EP1336400A1 - Aerated bath - Google Patents
Aerated bath Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1336400A1 EP1336400A1 EP02075592A EP02075592A EP1336400A1 EP 1336400 A1 EP1336400 A1 EP 1336400A1 EP 02075592 A EP02075592 A EP 02075592A EP 02075592 A EP02075592 A EP 02075592A EP 1336400 A1 EP1336400 A1 EP 1336400A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- bath
- receptacles
- receptacle
- outside
- heating element
- 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.)
- Granted
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
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/02—Bathing devices for use with gas-containing liquid, or liquid in which gas is led or generated, e.g. carbon dioxide baths
- A61H33/026—Gas nozzles specially adapted therefor
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A61H33/02—Bathing devices for use with gas-containing liquid, or liquid in which gas is led or generated, e.g. carbon dioxide baths
Definitions
- This invention related to aerated baths, and in particular to baths of the kind configured or adapted to introduce fluid under pressure into the bathing medium thereby agitating it and providing a massaging or toning effect to the user.
- Baths of this general type are available, and one proposal provides at least one chamber on the outside of the bath and extending beneath the bath, the chamber communicating with openings through which aerating fluid, for example air, is forced into the bathing medium, e.g. water.
- aerating fluid for example air
- the bathing medium e.g. water
- the present invention seeks to provide an aerated bath improved in the above respects.
- an aerated bath comprising a plurality of receptacles on the outside of the bath, each receptacle being in communication with the interior of the bath through one or a plurality of openings, and fluid supply means connected to some or all of the receptacles characterised in that the receptacles are shallow and of a relatively smooth internal configuration.
- the internal configuration of the receptacles is a part spherical dish.
- the smooth internal surface reduces locations where moisture can be trapped.
- the receptacle is made from a material, especially a plastics material, which is hydrophobic which therefore resists wetting by bath water.
- the plastics material is preferably easily machinable, and tough and durable, and may be selected from known plastics materials of this type such as nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like
- the receptacles are outwardly generally cylindrical in configuration, containing the dish portion in their upper face.
- the receptacles can conveniently be adhered to the outside of the bath (or the outside of the inner skin of the bath where the bath is double skinned) by means of known available water resisting adhesives.
- an orifice is provided radially of the cylindrical receptacle communicating with the dished portion to provide the fluid inlet.
- a suitable non-returnable check valve may be incorporated within the confines of the radial orifice to prevent water from entering the air distribution system.
- the valve mechanism may be one of various known types such as ball and seat mechanism, or of the diaphragm type, offering a very low resistance to opening in the direction of fluid flow and providing a good seal against any flow reversal.
- the receptacle additionally incorporates a heating element such as an electrical heating element, for example of the positive temperature co-efficient type, to assist in the thorough drying of the receptacles.
- a heating element such as an electrical heating element, for example of the positive temperature co-efficient type, to assist in the thorough drying of the receptacles.
- the heating element may be regulated manually or maybe controlled automatically so as to come on when the relative humidity conditions exceed a specific level, for example 80% relative to humidity which is a level known to promote bacterial or mould growth.
- Each receptacle may be located below a single hole but it is greatly preferred in that accordance with the invention that each receptacle is located below a cluster of holes.
- the holes may typically be in the order of 1 mm in diameter.
- Several clusters may be arranged in a symmetrical pattern.
- the size of the holes is chosen in relation to the volume and pressure of air available from an air blowing unit.
- figure 1 illustrates a receptacle for use in the aerated bath of the invention.
- the receptacle generally designated 10, comprises a generally cylindrical body 12 having a part-spherically dished top portion 14.
- a radially inwardly extending orifice 16 connects with the dished chamber 14.
- An non-return valve 18 is located in the orifice 16, which is in turn connected to an air line 20.
- a heating element 22 is embedded within the receptacle 10 and connected by wires 24 to a suitable electrical supply.
- the heating element 22 is located immediately beneath the dished portion 14.
- FIGS 2 and 3 illustrate the bath generally designated 26.
- Clusters of holes 28 in symmetrical or other patterns are drilled within an area capable of being covered by the dished portion 14 of the receptacle 10. The size and spacing of the holes will vary according to available air pressure, type of aeration desired, and aesthetic factors.
- Each cluster 30 of holes 28 is, on the underside of the bath, covered by a respective receptacle 10 each having a respective air line 20 attached thereto The air lines 20 are taken to a suitable manifold (not shown) and thence to an air supply (see figure 4).
- the air lines 20 are connected via a manifold 36 and an air flow regulator 38 to an air blower 40.
- the blower 40 may be supplied with a heater so as to supply warm air if desired for actual use in aeration of the bath and/or for use in drying the receptacles 10 once the bath has been emptied.
- the heating elements 22, shown in schematic in figure 4, can be controlled as indicated therein wherein an a.c. supply 42 passes through a rectifier 44 to produce low voltage d.c..
- a timer 46 can be incorporated into the circuit, as can a relay 48 activated by a bathroom humidity sensor 50. With this set up, the heating element 22 is automatically supplied with power whenever the relative humidity rises above a preset level.
- plug seals 52 which are essentially made of a flexible plastics material disc having projections or spines corresponding to the pattern of holes 28 within a cluster 30. This enables the holes to be blanked off to prevent ingress of dirt, moisture, and the like while the bath is stored or shipped. Indeed, the plug seals may be left in place until the bath has been set up with an air supply so that the bath can be used as a conventional bath until that time. This enables baths to be pre-drilled and supplied whether for aerated use or non-aerated use. To remove the plug seals 52 a tool 54 having a curved or saw edge is useful.
- the receptacles 10, air line 20 and the like are located on the outside of the bath.
- the receptacles and air lines, etc are preferably located between the two skins and "outside" is to be construed accordingly.
- the bath of the invention is simple and economical to make, effective in use, and reduces or eliminates the problem of mould or fungus build-up through water remaining in the aeration system.
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)
- Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)
- Cyclones (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention related to aerated baths, and in particular to baths of the kind configured or adapted to introduce fluid under pressure into the bathing medium thereby agitating it and providing a massaging or toning effect to the user.
- Baths of this general type are available, and one proposal provides at least one chamber on the outside of the bath and extending beneath the bath, the chamber communicating with openings through which aerating fluid, for example air, is forced into the bathing medium, e.g. water. While this system works well, when the bath is empty water can pass through the holes into the chamber where it is difficult to remove. Given the warm and damp environment of a bathroom, this can lead to rapid growth of harmful fungus and the possible risk of biological contamination of bath water in subsequent usage.
- The present invention seeks to provide an aerated bath improved in the above respects.
- According to the present invention, there is provided an aerated bath comprising a plurality of receptacles on the outside of the bath, each receptacle being in communication with the interior of the bath through one or a plurality of openings, and fluid supply means connected to some or all of the receptacles characterised in that the receptacles are shallow and of a relatively smooth internal configuration.
- Preferably, the internal configuration of the receptacles is a part spherical dish. The smooth internal surface reduces locations where moisture can be trapped. Preferably also, the receptacle is made from a material, especially a plastics material, which is hydrophobic which therefore resists wetting by bath water. The plastics material is preferably easily machinable, and tough and durable, and may be selected from known plastics materials of this type such as nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, and the like
- In a preferred form of the invention, the receptacles are outwardly generally cylindrical in configuration, containing the dish portion in their upper face. The receptacles can conveniently be adhered to the outside of the bath (or the outside of the inner skin of the bath where the bath is double skinned) by means of known available water resisting adhesives.
- Preferably, an orifice is provided radially of the cylindrical receptacle communicating with the dished portion to provide the fluid inlet. A suitable non-returnable check valve may be incorporated within the confines of the radial orifice to prevent water from entering the air distribution system. The valve mechanism may be one of various known types such as ball and seat mechanism, or of the diaphragm type, offering a very low resistance to opening in the direction of fluid flow and providing a good seal against any flow reversal.
- In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the receptacle additionally incorporates a heating element such as an electrical heating element, for example of the positive temperature co-efficient type, to assist in the thorough drying of the receptacles. The heating element may be regulated manually or maybe controlled automatically so as to come on when the relative humidity conditions exceed a specific level, for example 80% relative to humidity which is a level known to promote bacterial or mould growth.
- Each receptacle may be located below a single hole but it is greatly preferred in that accordance with the invention that each receptacle is located below a cluster of holes. The holes may typically be in the order of 1 mm in diameter. Several clusters may be arranged in a symmetrical pattern. The size of the holes is chosen in relation to the volume and pressure of air available from an air blowing unit.
- The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figures 1a, 1b and 1c are respectively a side elevational view, a top plan view, and a section on line x-x', of a receptacle for use in accordance with the invention;
- Figure 2 is a top plan view of a bath, in which 2a and 2b are enlarged details and figure 2c is a partial cross-section;
- Figure 3a is a sectional view through a bath in accordance with the invention;
- Figure 3b is a bottom plan view of the bath of figure 3a;
- Figure 4 is a schematic diagrammatic view of a control system for the bath;
- Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a plug seal for use with the bath of the invention;
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the plug seal in use; and
- Figure 7 is a diagrammatic elevational view of a plug seal removal tool.
-
- Referring to the drawings, figure 1 illustrates a receptacle for use in the aerated bath of the invention. The receptacle, generally designated 10, comprises a generally
cylindrical body 12 having a part-spherically dishedtop portion 14. A radially inwardly extendingorifice 16 connects with thedished chamber 14. Annon-return valve 18 is located in theorifice 16, which is in turn connected to anair line 20. - A
heating element 22 is embedded within thereceptacle 10 and connected bywires 24 to a suitable electrical supply. Theheating element 22 is located immediately beneath the dishedportion 14. - Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the bath generally designated 26. Clusters of
holes 28 in symmetrical or other patterns are drilled within an area capable of being covered by the dishedportion 14 of thereceptacle 10. The size and spacing of the holes will vary according to available air pressure, type of aeration desired, and aesthetic factors. Eachcluster 30 ofholes 28 is, on the underside of the bath, covered by arespective receptacle 10 each having arespective air line 20 attached thereto Theair lines 20 are taken to a suitable manifold (not shown) and thence to an air supply (see figure 4). - In use, air is blown through the
lines 20 into thedished portions 14 of thereceptacles 10 and thence via theholes 28 into thebath 26 aerating the bathing medium, for example water. When the bath is emptied drops of water 32 (see figure 1b) may remain on the surface of the dishedportion 14. The nature of the material forming thereceptacles 10 is hydrophobic and so the water remains as discrete droplets or beads rather than wetting the surface. This water may be removed by blasting further air into the dishedportion 14 and/or applying electrical current to theheating elements 22 whereby to evaporate any residual water. - Turning now to figure 4, it can be seen that the
air lines 20 are connected via amanifold 36 and anair flow regulator 38 to anair blower 40. Theblower 40 may be supplied with a heater so as to supply warm air if desired for actual use in aeration of the bath and/or for use in drying thereceptacles 10 once the bath has been emptied. Theheating elements 22, shown in schematic in figure 4, can be controlled as indicated therein wherein an a.c.supply 42 passes through arectifier 44 to produce low voltage d.c.. Atimer 46 can be incorporated into the circuit, as can arelay 48 activated by abathroom humidity sensor 50. With this set up, theheating element 22 is automatically supplied with power whenever the relative humidity rises above a preset level. - Turning now to figures 5 to 7, it is convenient to provide
plug seals 52 which are essentially made of a flexible plastics material disc having projections or spines corresponding to the pattern ofholes 28 within acluster 30. This enables the holes to be blanked off to prevent ingress of dirt, moisture, and the like while the bath is stored or shipped. Indeed, the plug seals may be left in place until the bath has been set up with an air supply so that the bath can be used as a conventional bath until that time. This enables baths to be pre-drilled and supplied whether for aerated use or non-aerated use. To remove the plug seals 52 atool 54 having a curved or saw edge is useful. - Where baths are of a single skin constructions the
receptacles 10,air line 20 and the like are located on the outside of the bath. Where, however, baths are of double skin construction then the receptacles and air lines, etc, are preferably located between the two skins and "outside" is to be construed accordingly. - It is possible, and in some cases desirable, to regulate the air supply to different receptacles, located in different areas of the bath, to give greater or lesser degrees of aeration rather than a uniform air supply to all receptacles. This can be achieved by varying the diameter of the
tubes 20, providing valves, or in any other suitable way. - The bath of the invention is simple and economical to make, effective in use, and reduces or eliminates the problem of mould or fungus build-up through water remaining in the aeration system.
Claims (15)
- An aerated bath comprising a plurality of receptacles on the outside of the bath, each receptacle being in communication with the interior of the bath through one or a plurality of openings, and fluid supply means connected to some or all of the receptacles characterised in that the receptacles are shallow and of a relatively smooth internal configuration.
- A bath as claimed in claim 1 wherein the internal configuration of the receptacles is a part spherical dish.
- A bath as claimed in either of claims 1 or 2 wherein the receptacle is made from a material which is hydrophobic which therefore resists wetting by bath water.
- A bath as claimed in claim 3 wherein the material is a plastics material.
- A bath as claimed in either of claims 3 or 4 wherein the material is easily machinable, and tough and durable.
- A bath as claimed in claim 5 wherein the material is polyethylene terephthalate.
- A bath as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the receptacles are outwardly generally cylindrical in configuration, containing the dish portion in their upper face.
- A bath as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the receptacles are adhered to the outside of the bath (or the outside of the inner skin of the bath where the bath is double skinned) by means of known available water resisting adhesives.
- A bath as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8 wherein an orifice is provided radially of the cylindrical receptacle communicating with the dished portion to provide the fluid inlet.
- A bath as claimed in claim 9 wherein a non-returnable check valve is incorporated within the confines of the radial orifice to prevent water from entering the air distribution system.
- A bath as claimed in claim 10 wherein the valve mechanism is a ball and seat mechanism, or of the diaphragm type, offering a very low resistance to opening in the direction of fluid flow and providing a good seal against any flow reversal.
- A bath as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the receptacle additionally incorporates a heating element such as an electrical heating element, for example ofthe positive temperature co-efficient type, to assist in the thorough drying of the receptacles.
- A bath as claimed in claim 12 wherein the heating element is regulated manually or may be controlled automatically so as to come on when the relative humidity conditions exceed a specific level which is a level known to promote bacterial or mould growth.
- A bath as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 wherein each receptacle is located below a cluster of holes.
- A bath as claimed in claim 14 wherein the holes are in the order of 1 mm in diameter.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP02075592A EP1336400B1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-02-13 | Aerated bath |
DE60205577T DE60205577D1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-02-13 | whirlpool |
AT02075592T ATE301983T1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-02-13 | SPATUBE |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP02075592A EP1336400B1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-02-13 | Aerated bath |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1336400A1 true EP1336400A1 (en) | 2003-08-20 |
EP1336400B1 EP1336400B1 (en) | 2005-08-17 |
Family
ID=27619164
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP02075592A Expired - Lifetime EP1336400B1 (en) | 2002-02-13 | 2002-02-13 | Aerated bath |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1336400B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE301983T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60205577D1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111655954A (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2020-09-11 | 上海荣威塑胶工业有限公司 | Massage system for inflatable swimming pool |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2757011A1 (en) * | 1977-12-21 | 1979-07-05 | Walter Frenkel | Additional heater for air jet bath - comprises cartridge fitting on outlet of turbine type fan |
EP0454029A1 (en) * | 1990-04-23 | 1991-10-30 | Jacuzzi Europe Spa | Device for cleaning a mouth for hydromassage |
EP0752242A2 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 1997-01-08 | Günter Dipl.-Ing. Wuschik | Whirlpool bath |
US5930851A (en) * | 1997-04-09 | 1999-08-03 | Bains Ultra Inc. | Hydro-thermo massaging tub and method of treatment |
EP1160463A1 (en) * | 2000-05-23 | 2001-12-05 | Villeroy & Boch Ag | Sanitary tub |
-
2002
- 2002-02-13 EP EP02075592A patent/EP1336400B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-02-13 DE DE60205577T patent/DE60205577D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2002-02-13 AT AT02075592T patent/ATE301983T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE2757011A1 (en) * | 1977-12-21 | 1979-07-05 | Walter Frenkel | Additional heater for air jet bath - comprises cartridge fitting on outlet of turbine type fan |
EP0454029A1 (en) * | 1990-04-23 | 1991-10-30 | Jacuzzi Europe Spa | Device for cleaning a mouth for hydromassage |
EP0752242A2 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 1997-01-08 | Günter Dipl.-Ing. Wuschik | Whirlpool bath |
US5930851A (en) * | 1997-04-09 | 1999-08-03 | Bains Ultra Inc. | Hydro-thermo massaging tub and method of treatment |
EP1160463A1 (en) * | 2000-05-23 | 2001-12-05 | Villeroy & Boch Ag | Sanitary tub |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN111655954A (en) * | 2018-01-31 | 2020-09-11 | 上海荣威塑胶工业有限公司 | Massage system for inflatable swimming pool |
US11384552B2 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2022-07-12 | Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp. | Massage system for inflatable pool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60205577D1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
ATE301983T1 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
EP1336400B1 (en) | 2005-08-17 |
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