GB2353714A

GB2353714A - Steam bath apparatus and methods of treatment

Info

Publication number: GB2353714A
Application number: GB0009967A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jaline Maggie Wong
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-04-24
Filing date: 2000-04-25
Publication date: 2001-03-07
Also published as: GB0009967D0; WO2001006979A1; AU4579300A

Abstract

A portable steam bath apparatus comprising an apparatus body, a reservoir for containing a quantity of hot water and an applicator for said reservoir incorporating a side opening characterised in that the opening in the applicator is sized and shaped to enable steam to be discharged over the entire abdomen or stomach of the user, the top and bottom regions of the opening conforming to the curvature of the abdomen. The reservoir of the apparatus may have a heating means that can be regulated and on-off switches are provided for. The reservoir may further be removable from the apparatus. A gown adapted fro use with the apparatus is also provided for. Methods of improving bodily appearance, well being and relieving the discomfort of dysmenorrha are also claimed.

Description

2353714 HEAT TREATMENT APPARATUS AND METHODS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to heat treatment methods and apparatus. it is particularly applicable, but in no way limited, to methods and apparatus for steam or vapour heat treatment of the abdomen and back.

Background

Prior methods of heat treatment of the body have either been treatment of the whole body, eg from steam bath installations or saunas, which are relatively expensive and space-consuming, or local applications of heat to very small areas of the body.

The term "steam" is commonly used to refer to the hot vapours that come off hot water, and is so used herein. The term "wet heaC is used to include a medium which is water-wet and used to apply heat to the body.

Steam has long been used for treating the body owing to the therapeutic effects of moisture-laden vapour for treating skin and hair. For example, the use of steam in hair treatment allows the hair fibres to be moistened and facilitates setting, shaping, and drying of the hair.

The use of steam in skin treatment is generally known, such as applied at steam baths for causing perspiration and opening of the pores. The use of steam as a body treatment aids in relaxing muscles, and helps to cleanse the skin through heating of the natural body oils to a more liquefied state in which removal of the oils is facilitated as by wiping or washing away the oils.

A hand held portable steamer is known from W094104116 (Mehi) but this device is suitable for use on only small, discrete areas of the human body. Its size and shape make it unsuitable for use on the whole abdomen, for example.

1 Electrically heated vaporisers are also known from GB2253786 (Nemectron GrnbH). Here again the hot water vapour is dispensed through a small nozzle allowing for localised treatment only.

Various facial steamers are known from US4300556 (Matsushita), US5420961 (Walker), US4314138 (Itoh), US4621641 (Frank & Greenberg), US4816644 (Epilady USA Inc), US4292971 (Smit & Smit), US4190052 (McCarthy) and US3949743 (Shanbrom). Whilst these provide a means of applying steam heat to small areas, such as the face, their size, shape and general configuration means that they are unsuitable for applying steam heat over larger portions of the human body such as the abdomen or back.

Where it is desired to treat larger areas of the body, different techniques have been used. For example, W096/26693 (Shannon Cool Ltd) describes a thermal therapy device consisting of a large pad containing a recirculating fluid loop. Hot or cold fluid is circulated through channels in the therapy pad. Heating or cooling is provided by an external heat exchanger. Whilst this arrangement allows larger areas of the body to be treated it provides a dry heat rather than a wet heat. Thus none of the advantages of steam heat are possible with this method.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least mitigate some or all of the disadvantages outlined above.

Summa[y of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a portable steam bath apparatus comprising:(i) an apparatus body; (ii) a reservoir for containing a quantity of water; (iii) an applicator for said reservoir, said applicator incorporating a side opening, the opening comprising top, bottom and two side regions; 2 characterised in that the opening in the applicator is so sized and shaped that it enables steam to be discharged over substantially the entire abdominal region or stomach of the user, the top and bottom regions of the opening being radiused to conform to the curvature of the abdominal region of the user.

This provides for the first time an apparatus which can be used to steam heat a relatively large area such as the whole, or substantially the whole, of the users abdomen, stomach, midriff or back.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a heating means located in the reservoir. Whilst it is possible to rely on the evaporation of very hot water, it is far more effective if the water is heated.

In a preferred arrangement the applicator is pivotally mounted with respect to the reservoir, the applicator being pivotable between an open or 1n use" configuration in which the applicator and reservoir are in fluid connection, and a closed or "stowed away" configuration.

Because the user sits at the apparatus, the applicator must project away from the apparatus body. By arranging for the applicator to fold back this provides for a need and compact unit which can be stored away easily.

Preferably the heater is provided with a regulator device to control the rate of heating of the water in the reservoir and thus the rate at which steam is generated.

Steam can thus be generated at a controlled rate which avoids any possibility of scalding the user.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the heater is further provided with an onoff switch such that the user can switch the apparatus on and off at will without moving away from the applicator opening. The user can therefore control the delivery of steam to the applicator quite precisely.

3 Preferably the on-off switch is remote from the reservoir and the applicator, such as in a hand-held switch unit. A remote switch is particularly helpful when the user is treating his/her back and is therefore facing away from the unit.

Preferably the on-off switch is designed to be foot operated.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises a safety cut out device such that when the temperature of the water vapour in the applicator reaches a certain temperature power to the heater is cut off.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises one or more steam diffuser adapted to reduce the noise of the water boiling in the reservoir. Water being boiled by a heating element can be relatively noisy. Causing the steam to pass through one or more perforated plates tends to reduce this noise somewhat.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the radius of curvature of the top and bottom regions of the opening in the applicator is in the order of 150 mm to 500 mm, the width of the opening is in the region of 150 mm to 400 mm wide, and the depth of the opening is in the range 150 mm to 300 mm deep. The concave, radiused shape of both the top and bottom regions of the opening are important, as are the general dimensions of the opening, and these are arranged to correspond to the shape of a human midriff.

Preferably the radius of curvature of the opening is in the order of 300 mm, the width of the opening is in the order of 300 mm wide and the depth of the opening is in the order of 220 mm deep.

In a further preferred embodiment the reservoir is demountably mounted with respect to the body of the apparatus. This arrangement rriakes it easier to fill the reservoir and to clean it out from time to time as required.

Preferably the apparatus is mounted on wheels or castors.

4 In a further aspect of the invention the apparatus further comprises a gown to be worn by the user, said gown being adapted to accommodate the applicator region of the apparatus when in use and when applied to the abdominal region of the user.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of improving the bodily appearance of a human being, which method comprises applying steam to the abdominal region of said human being using an apparatus as described herein and repeating the steam application until a cosmetically beneficial loss of body weight has occurred.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of relieving the discomfort of dysmenorrhea, which method comprises applying steam to the abdominal region of the sufferer using an apparatus as described herein and repeating the steam application until the discomfort is relieved, According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of improving the well being of a human being comprising applying steam to the abdominal region of the subject using an apparatus as described herein and repeating said steam application as necessary until the desired improvement is achieved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective front view of apparatus according to a first aspect embodying the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view corresponding to Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of a person receiving treatment by methods embodying the invention using the Figure 1 apparatus; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective side view of another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; Figure 5 is an exploded view corresponding to Figure 4; Figure 6 is a more detailed view corresponding to Figure 4; Figure 7 is a partial vertical section on the line VII-VII of Figure 4 showing a safety device comprising a bi-metallic catch; Figure 8 is a view corresponding to Figure 3 of the embodiment of Figures 4 to 7; and Figure 9 is a view corresponding to the upper part of Figure 5 of a further embodiment; Figure 10 illustrates a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 illustrates a diagrammatic side elevation from direction 'D' of the embodiment shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 shows a steam diffuser; Figure 13 illustrates one means of increasing the surface area of the steam applicator; Figure 14 illustrates a water heater; Figure 15 illustrates a gown for use with the present invention; Figures 16 and 17 illustrate electrical circuitry and components for use with the present invention; Figures 18 to 21 illustrate various alternative embodiments according to the first aspect of the present invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are now described by way of example only. These examples represent the best ways currently known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But these are not the only ways in which this can be achieved.

A first embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9 inclusive. These figures do not include a heating means designed to generate steam from water. Rather they illustrate an 6 apparatus which relies on evaporation of hot water vapour from a reservoir of near boiling water. However, it is preferred to incorporate a heating means since this increases the effectiveness of the treatment. However, these figurers serve to illustrate important physical features and certain principles of the apparatus as a whole.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly Figures 1 to 3, portable steam bath apparatus 10 comprises a container 18 having a detachable lid 16, wherein the lid 16 has a side opening 12 to allow steam (as an atmosphere filling the space inside container 18 and lid 16) to be applied in the region of the opening 12 to the body 11 of the user 13. The side opening 12 is shaped such that, in use, it can accommodate the stomach area 15 of the user 13. The lid 16 further comprises ventilation means 17 which are openable and closable. It also has a rim 19 which fits inside the top 21 of container 18. In this example, container 18 is partly filled with hot water 27 and placed on stool 20, lid 16 is placed on container 18, the user 13 sits on chair 25 with the opening 12 facing the use r 13, who leans her stomach area 15 towards lid 16, preferably to touch the edges of opening 12, which may be provided with cushioning rubber edge portions 160. This requires that a stool 20 be selected of suitable height or adjustable height. Container 18 and lid 16 may be moulded from suitable semi-rigid plastics material.

In this description, where the female gender is used as in "her" or "she" it should be taken that, where appropriate, this also covers the corresponding male gender terms "him" and "he".

The lid with its opening 12 in this example acts as an applicator to direct the steam vapours onto the user. The container 18 acts as both a body to the apparatus and a reservoir for containing hot water.

The container 18 is about 40 cm in diameter and about 35 cm high. The lid 16 is about 25 cm high and 40 cm in diameter with the opening 12 being about 40 cm across. This size is suitable for a woman. For a man, the height of lid 16 and width of 7 opening 12 should be larger; this can be achieved neatly by providing the Figure 1 embodiment with flaps 161 (see Figure 6) which can hinge outwardly of lid 16 at hinges 162, from which hinges the flaps extend to a depth of about 10 em.

In the embodiment of Figures 4 to 8, the apparatus comprises a seat 201 with an extended portion 202 adapted to hold the container 18 by being provided with a hole 22 into which the container 18 fits, held up therein by its shoulder 23. Effectively, the steam bath apparatus 10 of Figure 1 is in combination with a seat 201. Otherwise, this embodiment is similar to that described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Seat 201 can be provided with a mat or cushion 204 for seating. In an alternative form of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the rim 19 of the lid 16 shown in Figure 5 can be extended down for a considerable distance, ending with a shoulder 191 that fits to top 21 of container 18, so that no distance is required between top 21 and shoulder 23, and these can in fact be replaced by a simple outwardly turned rim 231 at the top of container 18. Seat 201 can be provided with hollows 203 to help to accommodate the thighs 131 of user 13 so that they can fit comfortably under the overhanging upper part of lid 16.

The container 18 of the embodiment shown in Figures 6 and 8 comprises a heater 26 for water 27 contained therein. The heater 26 is provided with a safety device 30. One form of such safety device 30 comprises a thermostat. Another form of such safety device 30 comprises a low maximum power of the heater 26, eg 20 watts, such that, taken in conjunction with characteristics of the steam bath apparatus 10, eg the insulating properties of the container 18 and lid 16, and possibly the height of the heater 26 above the bottom 181 of container 18 (see Figure 8) so that there will always remain a safety quantity 271 of water 27 below heater 26 so that this water can never reach a dangerously high temperature, and even if the heater 26 should cause so much of water 27 to evaporate that it no longer touches heater 26 the water cannot be heated in the container 18 above a predetermined safe temperature, which may be 8 40'C or 60'C or 80'C or some temperature set by safety regulations. Again, the lid 16 may comprise a safety device 28 (see Figures 4 and 7) comprising a closure element in the form of a flap 29 mounted by a hinge 291 to lid 16 and adapted to open in response to the steam temperature reaching a predetermined safe maximum. This safety device 28 comprises a heat-operated catch 30, which can be simply a bi-metallic strip 31 mounted to the flap 29 and serving as a catch 30 to engage the adjacent edge 32 of the lid 16, and the flap 29 is urged by a spring 33 via plunger 331 to open and is adapted to be normally retained closed by the catch 30. Upon release, flap 29 falls open, allowing a sudden inrush of emergency cooling air. To close flap 29, it is simply lifted up with the finger, and its top pressed against edge 32 of lid 16 (against the action of spring 33 via plunger 331) until the upper curved end of strip 31 engages edge 32 as shown in Figure 7. The apparatus 10 should comprise at least two different temperature safety devices, and preferably all three of those just mentioned.

Lid 16 may be provided with an internal spray 40 having an external reservoir 41 to contain eg 1/2 litre of water, the spray 40 being directed at the opening. The lid may also contain a fan 43 to encourage steam to flow towards the opening and/or slots 44 to receive lugs 46 of a book or magazine rest 47. The lid 16, in the region of the bottom of said opening 12 may be arranged to slope downwards and inwards at the portions indicated by arrows 48 to encourage steam which has condensed on the user to flow back into the container. Seat 201 may be formed with fixed legs 206 as shown in Figure 5 or may be formed with legs 206 hinged at hinges 207 to fold flat to facilitate carrying of seat 201. Seat 201 may be made of plastics material, or of wood as a more user-friendly material.

In a method of applying steam to a user 13, there is used such a steam bath apparatus 10.

In a method of treatment, wet heat is applied sideways to the midriff region 15 of a user 13.

9 In any such method, a container 18 of hot water 27 is located just below the position (at region 15) at which the steam or wet heat is to be applied to the user 13, there is placed on the container 18 a lid 16 with a side opening 12, and the user 13 presents a middle section 15 of herself/himself to the opening 12 for the steam or wet heat to be applied to her thereat, eg leaning her stomach 151 or back 152 region towards the opening 12. Preferably, a towel 34 or other drape is placed around at least the opening 12 and the adjacent part 15 of the user 13. Thus, the steam or wet heat is applied to the stomach region 15 of the user 13 at the stomach 151 andlor at the back 152 of the midriff region 15 of the user 13. Preferably, aromatic oil vapours are arranged to combine with the steam or wet heat, eg for this purpose some drops 36 of oil of lavender or other essential oil(s) being dropped onto the surface 35 of the hot water 27 immediately after it has been placed into the container 18, though the oil will quickly spread over the surface 35 to conserve heat.

A more elegant alternative to a towel draped around the opening is shown in Figure 15. This illustrates a gown 301 worn by the user 13 whilst in a seated position holding the lid of the container close to her abdomen 15. The gown is designed along the lines of a maternity bed jacket with additional material around the front region. Armholes 302 rather than sleeves are provided so that the user's arms may be inside or outside the gown as desired. The gown may be made from any suitable fabric such as cotton, towelling or the like. The gown serves to keep the majority of steam produced by the steam bath apparatus within the gown and also protect the user from draughts. The gown in this way generally enhances the effects of steam treatment.

A further embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. These show a portable steam bath apparatus 310 comprising an apparatus body 309, a fluid reservoir 318 and an applicator 316. The fluid reservoir in this example takes the form of a detachable unit which nests with the apparatus body in much the same way that a cordless kettle nests with its base.

The fluid reservoir 318 contains a heating means in the form of a heating element 326 which again is similar to that found in an electric kettle. The electrical components to operate the heating element are housed in the main body 309 of the apparatus. They are thus kept away from any water or steam for electrical safety, 5 These components are set out in some detail in Figures 16 and 17.

The fluid reservoir leads into a conduit or pipe 308 which serves to carry the steam or water vapour generated by the heating element from the water reservoir to the applicator 316. This conduit may be an integral part of the reservoir or, as in this example, may be a separate component mounted on the apparatus body. The result of either arrangement is that the reservoir 318 is in fluid communication or connection with the applicator. In this context the term "fluid" has its broadest meaning to encompass gas, liquid and vapour.

The applicator is a form of sophisticated funnel which directs steam from the end of the conduit 308 to the user's body. It consists of two main openings. A first opening 319 connects with the conduit 318. A second, larger opening 312 is sized, shaped and configured to fit snugly against the midriff of the user. To achieve this the top and bottom of the opening are radiused with a radius IR,. R, is typically in the order of 150 mm to 500 mm in dimension with a preferred radius being in the order of 300 mm. Other sizes can be used depending on the size of the user and smaller sizes would be produced for children. The sides of the second opening 312 are generally straight although they could be concave or convex as required.

The width of the opening is generally in the order of 150 mm to 400 mm with a preferred width of 300 mm. The depth of the opening is generally in the order of 150 mm to 300 mm deep with a preferred depth of 220 mm deep. Again these dimensions may vary with the size of the user.

In this example the applicator 316 is pivotally mounted with respect to the apparatus body 309. A pivot 325 is provided and the applicator can rotate between an 11 open or "in use" configuration, as shown in Figures 10 and 11, and a closed or "stowed away" configuration as shown in the top right portion of Figure 10. Arrow "X" shows the general direction of movement between the two configurations.

In this context the term pivot has a broad meaning. It includes not only a straightforward hinged arrangement but also arrangements where there is lateral or radial as well as rotational movement between the respective components.

Where the reservoir 318, conduit 308 and applicator 316 meet, neoprene rubber seals or the like are provided (not shown).

The unit is on wheels or castors 307 for ease of portability.

In use the user simply sits on a low chair or stool and draws the unit between her knees such that the applicator opening 312 is over her midriff or stomach then operates the unit as described below. The user simply turns round through 1801 to treat her back.

Various components are shown in more detail in Figures 12, 13 and 14. Figure 12 illustrates a perforated plate 401 which can be placed in the exit region of the reservoir or in the conduit 308. This serves as a steam diffuser to prevent boiling water from spitting up and also reduces the noise of the water boiling somewhat.

Figure 13 illustrates a further method of increasing the surface area of the opening 312 in the applicator. This is desirable when an area such as the back is to be treated. In this modification the upper surface of the applicator 402 incorporates a moveable section 403 which can be withdrawn from a position mostly within the applicator to a position where it extends above the normal opening. The result is that steam entering the applicator can circulate over a larger area of the user's body.

This is just one example of an expandable applicator; it is intended that the present invention should encompass the general concept of an applicator where the surface area of the opening can be adjusted to meet the user's requirements.

12 Figure 14 illustrates one example of a water reservoir 418 with heating element 426. The reservoir consists of a reservoir body with a base 406 and substantially cylindrical sides 407. An aperture 408 is adapted to connect with a conduit leading to an applicator as generally described above. A transparent or translucent region 409 5 provides a visual indication of the water level.

The method of switching on and off the unit is important. Generally the user will control the degree of heating to suit her personal preference. This could be achieved with an adjustable thermostat located at some suitable point such as in the applicator. However, experiments have shown that it is preferable to use a simple on/off switch to control the heating element. The user simply turns the heater off when the temperature at the applicator opening reaches a sufficient level, and turns it on when the applicator starts to cool down. This switch can be situated on the unit itself, within easy reach of the user. Alternatively, a hand held remote switch unit can be provided. In a further and preferred alternative the switch can be in the form of a foot-operated switch. The cable leading to this switch can be long enough such that when the user is facing away from the unit and treating her back, the switch can still easily reach her feet.

Further embodiments of the present invention are shown in Figures 18 to 21 inclusive. Figure 18 illustrates an applicator 503 attached to an apparatus body 502. A water res.ervoir 522 is sliclably mounted with respect to the body of the applicator and the apparatus body such that the reservoir nests within the apparatus when pushed fully into place. The reservoir can be withdrawn from the apparatus for the purposes of filling it with water and for cleaning. To aid this operation the rear portion of the applicator is hinged about pivot point 508. The reservoir has a lid 526 which contains an aperture 509A which is fitted with a cover. The reservoir also contains a heating element (not shown), electrical power connection 519 and controls 520. A handle 521 13 is provided for ease of manoeuvring the reservoir into and out of the body of the abdominal steam bath apparatus.

In operation, the reservoir 522 is partly filled with water up to a predetermined mark. When required for use, the lid of the reservoir is generally removed and the reservoir inserted into the body of the steam bath apparatus. A power connection is inserted into the socket 519 and the unit switched on. Before or after these operations the unit is placed into a seat 552 such as that illustrated in Figure 20. The seat contains an aperture 555 adapted to accommodate the body of the unit 502 such that the opening in the applicator 503 faces towards the seat user. As the water in the reservoir heats up, hot water vapour rises into the applicator and out of the opening 504. The user sits with the applicator against her body and switches the heating element on and off as required to maintain the desired temperature of vapour at the opening 504. The temperature can be regulated somewhat by opening or closing a vent or ventilation means 507 in the top of the applicator. The perimeter of the aperture opening 560 has a cushioned edge as described above for comfort and to create a comfortable snug fit around the abdomen or back area.

A further embodiment is illustrated in Figure 19 in which the reservoir is a separate item and does not nest or form part of the apparatus body. Instead, the separate reservoir is connected to the applicator by a tube 630. In this case the heated reservoir is placed beside the unit, preferably on the floor. In this example, the applicator may be strapped to the body of the user using straps 634 which can be attached to each other by way of hook and loop fastening or the like. Alternatively, the straps can have a buckle and fasten like a belt. The general method of operation is similar to that described above.

In any of these examples the applicator may be fitted with a fan in order to promote circulation of warm water vapour. The fan may be fitted internally into the applicator or may form part of the reservoir. Any suitable location may be chosen for 14 the fan, providing the fan causes movement of warmed water vapour towards the opening of the applicator.

Figure 20 illustrates how a unit similar to that shown in Figure 18 can be used in a specially designed seat 552. The unit is held in position by latches 748 and the shape of the base of the apparatus prevents the apparatus turning inadvertently in the seat during use.

A further embodiment in which the reservoir container and applicator cap are separated by a hose is shown in Figure 21. In this example the applicator cap is again shaped to conform to the curved shape of the user's midriff. In this case it is held on around the user's waist with a belt 814 as described above. A hose 828 connecting a reservoir 82 to the applicator 803 passes through an opening 813 in the belt. Other operations and components are as described above.

Advantageously, the apparatus of the present invention can be used in conjunction with aromatherapy oils. Such essential oils and their uses aredescribed in various standard texts such as "The Fragrant Mind" by Valerie Ann Worwood or "Aromatherapy An A-Z" by Patricia Davis.

The desired oil or oils are added to the reservoir and tend to spread evenly across the surface of the water. This can reduce the rate of evaporation slightly which.means that the water reservoir needs replenishing less often. By way of example only, tension or stress may be relieved by Bergamot, Clarysage, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Rose, Rosewood and Vetivert. In addition, Geranium oil, Rosemary, Black Pepper, Peppermint and Thyme may be used alone or in conjunction with the oils mentioned above.

For the relief of pre-menstrual tension Geranium, Rosemary, Bergamot, Camomile, Petitgrain and Rose oils.are effective. These oils will, in any event, be selected by the aronnatherapist expert or by trial and error.

It has unexpectedly been discovered that a steam bath apparatus according to the present invention has a number of uses. Firstly, it can be used to encourage weight loss from the midriff region. Many people strive to improve their appearance by losing weight. Only in extreme cases is this weight loss necessary on medical grounds. It has been discovered that by applying steam to the abdomen or midriff area using this apparatus then weight loss can be achieved. Since this is not a medical therapy, and no drugs or medication are involved, the user can apply the treatment as often as he/she feels appropriate. Once a day can be sufficient but two or three times a day may provide faster results.

It has also been discovered that this apparatus can be used to relieve the discomfort of dysmenorrhea. This again is not strictly a disease state requiring medical treatment. This discomfort is a perfectly natural and normal experience as part of the female monthly cycle. Application of steam beat using this apparatus on an as-andwhen basis has been found to provide significant relief.

In fact it has unexpectedly been discovered that steam heat applied to the abdomen creates a general feeling of well-being in the user. It can be used to relieve stress after a day's work or at times of increased stress.

The present invention therefore extends to general methods of applying steam heat to the abdomen, stomach, midriff or back of a human being in order to achieve the positive benefits described above. The methods described above are applied without the need for a medical practitioner and do not require the intervention of a trained medical technician.

The amount of time for each treatment will depend on the user and his/her condition. Typical treatment times vary between five minutes and one hour, although 25. longer treatment periods can be used if desired. Typically, to relieve tension in muscles of the back, steam heat is supplied for between five and twenty minutes in a 16 session and preferably for between ten to fifteen minutes. For a person with a larger back, longer treatment periods may be necessary.

In the case of cosmetic weight loss, it is recommended that the apparatus is used twice a day for four weeks in order to produce a measurably weight loss.

In all these treatments, it is necessary to control the rate of generation of steam within the apparatus. This can be done by the user turning the heater on and off as required to keep sufficient warm moist air in the applicator at all times. Alternatively, a rheostat control can be provided within the electrical circuitry which allows the water in the reservoir to simmer at a certain rate, as determined by the user. In any event, an onloff switch is always provided, such that the user can discontinue the steam generation at will. An alarm is provided which produces an audible and preferably visual signal when the water in the. reservoir is boiling. This is an important safety feature which alerts the user to the fact that the temperature in the applicator is likely to rise. In addition, the control panel would usually incorporate a digital display which can shown the temperature of the water vapour in the applicator, obtained by placing a thermometer in that region. A timer is also provided which provides the user with an indication of the time taken in that particular treatment or the time to completion of that particular treatment.

The apparatus described above will be constructed from materials as selected by the materials specialist. Typically, the apparatus will be constructed from plastics materials and in particular those plastics materials which are capable of withstanding high temperatures. Such materials are now well known and are used, for example, to construct the modern type of plastic jug kettle. The external area of the apparatus is intended to be aesthetically pleasing and may be embellished by other materials such as metal or wood for aesthetic effect. Those parts of the apparatus which are expected to reach high temperatures, ie the reservoir andlor conduit may be insulated using 17 conventional insulation materials to avoid the user inadvertently touching areas of the apparatus which might otherwise scald the skin.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, that features of the different embodiments disclosed herein may be omitted, selected, combined or exchanged and the invention is considered to extend to any new and inventive combination thus formed.

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Claims

1 A portable steam bath apparatus comprising:

(i) an apparatus body; (ii) a reservoir for containing a quantity of hot water; (iii) an applicator for said reservoir, said applicator incorporating a side opening, the opening comprising top, bottom and two side regions; characterised in that the opening in the applicator is so sized and shaped that it enables steam to be discharged over substantially the entire abdominal region or stomach of the user, the top and bottom regions of the opening being radiused to conform to the curvature of the abdominal region of the user.

2. Steam bath apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a heating means located in the reservoir.

3. Steam bath apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the applicator is pivotally mounted with respect to the reservoir, the applicator being pivotable between an open or "in use" configuration in which the applicator and reservoir are in fluid connection, and a closed or "stowed away" configuration.

4. Steam bath apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 or 3 wherein the heater is provided with a regulator device to control the rate of heating of the water in the reservoir and thus the rate at which steam is generated.

5. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4 inclusive wherein the heater is further provided with an on-off switch such that the user can switch the apparatus on and off at will without moving away from the applicator opening.

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6. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the on-off switch is remote from the reservoir and the applicator, such as in a hand-held switch unit.

7. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the on-off switch is 5 designed to be foot operated.

8. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 7 inclusive wherein the apparatus further comprises a safety cut out device such that when the temperature of the water vapour in the applicator reaches a certain temperature power 10 to the heater is cut off.

9. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more steam regulators adapted to reduce the noise of the water boiling in the reservoir.

10. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the radius of curvature of the top and bottom regions of the opening in the applicator is in the order of 150 mm to 500 mm, the width of the opening is in the region of 150 mm to 400 mm wide, and the depth of the opening is in the range 150 mm to 300 mm deep.

11. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the radius of curvature of the opening is in the order of 300 mm, the width of the opening is in the order of 300 mm wide and the depth of the opening is in the order of 220 mm deep.

12. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the reservoir is demountabiy mounted with respect to the body of the apparatus.

13. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus is mounted on wheels or castors.

14. A steam bath apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus further comprises a gown to be worn by the user, said gown being adapted to accommodate the applicator region of the apparatus when in use and when applied to the abdominal region of the user.

15. A steam bath apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

16. A method of improving the bodily appearance of a human being, which method comprises applying steam to the abdominal region of said human being using an apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim and repeating the steam application until a cosmetically beneficial loss of body weight has occurred.

17. A method of improving the bodily appearance of a human being substantially as herein described.

18. A method of improving the bodily appearance of a human being substantially as herein described with reference to an as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of relieving the discomfort of dysmenorrhea, which method comprises applying steam to the abdominal region of the sufferer using an apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 15 inclusive and repeating the steam application until the discomfort is relieved.

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20. A method of relieving the discomfort of dysmenorrhea substantially as herein described.

21. A method of relieving the discomfort of dysmenorrhea substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

22. A method of improving the well being of a human being comprising applying steam to the abdominal region of the subject using an apparatus as described in any of Claims 1 to 15 inclusive and repeating said steam application as necessary until the desired improvement is achieved.

23. A method of improving the well being of a human being substantially as herein described.

24. A method of improving the well being of a human being substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the accompanying drawings.

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