EP2575727B1

EP2575727B1 - Apparatus for body treatment of a user via vibration in a liquid

Info

Publication number: EP2575727B1
Application number: EP10737111.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alessandro Moretto
Original assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
Current assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
Priority date: 2010-05-31
Filing date: 2010-05-31
Publication date: 2016-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-31
Also published as: WO2011151845A1; HRP20161464T1; EP2575727A1; ES2600916T3; SI2575727T1

Description

The present invention refers to the field of body treatment apparatuses, such as, for example, the bathtubs.
In the field of healthy treatments, such as those performed in spa and sports facilities, vibrating platforms on which an user stands up by leaning to a handle while being subjected to vibrations transmitted by the platform are used.
With reference to the treatments in water or other liquid, are common bathtubs or pools provided with hydromassaging devices which eject compressed air and/or water jets which can impinge, more or less directly, the person immersed in the bathtub, massaging the involved body part.
The Applicant has realized the need of providing treatment apparatuses which can offer a combination of the benefits due to the transmission of vibrations to the body with those due to the immersion in water, or other liquids, of the body or other parts of the same.
The Applicant has filed an Italian Patent Application M12009A000306, March 3, 2009 , which is still secret at the filing date of the present application, which refers to an apparatus for treating an user by vibrations, particularly, a vibrating tub provided with a vessel for receiving a liquid for immersing the user and a motor fixed to the vessel bottom. The vessel is supported by eight supporting devices, of which four are located at the four corners of the vessel, directly connected to it at its outer edge, and the other four are directly attached to the vessel bottom. However, such approach has the disadvantage in that the vessel vibrations have an excessive amplitude, this fact implies the necessity of providing an unacceptable space between the outer envelope and the inner vessel, that consequently increases the overall size of the tub with the consequent risk of an inadvertent entry of the liquid in the gap between the outer envelope and the vessel. In fact, the vertical size of the motor implies that the vessel must be substantially raised from the ground. Consequently, the length of the supporting devices, especially of those attached to the upper edge, is substantial and therefore the lateral vibrations of the vessel are excessively wide.
Even though, as tried by the Applicant, the supporting devices connected to the upper edge of the vessel are eliminated, the distance of the remaining supports attached to the vessel bottom is however not sufficient to maintain the vertical vibrations amplitude inside acceptable levels. Another vibrating known apparatus has been disclosed by document DE-A-4435879 , describing a bathtub provided with a motor on the bottom, transmitting vibrations to the bathtub and to the elastic feet attached to the bathtub bottom.
Another known vibrating apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1 is disclosed by document US 5,290,923.
At last, document DE-A-2727844 describes a basin, particularly for massaging the feet, provided with a motor on the bottom outer wall, transmitting vibrations and with elastomeric dampers located between the basin support and the floor.
However, the apparatuses described in these documents have also the same problems in that it is difficult to limit the oscillations amplitude described with reference to the patent application MI2009A000306 in the name of the Applicant.
Therefore, the object of the present invention is that of providing a body treatment apparatus by vibrations in fluids having a reduced structural size and a shape such that the vibrations of its vibrating parts have a limited amplitude.
This and other objects are attained by a treatment apparatus by vibrations as defined by the attached claim 1 and by its preferred embodiments described in claims 2-14.
The present invention will be detailed in the following, as a non-limiting example, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tub according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a cut-away perspective views of a tub according to a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the tub of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a longitudinal section view of the tub of Figure 2;
Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the portion of the tub of Figure 3 in different assembled conditions;
Figure 7 is a perspective view of a detail of the portion of the tub of Figure 5;
Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of an elastic damping element of the tub according to a possible embodiment;
Figure 9 is a cross-section view of the elastic damping element of Figure 8 in an assembled condition;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of an outer envelope of the tub of Figure 2;
Figures 11 a and 11 b are perspective views of a detail of the outer envelope of Figure 10 in an exploded and assembled condition respectively;
Figure 12 is a cut-away perspective view of a detail of the tub of Figure 2;
Figures 13a-13c are three cross-section views of the detail of Figure 12 according to three possible alternative embodiments;
Figure 14 is a perspective view of a motor for the tub according to a possible embodiment of the invention;
Figure 15 is a partially transparent perspective view of a tub according to a further embodiment of the invention;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of a component of the tub of Figure 15;
Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of a component of the tub of Figure 1.

With reference to the annexed figures, an apparatus for treating an user by vibrations is shown by the reference number 100. It is to be noted in the present description we will mainly refer to a bathtub, however the apparatus 100 can be of a different type. For example, the apparatus 100 can be any other type of apparatus for treating an user to be used in a private house, such as a tub for a partial immersion. Moreover, the apparatus 100 can be used in a private house or in specialized facilities offering healthy treatments, such as gymnasiums, swimming pools, spa or hospital facilities.
The vibrating-type bathtub 100 comprises a vessel 1 and an outer envelope 2 adapted to surround the vessel and hiding it, at least partially, from the outer view.
The bathtub 100 comprises a supporting structure 30 mechanically connected to the vessel 1 and connectable to a supporting or bearing base 40 for the same bathtub such as, particularly, a floor or a stationary platform (Figure 2). Connected to the supporting structure 30 there are elastic damping elements 21 adapted to be fixed to the base 40 and consequently to elastically support the supporting structure 30. The elastic damping elements 21, besides acting as a yielding constraint, are moreover adapted to damp the vibrations of the supporting structure 30.
The supporting structure 30 and the elastic damping elements 21 will be fully described in the following.
The bathtub 100 is provided with moving means adapted to generate vibrations of the vessel 1. According to a possible embodiment, the moving means comprise an electric motor 12, of a conventional type, provided with a rotating shaft 13 supporting one or more eccentric elements 14 (Figure 14).
The electric motor 12 is for example a brushless motor (such as an asynchronous, single-phase, or three-phase motor), adapted to reach, particularly, a rotation speed in the range of 800 rps and 3600 rps and it can be driven by an electronic device connected to it or built-in (for example, an inverter).
The motor 12 can operate in a fixed or intermittent mode. The presence of one or more eccentric elements 14 generates an unbalance causing a vibrating movement in the longitudinal and vertical directions of the vessel 1 with frequencies preferably in the range of 10 and 50Hz. According to a possible embodiment, there are provided more movable eccentric elements, so that the unbalance conditions of the motor can be modified and therefore the amplitude of the generated vibrations can be varied.
Particularly, the motor 12 is an electric vibrator with prelubricated bearings and mechanical and electrical members suitably protected according to the international regulations in force for bathrooms, or the like.
As an alternative to the shown brushless motor 12, other moving members can be used, such as a brush motor or other electric members acting on the rotation of eccentric weights by an indirect movement transmission, by means of pulleys and belts, idle gears or chains. Alternatively, the same rotation can be obtained by non-electric devices but of the hydraulic-type, wherein by means of turbines, the movement of a coming liquid can be used by an external system for moving a shaft which in turn is connected to the above-mentioned weights.
Advantageously, the motor 12 is provided with one or more flanges 15, integral with a motor casing 12 and provided with through holes 16 for receiving fastening screws for fastening the motor preferably to the supporting structure 30. Alternatively, the motor 12 can be fixed by glue or by locking or with other suitable forms.
Referring now to the vessel 1, it defines an inner hollow region 3 for receiving a liquid and an user of the tub 100 (Figure 3). The vessel 1 is advantageously provided with a first edge 4 surrounding at least partially the hollow portion 3. Particularly, the vessel 1 has a substantially rectangular bottom 5 (with reference to a plan view), two first minor side walls 6 and two first major side walls 7, respectively faced and radiused to the first edge 4. According to the shown example, the first edge 4 transversally extends to the specific lateral wall of the vessel to which is radiused by extending towards the vessel 1 outside.
The vessel 1 can have different shapes. With reference to a longitudinal section of the inner hollow region 3 of vessel 1, the vessel 1 bottom 5 has an outline comprising two valleys 70' and 70" and a peak 71 located between the two valleys 70' and 70" (Figure 4). More particularly, the two first minor side walls 6 extend from the first edge 4 downward (with reference to the normal condition of use of the tub), reaching their minimum points, corresponding to the valleys 70' and 70", at which the two first minor side walls 6 radius to the bottom 5. Preferably, between the first edge 4 and valleys 70' and 70", the two first minor side walls 6 have a concave outline inside the hollow region 3. Starting respectively from the valleys 70' and 70", the bottom 5 extends upward along two lines 72' and 72" joining in a maximum point, the peak 71. Preferably, the two lines 72' and 72" are not symmetrical with respect to the peak 71. The described outline of the inner hollow region 3 of the tub 1 is such to have inside two bearing concavities, a first concavity 73' suitable to support the bottom of the user and a second concavity 73" suitable for supporting the user feet. Therefore, the vessel 1 has an ergonomic shape.
According to the invention, on the outer side of the vessel 1 (that is on the side opposed to inner side of the hollow region 3) at the peak 71, the vessel 1 bottom 5 defines a receiving compartment 74 which is used for receiving at least partially the electric motor 12 (to this end, see, for examples, Figures 2, 4, 5). This arrangement ensures a substantial reduction of the overall height size of the tub. Moreover, this shape allows to position the vessel 1 in a lowered position, that is adjacent to the base 4, during the use, rather than in a raised position, therefore rather far from the base 40, as it occurs instead with the apparatus according to the known art.
The vessel 1 bottom 5 is provided, according to the example, with at least one liquid exit hole 27 connectable to a suitable discharging hydraulic circuit 28 (see, for example, Figures 5 and 6). In the case where the vessel 1 has the above mentioned ergonomic shape, normally the liquid pools in the first and second concavities 73' and 73" when it reaches a level lower than the peak 71 height. Therefore, for ensuring the complete liquid discharge, the bottom 5 is advantageously provided with a first and second 27', 27" discharging holes respectively located at the first and second 73', 73" concavities. The second hole 27" can be hydraulically connected to the first hole 73' for example by a connector 29 of the discharging hydraulic circuit 28. In this way, the liquid coming from both the discharging holes 27' and 27" is conveyed to a common discharging pipe 26.
Advantageously, the discharging hydraulic circuit 28 comprises a discharging device in case the liquid contained in the vessel surpasses a maximum level (called "too full" level). According to a possible not illustrated embodiment, such device is of a conventional type, that is it comprises one or more supplementary discharging holes provided in the minor or major side walls of the vessel which enable to discharge the liquid when it reaches the allowed maximum level and its exit in the discharging circuit.
According to a further embodiment, in order to dispense with the discharging holes in view of the use of the tub (therefore beyond the liquid level in the operative optimal conditions), the too-full discharging holes are located on the vessel 1 bottom. A first pipe 31 is advantageously connected to said discharging holes (not shown in the figures), which preferably extends along the height of one of the minor or major side walls of the vessel 1 externally to the vessel (Figure 5). The first pipe 31, at an upper end 31' thereof, joins to a second pipe 32 preferably extending sideways the first pipe 31 vertically along the same vessel side wall and which is connected to the discharging liquid pipe 26 common to that of the exit holes 27' and 27". As the liquid level raises in the vessel 1, the liquid raises also in the first pipe 31, keeping the same level reached inside the hollow region 3. When the liquid in the tub surpasses the allowed maximum level corresponding to the upper end 31' height of the first pipe 31, the liquid contained in the latter overflows in the second pipe 32, along which it descends by gravity and from there it enters the common discharging system. In this way, the liquid is prevented from exiting the vessel.
As an example, the vessel 1 can be made of one of the following materials: enamelled steel, plastic material with or without reinforcement, "Marmoresina". Preferably, the vessel 1 is made with a thermoformed plastic material reinforced with glass fibres.
The outer envelope 2 at least partially shields and laterally surrounds the vessel 1 and comprises, for example, two second minor side walls 8 and two second major side walls 9 radiused to each other to form a box without bottom and lid (Figure 2). The upper part of the outer envelope 2 can be provided with a second edge 10 extending from the corresponding side walls 8 and 9 to cover the first edge 4 of the vessel 1. The envelope 2 can have only some of the shown four walls and such walls can be continuous or can have a grid shape or be another kind of shielding element limiting the access to the moving member 20. Moreover, the envelope 2 can be integral, that is a one-piece, or it can be made up of a plurality of distinct elements to be assembled. According to the considered example, the envelope 2 does not support the vessel 1 and therefore is mechanically uncoupled from the supporting device 30.
The envelope 2 can be made for example of a plastic material with or without reinforcement, a wood multi-layer with or without aesthetic claddings, or it can be formed by a sandwich of aluminium plates, foamed materials with or without external claddings, panes or simple metal plates or painted high density structural foam materials. Preferably, the envelope 2 is made of a thermoformed plastic material.
The envelope 2 is fixable to the base 40 by brackets and screws with inserts or magnetic elements or clips of known type or is simply supported. According to a possible embodiment, a plurality of first plates 50 capable of being magnetically connected to corresponding second plates 51 fixed to the base 40 (Figures 10-11) are associated to the envelope 2. Preferably, there are provided four first plates 50 arranged at the four outer envelope corners (if the tub has a rectangular shape) and other four second plates 51 fixable to the base 40. The first plates 50, having preferably a circular shape, are removably connected to the outer envelope 2. For example, a shank 52 insertable in a hole 53 provided in a inner flange 54 of the outer envelope 2 is associated to each of them. The shank 52 can be, for example, threaded so that it can be fixed (and eventually height adjusted) by bolts screwed to the same.
The second plates 52, having preferably an elongated substantially rectangular shape, can be fixed to the base 40, for example to a floor by screw anchors 55 inserted in corresponding holes (not shown in figures) made prior in the same base 40.
Advantageously, the bathtub 100 is provided with a sealing 11 located between the first vessel 1 edge 4 and the second envelope 2 edge 10 (Figure 2). The sealing 11, besides sealing off the liquid contained in the vessel, reduces also, by damping, the transmission of the vibrations generated by the vessel 1 to the envelope 2.
According to a possible embodiment, sealing 11 is a tape-like element covering the first edge 4, but it can also be made by a plurality of side-by-side tape-like segments.
For example, sealing 11 is made of rubber or closed-cell foamed rubber such as, for example: Mousse, Polyethylene, Ethylvinylacetate, EVA, Polyurethane.
Advantageously, the sealing 11 can be fixed (preferably, glued) to an upper face of the first edge 4 of the vessel 1, so that it can freely move with respect to the second edge 10, except for a slight friction. Alternatively, the sealing 11 can be fixed only to the second edge 10 or to both the edges 4 and 10.
According to a further embodiment, the sealing 11 is made of a self-forming shape-memory material, that is a material capable of substantially modifying its shape from a first shape to a second shape when undergoes suitable loads, particularly loads greater than certain predetermined load values depending on the material itself, and capable of resuming the first shape after the removal of said loads. It is to be noted that the term "substantially modify its shape" does not mean the normal modification of a shape due to, for example, elastic deformations to which are for example subjected the metals or also rubbers from which standard sealing are made, when they undergo loads of not excessive value (for example, also substantially lower than the breaking loads). In fact, such elastic deformations can cause minor warpages to the shape, but the latter remains substantially unchanged. For example, a distributed pressure on an edge of a rubber sealing having a rectangular section will cause a slight distortion of the section shape, which however will remain substantially rectangular. However, there are also materials which, also when they undergo not excessive loads, as said before, are capable of experiencing relevant changes of their shape, and resuming their initial shape once the loads are removed. Such materials, per se known, can be used for the sealing 11 as an alternative to the above-mentioned materials. Examples of said materials are the closed-cell foamed materials, such as foams of closed-cell PVC, which have the said self-modelling and cold shape-memory properties, that is to the standard environment temperatures of use of an apparatus according to the invention. Preferably, the material of the sealing is chosen with a compression strength in the range of 1.2 - 2 N/cm², preferably about 1.6 N/cm².
Said properties of the sealing 11 material can be advantageously used for assembling and disassembling the apparatus, particularly the tub.
In fact, the outer envelope 2 can comprise, at the second edge 10, a shaped seat 56, adapted to receive the sealing 11 (Figure 12). The shaped seat 56 is located and extends along the second edge 10 of the outer envelope 2 so that the sealing 11, which was previously placed on the first vessel 1 edge 4, locates itself inside the shaped seat 56 when the apparatus 100 is assembled.
Further advantageously, the outer envelope 2 which, in an assembled state, loads the sealing 11 discharging its weight on it, has a weight capable of stressing the sealing 11 in order to cause a substantial deformation (in the above-mentioned meaning). In other words, the outer envelope 2 weight exerts on the sealing 11 stresses greater than the predetermined stress values, so that it passes from the initial shape (undeformed) to the final shape (substantially deformed). When the sealing 11 is stressed by the outer envelope 2 weight, it expands to the inside of the shaped seat 56 and it adapts itself at least partially to its shape. This fitting of the sealing 11 ensures that the position between the outer envelope and the vessel 1 will be correctly maintained, besides obviously an effective seal.
If, for example, for apparatus maintenance purposes, the outer envelope 2 is disassembled, its weight stops discharging on the sealing 11. The sealing, due to the fact it is made with a shape-memory material, resumes its starting shape. Therefore, the assembling step can be repeated without the necessity of replacing the sealing. There is a further case of partial reduction of the force acting on the sealing 11 due to the load of the liquid in the vessel hollow portion and the consequent lowering of the latter because of the liquid weight and a partial yielding or settlement of the elastic damping elements 21.
Preferably, the shaped seat 56 has a substantially rectangular shape (or square, or the like). In this way, the sealing 11, expanding due to the inner envelope weight, adheres at least to its upper wall 600 and preferably also to its side wall 601, for example arranged on the inner or outer side of the apparatus. This adhesion along the side wall 601 for the complete extent of the sealing 11 (and of the shaped seat 56), or for at least a part of it, forms a constraint countering the relative side movements of the vessel 1 with respect to the outer envelope 2 due to the vessel 1 vibrations.
With reference to sealing 11 in its undeformed condition, advantageously it has a cross-section comprising a main portion 57 and an auxiliary portion 58. It is to be noted that the term "strong section" means the section of the sealing transversal to the direction of its axial extension. The main portion 57 has a strong section having a main extension with respect to that of the auxiliary portion 58, which can be eventually omitted.
For example, the sealing 11 can be in the form of a L (Figure 13a). In this kind of sealing, the main portion 57 has a rectangular or square shape, and the auxiliary portion 58 has a square or rectangular shape, with a lower surface. The main portion 57 is preferably fixed to the first edge 4 of the vessel 1, for example arranging an adhesive on the lower face 59 of the main portion 57. The provision of the auxiliary portion 58 having a shorter strong section helps deforming the sealing 11 inside the shaped seat 56 according to the described conditions. Alternatively, the auxiliary portion 58 can be placed on the inner or outer side of the main portion, that is facing the vessel or outside the apparatus. The sealing 11 with said shape, if the shaped seat 56 has a rectangular form, when it is loaded by the outer envelope 2, substantially changes its shape becoming substantially rectangular. Particularly, the auxiliary portion 58 substantially disappears, while the main portion 57 remains substantially rectangular, reducing its height (distance between the upper and lower edges), increasing its width. Possible swellings can appear at the sides of the main portion.
Alternatively, the sealing 11 can be in the form of a T (Figure 13b), which differs from the previously described L-shaped section in that the auxiliary portion 58 is not in a lateral position but in a centred position, with respect to the main portion 57. Also in this case, the main portion 57 is preferably fixed to the first edge 4 of the vessel 1, for example by arranging an adhesive on a lower face 59 of the main portion. Also such sealing changes its form in the same way as the L-shaped sealing.
According to a further embodiment (Figure 13c), the sealing 11 has a tubular section, wherein the main portion 57 of the section has an annular shape, and the auxiliary portion 58 is hollow (the strong section is absent).
According to a preferred embodiment (Figure 12), the first 4, second 10 edges and sealing 11 are shaped in order to hide the sealing itself under the second edge 10.
Referring now to the support structure 30 (Figures 2-6), it is substantially rigidly connected to the vessel 1. This causes the vibrations of the support structure 30 to be transmitted to the vessel 1 and vice versa.
The support structure 30 is connected to the vessel 1 in a lower area of the tub 100, that is in an area proximate to the base 40 during the normal operation conditions. Particularly, the support structure 30 is connected to the vessel 1 at connecting areas extending on the vessel 1 bottom or anyway proximate to it, that is on the lower part of the first minor or major side walls 6, or in the areas of the latter radiusing with the bottom 5.
The elastic damping elements 21 are connected to the supporting structure 30 at the portions of the latter which are in specific positions. Particularly, the elastic damping elements 21 are arranged at the side portions of the supporting structure 30, laterally projecting from the vessel 1 bottom 5, that is, with reference to a plan view of the vessel 1, the elastic damping elements 21 are located outside the bottom 5 perimeter. Moreover, such portions of the support structure 30 at which the elastic damping elements 21 are connected, are arranged under the bottom 5, that is, with reference to a lateral view of the tub 100 during its use conditions, they are arranged between the vessel 1 bottom 5 and the base 40 (Figure 4).
Advantageously, the support structure 30 comprises a supporting portion 33 rigidly connected to the vessel 1 at the above-mentioned connecting areas.
According to an embodiment, the supporting portion 33 of the supporting structure 30 comprises a first and second longitudinal beams 34', 34" extending in a longitudinal direction, preferably arranged along two longitudinal opposed sides of the vessel 1 bottom 1 (Figure 6). Moreover, the supporting portion 33 comprises a first and second cross beams 35', 35" arranged at the two opposed longitudinal ends of the vessel 1 bottom 5. The first and second longitudinal beams 34', 34" and the first and second cross beams 35', 35" form a cradle supporting the vessel 1 rigidly fixed, for example by gluing, to the former.
In order to ensure the correct positioning of the vessel 1 on the above-mentioned cradle, the supporting portion 33 advantageously comprises bearing surfaces which are substantially complementary to corresponding outer surface portions of vessel 1 in the connecting areas. This enables to obtain a shape connection between the vessel 1 and the supporting portion 33 in the connecting areas.
Particularly, according to a possible embodiment, the longitudinal beams 34' and 34" have an pattern corresponding to the pattern of the vessel 1 bottom 5 as described before. Particularly, they have a peak 36 (corresponding to the region of the compartment 74 receiving the motor 12) and valleys 37', 37", at its two sides (Figure 4). Preferably, the longitudinal beams 34' and 34" have an approximately sinusoidal pattern, wherein the peak 36 is the maximum of the sinusoid. In the cross-section, the longitudinal beams have a preferably concave upper bearing surface (on which the vessel is supported) (Figure 6).
The cross beams 35' and 35" have also preferably an upper bearing surface with a concave pattern, for ensuring the positioning of the vessel bottom 5.
The longitudinal 34' and 34" and cross beams 35' and 35" of the supporting portion 33, apart from being substantially rigidly connected to the vessel 1, are also substantially rigidly connected to each other. In this way, the supporting portions 33 substantially behave as a single rigid body. For example, the longitudinal beams 34' and 34", and cross beams 35' and 35" can be interconnected by suitable threaded connecting members (not shown in figures).
The first and second longitudinal and cross beams of the supporting portion 33 are preferably connected to each other in order to form a substantially rectangular structure. Particularly, they are reciprocally connected in order to define a through opening 38 (Figures 5 and 6). Such through opening 38 is located at the receiving compartment 74 and therefore enables to access the motor 12.
Advantageously, the supporting portion 33 moreover comprises a third cross beam 35'" connected to the first and second longitudinal beams 34' and 34" (Figure 6). Preferably, such third cross beam 35'" contacts the vessel 1 bottom 5. It is arranged both at the through opening 38 and in the motor receiving 12 compartment 74. In particular, the motor 12 is advantageously connected, substantially rigidly, to the third cross beam 35"', for example by threaded connecting members. To this end, the third cross beam 35'" is provided with threaded holes 39 for screwing said members, which in turn slide in holes 16 provided in the previously described motor 12 flange 15, (Figure 14).
According to the described arrangement, therefore the vibrations from the motor 12 propagate through the supporting portion 33 to the vessel 1 substantially rigidly connected to it, which in turn starts vibrating.
Advantageously, the support structure 30 moreover comprises a bearing portion 41 different from the supporting portion 33 and substantially rigidly connected to it (Figures 2-7). The bearing portion 41 comprises the side portions of the supporting structure at which the elastic damping elements 21 are located in the above-described positions.
According to an embodiment, the bearing portion 41 comprises a first and second cross beams 42', 42". They are substantially rigidly connected to the supporting portion 33, particularly to the first and second longitudinal beams 34', 34" of the supporting portion 33. To this end, the latter can be provided with threaded holes 43 for the connection by suitable threaded connecting members (not shown in figures) to the cross beams 42' and 42" of the bearing portion 41. The first and second cross beams 42', 42" of the bearing portion 41 are transversally arranged, preferably perpendicularly, to the first and second longitudinal beams 34', 34" of the supporting portion 33. Still more preferably, they are located in positions corresponding to the cross beams 35' and 35" of the supporting portion 33.
The first and second cross beams 42', 42" of the bearing portion 41 are laterally projecting from the supporting portion 33, particularly are laterally projecting from the first and second longitudinal beams 34', 34". Each of the two cross beams 42' and 42" of the bearing portion 41 has two opposed ends 44, laterally projecting from the vessel 1 bottom 5 and located under the same. At each of said ends 44, one of the elastic damping elements 21 is advantageously connected.
Preferably, the cross beams 42' and 42" of the bearing portion 41 have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Particularly, they have an overall elongated plate-like shape.
The supporting structure 30, particularly the beams of the supporting portion 33 and bearing portion 41, is preferably made of a composite material adapted to transmit the vibrations without substantially damping them. According to an embodiment, the supporting structure 30 is made of a multilayered sea-graded wood, preferably resin-bonded. Alternatively, it can be made of a metal pipe or a suitably resin-bonded high-density structural foamed material.
Referring now to the elastic damping elements 21 (Figures 7-9), each of them comprises an elastic damping member 60 adapted to perform the function both as an elastic support and vibration damper.
Each of the elastic damping elements 21 moreover comprises a substantially rigid adjusting member 61 substantially rigidly connected to the support structure 30, particularly to its bearing portion 41. More particularly, the adjusting member 61 of each of the elastic damping elements 21 is substantially rigidly connected to one of the ends 44 of the cross beams 42' and 42" of the bearing portion 41.
The elastic damping member 60 and the adjusting member 61 are connected to each other so that their relative position can be adjusted. In this way, the position between the elastic damping member 60 and the supporting structure 30 can be also adjusted. In other words, the elastic damping elements 21 act also as adjusting feet for the overall tub. In this way, it is possible to adapt the tub 100 to possible irregularities of the base 40, therefore insuring an accurate laying.
According to an embodiment, the elastic damping member 60 comprises a main elastic body 62 and a substantially rigid auxiliary body 63 mechanically connected to the main elastic body 62.
Preferably, the auxiliary body 63 is in the form of a cylinder and the main elastic body 62 has a substantially axially symmetric shape. Particularly, the main elastic body 62 is preferably shaped as a solid of revolution having a substantially reversed U-shaped cross-section (Figure 9).
Advantageously, the auxiliary body 63 and the elastic main body 62 are arranged in series and are connected to each other by a self-tapping screw. To this end, the main elastic body 62 advantageously comprises a through hole 64 having an inner rigid tubular wall 65 for receiving a screw 66 and screwing it in a threaded hole 67 provided in the auxiliary body 63.
The auxiliary body 63 comprises an outer threaded surface 68 and the adjusting member 61 comprises a tubular connecting body 69 having an inner threaded surface 75. In this way, the auxiliary body 63 can be screwed in the tubular connecting body 69, so that it will be possible to change the relative position between the elastic damping member 60 and the adjusting member 61.
For maintaining the desired relative position between the elastic damping member 60 and the adjusting member 61, the elastic damping elements 21 advantageously comprise means for blocking the elastic damping member 60 and the adjusting member 61 in selected relative positions.
According to an embodiment, such locking means comprise a ring-nut 76 screwable on the outer threaded surface 68 of the auxiliary body 63 of the elastic damping member 60 and capable of abutting against the tubular connecting body 69. In this way, the ring-nut 76 acts as a locking nut and relatively constrains the auxiliary body 63 and the tubular connecting body 69, whichever is their relative selected position, by a simple screwing.
For interconnecting the elastic damping elements 21 and the base 40, the elastic main body 62 of each elastic damping element 21 preferably comprises a flange 77 adapted to abut against the base 40 itself. Such flange 77 comprises one or more holes 78 for receiving connecting elements to be connected to the base 40, for example screws and screws anchors 79. There are provided stiffening plates 80 adapted to stiffen the flange 77 and enable the abutment of said screws. In fact, the flange 77 is preferably made in a single piece with the elastic main body 62, and it is made, as the latter, in a damping-elastic material (for example rubber).
For connecting the elastic damping elements 21 and the supporting structure 33, particularly the cross beams 42' and 42" of the bearing portion 41, the tubular connecting body 69 can comprise a flange 81 having a plurality of holes 82 for receiving suitable connecting members, for example bolts 83.
During the operation, the user immerses himself/herself in the bathtub 100 by turning on the motor 12. The motor 12 rotates the shaft 13 and the eccentric element 14, which, by rotating, causes the vibrations of the motor 12 which are transmitted to the bathtub 100. These vibrations of the bathtub 100 and of the liquid received in it are pleasant and healthy for the user. During the vibrations, the envelope 2 is substantially stationery or is subjected to vibrations substantially smaller than those of the vessel 1. Moreover, the portion between the vessel 1 and the envelope 2, in which the motor 12 and the supporting device 30 are located, is not affected by splashes of the liquid contained in the vibrating vessel 1.
The turning-on of the motor 21 and therefore the starting of vibrations of the vessel 1, as well as their control, can be managed by the user through a control panel 84, located for example on the second edge 10 of the outer envelope 2 (Figures 1 and 15). It is possible to select pre-set vibration programs by the control panel 84. Moreover, it is possible for example to adjust the amplitude of the vibrations, the frequency and the duration. The control panel 84 can, for example, comprise a capacitative keyboard, preferably of the "soft touch" type, or the like.
Advantageously, the outer envelope 2 comprises an openable compartment 85 accessible by a lid 86. According to a possible embodiment (Figure 17), the lid 86 is hinged to a frame 90 in turn connected to a wall of the outer envelope 2. In the openable compartment 85 is received the motor control electronics. It comprises, for example, one or more electronic boards 91 received in a board container 92, closed in the back by a removable cover 93 through which can pass electric cables. A front panel 94 removably closes the board container 92. Such front panel can be also provided with connectors 95 (for example, USB or audio jack) for the connection to outer devices, for example audio players such as CD or MP3 readers (not shown in figures). For listening to the contents of the latter, the bathtub 100 can be provided with one or more speakers 88 connectable to the outer envelope 2, capable of generating sounds also by using the vibrations of the latter, which operates as a sound-box (Figures 15 and 16). The speakers 88 can be, for example located in the gap between the outer envelope 2 and the vessel 1, can be applied by glue to the inner wall of the outer envelope 2. To this end, the speakers can be provided with an adhesive band, for example, a gluing ring 89. The speakers 88 can be of the electro-dynamic excitation type.
For ensuring a comfortable positioning of the user in the tub, this can be provided with a fixed or removable pillow 87 acting as a head-rest (Figures 1 and 15). Preferably, the pillow 87 can be height adjusted, so that it can be adapted to different heights of users. According to a possible embodiment, the pillow 87 is made of a gel adapted to dampen the cervical portion of an user.
From the above provided disclosure, those skilled in the art can appreciate as the shape described in the supporting structure combined with the shape of the vessel bottom enables to limit the vibrations amplitude of the vessel. In fact, the presence of the motor receiving compartment and the positioning of the latter inside it enables to maintain the vessel in a lowered position, that is near the base. This fact enables to lower the connection areas between the supporting structure and the vessel. Consequently, the side vibrations of the vessel are limited. The positioning of the elastic damping elements at the portions laterally projecting from the vessel bottom moreover ensures the existence of a lever arm sufficiently high between the supports on the base opposing the vessel vibrations around the apparatus longitudinal axis. Consequently, the vertical vibrations are also limited.
The limitation of the vibration amplitudes enables to maintain a short distance between the vessel and the outer envelope. This fact ensures that between these two elements it is not necessary to provide an excessively wide gap for enabling, without interference, the vessel vibration. Consequently, the overall sizes of the apparatus are reduced and the risk that the liquid coming from the vessel enters the gap between the latter and the outer envelope is substantially reduced.
Advantageously, said shape can be combined with an ergonomic outline of the vessel bottom. In fact, as in the case of a tub, an ergonomic outline for example adapted to support a seated person with his/her legs slightly flexed, is also suitable to define the motor receiving compartment. Consequently, a synergy between the ergonomics of the tub and the vibrations amplitude limitation is obtained.
Those skilled in the art, in order to meet specific and contingents needs, can make several changes to the above-described embodiments of the apparatus without falling out of the scope of the annexed claims.

Claims

Apparatus (100) for treating an user by vibrations, comprising:
a vessel (1) comprising one or more side walls (6) and a bottom (5) defining a hollow region (3) for receiving a liquid for at least partially immersing the user;

moving means (12) adapted to generate vibrations of the vessel;

an outer envelope (2) of the vessel (1);

wherein said bottom (5) has, in the longitudinal section, an outline having a variable height, comprising one or more valleys 70', 70") and a peak (71), said bottom (5) defining underneath, at said peak (71), a receiving compartment (74) receiving at least partially said moving means (12),
characterized in that it further comprises:
a supporting structure (30) of the vessel (1) substantially rigidly connected to it at one or more connecting areas located on the bottom of the vessel and/or proximate to it;

a plurality of elastic damping elements (21) substantially rigidly connected to said supporting structure (30) at its side portions located under the bottom (5) and laterally projecting from it, said elastic damping elements (21) being adapted to elastically support the supporting structure (30) and damp the vibrations,

wherein said elastic damping elements (21) laterally project from the vessel (1) bottom (5), so to be located outside the vessel (1) bottom (5) perimeter,

wherein said vessel (1) bottom (5) outline comprises a first (70') and second (70") valleys of said one or more valleys, said peak (71) being arranged between said first (70') and second valleys (70"), so to define a first concavity (73') suitable to support the bottom of the user and a second concavity (73") suitable for supporting the user feet.
Apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein said moving means (12) are substantially rigidly connected to the supporting structure (30).
Apparatus (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said vessel (1) bottom (5) outline is an ergonomic outline.
Apparatus (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting structure (30) comprises a supporting portion (33) rigidly connected to the vessel (1) in said connecting areas, said supporting portion (33) comprising bearing surfaces substantially complementary to outer surface portions of the vessel (1) in said connecting areas, so that a shape connection between the supporting portion (33) and the vessel (1) is obtained.
Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said supporting portion (33) comprises a first (34') and second (34") longitudinal beams respectively arranged along two opposed longitudinal sides of the vessel (1) bottom (5) and a first (35')and second (35") cross beams arranged at two opposed longitudinal ends of the vessel (1) bottom (5).
Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first and second longitudinal beams (34', 34") and said first and second cross beams (35', 35") of the supporting portion (33) define a through opening (38) at said compartment (74) receiving said moving means (12).
Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said supporting portion (33) comprises a third cross beam (35"') connected to the first and second longitudinal beams (34', 34") and arranged between the first and second cross beams (35', 35") at said through opening (38), said moving means (12) being substantially rigidly connected to the third cross beam (35"').
Apparatus (100) according to anyone of claims 4-7, wherein said supporting structure (30) comprises a bearing portion (41) separate and substantially rigidly connected to the supporting portion (33), said bearing portion (41) comprising said side portions arranged under the bottom (5) and laterally projecting from it, at said side portions is made said substantially stiff connection to the damping and supporting elements (21).
Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said bearing portion (41) comprises two cross beams (42', 42") substantially rigidly connected to said first and second longitudinal beams (34', 34") of the supporting portion (33) and laterally projecting from them, each of said cross beams (42', 42") of the bearing portion (41) being connected at each of said its ends (44) opposed to one of said damping and supporting elements (21).
Apparatus (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein said supporting structure (30) is made of a material selected in the group consisting of: composite material, sea-graded multilayered wood, metal pipe or high-density foamed material.
Apparatus (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein each of said damping and supporting elements (21) comprises:
an elastic damping member (60) adapted to act as an elastic support and to damp said vibrations;

a substantially stiff adjusting member (61) arranged in a fixed position with respect to the vessel (1) and connected to the elastic damping member (60) so that their relative position can be adjusted;

means (76) for relatively locking said elastic damping member (60) and the adjusting member (61) in a selected relative position.
Apparatus (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said elastic damping member (60) comprises an elastic main body (62) and a substantially stiff auxiliary body (63) mechanically connected to the main elastic body (62), said auxiliary body (63) being screwable with respect to said adjusting member (61).
Apparatus (100) according to claims 11 or 12, wherein said means for locking the relative position between the elastic damping member (60) and the adjusting member (61) comprise a ring-nut (76) screwable on the auxiliary body (63) of the elastic damping member (60) and adapted to abut against said adjusting member (61) in order to locking the selected relative position between the auxiliary body (63) of the elastic damping member (60) and the adjusting member (61).
Apparatus (100) according to anyone of the preceding claims, belonging to a group consisting of: a bathtub, a tub for partially receiving an user.