AU2011257656B2

AU2011257656B2 - Bed for the physiotherapeutic treatment of the human body

Info

Publication number: AU2011257656B2
Application number: AU2011257656A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Birgit Weirich
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-27
Filing date: 2011-05-16
Publication date: 2014-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-16
Also published as: WO2011147402A1; DE202010007306U1; EP2575729A1; EP2575729B1; AU2011257656A1

Abstract

A bed having a heatable bed surface (3) that rests on a substructure (1) is proposed for physiotherapeutic treatments of the human body, wherein the bed surface (3) is formed by a plate (2) that rests on the substructure (1) and that comprises at least three layers, namely a carrier plate (6), a floor layer (7), which is applied on top of the carrier plate and in which a heat source (8) is embedded, and the actual bed surface (3), which is applied on top of the floor layer (7), wherein the bed surface (3) is composed of flat rubblestone pieces joined to each other in mosaic-like manner.

Description

- 1 Bed for the physiotherapeutic treatment of the human body [0001] The invention relates to a bed for the physiotherapeutic treatment of the human body, comprising a heatable bed surface resting on a substructure. [0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0003] For different physiotherapeutic treatments of the human body both in dry and wet conditions, such as massage treatments, cosmetic treatments, aromatherapy treatments, different body packs, such as Fango, algae or mud packs, anti-cellulite treatments, soap and brush massages and steam treatments, there are already different treatment beds on which a person to be treated can lie down in as relaxed a posture as possible in order to allow treatment in a specific manner. In the simplest form, such a bed consists of an elongate, table-like underframe with a padded, mattress-like support which is covered by a cover which has to be exchanged and washed after each treatment in order to be able to meet minimum hygienic requirements. So that the head can be held in a relaxed position during a treatment, such beds are frequently provided with a head part which, in the simplest case, can be designed as a slope on the one narrow side of the mattress-like support or can consist of a head rest which is mounted on the one narrow side of the bed and is generally adjustable in the inclination thereof. A recess is frequently provided in such a head part for the face of a person to be treated so that said person can take up a comfortable relaxed position even on their stomach. [0004] DE 299 05 089 U1 discloses such a bed, in which the head part is additionally pivotable, rotatable and displaceable substantially in the horizontal direction relative to the trunk part in order also to be able to be adapted to people having certain impairments or damaged posture. The bed is height-adjustable as a whole. [0005] Simple beds of this type are basically suitable only for treatments in dry conditions, such as massage treatments, cosmetic treatments, etc. [0006] Tent-like hoods are also provided, which hoods can be pulled over a simple bed of this type and over the person lying thereon and which are then sufficiently tightly sealed along the circumference of the bed so that steam can be introduced into the hood and therefore steam treatments are also possible on a simple bed of this type. It is -2 disadvantageous that, during such a steam treatment, the textile parts of the mattress-like support and the cover be heavily penetrated by moisture, which, even during the treatment, may cause an unpleasant sensation over time for the person being treated. Following a steam treatment, it is necessary not only for the cover but also for the support to be completely exchanged, washed and dried. In particular, the moisture penetration of the mattress-like support may lead over time to hygienic problems, for example if the drying is not always carried out sufficiently intensively. [0007] DE 30 33 419 Al proposes a table-shaped treatment bed especially for heat treatments, in which a device dispensing heat is integrated into the treatment bed in or below the bed surface; according to the described embodiment, a heat dispenser is placed between the padded support and the support cover. [0008] Treatments under wet conditions, such as the various body packs or soap and brush massages, are generally carried out in corresponding tubs in which the people to be treated can lie down. During the treatment in this case, the person being treated time and again has to adopt a strenuous posture placing particular strain on the spine. After each treatment, the tubs have to be carefully cleaned by a person in a stooped and straining posture. Mats which are intended to reduce the risk of slipping in such tubs also always have to be kept hygienically clean. [0009] DE 10 2005 059 389 Al proposes a device in which applications are undertaken on a film which is stretched over a tub and even when loaded, i.e. when a person has laid down on the film, are intended to sag only a little and are thus intended to a form a saucer- or plate-like supporting surface. The film can be guided via rollers provided on the tub edge and can be kept tensioned by a tensioning device. In addition to a purely passive treatment of or application to a person, the possibility is therefore also intended to be provided to carry out an application by self-initiated body movement on the basis of sliding and frictional action. The tub can be provided with a feed and a drain through which, for example, hot air or hot water, aromatics and other ingredients can be introduced into the tub space below the film. Various application substances and substances which may be flowable, cream-like, pasty, etc., are intended to be able to be applied to the film and flow or slide along the supporting surface of slightly saucer-like design, particularly to the lowest point thereof. This device is suitable only for certain applications. In order to bypass the necessity of thoroughly cleaning the film after each use, it is proposed to form the film as a disposable film for hygienic reasons; said film then has to be exchanged after each use and a new film has to be inserted into the stays on the tub for the next use. Both thorough cleaning and the exchanging of the -3 film are awkward and costly in terms of time. The use of disposable films is inconsistent with the concept of environmental protection and avoiding waste. [0010] In order, in a physiotherapeutic practice or a wellness studio, to be able to offer a wide variety of treatments to the human body both in dry and wet conditions, various types of beds configured to the various uses or treatments are therefore required along with an appropriate space for the fitting thereof, wherein a "tub" is intended to be included in the term "bed". [0011] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. [0012] It is the object of a preferred form of the invention to provide a bed for the physiotherapeutic treatment of the human body, said bed being suitable for a very wide variety of treatments both in dry and wet conditions, and therefore, for example, only one such bed is required in a small practice for all of the treatments offered, i.e. the space required is considerably reduced. Said bed has to be slip-free and has to be satisfactorily cleaned hygienically easily and within a short time after each use or treatment. The person to be treated is intended always to be able to take up a relaxed, comfortable position, and also the person carrying out the treatment is intended to be able to carry out their work in a posture which takes as much care as possible and is not unduly strained. [0013] Accordingly, the present invention provides a bed for the physiotherapeutic treatment of the human body, comprising a heatable bed surface resting on a substructure, wherein the bed surface is formed by a plate which rests on the substructure and consists of at least three layers, namely a carrier plate, a screed layer which is mounted on the latter and in which a heat dispenser is embedded, and the actual bed surface which is mounted on the screed layer, wherein the bed surface is composed in the manner of a mosaic from flat rubble stone pieces grouted together. [0014] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to". [0015] The bed surface is formed by a plate which rests on the substructure and consists of at least three layers, namely a carrier plate, a screed layer which is mounted on the latter -4 and in which a heat dispenser is embedded, and the actual bed surface which is mounted on the screed layer, wherein the bed surface is composed in the manner of a mosaic from flat rubble stone pieces grouted together. Any type of natural stone, such as scrap marble, marble strips, broken slate, but also tiles, preferably in fragments, are suitable as material for the rubble stone pieces used. The grouted rubble stone pieces bring about a bed surface which is secure against slipping and which can be heated by the heat dispenser embedded in the screed layer thereunder and can be satisfactorily cleaned hygienically easily and rapidly. The heated natural stone imparts a pleasant sensation to the person lying on the bed surface, and a special cover is not needed. In addition, the use of rubble stone pieces has the advantage that such material is provided relatively cost-effectively. Owing to the material used, the bed can be used for all conceivable treatments and uses both in dry and wet conditions. Special beds for the dry and wet conditions are no longer required. There is therefore a considerable saving on space which is of advantage particularly for smaller treatment rooms. [0016] The heat dispenser can consist of an electric heating coil with temperature control or can consist of a pipe coil through which hot water passes, wherein the temperature is controllable. [0017] The temperature of the bed surface during operation is preferably maintained continuously at a standby temperature of approx. 152 and is temporarily heated to 382 (body temperature) for a treatment. The bed can thereby be kept on standby in an energy- and cost-saving manner and can be ready for use again within a short time after a temporary interruption of the treatments. [0018] The plate advantageously rests on a tub-shaped substructure and is supported on the edge of the substructure and by props arranged in the substructure. [0019] The bed is also optimized for use under wet conditions by plumbing to a hot water mixing faucet and shower hose with a shower head being provided on the substructure. [0020] A water outlet which is connected to an outlet pipe located in the substructure is advantageously provided in the foot end region of the plate. This makes it much easier to work on the bed in wet conditions.

-5 [0021] If there is a slope of approx. 5 cm between the head end and foot end of the bed surface formed on the plate, liquid used during the treatment can inevitably collect and flow out at the water outlet. No unnecessary wetness arises in the treatment room. [0022] If the slope does not extend over the entire length of the bed surface but rather is formed only over a third thereof at the foot end, this is pleasant for a person lying on the bed surface, since the body then does not have the tendency to slip in the direction of the foot end. [0023] A head rest which is adjustable in the inclination thereof can be provided at the head end of the substructure; the adjustment can be undertaken manually or hydraulically. [0024] A movable steam hood which is sealed all the way around on the bed surface and into which steam produced in a water tank can be introduced can be provided as an additional device; the steam hood has a recess for the head of a person lying on the bed surface. Steam treatments are therefore also possible on the bed according to the invention. [0025] The tub-shaped substructure can be composed of concrete or Ytong stones and can be provided with a cladding made of flat rubble stone pieces assembled in the manner of a mosaic. [0026] The tub-shaped substructure can stand on a base. If a substructure according to the invention is premanufactured at a certain height, it can be brought and adapted to a desired height with the aid of the base. [0027] Where a positionally fixed installation of the bed is not possible or is not desired, the substructure can also consist of an iron bed or of a height-adjustable iron frame. The bed is therefore movable and usable at different locations. [0028] The invention is described in more detail by way of example below with reference to the attached drawing, in which [0029] Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the bed according to the invention in a perspective illustration, [0030] Figure 2 shows the bed according to figure 1, wherein the actual bed surface with the components thereof and the substructure are illustrated separately, -6 [0031] Figure 3 shows a cross section through the bed surface and the components thereof according to the embodiment as per figure 1 and figure 2, [0032] Figure 4 shows, in a perspective illustration, the substructure and the individual components from which the bed surface according to a preferred embodiment is composed, [0033] Figure 5 shows a perspective illustration of a bed according to the invention with an additional device for a steam treatment, [0034] Figure 6 shows a side view of the bed according to figure 5, and [0035] Figure 7 shows a cross section through the bed according to figure 5. [0036] According to figure 1, the bed according to the invention consists of a preferably tub-shaped substructure 1 of a length of approx. 2 m and a width of at least 80 cm, which is covered by a plate 2 matched to the contour of the opening in the substructure 1. The plate 2 consists of a plurality of interconnected layers (see figure 3 and figure 4), and the bed surface 3 for a person to be treated physiotherapeutically is formed on said plate. The plate 2 firstly rests on the edge 4 of the substructure 1 and is also supported in the interior of the tub shaped substructure 1 by props 5 (see figure 2). For example, three to four Ytong stones can be inserted into the substructure 1 as props 5. Other types of props are possible. The bed surface 3 as the uppermost layer of the plate 2 consists of differently sized rubble stone plates or small rubble stone plates which are joined together in the manner of a mosaic and are grouted together; a very wide variety of materials, preferably natural stone, such as scrap marble, marble strips, broken slate, and tiles, which may also be broken, etc., can be used for this purpose. The individual small rubble stone plates may have a thickness of approx. 3 to 4 mm. The use of rubble stone for the bed surface 3 not only has the advantage that such material is available at a favorable price, but even more importantly for the invention, the bed surface 3 is secure against slipping by the grouting between the individual stones assembled in the manner of a mosaic. This is because, in order to avoid the risk of slipping, the bed surface 3 should not in any way be formed as a smooth surface. The abrasion, especially for wet conditions, should not be below 12 (for tiles for a normal bath an abrasion of 9 is prescribed). [0037] The lowermost layer of the plate 2 is formed by a carrier plate 6, for example in the form of a concrete framework (see figure 3 and figure 4). A screed 7 is mounted onto the carrier plate 6 as the middle layer and a heatable heat dispenser 8, for example in the form -7 of an electric heating coil 8 or a passage of hot water, is embedded in said screed; the bed surface 3 assembled in the manner of a mosaic lies as the uppermost layer on the screed 7 containing the heat dispenser 8. By means of the heat dispenser 8, the bed surface 3 is heatable, the temperature is controllable, and a temperature of approx. 382 is perceived as being particularly pleasant on the human body for various uses. For particular uses, a higher temperature may also be necessary. The heating system for the heat dispenser 8 can be designed in an energy-saving manner by the temperature being continuously maintained at 152 and being heated within 30 minutes to a body temperature of 382 for a treatment. The natural stone, which is heated to body temperature, of the bed surface 3 imparts a pleasant sensation to a person lying on the bed surface, and a special textile cover is not required. Washing and detergents are spared. [0038] At the head end of the substructure 1, a head rest 9 which is known per se and is adjustable in the inclination thereof is provided. Said head rest is adjustable from a zero position in the plane of the bed surface 3 both upward and downward by approx. 30 in each case so that a person lying on the bed surface 3 can take up a comfortable posture both on their back and on their stomach. In addition, the head rest 9 has, for this purpose, an opening 10, on the edge of which the head is supported in every position, but the face is left free when the person is on their stomach. The head rest 9 can be adjusted manually and mechanically or preferably hydraulically. Artificial leather is recommended as the material for the head rest 9, and it should always be waterproof. [0039] The bed is preferably erected or permanently installed in the direct vicinity of plumbing to a hot and cold water mixing faucet to which a shower head 11 is connected by a shower hose which is advantageously at least 3.5 m in length. In the vicinity of the foot end of the bed, a water drain 12 is provided in the plate 2 forming the bed surface 3, said water drain, when the plate 2 is placed under the substructure 1, being connected to an outlet pipe 13 in the substructure 1 (also see figure 2 and figure 4). The bed surface 3 can be configured so as to slope slightly, by approx. 5 cm, toward the foot end such that, water used in wet conditions in a physiotherapeutic treatment can automatically collect and flow off at the foot end in the region of the water drain 12. The slope does not have to extend over the entire length of the bed surface 3 but rather may be limited approximately to that third of the length in which the water drain 12 is located, as indicated by the dashed line 14 in figure 2. A person lying down on the bed surface 3 can then lie with the trunk on a rectilinear plane and only the legs lie on the slope; this is more comfortable for the person in so far as the body then does not have the tendency to slip in the direction of the foot end.

-8 [0040] The substructure 1 may be composed of concrete, concrete parts or Ytong stones and may be clad with natural stone, with tiles, marble or similar material, and preferably broken material may also be used for this purpose. Said substructure is intended to have an appropriate height in order, firstly, to enable a person to be treated to comfortably take their place and, secondly, to make it easier, or at least not to make it more difficult, for a person carrying out the treatment to work. The height of the substructure 1 may be, for example, approximately 70 cm at the head end and approximately 65 cm at the foot end. The substructure 1 may also be formed standing on an additional base with which a different specific height of the bed can then be achieved with the device. [0041] If a positionally fixed installation of the bed with a substructure 1 made of concrete is not possible or is not desired, the substructure 1 may also be provided in the form of a movable iron bed or a movable and height-adjustable frame. The bed would therefore be movable as a whole. The substructure 1, no matter in which form it is realized, should always be waterproof. [0042] The bed according to the invention is waterproof overall on account of the materials used and can be rapidly and easily cleaned. After each use, it merely needs to be sprayed with water, possibly with the addition of a cleaning and/or disinfecting agent. A desired drying of the bed surface 3 can also take place rapidly without further measures via the heat dispenser 8 integrated in the plate 2. The bed is thus suitable for a very wide variety of applications to the human body both in dry and wet conditions, i.e. for massages, cosmetic treatments, body packs, peelings, aromatherapy treatments for opening the pores before a massage or pack, Ayurveda applications, anti-cellulite treatments, soap and brush massages, etc. [0043] The bed according to the invention is also suitable for steam treatments with a sauna and sweating effect. For this purpose, a steam hood 15, as illustrated in figures 5 to 7, is pulled onto the bed surface 3 and onto the person lying on the latter. The steam hood 15 reaches from the foot end of the bed to close to the head end or to the head rest 9 and is sealed laterally and at the foot end against the edge of the bed surface 3 or against the outer wall of the substructure 1; at the head end, the steam hood 15 is sealed on the bed surface 3 and has a recess 16 here for the head of a person. Next to the bed, preferably at the foot end thereof, there is a water tank 17 in which steam can be produced, the steam then being conducted under the steam hood 15 by a hose 18 (see figure 6). The steam hood 15 may be composed of sail cloth or tent canvas which is supported and kept in shape by means of struts 19. As already mentioned, the steam hood 15 is sealed against the edge of the bed -9 surface 3 and against the wall of the substructure 1 so that as little steam and heat as possible, if any at all, is lost during the treatment. [0044] The bed according to the invention is suitable for all conceivable physiotherapeutic treatments both in dry and wet conditions and in the wellness sector. A physiotherapeutic practice therefore only requires at least one such bed in order to be able to provide a very wide variety of treatments and applications in a very small room; the minimum space required for this is only approx. 4 x 4 M 2 . The easy and rapid cleaning of the bed after each use also results in a considerable saving on time on the practical work in a practice. [0045] List of reference numbers 1 Substructure 2 Plate 3 Bed surface 4 Edge 5 Props 6 Carrier plate 7 Screed 8 Heat dispenser, heating coil 9 Head rest 10 Opening 11 Shower head 12 Water drain 13 Outlet pipe 14 Dashed line 15 Steam hood 16 Recess 17 Water tank 18 Hose 19 Struts

Claims

1. A bed for the physiotherapeutic treatment of the human body, comprising a heatable bed surface resting on a substructure, wherein the bed surface is formed by a plate which rests on the substructure and consists of at least three layers, namely a carrier plate, a screed layer which is mounted on the latter and in which a heat dispenser is embedded, and the actual bed surface which is mounted on the screed layer, wherein the bed surface is composed in the manner of a mosaic from flat rubble stone pieces grouted together.

2. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat dispenser consists of an electric heating coil with temperature control.

3. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heat dispenser consists of a pipe coil through which hot water passes, wherein the temperature of the hot water is controllable.

4. The bed as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the temperature of the bed surface during operation is maintainable continuously to a standby temperature of approx. 15L and is temporarily heatable to 38L (body temperature) for a treatment.

5. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate rests on a tub-shaped substructure and is supported on the edge of the substructure and by props arranged in the substructure.

6. The bed as claimed in claim 5, wherein plumbing to a hot water mixing faucet and shower hose with a shower head is provided on the substructure.

7. The bed as claimed in claim 5, wherein a water outlet which is connected to an outlet pipe located in the substructure is provided in the foot end region of the plate.

8. The bed as claimed in claim 1 or 5, wherein there is a slope of approx. 5 cm between the head end and foot end of the bed surface formed on the plate.

9. The bed as claimed in claim 8, wherein the slope does not extend over the entire length of the bed surface but rather is formed only over a third thereof at the foot end.

10. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein a head rest which is adjustable in the inclination thereof is provided at the head end of the substructure.

- 11 11. The bed as claimed in claim 10, wherein the head rest is adjustable in the inclination thereof manually or hydraulically.

12. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein a movable steam hood which is sealed all the way around on the bed surface and into which steam produced in a water tank is introducible, wherein the steam hood has a recess for the head of a person lying on the bed surface.

13. The bed as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tub-shaped substructure consists of concrete or Ytong stones and is provided with a cladding made of flat rubble stone pieces assembled in the manner of a mosaic.

14. The bed as claimed in claim 5, wherein the tub-shaped substructure rests on a base.

15. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substructure consists of an iron bed.

16. The bed as claimed in claim 1, wherein the substructure consists of a height adjustable iron frame.

17. A bed for the physiotherapeutic treatment of the human body substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or examples.