possible suivant la partie du corps vers laquelle ils sont dirigйs (Fig 11) : a)- Petits trous ronds pour
multi-jets filiformes. b)- Trous triangulaires pour jets plus larges, balayants et plus percutants. c)426/2210
Trous en forme de croissant pour un jet enveloppant pour les parties arrondies (jambes, cuisses,
bras).
4)- Ces trous sont percйs dans les coques soit perpendiculairement а celles-ci pour obtenir des
jets droits, soit en biais pour un massage qui "remonte" en suivant le sens de la circulation sanguine,
(comme dans un massage manuel) (Fig 12).
5)- Lorsque l'eau passe par ces trous, а travers la coque vers l'intйrieur de la baignoire (fig 21), ce
circuit se fait, dans une baignoire vide = les jets ne sont donc pas freinйs par la masse d'eau, et
frappent directement le corps du patient, en gardant toute leur efficacitй.
6)- Le patient n'est pas allongй ou assis au fond de la baignoire, mais sur un siиgehamac amovible
(3).
AVANTAGES du SYSTEME : Le corps entier est "suspendu" au centre de la baignoire sans toucher le
fond et les parrois, et donc, tous les jets sont opйrationnels, sur les cфtйs, dessous et dessus, et le
patient est parfaitement massй.
7)- Le siиge-hamac (3) est en filet а larges mailles (Fig 1+17), ce qui permet aux jets de frapper а
travers les trous, pour ne laisser aucunes parties du corps sans soin.
8)- Le systиme de sections sйparйes (Fig 15+19) par des moulures et joints d'йtanchйitй (avec
entrйes d'eau, et robinets de commandes individuels) couvrant entiиrement l'une des coques du
fond, et l'une des coques du couvercle, permet d'obtenir plusieurs "sections de massage"
individuellement programmables suivant les besoins : les massages seront donc plus lйgers ou plus
forts selon les endroits du corps а traiter, avec la possibilitй de couper complиtement certaines
sections. Tout ceci est trиs facilement programmable par les robinets du tableau de bord (Fig 2) et
donc trиs facile а utiliser par le masseur. On peut ainsi commander sйparйment chaque partie du
corps : jambe droite ou gauche, ventre, seins, йpaule gauche, bras droit etc...
9)- Cette fonction d'hydromassage se fait avec une eau en circuit fermй, en petite quantitй
(puisque la baignoire est vide) soit 5 а 10 litres contenus dans le rйservoir (7)(Fig 1). A cela
plusieurs avantages:
- Rapiditй d'utilisation sans perte de temps pour un remplissage.
427/2210
- Economie d'eau.
- Efficacitй plus grande des produits de soin mйlangйs а l'eau, puisqu'ils seront moins diluйs,
donc йconomie de produits.
En rйsumй, lors de l'utilisation de la baignoire en hydromassage par jets, le patient est
vйritablement massй par l'eau (soit intйgralement soit en partie suivant le besoin). C'est un rйel
massage, aussi efficace et aussi complet que si plusieurs masseurs massaient manuellement le
patient, en mкme temps, de la tкte aux pieds а la fois sur le dos, et sur le devant du corps. Donc:
plus d'efficacitй, plus de rйgularitй, moins de perte de temps, et moins de fatigue, que si les
mкmes opйrations йtaient faites manuellement, puisque le tout est automatique.
B)- BAIN BOUILLONNANT (Fig 22): Ce systиme de bain bouillonnant possиde plusieurs avantages
en comparaison des systиmes existants:
1)- Le patient est allongй ou assis sur le siиge-hamac (3) au milieu de l'eau, et profite donc du
brassage de l'eau ou du mйlange air et eau sur le corps tout entier.
2)- Le patient ne touchant pas le fond et les parrois de la baignoire, son corps ne bouche pas les
sorties des buses (73) amenant l'eau et l'air.
3)- Le gйnйrateur d'air (Fig 13) de cette invention est silencieux, car il ne fonctionne pas avec un
compresseur.
4)- L'air produit par ce gйnйrateur, peut кtre chaud ou froid, au choix.
5)- Cet air peut кtre chargй d'йmanations de produits de soins (81)(Huiles essentielles par
exemple), donc plus efficace dans certains traitements.
6)- Cet eau+air arrive dans la baignoire par les buses (73) rйparties sur le fond, mais йgalement
peut arriver par le circuit d'hydromassage par tous les trous de la surface des coques.
Les rйsultats dans l'utilisation de la baignoire en "Bain-bulles", sera donc meilleur pour la relaxation:
position du corps flottant entre deux eaux, meilleure rйpartition des bulles autour du corps, eau plus
oxygйnйe et moins de bruit de moteur.
428/2210
C)- BAIN DE VAPEUR (Fig 23): Ce systиme transforme la baignoire en hammam, pour tous les soins
requйrant cette technique.
Avantages: Service et soin supplйmentaire dans la mкme baignoire.
- Vapeur instantanйe sans besoin d'une longue chauffe comme dans un sauna.
- Visage du patient hors de l'habitacle: donc soin plus facile а supporter.
- Possibilitй d'associer а la vapeur, par le gйnйrateur d'air chaud, les йmanations de produits de
soins.
- L'adjonction de l'air chaud (dont la tempйrature est rйglable) permet de moduler la tempйrature
de la vapeur.
D)- BAIN D'OZONE: (Fig 23): Conjuguй avec le bain de vapeur ci-dessus, l'apport de l'ozone, et
йventuellement de produits de soin par le gйnйrateur d'ozone (18), augmente l'efficacitй des
traitements mйdicaux requйrants cette thйrapie.
De plus, ce circuit vapeur+ozone peut servir, йventuellement, а aseptiser tout le circuit
baignoire+appareillage+tuyaux, en cas de nettoyage approfondi.
E)- SUDATION (Fig 24): Ce systиme permet d'insuffler dans la baignoire de l'air chaud et sec,
destinй а faire transpirer le patient sans l'utilisation de systиmes de couvertures chauffantes ou de
paraffine.
Avantages: Un service simple et plus facile а manipuler que les systиmes de sudation existants.Une fonction supplйmentaire pour la mкme baignoire.
F)- TRAITEMENTS LOCALISES (Fig 25): conjuguant l'hydrothйrapie + le massage manuel
permettant au masseur de se servir de l'eau provenant de la rampe(4), et de choisir pour cela: soit
l'eau de la ville, qui sera au fur et а mesure rejetйe а l'йgout aprиs l'utilisation, soit l'eau de
circulation (additionnйe ou non de produits de soin) revenant en circuit fermй par les pompes
pendant tout le soin.
429/2210
Avantages: 1)- Plusieurs type de jets directionnels et ponctuels aident au soin.
2)- Les produits de massage se trouvent а portйe de main de l'utilisateur.
3)- Possibilitй d'utilisation en circuit fermй, donc plus d'efficacitй avec йconomie
de produits.
G)- LE MASSAGE LOCALISE et MANUEL а LA LANCE en circuit а l'aide du flexible
(21)(Fig 1).
H)- AUTRES FONCTIONS: possibilitй d'associations des diffйrentes fonctions prйcitйes, selon les
besoins et les indications.
GENERALITES SUR L'INVENTION
Plusieurs possibilitйs pour cette baignoire:
- Selon les besoins et les goыts.
- Selon les corps de mйtier qui l'utiliseront.
- Selon les possibilitйs financiиres des utilisateurs.
Cette baignoire pourra кtre fabriquйe:
- en plastique (opaque ou transparent), en fibre de verre, en mйtal, etc...
- de dimensions et de dйbits variables.
- avec tous ses accessoires et toutes ses fonctions, ou avec seulement un choix d'une ou plusieurs
fonctions.
- Sous plusieurs formes suivant les types de soin, et toutes les variantes.
- avec des robinets et des vannes, manuels ou sous forme d'йlectrovannes.
Complйments d'information:
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- Prйfiltre, pompes, filtre, rйchauffeur, gйnйrateur de vapeur, gйnйrateur d'ozone, reservoir d'eau,
raccords, charniиres, joints, fixations rapides, potence, rampe tйlйscopique ou а ressort, existent
dйjа sur le marchй et pourront donc кtre utilisйs pour cette fabrication.
- L'ensemble de ces йlйments pourra кtre disposй sous la baignoire, sous le tableau de
commande ou ailleurs suivant le besoin.
- L'aIimentation en eau de chaque "section de massage" devra кtre lйgиrement supйrieur а
l'ensemble du dйbit des sorties des jets.
- La table de commande pourra кtre installйe indiffйremment, et suivant les dйsidйratas des
utilisateurs: а Ia tкte ou aux pieds de la baignoire, ou ailleurs.
L'ouverture des coques peut se faire soit manuellement, soit а l'aide d'un systиme de verrins avec
amortisseurs, soit йlectriquement.
LISTE de PRESENTATION des DIFFERENTES PLANCHES et DESSINS - (Pl 1/9) - Fig 1 : Schйma
gйnйral de l'invention.
- (PL 2/9) - Fig 2 : Tableau de commande.
-Fig 3 : Dйtail de la nourrice de distribution des circuits en eau.
- Fig 4 : Types de robinets graduйs.
- Fig 5 : Schйma d'ouverture des coques (baignoire et couvercle).
- (PL 3/9) - Fig 6 : Coupe longitudinale schйmatique de la baignoire.
- Fig 7 : Dйtail de ltarticulation des coques avec embout d'arrivйe d'eau.
- Fig 8 : Coupe transversale schйmatique de la baignoire.
- Fig 9 : Dйtails des fermetures des coques.
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- Fig 10: Dйtails des joints d'йtanchйitй, des moulures et des buses.
- Fig 11: Schйma des diffйrents types de trous pour jets.
- Fig 12: Schйma de percements pour les jets directionnels.
- Fig 13: Coupe longitudinale schйmatique de gйnйrateur d'air.
- Fig 14: Coupe schйmatique transversale du systиme de guide pour les piиces
flottantes du gйnйrateur d'air.
- (PL 4/9) - Fig 15: Projection schйmatique de la surface de la coque (66).
- Fig 16: Projection schйmatique de la surface de la coque (67).
- Fig 17: Projection schйmatique du siиge-hamac amovible.
- (PL 5/9) - Fig 18: Lit de massage amovible.
- Fig 19: Projection schйmatique de la surface de la coque (68).
- Fig 20: Projection schйmatique de la surface de la coque (69).
- (PL 6/9) - Fig 21: schйma de fonctionnement de l'hydromassage.
- Fig 22: schйma de fonctionnement du bain bouillonnant.
- (PL 7/9) - Fig 23: schйma de fonctionnement du bain de vapeur et ozone.
- (PL 8/9) - Fig 25: schйma de fonctionnement pour l'hydromassage manuel.
- Fig 26: dйtail de la colonne et rampe.
- Fig 27: dйtail du chariot porte rйcipients.
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- Fig 28: dйtail de l'arrivйe d'eau par le flexible, а la nourrice.
- Fig 29: coupe transversale du chariot et du rail.
- Fig 30: dйtail de la nourrice avec ses tubes-douchettes.
- (PL 9/9): Variantes
- Fig 31: Cabine verticale intйgrale.
- Fig 32: Coupe transversale de la cabine 31.
- Fig 33: Ouverture des coques de la cabine 31.
- Fig 34: Mini-Cabine verticale pour soins ponctuels.
- Fig 35: Caisson pour soins des jambes.
- Fig 36: Cabine horizontale pour animaux.
DESCRIPTION DE L'INVENTION
L'invention (Fig 1) est composйe de 4 parties
- LA BAIGNOIRE (1) а 2 coques (66+67).
- LE COUVERCLE (2) а 2 coques (68+69).
- L'ensemble POTENCE : (COLONNE (6) + RAMPE (4) + CHARIOT (5).
- L'APPAREILLAGE.
DESCRIPTION de la BAIGNOIRE
La baignoire comprend 2 coques (66+67).
Premiиre COQUE (66)(Fig 5+15): (situйe en dessous), a une surface extйrieure brute.
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Sur sa face intйrieure, elle est йmaillйe et possиde des sйparations avec joints d'йtanchйitй (71),
dйlimitant des sections indйpendantes les unes des autres. (Ces joints d'йtanchйitй (71) seront,
soit encastrйs dans des moulures en U (71 B), de 1 а 2 cm de haut, moulйes dans la masse de la
coque, а la fabrication, soit simplement collйes sur la surface de la coque).
- Chaque section (74)(Fig 7) possиde une entrйe d'eau indйpendante (73), avec un embout (74 B)
et un joint d'йtanchйitй (71), sur laquelle arrivera le tuyau d'eau venant de la nourrice de
distribution (l6)(Fig 3), et commandйe individuellement par un robinet au tableau de commande.
- Sur le fond de cette coque, 6 ouvertures (73)(Fig 10+15) avec joints d'йtanchйitй (71), pour
l'arrivйe d'eau+air, et une ouverture (19) de (b50 mm minimum avec joint d'йtanchйitй (71),
servant а l'aspiration de l'eau de la baignoire par les pompes, ou а la vidange de la baignoire (19 B).
- Sur le haut de la coque, du cфtй des pieds, 2 ouvertures (92) avec joints d'йtanchйitй (71), pour
l'arrivйe de la vapeur et de ltozone.
- Le bord de la coque (70)(Fig 6), developpй en (Fig 7), forme une bordure extйrieure, dans
laquelle viendront s'encastrer les autres coques pour йviter les йcoulements d'eau vers le sol.
- Tout le tour et en retrait de ce bord, un joint d'йtanchйitй (71) avec la 2иme coque.
- Rйpartis autour de la coque (Fig 8) developpй en (Fig 9), 5 systиmes de fixations rapides (75) ou
plus, pour fermer hermйtiquement l'ensemble des 2 coques.
- Au bout, du cфtй pieds, des charniиres (72) oщ viendront s'articuler les autres coques.
Deuxiиme COQUE (67)(Fig 5 + 16): Elle possиde une parroi йmaillйe et lisse des 2 cфtйs,
simplement percйe de trous.
- Les trous des jets (76+77+78)(Fig 11+12+16) et le choix de leurs formes, sont rйpartis sur la
surface des "sections de massage" dйlimitйes dans la coque (66).
Lorsque les 2 coques (66+67) sont refermйes hermйtiquement, les robinets du tableau de bord
permettent donc de commander ces zфnes de jets individuellement, crйant dans chaque "section"
(74) une circulation d'eau indйpendante.
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- 6 ouvertures (73)(Fig 10 + 16) de 20 mm de Qi minimum, taraudйes а l'intйrieur pour visser des
buses de sortie d'eau (73 B).
- Une ouverture (19) d'aspiration d'eau ou de vidange d'eau (19 B).
- 2 ouvertures (92) de 20 mm de 0) minimum, d'arrivйe de la vapeur et ozone.
- Sur les parrois sont fixйs 10 crochets ou anneaux (94) ou plus, pour attacher le siиge-hamac
(3)(Fig 16+17). Ce siиge-hamac est en maille souple, ou en grillage rigide, en forme de hamac ou
de siиge, sa forme est calculйe pour ne pas freiner l'eau des jets, et pour un accиs facile du
patient.
- De chaque cфtй, 2 poignйes (93)(Fig 16) pour faciliter l'installation et la sortie du patient.
- Au bord, du cфtй pieds, les charniиres (72) pour l'articulation avec la 1иre coque.
- Au bord, du cфtй tкte, un appui-tкte (107).
NOTA: les joints d'йtanchйitй (71) et moulures (71 B) de sйparation fixйs sur la coque (66),
peuvent indiffйremment кtre fixйs au choix sur la face infйrieure de la coque (67).
DESCRIPTION du COUVERCLE
Le couvercle (2)(Fig 5) comprend 2 coques (68+69).
Premiиre COQUE (infйrieure) (68)(Fig 7+19):
- Elle est йmaillйe sur ses 2 faces.
- Elle vient s'encastrer par dessus la coque (67) s'articulant autour des charniиres (72).
- Elle est en forme d'encoche ronde au niveau de la tкte pour laisser passer le cou du patient.
- Elle possиde les mкmes descriptifs de "sections de massage" dйlimitйes par des moulures (71 B)
et joints (71) d'йtanchйitй que la coque (66).
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- Elle possиde le mкme systиme de trous pour les jets (Fig 11+12) que la coque (67).
- Elle possиde sur son pourtour et lйgиrement en retrait du bord, des fixations rapides (96) oщ
viendront s'accrocher sa 2иme coque (69).
- Elle possиde un dispositif de charniиres (97) sur lesquelles s'articule sa 2иme coque (69).
- A l'arriиre, un systиme йtanche d'un contacteur de marche/arrкt automatique reliй au tableau
de bord, pour une coupure de circuit avec l'ouverture du couvercle.
La mise en marche se fera avec la fermeture du couvercle.
Deuxiиme COQUE (supйrieure) (69)(Fig 20):
- Elle est йmaillйe sur ses 2 faces.
- Elle possиde 10 trous d'arrivйe d'eau (73)(Fig 7) avec embouts (74 B) et joints d'йtanchйitй (71),
oщ vont se brancher des tuyaux souples (pour permettre la rotation et l'ouverture de la coque). Ces
tuyaux emmenent l'eau du circuit en passant par la nourrice (16) et sont commandйs par les
robinets du tableau de commande.
- Elle s'articule sur la coque infйrieure (68) par les charniиres (97).
DESCRIPTION de Ensemble POTENCE : (COLONNE+RAMPE+CHARIOT)
LA POTENCE (4+5+6)(Fig 25): Elle permet d'associer le massage manuel а l'hydrothйrapie et ceci
toujours avec la mкme baignoire. Pour cette utilisation, l'ensemble de couvercle (2) est relevй а la
verticale, on pose le "lit de massage" (95)(Fig 18) en treillage horizontal, sur l'ensemble baignoire (1),
qui vient s'encastrer en lieu et place du couvercle.
Ce systиme comporte 3 parties:
At LA COLONNE (6)(Fig 25+26): Elle est encastrйe а la tкte de la baignoire dans le tableau de
commande. Elle est composйe:
- D'un axe tubulaire avec ouverture longitudinale (6) pour le passage du tuyau flexible (42) vers la
rampe (4).
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- D'un tuyau flexible (42) branchй avant la nourrice (16) et la vanne а 3 voies (52) qui coulisse dans
cette colonne, et dont l'arrivйe d'eau est commandйe par un robinet au tableau de commande vers
la nourrice (101) du chariot (Fig 28).
BF LA RAMPE (4)(Fig 25+26+29): Elle coulisse sur la colonne (6) verticalement pour l'amener а
bonne hauteur d'utilisation. Elle pivote йgalement autour de la colonne vers la gauche ou la droite, а
I'horizontale.
- Elle est constituйe d'un rail creux (4) avec une ouverture longitudinale contenant le flexible
coulissant (42), (elle peut кtre aussi: tйlescopique ou formйe d'un systиme de ressorts
extensibles).
Ct LE CHARIOT (5)(Fig 25+27+30): il est constituй de:
- Un porte rйcipients (5) qui coulisse sur la rampe (4).
- Des rйcipients (100+100 B) avec des robinets (98) pour contenir des produits de soins.
- Une nourrice de distribution d'eau (101) dans laquelle arrive le flexible (42).
- L'un des rйcipient (100 B) est reliй directement а la nourrice par un raccord dйmontable (99)
pour obtenir un mйlange eau+produits de soin.
- Au bout de la nourrice (101) partent 4 tubes, possйdant chacun un robinet individuel (106) а
savoir:
- 1 tube pour une douchette (103) rйglable.
- 1 tube pour une rampe transversale (102) а jets filiformes.
- 1 tube droit (104) avec jets triangulaires.
- 1 tube droit (105) avec jets en croissant.
NOTA: йventuellement un autre tube avec robinet et raccord rapide pour recevoir d'autres
accessoires.
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DESCRIPTION de L'APPAREILLAGE 1 > LE RESERVOIR (7)(Fig 1)- Reliй а la baigoire et prйfiltre
(8).
- ll sert а compenser l'eau de la circulation pour йviter un manque d'eau dans le circuit et un
dйsamorзage des pompes.
- De capacitй variable suivant les dimensions de la baignoire.
2 > LE PREFILTRE (8)(Fig 1), sert а retenir les impuretйs les plus grosses (cheveux, matiиres,
produits).
3t LES POMPES (9+10+11)(Fig l), servent а aspirer l'eau de la baignoire et а la refouler vers la
nourrice et circuits. Elles peuvent кtre de capacitйs variables.
- Les pompes (9+10) sont reliйes en parallиle au prйfiltre (8) et au tuyau de refoulement (19 C).
- La pompe (11) est installйe aprиs le rйchauffeur (13), elle sert а augmenter la pression de l'eau.
- La pompe (9) est de 3 а 5 m3/heure de dйbit, et de 0.5 а 1 bar de pression.
- La pompe (10) est de 8 а 10 m3/heure de dйbit, et de 1 а 1,5 bars de pression.
- La pompe (11) est de 2 а 5 m3/heure de dйbit, et de 1,5 а 2 bars de pression.
4) LE FILTRE (12)(Fig 1), de 10 а 16 m3/heure.
5 > LE RECHAUFFEUR (13)(Fig 1), sert pour maintenir l'eau des circuits а tempйrature constante.
Sa puissance est de 6 KW minimum, а chauffe rapide.
6 > GENERATEURS de VAPEUR et OZONE (14)et(18)(Fig 1), alliant les productions de vapeur et
d'ozone, et permettant l'adjonction d'huiles essentielles.
8 > GENERATEUR D'AIR (15)(Fig 1+13+14): Cette invention est un systиme permettant la
production d'air chaud ou froid, seul ou chargй d'йmanation de produits. I1 est composй de
modules cylindriques emboоtables comprenant:
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AF Un boоtier (80) а fond perforй (79), avec couvercle perforй (63), destinй а contenir du coton
(81) ou autre, imbibй de produits, dont on veut mйlanger les йmanations а l'air.
BF Un extracteur d'air (82), а vitesse et dйbit variables avec rhйostat, reliй au tableau de
commande par un cordon (84) et interrupteur(62).
C Une rйsistance йlectrique blindйe (85), de forme allongйe reliйe au tableau de commande par
un cordon (86) avec un interrupteur (64). Cette rйsistance est fixйe sous un disque perforй (85 B).
Sous la rйsistance un autre disque (85 C) avec une grande ouverture ronde bordйe d'un joint
d'йtanchйitй.
D)- Un cylindre (83): comportant:
- Une balle de caoutchouc "flottante" (87).
- Un cylindre de polystirиne (88) concave et "flottant".
Ces deux йlйments sont emprisonnйs entre 3 tiges (89) qui les guident et sont fixйs sur un fond
perforй (89 B).
L'ensemble de ces йlйments superposйs comme prйcitйs, sont logйs dans des tubes
cylindriques (83), empilables s'emboоtant les uns dans les autres et permettant un dйmontage
facile.
Le tout est fixй sur un support par des vis (90). En dessous se trouve un tuyau (91) de sortie d'air
qui est reliй au tuyau d'eau venant de la nourrice (16).
Grвce а ce systиme on peut donc:
- soit envoyer l'air seul pour la sudation.
- soit mйlanger l'air а la vapeur pour le bain de vapeur.
- soit mйlanger les bulles d'air а l'eau pour le bain bouillonnant et autres.
9 > TABLEAU de COMMANDE (17)(Fig 1+2), il groupe les commandes de toutes les fonctions. Les
cadrans et lampes tйmoin permettent la surveillance, et le rйglage de toutes ces fonctions. A savoir:
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1)- ROBINETS d'eau graduйs pour L'HYDROMASSAGE (Fig 2+4), alimentants les diffйrentes
"sections de massage" en rйglant le dйbit а savoir:
A)- Pour les coques de la baignoire:
NO 23 = jambe gauche. NO 24 = Jambe droite.
NO 25 = Bras gauche. NO 26 = Bras droit.
NO 27 = Pied gauche. NO 28 = Pied droit.
NO 29 = Flanc gauche. NO 30 = Flanc droit.
NO 31 = Fesses. NO 32 = Dos.
B)- Pour les coques du couvercle (2):
NO 33 = Jambe gauche. NO 34 = Jambe droite.
NO 35 = Bras gauche. NO 36 = Bras droit.
NO 37 = Epaule gauche. NO 38 = Epaule droite.
NO 39 = Buste (cфtй gauche). NO 39 B = Buste (cфtй droit).
NO 40 = Ventre (cфtй gauche). NO 40 B = Ventre (cфtй droit).
C)- Pour la rampe-chariot (5):
NO 41 = Alimentation du flexible (42) en eau de ville.
NO 42 = Alimentation du flexible (42) en eau de circuit.
2)-ROBINETS pour AUTES FONCTIONS:
NO 43 = vidange de la baignoire.
N 44 = vidange de l'appareillage.
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NO 45 = Mйlangeur eau de la ville (chaude et froide) avec inverseur baignoire
(2) et flexile-lance (22)(Fig 1).
NO 46 = alimentation du flexible-lance (21) pour le massage localisй en circuit.
C)- Pour la Vapeur:
NO 47 = Cadran de pression du gйnйrateur (14).
NO 48 = robinet de remplissage du gйnйrateur.
NO 49 = cadran tйmoin du niveau d'eau du gйnйrateur.
D)- Pour l'eau des circuits:
NO 50 = Cadran de pression d'eau de la nourrice (16).
NO 51 = Thermomиtre de l'eau des circuits.
NO 52 = Vanne а 3 voies pour l'inversion des circuit : Fermйe + Bain Bouillonnant
+ Hydromassage.
C)- Pour les commandes йlectriques (les interrupteurs sont des inter/disjoncteurs avec lampes
tйmoins):
NO 53 = inter gйnйrateur ozone. NO 54 = inter gйnйral.
NO 55 = Thermostat vapeur. NO 56 = inter vapeur.
NO 57 = inter pompe (9). NO 58 = Inter pompe (10).
NO 59 = Inter pompe (11). NO 61 = inter rйchauffeur.
NO 60 = Thermostat de prйcision de l'eau des circuits.
NO 62 = inter/rhйostat gйnйrateur d'air. NO 63 = couvercle entrйe air.
N 64 = inter chauffage air. N 65 = thermostat chauffage air.
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N 108 = minuterie de marche/durйe/arrкt automatique des circuits.
METHODE, FONCTIONNEMENT, et APPLICATIONS
Mise sous tension gйnйrale par l'interrupteur gйnйral (54).
1 > HYDROMASSAGE (Fig 21): Mйthode:
- Ouverture du couvercle (2).
- Mise en position de la vanne а 3 voies (52) en hydromassage.
- Fermeture des robinets de vidange (43+44).
- Remplissage en eau chaude des circuits et appareillage par robinet (20) jusqu'а
l'apparition de l'eau dans la baignoire par l'orifice (19).
- Mise en route d'une ou des pompes (9 - 10 - 11) par inter (57 - 58 - 59).
- Mise en route du rйchauffeur (13) par inter (61).
- Rйglage de la tempйrature par thermostat (60).
- Ouvertures des robinets de commandes des diffйrentes sections de massage
dйsirйes (23 а 42).
- Toutes les autres commandes sont fermйes.
- Installation du patient sur le siиge-hamac (3).
- Fermeture du couvercle : donc mise en marche automatique de l'ensemble.
- Rйglage et enclanchement de la minuterie (108) pour S durйe et arrкt du soin.
Fonctionnement: L'eau est aspirйe par l'orifice (19) vers le rйservoir, puis le prйfiltre, les pompes,
le filtre, le rйchauffeur, la nourrice de distribution (16) vers les sections (choisies) de massage dans
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les doubles coques par les embouts (74 B) puis sort а travers la coque (67) et le couvercle (68) par
les trous des jets directionnels en frappant le patient.
- L'eau est rйcupйrйe dans la baignoire par l'orifice (19) pour un nouveau cycle.
Applications: Les rйsultats de ce soin peuvent кtre spectaculaires pour le relachement musculaire,
l'atonie tissulaire, une mauvaise circulation du sang, une mauvaise circulation lymphatique, la
rйtention d'eau, les problиmes intestinaux, les hйmatomes ou cicatrices post opйratoires, et tout
les traitements esthйtiques ou de kinйsithйrapie et thalassothйrapie. Ceci toujours avec possibilitй
de traitements gйnйraux ou ponctuels.
2t BAIN BOUILLONNANT (Fig 22): Mйthode:
- Ouverture du couvercle (2).
- Mise en position de la vanne а 3 voies (52) en bain bouillonnant.
- Fermeture des robinets de vidange (43+44).
- Remplissage des circuits, du rйservoir et de la baignoire par robinet (20) jusqu'а
la hauteur dйsirйe.
- Mise en route d'une ou des pompes (9 - 10 - 11) par inter (57 - 58 - 59).
- Mise en route du rйchauffeur (13) par inter (61).
- Rйglage tempйrature par thermostat (60).
- Mise en route du gйnйrateur d'air (15) par inter (62+64+65).
- Toutes les autres commandes sont fermйes.
- Installation du patient sur le siиge-hamac (3).
- Fermeture du couvercle, donc mise en route du systиme.
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- Rйglage et enclanchement de la minuterie (108) pour -: durйe et arrкt du soin.
Fonctionnement: L'eau est aspirйe par l'orifice (19) vers le rйservoir, le prйfiltre, les pompes, le filtre,
le rйchauffeur, la vanne 3 voies, puis se mйlange а I'air injectй, et retourne а la baignoire par les
orifices (73), crйant un mйlange eau+bulles.
Applications: Relaxation et massage doux.
Variantes : En mettant la vanne а 3 voies (52) en E position, les deux circuits hydromassage et bain
bouillonnant fonctionnent en mкme temps. On peut ainsi enrichir le bain а bulles en air pour en faire
un bain petillant plus oxygйnй, car le mйlange eau+air arrive dans la baignoire aussi bien par les
buses (73) que par tous les trous des jets de l'hydromassage.
3t BAIN de VAPEUR : (Fig 23) Mйthode:
- Ouverture du couvercle (2).
- Mise en position de la vanne а 3 voies en position fermйe.
- Fermeture des robinets de vidange (43+44).
- Remplissage d'eau du gйnйrateur de vapeur (14) par robinet (48)(contrфle (49).
- Mise sous tension du gйnйrateur de vapeur (14) par inter (56).
- Rйglage tempйrature par thermostat (55).
- Installation du patient sur siиge-hamac (3).
- Toutes les autres commandes sont fermйes.
- Fermeture du couvercle, donc mise en route du systиme.
- Rйglage et enclanchement de la minuterie (108) pour : durйe et arrкt du soin.
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Fonctionnement: La vapeur part du gйnйrateur (14) puis se rйpend dans la baignoire par les buses
(92). La condensation de vapeur tombe au fond de la baignoire, puis s'йcoule par l'orifice (19), dans
le rйservoir (7) pour кtre йvacuйe en fin de soin par (19 B).
Variante : Association vapeur + air:
- Mise en route du gйnйrateur d'air (15) par l'inter (62+64) et le thermostat (65).
On mйlange ainsi, plus ou moins d'air а tempйrature plus ou moins chaude, ce qui permet de
tempйrer le bain de vapeur suivant le besoin et le soin sera plus supportable par tous les patients
mкme fragiles.
Applications: Rйtention d'eau, oedиmes, nettoyage profond de l'йpiderme. Thйrapies des voies
respiratoires avec adjonction de produits а inhaler, etc...
4t BAIN D'OZONE : Mйthode: Identique au bain-vapeur, mais en plus:
- Mise en route du gйnйrateur d'ozone (18) par inter (53), l'ozone se mйlangera а la vapeur et
sortira par les buses (92).
Applications: Les mкmes que pour le bain-vapeur, mais l'adjonction de l'ozone permet en plus de
soigner efficacement les dermatoses et tous problиmes nйcessitant un soin plus aseptisant.
5t SUDATION : Mйthode:
- Ouverture du couvercle.
- Mise en position de la vanne а 3 voies en position fermйe.
- Fermeture des robinets de vidange (43+44).
- Mise sous tension du gйnйrateur d'air (15) par inter (62+64) et thermostat (65).
- Le patient est enduit d'un produit de soins destinй а le faire transpirer et recouvert d'un film
plastique.
- Le patient est allongй sur le siиge-hamac (3).
445/2210
- Le couvercle de la baignoire est hermйtiquement fermй, et donc mise en route
du systиme.
- Rйglage et enclanchement de la minuterie (108) pour : durйe et arrкt du soin.
Fonctionnement: Le gйnйrateur d'air propulse l'air chaud dans le "caisson" formй par la baignoire
fermйe.
Applications: Excellent traitement pour la retention d'eau, les oedиmes, et tous les traitements kinйsi
ou esthйtiques du corps nйcessitant l'йlimination rapide des toxines.
6 > TRAITEMENTS LOCALISES : (Fig 25).
AF MASSAGE MANUEL avec HYDROTHERAPIE: Mйthode: En circuit fermй:
- Le couvercle (2) est ouvert et remontй а la verticale, il reste ouvert pendant
le soin.
- Un cadre-filet de massage rigide et horizontal (95), est posй sur les coques
de la baignoire.
- Remplissage des circuits, jusqu'а apparition de l'eau par l'orifice (19).
- Mise en position vanne 3 voies (52) en position fermйe.
- Mise en route de la pompe (9) par inter (57), ou autre pompe.
- Fermeture des robinets de vidange (43+44).
- Mise en route du rйchauffeur (13) par inter (61).
- Rйglage tempйrature par thermostat (60).
- Le patient est installй sur ce lit de massage, sur le dos, ou sur le ventre.
446/2210
- La rampe (4) coulisse vers le bas, sur la colonne (6), jusqu'а hauteur dйsirйe pour
l'hydrothйrapie manuelle.
- Le masseur peut exercer son massage manuel en se servant de l'eau qui couIe par l'un des tubes
(102-103-104-105) de la nourrice (101), (l'eau s'йvacuera dans la baignoire а travers le filet).
- La nourrice (101) avec ses tubes-jets se trouvant sur le chariot coulissant (5), permet de faire
couler l'eau de la tкte au pieds du patient en faisant simplement coulisser le chariot sur la rail de la
rampe, au fur et а mesure du massage, et de varier le champs de projection de l'eau en montant ou
dйscendant la rampe.
- Le chariot (5) contient des rйcipients (100+100 B) avec robinets (106) pour les produits de soins
nйcessaires au masseur : а portйe de sa main, ils facilitent son travail.
- L'un des rйcipient est reliй par un tube (99) а la nourrice (101), par oщ passe l'eau: possibilitй
donc de mйlanger а volontй les produits de soin а l'eau.
- Mise en route du contacteur du couvercle manuellement.
- Ouverture du robinet (42).
- Ouvertures des robinets (106) de douchettes des tubes (102 - 103 - 104 ou 105)
selon besoin.
Fonctionnement: L'eau est aspirйe par l'orifice (19), passe par le rйservoir, le prйfiltre, la pompe, le
filtre, le rйchauffeur, et le flexible (42). Elle sort donc par l'une ou plusieurs douchettes de la nourrice
(101), et retombe sur le patient (additionnйe de produit de soin si nйcessaire par le rйcipient (100
B). Elle passe а travers le filet, puis retombe au fond de la baignoire pour un nouveau cycle.
NOTA: Si le dйbit et la pression d'eau sont trиs forts, on peut ouvrir un peu le circuit de bain
bouillonnant. Si le dйbit et pression ne sont pas assez forts, on peut mettre en route une 2иme
pompe.
Mйthode en circuit d'eau de la ville : identique а la prйcйdente, mais:
- On alimente le flexible (42) par le robinet (41).
447/2210
- Le robinet de vidange (43) est ouvert.
Applications: Massage manuel avec hydrothйrapie pour soins spйciaux, gйnйraux ou ponctuels,
quand on veut augmenter l'efficacitй du soin.
BF MASSAGE LOCALISE а la LANCE : Mйthode, et Fonctionnement: identique а (A), mais
fermeture flexible (42), et ouverture du robinet (46), qui alimente le flexible-lance (21). Cette lance
possиde un systиme а jets variable.
Applications: pour des soins ponctuels, oщ la force et la prйcision du jet sont demandйes.
7 > AUTRES FONCTIONS Diffйrentes associations des soins et systиmes prйcitйs peuvent
apporter d'autres types de soin. Exemples:
Douche йcossaise : Association systиme d'hydromassage froid et chaud а intervalles rйguliers
successifs commandй par une minuterie.
Sauna Finlandais : Association systиme du bain de vapeur et de l'hydromassage froid а intervalles
rйguliers et successifs.
DOUCHE de RINCAGE : Possibilitй pour le patient de se doucher aprиs le soin (pour йliminer les
produits sur la peau) grвce а la douchette (103) de la rampe.
ASEPTISATION de la BAIGNOIRE Mйthode, et Fonctionnement:
- Vidange baignoire et circuits par (19 B).
- Envoyer l'eau dans la baignoire comme pour hydromassage.
- Additionner d'un produit dйsinfectant et parfumй.
- Mettre en marche quelques minutes et arrкter, puis inverser la vanne en bain bouillonnant et faire
marcher quelques minutes ainsi que la rampe.
- Vidanger et recommencer mкmes opйrations avec eau propre pour rinзage et
vidanger.
448/2210
- Envoyer vapeur dans les 2 circuits avec ozone et vidanger.
- Envoyer air chaud pour sйchage complet et arrкter.
NOTA : De temps en temps, ouvrir les coques complиtement pour un nettoyage et brossage plus
approfondis. Se servir du flexible indйpendant (22) alimentй par l'eau de la ville. Vider et nettoyer
aussi pйriodiquement le panier du prйfiltre.
VARIANTES 1 > CABINE VERTICALE INTEGRALE (Fig 31 + 32) : pour HYDROMASSAGE а jets,
BAIN de VAPEUR, SUDATION, et DOUCHE. Cette cabine est en forme de deux demi cercles, а
doubles coques ouvrantes (Fig 33), pivotant autour d'un axe-colonne. Elle est conзue pour que le
patient soit debout, avec les mкmes dispositifs, systиmes et applications que dans la baignoire.
2t MINI < ABINE (Fig 34) : pour soins ponctuels d'hydromassage а jets et douche la "couronne"
coulisse sur l'axe-colonne verticalement pour des soins localisйs : seins, dos, ventre, cuisses ou
jambes isolйment, elle permet а moindre coыt des soins ponctuels.
3t CAISSON SPECIAL JAMBES (Fig 35): Petit caisson plus spйcialement conзu pour les soins des
jambes. Mкmes dispositifs et systиmes que la baignoire.
4 > CABINE SPECIALE ANIMAUX (Fig 36) : Des cabines d'hydromassage pour vaches, veaux,
moutons, chevaux, etc... de forme appropriйe, permettront d'une part de nettoyer les animaux,
d'autre part de les masser pour attendrir et persiller la chair, et augmenter le volume de la masse
musculaire.
NOTA: Le caisson spйcial jambes, peut кtre conзu aussi pour les chevaux de course.
5 > AUTRES EMPLOIS Tous usages industriels et autres domaines. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
449/2210
1 > Dispositif et systиme pour "Une Baignoire d'Hydrothйrapie а Fonctions Multiples" ,
caractйrisй en ce qu'ils comportent : Une Baignoire (1), Un Couvercle (2), Une Potence (4*5+6) et
des Appareils. Baignoire et Couvercle sont dotйs d'un systиme de Doubles Coques entre lesquelles
un dispositif de cloisonnements permet de crйer des Zфnes indйpendantes de circulation d'eau.
De plus, ces Coques sont ouvrantes pour le nettoyage.
2 > Dispositif selon la revendication 1) caractйrisй en ce que la Baignoire d'yhdrothйrapie (1), est
dotйe de Doubles Coques ouvrante (66+67), reliйes l'une а l'autre par des charniиres (72).
3 > Dispositif selon la revendication 1) caractйrisй en ce que le Couvercle (2) de la baignoire
d'hydrothйrapie, est dotй de Doubles Coques ouvrantes (68+69), reliйe l'une а l'autre par des
charniиres (97). Ce couvercle s'articulant lui mкme sur la baignoire par les charniиres (72).
4 > Dispositif selon la revendication 2) et la revendication 3) caractйrisй en ce que les coques
(66)et(68), ainsi que (67) et (69) sont divisйes а l'intйrieur en Zфnes indйpendantes (74),
sйparйes par des Moulures en forme de U (71 B) et joints d'йtanchйitй (71), dйlimitants des
Sections de massage individuelles (74).
5 > Dispositif selon la revendication '.) et la revendication 3) caractйrisй en ce que les coques
(67) de la baignoire, et (68) du couvercle, sur les faces situйes vers l'intйrieur de la baignoire sont
percйes de Trous de trois formes diffйrentes : Ronds (76) pour les jets d'eau filiformes,
Triangulaires (78) pour les jets plus larges et plus percutants, en forme de Croissants (77) pour les
jets enveloppants.
6 > Dispositif selon la revendication 5) caractйrisй en ce que les Trous sont percйs dans
l'йpaisseur de la coque , soit perpendiculairement а celle-ci pour des jets droits, soit en biais pour
des jets plus "rasant et balayant".
TF Dispositif selon la revendication 1) caractйrisй en ce que la baignoire (1) comporte un SiиgeHamac amovible (3), de forme йtudiйe. Ce siиge-hamac est en Filet а larges mailles souples ou
rigides, dйcoupй et accrochй dans la baignoire par des anneaux (94) ou autre, et dйcollй du fond
et des parrois.
450/2210
8 > Dispositif selon la revendication 1) caractйrisй en ce que la baignoire d'hydrothйrapie
comporte un systиme de Potence : (Colonne (6) + Rampe (4) + Chariot coulissant(5), permettant
d'effectuer un massage manuel avec jets d'eau en circuit fermй, ou en eau de ville.
9t Dispositif selon la revendication 1) et la revendication 8) caractйrisй en ce que le Chariot (5)
'coulissant sur la rampe (4) est porteur de : sur le dessus, des
Rйcipients de produits de soins (100+100 B), et en dessous : une Nourrice de distribution d'eau
(101), reliйe au rйcpient (100 B) par un raccord dйmontable (99), et possйdant 4 Tubes а jets
d'eau (102+103+104+105) ou plus avec robinets (106). Les jets sont variables et directionels.
10)- Dispositif selon la revendication l) caractйrisй en ce que le systиme possиde un Lit de
massage amovible (95), en forme de cadre-filet а mailles larges se posant en lieu et place du
couvercle (2) lorsque celui-ci est а la position verticale.
11 > Dispositif selon la revendication 1) caractйrisй en ce que l'appareillage de circulation d'eau
est un systиme qui comporte trois Pompes (9+10+11), asu plus, de dйbits et pressions diffйrents.
12t Dispositif selon la revendication 1) caractйrisй en ce que l'appareillage comprend un
systиme de Gйnйrateur d'air (15), silencieux, constituй de Modules cylindriques emboоtables (83),
permettant de produire de l'air chaud ou froid. I1 permet de transporter des йmanations de produits
de soins.
13t Application du dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, а
l'hydromassage, au bain bouillonnant, bain de vapeur, bain d'ozone, sudation, massage manuel
avec eau, massage localisй, associations de diffйrentes fonctions, et autres applications et
variantes.
451/2210
62. FR2708859 - 09.02.1995
CANNULA FOR ENEMAS AND HYDROTHERAPY OF THE COLON
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2708859
Applicant(s):
ECHEVARRIA MENDIETA BLANCA (ES); ECHEVARRIA MENDIETA JORGE (ES)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61M
IP Class:
A61M3/00
E Class: A61M3/02H2
Application Number:
DE19944427067 (19940801)
Priority Number: ES19930002226U (19930805)
Family: FR2708859
Equivalent:
ES1025584; PT9062
Abstract:
CANNULA FOR ENEMAS AND HYDROTHERAPY OF THE COLON, WHICH COMPRISES A
TUBULAR CYLINDRICAL BODY IN THE INTERIOR OF WHICH THERE IS ARRANGED A
REMOVABLE TRIGGER WHICH IS PROVIDED WITH A WIDENING PROJECTING FROM THE LOWER
END AS EXTENSION OF THE TUBULAR BODY AND FACILITATING INTRODUCTION OF THE
CANNULA INTO THE RECTUM, WHEREAS A LATERAL INTRODUCTION PORT WHICH IS INCLINED
UPWARDS EMERGES FROM THE TUBULAR BODY, THE INTRODUCTION PORT BEING
CONNECTED TO THE INTERIOR OF THE TUBULAR BODY AND A FLEXIBLE INTRODUCTION PORT,
THROUGH WHICH A LIQUID WHICH IS INSERTED IN THE RECTUM AFTER REMOVAL OF THE
TRIGGER PASSES INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE CANNULA, BEING ATTACHED TO IT. THE LIQUID
IS DRAINED THROUGH THE OPPOSITE END OF THE TUBULAR CYLINDRICAL BODY VIA A
FLEXIBLE PIPE WHICH IS CONNECTED TO THIS END AND IS CONNECTED TO AN EVACUATION
CONTAINER. Description:
452/2210
Ziel der vorliegenden Erfindung ist eine speziell entworfene Kanьle fьr Klistiere und die
Hydrotherapie des Kolons.
Die Kanьle der Erfindung weist als Neuheit die konstruktive Form auf, die auf der operativen Ebene
und auf der Ebene der Anwendung gegenьber anderen bekannten Kanьlen eine substantielle
Verbesserung mit sich bringt.
Eine Kanьle fьr Klistiere muss auf der konstruktiven Ebene eine Reihe von technischen
Bedingungen erfьllen, damit sie vor allem am дussersten vorderen Teil eine Form zur Penetration
des Rektums bildet und verhindert, dass bei seiner Einfьhrung Unannehmlichkeiten und Reizungen
verursacht werden.
Diese vorstehend bezeichneten Nachteile werden mit der Kanьle der Erfindung behoben, die eine
speziell durchdachte Form aufweist, damit diese Unannehmlichkeiten fьr den Benutzer vermieden
werden.
Gemдss der Erfindung besteht die Kanьle aus einem rцhrenfцrmigen zylindrischen Kцrper, der mit
einem seitlichen, nach oben schrдg gestellten Zufьhrungskanal ausgestattet ist, der mit dem
rцhrenformigen Kцrper in Verbindung steht.
In den rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrper wird ein Drьcker axial eingepasst, der sich an seinem unteren Ende
an das innere des rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrpers perfekt anpasst. Der Drьcker durchlдuft den
rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrper, wenn er mittels eines entgegengesetzten Handgriffs verschoben wird.
Die Erweiterung des Drьckers ragt aus dem unteren Ende des rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrpers heraus, um
dem Ende Kontinuitдt zu geben und um mit diesem einen Vorsprung mit progressiv abnehmendem
Schnitt in Richtung auf das freie Ende der Erweiterung zu bilden, das in einer Abrundung abschliesst.
Durch diese Gestaltung wird ermцglicht, dass der дussere vorspringende Bereich des Drьckers mit
dem дusseren Bereich des rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrpers es zulдsst, die Kanьle auf einfache und sanfte
Art in das Rektum der Person einzufьhren.
453/2210
An den seitlichen, schrдggestellten Zufьhrungskanal wird eine flexible Zufьhrung angeschlossen,
durch die eine geeignete Flьssigkeit eingefьhrt wird, die beliebige Substanzen oder Medikamente
enthalten kann.
Diese Flьssigkeit gelangt in den rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrper der Kanьle, aus der der Drьcker nach der
Einfьhrung in das Rektum herausgezogen wird, und die Flьssigkeit durchlдuft den rцhrenfцrmigen
zylindrischen Kцrper zum Inneren des Rektums in Richtung des Kolons.
Falls Flьssigkeit abgezogen werden soll, wird an das entgegengesetzte Ende des rцhrenfцrmigen
Kцrpers ein flexibles Rohr angesetzt, das mit einem Evakuationsbehдlter in Verbindung steht.
Mit dem Ziel einer vereinfachten Darstellung nicht nur des Aufbaus, sondern auch des Gebrauchs
der Kanьle der Erfindung, wird nachstehend ein praktisches Beispiel der Ausfьhrung aufgefьhrt,
das nur eine der Mцglichkeiten darstellt und Durchfьhrung in keiner Weise einschrдnkt, wie in den
beigefьgten Zeichnungen gezeigt wird.
In den beigefьgten Zeichnungen:
Zeigt die Abb. 1 eine Aufrissansicht der Kanьle der Erfindung.
Zeigt die Abb. 2 den rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrper mit den beiden Zufьhrungs- und Ableitungskanдlen
fьr Flьssigkeit.
Zeigt die Abb. 3 eine Seitenansicht des Drьckers.
Unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnungen wird die Kanьle 1 der Erfindung gezeigt.
Die Kanьle 1 wird gebildet aus einem rцhrenfцrmigen zylindrischen Kцrper 2 und einem Drьcker 3,
der an das Innere des Kцrpers 2 angepasst ist.
Der rцhrenfцrmige Kцrper 2 weist einen schrдggestellten seitlichen Zufьhrungskanal 4 auf, an die
eine flexible Zufьhrung 5 angesetzt wird.
Der Drьcker 3 weist einen Handgriff 6 auf und am entgegengesetzten Ende eine Erweiterung 7, in
der Form eines Paraboloids mit mehr oder weniger exakter Umdrehung.
454/2210
In der Abb. 1 ist zu beobachten, wie die Erweiterung am unteren Ende nach aussen an den
rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrper 2 angepasst ist.
An dem rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrper 2 kann der дussere untere Bereich 8 erweitert sein, mit einer
konvexgebogenen Mantellinie 9, um in der Form eines Suppositoriums die Penetration der Kanьle in
das Rektum zu erleichtern.
In der Abb. 2 ist zu beobachten, wie beim Herausziehen des Drьckers aus der Kanьle nach ihrer
Einfьhrung in das Rektum und nach der Einfьhrung der Flьssigkeit durch die Zufьhrung 5 an das
entgegengesetzte Ende des rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrpers 2 ein flexibles Rohr 10 angesetzt wird, um die
aus dem Inneren des Rektums stammende Flьssigkeit abzuziehen.
Nachdem die Beschaffenheit der Erfindung, sowie die Art der praktischen Anwendung hinreichend
beschrieben sind, ist darauf hinzuweisen, dass die vorstehend beschriebenen und in den
Zeichnungen gezeigten Anordnungen mцglichen Metallverдnderungen unterliegen kцnnen, soweit
ihr Grundprinzip nicht verдndert wird. Claims:
Kanьle fьr Klistiere und die Hydrotherapie des Kolons, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass sie aus
einem rцhrenfцrmigen zylindrischen Kцrper besteht, in dessen Inneren ein abnehmbarer Drьcker
angeordnet ist, der mit einer Erweiterung ausgestattet ist, die aus dem unteren Ende als
Verlдngerung des rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrpers herausragt und die die Einfьhrung der Kanьle in das
Rektum erleichtert, wдhrend an dem rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrper eine seitliche, nach oben
schrдggestellte Zufьhrung hervortritt, die mit dem Inneren des rцhrenfцrmigen Kцrpers in
Verbindung steht, an die eine flexible Zufьhrung angesetzt wird, durch die in das Innere der Kanьle
eine Flьssigkeit gelangt, die nach dem Herausziehen des Drьckers in das Rektum eingefьhrt wird,
sowie dadurch, dass die Ableitung der Flьssigkeit durch das entgegengesetzte Ende des
rцhrenfцrmigen zylindrischen Kцrpers ьber ein flexibles Rohr vorgenommen wird, das mit diesem
Ende verbunden und an einen Evakuationsbehдlter angeschlossen ist.
455/2210
63. FR2717679 - 29.09.1995
PORTABLE HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGE AND ULTRASOUND EQUIPMENT
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2717679
Inventor(s):
LORENZO DEL GRANDE (--)
Applicant(s):
DEL GRANDE LORENZO (MC)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
E Class: A61H9/00P; A61H23/02P
Application Number:
FR19940002730 (19940303)
Priority Number: FR19940002730 (19940303)
Family: FR2717679
Abstract:
A HIGH-PRESSURE PUMP INCLUDING A VENTURI FLOW PATH IS ASSOCIATED WITH AN
EMITTER OR ULTRASONIC ENERGY. THE VENTURI FLOW PATH INCLUDES A BRANCH PORTION
DEFINING A RECIRCULATION CONDUIT FOR A PORTION OF THE PUMPED FLUID. AN AIR FLOW
REGULATOR IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FLOW PATH TO CONTROL THE INTERNAL PRESSURE
OF THE SYSTEM. THE PUMP IS CONNECTED TO THE RECIRCULATION PORTION OF THE FLOW
PATH BY A FLEXIBLE CONDUIT. A CIRCUIT BREAKER IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PUMP TO FORM
A RAPID PNEUMATIC CUT-OFF DEVICE ACTUATED BY A PUSH BUTTON. A SUCTION HEAD
ASSEMBLY IS CONNECTED SIMULTANEOUSLY TO THE ULTRASOUND EMITTER AND TO THE
PUMP.Description:
456/2210
La prйsente invention concerne un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie portable qui permet d'йliminer la
graisse ou la cellulite sur le corps humain par le troyen d'un hydromassage avec possibilitй
d'application d'ultrasons sur la partie du corps а traiter.
Les procйdйs d'hydrothйrapie traditionnellement employйs jusqu'а ce jour s'effectuaient dans
des centres publics appropriйs et spйcialisйs, tels qu'йtablissement thermal ou de
thalassothйrapie alors que le dispositif prйsentй est une machine portable et personnelle destinйe
а un emploi domestique.
Le dispositif selon l'invention permet de remйdier а l'inconvйnient inhйrent aux contraintes
rencontrйes dans les centres de traitement, notamment le coыt financier йlevй (dйplacement,
l'hйbergement,rиglement des soins) et la prestation des soins en public.
Ce dispositif, selon une premiиre caractйristique, est de petite taille, puisque portable 40cmX40cr,
qui comporte, reliй d'une part, а un йmetteur ultrasons et d'autre part, а une pompe а haute
pression, un pommeau а trois fonctions se divisant lui-mкme en trois parties : un pommeau aspirant,
un pommeau diffuseur d'ultrasons et un pommeau refoulant.
Selon des modes particuliers de rйalisation - l'utilisateur du dispositif doit кtre immergй dans une
baignoire afin de recrйer les conditions d'hydrothйrapie.
- la partie du pommeau libйrant le flux d'ultrasons (10) peut кtre utilisйe indйpendamment des
parties 9 et 11 constituant les parties aspirante et refoulante du systиme; - cette mкme partie du
pommeau (lO)peut кtre utilisйe par intermittance ou en continue.
- ce pommeau est reliй premiиrement а l'appareil envoyant les ultrasons, et deuxiиmement а la
pompe а haute pression.
Le dessin reprйsente en coupe le dispositif selon l'invention
En rйfйrence а ce dessin, le dispositif comporte une pompe а haute pression (11) qui permet
d'aspirer l'eau а la base du pommeau partie aspirante (9)
Ensuite, l'eau traverse le conduit aspirant (6) pour aller dans la pompe, remonter dans le venturi
systиme (2) кtre expulsй par le conduit de refoulement (7) et sortir par la partie refoulante du
pommeau (11)
457/2210
Cet appareil comporte une prise d'air sur le systиme venturi rйglable par le rйgulateur prise d'air
(3).
Le systиme est lui-mкme protйgй par un coupe-circuit (4) commandй а distance par un
interrupteur pneumatique (5) comportant un boutton poussoir.
L'appareil йmetteur d'ultrasons (12) est reliй au pommeau trifonctionnel par un tuyau flexible de
raccordement (8)
A titre d'exemple non limitatif, la pompe а haute pression aura des dimensions de l'ordre de
40x40cm et le boоtier йmetteur d'ultrasons 20x20.
Le dispositif selon l'invention visant а йliminer la graisse ou la cellulite sur le corps humain par le
moyen d'un hydro-massage avec application d'ultrasons, est destinй plus spйcialement aux
particuliers, pour un usage privй, mais n'excluant pas une utilisation dans les centres de
thalassothйrapie et autres. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
1/ Dispositif pour йliminer la graisse ou la cellulite sur le corps humain caractйrisй en ce qu'il
comporte une pompe а haute pression (1) йquipй d'un systиme venturi (2) et d'un йmetteur
d'ultrasons (12) ;
2/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractйrisй en ce que sur le systиme venturi est branchй un
conduit de refoulement (7) aboutissant а la partie refoulante du pommeau tripartie (11)
3/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractйrisй en ce que le systиme venturi est йquipй d'un
rйgulateur de prise d'air pour rйgler la pression (3)
4/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractйrisй en ce que la pompe est reliйe а la partie
refoulante du pommeau par un conduit souple (6);
5/ Dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractйrisй en ce que la pompe а haute pression est protйgй
par un coupe-circuit (4), lui-mкme commandй а distance par un interrupteur pneumatique
comportant un bouton poussoir (5);
6/ dispositif selon la revendication 1 caractйrisй en ce que le pommeau tripartie (9+10+11) est
reliй а la fois а l'йmetteur ultrasons (12) par un conduit souple (8) et а la pompe (6+7).
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64. FR2731904 - 27.09.1996
INDIVIDUAL HYDROTHERAPY SUPPORT BATH
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2731904
Applicant(s):
DUCLAUX JEAN JACQUES (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00; A61H33/02
E Class: A61H33/00N
Application Number:
FR19950003736 (19950324)
Priority Number: FR19950003736 (19950324)
Family: FR2731904
Abstract:
THE APPARATUS CONSISTS OF A BATH (10) WITH APERTURES (15) OR NOZZLES TO DIRECT
WATER UNDER PRESSURE TOWARDS THE BODY OF A PATIENT (11) IN THE BATH. IT ALSO HAS
A FRAME (16) WHICH CAN BE PLACED IN AN ACTIVE POSITION OVER THE PATIENT'S BODY, OR
IN AN INACTIVE POSITION IN WHICH THE PATIENT IS FREE TO GET IN OR OUT OF THE BATH.
THE FRAME IS MADE FROM TUBES, AND IS EQUIPPED WITH OUTLETS OR NOZZLES (17) WHICH
EJECT WATER UNDER PRESSURE ONTO THE TOP OF THE PATIENT'S BODY WHEN THE FRAME
IS IN ITS ACTIVE POSITION. THE FRAME IS IN THE GENERAL SHAPE OF A PERSON LYING IN THE
BATH AND CAN HAVE A TELESCOPIC SECTION TO ADJUST TO THE DIMENSIONS OF THE BODY.
THE FRAME IS HINGED TO ONE END OF THE BATH AND HAS A LOWER ACTIVE POSITION,
CONTROLLED BY A STOP, AND AN UPPER INACTIVE POSITION.Description:
APPAREIL D'HYDROTHERAPIE INDIVIDUELLE
459/2210
L'invention est relative а un appareil d'hydrothйrapie en forme
de baignoire, ayant un fond et des cфtйs pourvus d'orifices ou
de buses d'йjection d'un fluide sous pression vers le corps
d'un patient allongй ou assis dans la baignoire.
Les appareils d'hydrothйrapie individuelle du genre mentionnй,
couramment appelйs baignoires d'hydrothйrapie, ont une forme
qui permet а l'utilisateur de prendre une position allongйe ou
assise et de recevoir des impacts de jets d'air ou d'eau sous
pression sur la face postйrieure et/ou les cфtйs du corps. La
face antйrieure du corps n'est pas soumise а l'action de ces
jets.
La prйsente invention a pour but de permettre la rйalisation d'un appareil perfectionnй, qui rйalise
en mкme temps ou
sйparйment un hydromassage de la face antйrieure du corps, depuis les jambes jusqu'aux
йpaules et cet appareil est
caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte un chвssis pouvant кtre placй
en une position active en regard de la face antйrieure du corps
et en une position inactive de libйration de l'accиs а la
baignoire et que le chвssis est pourvu d'orifices ou de buses
d'йjection d'un fluide sous pression vers ladite face
antйrieure du corps, lorsque le chвssis est en position active.
Toutes les faces du corps sont ainsi soumises а l'impact de
jets d'eau ou d'air sous pression et le traitement est
notablement plus efficace. En prйvoyant, selon l'invention, un chвssis amovible ou relevable, ce
chвssis peut кtre d'une part
proche du corps en position active, de faзon а augmenter
l'efficacitй du massage, et d'autre part ne pas gкner l'accиs
de la baignoire, lorsqu'il est effacй en position inactive.
Selon un dйveloppement de l'invention, la forme gйnйrale du
460/2210
chвssis est adaptйe а la forme de la baignoire, pour suivre sensiblement le contour de la face
antйrieure du corps du patient et disposer les orifices ou buses d'йjection а une faible distance de
ce corps
Le chвssis comporte avantageusement un cadre tubulaire, dont les tubes constituent des conduits
d'amenйe du fluide sous pression aux orifices ou buses du chвssis. Ce chвssis est lйger tout en
prйsentant une rigiditй suffisante. Selon un dйveloppement de l'invention le chвssis comporte une
partie tйlescopique, permettant une variation de sa forme, pour une adaptation а la taille du corps
immergй dans la baignoire et l'utilisation d'une mкme baignoire par des patients de corpulence
diffйrente.
Le chвssis est de prйfйrence montй а pivotement au voisinage de l'une des extrйmitйs de la
baignoire, par exemple du cфtй des pieds de l'utilisateur, pour venir en une position abaissйe
active, dйfinie par une butйe et en une position relevйe inactive, oщ il permet l'accиs usuel par le
cфtй а la baignoire. L'articulation du chвssis peut comporter un joint tournant assurant
l'alimentation en eau ou en air sous pression des orifices du chвssis. Cette alimentation peut кtre
rйalisйe par un flexible ou tout autre systиme opйrant et l'eau ou l'air peut provenir d'un rйseau
sous pression, le surplus йtant йvacuй par un trop plein. Le systиme peut йgalement fonctionner
en circuit fermй, l'eau de la baignoire йtant mise en circulation et sous pression par une pompe.La
pression et le dйbit du fluide sont rйglйs soit par une simple vanne, soit par un modulateur de
pression, qui assure une variation de la pression а une frйquence donnйe, rйglable. L'utilisateur
est ainsi soumis а des impacts pulsйs de pression et de frйquence rйglables.
Les tubes du chвssis peuvent prйsenter de simples orifices de sortie du fluide sous pression ou des
buses, avantageusement orientables, qui assurent diffйrentes formes de jets. Le nombre de jets
n'est limitй que par le dйbit et la pression fournis par le rйseau ou la pompe.
Les jets pulsйs engendrent une rйaction sur le chвssis et cette rйaction est utilisйe, selon
l'invention, pour faire pivoter le chвssis а la mкme frйquence que les variations de pression. La
position active du chвssis est dйfinie par une butйe unidirectionnelle et lorsque le jet est puissant le
chвssis est repoussй en s'йcartant du corps ou de la surface de l'eau, si le chвssis n'est pas
immergй. Dиs que la pression baisse ou s'annule le chвssis est ramenй, par gravitй ou par un
systиme de rappel, en appui de la butйe prиs du corps. On provoque ainsi automatiquement un
dйplacement de la zone d'impact et un balayage de la face antйrieure du corps. Si cet effet n'est
pas souhaitй il est possible de verrouiller par tout moyen appropriй le chвssis en position active.La
butйe de positionnement du chвssis en position active peut comporter un dйtecteur de prйsence
461/2210
du chвssis, qui pilote la pression d'alimentation des orifices ou buses. Ce dйtecteur peut
commander la marche et l'arrкt de la pompe, afin d'йviter toute fausse manoeuvre et commander, le
cas йchйant, le mouvement oscillant du chвssis dйcrit ci-dessus.
D'autres avantages et caractйristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description, qui va suivre
d'un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention, donnй а titre d'exemple et reprйsentй aux dessins
annexйs, dans lesquels: la figure 1 est une vue en йlйvation d'une baignoire selon l'invention, la
paroi latйrale йtant supposйe enlevйe; la figure 2 est une vue analogue а celle de la figure 1
montrant le chвssis de support des buses en position inactive relevйe; la figure 3 est une vue en
plan а йchelle rйduite du chвssis selon la figure 1; les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues йclatйes,
respectivement en plan et en йlйvation d'une variante de rйalisation du chвssis.
Sur les figures un patient il est assis, plus ou moins allongй, dans une baignoire 10 d'hydrothйrapie,
remplie d'eau 12. Le fond 13 et les cфtйs 14 de la baignoire 10 sont pourvus d'orifices 15,
schйmatiquement reprйsentйs par des cercles, reliйs par des conduits а une source d'eau sous
pression, non reprйsentйe. L'eau 12 de la baignoire 10 est, par exemple, aspirйe par une pompe et
refoulйe par les orifices 15 en crйant des jets, dont l'impact sur le patient 11 crйe un effet de
massage du dos et des cфtйs. Il est clair que l'eau peut кtre remplacйe partiellement ou
entiиrement par un autre fluide, notamment de l'air, l'invention йtant dйcrite par la suite dans son
application а des jets d'eau. Le fluide de massage peut йgalement кtre fourni par un rйseau sous
pression, notamment s'il s'agit de jets d'air.De telles baignoires sont bien connues des spйcialistes
et il est inutile de les dйcrire en dйtail.
Selon l'invention un chвssis tubulaire 16 de support de buses ou d'orifices 17 est immergй dans
l'eau 12 et prйsente un contour incurvй, qui йpouse а faible йcartement la face antйrieure 18 du
patient 11 des jambes jusqu'aux йpaules. La forme gйnйrale du chвssis 16 est conjuguйe de celle
de la face antйrieure 18, qui dйpend elle-mкme du profil du fond 13 de la baignoire 10. Les jets
d'eau 19 sortant des orifices 17 sont orientйs en direction de la face antйrieure 18 du patient pour
crйer des impacts de massage. Le chвssis 16, en forme de cadre rectangulaire, constitue un
rйseau d'alimentation en eau sous pression des orifices 17 et les dimensions de ce cadre
correspondent sensiblement а celles de la face antйrieure 18.
Des traverses 20, йchelonnйes le long du cadre et munies d'orifices 17, permettent un massage de
toute la face antйrieure 18. Le chвssis 16 porte а son extrйmitй 21, du cфtй des pieds du patient
11, deux tourillons 22 montйs а pivotement dans un palier fixe 23, solidaire de la paroi de la
462/2210
baignoire 10. Les tourillons 22 et le palier 23 sont creux, pour crйer, par un joint tournant, un
passage de l'eau sous pression vers l'intйrieur des tubes du chвssis 16. Dans la position abaissйe,
active du chвssis 16, reprйsentйe а la figure 1, l'ensemble du chвssis 16 est immergй et toute la
face antйrieure 18 reзoit les impacts des jets 19. Ce massage peut intervenir en mкme temps ou
sйparйment du massage du dos et des cфtйs du patient.
Selon la position du patient ll dans la baignoire 10 et la forme de celle-ci, le chвssis 16 peut кtre
partiellement ou entiиrement au-dessus de la surface de l'eau 12, les jets 19 traversant cette surface.
Aprиs le traitement et arrкt de l'alimentation en eau sous pression, il suffit de relever le chвssis 16
dans la position reprйsentйe sur la figure 2, pour dйgager entiиrement l'accиs de la baignoire 10.
L'ensemble est particuliиrement simple et peut кtre facilement montй sur une baignoire existante.
Les figures 4 et 5 illustrent une variante de rйalisation, dans laquelle le chвssis 24 comporte une
premiиre partie 25 de support des orifices 17 et une deuxiиme partie 26 portant les tourillons 22
d'articulation du chвssis 24 sur le palier fixe 23. La premiиre partie 25 prйsente deux tubes
rectilignes 27, qui l'encadrent et qui sont montйs а coulissement dans deux tubes conjuguйs 28 de
la deuxiиme partie 2d, de faзon а constituer un chвssis tйlescopique 24. En position active du
chвssis 24 les tubes tйlescopiques 27,28 sont sensiblement horizontaux et il est facile de voir qu'ils
permettent, par simple coulissement, une adaptation du chвssis 24 а la taille et plus
particuliиrement а la corpulence du patient 11.
D'autres modes d'adaptation par des articulations ou des parties dйformables peuvent кtre
envisagйs.
Les figures 4 et 5 illustrent un dispositif de positionnement du chвssis 24 en position active, par une
butйe unidirectionnelle 29, constituйe de deux fourches, fixes aux parois latйrales de la baignoire
10, pour encadrer la deuxiиme partie 25 du chвssis 24 en position active et recevoir а
emboоtement des ergots 30 solidaires de cette deuxiиme partie 25. Le chвssis 24 est libre de
pivoter vers le haut en position inactive, mais en position active son poids le sollicite en appui de la
butйe 29. Des verrouillages, par exemple associйs а la butйe 19, peuvent bloquer dans la position
active le chвssis 24.
Selon un mode de rйalisation prйfйrentiel, le chвssis 24 est libre de pivoter et la pression de l'eau
d'alimentation des orifices 17 est variable, pour engendrer des jets pulsйs 19 et des impacts de
force variable sur le corps. On comprend que l'йjection de l'eau par les orifices 17 engendre une
463/2210
rйaction sur le chвssis 24, tendant а le faire pivoter vers le haut et а dйplacer les points d'impact
en balayant la face antйrieure 18.
Dиs la baisse de la pression de l'eau le chвssis 24 retombe en appui sur la butйe 29 et ce
mouvement d'oscillation de montйe et de descente s'effectue automatiquement au rythme et а la
frйquence des variations de pression de l'eau. L'efficacitй du massage est ainsi amйliorйe et
йtendue а toute la surface de la face antйrieure 18. Les variations de la pression de l'eau et/ou du
dйbit sont obtenues, d'une maniиre connue, par des systиmes de vannes ou par un modulateur de
pression. La butйe 29 est йquipйe d'un dйtecteur 31 de prйsence de l'ergot 30 et ce dйtecteur
31 commande l'alimentation en eau sous pression, par exemple en empкchant cette alimentation
lorsque le chвssis 24 n'est pas en position active. Un tel systиme peut contribuer ou engendrer le
mouvement oscillant prйcitй du chвssis 24. Dиs que le chвssis 24 pivote vers le haut le dйtecteur
31 coupe ou rйduit l'alimentation en eau sous pression et le chвssis 24 revient en position active de
butйe, dans laquelle le dйtecteur 31 rйtablit l'alimentation et ainsi de suite.
Il est clair que la dйtection de la position du chвssis 24 est rйalisable d'une maniиre diffйrente et
que le systиme de positionnement et de dйplacement du chвssis, selon les figures 4 et 5, est
utilisable avec un chвssis monobloc selon la figure 3.
L'invention est bien entendu nullement limitйe au mode de mise en oeuvre plus particuliиrement
dйcrit en rйfйrence aux dessins et elle s'йtend а toute variante restant dans le cadre des
йquivalences. Claims:
Revendications
1. Appareil d'hydrothйrapie en forme de baignoire (10), ayant
un fond et des cфtйs pourvus d'orifices (17) ou de buses
d'йjection d'un fluide sous pression vers le corps d'un patient
(11) allongй ou assis dans la baignoire, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte un chвssis (16,24)
pouvant кtre placй en une
position active en regard de la face antйrieure (18) du corps
du patient (11) et en une position inactive de libйration de
464/2210
l'accиs а la baignoire (10) et que le chвssis (16,24) est
pourvu d'orifices (17) ou de buses d'йjection d'un fluide sous
pression vers ladite face antйrieure (18) du corps, lorsque le
chвssis est en position active.
2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй en ce que la
forme gйnйrale du chвssis (16,24) est conjuguйe de celle de
ladite face antйrieure (18) du corps.
3. Appareil selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractйrisй en ce
que le chвssis (16,24) comporte un cadre tubulaire, dont les
tubes constituent des conduits d'amenйe du fluide sous pression
aux orifices (17) ou buses du chassis.
4. Appareil selon la revendication 1, 2, ou 3, caractйrisй en
ce que le chвssis (24) prйsente une partie tйlescopique,
permettant une adaptation а la taille du corps immergй dans la
baignoire (10).
5. Appareil selon la revendication 1, 2, 3 ou 4, caractйrisй en
ce que le chвssis (16,24) est montй а pivotement au voisinage
de l'une (21) des extrйmitйs de la baignoire (10), pour venir
en une position abaissйe active, dйfinie par une butйe (29) et
en une position relevйe inactive.
6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que la
pression du fluide alimentant les orifices (17) ou les buses du chвssis(16,24) est modulйe pour
engendrer des jets pulsйs (19).
7. Appareil selon les revendications 5 et 6, caractйrisй en ce que lesdits jets pulsйs (19)
engendrent une rйaction, pour faire pivoter ledit chвssis (16,24) а la mкme frйquence que les
variations de pression en provoquant un balayage de la face antйrieure (18) du corps.
465/2210
8. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que la
butйe (29) de positionnement du chвssis (16,24) en position active comporte un dispositif de
verrouillage pour immobiliser le chвssis dans cette position.
9. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que la
butйe (29) de positionnement du chвssis (16,24) en position active comporte un dйtecteur (31) qui
pilote la pression d'alimentation des orifices (17) ou buses.
10. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes et ayant une articulation du
chвssis sur la baignoire, caractйrisй en ce que l'articulation (22,23) constitue un conduit de
passage du fluide vers les orifices (17) ou buses du chвssis (16,24).
466/2210
65. FR2734156 - 22.11.1996
HYDROTHERAPY MASSAGER FOR MASSAGING BODY PARTS
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2734156
Applicant(s):
CHAUVIERE FABIENNE (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
E Class: A61H9/00; B05B1/12; B05B1/16B3B2
Application Number:
FR19960006322 (19960517)
Priority Number: FR19960006322 (19960517); FR19950006166 (19950519)
Family: FR2734156
Abstract:
THE MASSAGER CONSISTS OF A HOUSING WITH ONE OR MORE NOZZLES CONNECTED TO A
PRIMARY WATER FEED CIRCUIT AND DESIGNED TO DELIVER A MASSAGING JET. EACH NOZZLE
INCORPORATES A SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMING THE PRIMARY WATER FLOW INTO AN OUTLET
JET AT A HIGHER PRESSURE, COMPRISING A FIRST CHAMBER (A) WHICH REDUCES THE
SECTION OF THE PRIMARY FLOW, FOLLOWED BY AN INJECTION CHAMBER (B) OF REDUCED
SECTION AND A PRESSURE CHAMBER (C) OF GREATER SECTION CONTAINING SWIRLERS (23)
TO CONFER A SPIRAL MOTION ON THE WATER FLOW. THE PRESSURE CHAMBER (C) LEADS
INTO AN EXPULSION CHAMBER (D) OF SMALLER CROSS-SECTION THAN CHAMBER (C). THE
DIAMETER OF THE INJECTION CHAMBER (B) IS HALF THAT OF THE FIRST CHAMBER (A), WHILE
THE DIAMETER OF THE PRESSURE CHAMBER (C) IS TWICE THAT OF THE FIRST CHAMBER,
WHICH IS MORE OR LESS THE SAME AS THAT OF THE EXPULSION CHAMBER (D). THE FLOW
SWIRLERS CAN BE IN THE FORM OF A LARGE PITCH SPIRAL GROOVE. THE NOZZLES CAN BE
MOUNTED IN A PANEL OR HOUSING, PREF OF PVC.Description:
467/2210
La prйsente invention concerne un dispositif d' hydrothйrapie destinй au massage du corps
humain.
I1 est fait de plus en plus appel а ce genre de thйrapies afin d'effectuer par l'intermйdiaire de jets
d'eau, plus ou moins puissants, le massage recherchй.
I1 est connu d'appliquer de telles thйrapies а diffйrentes zones du corps humain comme par
exemple pour soigner le mal de dos pouvant provenir de diffйrents facteurs que l'on peut retrouver
de maniиre pathologique, chronique, ou passage.
Les attitudes comportementales de la vie moderne contribuent йgalement а ce type de mal. I1
s'agira de la position assise prolongйe devant un poste de travail ou lors de la conduite d'un
vйhicule, des efforts de levage, les vibrations etc...
Entrent йgalement en ligne de compte, les facteurs de stress et neurologiques qui suscitent parfois
un massage en vue d'une relaxation.
On peut aussi avoir recours au massage dans le cas d' une musculature dйficiente afin de stimuler
certaines masses molles.
D'autres situations peuvent aussi inciter au massage corne la mauvaise circulation sanguine, les
rhumatismes etc..
Dans tous les cas de figure le massage peut кtre effectuй а titre prйventif en usage privй ou en
complйment d'un traitement mйdical.
Les dispositifs gйnйralement connus pour obtenir ces massages par hydrothйrapie sont
constituйs, dans les installations domestiques, par des douchettes а jets rйglables, mais leur
efficacitй est rйduite car la force d'expulsion de l'eau est limitйe а la valeur nominale de la pression
du rйseau primaire d'alimentation. Or l'effort hydromassant n'est obtenu qu'au-delа de cette valeur.
A ce propos, il est connu par le document FR-A-2.452.919 un appareil d' hydrothйrapie, en
particulier pour le traitement des algies vertйbrales, composй d'un cadre tubulaire йquipй de
468/2210
buses de pulvйrisation d'eau en provenance d' un rйseau d'alimentation eau chaude - eau froide.
Malgrй son ajustement en hauteur possible cet appareil est trиs limitй, quant aux possibilitйs de
massage qu'il est en mesure d'offrir, sans compter que son efficacitй reste, lа encore, trиs rйduite
en raison d'une pression d'eau insuffisante procurйe par des buses, on ne peut plus classiques.
C'est ainsi que dans les installations mйdicales ou paramйdicales professionnelles on obtient des
pressions fortes en ayant recours а des compresseurs auxiliaires.
Tout particuliиrement, il est connu par le document WO-A87.07499 une machine d'hydromassage
а mкme d'йquiper une cabine de douche et comportant une structure tubulaire en forme d'une
cage dont notamment les montants sont йquipйs de pommes de douchettes.
Cette structure tubulaire est alimentйe en eau sous pression par l'intermйdiaire d'une pompe.
Ce type d'installation est bien entendu fort coыteux et de plus d'usage limitй.
En effet, on imagine mal un particulier investir dans ce type de matйriel tant du point de vue du
coыt que de 1' encombrement qu'il reprйsente.
C'est ainsi que selon une premiиre phase de la dйmarche inventive il a йtй imaginй de proposer
а une clientиle professionnelle, mais йgalement privйe, de transformer une cabine de douche
existante ou une baignoire traditionnelle par l'intermйdiaire d'un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie
facilement adaptable se prйsentant sous la forme d'un module prййquipй apte а кtre mis en
place sur une paroi de ladite cabine ou contre le mur par des moyens de fixation appropriйs et sans
aucune intervention de plomberie ou d'йlectricitй.
En fait, il a йtй recherchй de concevoir un dispositif а monter йventuellement soi-mкme,
notamment dans le cadre d'un usage privй, mais ayant des caractйristiques rйpondant aux
critиres de lthydromassage, plus particuliиrement en ce qui concerne la valeur de la pression de
sortie des jets d'eau et cela sans aucun matйriel annexe tel que compresseur.
Les objectifs sont atteints par la mise en oeuvre des moyens qui seront dйcrits plus loin et qui
constituent l'invention proprement dite.
469/2210
A cet effet, l'invention concerne un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie destinй au massage du corps humain
et comportant au moins une buse raccordйe par l'intermйdiaire d'un rйseau d'adduction
secondaire d'alimentation en eau а un conduit d'un rйseau primaire et dйlivrant un jet d'eau а effet
massant, caractйrisй par le fait que le rйseau d'adduction secondaire d'alimentation en eau
йquipe une coque suport et comporte des moyens de raccordement flexibles audit rйseau primaire,
ladite coque support йtant montйe coulissante sur des glissiиres latйrales et comportant des
moyens de blocage en translation dйverrouillables.
Avantageusement, les extrйmitйs supйrieures, respectivement infйrieures des glissiиres latйrales
sont rendues solidaires de supports de fixation pourvus de ferrures d'articulation, autorisant le
montage pivotant de cette coque sur une paroi.
En outre, selon l'invention, ce dispositif d'hydrothйrapie comporte des moyens propres de
transformation du dйbit d'eau du rйseau primaire en pression de sortie supйrieure а celle dudit
rйseau а son expulsion а l'air libre, ces moyens йtant constituйs, en combinaison, par une
premiиre chambre de rйduction de la section du conduit primaire d'alimentation en eau de la buse,
suivie d'une chambre de pression de section plus importante et comportant des moyens pour
confйrer au flux d'eau un mouvement tourbillonnaire en spirale, dans le prolongement axial de cette
chambre de pression se situant une chambre d'expulsion dont la section, de dimension infйrieure а
la chambre de pression, constitue une nouvelle rйduction.
Les avantages dйcoulant de la prйsente invention sont particuliиrement marquants. En effet, les
caractйristiques spйcifiques des buses permettent d'obtenir, au travers de ces derniиres, des jets
d'eau produisant un rйel effet massant, ceci en partant d'une pression correspondant а celle du
rйseau d'alimentation en eau et sans faire appel а un quelconque surpresseur.
En outre, le montage coulissant de la coque sur des glissiиres latйrales et le raccordement de son
rйseau d'adduction secondaire а l'aide d'un flexible au rйseau primaire d'alimentation en eau
permettent de la dйplacer aisйment de maniиre а ajuster sa position par rapport aux parties du
corps sur lesquelles lton souhaite agir et, ceci, sans limite de la tкte aux pieds.
La possibilitй d'un montage pivotant de l'ensemble sur une paroi facilite, en outre, son orientation.
En fait, un tel montage est tout particuliиrement avantageux dans le cas d'une application du
dispositif au-dessus d' une baignoire. Tout particuliиrement, dans ces conditions, le dispositif peut
470/2210
кtre, soit rabattu contre le mur contre lequel est implantйe la baignoire, soit orientй dans l'axe
longitudinal de cette derniиre.
En fin de compte, le dispositif selon l'invention apporte une rйelle solution aux besoins de tout un
chacun, grвce а son efficacitй et son coыt de revient rйduit.
La prйsente invention concerne, йgalement, les caractйristiques qui ressortiront de la description
qui va suivre et qui devront кtre considйrйes isolйment ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons
techniques possibles.
Cette description, donnйe а titre d'exemple non limitatif, fera mieux comprendre comment 1'
invention peut кtre rйalisйe en rйfйrence aux dessins annexйs sur lesquels
- la figure l est une vue schйmatisйe et en plan d'un dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'invention, la
coque йtant illustrйe dans ses deux positions extrкmes sur les glissiиres latйrales le long
desquelles elle est а mкme de se dйplacer
- la figure 2 est une vue latйrale du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie tel que reprйsentй dans la figure l,
les glissiиres latйrales n' йtant pas reprйsentйes
- la figure 3 est une vue schйmatique d'un rйseau d'adduction d'eau secondaire selon un exemple
de rйalisation
- la figure 4 est une vue du principe gйnйral sur lequel est basйe l'invention
- la figure 5, correspondant а une vue schйmatisйe, en perspective et en coupe partielle de la
buse, illustre schйmatiquement, le principe mis en oeuvre grвce aux caractйristiques spйcifiques
de la chambre de pression
- la figure 6 est une vue schйmatisйe et en coupe longitudinale de la buse
- la figure 7 est une vue frontale de l'insert situй а l'avant de la buse tel que reprйsentй dans la
figure 6
- la figure 8 est une vue schйmatisйe et en coupe longitudinale de la buse exйcutйe selon un
second mode de rйalisation
- la figure 9 est une vue de la face frontale de cette buse telle que reprйsentйe dans la figure 7
- la figure 10 est une vue schйmatisйe et en plan d'un insert rotatif disposй а l'arriиre de cette
face frontale permettant de varier la nature du jet
- les figures 11 et 12 illustrent, de maniиre schйmatisйe et en coupe, les moyens de blocage en
translation de la coque sur les glissiиres latйrales, ces moyens йtant reprйsentйs en position de
blocage et de dйblocage
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- la figure 13 est une vue schйmatisйe et en perspective d' un support de fixation dont sont
rendues solidaires, selon le cas, les extrйmitйs supйrieures ou infйrieures des glissiиres latйrales
- la figure 14 est une vue schйmatisйe et en йlйvation des moyens d'accrochage et de serrage а
mкme d'йquiper notamment le support de fixation supйrieur dudit dispositif permettant
l'accrochage de ce dernier sur une paroi, par exemple, d' une cabine de douche
- la figure 15 est une vue schйmatisйe et en йlйvation du dispositif dont les supports de fixation
sont pourvus de moyens d' articulation permettant le montage pivotant de ce dispositif contre une
paroi.
Le dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 globalement dйsignй sur les figures 1, 2 et 15, comprend un
panneau support ou coque 2 moulй en matiиre plastique prйfйrentiellement en polychlorure de
vinyle, sur lequel sont disposйes une ou plusieurs buses 3 destinйes au traitement hydrothйrapique
par l'йmission de jets d'eau contrфlйs.
Selon l'exemple reprйsentй, les buses 3 sont au nombre de six, leurs dispositions particuliиres
йtant commentйes plus loin.
Comme le montre, йgalement, la figure 1, la coque support 2 est montйe coulissante sur des
glissiиres latйrales 4 et comporte, par ailleurs, des moyens de blocage en translation
dйverrouillables 5, plus particuliиrement illustrйs dans les figures 11 et 12, ayant pour fonction d'
immobiliser ladite coque support 2 sur lesdites glissiиres 4 tout en autorisant, sous l'action d'une
commande manuelle, son dйplacement le long de ces derniиres.
En fin de compte, grвce а cette configuration la coque 2 du dispositif d' hydrothйrapie peut, tel
que reprйsentй dans la figure 1, кtre disposйe а n' importe quel endroit quelconque le long de
ces glissiиres latйrales 4 de maniиre а permettre а l'usager d'assurer le massage d'une partie
quelconque du corps.
Pour en revenir aux moyens de blocage dйverrouillables 5, ceuxci consistent, de part et d'autre de
la coque support 2, en une mвchoire mobile 7 et une mвchoire fixe 8 emprisonnant une glissiиre 4,
notamment de forme tubulaire. La mвchoire mobile 7 est montйe pivotante autour d'un axe 9
sensiblement parallиle а ladite glissiиre, tandis que des moyens йlastiques 10 assurent son rappel
en position de blocage, resserrйe sur ladite glissiиre 4. A noter que cette mвchoire mobile 7 est
prolongйe, au-delа de l'axe 9, par une poignйe de manoeuvre 11 aisйment accessible par l'usager
sur les cфtйs de la coque support 2 en w d' assurer le blocage et le dйblocage en translation de
472/2210
cette derniиre.En outre, au niveau de ses parties latйrales, cette coque support 2 comporte, au droit
desdites poignйes de manoeuvre 11, des rebords d' appui 12 permettant а l'usager de saisir
simultanйment lesdites poignйes de manoeuvre 11 et la coque support 2 en w d' ajuster sa
position le long des glissiиres 4.
Celles-ci peuvent кtre йquipйes, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure 6 et supйrieure 6A, de moyens de
fixation individuels permettant de les rapporter, indйpendamment contre une paroi. Toutefois, en
vue de faciliter le montage du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 et, par ailleurs, garantir le parallйlisme
de ces glissiиres latйrales 4, celles-ci sont solidaires, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure 6, respectivement,
supйrieure 6A, de supports de fixation 13, 13A.
Tel que reprйsentй plus particuliиrement en figure 13, un tel support de fixation 13, 13A comporte
des moyens de rйception 14 de ces extrйmitйs 6, 6A des glissiиres 4, de forme tubulaire, ainsi
qu'une embase de fixation 15. A ce propos, celle-ci est pourvue d'ouvertures 16 servant au passage
d'organes de fixation, tels que vis, lorsqu'il convient de rapporter, directement, le dispositif d'
hydrothйrapie 1 sur une paroi quelconque.
Toutefois, lorsque lton souhaite йquiper sa douche d'un tel dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1, il peut
s'avйrer utile de pouvoir l'appliquer directement sur la paroi 17 d'une cabine de douche, telle que
reprйsentйe dans la figure 14. Or, celle-ci est souvent constituйe par un panneau, soit en verre soit
en plexiglas translucide, qui ne permet pas la pose au moyen de vis. Dans de telles conditions,
cette embase de fixation 15 peut re recevoir des moyens d'accrochage 18 et des moyens de
serrage 20 permettant, finalement, d'accrocher, simplement, le dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 sur une
telle paroi 17 d'une cabine de douche.
Finalement, de tels moyens d'accrochage 18 se prйsentent sous forme d'une piиce en U
renversй 19 dont au moins une des parois parallиles verticales 19A est rendue solidaire de
l'embase de fixation 15, tandis que l'autre paroi parallиle verticale 19B reзoit les moyens de serrage
20, tels qu'une vis ou analogue. Ceuxci sont resserrйs sur le profilй supйrieur 17A de cette paroi 17
une fois la piиce en U 19 engagйe sur cette derniиre.
Tel que visible en figure 15, on peut, encore йquiper les supports de fixation 13, 13A, а l'une de
leurs extrйmitйs latйrales 21, d'une ferrure d'articulation 22 sous forme, par exemple, d'une
paumelle, dont la lame fixe est rendue solidaire, а l'aide d'organes de fixation appropriйs, d'une
paroi quelconque. A noter que, selon une variante de rйalisation, les supports de fixation 13, 13A
473/2210
peuvent кtre montйs ou faire partie intйgrante d'un seul et mкme panneau lequel peut alors
recevoir, sur l'un de ses bords latйraux de telles ferrures d'articulation 22 autorisant le pivotement
du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 autour d'un axe vertical.
En fin de compte, le fait que ce dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 soit pivotant par rapport а la cloison
contre laquelle il est fixй peut s'avйrer particuliиrement avantageux dans le cadre d'une
application de ce dispositif au-dessus d'une baignoire. Plus particuliиrement, dans ce cas d'espиce,
ce dispositif d' hydrothйrapie 1 peut, selon le cas, кtre rabattu parallиlement а la cloison contre
laquelle il est fixй en we de le rendre moins encombrant ou, au contraire, en cas d'utilisation,
ramenй perpendiculairement а cette cloison, par exemple dans l'axe longitudinal de la baignoire.
Pour en revenir aux buses 3, celles-ci sont raccordйes а un conduit 47 d'un rйseau primaire
d'alimentation en eau et dйlivrent un jet d'eau а effet massant. En fait, ces buses 3 comportent des
moyens de transformation du dйbit d' eau du rйseau primaire en pression de sortie supйrieure а
celle de ce dernier, а son expulsion а l'air libre.
Selon le schйma de principe de la figure 4, les moyens de transformation du dйbit d'eau en
pression sont constituйs par une premiиre chambre A de rйduction de la section du conduit
primaire d'alimentation en eau de la buse 3 et une chambre de pression C lui succйdant, de section
plus importante et se prolongeant, elle-meme, par une chambre d'expulsion D dont la section de
dimension infйrieure а la chambre de pression C constitue une seconde rйduction.
En outre, selon l'invention, la chambre de pression C comporte des moyens pour confйrer au flux
d'eau un mouvement tourbillonnaire en spirale, ces moyens 23 йtant constituйs, substantiellement,
par une rainure hйlicoпdale 24, assimilable prйfйrentiellement а un filet dont le pas de l'hйlice est
trиs grand et comporte, avantageusement un profil dissymйtrique.
Avantageusement, une chambre d'injection B de section infйrieure а celle de la premiиre
rйduction A est interposйe entre cette derniиre et la chambre de pression C pour constituer une
troisiиme rйduction.
Selon un mode de rйalisation prйfйrentiel, si l'on dйfinit la premiиre chambre A comme une
chambre d'admission, la chambre d' injection B comporte un diamиtre correspondant au diamиtre
de la chambre A divisй par deux. Tandis que la chambre de pression C comporte, elle, un diamиtre
correspondant а deux fois le diamиtre de la premiиre chambre A, soit quatre fois supйrieur au
474/2210
diamиtre de la chambre d'injection B. Finalement, la chambre d'expulsion D comporte un diamиtre,
correspondant, sensiblement, а celui de la premiиre chambre d'admission A.
De maniиre а mieux comprendre le phйnomиne mis en application dans le cadre de la prйsente
invention, l'on se reportera, plus particuliиrement, а la figure 5. Ainsi, l'on observe que sous 1' effet
de la mise en mouvement tourbillonnaire en spirale du flux d'eau celui-ci est divisй en une masse
en rotation a et une masse en accйlйration b. Plus particuliиrement, la mise en rotation d'une partie
du flux gйnиre une dйpression au centre de la chambre de pression C qui permet а la partie du
flux b d'йvoluer librement et de s'accйlйrer. L'on peut, йvidement, prйvoir au niveau de cette buse
3, des moyens d'injection d'air fonctionnant, par exemple, par effet venturi.
Comme le montrent les figures 6 et 8, une buse 3 est constituйe d'un corps arriиre tubulaire 24
dйterminant les diffйrentes chambres A, B, C de transformation du dйbit d'eau en pression de
sortie et une partie avant 25 destinйe а assurer 1' йmission d'au moins un jet d'eau sous pression
et constituant, substantiellement, la chambre d'expulsion D.
Selon ces exemples de rйalisation, la chambre de pression C de la buse 3 et la chambre d'injection
B sont disposйes sur un mкme axe X, X' alors que la premiиre chambre d'admission A se situe sur
un autre axe Y, Y' perpendiculaire au premier.
Quoi qu'il en soit, ce corps arriиre 24 de la buse 3 comporte, а son extrйmitй avant et sur son
pourtour externe, un dйcrochement 26 dйfinissant un embout 27 de section plus rйduite destinй а
кtre insйrй dans un orifice 28 mйnagй dans la coque support 2. Cet embout 27 est, par ailleurs,
filetй sur son pourtour externe pour la rйception d'un contre йcrou 29 permettant, en dйfinitive, de
fixer la buse 3 sur cette coque support 2.
Quant а la partie avant 25 de ladite buse 3, elle est constituйe, substantiellement, par un insert
tubulaire 30 dont le diamиtre interne est dйfini de maniиre а constituer, substantiellement, ladite
chambre d'expulsion D.
Tel que visible dans la figure 7, cet insert 30 comporte un flasque avant 31 pourvu d'au moins une
perforation centrale 32 destinйe au passage d'un jet d'eau sous pression.
En fin de compte, selon un mode de rйalisation prйfйrentiel, le flasque avant 31 de cet insert 30
comporte, une perforation centrale 32 et une ou plusieurs perforations pйriphйriques 33. Plus
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particuliиrement la perforation centrale 32, prйfйrentiellement d'un diamиtre plus important, a pour
but de permettre l'expulsion du flux d'eau acoйlйrй b, tandis que les perforations pйriphйriques
33 permettent l'йjection de la masse d'eau en rotation a.
Finalement, cette partie avant 25 d'une buse 3 peut recevoir une calotte de rйglage 34 а mкme
d'кtre vissйe sur l'embout filetй 27 du corps arriиre 24 et offrant la possibilitй de rйgler le ou les
jets d'eau en sortie de buse. Plus particuliиrement, cette calotte de rйglage 34 comporte, sur sa
face avant, des perforations 35, 36 dont une 35 centrale susceptible de se positionner au droit de la
perforation centrale 32 de 1' insert 30. En consйquence, en vissant а fond, la calotte de rйglage 34
de telle sorte qu'elle vienne en applique contre le flasque avant 31 de l'insert 30 tout en assurant le
dйcalage des perforations pйriphйriques 32 de ce dernier par rapport а celles 36 de ladite calotte
de rйglage 34, l'on obtient un jet central unique.Puis en dйvissant, progressivement, cette calotte
de rйglage 34, l'on obtient autant de jets que de perforations 35, 36 sachant que plus on s'йloigne
du flasque avant 31, plus les jets sont йvasйs.
I1 est йgalement possible de prйvoir qu'en dйvissant la calotte de rйglage 34, il en rйsulte une
injection d'air, par effet venturi, dans la buse 3, tout particuliиrement au niveau de la chambre
d'expulsion D.
La buse 3 correspondant au mode de rйalisation illustrй dans la figure 8 se distingue,
essentiellement, de celle dйcrite prйcйdemment en ce que le corps arriиre 24 est constituй de
deux piиces s 24A, 24B. La premiиre dйfinit, en quelque sorte, la chambre de pression C et se
prйsente sous forme d'une douille vissйe dans la piиce 24B et comportant au niveau de sa paroi
interne, le filetage dйfinissant les moyens 23 pour confйrer au flux d'eau un mouvement
tourbillonnaire en spirale. En fin de compte, cette partie 24A en forme de douille comporte,
йgalement en pйriphйrie, un rebord annulaire 37 jouant, en quelque sorte, le rфle du contre йcrou
29 dans le mode de rйalisation correspondant а la figure 6.
Plus prйcisйment, lors du montage de la buse 3 sur la coque support 2, l'on introduit la partie 24A,
en forme de douille, dans 1' orifice 28 mйnagй dans ladite coque support 2, puis on vient la visser
dans la partie 24B dudit corps arriиre 24 jusqu'а obtenir leur resserrement sur la paroi de ladite
coque support 2.
De plus, l'insert 30A que reзoit l'extrйmitй avant du corps arriиre 24 se prйsente, dans ce cas,
sous forme d'un flasque comportant, sensiblement reparties autour de son centre 38, des
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perforations 39, 39A de diamиtre diffйrent ou des groupes de perforation 39B au droit desquels lton
peut positionner une ouverture 40 amйnagйe dans une calotte de rйglage 34A montйe pivotante
sur la partie avant 25 de la buse 3. En fin de compte, en agissant sur cette calotte de rйglage 34A,
on peut, lа encore, obtenir des jets de forme et de pression diffйrentes.
Conne illustrй dans la figure 3, les buses 3 sont disposйes sur un rйseau d'adduction secondaire
41 d'alimentation en eau selon une rйpartition telle а obtenir une rйgulation des flux en fonction des
conditions et points de massage du corps souhaitйs.
Ainsi, selon l'exemple illustrй le rйseau d'adduction 41 est constituй de deux groupes 42, 43 de
buses en parallиles 3.1 а 3.6 par rapport а un point d'alimentation commun 44. Chacun des
groupes 42, 43 йtant lui-mкme formй de trois buses 3.1 а 3.3 et 3.4 а 3.6 raccordйes entre elles,
en sйrie.
on notera la prйsence d' un raccord 45 branchй en parallиle sur le point d'alimentation commun
44 et destinй а une douchette (non reprйsentйe) .
On peut, naturellement, prйvoir une vanne multivoies permettant de sйlectionner le ou les groupes
de buses alimentйs en eau ou encore pour orienter l'eau en direction d'une douchette. I1 est ainsi
obtenu un dispositif disposant de six jets et d'une douchette.
Bien entendu, bien d'autres combinaisons sont possibles. Tout particuliиrement, au travers de la
vanne multivoies l'on peut encore envisager la possibilitй de sйlectionner une sortie en direction
d'une fente de sortie d'eau horizontale 46 placйe dans la partie supйrieure de la coque support 2
destinйe а produire un jet en forme de cascade.
Quoi qu'il en soit, l'on observera que le rйseau d'adduction secondaire d'eau 41 peut constituer,
en soi, la premiиre chambre de rйduction A, ceci par rapport au rйseau d'alimentation primaire 47.
En outre, selon l'invention, le raccordement de ce rйseau d'adduction secondaire 41 au rйseau
primaire 47 est obtenu а l'aide de moyens de raccordement flexibles.
Concrиtement, lors d'un usage domestique du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie 1 conforme а l'invention,
l'on vient raccorder le rйseau d'adduction secondaire 41 de ce dernier au moyen d'un flexible а la
477/2210
sortie douchette du robinet de douche existant. On constate, lа encore, que l'on йvite, par ce biais,
toute plomberie d'exйcution dйlicate.
Selon une autre caractйristique de l'invention les buses ou groupes de buses 3 sont reliйs а des
moyens d'alimentation en eau agissant suc successivement et/ou progressivement dans un sens
allant du bas vers le haut pour les zones de massage situйes en dessous des hanches et du haut
vers le bas pour les zones situйes au-dessus des hanches en vue d'obtenir un effet de drainage.
Ces moyens de drainage sont constituйs, par exemple, par une vanne multivoies entraоnйe en
rotation, soit par la pression hydraulique produite par le flux d'eau d'alimentation primaire 44, soit par
un moteur йlectrique appropriй.
Selon une autre variante de rйalisation illustrйe en figure 2, une buse 3 peut кtre prйvue tournante
et entraоnйe en rotation par la pression hydraulique ceci afin de produire un massage local
pйnйtrant.
En dйfinitive, on constate que le dispositif d'hydrothйrapie, conforme а 1'invention tout en йtant
d'une efficacitй remarquable s'avиre d'utilisation facile et, plus particuliиrement, d'un montage
aisй de sorte que lton peut envisager son implantation dans tout type de cabine de douche ou
encore au-dessus d'une baignoire quelconque. Claims:
Revendications
1. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie destinй au massage du corps humain et comportant au moins une
buse (3) raccordйe par l'intermйdiaire d'un rйseau d'adduction secondaire (41) d'alimentation en
eau, а un conduit d'un rйseau primaire (47) et dйlivrant un jet d'eau а effet massant, caractйrisй
par le fait que ledit rйseau d'adduction secondaire (41) d'alimentation en eau йquipe une coque
support (2) et comporte des moyens de raccordement flexibles audit rйseau primaire (47), ladite
coque support (2) йtant montйe coulissante sur des glissiиres latйrales (4) et comportant des
moyens de blocage en translation dйverrouillables (5).
478/2210
2. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй par le fait que les moyens de
blocage en translation dйverrouillables (5) sont constituйs par une mвchoire mobile (7) et une
mвchoire fixe (8) emprisonnant une glissiиre (4), ladite mвchoire mobile (7) йtant montйe
pivotante autour d'un axe (9) sensiblement parallиle а ladite glissiиre (4), tandis que des moyens
йlastiques (10) assurent son rappel en position de blocage, resserrйe sur cette glissiиre (4), ladite
mвchoire mobile (7) йtant prolongйe, au-delа de son axe de pivotement (9), par une poignйe de
manoeuvre (11).
3. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon les revendications 1 et 2, caractйrisй par le fait que la coque
support (2) comporte, au niveau de ses parties latйrales, des rebords d'appui (12) autorisant
l'usager а saisir, simultanйment, lesdites poignйes de manoeuvre (11) et la coque support (2) en
vue d'ajuster sa position le long des glissiиres (4).
4. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 3, caractйrisй par le
fait que les glissiиres (4) comportent, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure (6) et supйrieure (6A), des
moyens de fixation individuels permettant de les rapporter, indйpendamment, contre une paroi.
5. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 3, caractйrisй par le
fait que les glissiиres latйrales (4) sont rendues solidaires, а leur extrйmitй infйrieure (6),
respectivement, supйrieure (6A), de supports de fixation (13, 13A).
6. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 5, caractйrisй par le fait qu'un support de
fixation (13, 13A) comporte une embase de fixation (15) pourvue d'ouvertures (16) servant au
passage d'organes de fixation, tels que vis.
7. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 et 6, caractйrisй par le
fait qu'un support de fixation (13) comporte des moyens d'accrochage (18) et des moyens de
serrage (20) permettant d' accrocher ledit dispositif d'hydrothйrapie (1) sur une paroi (17),
notamment d'une cabine de douche.
8. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5 а 7, caractйrisй par le
fait que les supports de fixation (13, 13A) comportent, а l'une de leurs extrйmitйs latйrales (21),
une ferrure d'articulation (22) sous forme, notamment, d'une paumelle dont la lame fixe est rendue
solidaire, а l'aide d'organes de fixation appropriйs, d'une paroi quelconque.
479/2210
9. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 5, caractйrisй par le fait que les supports de
fixation (13, 13A) sont montйs ou font partie intйgrante d'un seul et mкme panneau, notamment
pourvu de ferrures d'articulation (22) autorisant le pivotement du dispositif d'hydrothйrapie (1) autour
d'un axe vertical.
10. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 9, caractйrisй par le
fait qu' il comporte des moyens propres de transformation du dйbit d'eau de ce rйseau primaire en
pression de sortie supйrieure а celle dudit rйseau а son expulsion а l'air libre, ces s moyens йtant
constituйs, en combinaison, par une premiиre chambre (A) de rйduction de la section du conduit
primaire d'alimentation en eau, suivie d'une chambre de pression (C) de section plus importante et
comportant des moyens (23) pour confйrer au flux d' eau un mouvement tourbillonnaire en spirale,
dans le prolongement axial de cette chambre de pression (C) se situant une chambre d'expulsion
(D) dont la section, de dimension infйrieure а la chambre de pression (C) , constitue une nouvelle
rйduction.
11. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 10, caractйrisй par le fait qu'une chambre
d'injection (B) de section infйrieure а celle de la premiиre rйduction (A) est interposйe entre cette
derniиre et la chambre de pression (C) pour constituer une troisiиme rйduction.
12. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon les revendications 10 et 11, caractйrisй par le fait que la
chambre d'injection (B) comporte un diamиtre correspondant au diamиtre de la chambre (A) divisй
par deux, tandis que la chambre de pression (C) comporte un diamиtre correspondant а deux fois
le diamиtre de la premiиre chambre (A) qui est sensiblement йgal au diamиtre de la chambre
d'expulsion (D).
13. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes,
caractйrisй par le fait que les moyens (23) pour confйrer au flux d'eau un mouvement
tourbillonnaire en spirale sont constituйs par une rainure hйlicoпdale (24), prйfйrentiellement sous
forme d'un filet а grand pas.
14. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes,
caractйrisй par le fait qu'une buse (3) est constituйe d'un corps arriиre tubulaire (24) dйterminant
les diffйrentes chambres (A, B, C) de transformation du dйbit d'eau en pression de sortie et une
partie avant (25) destinйe а assurer l'йmission d'au moins un jet d'eau sous pression et constituant
la chambre d'expulsion (D), ledit corps arriиre (24) comportant, sur son pourtour externe, un
480/2210
dйcrochement (26) dйfinissant un embout (27) de section plus rйduite et destinй а кtre insйrй
dans un orifice (28) mйnagй dans une coque support (2), cet embout (27) йtant, en outre, filetй sur
son pourtour externe pour la rйception d'un contre йcrou (29).
15. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 а 13, caractйrisй par le
fait qu'une buse (3) est constituйe d'un corps arriиre tubulaire (24) dйterminant les diffйrentes
chambres (A, B, C) de transformation du dйbit d'eau en pression de sortie et une partie avant (25)
destinйe а assurer l'йmission d'au moins un jet d'eau sous pression et constituant la chambre
d'expulsion (D), ledit corps arriиre (24) йtant constituй de deux piиces (24A, 24B) dont la
premiиre (24au dйfinit la chambre de pression (C) et se prйsente sous forme d'une douille vissйe
dans la piиce (24B) et comportant, en pйriphйrie, un rebord annulaire (37) а mкme de jouer le
rфle de contre йcrou.
16. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes,
caractйrisй par le fait que la partie avant (25) de la buse (3) est dйfinie par un insert (30; 30A)
comportant une ou plusieurs perforations (32, 33 ; 39, 39A, 39B) servant au passage de jets d'eau
sous pression.
17. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon la revendication 16, caractйrisй par le fait que la partie avant
(25) d'une buse (3) reзoit une calotte de rйglage (34 , 34A) comportant une ou plusieurs
perforations (35, 36 ; 40) permettant, en combinaison avec l'insert (30 ; 30A), le rйglage du ou des
jets d'eau de sortie.
18. Dispositif d'hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes,
caractйrisй par le fait qu'une buse (3) est tournante et entraоnйe en rotation par la pression
hydraulique.
19. Dispositif d' hydrothйrapie selon l'une quelconque des revendications prйcйdentes,
caractйrisй par le fait que la coque support (2) comporte, dans sa partie supйrieure, une fente de
sortie d'eau horizontale (46) raccordйe au rйseau d'adduction secondaire (41) d'alimentation en
eau destinйe а produire un jet d'eau en forme de cascade.
481/2210
66. FR2740972 - 16.05.1997
MASSAGE AND HYDROTHERAPY TREATMENT DEVICE
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2740972
Inventor(s):
GALPIN PHILIPPE (--)
Applicant(s):
COREMHY SARL (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H9/00
E Class: A61H9/00; A61H15/00
Application Number:
FR19950013486 (19951114)
Priority Number: FR19950013486 (19951114)
Family: FR2740972
Abstract:
THE DEVICE CONSISTS OF AT LEAST ONE CHAMBER (12) WITH A MUFF (17) FOR INSERTING
THE LIMBS TO BE TREATED. THE CHAMBER IS PARTIALLY FILLED WITH BALLS (20). SEVERAL
NOZZLES (13) SPRAY A FLUID INTO THE CHAMBER AT A PRESSURE SUFFICIENT TO AGITATE
THE BALLS AND CREATE AN ADDITIONAL MASSAGE EFFECT. THE CHAMBERS ARE SET AT AN
ANGLE AND EACH HAS A PERFORATED PARTITION (18) TO RETAIN THE BALLS. THE USED
FLUID AND WASTE MATERIALS ARE ALLOWED TO PASS THROUGH INTO A CHAMBER (21) WITH
AN INNER OR OUTER FILTER (23). THE CHAMBERS' HEIGHT AND POSITION, AND THE NUMBER
OF NOZZLES IN THEM CAN BE VARIED ACCORDING TO THE MASSAGING EFFECT REQUIRED.
THE BALLS HAVE A DENSITY WHICH IS LOWER THAN THAT OF THE FLUID (BETWEEN 0.8 AND
1.5) AND ARE BETWEEN 3 AND 6 MM IN DIAMETER.Description:
482/2210
APPAREIL DE MASSAGE ET TRAITEMENT HYDROTHERAPIOUE
La prйsente invention concerne un appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique.
Le but de l'invention est de proposer un dispositif associant d'une part les actions mйcaniques d'un
traitement hydrothйrapique et, d'autre part neurologiques.
Ce but est atteint par le fait que l'appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique comporte au
moins une chambre pourvue de manchons d'introduction des membres а soigner et remplie
partiellement de billes, et des buses de pulvйrisation d'un fluide dans la chambre sous une pression
suffisante pour crйer dans la chambre un mouvement des billes dйclenchant un phйnomиne de
massage additionnel.
Selon une autre particularitй la chambre est inclinйe et pourvue d'une paroi perforйe de rйtention
des billes.
Selon une autre particularitй la chambre dйverse le mйlange fluide dйchets organiques dans un
bac comportant un systиme de filtration, systиme intйrieur ou extйrieur а ce bac.
Selon une autre particularitй la position en hauteur et l'orientation de la ou des chambres est
adaptable par un moyen d'adaptation.
Selon une autre particularitй la position et l'orientation et le nombre de buses sont adaptables en
fonction des utilisations envisagйes.
Selon une autre particularitй l'appareil comporte des moyens de rйglage et d'йlйvation de la
tempйrature du fluide.
Selon une autre particularitй les billes sont de densitй lйgиrement infйrieure а celle du fluide et
de granulomйtrie comprise entre 3 et 6 mm.
Selon une autre particularitй la densitй des billes est comprise entre 0,8 et 1,5.
Selon une autre particularitй les moyens de rйglage permettent de rйguler la tempйrature au
voisinage de celle du corps humain.
483/2210
Selon une autre particularitй des vannes permettent d'interrompre le circuit de circulation du fluide
porteur et d'injecter dans la ou les chambres un mйlange de nettoyage et de dйsinfection.
Selon une autre particularitй des vannes de vidange et d'alimentation permettent le rinзage et le
rйapprovisionnement de l'appareil en fluide porteur.
D'autres particularitйs et avantages de la prйsente invention apparaоtront plus clairement а la
lecture de la description ci-aprиs faite en rйfйrence aux dessins annexйs dans lesquels
la figure 1 reprйsente une vue en йlйvation de l'appareil selon l'invention
la figure 2 reprйsente une vue de dessus de l'appareil selon l'invention
la figure 3 reprйsente un schйma de principe des circuits hydrauliques de l'appareil selon
l'invention.
L'appareil selon l'invention comporte comme reprйsentй а la figure 1 un socle (35) sur lequel est
fixй un bras articulй (14) а une extrйmitй duquel se trouve une ou plusieurs enceintes (11, 12)
formant un rйcipient fermй а une extrйmitй et comportant а l'extrйmitй ouverte une membrane
(17) permettant l'introduction d'un membre du corps humain а traiter pour assurer une certaine
йtanchйitй а l'enceinte lorsque le membre est introduit. Chacune des enceintes (11, 12) comporte
un tapis formй d'une pluralitй de billes (20) en matйriau de qualitй alimentaire, comme par
exemple du polyйthylиne ou du polypropylиne et de densitй lйgиrement infйrieure а celle du
fluide qui est injectй dans l'enceinte par des buses (13). Une paroi perforйe (18) de sйparation
permet de retenir les billes et de laisser passer le fluide.Ce fluide s'йcoule par une canalisation (19)
dont la position est dйterminйe en fonction de l'inclinaison de l'enceinte (11, 12) et de la quantitй
de fluide que cette enceinte doit contenir en cours de fonctionnement. Cette canalisation (19)
dйverse le fluide dans un bac tampon (21). Ce bac tampon (21), dans le cas d'une filtration interne,
est partagй en deux par une cloison (23) de sйparation jouant le rфle de filtre et permettant de
sйparer du fluide les particules notamment organiques entraоnйes lors des opйrations de
massage. Un tuyau d'alimentation (24) relie le second compartiment du bac situй aprиs le passage
dans le filtre (23) а une pompe (25) qui permet de pomper le fluide filtrй dans le second
compartiment du bac pour l'envoyer sous pression vers les buses (13) d'injection par la ou les
canalisations (26).Lorsque l'appareil comporte deux enceintes (11, 12) comme reprйsentй а la
figure 2, la pompe dйlivre par deux canalisations (16) R1, respectivement R2 le fluide d'alimentation
de chacune des buses (13) de l'enceinte respective (11, 12). Le circuit hydraulique est constituй
comme reprйsentй а la figure 3.
484/2210
La sortie de la pompe (25) alimente par l'intermйdiaire de vannes de rйglages (31, 32) les buses
(13) non reprйsentйes qui dйlivrent le fluide dans les enceintes (11, 12). Des vannes (34, 33)
disposйes en sortie des enceintes (11, 12) permettent йgalement de rйguler le dйbit d'йvacuation
du fluide vers le bac de rйtention (21). Une canalisation de dйrivation en sortie de la pompe (25) et
comportant une vanne (30) permet йgalement de rйguler la pression du fluide en fonction de
l'ouverture des vannes (31, 32) et de la vanne (30). Il est possible d'obtenir ainsi avec une pompe
fonctionnant а dйbit constant une possibilitй de rйglage des pressions et des dйbits de fluide
dans les buses (13).Le bac tampon (21) comporte une vanne (27) de vidange qui permet de
vidanger complиtement l'installation et une vanne d'alimentation (22) qui permet de remplir
l'installation avec un nouveau fluide notamment, par exemple, lors des opйrations de rinзage ou
aprиs une opйration de rinзage pour permettre une opйration de massage. Un dispositif de
chauffage (36) avec des moyens de rйgulation ou de rйglage (37) permet de rйgler la tempйrature
du fluide en circulation et d'amener ce fluide а une tempйrature proche de celle du corps humain
de faзon а adapter le traitement selon les besoins. Le dispositif comporte en outre une vanne (28)
qui permet de relier l'installation а un rйservoir (29) contenant un fluide de dйsinfection.
Ce fluide de dйsinfection est introduit dans le circuit par ouverture de la vanne (28). Le
fonctionnement de la pompe (25) permet de dйsinfecter ainsi l'ensemble des enceintes et du bac
de rйtention ainsi que la pompe. Une fois la circulation du fluide effectuйe pendant un certain temps,
l'opйrateur ouvre la vanne de vidange (27) et avant d'arriver а la vidange complиte du bac de
rйtention, l'opйrateur ouvre la vanne d'alimentation (22) de faзon а permettre un rinзage de
l'installation en йvitant que la pompe se trouve dans une situation de cavitation. Au bout d'un certain
temps de rinзage, l'opйrateur ferme la vanne de vidange (27) et laisse fonctionner la vanne
d'alimentation (22) jusqu'а ce que le fluide ait atteint le niveau souhaitй dans l'appareil.
Aprиs fermeture de la vanne d'alimentation (22) le cycle de fonctionnement normal de l'appareil
reprend. Lorsqu'un utilisateur arrive il rиgle par des moyens de rйglage prйvus а cet effet sur le
bras articulй (14) la hauteur et l'inclinaison des enceintes (11, 12) de faзon а pouvoir introduire
dans ces enceintes le membre а traiter puis un opйrateur vient rйgler les conditions de dйbit et de
pression du fluide et mettre en route l'appareil. Le fluide injectй dans les enceintes а une pression
qui varie entre 0,5 Bar et 4 Bars de faзon continыment rйglable va entraоner un massage
hydrothйrapique et par l'agitation des billes qu'il provoque dйclenche йgalement un effet
neurologique sur le membre introduit dans l'enceinte. Les billes ont une granulomйtrie de 3 а 6 mm
et une densitй comprise entre 0,8 et 1,5 par rapport а celle du fluide qui est normalement de l'eau
485/2210
douce ou minйralisйe, йventuellement additionnйe d'un dйsinfectant lйger. On comprend que l'on
a ainsi rйalisй un appareil permettant la mise en oeuvre de massages hydrothйrapiques et
neurologiques par l'adjonction des effets des billes sur la partie de membre introduite dans
l'enceinte.
D'autres modifications а la portйe de l'homme de mйtier font йgalement partie de l'esprit de
l'invention. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
1. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte au moins
une chambre (11, 12) pourvue de manchons (17) d'introduction des membres а soigner et remplie
partiellement de billes (20), et des buses (13) de pulvйrisation d'un fluide dans la chambre sous une
pression suffisante pour crйer dans la chambre un mouvement des billes dйclenchant un
phйnomиne de massage additionnel.
2. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй en ce
que la chambre (11, 12) est inclinйe et pourvue d'une paroi (18) perforйe de rйtention des billes.
3. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractйrisй
en ce que la chambre (11, 12) dйverse le mйlange fluide dйchets organiques dans un bac (21)
comportant un systиme de filtration (23), intйrieur ou extйrieur а ce bac.
4. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon une des revendications 1 а 3,
caractйrisй en ce que la position en hauteur et l'orientation de la ou des chambres (11, 12) est
adaptable par un moyen d'adaptation.
5. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon une des revendications 1 а 4,
caractйrisй en ce que la position et l'orientation et le nombre de buses (13) sont adaptables en
fonction des utilisations envisagйes.
486/2210
6. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon une des revendications 1 а 5,
caractйrisй en ce que l'appareil comporte des moyens (37) de rйglage et d'йlйvation (36) de la
tempйrature du fluide.
7. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon une des revendications 1 а 6,
caractйrisй en ce que les billes (20) sont de densitй lйgиrement infйrieure а celle du fluide et de
granulomйtrie comprise entre 3 et 6 mm.
8. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon la revendication 7, caractйrisй en ce
que la densitй des billes est comprise entre 0,8 et 1,5.
9. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon la revendication 6, caractйrisй en ce
que les moyens de rйglage permettent de rйguler la tempйrature au voisinage de celle du corps
humain.
10. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon une des revendications 1 а 9,
caractйrisй en ce que des vannes (30, 28) permettent d'interrompre le circuit de circulation du
fluide porteur et d'injecter dans la ou les chambres un mйlange de nettoyage et de dйsinfection.
11. Appareil de massage et traitement hydrothйrapique selon une des revendications 1 а 10,
caractйrisй en ce que des vannes de vidange (27) et d'alimentation (22) permettent le rinзage et le
rйapprovisionnement de l'appareil en fluide porteur.
487/2210
67. FR2752724 - 06.03.1998
HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE FOR HORSES
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2752724
Applicant(s):
GEDOUIN JEAN (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61D
IP Class:
A61D11/00
E Class: A61H9/00; A61D11/00
Application Number:
FR19960011047 (19960905)
Priority Number: FR19960011047 (19960905)
Family: FR2752724
Abstract:
THE DEVICE CONSISTS OF A CABIN (10) TO TAKE A STANDING HORSE AND EQUIPPED WITH
VERTICAL SPRAY BARS ON ITS SIDE WALLS AND AN OVERHEAD SPRAY BAR. THE VERTICAL
SPRAY BAR OUTLETS ARE POSITIONED TO PRODUCE MASSAGING JETS OF WATER IN LINE
WITH THE ANIMAL'S FORE AND HIND LEGS, WHILE THE OVERHEAD BAR PRODUCES JETS
(26A,26B,26C) WHICH MASSAGE ITS SPINE AND THE AREAS ON EITHER SIDE OF IT. THE SPRAY
BARS ARE CONNECTED TO A WATER SUPPLY CIRCUIT WITH A STORAGE TANK (30) IN WHICH
THE WATER IS HEATED AND MAINTAINED AT A SET TEMPERATURE, AND A SYSTEM FOR
PUTTING ADDITIVES INTO THE WATER. THE CIRCUIT IS ABLE TO SUPPLY HOT AND COLD
WATER ALTERNATELY THROUGH THE SPRAY BARS, AND AT LEAST ONE OF THE BARS HAS A
SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING THE WATER TO ITS OUTLETS IN SEQUENCE. THE FLOOR OF THE
CABIN HAS A SYSTEM FOR COLLECTING, FILTERING AND RECYCLING THE WATER. THE CABIN
ITSELF CAN BE MADE E.G. FROM POLYESTER REINFORCED WITH GLASS FIBRES, OR
CORROSION-RESISTANT METAL.Description:
488/2210
La prйsente invention concerne un appareil destinй а pratiquer des traitements de balnйothйrapie
et de thalassothйrapie pour les chevaux.
On connaоt dйjа par le document WO-A-86 01978 un appareil destinй а pratiquer des traitements
d'hydrothйrapie sur les chevaux.
Dans ce document, il s'agit en fait d'un appareil qui consiste en un tube formй par des enroulements
de tuyau en spirale. Des ouvertures sont percйes de maniиre а obtenir des jets tournйs vers
l'intйrieur du tube. Ces jets peuvent кtre pulsйs, d'eau chaude ou d'eau froide.
Cet appareil est destinй а кtre placй autour d'une jambe d'un cheval afin de la soumettre au
traitement d'hydrothйrapie dйsirй.
Cet appareil n'est pas nйcessairement trиs aisй а mettre en oeuvre, puisqu'il faut installer un tel
appareil а chaque jambe du cheval, ce qui peut s'avйrer fastidieux. Par ailleurs, les traitements
d'hydrothйrapie qu'il permet sont limitйs aux jambes de l'animal.
Le but de l'invention est de proposer un appareil d'hydrothйrapie pour cheval qui permette de
rйsoudre les problиmes qui viennent d'кtre mentionnйs.
A cet effet, un appareil selon l'invention est caractйrisй en ce qu'il est constituй d'une cabine
prйvue pour loger un cheval debout, ladite cabine ayant chacune de ses parois latйrales qui est
pourvue d'au moins une rampe verticale portant des jets dirigйs vers l'intйrieur de ladite cabine de
maniиre que des jets puissent masser les jambes avant du cheval qui se trouve dans ladite cabine
alors que d'autres jets massent les jambes arriиre dudit cheval.
Avantageusement, chaque paroi latйrale comporte deux rampes verticales, l'une portant les jets
destinйs а masser les jambes avant du cheval qui se trouve dans ladite cabine et l'autre des jets
destinйs а masser les jambes arriиre dudit cheval.
En outre, la paroi supйrieure de ladite cabine est pourvue d'une rampe de jets tournйs vers
l'intйrieur de ladite cabine de maniиre que lesdits jets puissent masser le dos du cheval qui se
trouve dans ladite cabine. Avantageusement, ladite rampe sur la paroi supйrieure porte des jets
489/2210
destinйs а masser la colonne vertйbrale dudit cheval ainsi que des jets destinйs а masser les
parties du dos qui s'йtendent de chaque cфtй de ladite colonne.
L'appareil selon l'invention est caractйrisй en ce que le circuit d'alimentation en eau desdites
rampes est constituй d'un ballon de stockage dans lequel ladite eau est chauffйe. Le circuit
d'alimentation en eau desdites rampes comporte avantageusement des moyens pour alimenter
lesdites rampes alternativement en eau chaude et en eau froide. Il comporte йgalement des moyens
pour alimenter lesdites rampes avec des additifs, tels que des algues, des extraits d'algues, des
huiles essentielles, du concentrй d'eau de mer, etc.
Par exemple, le circuit d'alimentation en eau d'au moins l'une desdites rampes comporte des
moyens pour alimenter lesdits jets desdites rampes les uns aprиs les autres de maniиre а masser
cycliquement les jambes dudit cheval du bas vers le haut ou vice versa et/ou de maniиre а masser
son dos de lavant vers l'arriиre, ou vice et versa.
Ladite cabine est de prйfйrence pourvue d'un sol en cuvette de maniиre que l'eau qui s'йcoule
sur ledit sol soit dirigйe vers un orifice de vidange. En outre, le circuit d'alimentation en eau desdites
rampes comporte des moyens pour rйcupйrer l'eau issue dudit orifice de vidange, des moyens
pour filtrer l'eau rйcupйrйe et des moyens pour remettre ladite eau filtrйe dans le circuit
d'alimentation desdites rampes.
Selon l'invention, ladite cabine est pourvue de moyens pour maintenir ledit cheval sensiblement
dans l'axe longitudinal de ladite cabine. Avantageusement, lesdits moyens sont constituйs de deux
sangles dont les extrйmitйs avant et arriиre sont respectivement reliйes aux parois avant et arriere
de ladite cabine symйtriquement de part et d'autre dudit axe longitudinal de ladite cabine, а une
hauteur correspondant а la hauteur moyenne normale d'un corps de cheval. Prйfйrentiellement, les
extrйmitйs avant desdites sangles sont moins distantes que leurs extrйmitйs arriиre.
Selon une autre caractйristique de l'invention, ledit appareil comporte de plus des moyens
d'inhalation. De mкme, il comporte un systиme de sйchage prйvu pour pouvoir sйcher le cheval
qui vient de subir ledit traitement d'hydrothйrapie.
Selon une autre caractйristique de l'invention, il comporte un systиme de massage manuel au jet
sur au moins une paroi de ladite cabine.
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Selon une autre caractйristique de l'invention, ladite cabine est йquipйe d'un systиme de
chauffage air chaud humide prйvu pour permettre la transpiration d'un cheval.
Les caractйristiques de l'invention mentionnйes ci-dessus, ainsi que d'autres, apparaоtront plus
clairement а la lecture de la description suivante d'un exemple de rйalisation, ladite description
йtant faite en relation avec les dessins joints, parmi lesquels:
les Figs. 1, 2 et 3 sont respectivement une vue de derriиre, une vue en coupe selon le plan II/II de
la Fig. 1 et une vue en coupe selon le plan III/III de la Fig. 1 d'un appareil destinй а des traitements
d'hydrothйrapie pour chevaux selon l'invention.
Un appareil selon l'invention est essentiellement constituй d'une cabine qui est prйvue pour loger
un cheval debout. Sur les
Figs. 1 а 3, on voit l'animal 1 qui est debout sur le sol 11 d'une cabine 10. Celle-ci est constituйe de
deux parois latйrales 12 et 13, d'une paroi avant 14, d'une paroi arriиre 15 avantageusement
pourvue d'une porte par laquelle le cheval а traiter est introduit dans ladite cabine 10 et d'une paroi
supйrieure 16.
La cabine 10 est par exemple constituйe en matiиre plastique, par exemple en polyester renforcй
de fibres de verre, avec des moyens appropriйs pour renforcer sa structure. Elle pourrait йgalement
кtre en mйtal, avantageusement non sensible а la corrosion ou traitй contre la corrosion.
Les dimensions de ladite cabine 10 sont telles qu'un cheval puisse pйnйtrer а l'intйrieur et y rester
debout. La longueur est par exemple de l'ordre de trois mиtres et la hauteur est par exemple de
l'ordre de deux mиtres soixante. La largeur est plus importante que celle pour laquelle le cheval
serait simplement encadrй. En effet, comme on le comprendra par la suite, il est nйcessaire que les
parois latйrales 12 et 13 soient suffisamment distantes du cheval. Ainsi, alors qu'un cheval ne fait en
moyenne que soixante-dix centimиtres de large, on prйvoira une largeur de cabine d'environ deux
mиtres.
Chacune des parois latйrales 12 et 13 est pourvue d'une rampe verticale 22 et 23 portant une
pluralitй de jets contigus dirigйs vers l'intйrieur de ladite cabine de maniиre que des jets 22a, 23a
puissent masser les jambes avant du cheval qui se trouve dans ladite cabine 10 alors que d'autres
jets 22b, 23b puissent masser les jambes arriиre dudit cheval. Les jets 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b sont
avantageusement des jets orientables permettant l'ajustement de leurs orientations. Ils sont
йgalement rйglables en pression de sortie. Ils sont par exemple au nombre de deux fois quatre par
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rampe 22, 23. La hauteur des rampes est par exemple de soixante centimиtres permettant un
massage de la partie haute des jambes.
Le circuit d'alimentation des jets de chaque rampe latйrale 22 et 23 peut кtre prйvu pour que
lesdits jets puissent fonctionner les uns aprиs les autres si bien, par exemple, qu'ils massent
cycliquement les jambes du bas vers le haut, ou vice et versa.
Selon une variante de rйalisation non reprйsentйe, chaque paroi latйrale comporte deux rampes
verticales, l'une portant les jets destinйs а masser les jambes avant du cheval qui se trouve dans
ladite cabine et l'autre des jets destinйs а masser les jambes arriиre dudit cheval. Le nombre de
jets par rampe est par exemple de quatre et la hauteur desdites rampes est йgalement de l'ordre
d'un mиtre cinquante. Le circuit d'alimentation peut йgalement кtre prйvu pour pouvoir effectuer
des massages cycliques des jambes des animaux.
La paroi supйrieure 16 de la cabine 10 reprйsentйe est encore pourvue d'une rampe 26 de jets
26a, 26b et 26c qui sont tournйs vers l'intйrieur de la cabine 10 de maniиre que, comme on peut le
constater sur les Figs. 1 а 3, lesdits jets 26a, 26b, 26c puissent masser le dos du cheval 1 qui se
trouve а l'intйrieur de la cabine 10.
La rampe 26 est par exemple, comme cela est reprйsentй aux
Figs. 1 а 3, suspendue а la paroi supйrieure 16 de la cabine 10. On notera que la rampe 26 est
avantageusement rйglable en hauteur.
De maniиre avantageuse, la rampe 26 porte, d'une part, des jets 26a qui sont destinйs а masser
principalement la colonne vertйbrale du cheval et, d'autre part, des jets 26b et 26c qui sont
destinйs а masser les parties du dos de l'animal qui s'йtendent de chaque cфtй de ladite colonne.
Ainsi, la largeur de la zone massйe par les jets 26a, 26b et 26c est de l'ordre de soixante-dix
centimиtres.
Les jets 26a, 26b, 26c sont comme les jets latйraux 22 et 23 prйfйrentiellement orientables et
rйglables en pression de sortie. On rиglera les jets 26a а une pression lйgиrement supйrieure а
celle des jets 26b et 26c. Le nombre de jets est avantageusement de quatre groupes de trois
s'йtendant sur une longueur de l'ordre de 1,25 mиtre.
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Egalement comme pour les jets latйraux 22 et 23, le circuit d'alimentation des jets 26a а 26c de la
rampe 26 peut кtre prйvu pour que lesdits jets puissent fonctionner les uns aprиs les autres si bien,
par exemple, qu'ils massent cycliquement le dos de l'animal de l'avant vers l'arriиre, ou vice et versa.
On a reprйsentй, uniquement а la Fig. 1, un exemple de rйalisation d'un circuit d'alimentation en
eau des rampes 22, 23, 26.
Il est constituй d'un ballon de stockage 30 dans lequel de l'eau issue du rйseau ou de l'eau de mer
est chauffйe puis maintenue а une tempйrature au moins supйrieure ou йgale а 330 C, par
exemple 330 C.
Le circuit d'alimentation comporte en outre des moyens 34 pour alimenter les rampes 22, 23 et 26
avec des algues, des extraits d'algues, des huiles essentielles, du concentrй d'eau de mer, etc.
Ces moyens peuvent consister en un systиme du type а effet Ventury.
Par ailleurs, le circuit d'alimentation comporte en outre une pompe 31 pour amener sous pression
l'eau chauffйe dans le ballon 30 vers les rampes 22, 23 et 26.
On notera que ledit circuit d'alimentation pourrait comporter une seconde source d'eau ainsi que
des moyens pour alimenter lesdites rampes 22, 23 et 26 alternativement en eau de ladite seconde
source et du ballon 30. La seconde source pourrait кtre une source d'eau froide contenue dans un
second ballon. Le fait d'alimenter les rampes 22, 23 et 26 alternativement en eau froide et en eau
chaude permet de stimuler plus encore la circulation sanguine de l'animal а traiter.
La cabine 10 est pourvue d'un sol 11 qui se prйsente sous la forme d'une cuvette et comporte un
orifice de vidange 17. Ainsi, l'eau recueillie par le sol ll s'йcoule vers l'orifice 17 oщ elle est
йvacuйe. Cette eau pourrait кtre rejetйe а l'йgout.
On notera que dans cette йventualitй, il peut кtre nйcessaire de prйvoir la cabine lйgиrement
surйlevйe pour permettre l'йcoulement vers l'йgout.
Dans le mode de rйalisation reprйsentй du circuit l'alimentation de l'appareil de l'invention, l'orifice
de vidange 17 est reliй а l'entrйe d'un filtre 32 dont la sortie est reliйe а l'entrйe d'une pompe 33
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remontant l'eau filtrйe dans le ballon 30. Le filtre 32 est prйvu pour йliminer les йventuelles
impuretйs qui pourraient кtre recueillies par le sol 11 au niveau de l'orifice 17.
Des moyens sont prйvus pour maintenir le cheval sensiblement dans l'axe longitudinal de la cabine
10. Ces moyens sont constituйs de deux sangles 18 et 19 dont les extrйmitйs avant et arriиre sont
respectivement attachйes aux parois avant 14 et arriиre 15 par des moyens appropriйs, par
exemple des mousquetons. Ces points d'attache sont placйs symйtriquement de part et d'autre de
l'axe longitudinal de la cabine 10 а une hauteur qui correspond а la hauteur moyenne normale d'un
corps de cheval, par exemple а environ 1,20 m. Comme on peut le constater sur la Fig. 3, les points
d'attache des extrйmitйs avant des sangles 18 et 19 sont moins distants que leurs points d'attache
des extrйmitйs arriиre. Par exemple, а l'arriиre, la distance entre les points d'attache est de
soixante-dix centimиtres alors qu'а l'avant cette distance est de cinquante centimиtres.
On notera qu'а l'avant les points d'attache pourraient кtre prйvus а plusieurs endroits de maniиre
а rendre la distance avant rйglable entre cinquante et soixante-dix centimиtres.
La cabine 10 peut йgalement кtre йquipйe d'un systиme de massage manuel au jet sur au moins
une paroi de ladite cabine, par exemple chaque paroi latйrale 12 et 13, afin de permettre de faire
des massages localisйs. Ces jets pourraient кtre des jets manuels йquipйs, par exemple, de
manomиtre de pression pour rйguler leur pression de sortie.
En supplйment, l'appareil de l'invention pourrait кtre йquipй d'un systиme d'inhalation pour le
traitement des voies respiratoires et d'un systиme de sйchage pour assurer, а la fin du traitement,
un sйchage de l'animal.
La cabine 10 pourrait йgalement кtre йquipйe d'un systиme de chauffage air chaud humide
permettant de provoquer une transpiration du cheval, le cheval йliminant alors les toxines. Claims:
REVENDICATIONS
1) Appareil destinй а pratiquer des traitements d'hydrothйrapie pour les chevaux, caractйrisй en
ce qu'il est constituй d'une cabine (10) prйvue pour loger un cheval debout, ladite cabine (10)
ayant chacune de ses parois latйrales (12, 13) qui est pourvue d'au moins une rampe verticale (22,
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23) portant des jets dirigйs vers l'intйrieur de ladite cabine de maniиre que des jets (22a, 23a)
puissent masser les jambes avant du cheval qui se trouve dans ladite cabine alors que d'autres jets
(22b, 23b) massent les jambes arriиre dudit cheval.
2) Appareil selon la revendication 1, caractйrisй en ce que chaque paroi latйrale (12, 13)
comporte deux rampes verticales, l'une portant les jets destinйs а masser les jambes avant du
cheval qui se trouve dans ladite cabine (10) et l'autre des jets destinйs а masser les jambes arriиre
dudit cheval.
3) Appareil selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractйrisй en ce que la paroi supйrieure (16) de ladite
cabine (10) est pourvue d'au moins une rampe (26) de jets (26a, 26b, 26c) tournйs vers l'intйrieur
de ladite cabine (10) de maniиre que lesdits jets (26a, 26b, 26c) puissent masser le dos du cheval
qui se trouve dans ladite cabine (10).
4) Appareil selon la revendication 3, caractйrisй en ce que ladite rampe (26) sur la paroi
supйrieure (16) porte des jets (26a) destinйs а masser la colonne vertйbrale dudit cheval ainsi que
des jets (26b, 26c) destinйs а masser les parties du dos qui s'йtendent de chaque cфtй de ladite
colonne.
5) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que le circuit
d'alimentation en eau desdites rampes est constituй d'un ballon de stockage (30) dans lequel ladite
eau est chauffйe et maintenue а une tempйrature prйdйterminйe.
6) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que le circuit
d'alimentation en eau desdites rampes comporte des moyens pour alimenter lesdites rampes avec
des additifs.
7) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que le circuit
d'alimentation en eau desdites rampes comporte des moyens pour alimenter lesdites rampes
alternativement en eau chaude et en eau froide.
8) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que le circuit
d'alimentation en eau d'au moins l'une desdites rampes (22, 23, 26) comporte des moyens pour
alimenter lesdits jets desdites rampes les uns apres les autres.
495/2210
9) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que ladite cabine est
pourvue d'un sol (11) en cuvette de maniиre que l'eau qui s'йcoule sur ledit sol soit dirigйe vers un
orifice de vidange (17).
10) Appareil selon la revendication 9, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte des moyens pour
rйcupйrer l'eau issue dudit orifice de vidange (17), des moyens (32) pour filtrer l'eau rйcupйrйe et
des moyens (33) pour remettre ladite eau filtrйe dans le circuit d'alimentation desdites rampes.
11) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que ladite cabine (10)
est pourvue de moyens pour maintenir ledit cheval sensiblement dans l'axe longitudinal de ladite
cabine.
12) Appareil selon la revendication 11, caractйrisй en ce que lesdits moyens sont constituйs de
deux sangles (18 et 19) dont les extrйmitйs avant et arriere sont respectivement reliйes aux parois
avant (14) et arriиre (15) de ladite cabine (10) symйtriquement de part et d'autre dudit axe
longitudinal de ladite cabine (10), а une hauteur correspondant а la hauteur moyenne normale d'un
corps de cheval.
13) Appareil selon la revendication 12, caractйrisй en ce que les extrйmitйs avant desdites
sangles (18 et 19) sont moins distantes que leurs extrйmitйs arriиre.
14) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte des
moyens d'inhalation.
15) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte un
systиme de sйchage prйvu pour pouvoir sйcher le cheval qui vient de subir ledit traitement
d'hydrothйrapie.
16) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte un
systиme de massage manuel au jet sur au moins une paroi de ladite cabine (10).
17) Appareil selon une des revendications prйcйdentes, caractйrisй en ce que ladite cabine 10
est йquipйe d'un systиme de chauffage air chaud humide prйvu pour permettre la transpiration
d'un cheval.
496/2210
68. FR2758980 - 07.08.1998
HYDROTHERAPY BATH FOR INDIVIDUAL USER
URL EPO = http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?F=3&CY=ep&LG=en&IDX=FR2758980
Inventor(s):
DUCLAUX JEAN JACQUES (--)
Applicant(s):
DUCLAUX JEAN JACQUES (FR)
IP Class 4 Digits: A61H
IP Class:
A61H33/00
E Class: A61H33/00N
Application Number:
FR19970001314 (19970131)
Priority Number: FR19970001314 (19970131)
Family: FR2758980
Abstract:
THE HYDROTHERAPY BATH (10) HAS WALLS WITH OPENINGS (13) OR JETS FOR DISCHARGE
OF A FLUID UNDER PRESSURE TOWARDS THE BODY OF A PATIENT (11) LYING OR SITTING IN
THE BATH. THE OPENINGS ARE SUCCESSIVELY FED TO FORM THE JETS WHICH IMPINGE ON
THE USER. AT LEAST ONE ORIFICE (13) IS PLACED OPPOSITE A PARTICULAR AREA (21) TO BE
TREATED AND IS SUPPLIED WITH PULSED JETS OF WATER TO TREAT THE PARTICULAR AREA.
THE FEED FOR THE WATER JETS CAN BE TO THE PULSED OUTLET ORIFICE AND THE OTHER
OPENINGS TO ALLOW SIMULTANEOUS TREATMENT OF THE WHOLE BODY AND A PARTICULAR
PART OF THE BODY.Description:
APPAREIL D'HYDROTHERAPIE DE TRAITEMENT LOCAL ET GENERAL DU
497/2210
CORPS
L'invention est relative а un appareil d'hydrothйrapie, en forme de baignoire, dont les parois sont
йquipйes d'orifices ou de buses d'йjection d'un fluide sous pression vers le corps du patient
allongй ou assis dans la baignoire, lesdits orifices йtant alimentйs successivement pour engendrer
des jets qui balayent le corps et favorisent la circulation sanguine.
Un appareil du genre mentionnй provoque des impacts de jets d'air ou d'eau sous pression sur le
corps, qui effectuent un hydromassage rйgulier, des pieds aux йpaules du patient, dans le sens du
retour veineux et la durйe des soins, ainsi que la force des jets et la frйquence de balayage, sont
adaptйs а l'йtat de santй de chaque utilisateur.
Le but de la prйsente invention est de rйaliser un appareil permettant une meilleure
personnalisation des soins et un traitement particulier de certaines parties du corps.
L'appareil selon l'invention est caractйrisй en ce qu'il comporte au moins un orifice, disposй en
regard d'une zone particuliиre а traiter du corps et un dispositif d'alimentation de cet orifice par des
jets pulsйs, pour un traitement local particulier.
L'efficacitй des soins est notablement amйliorй par la combinaison d'un massage local par jets
pulsйs et d'un hydromassage simultanй par balayage, amйliorant la circulation sanguine.
Les orifices ou les buses de production des jets pulsйs peuvent кtre indйpendants des orifices de
balayage, ainsi que leurs systиmes d'alimentation, mais selon un mode de mise en oeuvre
prйfйrentiel les mкmes orifices sont utilisйs pour produire les jets pulsйs et les jets de balayage.
Ces orifices sont alimentйs en liquide sous pression, soit par des systиmes indйpendants, soit par
des systиmes ayant certains composants, tels que la pompe et/ou le distributeur, en commun,
йventuellement avec interposition de clapets de non retour, pour йviter toute interfйrence,
En utilisant un distributeur rotatif, pour alimenter successivement les orifices et rйaliser ainsi un
dйplacement de l'impact des jets, on obtient automatiquement une modulation bйnйfique de la
force du jet. Selon un dйveloppement important de l'invention, ce distributeur est agencй pour
engendrer simultanйment les jets pulsйs. Le distributeur de forme cylindrique, comporte
avantageusement sur l'un de ses fonds un trou de sortie d'alimentation de l'orifice de jets pulsйs et
sur le fond opposй une sйrie de trous, rйpartis circonfйrentiellement, d'alimentation des orifices de
jets de balayage. Un corps, montй а rotation а l'intйrieur du cylindre, prйsente d'une part, en face
dudit un fond un disque obturateur ayant une sйrie de trous venant successivement, au cours de la
498/2210
rotation, en regard du trou de sortie pour permettre le passage du fluide sous pression de l'intйrieur
du cylindre vers l'orifice de jets pulsйs et d'autre part un disque obturateur ayant un trou venant
successivement en regard des trous de sortie de ladite sйrie pour permettre le passage successif
du fluide sous pression de l'intйrieur du cylindre vers les diffйrents orifices de jets de balayage. La
vitesse de balayage et la frйquence des jets pulsйs sont dйterminйes par la vitesse de rotation du
distributeur, laquelle est pilotйe par une unitй centrale, qui rиgle le fonctionnement de l'appareil,
notamment la pression du fluide et la durйe des soins.
Le mкme appareil peut кtre agencй pour le traitement de diffйrentes zones particuliиres, en
prйvoyant, par exemple, un dispositif de sйlection, pour raccorder le ou les orifices disposйs dans
la zone а traiter а l'alimentation de fluide pulsй. La sйlection peut кtre manuelle ou automatique, si
des traitements successifs de diffйrentes zones sont prйvus.
D'autres avantages et caractйristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre
d'un mode de mise en oeuvre de l'invention donnй а titre d'exemple et reprйsentй а la figure
unique annexйe, qui est une vue schйmatique en йlйvation d'un appareil selon l'invention.
Sur la figure un patient 11 est assis, plus ou moins allongй, dans une baignoire 10 d'hydrothйrapie,
remplie d'eau. Les parois 12 de la baignoire 10 sont pourvues d'orifices 13, rйpartis le long du corps,
des pieds aux йpaules du patient.
L'eau de la baignoire 10 est, par exemple, aspirйe par une pompe 14 et refoulйe sous pression par
les orifices 13 en crйant des jets, dont l'impact sur le patient crйe un effet de massage du dos et
des cфtйs. Il est clair que l'eau peut кtre remplacйe partiellement ou totalement par un autre fluide,
notamment de l'air, l'invention йtant dйcrite par la suite dans son application а des jets d'eau. Le
fluide de massage peut йgalement кtre fourni par un rйseau sous pression, notamment dans le cas
de jets d'air.
Les orifices 13 sont regroupйs par zones de traitement Z1-Z9, une mкme zone ayant un ou
plusieurs orifices alimentйs simultanйment. Chaque zone Z1-Z9 est reliйe par un conduit 15 а une
sortie 17 d'un distributeur rotatif 16. Les sorties 17 sont rйparties circonfйrentiellement sur l'un 18
des fonds du distributeur 16 de forme cylindrique, dans un ordre correspondant а celui des zones
associйes Z1-Z9 le long du corps. Le distributeur 16 alimente, par les sorties 17, successivement
les zones Z1 а Z9 en eau sous pression et les jets d'eau se dйplacent progressivement de la zone
Z1 vers la zone Z9 en balayant le corps dans le sens du retour veineux.
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L'alimentation successive des sorties 17 du distributeur 16 est obtenue par la rotation d'un disque
obturateur 19, accolй au fond 18, а l'intйrieur du cylindre 21. Le disque 19 a un trou 20, qui au
cours d'une rotation vient successivement en regard des diffйrentes sorties 17, pour mettre celles-ci
en communication avec l'intйrieur du cylindre 21, qui reзoit l'eau sous pression refoulйe par la
pompe 14. D'une maniиre analogue le fond opposй 22 prйsente une sortie 23 et un disque
obturateur 24 associй, ayant une sйrie de trous 25 venant successivement, au cours d'une rotation
du disque 24, en regard de la sortie 23 pour le passage de l'eau sous pression vers cette sortie 23.
Ilest clair que l'ouverture pйriodique de ce passage engendre un jet pulsй. La sortie 23 est
sйlectivement reliйe а l'orifice 13 de l'une des zones Z1-Z9, par une vanne 26 а 9 voies, а
commande manuelle, pour rйaliser un traitement continu local par jets pulsйs de cette zone. Des
clapets anti retour 27 sont disposйs sur les conduites 15 reliant le distributeur 16 aux orifices 13
pour йviter toute interfйrence entre les jets de balayage et les jets pulsйs. Les disques obturateurs
19,24 du distributeur 16 sont entraоnйs par un moteur йlectrique 28 commandй par une unitй
centrale 29, qui pilote le fonctionnement de l'appareil, notamment