CA2148062A1 - Vibro-therapeutic liquid receiving container - Google Patents
Vibro-therapeutic liquid receiving containerInfo
- Publication number
- CA2148062A1 CA2148062A1 CA002148062A CA2148062A CA2148062A1 CA 2148062 A1 CA2148062 A1 CA 2148062A1 CA 002148062 A CA002148062 A CA 002148062A CA 2148062 A CA2148062 A CA 2148062A CA 2148062 A1 CA2148062 A1 CA 2148062A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- vibro
- therapeutic
- tub
- transducer
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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
- A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
- A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
-
- 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
- A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
- A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
- A61H23/0218—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement
-
- 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
- A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
- A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
- A61H23/0218—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement
- A61H23/0236—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with alternating magnetic fields producing a translating or oscillating movement using sonic waves, e.g. using loudspeakers
-
- 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
- A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
- A61H23/02—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive
- A61H23/0254—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor
- A61H23/0263—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with electric or magnetic drive with rotary motor using rotating unbalanced masses
-
- 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
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
- A61H33/6089—Specific construction features for further massaging means, i.e. not for the nozzles
Abstract
A liquid receiving container for vibro-therapeutic treatment of the human body or parts thereof immersed in liquid contained in the container. The container has a bottom wall, contour walls and a top opening for access thereto. At least some of the contour walls are formed by a thin elastic material capable of vibrating at very low frequency. At least one transducer is secured to the contour walls. The transducer has a vibratable cone secured to a coil with the cone secured in peripheral contact onto a mounting plate fastened in facial contact onto an outer surface of the thin elastic material of one of the contour walls. A signal generating control circuit is provided for applying a sub-sonic frequency signal to the coil to impart a low frequency oscillation to the cone and the contour wall to which it is secured to and into the liquid contained in the container.
Description
~ 21~062 VIBRO-THERAPEUTIC
LIQUID RECEIVING CONTAINER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a liquid-receiving container used for vibro-therapeutic treatment of the human body or parts thereof immersed in the liquid and wherein the container has at least a side wall portion thereof vibrated by a transducer of which the cone imparts a low frequency oscillation to the side wall portions and the liquid contained in the container.
BACKGROUND ART
Most bathtubs known to date for therapeutic massage are whirlpools and utilize water jets connected in the side wall of the tub and these displace the water within the tub and provide pressure massage to a person immersed therein.
Such therapeutic tubs have various disadvantages one being that the displacement of the liquid within the tub is irregular and much stronger pressure is generated close to the jet nozzles secured in the side walls of the tub.
Accordingly, any part of the human body placed close to the water jets will be subjected to much higher pressure massage than other parts of the body. This may not be desirable if the person has a sensitive area disposed against the water jet as this could further aggravate that sensitive area. Such pressure massage could also cause cardiac problems as blood flow is substantially increased by such therapeutic treatments. The pressure in the water jet could also affect sensitive skin areas which have been subjected to surgery or treatments and are in the process of healing.
Another disadvantage of therapeutic tubs, utilizing pressure jets, is that it is very difficult to clean and disinfect the tub after use because water is lodged in the conduits and various valve components of the flow circuitry and constitute areas of bacterial growth as these areas are not accessible. Accordingly, after use it is necessary to introduce sterilizing liquids within the tub to try and flush 21 ~8062 out all bacteria that may be lodged in the water jet circuitry. Often, this process is not followed and this may constitute a health hazard.
A still further disadvantage is that it is necessary to make orifices within the tub walls in order to install these water jets and often the jet coupling secured to the walls of the tub will eventually develop leaks thereby requiring more frequent maintenance and further areas for bacterial growth.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a liquid receiving container for vibro-therapeutic treatment of a human body or parts thereof immersed in liquid contained within the container and which substantially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the above-described tub provided with a water jet circulation system. This object is achieved by mounting one or more transducers having a vibratable cone directly on an outer surface of the outer side walls of the tub and connecting it thereto in such a way that a sub-sonic frequency signal causes the side walls of the tub to oscillate and the liquid contained in the tub to vibrate at a predetermined low frequency whereby to provide vibration therapy which is simple, safe and which facilitates the cleaning of the tub and provide a hygienic environment.
Reference is made to U.S. Patent 4,942,868 which describes a container with an ultrasonic device for the treatment of animals. The liquid within the container is imparted an ultrasonic wave in the frequency range of between 15 kilohertz and 100 kilohertz. This is effected by imparting a vibration to a plate which is in direct contact with the liquid within the container. It is therefore necessary to provide a hole within the side wall of the container to install the vibrator and expose the plate to the liquid. This again constitutes an area for bacterial growth and the development of leaks and more frequent periodic maintenance.
Also, treatment at such high frequencies has been medically proven as being undesirable particularly to people with heart diseases or other diseases activated by high frequency massage.
2l98o62 _ - 3 I have found that by using a vibration generating element capable of vibrating an elastic portion of the side wall of a therapeutic tube or container, at sub-sonic frequencies, without any part of the vibrator being in contact with the liquid within the container, provides various advantages. It becomes very simple to clean the container and by this method the accumulation of bacteria and microorganisms in the tub is substantially reduced or eliminated as there are no pipes through which water flows during use of the therapeutic container and therefore areas for bacterial growth in contact with liquid in the tub. Also by using sub-sonic frequencies, and preferably within the range of about 13 hertz to 60 hertz, the patient is subjected to a therapeutic massage without dangerously increasing blood flow.
There are many benefits associated with low-frequency therapeutic treatment of a body within a liquid mass as it massages the muscles and various parts of the human body that are usually treated by physio-therapeutic, masso-therapeutic and acupuncture treatment. By using sub-sonic frequency vibration in the liquid mass there is provided various advantages such as a safe increase in blood flow and activation of the elasticity of collogenic tissues. Low frequency massage also acts on the restoration of the metabolic nervous system and stimulates the parts of the body which are directly related to internal organs of the human body. It also causes the pores of the skin to open and cleans itself. Such low frequency therapy is also efficient in the cleaning of wounds and areas of the human body which are not easily accessible. The vibro-therapeutic container of the present invention also provides a uniform therapeutic treatment of a body immersed in a liquid contained within the container and is very relaxing to the patient.
A still further advantage is that the use of transducers vibrating at low frequency does not produce high pitch noise, as does a tub equipped with water jets or a vibrating element in contact with water and oscillating at high frequency, as shown and described in the above-referenced patent. The circuitry associated with the transducers has no 21~8062 _ - 4 parts thereof in contact with the water and accordingly provides a very safe system with the water being isolated from the vibration generating circuit and hardware. Such a system also consumes much less energy than a container equipped with a water jet system.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid receiving container for vibro-therapeutic treatment of the human body or parts thereofimmersed in liquid contained in the container. The container has a bottom wall, contour walls and a top opening for access thereto. At least some of the contour walls are formed by a vibratable elastic material capable of vibrating at very low frequency. At least one transducer having a vibratable cone secured to a coil is also provided with the cone secured in peripheral contact onto a mounting means. Fastening means are provided to secure the mounting means directly in facial contact onto an outer surface of the thin elastic material of one of the contour walls without penetrating the contour walls. Control circuit means is provided to operate the transducer. Signal generating means is provided for applying a sub-sonic frequency signal to the coil to impart a low frequency oscillation to the cone and the contour walls and liquid contained in the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. lA is a simplified side view showing a vibro-therapeutic tub constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. lB is an end view of the vibro-therapeutic tub of FIG. lA.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing how the transducers are secured to a side wall of the tub of FIG. l;
~ 2I~8062 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit which generates the sub-sonic frequency signal and the control circuit associated therewith;
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the minimum and maximum wave forms producable by the signal generating circuit; and FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented and cross-sectional view showing how the transducer is connected to the side wall of the therapeutic tub.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown generally at 10 a liquid receiving container or tub constructed in accordance with the present invention to provide vibro-therapeutic treatment of a human body or parts thereof (not shown) immersed in liquid contained in the container. As herein shown the container is a bathtub formed of fiberglass material and has a bottom wall 11, side walls 12 and opposed end walls 13. At least the side walls are of a thin membrane material, such as fiberglass A
shell 14 is secured over the bottom wall, side walls and end walls and is secured to the upper contour flange 15 of the inner container 16. The fiberglass thin elastic membrane is capable of vibrating at very low frequency. The bathtub also has an open top end 17 for access thereinto.
As shown in Figs. lA and lB transducers 18 are connected to the side walls 12 of the inner container 16 or to the end wall 13 thereof. As shown in Fig. lA there may be two transducers 18 connected to each of the side walls 12. With specific reference to Fig. 2 it can be seen that each of the transducers has a vibratable cone 19 secured to a coil 20 with the cone 19 being secured in peripheral contact onto a mounting means, herein a plate 21 formed of a material capable of being vibrated by the cone. This mounting plate may be formed of a plastic material or fiberglass material or any other suitable material capable of being oscillated by the displacement of the cone to transfer vibrations to the tub side walls and the liquid therein.
~ 21~8062 ~_ - 6 The plate 21 is secured to the side wall 12 of the container 10 by fastening means herein in the form of fiberglass strips 22 which are adhered directly onto the outer surface 12' of the side wall 12 by resin. Accordingly, the fastening means do not penetrate the side wall and there are no holes or fasteners disposed in the inner surface 12" of the container The only fitting provided in the inner surface 12"
of the tub is the coupling 23 for the drain pipe 24, as shown in Fig. lA. The tub herein shown is of the type that is vertically displaceable.
Referring now to Fig. 3 it can be seen that each of the transducers 18 have their coils 20 connected in pairs and in series to two outputs 30 and 31 of an output power amplifier 32 of a signal generator 29. The outputs 30 and 31 have identical signals and are connected to switches (not shown) provided in a switching circuit 28. The switching circuit 28 is controlled by a control circuit 27 whereby to actuate each of the two pairs of transducers 18 and 18' independently or simultaneously.
The signal generator 29 has a d.c. supply circuit 33 connected to an input transformer 34 whereby to provide the necessary supplies to the various circuit components of the generator. The signal generator 29 has an oscillator circuit 35 capable of producing oscillations within the range of about 12.9 Hz to 60 Hz and in this particular embodiment a sub-sonic frequency of 14 Hz is desirable. This 14 Hz signal appears on the output 36 of the oscillator and connected to a buffer circuit 37, the output 38 of which is amplified by a pre-amplifier 39 and then filtered through a filter circuit 40 and then again amplified by the power amplifier 33 whereby to provide the waveform 41 as shown in Fig. 4B which is a clip sine-wave frequency signal having a maximum amplitude of 14 volts a.c. This signal, we have found, is capable of maintaining the transducers vibrating at a sustained rate whilst providing very low noise below 50 dB which is considerably less than that of conventional tubs equipped with water jets which produces noise in the range of 80 dB. The 21~8062 _ - 7 signal strength can be varied down to 8 volts a.c. as shown by the sine wave in Fig. 4A.
Referring now to Fig. 5 there is shown an enlarged simplified view illustrating how the transducers 18 are secured to the mounting plate 21 and the side wall 13 of the container. As herein shown fastener 43 secures the peripheral flange 44 of the cone 19 directly in facial contact with the plate 21. The fiberglass strips 22 overlap corner portions 21' of the plate 21 with the resin 22' bonding the fiberglass strips 22 and the corner portions 21' of the plate directly onto the outer surface 12' of the flexible side wall 12 of the container. When the sub-sonic frequency signal of 14 Hz is applied to the connections 20' of the coil 20 it causes the diaphragm to oscillate at 14 Hz thereby causing the plate and the side wall 12 to also oscillate producing vibrations 45 into the liquid 46 contained within the container. This liquid is preferably water having a disinfectant therein.
Accordingly, these vibrations are transmitted within the liquid and onto the surface of a human body or parts thereof immersed within the container to provide therapeutic massage therapy.
The transducer 18 as herein provided is a loudspeaker which has an outer cone diameter of 6 inches and a coil diameter of 1.38 inches. The coil has a 23.7 pounds magnet and is capable of oscillating at 50 watts R.M.S. This transducer specification is not essential to the present invention and it is also conceivable that larger or smaller transducers may be used and capable of imparting the necessary vibrations to the flexible side walls of the container. As previously described, a single transducer may be mounted on the end wall of the tub or on one or both of the side walls, depending on the size of the container or bathtub. The particular sub-sonic frequency signal applied to the transducers as herein-described is preferred but not essential to the invention as it is conceivable, particularly depending on the type of transducers used that signals within the described low frequency range may also be used. The tub may ~ 21~8062 also be of small size to immerse only parts of the body therein, such as the feet or lower body portion.
It is therefore within the ambit of the present invention to cover any obvious modifications of the preferred embodiment described herein, provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.
LIQUID RECEIVING CONTAINER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a liquid-receiving container used for vibro-therapeutic treatment of the human body or parts thereof immersed in the liquid and wherein the container has at least a side wall portion thereof vibrated by a transducer of which the cone imparts a low frequency oscillation to the side wall portions and the liquid contained in the container.
BACKGROUND ART
Most bathtubs known to date for therapeutic massage are whirlpools and utilize water jets connected in the side wall of the tub and these displace the water within the tub and provide pressure massage to a person immersed therein.
Such therapeutic tubs have various disadvantages one being that the displacement of the liquid within the tub is irregular and much stronger pressure is generated close to the jet nozzles secured in the side walls of the tub.
Accordingly, any part of the human body placed close to the water jets will be subjected to much higher pressure massage than other parts of the body. This may not be desirable if the person has a sensitive area disposed against the water jet as this could further aggravate that sensitive area. Such pressure massage could also cause cardiac problems as blood flow is substantially increased by such therapeutic treatments. The pressure in the water jet could also affect sensitive skin areas which have been subjected to surgery or treatments and are in the process of healing.
Another disadvantage of therapeutic tubs, utilizing pressure jets, is that it is very difficult to clean and disinfect the tub after use because water is lodged in the conduits and various valve components of the flow circuitry and constitute areas of bacterial growth as these areas are not accessible. Accordingly, after use it is necessary to introduce sterilizing liquids within the tub to try and flush 21 ~8062 out all bacteria that may be lodged in the water jet circuitry. Often, this process is not followed and this may constitute a health hazard.
A still further disadvantage is that it is necessary to make orifices within the tub walls in order to install these water jets and often the jet coupling secured to the walls of the tub will eventually develop leaks thereby requiring more frequent maintenance and further areas for bacterial growth.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a liquid receiving container for vibro-therapeutic treatment of a human body or parts thereof immersed in liquid contained within the container and which substantially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the above-described tub provided with a water jet circulation system. This object is achieved by mounting one or more transducers having a vibratable cone directly on an outer surface of the outer side walls of the tub and connecting it thereto in such a way that a sub-sonic frequency signal causes the side walls of the tub to oscillate and the liquid contained in the tub to vibrate at a predetermined low frequency whereby to provide vibration therapy which is simple, safe and which facilitates the cleaning of the tub and provide a hygienic environment.
Reference is made to U.S. Patent 4,942,868 which describes a container with an ultrasonic device for the treatment of animals. The liquid within the container is imparted an ultrasonic wave in the frequency range of between 15 kilohertz and 100 kilohertz. This is effected by imparting a vibration to a plate which is in direct contact with the liquid within the container. It is therefore necessary to provide a hole within the side wall of the container to install the vibrator and expose the plate to the liquid. This again constitutes an area for bacterial growth and the development of leaks and more frequent periodic maintenance.
Also, treatment at such high frequencies has been medically proven as being undesirable particularly to people with heart diseases or other diseases activated by high frequency massage.
2l98o62 _ - 3 I have found that by using a vibration generating element capable of vibrating an elastic portion of the side wall of a therapeutic tube or container, at sub-sonic frequencies, without any part of the vibrator being in contact with the liquid within the container, provides various advantages. It becomes very simple to clean the container and by this method the accumulation of bacteria and microorganisms in the tub is substantially reduced or eliminated as there are no pipes through which water flows during use of the therapeutic container and therefore areas for bacterial growth in contact with liquid in the tub. Also by using sub-sonic frequencies, and preferably within the range of about 13 hertz to 60 hertz, the patient is subjected to a therapeutic massage without dangerously increasing blood flow.
There are many benefits associated with low-frequency therapeutic treatment of a body within a liquid mass as it massages the muscles and various parts of the human body that are usually treated by physio-therapeutic, masso-therapeutic and acupuncture treatment. By using sub-sonic frequency vibration in the liquid mass there is provided various advantages such as a safe increase in blood flow and activation of the elasticity of collogenic tissues. Low frequency massage also acts on the restoration of the metabolic nervous system and stimulates the parts of the body which are directly related to internal organs of the human body. It also causes the pores of the skin to open and cleans itself. Such low frequency therapy is also efficient in the cleaning of wounds and areas of the human body which are not easily accessible. The vibro-therapeutic container of the present invention also provides a uniform therapeutic treatment of a body immersed in a liquid contained within the container and is very relaxing to the patient.
A still further advantage is that the use of transducers vibrating at low frequency does not produce high pitch noise, as does a tub equipped with water jets or a vibrating element in contact with water and oscillating at high frequency, as shown and described in the above-referenced patent. The circuitry associated with the transducers has no 21~8062 _ - 4 parts thereof in contact with the water and accordingly provides a very safe system with the water being isolated from the vibration generating circuit and hardware. Such a system also consumes much less energy than a container equipped with a water jet system.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to a broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a liquid receiving container for vibro-therapeutic treatment of the human body or parts thereofimmersed in liquid contained in the container. The container has a bottom wall, contour walls and a top opening for access thereto. At least some of the contour walls are formed by a vibratable elastic material capable of vibrating at very low frequency. At least one transducer having a vibratable cone secured to a coil is also provided with the cone secured in peripheral contact onto a mounting means. Fastening means are provided to secure the mounting means directly in facial contact onto an outer surface of the thin elastic material of one of the contour walls without penetrating the contour walls. Control circuit means is provided to operate the transducer. Signal generating means is provided for applying a sub-sonic frequency signal to the coil to impart a low frequency oscillation to the cone and the contour walls and liquid contained in the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. lA is a simplified side view showing a vibro-therapeutic tub constructed in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. lB is an end view of the vibro-therapeutic tub of FIG. lA.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing how the transducers are secured to a side wall of the tub of FIG. l;
~ 2I~8062 FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit which generates the sub-sonic frequency signal and the control circuit associated therewith;
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate the minimum and maximum wave forms producable by the signal generating circuit; and FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmented and cross-sectional view showing how the transducer is connected to the side wall of the therapeutic tub.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3, there is shown generally at 10 a liquid receiving container or tub constructed in accordance with the present invention to provide vibro-therapeutic treatment of a human body or parts thereof (not shown) immersed in liquid contained in the container. As herein shown the container is a bathtub formed of fiberglass material and has a bottom wall 11, side walls 12 and opposed end walls 13. At least the side walls are of a thin membrane material, such as fiberglass A
shell 14 is secured over the bottom wall, side walls and end walls and is secured to the upper contour flange 15 of the inner container 16. The fiberglass thin elastic membrane is capable of vibrating at very low frequency. The bathtub also has an open top end 17 for access thereinto.
As shown in Figs. lA and lB transducers 18 are connected to the side walls 12 of the inner container 16 or to the end wall 13 thereof. As shown in Fig. lA there may be two transducers 18 connected to each of the side walls 12. With specific reference to Fig. 2 it can be seen that each of the transducers has a vibratable cone 19 secured to a coil 20 with the cone 19 being secured in peripheral contact onto a mounting means, herein a plate 21 formed of a material capable of being vibrated by the cone. This mounting plate may be formed of a plastic material or fiberglass material or any other suitable material capable of being oscillated by the displacement of the cone to transfer vibrations to the tub side walls and the liquid therein.
~ 21~8062 ~_ - 6 The plate 21 is secured to the side wall 12 of the container 10 by fastening means herein in the form of fiberglass strips 22 which are adhered directly onto the outer surface 12' of the side wall 12 by resin. Accordingly, the fastening means do not penetrate the side wall and there are no holes or fasteners disposed in the inner surface 12" of the container The only fitting provided in the inner surface 12"
of the tub is the coupling 23 for the drain pipe 24, as shown in Fig. lA. The tub herein shown is of the type that is vertically displaceable.
Referring now to Fig. 3 it can be seen that each of the transducers 18 have their coils 20 connected in pairs and in series to two outputs 30 and 31 of an output power amplifier 32 of a signal generator 29. The outputs 30 and 31 have identical signals and are connected to switches (not shown) provided in a switching circuit 28. The switching circuit 28 is controlled by a control circuit 27 whereby to actuate each of the two pairs of transducers 18 and 18' independently or simultaneously.
The signal generator 29 has a d.c. supply circuit 33 connected to an input transformer 34 whereby to provide the necessary supplies to the various circuit components of the generator. The signal generator 29 has an oscillator circuit 35 capable of producing oscillations within the range of about 12.9 Hz to 60 Hz and in this particular embodiment a sub-sonic frequency of 14 Hz is desirable. This 14 Hz signal appears on the output 36 of the oscillator and connected to a buffer circuit 37, the output 38 of which is amplified by a pre-amplifier 39 and then filtered through a filter circuit 40 and then again amplified by the power amplifier 33 whereby to provide the waveform 41 as shown in Fig. 4B which is a clip sine-wave frequency signal having a maximum amplitude of 14 volts a.c. This signal, we have found, is capable of maintaining the transducers vibrating at a sustained rate whilst providing very low noise below 50 dB which is considerably less than that of conventional tubs equipped with water jets which produces noise in the range of 80 dB. The 21~8062 _ - 7 signal strength can be varied down to 8 volts a.c. as shown by the sine wave in Fig. 4A.
Referring now to Fig. 5 there is shown an enlarged simplified view illustrating how the transducers 18 are secured to the mounting plate 21 and the side wall 13 of the container. As herein shown fastener 43 secures the peripheral flange 44 of the cone 19 directly in facial contact with the plate 21. The fiberglass strips 22 overlap corner portions 21' of the plate 21 with the resin 22' bonding the fiberglass strips 22 and the corner portions 21' of the plate directly onto the outer surface 12' of the flexible side wall 12 of the container. When the sub-sonic frequency signal of 14 Hz is applied to the connections 20' of the coil 20 it causes the diaphragm to oscillate at 14 Hz thereby causing the plate and the side wall 12 to also oscillate producing vibrations 45 into the liquid 46 contained within the container. This liquid is preferably water having a disinfectant therein.
Accordingly, these vibrations are transmitted within the liquid and onto the surface of a human body or parts thereof immersed within the container to provide therapeutic massage therapy.
The transducer 18 as herein provided is a loudspeaker which has an outer cone diameter of 6 inches and a coil diameter of 1.38 inches. The coil has a 23.7 pounds magnet and is capable of oscillating at 50 watts R.M.S. This transducer specification is not essential to the present invention and it is also conceivable that larger or smaller transducers may be used and capable of imparting the necessary vibrations to the flexible side walls of the container. As previously described, a single transducer may be mounted on the end wall of the tub or on one or both of the side walls, depending on the size of the container or bathtub. The particular sub-sonic frequency signal applied to the transducers as herein-described is preferred but not essential to the invention as it is conceivable, particularly depending on the type of transducers used that signals within the described low frequency range may also be used. The tub may ~ 21~8062 also be of small size to immerse only parts of the body therein, such as the feet or lower body portion.
It is therefore within the ambit of the present invention to cover any obvious modifications of the preferred embodiment described herein, provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
1. A liquid receiving container for vibro-therapeutic treatment of the human body or parts thereof immersed in liquid contained in said container; said container having a bottom wall, contour walls and a top opening for access thereto; at least some of said contour walls being formed by a vibratable elastic material capable of vibrating at very low frequency, at least one transducer having a vibratable cone secured to a coil with said cone secured in peripheral contact onto a mounting means, fastening means to secure said mounting means directly in facial contact onto an outer surface of said thin elastic material of one of said contour walls without penetrating said one of said contour walls, control circuit means to operate said transducer, signal generating means for applying a sub-sonic frequency signal to said coil to impart a low frequency oscillation to said cone and said one of said contour walls and liquid contained in said container.
2. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said mounting means is a mounting plate.
3. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sub-sonic frequency signal is in the range of 12.9 Hz to 60 Hz.
4. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sub-sonic frequency signal has a frequency of 14 Hz.
5. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said fastening means is fiberglass strip material and a bonding agent securing AT least portions of said mounting plate directly onto said thin elastic material.
6. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 5 wherein said mounting plate is a square fiberglass plate with said cone mounted centrally thereon and spaced inwardly from opposed side edges of said plate.
7. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said container is a tub constructed from fiberglass material, said tub bottom wall and contour walls having a solid inner surface throughout, and a drain provided in said bottom wall form said inner surface.
8. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 7 wherein there are two of aid transducers secured to a respective one of opposed side walls of said tub and in facial alignment with one another.
9. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said transducer is secured to an end wall of said tub.
10. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said transducer has a six inch diameter cone and a coil diameter of 1.38 inches, said coil having a 23.75 ounce magnet and capable of oscillating at 50 watts RMS.
11. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said signal generating means comprises an oscillator circuit having a power amplifier at an output thereof to produce said frequency signal, said frequency signal being connected to said transducer by said control circuit means.
12. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 11 wherein said oscillator is connected to said power amplifier through a buffer circuit, pre-amp circuit, and a filter circuit to produce a clipped sine wave frequency signal having a maximum amplitude of 14 volts a.c
13. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 11 wherein said control circuit means is comprised by one or more switches connecting said frequency signal to a respective one of said at least one transducer.
14. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 13 wherein there are two of said transducers secured to a respective one of the opposed side walls of said tub, each transducer being controlled independently by said control means through said switches whereby selected ones of said transducers may be rendered operable.
15. A vibro-therapeutic container as claimed in claim 7 wherein said tub is a bathtub for immersion of a patient therein.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002148062A CA2148062A1 (en) | 1995-04-27 | 1995-04-27 | Vibro-therapeutic liquid receiving container |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002148062A CA2148062A1 (en) | 1995-04-27 | 1995-04-27 | Vibro-therapeutic liquid receiving container |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2148062A1 true CA2148062A1 (en) | 1996-10-28 |
Family
ID=4155741
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002148062A Abandoned CA2148062A1 (en) | 1995-04-27 | 1995-04-27 | Vibro-therapeutic liquid receiving container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2148062A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-04-27 CA CA002148062A patent/CA2148062A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |