CA1199541A - Portable, hand held steam/air mixture producing apparatus - Google Patents
Portable, hand held steam/air mixture producing apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1199541A CA1199541A CA000434483A CA434483A CA1199541A CA 1199541 A CA1199541 A CA 1199541A CA 000434483 A CA000434483 A CA 000434483A CA 434483 A CA434483 A CA 434483A CA 1199541 A CA1199541 A CA 1199541A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- water
- nozzle
- lower chamber
- intake
- steam
- 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
- 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
- A61H35/00—Baths for specific parts of the body
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This invention relates to portable Facial Saunas used for skin treatment and more particularly to such an apparatus which generates a steam/air mixture and which comprises a housing having upper and lower chambers which communicate with each other. The lower chamber is adapted to be easily held by one hand of its operator and contains a volume of water which is smaller than the inside volume of the upper chamber and also contains a heating element capable of heating and boiling said water.
The housing also includes a first nozzle having an intake within the upper chamber and an outlet for directing steam to a second nozzle formed near the top of the housing. The second nozzle has an intake formed therein such that when steam is passing through the first nozzle, air will be drawn into the second nozzle and mix with the steam.
The first nozzle intake is so defined and located within the upper chamber the non-vaporized water cannot enter the intake when the apparatus is inverted or tilted.
This invention relates to portable Facial Saunas used for skin treatment and more particularly to such an apparatus which generates a steam/air mixture and which comprises a housing having upper and lower chambers which communicate with each other. The lower chamber is adapted to be easily held by one hand of its operator and contains a volume of water which is smaller than the inside volume of the upper chamber and also contains a heating element capable of heating and boiling said water.
The housing also includes a first nozzle having an intake within the upper chamber and an outlet for directing steam to a second nozzle formed near the top of the housing. The second nozzle has an intake formed therein such that when steam is passing through the first nozzle, air will be drawn into the second nozzle and mix with the steam.
The first nozzle intake is so defined and located within the upper chamber the non-vaporized water cannot enter the intake when the apparatus is inverted or tilted.
Description
1~L9~5~1 The present invention relates to steaming appa-ratus for health and beauty care and, in particular to steam-air mixture producing apparatus which can be used for facial skin treatment, body massage. hair styling, softening of facial hair, softening of toe-nails, softening callus and which may also be used for removing wrinkles from fabric or garments and generally as a source of steam.
Apparatus already exists for facial skin treat-ment by means of steam or steam/air mixture, but the steam/air mixture cannot be directed at will to other parts of the body. In addition, their size does not render them really portable.
Alternatively, Canadian Patent No. 931197 (~oyel) discloses a portable hand-held steam producing apparatus for removing wrinkles from fabric or garments.
Said device generates steam only, and cannot therefore be used as a facial or skin sauna type of apparatus because of skin burning hazard. Furthermore, to fill the apparatus with the recommended amount of water, a specially designed measuring container or optionally, a filling funnel, which can only be used when the appara-tus situated in an up-side-down position is required, whilst the fill hole is plugged with a stopper which seals the hole by friction forces only. Accidental removal of stopper can cause an escape of steam which could scald the user.
995'~
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable hand-held steaming apparatus equipped with means to decrease steam outlet temperature, by mix-ing it- with air, to protect the user against scalding.
Another object of the invention is to provide a steaming appartus including means for holding it so as to direct the issuing steam/air mixture in the desired directions.
It is a further object of the invention to provide water illing system which does not require an additional measuring container or filling funnel.
Another object is to provide an improved heating system which, in most instances, eliminates the need for a salt solution as the steam generating liquid. A still further object is to provide a steaming apparatus in which the conducting wires are sealed in a way which prevents leakage, which would cause corrosion to supply-ing wires.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWI~GS
In order that the invention can be understood and readily carried into effect, and so that the above o~jects will become apparent, apparatus in accordance with the invention for pro~ucing a steam/air mixture, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figure 1 is a plan view of the apparatus, ~ ~99S~l Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along the line II - II in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along the line III - III in figure 1, . Figure 4 is a detail of the view of steam entrance noz~le on line IV - IV in Figure 2, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view on line V - V
in Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREF~RRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a portable, hand-heId steam/air mixture generator for skin treatment in accordance with the present invention which is generally designated by numeral 44. The generator 44 comprises a heat resistant and flame retardant housing 1 formed from one of the plastics which includes~a circular upper portion 5 having a recess which is closed by a cover 2 to define an upper chamber 6 and a hollow portion of smaller diameter 3 which is closed at its lower end by a nut 4 to define a lower chamber 6a having a sm~ller volume than the chamber 6. The lower part of portion 3 has a frustro-conical shape with the largest diameter located adjacent the upper portion 5. The upper portion has the same diameter as cover 2, and the two are sealed together to form the chamber 6, where ~99s'~i~
separation of steam from water take place. The two parts 2 and 5 are cemented together about a lap seam 7 by an suitable solvent or may be welded together ultrasonically. A sleeve 8 is disposed around the portion 3 so as to extend over the tapered portion thereof. m e sleeve 8 is such that the inner surface is radially spaced from the outer surface of the portion 3, the spacing providing an insulating gap whereby the sleeve remains relatively cool. Thus the sleeve 8 provides a handle whereby the apparatus can be manipulated. A hole or ori~ice 9 is provided in the portion 5 to permit water to be poured into the lower chamber 6a, the hole 9 being located such that once the generator is filled with water, it is retained in a vertical position to permit any surplus of water to flow from the generator until only the lower chamber 6a contains water, then the plug 23 is inserted into the opening 9. Plug 23 is formed as a bolt and equipped ; with an "o-ring" type gasket to effectively seal the hole or orifice 9. A noæzle 10 is provided in the cover
Apparatus already exists for facial skin treat-ment by means of steam or steam/air mixture, but the steam/air mixture cannot be directed at will to other parts of the body. In addition, their size does not render them really portable.
Alternatively, Canadian Patent No. 931197 (~oyel) discloses a portable hand-held steam producing apparatus for removing wrinkles from fabric or garments.
Said device generates steam only, and cannot therefore be used as a facial or skin sauna type of apparatus because of skin burning hazard. Furthermore, to fill the apparatus with the recommended amount of water, a specially designed measuring container or optionally, a filling funnel, which can only be used when the appara-tus situated in an up-side-down position is required, whilst the fill hole is plugged with a stopper which seals the hole by friction forces only. Accidental removal of stopper can cause an escape of steam which could scald the user.
995'~
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable hand-held steaming apparatus equipped with means to decrease steam outlet temperature, by mix-ing it- with air, to protect the user against scalding.
Another object of the invention is to provide a steaming appartus including means for holding it so as to direct the issuing steam/air mixture in the desired directions.
It is a further object of the invention to provide water illing system which does not require an additional measuring container or filling funnel.
Another object is to provide an improved heating system which, in most instances, eliminates the need for a salt solution as the steam generating liquid. A still further object is to provide a steaming apparatus in which the conducting wires are sealed in a way which prevents leakage, which would cause corrosion to supply-ing wires.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWI~GS
In order that the invention can be understood and readily carried into effect, and so that the above o~jects will become apparent, apparatus in accordance with the invention for pro~ucing a steam/air mixture, will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figure 1 is a plan view of the apparatus, ~ ~99S~l Figure 2 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along the line II - II in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along the line III - III in figure 1, . Figure 4 is a detail of the view of steam entrance noz~le on line IV - IV in Figure 2, and Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view on line V - V
in Figure 1.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREF~RRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the drawings, there is shown a portable, hand-heId steam/air mixture generator for skin treatment in accordance with the present invention which is generally designated by numeral 44. The generator 44 comprises a heat resistant and flame retardant housing 1 formed from one of the plastics which includes~a circular upper portion 5 having a recess which is closed by a cover 2 to define an upper chamber 6 and a hollow portion of smaller diameter 3 which is closed at its lower end by a nut 4 to define a lower chamber 6a having a sm~ller volume than the chamber 6. The lower part of portion 3 has a frustro-conical shape with the largest diameter located adjacent the upper portion 5. The upper portion has the same diameter as cover 2, and the two are sealed together to form the chamber 6, where ~99s'~i~
separation of steam from water take place. The two parts 2 and 5 are cemented together about a lap seam 7 by an suitable solvent or may be welded together ultrasonically. A sleeve 8 is disposed around the portion 3 so as to extend over the tapered portion thereof. m e sleeve 8 is such that the inner surface is radially spaced from the outer surface of the portion 3, the spacing providing an insulating gap whereby the sleeve remains relatively cool. Thus the sleeve 8 provides a handle whereby the apparatus can be manipulated. A hole or ori~ice 9 is provided in the portion 5 to permit water to be poured into the lower chamber 6a, the hole 9 being located such that once the generator is filled with water, it is retained in a vertical position to permit any surplus of water to flow from the generator until only the lower chamber 6a contains water, then the plug 23 is inserted into the opening 9. Plug 23 is formed as a bolt and equipped ; with an "o-ring" type gasket to effectively seal the hole or orifice 9. A noæzle 10 is provided in the cover
2 through which generated steam may issue via the intake 11 communicating with the nozzle 10 and enter the nozzle 22. The intake 11 is formed and located such that the volume defined between the intake 11 and the walls of the chambers 6 and 6a is larger in any direction than the volume of the chamber 6a, whereby water will not enter the intake, irrespective of the disposition of the apparatus. Thus for any position of the generator, non-vaporized water will not be discharged from it through the aperture 10. For example spacing of the intake 11 ~rom the vertical central line of chamber 6 as 5 ~' shown on Figure 4 is such that when apparatus i5 held horizontally all water from the lower chamber 6a will be accumulated in the chamber 6 below the level of the intake and thus, overflow of non-vapourized water through aperture 10 can never occur. Similarly the height of the intake 11 is selected such that it prevents water discharging through the nozzle when the apparatus is in an up-side-down position or any other position.
The walls of intake 11 are formed in the shape of the human ear and the radii of longer walls are struck from the same point as a radius of the cylindrical chamber ~ as shown on Figure 4. A pair of current conducting electrodes 12, made from stainless steel, are disposed within the housing 1 in such a way that their top ends are restricted against movement by pockets 13 formed in the cover 2 and lower ends are separated from each other by two pegs 14. To secure relatively stable output of steam the electrodes 12 are inclined towards each other as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, in a downward direction. As the electrodes are spaced apart, an electrical circuit required for vaporization of water 15 is completed when the chamber 6a is filled with water, and the apparatus is disposed in the vertical position. Alternating current is supplied to electrodes 12 through two conducting wires 16, welded - one to each electrode. Conducting wires 16 are embedded in the housing and pass through the cover 2 to a receptacle 17, located on the top of the cover, where they also act as the electrical terminals. The 1~99S~L
receptacle 17 as shown on Figure 5 is formed as a recess to protect against a finger being placed between the terminals, and additionally has a portion 24 between the pins to pexmit water to drain from receptable 17, which water occasionally can be spilled into the receptable when filling the apparatus with water. An electrically conductive, insulated cord 18, equipped with female plug 19 and male plug (not shown) is provided which, when plugged into a 110 V electrical outlet will supply electrical current to electrodes 12. The electrical circuit is completed by the water and as a result heat is generated between electrodes 12, whereby the water boils and steam is generated. Separation of steam from water takes place in chamber 6 and the steam passes into the intake 11 and thus to the aperture 10 where it is decompressed. The pressure drop across the nozzle 10 is converted to velocity, precisely static energy of steam is converted to its kinetic energy. Thus the steam issuing frcm the nozzle 10 into the nozzle 22 generates an ejector effect and and as a result atmospheric air is directed through an opening 21 into outlet nozzle 22 where mixing of incoming air and outcoming steam takes place. Temperature of steam-air mixture is reduced to ~70 - 80 C) which will not be a hazard to human skin.
The steam-air generator of the present invention is completely æafe to the user, and cannot create any hazard even to a child who accidentally comes in contact with the apparatus. As explained above, spillage of water is excluded, regardless of the position of the apparatus.
~1~39S4~
In use the generator 44 is held by means of the handle 8 in the recommended vertical position, or any other position excluding those when both electrodes are not submerged in water. The device is directed with the S outlet nozzle 22 to the desired part of user's face or body and, then moved to other parts in a side to side movement.
Thus, the present .invention provides a portable, hand-held steam-air mixture generator for facial skin treatment and plurality of applications, leak-proof regardless of the position of the device, that ceases producing steam in the event it is accidentally tilted or inverted, simple and aesthetic, inexpensive and safe to the user.
The walls of intake 11 are formed in the shape of the human ear and the radii of longer walls are struck from the same point as a radius of the cylindrical chamber ~ as shown on Figure 4. A pair of current conducting electrodes 12, made from stainless steel, are disposed within the housing 1 in such a way that their top ends are restricted against movement by pockets 13 formed in the cover 2 and lower ends are separated from each other by two pegs 14. To secure relatively stable output of steam the electrodes 12 are inclined towards each other as shown in Figure 3 of the drawings, in a downward direction. As the electrodes are spaced apart, an electrical circuit required for vaporization of water 15 is completed when the chamber 6a is filled with water, and the apparatus is disposed in the vertical position. Alternating current is supplied to electrodes 12 through two conducting wires 16, welded - one to each electrode. Conducting wires 16 are embedded in the housing and pass through the cover 2 to a receptacle 17, located on the top of the cover, where they also act as the electrical terminals. The 1~99S~L
receptacle 17 as shown on Figure 5 is formed as a recess to protect against a finger being placed between the terminals, and additionally has a portion 24 between the pins to pexmit water to drain from receptable 17, which water occasionally can be spilled into the receptable when filling the apparatus with water. An electrically conductive, insulated cord 18, equipped with female plug 19 and male plug (not shown) is provided which, when plugged into a 110 V electrical outlet will supply electrical current to electrodes 12. The electrical circuit is completed by the water and as a result heat is generated between electrodes 12, whereby the water boils and steam is generated. Separation of steam from water takes place in chamber 6 and the steam passes into the intake 11 and thus to the aperture 10 where it is decompressed. The pressure drop across the nozzle 10 is converted to velocity, precisely static energy of steam is converted to its kinetic energy. Thus the steam issuing frcm the nozzle 10 into the nozzle 22 generates an ejector effect and and as a result atmospheric air is directed through an opening 21 into outlet nozzle 22 where mixing of incoming air and outcoming steam takes place. Temperature of steam-air mixture is reduced to ~70 - 80 C) which will not be a hazard to human skin.
The steam-air generator of the present invention is completely æafe to the user, and cannot create any hazard even to a child who accidentally comes in contact with the apparatus. As explained above, spillage of water is excluded, regardless of the position of the apparatus.
~1~39S4~
In use the generator 44 is held by means of the handle 8 in the recommended vertical position, or any other position excluding those when both electrodes are not submerged in water. The device is directed with the S outlet nozzle 22 to the desired part of user's face or body and, then moved to other parts in a side to side movement.
Thus, the present .invention provides a portable, hand-held steam-air mixture generator for facial skin treatment and plurality of applications, leak-proof regardless of the position of the device, that ceases producing steam in the event it is accidentally tilted or inverted, simple and aesthetic, inexpensive and safe to the user.
Claims (11)
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1) Portable apparatus for producing a mixture of steam and air comprising a housing defining upper and lower communicating chambers, the lower chamber including means:
a) for heating water to produce steam therefrom; and b) for filling with water while the apparatus is in the normal upright position, through a closable opening located at the level of the top of the lower chamber, the housing including:
a) a first nozzle having an intake within the upper chamber and an outlet for directing steam to a second nozzle attached to or forming part of the housing, the said intake of the first nozzle being so defined and located within the upper chamber that non-vaporized water will not enter the intake when the apparatus is inverted or tilted, and b) a second nozzle having an air intake formed therein and spaced rearwardly of the first nozzle outlet to effect an induced suction effect air-flow due to the jet flow from the first nozzle such that atmospheric air will be drawn into the second nozzle and mixed with the steam.
a) for heating water to produce steam therefrom; and b) for filling with water while the apparatus is in the normal upright position, through a closable opening located at the level of the top of the lower chamber, the housing including:
a) a first nozzle having an intake within the upper chamber and an outlet for directing steam to a second nozzle attached to or forming part of the housing, the said intake of the first nozzle being so defined and located within the upper chamber that non-vaporized water will not enter the intake when the apparatus is inverted or tilted, and b) a second nozzle having an air intake formed therein and spaced rearwardly of the first nozzle outlet to effect an induced suction effect air-flow due to the jet flow from the first nozzle such that atmospheric air will be drawn into the second nozzle and mixed with the steam.
2) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the upper chamber has a volume greater than the volume of the lower chamber.
3) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the volume defined between the intake of the first nozzle and the walls of the chambers is larger in any direction relative to the intake than the volume of the lower chamber, such that water will not enter the intake irrespective of the disposition of the apparatus.
4) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 3, in which the means for heating water in the lower chamber comprises two electrodes which are disposed so as to be inclined away from each other as they extend upwardly through the lower chamber; means being provided fox connecting the electrodes to an external electrical source.
5) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a receptacle having pins or terminals disposed therein for connecting the electrodes to the electrical source, the receptacle including means to permit water to drain therefrom.
6) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 5 where said drainage means comprise a slot extending between said pins and an aperture in the outside wall of the receptacle communicating with said slot.
7) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or 4, in which means are provided to permit the lower chamber to be filled with water, the said means being located such that with the apparatus disposed vertically, water in excess of that required to fill the lower chamber will be permitted to drain out of the apparatus.
8) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 3 or 4, in which means are provided for permitting the lower chamber to be filled with water which include an orifice in the housing, which orifice is located such that at least a portion thereof is disposed below the upper end of the lower chamber; sealing means being provided to seal the orifice when the lower chamber is filled with water and excess water drained from the apparatus.
9) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 3 or 4, in which the part of housing defining the lower chamber is axially elongated relative to the upper portion of the housing.
10) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 3 or 4 further comprising a pedastal or the like attached to or forming part of the lower part of the housing.
11) Portable apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 3 or 4 in which the part of the housing defining the lower chamber is axially elongated relative to the upper portion of the housing and in which at least a portion of said axially elongated por-tion is enclosed within a tubular member whose inner surface is radially spaced from the outer surface of the axially elongated portion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000434483A CA1199541A (en) | 1983-08-12 | 1983-08-12 | Portable, hand held steam/air mixture producing apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000434483A CA1199541A (en) | 1983-08-12 | 1983-08-12 | Portable, hand held steam/air mixture producing apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1199541A true CA1199541A (en) | 1986-01-21 |
Family
ID=4125853
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000434483A Expired CA1199541A (en) | 1983-08-12 | 1983-08-12 | Portable, hand held steam/air mixture producing apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1199541A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001056530A2 (en) * | 2000-02-04 | 2001-08-09 | Graziano Marazza | A device for the production and localized emission of vapour for dermatological-aesthetical treatment |
-
1983
- 1983-08-12 CA CA000434483A patent/CA1199541A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2001056530A2 (en) * | 2000-02-04 | 2001-08-09 | Graziano Marazza | A device for the production and localized emission of vapour for dermatological-aesthetical treatment |
| WO2001056530A3 (en) * | 2000-02-04 | 2002-03-21 | Graziano Marazza | A device for the production and localized emission of vapour for dermatological-aesthetical treatment |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |