WO1993014880A1

WO1993014880A1 - Hydrotone

Info

Publication number: WO1993014880A1
Application number: PCT/US1993/000755
Authority: WO
Inventors: Winston Allen
Original assignee: Creative Real Estate Corp.
Priority date: 1992-01-31
Filing date: 1993-01-27
Publication date: 1993-08-05
Also published as: CA2128904C; CA2128904A1; AU3596693A

Abstract

A hydro-therapy apparatus (10) with a hollow housing member (12) having a cylindrical inner chamber effective for passing a flow of pressurized water from a first end of the hollow housing member to a second end. A valve (24) is provided in the cylindrical inner chamber and a user-operable switch allows a user to selectively control the flow of water to provide a single pulsatable stream of pressurized water. The flow of pressurized water is selectively diverted from the water supply source to a showerhead and the hose, which is effective to selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water through both the showerhead and the hollow housing member. Also, the diameter of the single stream of water is controllably restricted.

Description

HYDROTONE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a device for hydro-therap ^'. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a devicp for hydro-therapy which is adaptable for use in a home shower or for use in a clinical environment by a professional hydro- therapist.

The medical profession has long recognized the advantageous benefits which can be derived from the application of hydro- therapy. For example, it is common practice for a medical professional to treat a patient having a muscle strain by placing the affected portion of the body in a whirlpool bath. The massaging action of the moving water in the whirlpool bath relaxes the muscles and promotes blood circulation, etc. In this type of hydro-therapy, the affected portion of the body is immersed in a bath where jets of pressurized water or pressurized air may be directed at the affected portion of the body to obtain the massaging action. However, the whirlpool type of hydro-therapy requires that the person receiving the hydro-therapy place at least the affected portion of the body into a water bath. Thus, such hydro-therapy is inadequate in that it requires a tub or the like to contain the water and is not adaptable for home use in the shov/er. Also it is difficult to direct the jet of water or air at the localized areas of the body and it is not possible to controllably move the jet about the affected portion of the body.

To effect another type of hydro-therapy, a stream of water may be applied to the portions of the body at which the¹ hydro- therapy is desired. With this type of hydro-therapy, it is

SUBSTITUTESHEET desirous that a single stream of water may be alternately turned on and off to effect pulsation of the single stream. It is also desirous that this type of hydro-therapy be adaptable for use in the home shower. Furthermore, a device for such hydro-therapy should have some means for the user to easily control the flow of the single stream of water, and optimally, a one-handed operation of directing the flow of-the single stream at the portion of the body to receive the hydro- therapy and to control the flow of the single stream of water should be provided. Additionally, it is desirous that the hydro-therapy apparatus be adaptable for use in combination with a flow of water from the showerhead while effecting hydro-therapy in the home shower.

The application of alternating hot and cold water is effective to relieve digestive and lower-back problems, and helps to overcome chronic diarrhea. Hydro-therapy is useful in relieving pain, firming the muscles, improving overall body tone and relieving dry skin. Also, hydro-therapy may be useful in breaking up cellulite and helps to remove dead skin. Furthermore, hydro-therapy is useful in treating back-aches, and muscle fatigue. Also, due to the relaxing nature of the warm water massaging action, hydro-therapy is helpful in relieving insomnia. Hydro-therapy has been recognized for other medicinal use. A stream of water directed at one part of the body can affect other parts by reflex, or by diverting blood from the area receiving the impact of the stream. For example, a stream of water directed to the soles of the feet can not only increase circulation in the localized area, but also act either by diverting blood from another part of the body, and therefore relieving congestion at another part, or as a reflex connection to another organ. However, there are no prior art devices which effect such hydro-therapy utilizing a single stream user-operable device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to overcome the various drawbacks of the prior art. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for hydro-therapy having a simple construction and is readily adaptable to home shower or bath use and may be effectively used by a user for in-Home hydro-therapy. It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for hydro-therapy which may be used by a professional hydro-therapist in a clinical setting.

In accordance with the present invention, the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy includes a hollow housing member which has a first end and a second end. The hollow housing member is effective for passing a flow of pressurized water from the first end through the second end. Conduiting means are provided for conduiting the flow of pressurized water from a water supply source to the first end. Coupling means are also provided for coupling the conduiting means with the first end of the hollow housing member. Thus, a flow of pressurized water is provided from a water supply source through the conduiting means to the hollow housing member to be effective in hydro-therapy.

Valving means are provided for valving the flow of water through the hollow housing member. A user may selectively valve the flow of water through the hollow housing member depending on the particular application for the hydro-therapy apparatus. Thus, the hollow housing member is effective to provide a single pulsatable stream of pressurized water for hydro-therapy. In other words, the hollow housing member has a flow chamber which is effective for providing a single pulsatable stream of pressurized water which may be restricted selectively by a user using the valving means. This single stream of pressurized water is most effective for hydro- therapy and may be controllably directed by the user to obtain the benefits of hydro-therapy at various portions of the body while in the shower. Also, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a simple one-handed operation is required to effect control of the stream-flow and direct the impact of the stream over portions of the body.

Diverting means are provided for selectively diverting -the flow of pressurized water from the water supply source to a showerhead and the conduiting means. This diverting means is effective to selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water through both the shov/erhead and the hollow housing member. In other words, by the appropriate selection of a position of the diverting means, the user may alter the flow of pressurized water through both the showerhead and the hollow housing member from a single water supply source. Thus, the user may obtain the benefits of a combination of water sprayed from the showerhead and the single pulsatable stream of pressurized water obtained from the apparatus for hydro-therapy while in the in-home shower.

The inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy may further include a diameter restricting means which are disposable at the second end of the hollow housing member for controllably restricting a diameter of the single stream. To accomplish this, a nozzle cap may be provided having a predetermined diameter which restricts the diameter of the single stream of pressurized water through the hollow housing member. Thus, a particular diameter may be chosen from a variety of differently sized nozzle cap diameters to provide a desired flow diameter and thus provide a desired flow rate, velocity, and impact strength of a single pulsatable stream of pressurized water dependent on the flow characteristics from the water supply source. Furthermore, the diameter restricting means may comprise stream altering means to obtain, for example, a gentle spray, misting and the like. Since the conduiting means may be supplied from various manufacturers, the connecting hardware of the conduiting means may vary. In order to provide more flexible design considerations, therefore, in accordance with the present invention adapting means may be provided for adapting the coupling means to be couplable with different sized coupling hardware. In other words, adapting means having particular thread pitch and thread diameter are provided to match the corresponding thread diameter of the connecting hardware*from various manufacturers. Therefore, the design considerations in manufacturing the inventive apparatus are made more flexible.

In accordance with the present invention, the valving means may included pulsing means for pulsing the flow of water as an on/off pulse. This pulsing means may comprise a user-operable switch which is effective to control the valving means to selectively control the flow of water. The valving means may include a cylindrical inner chamber which is disposed in the hollow housing member. A valve body is slideably disposed in the cylindrical inner chamber and has an engaging portion. A valve seat is disposed in the second end of the hollow housing member within the flow chamber of the hollow housing member. Thus, the valve body may be slid within the cylindrical inner chamber so that it is effective to selectively engage the engaging portion of the valve body with the valve seat for restricting the flow of water. Thus, the user operable switch is effective to selectively slide the valve body in the cylindrical inner chamber to effect user operable selective restriction of the flow of water through the co-action of the engaging portion and the valve seat.

Thus, in accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for hydro-therapy is provided which allows a user to obtain the benefits of hydro-therapy within the home shower. Also the inventive device is effective for clinical use by a professional. In accordance with the present invention, a single stream of pressurized water is provided which may be directed at various portions of the body at which the benefits of hydro-therapy are desired. Also, in accordance with the present invention, the single stream of pressurized water may be pulsed by a user using a simple valving means located directly on the hollow housing member so that a single-handed operation of the inventive apparatus may be effected. Also, the flow rate and thus impact strength of the single stream may be varied selectively by the user continuously throughout the use of the inventive apparatus for hydrotherapy so that various portions of the body may safely enjoy the benefits of hydro-therapy taking into consideration the tenderness or sensitivity variations among the various portions of the body. The apparatus also provides a means by which a combination of the effects of a soothing shower and hydro-therapy may be combined for home use. Furthermore, the present invention provides a means by which various alternative methods of hydro-therapy may be accomplished. For example, by varying the water temperature at the water supply source, alternative applications of hot and cold water during hydro-therapy may be obtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy;

Figure 2(a) is an exploded planned view of various components of the embodiment of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy shown in Figure 1;

Figure 2(b) is an isolated perspective view of the nozzle cap;

Figure 3(a) is a cutaway view of the hollow housing member of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 showing the valving means in a "flow-off" position;

Figure 3(b) is a cutaway view of the hollow housing member shown in Figure 1 showing the valving means in a "flow-on" position;

Figure 3(c) is an exploded view of various components of the hollow housing member and valving means;

Figure 3(d) is an exploded perspective view of various components of the valving means;

Figure 4(a) is a view showing the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy in a "flow-off" position as in use; and

Figure 4(b) is an isolated view of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy shown in use in a "flow-on" position showing the single stream of pressurized water impacting a portion of the user's body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 is shown. A hollow housing member 12 is provided which has a first end 14 and a second end 16. The second end 16 having an exit orifice effective to provide a single stream of pressurized water for performing hydro-therapy to the skin and muscles of a user. Each of the hollow housing member, conduiting means, diverting means and valving means may be effective to allow the single stream of pressurized water to exit the exit orifice at a flow rate and pressure close to a house-hold water supply source flow rate and pressure of at least 45 lb/in2.— after "16." The hollowing housing member is effective for passing a flow of pressurized water from the first end 14 through the second end 16. In this embodiment, the hollow housing member 12 is configured and dimensioned substantially as a cylinder having a cross-sectional diameter which is effective for providing a comfortable and secure grip by a user during use in the shower. To further facilitate the gripping of the hollow housing member 12 when used in the soap and water environment of the shower. Conduiting means are provided for conduiting the flow of pressurized water from a water supply source to the first end 14. The conduiting means may comprise a length of flexible hose 20 which provides the necessary freedom of movement for the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 to promote the effective use of the apparatus in the shower or may have a length effective for use of the apparatus in the bathtub. Coupling means 22 are provided for coupling the conduiting means with the first end 14. Thus, the conduiting means is coupled with the hollow housing member 12 so that the flow of pressurized water from the water supply may flow through the hollow housing member 12 and be effective in hydro-therapy. .The inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy also includes valving means 24 (shown in detail in Figs. 3 (a)-3(d) for valving the flow of water through the hollow housing member 12. By such construction, the hollow housing member 12 is effective to provide a single pulsatable stream of pressurized water for hydro-therapy.

In other words, a flow of pressurized water is supplied from the water supply through the conduiting means which is coupled to the hollow housing member 12 through the coupling means 22. This flow of water may be selectively pulsated in an on/off pulse to provide the necessary effect of hydro-therapy. Also, in accordance with the present invention, a single pulsatable stream of pressurized water exits the hollow housing member 12 at the second end 16 which may be directed by the user so that the single pulsatable stream of water impacts various parts of the body to effect hydro-therapy. Also shown in Figure 1, diverting means 26 are provided for selectively diverting the flow of pressurized water from the water supply to a showerhead 28 and the conduiting means or hose 20. This diverting means 26 is effective to selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water through both the showerhead 28 and the hollow housing member 12. In other words, the user may selectively divert all or a portion of ^'the pressurized water flow from the water supply to either the showerhead 28 or the apparatus for hydro-therapy. Thus, the user is able to combine the effects of a spray of water from the showerhead 28 with that of the controllably directable, pulsatable single stream of pressurized water from the hydro- therapy apparatus 10. Also, the user may selectively use the diverting means 26 to divert the entire flow of the pressurized water from the water supply to either of the showerhead 28 or the apparatus for hydro-therapy 10. Thus, the user is free to adjust the combination of a spray from the showerhead 28 and a single pulsatable stream pressurized water from the apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 depending on the application.

Referring now to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the present embodiment of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 may also comprise diameter restricting means 30 which is disposable at the second end 16 for controllably restricting a diameter of the single stream. This diameter restricting means 30, in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, consists of a nozzle cap which may be screwed onto a nozzle cap receiving end (second end 16) of the hollow housing member 12. As shown in Figure 2(b), the diameter restricting means 30, or nozzle cap, has a predetermined diameter 30' which may be selected depending on the specific application of the apparatus for hydro-therapy 10. For example, in the event that a more concentrated single pulsatable stream of pressurized water is desired, a nozzle cap may be screwed onto the nozzle cap receiving end which has a minimum diameter. Thus, the flow rate of a' given pressure of pressurized water will be maximized so that the velocity and impact force of the single pulsatable stream of pressurized water impacting a desired portion of the body has the desired effect. Conservesely, a nozzle cap having a mzximum diameter may be screwed onto the nozzle cap receiving end so that the same given flow rate of pressurized water through the hollow housing member 12 will exit the nozzle cap as a wider single pulsatable stream of pressurized water therby having a less concentrated impact force and lower velocity. Thus, the single pulsatable stream of pressurized water may be selectively adjusted to match a particular hydro-therapy application.

As shown in Figure 2(a), the conduiting means may include connecting hardwater 32 for connecting with the coupling means 22. This connecting hardware 32 may vary depending on the source of the conduiting means or the type of conduiting means. For example, different suppliers of the conduiting means may manufacture the connecting hardware 32 having specific thread pitch and/or thread diameter. In this embodiment, the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 further includes adapting means 34 and 34' for adapting the coupling means 22 to be couplable with, differently sized connecting hardware 32. This provides a certain flexibility in design and allows the inventive apparatus to be compiled from components from various manufacturers.

Referring to Figures 3(a) through 3(d), more detailed description of the valving means 24 of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 will be described. The valving means 24 in this embodiment includes pulsing means for pulsing the flow of water as an on/off pulse. This pulsing means includes a user-operable switch 36 which is effective to control the valving means 24 to selectively control the flow of water. In other words, when using the inventive apparatus 10, the user is able to slide the user-operable switch 36 to positions which vary the flow of water through the hollow housing member from an "Off" flow position to a maximum "On" flow position to vary the stream of water dependent on the flow rate of the pressurized water. By rocking the user-operable switch 36 back and forth the user is able to effect a pulsation of the single stream of pressurized water and thereby direct the impact of this pulsating single stream of pressurized water to the various parts of the body to effect hydro-therapy. Alternatively, the user may selectively allow the single stream of water to flow in a consistent stream and impact the body without pulsation to effect an alternative form of hydro- therapy. Furthermore, since this flow rate and therefore the impact force of the single stream of water may be selectively varied, the apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 may be controllably used to effect hydro-therapy at various portions of the body, some of which are tougher and may receive a stronger impact force and some of which are more tender and require a more sensitive or lighter impact force.

As shown in Figures 3(a) through 3(d), the valving means 24 includes a cylindrical inner chamber 38 which is disposed in the hollow housing member. A valve body 44 is slideably disposed in the cylindrical inner chamber 38 and has an engaging portion 40. A valve seat 42 is disposed near the second end 16 in the hollow housing member 12. The co-action of the valve seat 42 with the engaging portion 40 is effective to vary the flow of pressurized water out of the hollow housing member 12 in a selectable manner. The valve body 44 is effective to selectively engage the engaging portion 40 with the valve seat 42 to restrict the flow of water. The user-operable switch 36 is effective to selectively slide the valve body 44 in the cylindrical inner chamber 38 to effect user-operable selective restriction of the flow of water through the co-action of the engaging portion 40 and the valve seat 42. When the valve body 44 is positioned as in Figure 3(a), the engaging portion 40 is co-acting with the valve seat 42 to prevent any flow of water through the hollowing housing member 12 ("off" position) . 0 rings are provided to enhance the efficiency of restriction of the co-action between the engaging portion 40 and the valve seat 42. As shown in Figure 3(b), when the valve seat 42 is positioned as shown, the engaging portion 40 and valve seat 42 are not engaged. In this position, the flow of water through the second end 1-6 is substantially unrestricted by the valving means 24 and a single stream of pressurized water flows through the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 to be effective in hydro- therapy. By selectively positioning the user-operable switch 36 between the extremes shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) the user may provide a flow of pressurized water at various velocities and impacts strengths so that the various portions of the body may safely benefit from the hydro-therapy.

In this embodiment, the valve seat 42 has its outer periphery threaded with threads which correspond with threads provided in the second end 16 of the hollow housing member 12. As shown in Figures 3(a) through 3(d), 0 rings are provided at various locations to promote the effectiveness of the valving means 24 in selectively restricting the flow of water through the hollow housing member 12. The flow chamber 12' of the hollow housing member 12 provides a conduit through the hollow housing member 12 for the flow of pressurized water and also has the various portions of the valving means 24 disposed therein. in operation, the flow of pressurized water flows around the components of the valving means 24 and exits the hollow housing member 12 through the second end 16 to provide the single stream of pressurized water.

Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show the use of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy. In use, a user positions the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 so that the second end 16 of the hollow housing member is opposite a selected portion 46 of the body which is to receive the hydro-therapy. The user then manipulates the user operable switch 36 to selectively allow the single stream of pressurized water to flow through the hollow housing member 12 and impact the portion 46 of the body which is to receive the hydro-therapy (Figure 4(b). This single stream of water may be maintained at a constant velocity and flow rate by leaving the user-operable switch 36 at a selected position. Then, this single stream of water may be moved around the portion 46 of the body receiving the hydro-therapy by directing the position of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 relative to this portion 46 of the body.

In another form of hydro-therapy, the user rocks the user- operable switch 36 back and forth to create a pulsating single stream of pressurized water which impacts the desired portion 46 of the body. This pulsating stream may also be moved around the portion 46 of the body. Also, through the use of the diverting means (shown in Figure 1) and the user-operable switch 36, a combination of a shower of water from the showerhead 28 and a jet of water impacting a selected portion 46 of the body may be obtained. Thus, the user may enjoy the soothing comfort of a warm shower while also obtaining the benefits of hydro-therapy. Furthermore, by varying the temperature of the water from the supply source (using the conventional plumbing means in the shower) another form of hydro-therapy may be obtained whereby the selected portion 46 of the body receiving hydro-therapy receives alternating pulses of hot and cold water. Or, cold water, for example, may be applied for a specific period of time and then hot water may be applied for another specific period of time to thereby effect another form of hydro-therapy.

With respect to the above description, it is realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for parts of the invention, including variations in size, materials, shape, form, function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art. All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. An apparatus for hydro-therapy, comprising: a hollow housing member having a first end and a second end and effective for passing a flow of pressurized water from said first end through said second end; the hollow housing member having an exit orifice at the second end effective to provide a single stream of pressurized water for performing hydro-therapy to the skin and muscles of a user; conduiting means comprising a length of flexible hose for conduiting the flow of pressurized water from a water supply source to the first end; coupling means for coupling the conduiting means with the first end; diverting means for selectively diverting the flow of pressurized water from the water supply to a shower head and the conduiting means, and effective to selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water through both the shower head and the hollow housing member; and valving means comprising a user operable switch disposed on the hollow housing member for valving the flow of water through the hollow housing member, the valving means effective to provide a single-handed operation for varying the flow of pressurized water while continuously moving the single stream of pressurized water about the body of the user to perform hydro-therapy {; whereby, the hollow housing member is effective to provide a single stream of pressurized water for hydro- therapy} .

2. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 1; further comprising diverting means for selectably diverting the flow of pressurized water from the water supply to a showerhead and the conduiting means, and effective to selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water through both the showerhead and the hollow housing member.

3. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 1; further comprising diameter restricting means disposable at the second end for controllably restricting a diameter of the single stream.

4. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 3; wherein the restricting means includes stream altering means attachable at the second end for altering the single stream to produce one of a shower {,} and mist {and the like}.

5. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 1; wherein the conduiting means includes connecting hardware for connecting with the coupling means; and further comprising adapting means for adapting the coupling means to be couplable with differently sized connecting hardware.

6. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 1; wherein the valving means includes pulsing means for pulsing the flow of water as an on-off pulse.

7. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 6; wherein the pulsing means comprises a user-operable switch effective to control the valving means to selectively control the flow of water.

8. An apparatus for hydro-therapy, comprising; a hollow housing member having a first end and a second end and effective for passing a flow of pressurized water from said first end through said second end, the hollow housing member having an exit orifice at the second end effective to provide a single stream of pressurized water for performing hydro- therapy to the skin and muscles of a user; conduiting means comprising a length of flexible hose for conduiting the flow of pressurized water from a water supply source to said first end; coupling means for coupling the conduiting means with said first end; and valving means for valving the flow of water through the hollow housing member, said valving means including pulsing means for pulsing the flow of water as an on-off pulse and the pulsing means comprising a user-operable switch disposed on the hollow housing member which is effective to control the flow of water, the valving means effective to provide a single-handed operation for varying the flow of pressurized water while continuously moving the sin'gle stream of pressurized water about the body of the user to perform hydro-therapy.

9. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 8; further comprising diverting means for selectably diverting the flow of pressurized water from the water supply to a showerhead and the conduiting means, and effective to selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water through both the showerhead and the hollow housing member.

10. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 8; further comprising diameter restricting means disposable at the second end for controllably restricting a diameter of the single stream.

11. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 8; wherein the conduiting means .includes connecting hardware for connecting with the coupling means; and further comprising adapting means for adapting the coupling means to be couplable with differently sized connecting hardware.

12. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 8; wherein the valving means includes a cylindrical inner chamber and a valve body disposed in the cylindrical inner chamber having an engaging portion, and a valve seat disposed near the second end in the hollow housing member, whereby the valve body is effective to selectively engage the engaging portion with the valve seat to restrict the flow of water, and whereby the user-operable switch is effective to selectively slide the valve body in the cylindrical inner chamber to effect user-operable selective restriction of the flow of water through the co-action of the engaging portion and the valve seat.

13. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 1; wherein each of the hollow housing member, conduiting means, diverting means and valving means is dimensioned effective to allow the single stream of pressurized water to exit the exit orifice at a flow rate and pressure close to the water supply source flow rate and pressure of at least 45 lb/in2.

14. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 13; wherein each of the hollow housing member, conduiting means, diverting means and valving means is dimensioned to allow the single stream of pressurized water to exit the exit orifice at a flow rate and pressure effective to perform hydro-therapy underwater.

15. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 1; further comprising alternating means for alternating the water supply source between a hot and a cold temperature.

16. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 8; wherein each of the hollow housing member, conduiting means, diverting means and valving means is effective to allow the single stream of pressurized water to exit the exit orifice at a flow rate and pressure close to the water supply source flow rate and pressure of at least 45 lb/in2.

17. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 16; wherein each of the hollow housing member, conduiting means, diverting means and valving means is dimensioned to allow the single stream of pressurized water to exit the exit orifice at a flow rate and pressure effective to perform hydro-therapy underwater.

18. An apparatus for hydro-therapy according to claim 1; further comprising alternating means for alternating the water supply source between a hot and a cold temperature.