EP0343912B1 - Massage-Einheit - Google Patents

Massage-Einheit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0343912B1
EP0343912B1 EP19890305181 EP89305181A EP0343912B1 EP 0343912 B1 EP0343912 B1 EP 0343912B1 EP 19890305181 EP19890305181 EP 19890305181 EP 89305181 A EP89305181 A EP 89305181A EP 0343912 B1 EP0343912 B1 EP 0343912B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
unit
housing
fluid
jet
massage
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 - Lifetime
Application number
EP19890305181
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0343912A3 (en
EP0343912A2 (de
Inventor
Jonathan Watkins
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Watkins Manufacturing Corp
Original Assignee
Watkins Manufacturing Corp
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/199,971 external-priority patent/US4839930A/en
Priority claimed from US07/261,943 external-priority patent/US4926510A/en
Priority claimed from US07/316,047 external-priority patent/US4908888A/en
Application filed by Watkins Manufacturing Corp filed Critical Watkins Manufacturing Corp
Priority to AT89305181T priority Critical patent/ATE100307T1/de
Publication of EP0343912A2 publication Critical patent/EP0343912A2/de
Publication of EP0343912A3 publication Critical patent/EP0343912A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0343912B1 publication Critical patent/EP0343912B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • A61H23/04—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with hydraulic or pneumatic 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
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
    • A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
    • A61H33/6021—Nozzles
    • A61H33/6036—Hand-held connected to a supply hose
    • 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
    • A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
    • A61H33/6021—Nozzles
    • A61H33/6047—With incorporated pump means
    • 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
    • A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
    • A61H33/6021—Nozzles
    • A61H33/6063—Specifically adapted for fitting in bathtub walls
    • 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
    • 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
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1609—Neck
    • 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
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1614—Shoulder, e.g. for neck stretching
    • 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
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1654—Layer between the skin and massage elements, e.g. fluid or ball
    • 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
    • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
    • A61H2203/02—Additional characteristics concerning the patient immersed in liquid
    • 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
    • A61H2203/00—Additional characteristics concerning the patient
    • A61H2203/04—Position of the patient
    • A61H2203/0425—Sitting on the buttocks
    • A61H2203/0431—Sitting on the buttocks in 90°/90°-position, like on a chair
    • 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
    • A61H2205/04—Devices for specific parts of the body neck
    • 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
    • A61H2205/06—Arms
    • A61H2205/062—Shoulders

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a hydro-massage unit for a tub, whirlpool spa or the like and, in particular, to a dry hydro-massage unit which includes means for regulating the inflation pressure of the resilient diaphragm to provide a dry, warm impact massage of upper body portions while the user is situation within the tub.
  • the unit may be incorporated into a telescoping or hand-held assembly for specific application.
  • Hydrotherapy jet discharges for whirlpool tubs and spas have been developed to provide a turbulent mix of water and air for impacting against a user's body in the spa. These discharges have been refined to provide efficient flow with maximum therapeutic benefit.
  • Discharge jets which are selectively directionally adjustable by the user and jets which travel along a closed path are well known embodiments for increasing the benefits of the spa.
  • these discharge jets must be positioned below the water line within the spa to minimize splash.
  • the therapeutic benefits are limited to the body parts below the water line or the user must slouch down in an attempt to apply the massaging effect to the shoulders.
  • Closed dry hydro-massage systems have been developed for specific devices such as water beds. These systems circulate the water from a closed reservoir against a membrane which engages the user.
  • the membrane may form the back of a car seat or the upper surface of a waterbed mattress.
  • such systems have not been employed in spas to provide hydromassage of selected body parts Moreover, the massage is dependent solely on the impact action of the water jet against the flexible membrane since no means are provided for maintaining inflation of the membrane.
  • a hand held vibratory massage device utilising the impact of water against a flexible membrane is known from US-1780 876.
  • the present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior known hydro-massage systems by providing a dry hydro-massage unit for a spa which includes pressure regulating means to maintain inflation of a flexible diaphragm to provide a comfortable resilient surface for the user while massaging the user's neck and shoulders normally disposed above the water line.
  • the dry hydro-massage unit according to the present invention is characterised by a hydro-massage jet assembly having a discharge jet mounted within said housing, said discharge jet being positioned to discharge the massaging fluid into a pressure chamber of said housing and against the flexible diaphragm in use whereby said massaging fluid from said discharge jet massagingly flexes said diaphragm; means for restricting the exhaust of fluid from said pressure chamber of said housing thereby maintaining inflation of said diaphragm in use; and means connected to said hydro-massage jet assembly for operatively supplying said massaging fluid from a spa tub with which the unit is operatively associated to said discharge jet to provide selective massage of the user's body.
  • a rotatable plate may be mounted to the interior wall to vary the size of the ports and, as a result, the inflation pressure of the diaphragm.
  • the discharge head forces the air/water mixture against the diaphragm and the water is exhausted into the spa through a port below the water line.
  • a dry hydro-massage is provided to parts of the user's body disposed above the water line.
  • the jet housing may form a part of a hand-held unit or may be telescopingly adjustable between a position above the rim of the spa tub and the water line.
  • the present invention has the advantage of providing the therapeutic benefits of a hydro-massage to the neck and head are without the water splash of past known spa jets. As a result, water splash against the face and eyes is eliminated permitting the user to quietly enjoy the dry hydro-massage.
  • the invention has the added benefit of keeping the user's hair and face dry thus allowing users with styled hairdos and makeup to enjoy the massaging benefits of the spa without ruining the hairdo or makeup.
  • the user is provided with a warm and resilient surface against which to lean as a result of inflation of the diaphragm. Without regulation of the fluid exhaust from the discharge chamber inflation of the diaphragm could not be maintained.
  • the inflated massage pillow provides greater heat transfer over a wider area while the impact massage is specifically directed.
  • the impact power of the jet can be varied by pump pressure, restricting the mixture of air and the exhaust of fluid.
  • a tub 10 to which a dry hydro-massage unit 12 embodying the present invention is mounted.
  • the dry hydro-massage unit 12 may be mounted to any type receptacle adapted to receive a user including a whirlpool spa or a bathtub.
  • the unit 12 is mounted to a top rim 14 of the tub 10 such that a user positioned in the tub 10 can lean against the dry hydro-massage unit 12 for the selective massage of body parts normally situated above the water line.
  • the dry hydro-massage unit 12 provides the massaging effect of hydro-massage devices while eliminating the splash and spray of known units.
  • the dry hydro-massage unit 12 may be combined with a hand-held assembly or a telescopingly adjustable assembly for greater freedom of placement.
  • the dry hydro-massage unit 12 of the present invention includes a housing 16 mounted to the tub rim 14.
  • the housing 16 consists of a main body 18 to which is attached a bezel 20 forming a front opening 22 for the housing 16.
  • a hydro-massage jet assembly 24 which includes a discharge jet 26.
  • the jet assembly 24 is mounted within the housing 16 using a mounting bracket 28 which engages flanges 30 formed as part of the body 18 of the housing 16. Air and water are supplied to the jet assembly 24 through air line 32 and water line 34.
  • the jet assembly 24 mixes the air and water using a venturi jet nozzle to produce the soothing massaging fluid discharged through the jet 26.
  • the hydro-massage jet assembly 24 is positioned within the housing 16 such that the massaging fluid is directed through the front opening 22 of the housing 16.
  • a diaphragm 36 is sealingly mounted to the front opening 22 such that the massaging fluid is discharged against the diaphragm 36.
  • the rigid structure of the housing 16 makes it uncomfortable for the user to relaxingly lean against the unit 12.
  • a restrictive flow interior wall 38 is positioned within the housing 16. Together with the diaphragm 36, the interior wall 38 forms a pressure chamber 40 into which the massaging fluid is discharged.
  • the wall 38 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced ports 42 to restrict outlet flow from the chamber 40.
  • the size and number of ports 42 are selected to create a predetermined fluid pressure within the chamber 40 such that the diaphragm 36 will be inflated to a desirable level according to the discharge flow of the hydro-massage jet assembly 24.
  • the flow ports 42 of the interior wall 38 restrict the outlet flow of fluid from the chamber 40 creating a fluid pressure to inflate the diaphragm 36 to form a comfortable pillow.
  • Fluid is exhausted from the housing 16 through an outlet line 44 which communicates with the tub basin through exhaust port 46.
  • the massaging effects of the fluid can be felt by the user through the flexible diaphragm 36 while the spray of the water is eliminated.
  • the discharged fluid is returned to the tub 10 below the water line.
  • the body 18 of the housing 16 is provided with an air vent 48 to vent any air trapped within the housing 16.
  • the dry hydro-massage unit 12 may be incorporated into a telescopingly adjustable unit as shown in Figures 4 through 6 or a hand-held assembly as shown in Figures 7 through 9. These alternate embodiments provide added flexibility yet incorporate the basic dry hydro-massage unit 12 described hereinbefore.
  • the telescopingly adjustable unit 30 is incorporated into the peripheral wall 114 of the tub 110 to provide the soothing massage of hydro-therapy jets without fluid discharge to body portions normally situated above the rim of the tub 110.
  • the telescopingly adjustable unit 130 is mounted within an opening 132 formed in the peripheral wall 114 of the tub 110.
  • An enclosure plate or wall 134 is mounted substantially flush with the wall 114 over the opening 132 to form a chamber 136 open to the top of the tub 110.
  • the dry hydro-massage unit 130 is telescopingly adjustably disposed within this chamber 136.
  • the enclosure wall 134 includes a U-shaped slot 138 which guidingly receives the discharge head of the unit 130.
  • the dry hydro-massaging unit 130 includes a hydro-massage jet assembly 142 which supplies the therapeutic turbulent mixture of air and water.
  • the jet assembly 142 is sealingly enclosed by a diaphragm 154 causing the therapeutic fluid to be discharged against the diaphragm 154. Fluid flow through the peripheral passageways 176 is restricted in order to maintain the diaphragm 154 in an inflated state.
  • the hydro-massage assembly 142 is telescopingly mounted within the interior chamber 136 for selective adjustment of the diaphragm covered discharge jet 144 between a first position substantially at or below the water line 118 through a second position above the top rim 124 of the tub 110.
  • the assembly 142 is guided by a pair of tracks 162 opposingly mounted to the interior side of the enclosure wall 134 on opposite sides of the slot 138.
  • the tracks 162 slidingly receive side portions 164 of the housing 156 which can include locking means 166 to positionally maintain the assembly 142.
  • the locking means 166 includes a spring-biased pins 168 which cooperate with the tracks 162 to bias the assembly 142 away from the enclosure wall 134.
  • the back of the side portions 164 are provided with an integral pin 170 which cooperates with a series of apertures 172 to positionally maintain the the assembly 142 in a plurality of positions.
  • the jet assembly 142 is telescopingly adjusted within the chamber 136 by pulling the assembly 142 forwardly to remove the pins 170 from the apertures 172.
  • the hand-held unit 212 is designed to be easily manipulated by a user 214 in order to apply a therapeutic hydro-massage to specific body parts such as the neck and shoulders.
  • the unit 212 generally comprises a housing 216 having a handle 218 to facilitate manipulation and a flexible hose 220 which connects the housing 216 to the air and water supplies.
  • the housing 216 has a front opening 228 within which a hydro-massage jet assembly 230 is disposed.
  • the jet assembly 230 includes a discharge nozzle 234 which directs a massaging fluid out of the housing 216 against a flexible diaphragm 242 sealingly positioned over the opening 228.
  • the massaging fluid is prevented from being discharged from the housing 216 except through the hose 220.
  • the position of the diaphragm 242 relative to the jet assembly 230 ensures that the massaging fluid is discharged against the diaphragm 242 and as a result the diaphragm 242 will be massagingly flexed by the discharge fluid.
  • the fluid flows into the housing 216 and hose 220 through the restricted flow peripheral passageways 248.
  • the resulting increased pressure behind the diaphragm 242 will inflate the diaphragm 242 to form a more suitable massaging surface to be placed against the user's body.
  • the present invention will provide a soothing dry hydro-massage of a user by eliminating the spray of the massaging jet.
  • the hydro-massage unit can be mounted above the water line to provide soothing relief of the neck and shoulders, body parts normally positioned above the water line of a spa.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (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)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Trocken-Hydro-Massage-Einheit, enthaltend eine flexible Membran, die Teil eines Behälters ist und die mit einem Anwender bei der Benutzung in Berührung kommt, sowie eine Einrichtung zur Zuführung eines Massagefluidstroms zur Membran, wobei die Einheit (12; 142; 212) weiterhin enthält:
    ein Gehäuse (16; 156; 216) mit einer vorderseitigen Öffnung (22; 228); und
    ein flexibles Diaphragma (36; 154, 242), das die Membran bildet und die vorderseitige Öffnung des Gehäuses abdichtet und auf diese Weise eine Kammer (40; 136) begrenzt, die den Behälter innerhalb des Gehäuses bildet, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einheit weiterhin eine Hydro-Massage-Düseneinrichtung (24, 142; 230) umfaßt, die die Einrichtung zur Zuführung eines Massagefluidstromes bildet und eine innerhalb des Gehäuses befestigte Austrittsdüse (26; 144; 234) aufweist, die so angeordnet ist, daß sie das Massagefluid in die Druckkammer des Gehäuses und gegen das benutzte Diaphragma strömen läßt, wobei das Massagefluid der Austrittsdüse massageartig das Diaphragma biegt;
    Einrichtungen (38, 42; 176; 248) zur Drosselung der Fluidabgabe aus der Druckkammer des Gehäuses, wodurch das benutzte Diaphragma in aufgeblähtem Zustand bleibt;
    Einrichtungen (32, 34; 236; 238), die mit der Hydro-Massage-Düseneinrichtung verbunden sind und das Massagefluid aus einer mit der Einheit verbundenen Quellwanne an die Austrittsdüse leiten, um auf diese Weise eine selektive Massage des Körpers des Anwenders zu ermöglichen.
  2. Einheit nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einrichtung zur Drosselung der Fluidabgabe aus der Druckkammer eine Innenwand (38) innerhalb des Gehäuses aufweist, die wenigstens eine Regel-Durchlaßöffnung (42) enthält, durch die Fluid aus der Druckkammer in den Rest des Gehäuses strömen kann.
  3. Einheit nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Innenwand eine ringförmige Wand (38) darstellt, die an ihrer Umfangskante um die Hydro-Massage-Düseneinrichtung (24) innerhalb des Gehäuses (16) befestigt ist und die eine Mehrzahl von in Umfangsrichtung mit Abstand zueinander angeordnete Durchlaßöffnungen (42) aufweist, deren Anzahl und Durchmesser den wirksamen Fluiddruck innerhalb der Kammer bestimmen.
  4. Einheit nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß eine Einrichtung zur wahlweisen Einstellung des wirksamen Durchmessers der Durchlaßöffnungen vorgesehen ist, die wahlweise die Fluidströmung durch die Durchlaßöffnungen sowie den wirksamen Fluiddruck innerhalb der Druckkammer steuert.
  5. Einheit nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einrichtung zum Einstellen der Durchlaßöffnungen eine drehbare Platte umfaßt, die angrenzend an die Innenwand befestigt ist.
  6. Einheit nach wenigstens einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse über Fluidabzugseinrichtungen (44, 46; 160; 220) in die Wanne entleert wird.
  7. Einheit nach wenigstens einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse eine Luftabzugseinrichtung (48; 158) enthält.
  8. Einheit nach wenigstens einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse (152) beweglich innerhalb der Außenwand (114) der Quellwanne (110) angeordnet ist, so daß das vom Diaphragma abgedeckte Gehäuse wahlweise zwischen einer ersten Position unterhalb eines oberen Randes (124) der Quellwanne und einer zweiten Position oberhalb des obersten Randes der Quellwanne beweglich ist.
  9. Einheit nach Anspruch 8 in Verbindung mit einer Quellwanne (110), dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Außenwand (114) der Quellwanne eine Öffnung (132) zur Aufnahme der Einheit (130) umfaßt, wobei die Einheit weiterhin eine Umfassungswand (134) enthält, die die Öffnung in der Wannenwand abdeckt und eine innere Kammer (136) bildet, die zur Oberseite der Wanne geöffnet ist, wobei die Einheit gleitbeweglich innerhalb der Kammer angeordnet ist und wobei die Umfassungswand einen länglichen Schlitz (138) zur Aufnahme eines Abgabekopfbereichs der Einheit aufweist.
  10. Einheit nach Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sie weiterhin Führungsspuren (162) enthält, die an der Umfassungswand auf entgegengesetzten Seiten des länglichen Schlitzes befestigt sind und beweglich die Hydro-Massage-Düseneinrichtung (142) der Einheit aufnehmen.
  11. Einheit nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Hydro-Massage-Düseneinrichtung eine Schließeinrichtung (166) umfaßt, die mit den Führungsspuren (162) in Eingriff kommen kann, um auf diese Weise wahlweise die Düseneinrichtung längs der Führungsspuren zu positionieren und wahlweise die Düseneinrichtung in der ersten oder zweiten Position zu verschließen.
  12. Einheit nach wenigstens einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse (216) einen Teil einer handgeführten Einrichtung bildet, die manuell betätigbar ist, so daß die vom Diaphragma abgedeckte Düse wahlweise an spezifischen Bereichen des Körpers des Anwenders angelegt werden kann.
  13. Einheit nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einrichtung zur Zuführung eines Massagefluidstromes zur Austrittsdüse (234) wenigstens einen Schlauch (236, 238) umfaßt, der mit der handgeführten Einrichtung verbunden ist.
  14. Einheit nach den Ansprüchen 12 oder 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Gehäuse (216) einen einstückigen Griff (218) zur Handhabung der Einheit umfaßt.
  15. Einheit nach wenigstens einem der vorangegangenen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Einrichtung zur Zuführung eines Massagefluidstroms zur Düseneinrichtung eine Wasserleitung (34; 238) sowie eine Luftleitung (32; 236) umfaßt, die sich bei Gebrauch vom Wasser- bzw. Luftvorrat der Quellwanne bis zur Düseneinrichtung erstrecken, so daß der Fluidaustritt durch die Austrittsdüse erfolgt.
EP19890305181 1988-05-27 1989-05-23 Massage-Einheit Expired - Lifetime EP0343912B1 (de)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89305181T ATE100307T1 (de) 1988-05-27 1989-05-23 Massage-einheit.

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/199,971 US4839930A (en) 1988-05-27 1988-05-27 Dry hydro-massage unit for a spa tank
US199971 1988-05-27
US261943 1988-10-24
US07/261,943 US4926510A (en) 1988-10-24 1988-10-24 Hand held dry hydro-massage unit for a spa
US07/316,047 US4908888A (en) 1989-02-24 1989-02-24 Dry hydro-massage unit
US316047 1989-02-24

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0343912A2 EP0343912A2 (de) 1989-11-29
EP0343912A3 EP0343912A3 (en) 1990-12-12
EP0343912B1 true EP0343912B1 (de) 1994-01-19

Family

ID=27394095

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19890305181 Expired - Lifetime EP0343912B1 (de) 1988-05-27 1989-05-23 Massage-Einheit

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0343912B1 (de)
JP (1) JPH0271741A (de)
AU (1) AU610400B2 (de)
CA (3) CA1317415C (de)
DE (1) DE68912402T2 (de)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19709759C1 (de) * 1997-03-10 1998-10-01 Dueker Eisenwerk Massagegerät
US5984883A (en) * 1997-04-08 1999-11-16 Elnar; Joseph G. Neck massager for use in spas
KR20040022987A (ko) * 2002-09-10 2004-03-18 최문진 간접 폐쇄식 고압샤워 마사지기
ITMI20050303A1 (it) * 2005-02-25 2006-08-26 American Standard Europ Sprl Dispositivo massaggiante per vasche docce e simili
EP2108352A1 (de) 2008-04-10 2009-10-14 Aqualife S.r.l. Matratze zur Erzeugung eines Trockenmassageeffekts ähnlich dem Shiatsu und Kombination einer solchen Matratze mit einer Hydromassageeinheit
CN109223480B (zh) * 2018-09-25 2020-07-28 永康市百岁康科技有限公司 一种按摩头可更换的手持按摩器

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US372024A (en) * 1887-10-25 Fluid-ejector
GB262520A (de) * 1900-01-01
GB291922A (en) * 1927-04-11 1928-06-14 Heinrich Dreuw Improvement for fluid pressure pulsation apparatus with a vibrating resilient diaphragm for massage and like purposes
US1780876A (en) * 1927-05-12 1930-11-04 Grosse Carl Vibratory apparatus
JPS50146381U (de) * 1974-05-21 1975-12-04
US4313432A (en) * 1979-01-31 1982-02-02 Sievers George K Water driven personal massager
JPS6325834Y2 (de) * 1980-09-22 1988-07-13
US4339833A (en) * 1980-12-31 1982-07-20 Mandell Gerald D Reciprocating hydro-massage apparatus
FR2501539A1 (fr) * 1981-03-13 1982-09-17 Barthe Jean Marie Oscillateur hydraulique actionnant une membrane

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1317415C (en) 1993-05-11
CA1317417C (en) 1993-05-11
EP0343912A3 (en) 1990-12-12
AU3507189A (en) 1989-11-30
JPH04665B2 (de) 1992-01-08
DE68912402T2 (de) 1994-05-11
AU610400B2 (en) 1991-05-16
EP0343912A2 (de) 1989-11-29
JPH0271741A (ja) 1990-03-12
CA1317416C (en) 1993-05-11
DE68912402D1 (de) 1994-03-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4839930A (en) Dry hydro-massage unit for a spa tank
US4926510A (en) Hand held dry hydro-massage unit for a spa
US5418984A (en) Hydrotherapy seat structure for a hydrotherapy spa, tub or swimming pool
CA2199420C (en) Neck massage pillow for spa apparatus
US7065808B2 (en) Foot bath
US5333324A (en) Hydrotherapy hot tub structure for neck and shoulder massage
CA2590983C (en) Feminine hydro-therapeutic massage device
EP0343912B1 (de) Massage-Einheit
US4953240A (en) Hydrotherapy massage unit
US20090038069A1 (en) Hydro-therapeutic massage device
US4908888A (en) Dry hydro-massage unit
CN115282020A (zh) 浴槽
US8992450B1 (en) Feminine hydro-therapeutic massage device
US4860392A (en) Hydrotherapy massage unit
US20060129074A1 (en) Water jet massage apparatus
US3481328A (en) Hydropneumatic massaging apparatus
JP2864805B2 (ja) シャワー装置
KR20060125204A (ko) 수압을 이용한 마사지 매트리스
KR0135994Y1 (ko) 입욕용 욕조
JP2861067B2 (ja) 打たせ湯装置を具備する気泡発生浴槽
JP2761037B2 (ja) 浴湯の噴出量を可変とした気泡発生浴槽
JP2560545Y2 (ja) 浴槽装置
JPH0646387Y2 (ja) 振動浴漕
JP2005296522A (ja) 温泡入浴ブース装置
JPH08491A (ja) シャワー装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19901217

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19921210

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE ES FR GB GR IT LI LU NL SE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19940119

Ref country code: AT

Effective date: 19940119

Ref country code: BE

Effective date: 19940119

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 19940119

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: THE PATENT HAS BEEN ANNULLED BY A DECISION OF A NATIONAL AUTHORITY

Effective date: 19940119

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 100307

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19940215

Kind code of ref document: T

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 68912402

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19940303

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19940531

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 89305181.3

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 19970331

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 19970417

Year of fee payment: 9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 19970630

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980524

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980531

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19980531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 19981201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed

Ref document number: 89305181.3

NLV4 Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee

Effective date: 19981201

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20080530

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20080407

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: PE20

Expiry date: 20090522

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20090522

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20080424

Year of fee payment: 20