CA1176007A - Combination bath mat and massaging device - Google Patents
Combination bath mat and massaging deviceInfo
- Publication number
- CA1176007A CA1176007A CA000411742A CA411742A CA1176007A CA 1176007 A CA1176007 A CA 1176007A CA 000411742 A CA000411742 A CA 000411742A CA 411742 A CA411742 A CA 411742A CA 1176007 A CA1176007 A CA 1176007A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ribs
- sheet
- massaging device
- massaging
- upper face
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K3/00—Baths; Douches; Appurtenances therefor
- A47K3/001—Accessories for baths, not provided for in other subgroups of group A47K3/00 ; Insertions, e.g. for babies; Tubs suspended or inserted in baths; Security or alarm devices; Protecting linings or coverings; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting baths; Bath insulation
- A47K3/002—Non-slip mats for baths
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H7/00—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for
- A61H7/002—Devices for suction-kneading massage; Devices for massaging the skin by rubbing or brushing not otherwise provided for by rubbing or brushing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/12—Driving means
- A61H2201/1253—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven
- A61H2201/1261—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven combined with active exercising of the patient
- A61H2201/1284—Driving means driven by a human being, e.g. hand driven combined with active exercising of the patient using own weight
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
- A61H2201/1683—Surface of interface
- A61H2201/169—Physical characteristics of the surface, e.g. material, relief, texture or indicia
- A61H2201/1692—Enhanced rubbing effect
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H2205/00—Devices for specific parts of the body
- A61H2205/12—Feet
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Dermatology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Massaging Devices (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A massaging device comprises a single layer sheet of pliable, water-impervious solid material having an upper face and a lower face. Holding means in the form of integral suction cups are formed on a lower face to maintain the position of the device in use. An array of ribs approximately one-sixteenth of an inch in height are distributed over at least a substantial portion of the upper face. These ribs also from an integral part of the sheet of material In the preferred embodiment one-half of the upper face at one end of the sheet is covered with these ribs and the other half of the sheet is smooth on the upper face. The material can be rubber or soft plastic.
A massaging device comprises a single layer sheet of pliable, water-impervious solid material having an upper face and a lower face. Holding means in the form of integral suction cups are formed on a lower face to maintain the position of the device in use. An array of ribs approximately one-sixteenth of an inch in height are distributed over at least a substantial portion of the upper face. These ribs also from an integral part of the sheet of material In the preferred embodiment one-half of the upper face at one end of the sheet is covered with these ribs and the other half of the sheet is smooth on the upper face. The material can be rubber or soft plastic.
Description
t;V07 This invention relates to bath massaging devices and in particular such devices designed for use in a wet area such as a bathtub or shower.
It is well known to provide a rubber bath mat for use in a bathtub or shower. Such bath mats commonly have suction cups on their bottom surfaces to hold these mats in position during use. The standard bath mats on the market today have a smooth upper surface for the user to stand or sit on.
Various types of massaging devices, including devices for use in a bathtub, are also known. For example, United States Patent No. 3,577,985 ~ssued May 11, 1971 to Margaret Guffin teaches a back scrubbing and massaging device comprising a number of deformable rollers loosely held within a frame or base plate. This patent specification indicates that the device can be affixed to the backwall of a tub by means of suction cups on the back surface of the device.
More recent U.S. Patent specification No.
4,003,372 issued January 18, 1977 to C.J. Willoby describes a device that is specifically designed to massage and wash the user's foot. The device is constructed with a relatively thick plate member of water-impervious material such as plasticO Mounted on top of this plate is a sheet of pliable material that is formed into a number of relatively high ridges. The device appears to be quite small in si~e and it is believed that the device would not ~' ~'7biO07 be suitable Eor standing on for more than a very short period of time due to the height of the ridges.
U.9. Patent No. 3,631,560 issued January 4, 1972 to J.M. Atkins describes a brush that can be mounted on the wall of a bathtub or shower. The disclosed brush would not be suitable for use as a back massaging device.
U.S. Patent No. 3,750,226 is directed to a T-shaped back cleaning device that can be mounted on a side of a shower. The tufts of the device can be made with either ordinary toweling material or with foam rubber.
Finally very recent Patent No. 4,169,466 describes a massaging device designed particularly for use on an automobile seat~ The device employs a large number of massaging balls that are supported in a planar fashion in a double-walled structure. It appears that this device would be relatively difficult to construct and relatively expensive.
The present invention provides a massaging device that can be used in a wet environment such as a bathtub and that can be made at relatively low cost. The massaging device disclosed herein is suitable for massaging the back of a user who is sitting in a bathtub.
According to the invention, a back massaging device comprises a single layer, rectangular sheet of pliable, water-impervious solid material having an upper face and a lower face and a length at least twice the width of said sheet. Holding means are provided on the lower face to maintain the position of the device in use. An array of ribs extending lengthwise on the sheet is distributed over at least a substantial portion of the upper face at one ~'7~iOO'7 end of the sheet whereby substantially the entire back may be massaged and these ribs are at least one-sixteenth inch in height and less than one-half inch in height. The ribs are formed as an integral part of the sheet of material.
The upper face includes a substantial portion at the other end of the sheet which is flat and smooth so that a person may sit comfor~ably on said other end.
In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the holding means comprise suction cups distributed over the lower face. The ribs preferably cover about one-half of the upper face at one end of the device. In this way the user of the device can sit on the smooth half while using - the other half to massage his back.
In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a massaging device constructed in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is an edge view of the massaging device of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a detail view of a corner of the massaging device shown on a larger scale; and Figure ~ is a bottom view of the massaging device.
The massaging device 10 comprises a single layer sheet of pliable, water-impervious solid material having an upper face 12 and a lower face 14. In the preferred embodiment shown the sheet is rectangular and relatively thin. The sheet can in fact have a thickness similar to that of known bat mats.
Holding means are provided on the lower face 14 to maintain the position of said device in use. Preferably the holding means comprise suction cups 24. These suction 11'7t~00~
5 ~
cups are constructed in a well known manner and are formed integrally with the sheet forming the massaging device. As shown in Figure 3, these cups are distributed evenly in rows over the lower face. In accordance with the ~- 5 invention, an array of ribs 26 are distributed over at least a substantial portion of the upper face 12 and extend in the lengthwise direction of the sheet. Preferably these ribs are about one-sixteenth inch in height and typically are two inches wide. It is found that this height provides a satisfying massaging effect for a person's back. If the height is less than one-sixteenth inch, a satisfactory massage by rubbing against the device may not be provided.
On the other hand the ribs should not be too high as this again can result in an unsatisfactory massage. The height of the ribs should be less than one-half inch. A person's back is relatively sensitive to touch, unlike a person's hands or feet. Relatively small ribs are sufficient to massage a back area. Ribs that are too large can be unpleasant to rub one's back against. The ribs 26 are formed as an integral part of the sheet of material. If the massaging device is molded, these ribs are formed during the molding process. The space between adjacent ribs is preferably one-half inch.
As shown in Figure 1, the ribs 26 are distrib~ted over at least one-half of the upper face 12. The remaining flat area 28 is intended for sitting on in a bathtub. A
person could also stand on this area (or on the ribbed area if he wished) when he is taking a shower. Ideally the present massaging device is intended for use in a bathtub with the ribbed area 30 being supported by the back wall of the tub. The flat area 28 of the device lies flat on the bo~tom of the tub and helps to support the ribbed area 30.
With the device in this position, one can easily manoeuvre one's back to massage it with the ribs 26 while sitting in the tub.
The dimensions of the device 10 are the same or similar to those of the well known rubber bath mats. It ; 10 will be readily appreciated that the device 10 of the invention can in fact be used simply as a bath mat if desired by laying it flat on the bottom of a tub or shower stall. In the particular preferred embodiment of the device 10, the width is fifteen inches and the length is forty-two inches. The device can be made of solid rubber or soft plastic. The term "solid rubber" as used herein means a pliable rubber that is not foam rubber.
Preferably each rib has a number of recesses or grooves 31 distributed along its length to enhance the massaging effect. These recesses are not as deep as the ribs are high. In one particular embodiment, they are only one-thirty second inch deep. The recesses can be arranged in criss-crossing pairs to form X-patterns that extend the width of the rib. A variety of other patterns for the recesses could be used of course provided the pattern selected provides a suitable massage. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs form waves or undulations for appearance purposes but the ribs could be straight.
~:~76~1D'7 -- 7 ~
The sheet material forming the device should be sufficiently thick to stand up to normal use. The material must be sufficiently strong to permit easy disengagement of the suction cups 24 when the device must be removed from the bathtub.
It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the present massaging device without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. For example additional patterns can be formed on the upper surface of the device for purposes of appearance only. The sheet can be formed with rounded corners if desired and ribs could be distributed over the entire upper surface, particularly if the ribs are made only one-sixteenth inch high.
It is well known to provide a rubber bath mat for use in a bathtub or shower. Such bath mats commonly have suction cups on their bottom surfaces to hold these mats in position during use. The standard bath mats on the market today have a smooth upper surface for the user to stand or sit on.
Various types of massaging devices, including devices for use in a bathtub, are also known. For example, United States Patent No. 3,577,985 ~ssued May 11, 1971 to Margaret Guffin teaches a back scrubbing and massaging device comprising a number of deformable rollers loosely held within a frame or base plate. This patent specification indicates that the device can be affixed to the backwall of a tub by means of suction cups on the back surface of the device.
More recent U.S. Patent specification No.
4,003,372 issued January 18, 1977 to C.J. Willoby describes a device that is specifically designed to massage and wash the user's foot. The device is constructed with a relatively thick plate member of water-impervious material such as plasticO Mounted on top of this plate is a sheet of pliable material that is formed into a number of relatively high ridges. The device appears to be quite small in si~e and it is believed that the device would not ~' ~'7biO07 be suitable Eor standing on for more than a very short period of time due to the height of the ridges.
U.9. Patent No. 3,631,560 issued January 4, 1972 to J.M. Atkins describes a brush that can be mounted on the wall of a bathtub or shower. The disclosed brush would not be suitable for use as a back massaging device.
U.S. Patent No. 3,750,226 is directed to a T-shaped back cleaning device that can be mounted on a side of a shower. The tufts of the device can be made with either ordinary toweling material or with foam rubber.
Finally very recent Patent No. 4,169,466 describes a massaging device designed particularly for use on an automobile seat~ The device employs a large number of massaging balls that are supported in a planar fashion in a double-walled structure. It appears that this device would be relatively difficult to construct and relatively expensive.
The present invention provides a massaging device that can be used in a wet environment such as a bathtub and that can be made at relatively low cost. The massaging device disclosed herein is suitable for massaging the back of a user who is sitting in a bathtub.
According to the invention, a back massaging device comprises a single layer, rectangular sheet of pliable, water-impervious solid material having an upper face and a lower face and a length at least twice the width of said sheet. Holding means are provided on the lower face to maintain the position of the device in use. An array of ribs extending lengthwise on the sheet is distributed over at least a substantial portion of the upper face at one ~'7~iOO'7 end of the sheet whereby substantially the entire back may be massaged and these ribs are at least one-sixteenth inch in height and less than one-half inch in height. The ribs are formed as an integral part of the sheet of material.
The upper face includes a substantial portion at the other end of the sheet which is flat and smooth so that a person may sit comfor~ably on said other end.
In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, the holding means comprise suction cups distributed over the lower face. The ribs preferably cover about one-half of the upper face at one end of the device. In this way the user of the device can sit on the smooth half while using - the other half to massage his back.
In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a massaging device constructed in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is an edge view of the massaging device of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a detail view of a corner of the massaging device shown on a larger scale; and Figure ~ is a bottom view of the massaging device.
The massaging device 10 comprises a single layer sheet of pliable, water-impervious solid material having an upper face 12 and a lower face 14. In the preferred embodiment shown the sheet is rectangular and relatively thin. The sheet can in fact have a thickness similar to that of known bat mats.
Holding means are provided on the lower face 14 to maintain the position of said device in use. Preferably the holding means comprise suction cups 24. These suction 11'7t~00~
5 ~
cups are constructed in a well known manner and are formed integrally with the sheet forming the massaging device. As shown in Figure 3, these cups are distributed evenly in rows over the lower face. In accordance with the ~- 5 invention, an array of ribs 26 are distributed over at least a substantial portion of the upper face 12 and extend in the lengthwise direction of the sheet. Preferably these ribs are about one-sixteenth inch in height and typically are two inches wide. It is found that this height provides a satisfying massaging effect for a person's back. If the height is less than one-sixteenth inch, a satisfactory massage by rubbing against the device may not be provided.
On the other hand the ribs should not be too high as this again can result in an unsatisfactory massage. The height of the ribs should be less than one-half inch. A person's back is relatively sensitive to touch, unlike a person's hands or feet. Relatively small ribs are sufficient to massage a back area. Ribs that are too large can be unpleasant to rub one's back against. The ribs 26 are formed as an integral part of the sheet of material. If the massaging device is molded, these ribs are formed during the molding process. The space between adjacent ribs is preferably one-half inch.
As shown in Figure 1, the ribs 26 are distrib~ted over at least one-half of the upper face 12. The remaining flat area 28 is intended for sitting on in a bathtub. A
person could also stand on this area (or on the ribbed area if he wished) when he is taking a shower. Ideally the present massaging device is intended for use in a bathtub with the ribbed area 30 being supported by the back wall of the tub. The flat area 28 of the device lies flat on the bo~tom of the tub and helps to support the ribbed area 30.
With the device in this position, one can easily manoeuvre one's back to massage it with the ribs 26 while sitting in the tub.
The dimensions of the device 10 are the same or similar to those of the well known rubber bath mats. It ; 10 will be readily appreciated that the device 10 of the invention can in fact be used simply as a bath mat if desired by laying it flat on the bottom of a tub or shower stall. In the particular preferred embodiment of the device 10, the width is fifteen inches and the length is forty-two inches. The device can be made of solid rubber or soft plastic. The term "solid rubber" as used herein means a pliable rubber that is not foam rubber.
Preferably each rib has a number of recesses or grooves 31 distributed along its length to enhance the massaging effect. These recesses are not as deep as the ribs are high. In one particular embodiment, they are only one-thirty second inch deep. The recesses can be arranged in criss-crossing pairs to form X-patterns that extend the width of the rib. A variety of other patterns for the recesses could be used of course provided the pattern selected provides a suitable massage. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs form waves or undulations for appearance purposes but the ribs could be straight.
~:~76~1D'7 -- 7 ~
The sheet material forming the device should be sufficiently thick to stand up to normal use. The material must be sufficiently strong to permit easy disengagement of the suction cups 24 when the device must be removed from the bathtub.
It will be appreciated that various modifications can be made to the present massaging device without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. For example additional patterns can be formed on the upper surface of the device for purposes of appearance only. The sheet can be formed with rounded corners if desired and ribs could be distributed over the entire upper surface, particularly if the ribs are made only one-sixteenth inch high.
Claims (9)
1. A back massaging device comprising a single layer, rectangular sheet of pliable, water-impervious, solid material having an upper face and a lower face and a length at least twice the width of the sheet, holding means on said lower face to maintain the position of said device in use, and an array of ribs extending generally lengthwise on the sheet and distributed over a substantial portion of said upper face at one end of said sheet whereby substantially the entire back may be massaged, said ribs being at least one-sixteenth inch in height and less than one-half inch in height and being formed as an integral part of said sheet of material, said upper face including a substantial portion at the other end of the sheet which is flat and smooth so that a person massaging his back may sit comfortably on said other end.
2. A massaging device according to claim 1 wherein said holding means comprise suction cups distributed over said lower face.
3. A massaging device according to claim 2 wherein said ribs are distributed over about one-half of said upper face.
4. A massaging device according to claim 3 wherein said ribs are about one-sixteenth inch in height.
5. A massaging device according to claim 4 wherein said device is made of solid rubber material.
6. A massaging device according to claim 1 wherein distributed along said ribs are criss-crossing pairs of recesses forming X-patterns.
7. A massaging device according to claim 4 or 6 wherein said ribs are about one-sixteenth inch in height.
8. A massaging device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said device is made of soft plastic.
9. A massaging device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said ribs have narrow recesses formed in their top surfaces and distributed along their length.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000411742A CA1176007A (en) | 1982-09-20 | 1982-09-20 | Combination bath mat and massaging device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000411742A CA1176007A (en) | 1982-09-20 | 1982-09-20 | Combination bath mat and massaging device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1176007A true CA1176007A (en) | 1984-10-16 |
Family
ID=4123617
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000411742A Expired CA1176007A (en) | 1982-09-20 | 1982-09-20 | Combination bath mat and massaging device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1176007A (en) |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2724105A1 (en) * | 1994-09-07 | 1996-03-08 | Vigliano Charlyne | Mat fixed to bath or shower to wash back |
| FR2748195A1 (en) * | 1996-05-02 | 1997-11-07 | Lakhdar Moatez | Bath mattress providing comfort, relaxation and safety |
| WO1999022633A1 (en) * | 1997-11-05 | 1999-05-14 | Lakhdar Moatez | Bath mat |
| WO2004045353A1 (en) * | 2002-11-19 | 2004-06-03 | Albert Fernandez Mateu | Mat for therapeutic use and personal hygiene purposes |
| WO2007083993A1 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2007-07-26 | Geurt Otermans | Bath comfort bed |
| US20130086740A1 (en) * | 2011-10-06 | 2013-04-11 | Scott Thompson | Vortex-creating mat |
-
1982
- 1982-09-20 CA CA000411742A patent/CA1176007A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2724105A1 (en) * | 1994-09-07 | 1996-03-08 | Vigliano Charlyne | Mat fixed to bath or shower to wash back |
| FR2748195A1 (en) * | 1996-05-02 | 1997-11-07 | Lakhdar Moatez | Bath mattress providing comfort, relaxation and safety |
| WO1999022633A1 (en) * | 1997-11-05 | 1999-05-14 | Lakhdar Moatez | Bath mat |
| WO2004045353A1 (en) * | 2002-11-19 | 2004-06-03 | Albert Fernandez Mateu | Mat for therapeutic use and personal hygiene purposes |
| WO2007083993A1 (en) * | 2006-01-18 | 2007-07-26 | Geurt Otermans | Bath comfort bed |
| US20130086740A1 (en) * | 2011-10-06 | 2013-04-11 | Scott Thompson | Vortex-creating mat |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |