RU2817813C2 - Device for dry hydrotherapeutic body massage in recumbent position - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to devices for hydrotherapeutic massage of a user’s body. Device for dry hydrotherapeutic massage of the body of a user in a semi-recumbent position comprises a body structure having a support surface for the user to support the user in a semi-recumbent position. Support surface for the user comprises a substantially flat part of the seat back, a part of the seat with a semi-cylindrical main part of the seat and a substantially flat leg part of the seat. Portion of the backrest and the foot portion of the seat are located at an angle relative to each other, and the main portion of the seat is located between them. Portion of the seat back is configured to support the upper part of the user’s body; the leg portion of the seat is configured to support a portion of the thigh of the lower body of the user. Main part of the seat is configured to support the seat of the user, wherein the foot part of the seat extends from the intersection with the main part of the seat at an angle to form a first ridge at the intersection. Device also has a fluid spraying unit inside the housing structure for directing the fluid flow onto the support surface for the user to impart a massaging effect through the support surface for the user on the upper part of the body and the lower part of the user’s body. Also disclosed is a device for dry hydrotherapeutic massage of a user’s body.

EFFECT: higher reliability and water saving.

19 cl, 15 dwg

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Regular Application No. 16/800490, filed February 25, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/811928, filed February 28, 2019, the full disclosure of which is included herein document as a reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a device for applying a massaging effect to a user's body, and more particularly to a dry hydrotherapy body massage device using a fluid spray unit for massaging.

State of the art

[0003] Massage is a time-tested and effective treatment for muscle injuries, sprains and general soreness. However, although many doctors recommend massage for such purposes, this treatment has limited availability due to a shortage of trained, qualified massage therapists. As a result, a variety of devices and apparatus have been proposed in the past to perform massage-like manipulations on the user's body through various means, ranging from mechanically or electrically generated vibration or beating, usually accompanied by heat, to pulsations of pressurized water, applied either in an aquatic environment , for example, when the user's body is partially immersed in the bath device, or in a dry environment in which the fluid spray unit is placed in a fluid-tight bed or chair-type structure to apply a massaging effect to the user's body without the need to undress.

[0004] Typical examples of the latter form of device, often referred to as dry hydrotherapy massage, are disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 4,635,620; 4751919; 4757808; 4908016; 4976256; 5074286; 5713834 and 6036663. Such devices have had moderate success, and efforts continue within the industry to expand their acceptance, availability, and usefulness.

[0005] Most such known hydrotherapy massage devices take the form of a bed having a substantially horizontal support surface for the user on which the user can lie down. Preferably, the recumbent horizontal position of the user's body in such bed-type structures allows for the application of a massaging fluid spray through a manifold device designed to move longitudinally within the device along a substantially linear path of movement along the user's body, allowing treatment of either a portion or the entire length of the body hydrotherapy massage user.

[0006] On the other hand, one of the observed disadvantages of the dry hydrotherapy bed type device is that the user's supine position does not allow the user to engage in other activities while the device is operating, such as reading, watching TV , operating a laptop computer or other personal electronic device, etc. In addition, experience has shown that many people feel uncomfortable using a massage device in public when they have to lie down on it. Many users assume that reclining or sitting will make them feel less vulnerable. For these reasons, there has been a desire in the industry to create a dry hydrotherapy massage device in which the user generally remains in a seated position while the device is operating, allowing the user to read a book or magazine, watch television, or allowing the user to continue doing other activities.

[0007] Some known devices aimed at solving this problem include a chair for performing dry hydromassage to the user in a seated position. Although this chair design has proven to be quite successful, a limitation of the device is that due to the seated position of the user, the force applied to the user's upper body by the pressurized water jets may cause the user to slide along the support surface on which the chair is located. user. Thus, it is often the case that the pressurized water jets do not contact the optimal location on the user to achieve the desired massage results. Thus, there remains a need for a hydrotherapy massage device in which the user remains in a desired semi-recumbent and/or sitting position during the massage process.

[0008] Another common problem associated with an existing hydrotherapy massage device is water vapor escaping from the interior when the user sits into the device, and then ambient air entering the device when the user stands up from the device. For example, a typical hydrotherapy massage device contains a water reservoir holding between 20 gallons (75.7 L) and 80 gallons (302.8 L) of water, a small amount of which exits the device as water vapor when the user sits in the unit and the internal volume of the device decreases slightly. For example, an existing device may contain approximately a cubic foot (0.028 m3) of air and entrained water vapor that is pushed out of the device with each use. This small amount of water lost from the device with each use eventually requires additional water to be added inside the device, up to three gallons (approximately 11 L) per day. In addition, the introduction of ambient air along with associated potential contaminants such as but not limited to dust, dirt, dander, etc., may increase the need for periodic maintenance as the internal components of the device may become contaminated more frequently. Thus, there is a need for a hydrotherapy massage device with improved water vapor retention while users lie/sit on the support surface of the device.

[0009] As stated above, typical prior art hydrotherapy massage devices use between 20 gallons and 80 gallons of water to be retained within their internal volumes. Such large volumes of water may be impractical for the prior art device to provide a secondary containment volume to contain such quantities of water in the event of a catastrophic and/or minor leak from the device. Thus, there is a need for a hydrotherapy massage device that uses smaller volumes of water in order to prevent damage from potential leaks.

ESSENCE

[0010] One embodiment in accordance with the present disclosure is a device for dry hydrotherapy massage of the user's body in a semi-recumbent position, comprising a body structure having a user support surface for supporting the user in a sitting position, wherein the user support surface includes a substantially flat portion a seat back, a seat portion with a semi-cylindrical seat body portion and a substantially flat seat leg portion, wherein the seat back portion and the seat foot portion are angled relative to each other, the seat body portion is located between them, and the seat back portion is adapted to support the upper part of the user's body, the leg portion of the seat is configured to support a thigh portion of the user's lower body, and the main part of the seat is configured to support the user's seat, and a fluid spray unit within the body structure for directing fluid flow to a support surface for the user to impart massaging affecting the user's upper body and lower body through the user support surface.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a device for dry hydrotherapy massage of a user's body, including a housing structure having a body shell and a user support surface for supporting the user in a semi-recumbent position, the body shell including a bottom wall and several side walls. walls extending upward therefrom, wherein a user support surface is attached to the upper perimeter of the side walls, thereby forming an internal chamber, a steam circulation system comprising a housing forming an internal chamber, wherein the internal chambers of the housing structure and the steam circulation system are in fluid communication environment with each other through the first passage, and the internal chambers of the housing structure and the steam circulation system form a closed system.

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Full and sufficient disclosure of the present disclosure, containing its best mode of operation, addressed to one skilled in the art, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] in FIG. 1A and 1B are perspective views and side views of a dry hydrotherapy massage device in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] in FIG. 2 and 3 are partial cross-sectional views of the massage device shown in FIG. 1 and 2;

[0016] in FIG. 4A and 4B are perspective and sectional views, respectively, of the head/neck spray deflector of the massage device shown in FIG. 1A and 1B;

[0017] in FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the water vapor circulation system of the massage device shown in FIG. 1A and 1B;

[0018] in FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the elongated massage spray head of the massage device shown in FIG. 1A and 1B;

[0019] in FIG. 7A and 7B are perspective views, respectively, from above and below the body shell of the massage device shown in FIG. 1A and 1B;

[0020] in FIG. 8 is a top view of the housing shown in FIG. 7A and 7B;

[0021] in FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the massage device shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, along line 9-9 in FIG. 1A;

[0022] in FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the support attachment system for a user of the massage device shown in FIG. 1A and 1B, along line 10-10 in FIG. 1B;

[0023] in FIG. 11A and 11B are plan views from the inside and outside of the elongated massage spray head shown in FIG. 6;

[0024] in FIG. 12A and 12B are plan views of the outside and inside of the elongated massage spray head shown in FIG. 6;

[0025] in FIG. 13A, 13B, and 13C are top, rear, and front views of the elongated massage spray head shown in FIG. 6;

[0026] in FIG. 14 is a vertical sectional view of the massage device shown in FIG. 1A and 1B showing a jet deflector located in the foot area; And

[0027] in FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the housing of an alternative embodiment of a dry hydrotherapy massage device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Repeated use of reference numerals throughout the specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dry hydrotherapy device of the present disclosure is easily modified to be implemented in many and varied forms to provide massage to the user in a variety of sitting positions. The present disclosure is described herein in one contemplated embodiment of such a device, but only for the purpose of providing an exemplary sufficient disclosure of the invention, and in particular, the invention is not limited to, and should not be construed as being limited to, an application or embodiment in such a device or to any other specific structure , except as defined in the accompanying claims.

[0030] Referring now to the accompanying drawings and first to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3, a dry hydrotherapy body massage device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is typically designated 10. The body massage device 10 includes a body structure, typically designated 12, typically in the form of a structure in the form of a chaise longue, configured so that the user 100 can rest on it for massage in a sitting, reclining position, as explained in more detail below. A fluid spray unit for directing the release of pressurized fluid onto the underside of the user support surface 14 to transmit a massaging effect therethrough to the body of the user 100 seated thereon, this unit generally designated 16 (FIG. 2), is located within the housing 12 together with a pressurized fluid supply assembly, generally designated 18 (FIG. 3), which extends from pump 28 (FIG. 7B).

0031] The lounger-type structure 12 includes a chair body formed as a substantially hollow body shell 20 (FIGS. 7A, 7B and 8), typically in the form of an elongated tub or tank enclosed at its bottom portion 30 and along the side walls. 21 and is substantially open at its top to form an upwardly facing elongated opening. The body shell 20 may be made from any suitable waterproof, rigid material of suitable strength that can be formed into the desired structure described herein, such as fiberglass, plastic, or the like. The housing shell 20 is supported by a floor frame 25 (FIG. 3), for example made from any suitable structural material (bar stock, pipe, fiberglass, etc.), to raise and orient the user support surface 14 to the desired height and tilting above the floor while providing an open volume 19 (FIGS. 2 and 9) within the frame 25 and underneath the housing 20 to accommodate the various operating components of the body massage device 10.

[0032] As best seen in FIG. 3, the standing frame 25 of the body massage device 10 includes a continuous upwardly extending bottom flange 25' which forms a sealed volume with the bottom wall 17 of the frame 25. Thus, in the rare event that a leak occurs in the body shell 20 or in any of the components and piping supported by the frame 25, water will be contained within the frame 25, thereby preventing damage to carpets, floors, etc., which are located under the body massage device 10. As discussed in more detail below, the ability of the disclosed body massage device 10 to continuously operate with only 8-12 (30.3 L - 45.4 L) gallons of water held therein is what makes it possible to capture the described leak retention volume .

[0033] As best seen in FIG. 1B, the side walls 21 of the cabinet shell 20 are shaped to define a substantially flat seat back portion 22 and a seat portion 24 having a substantially flat foot seat portion 24', an ottoman portion 24" and a seat body portion 29, with the ottoman portion 24" oriented angled relative to the seat leg portion 24' to form a support surface 14 for the user. Preferably, the seat back portion 22 and the seat foot portion 24' are oriented at an angle to each other, with the seat body 29 located between them.

The support surface 14 for the user is configured such that the upper and lower portions 101 and 103 of the body of the user 100, respectively, are supported in a generally reclining seated position, comparable to a chaise lounge position, in which the user's body lies bent at the waist and knees, with the upper portion The body 101 is partially reclined on the seat back 22, the thigh portion 103' of the lower body 103 is slightly inclined on the seat leg portion 24', and the lower leg portion 103" is slightly inclined on the ottoman portion 24". Slight flexion of the user's knees helps press the feet against the user's support surface 14, resulting in a more effective massage than traditional devices having a flat support portion for the user's lower body.

[0034] As shown, the seat body 29 is semi-cylindrical in shape and extends below an area that would be the intersection of the seat back portion 22 and the seat leg portion 24'. Thus, at the intersection of the seat body 29 and the seat leg portion 24', a small ridge 31 is formed. Because of this, when the user is positioned on the user support surface 14, the ridge 31 prevents the force generated by the pressurized fluid jets that act on the the user, which caused the user to slide along the leg portion 24' of the seat. Additionally, the seat body 29 helps position the user's lower back and seat for a more powerful massage since these areas support most of the user's weight. In this way, the correct position of the user on the user support surface 14 is maintained and therefore the pressurized water jets will be applied to the user in the appropriate areas of the user's body to achieve the desired massaging effect.

[0035] Referring now to FIG. 8 and 9, the hollow inner chamber 27 is defined by the housing shell 20. The bottom wall 30 of the housing shell 20 forms a drainage surface sloping into the storage tank 28 centrally along the longitudinal portion of the housing shell 20. Preferably, water returning to the storage tank 28 flows along drainage surfaces at the desired rate, so that a plurality of water elements in the form of bridges 33 protrude upward from the bottom wall 30 of the housing 20. If the water returning to the storage tank 28 flows too quickly over the drainage surfaces, it is possible that the water will flow through the storage tank 28, and not fall into it. Such fast water return rates require the storage tank 28 to contain a larger volume of water to ensure continuous operation of the massage device 10. By using jumpers 33 to control the rate of water return to the storage tank 28, the present embodiment of the massage device 10 is capable of operating with as little as 8- 12 gallons (30.3 L - 45.4 L) of water held inside the unit. The present embodiment of the massage device 10 is capable of flowing water through the fluid spray assembly 16 at a rate of approximately 105 gallons per minute, with only 8-12 gallons remaining within the device , although alternative embodiments operate at different flow rates. As noted previously, the existing unit requires a minimum of 20 gallons (75.7 L) of water to be retained for continuous operation. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, in the opening of the storage tank 28 there is a flow control partition 45. The flow control partition 45 contains several water walls 47 extending upward from it, and several holes 49 located between them. The water walls 47 help redirect the flow of water downward into the storage tank 28 evenly so that the water in the storage tank is less turbulent than in prior art massage devices. Thus, the possibility of cavitation within the hydraulic pump 88 of the pressurized fluid arrangement 18 is reduced.

[0036] A liquid material is preferred as the fluid used by the body massage device 10 to supply and discharge from the fluid spray unit 16 to produce a massage effect, as described below, water being the optimal fluid based on its availability and generally , non-corrosive and non-corrosive in nature. As noted, a suitable supply of water (8 to 12 gallons (30.3 L - 45.4 L)) or other suitable liquid is stored in the storage tank 28 for continuous circulation through the fluid supply arrangement 18 and the fluid spray assembly 16, lower the drain wall 30, as well as others internal to the housing shell 20, is configured to drain liquid exiting the fluid spray unit 16 into the reservoir 28. Of course, as those skilled in the art will readily understand that compressed air, other gases, and other fluid materials can also be used as a fluid massage medium without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and, therefore, the present invention is not intended and should not be construed as limited to the use of water or other liquid massage medium.

[0037] It is also preferable that the water or other massage fluid be heated to enhance the massage effect produced by the fluid, for example, to a temperature approaching normal body temperature, preferably in the range of 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (35 to 37.78 degrees Celsius ), although the device can operate over a wide range of fluid temperatures. For this purpose, a heating element (not shown) may be provided, for example, mounted within the liquid storage tank 28 below the normal level of the massage liquid therein so that it is substantially continuously immersed in the stored massage liquid. Preferably, a thermostat (not shown) is provided in the electrical circuit of the heating element to provide selective control of the temperature of the massage fluid. As shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable that the device also be provided with a fluid cooling system 70 to compensate for the heat generation of the massage fluid that may result from frictional contact of the fluid as it circulates through the device. As shown, the fluid cooling system 70 includes a heat exchanger 72 in the form of a battery and one or more fans 74 for drawing air through the battery 72.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 9, the fluid cooling system 70 is located at the foot portion of the massage device 10, where it draws in air, the air passes along the length of the massage device 10 in a volume 19, which is located between the body shell 20 and the outer body of the massage device, and then exits the device onto its head end. However, it should be noted that the liquid cooling system 70 may be located at any point along the length of the massage device 10. Preferably, the open volumes formed between the hollow shell 20, in particular the bottom wall 30, and the outer housing are larger at the feet 19" and at the head 19' of the massage device than along the central portion 19"' of the massage device 10. Thus, the flow of ambient air drawn into the massage device by the fans 74 (Fig. 3) of the fluid cooling system 70 will be subject to the Venturi effect as the air flows from a large portion of the footwell along the smaller central portions and from the larger head portion and exits the massage device 10. The influence of the Venturi effect on the air flow helps to more effectively cool the interior of the massage device 10 as well as its internal components, since the air speed increases when it passes over internal components.

[0039] Referring also to FIG. 7A and 7B, the shell 20 includes a plurality of vertically extending ribs 76 located on the outer surfaces of the side walls 21, as well as a plurality of horizontally extending ribs 78 extending across the width of the bottom wall 30 of the hollow shell 20. The vertical ribs 76 provide rigidity to the side walls 21. while the horizontal ribs 78 provide rigidity to the bottom wall of the hollow shell 20. Thus, the amount of material used in forming both the side walls 21 and the bottom wall 30 of the hollow shell 20 can be reduced while maintaining the rigidity of the thicker wall shell. Thus, the vertical ribs 76 and horizontal ribs 78 generally reduce the weight of the massage device 10 compared to existing devices. The uppermost portion of the housing shell 20 defines a flange surface 32 for attaching a user support surface 14 thereto.

[0040] The user support surface 14 may be formed from a relatively thin sheet 34 of waterproof material watertightly attached to a flange 32 adjacent the upwardly facing opening. It is preferable that the sheet 34 is thin enough so that when the fluid exiting the fluid spray unit 16 hits the back of the sheet 34, a massaging effect is transmitted to the user's body through the sheet 34. It is also preferable that the sheet 34 has sufficient flexibility and resilience to substantially conform to the user's body to maximize the transfer of massage effects through the sheet 34 to the user. Thus, acts as a waterproof membrane to keep the user dry during operation of the body massage device 10 without noticeably softening the massaging effect of the fluid discharged from the fluid spray unit 16. For example, latex rubber in sheet form, in sheet thicknesses ranging from 15 to 55 mils, is a suitable material to provide these sheet 34 characteristics, although various other commercially available rubber and plastic sheet materials should also provide suitable results.

[0041] As a primary means of supporting the user's weight load, the mesh fabric 35, partially shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1 may be attached in tension to the flange 32 of the housing 20 horizontally through its opening immediately below the sheet 34. The mesh 35 must be strong enough to support the user's weight on its own to provide a protective barrier in the event of rupture or other damage to the sheet 34. B at the same time, the mesh fabric structure of the mesh 35 allows for substantially unrestricted fluid transfer from the fluid spray unit 16 through the mesh 35 to the underside of the sheet 34. At the same time, the open mesh design of the mesh 35 allows for substantially unrestricted fluid transfer from the liquid spray assembly 16 through the mesh 35 to the underside of the sheet 34. It is preferable that the mesh 35 is not so tight in the areas of the user support surface 14 that are under the user's head and in the lowest regions of the footwell. Thus, relative to the rest of the user support surface, the user's head and feet can be "recessed" into the user support surface 14 for better positioning and enhanced massaging effects.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, 7A, and 10, the flange 32 as well as the side walls 21 of the housing shell 20 are covered with frame panels 36 to provide an aesthetically pleasing outer contour of the entire housing shell 20 and the internal operating components housed beneath the shell 20. In particular, it is important to maintain proper sealing between the inner chamber 27 of the hollow shell 20 and the sheet 34 to prevent loss of water from inside the massage device 10. Thus, a continuous groove 41 is provided along the entire length of the upper surface of the flange 32 of the hollow shell 20, and the continuous groove 41 is configured to receive an O-ring therein. 39. As shown in FIG. 10, the outer perimeter of the sheet 34 extends over an annular groove 41 into which an O-ring 39 is then placed. With the O-ring 39 in place, a series of interlocking frame panels 36 are secured in place by threaded bosses 23 that engage the underside of the flange 32, thereby thereby securing the sheet 34 to the flange 32. In alternative embodiments, the framing panels 36 may be secured to the flange 32 by snapping them into place via flange 32 engaging members. A downwardly extending projection 36' extends from the bottom surface of each frame panel 36 into a continuous groove 41, thereby compressing the O-ring and strengthening the watertight seal of the massage device 10. It should be noted that the engaging elements of the frame panel 36 allow the frame panels 36 to be removed and reinstalled without use. tools if necessary to service the device. It is further preferred that the top surface of the frame panels 36 covering and delimiting the flange 32 be soft for the user's comfort when entering and leaving the user support surface 14.

[0043] Except for the portion of the inner chamber 27 occupied by water stored in the reservoir 28 and the area occupied by the fluid spray assembly 16 and the fluid supply arrangement 18, the inner chamber 27 of the body shell 20 is substantially filled with air. Thus, as would be expected, when the user lies down on the user support surface 14, thereby reducing the internal volume of the inner chamber 27, as the user support surface 14 moves slightly downward into the inner chamber 27, it is expected that some amount of air and possibly entrained water vapor will escape from the hollow shell 20 to prevent the subsequent entry of ambient air and dust, dirt, etc. inside the hollow shell 20, the present massage device 10 includes a water vapor circulation system 130, as best seen in FIG. 3 and 5. As shown, the water vapor circulation system 130 includes an inflatable chamber 131 that is attached to the outer surface of the head portion of the hollow shell 20, and is connected to the interior of the hollow shell 20 through a conduit 134 that is connected to the inlet 132 of the chamber 131. Thus, when air and entrained water vapor are forced out of the hollow shell 20, it is collected in the chamber 131 rather than released into the environment. When the user dismounts from the user support surface 14, instead of drawing air from the environment, air is simply drawn back into the hollow shell 20 from the chamber 131. An outlet 136 is provided at the bottom of the chamber 131 to allow condensed water vapor to return to the hollow shell 20 through it. Thus, the inside of the hollow shell 20 and the chamber 131 form a closed system, thereby helping to maintain the required volume of water in the massage unit 10, as well as preventing the entry of dust, debris, etc. from the environment.

[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, the fluid spray assembly 16 includes an elongated massage spray head, typically designated 44, oriented transversely substantially the width of the user's body. The massage head 44 may have any of various possible configurations and components configured to release massage fluid under pressure onto the underside of the membrane sheet 34. For example, in one possible configuration, the massage head 44 may have a substantially hollow outer housing 52 with a plurality of outlet openings 56, each in the form of a nozzle, along substantially the entire length of the upwardly directed surface of the housing 52 that faces the sheet 34. The outlet openings 56 deliver pressurized fluid from the housing 52 in the form of a jet injection upward therefrom to the underside of the membrane sheet 34. Preferably, the elongated massage head 44 and corresponding outlets 56 are configured to provide jet injection, which is a combination of both laminar and turbulent flows. Often existing massage devices have jet spraying, which produces strictly laminar flow or strictly turbulent flow. Strictly laminar massage spray concentrates the force of the spray into a small area on the user, which may cause pain and discomfort. On the other hand, a strictly turbulent flow may cause the massaging spray pressure to be spread over a large area so that the required massaging effect is not achieved. The present massage device 10 achieves the desired combination of combined laminar and turbulent flow for massage spraying through the design of the massage spray head 44 and associated outlet 56, as discussed below.

[0045 Referring also to FIG. 11A - 12B, it is preferable that the hollow outer body 52 of the massage spray head 44 be formed from an injection-molded upper housing portion 82 and an injection-molded lower housing portion 86. As shown in FIG. 11A and 11B, the lower housing portion 86 includes a smoothly curved inlet 84 and a plurality of brackets 46 at each end for receiving respective rollers or wheels 48 (FIG. 13).

The rounded inlet is configured to provide a smooth incoming flow of water into the interior of the outer housing 52 such that the flow within the outer housing 52 is less turbulent. As best seen in FIG. 12A and 12B, the upper portion 82 of the outer housing 52 also includes a rounded inlet 84 as well as a plurality of outlets 56. As shown, the outlets 56 are located along a line offset from the longitudinal center axis 89 of the upper housing portion 82. The combination of the rounded inlet 84, the subsequent laminar flow in the outer housing 52 and the offset outlets 56 allows the massage spray head 44 of the present massage device 10 to achieve an optimal massage spray that contains both laminar and turbulent flows, resulting in the desired massaging effect. Preferably, the modular design of the massage spray head 44 allows the desired massage spray pattern to be changed by simply replacing the housing top 82 of the outer housing 52 with another housing top having a different arrangement of outlets 56.

[0046] As best seen in FIG. 2 and 13A - 13C, the elongated massage head 44 is supported at each opposite end by brackets 46 with rollers or wheels 48 (Fig. 13) for rolling along guides 26 alternately forward and backward, substantially along the entire length in the longitudinal direction along the changing in the angular direction of the motion paths in accordance with the angular configuration of the rails 26. A pair of angular guides 26 are attached internally to the lower wall 30 of the housing shell 20, which run parallel in the corner portions and are spaced relative to each other substantially along the entire length of the chamber 27. Rollers 48 move along the guides 26 during longitudinal movement within the chamber 27. Preferably, each guide 26 is a one-piece structure, although alternative embodiments may include integral guides.

[0047] The massage head 44 is moved back and forth along the entire length of the massage chamber 27 using any suitable drive mechanism. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a timing belt 66 (FIG. 2) is attached at opposite ends of the belt to each respective bracket 46 at the ends of the massage head 44, forming two endless drive belt loops that are tensioned around a series of rotatably mounted toothed idler pulleys 68 on the interior surfaces of the side walls 21, adjacent to the guides 26 at each opposite end of the chamber 27, and at each change in the angular direction of the guides 26. Pulleys 68 at one end of the chamber 27 are attached to a common drive shaft mounted on one side wall 21, and connected externally thereto to a reversible drive motor 70 to transmit synchronous drive motion to the belts 66 and, in turn, to the massage head 44 for movement along the guides 26. Any suitable type of sensors, such as photocells (not shown), may be provided within the range of movement of the massage head to control the reversal of the drive motor 70.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 3, pressurized fluid is supplied from the fluid supply arrangement 18 to the massage head 44 in any suitable manner. For example, the pressurized fluid supply assembly 18 may have a motor 90 driving a fluid pump 88 to pump fluid from the storage reservoir 28 of the housing 20, for example, through a submersible tubular fitting. The pressure side of the pump 88 applies fluid pressure to the massage head 44 through a conduit 92 containing a flow control valve (not shown) and a length of flexible tubing (not shown) connected between the conduit 92 and a fitting on the outer housing 52 of the massage head 44.

[0049] As will be appreciated, the lateral width area of effect of the massage head 44 through the inner chamber 27 effectively applies a massaging action to the entire lateral extent of the user's body supported on the user support surface 14, and in particular, across the entire width of the user's shoulders. , back or chest, midsection and hips. In contrast, in the distal head region 110 (FIG. 1B) and leg region 112 of the user support surface 14, fluid is not required to be sprayed across the entire width of the massage head 44 to effectively massage the user's narrower neck and legs. Therefore, to ensure optimal application of the massage spray to these selected areas of the user's body, the present disclosure provides a control device, preferably in the form of two reflectors 114, 116, located in the inner chamber 27 between the fluid spray unit 16 and the underside of the user support surface 14. to selectively alter and redirect the directional flow of fluid spray to be localized to a narrower width portion of the user support surface 14, preferably only on the user's neck and legs.

[0050] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A and 4B, the head/neck reflector 114 includes two pairs of deflector plates 118a and 118b attached within the inner chamber 27 to the end wall of the housing shell 20, the deflection plates within each pair being spaced laterally from each other and extending from the end walls in the longitudinal direction of the body along the underside of the lateral outer edges of the head region 110 of the user support surface 14 and above the fluid spray unit 16. Thus, the deflection plates 118a and 118b are respectively located outwardly adjacent to the region of the user support surface 14 on which the user's neck and head will rest, and the plates 118a and 118b in each pair are inclined toward each other in a converging mutual arrangement to deflect inwardly in the direction the bottom side of the user support surface 14 into the gap between the plates of portions of the fluid flow from the outlet openings 56 of the massage head 44, which would otherwise impact unoccupied areas of the user support surface 14, thereby redirecting the deflected fluid injection portions to impact user's neck. In the preferred embodiment shown, there is a reflective plate for each outlet 56 of the massage spray head 44 such that no massage spray stream directly impacts the user's head/neck without first contacting the corresponding reflective plate. The head/neck deflector 114 helps to maximize the massaging effect of the massage head 44 on the soft tissue of the user's neck area by preventing any of the water jets from directly hitting the spinal cord area without first redirecting the deflector plates. In addition, the deflection plates prevent water jets from hitting areas of the user's support surface that are outside the areas that directly support the user, thereby reducing extraneous noise from the jets.

[0051] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 14, the foot reflector 116 (Fig. 2), located in the foot area, contains a pair of reflective plates 120 attached inside the inner chamber 27 to the opposite end wall of the housing shell 20, directly adjacent to each other and extending from the end wall in the longitudinal direction of the housing along centered along the underside of the footwell area 112 of the user support surface 14 and above the fluid spray assembly 16 . Thus, the deflection plates 120 are respectively located along the central longitudinal region of the user support surface 14 between the outer regions on which the user's feet will rest.

The plates 120 abut each other along the common lower edges of the plates and are deflected upward from each other, diverging from each other to deflect outwardly toward the underside of the user support surface 14 outside of the plates 120 portions of the fluid flow from the central portion of the massage head 44, which in would otherwise act on an unoccupied area of the user support surface 14 between the user's legs to thereby redirect the deflected fluid injection portions to impact the user's legs.

[0052] Thus, the operation of the body massage device according to the present disclosure can be understood. As the massage head 44 is moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction within the chamber 27, pressurized fluid is supplied from the pump 88 through the intermediate passages into the interior of the outer casing of the massage head 44 and jetted therefrom through the outlets 56. Relative thinness of the sheet 34, combined with its elastic flexibility, causes the sheet 34 to conform relatively closely to the shape and contours of the user's body and, in turn, the impact of the ejected liquid jet against the underside of the sheet 34 is easily transmitted through it to the user's body to create a massaging effect on the user's body. When the massage head 44 reaches in its movement either of the opposite ends of the inner chamber 25, the electric eyes or other sensors recognize the presence of the massage head 44 and, in turn, actuate the reversal of the electric motor 70 to begin moving the massage head 44 in the opposite direction.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 15, a housing shell 120 is shown in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing shell 120 differs primarily from the previously discussed embodiment in that instead of a moving fluid spray assembly 16 (FIG. 2), the present housing shell 120 includes a plurality of fluid nozzles 156 directed upward from the bottom wall 130. This design eliminates the need for various components required in an embodiment having a moving fluid spray assembly 16. As shown, the fluid nozzles 156 are arranged in horizontal and vertical rows along the bottom wall 130. Note, however, that the fluid nozzles 156 can be arranged in any desired pattern, such as, but not limited to, circular, stepped, at varying intervals depending on location, etc. Note also that during use, the spray nozzles 156 may operate simultaneously, in selected zones depending on the user's position, independently, etc.

[0054] Thus, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present disclosure may find wide use and application. Many embodiments and variations of the present disclosure other than those described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent devices, will be apparent or reasonably suggested from the present disclosure and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Thus, although the present disclosure has been described herein in detail with respect to its preferred embodiment, it should be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and is made merely for the purpose of providing a complete and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure or otherwise excluding any such other embodiments, variations, variations, modifications and equivalent devices, the present disclosure being limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (23)

1. A device for dry hydrotherapeutic massage of the user’s body in a semi-recumbent position, containing: a housing structure having a user support surface for supporting the user in a semi-recumbent position, the user support surface comprising a substantially flat seat back portion, a seat portion with a semi-cylindrical seat body portion, and a substantially flat seat foot portion, the seat back portion and a foot portion the seat portion is arranged at an angle relative to each other, and the seat main portion is located between them, and the seat back portion is configured to support the user's upper body, the seat leg portion is configured to support the thigh portion of the user's lower body, and the seat main portion is configured to the ability to support the user's seat, wherein the leg portion of the seat extends from the intersection with the main portion of the seat at an angle to form a first ridge at the intersection, and a fluid spraying unit within the housing structure for directing a flow of fluid onto a user support surface to impart a massaging effect through the user support surface to the user's upper body and lower body. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the user support surface further comprises a substantially flat ottoman portion that is configured to support a lower leg portion of the user's lower body, wherein the ottoman portion and the seat leg portion intersect at a second ridge. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the user support surface comprises a waterproof membrane and an open structure mesh arranged to both be adjacent to and underneath the waterproof membrane. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid spray assembly is movable along a support surface for the user along a first path of movement substantially along a portion of the seat back and along a second path of movement along an acute angle relative to the first path of movement substantially along a portion of the seat . 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the fluid spray assembly comprises a hollow, elongated spray head including outlets disposed along an upper surface thereof such that flow through the outlets is directed toward a user support surface, wherein the spray head passes across the longitudinal axis of the device. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the elongated spray head further comprises a rounded fluid inlet and outlet ports located laterally to a longitudinal central axis of the spray head that extends transversely to the longitudinal central axis of the apparatus. 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid spray assembly comprises fixed outlets arranged such that fluid flow through them is directed upward toward a user support surface. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bathtub-shaped housing with a bottom wall, side walls extending upward therefrom, and a continuous flange extending along an upper perimeter of the side walls, the user support surface being attached to the housing flange so so that a watertight seal is formed between them. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising interlocking frame panels, each frame panel including a downwardly extending elongated projection that engages a corresponding elongate groove formed on an upper surface of a flange of the housing shell, the user support surface being secured to the housing shell when elongate projections are located in the elongate groove. 10. The device according to claim 9, wherein an O-ring is located between the bottom surface of the elongated groove and the elongated projections of the frame panels. 11. A device for dry hydrotherapeutic massage of the user’s body, containing: a body structure having a body shell and a user support surface for supporting the user in a semi-recumbent position, the body shell including a bottom wall and side walls extending upward therefrom, the user support surface being attached to an upper perimeter of the side walls, thereby forming the inner chamber; And a steam circulation system containing a housing that forms an internal chamber, wherein the internal chambers of the housing structure and the steam circulation system are in fluid communication with each other through the first passage, and the internal chambers of the housing structure and the steam circulation system form a closed system with the possibility of collecting steam from the internal the chamber of the housing structure into the internal chamber of the housing and the subsequent return of steam from the internal chamber of the housing to the internal chamber of the housing structure. 12. The device according to claim 11, in which the internal chamber of the housing structure is partially filled with a volume of fluid, and the first passage extends from a portion of the side wall of the housing shell located above the volume of fluid to the housing of the steam circulation system. 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a second passage that extends from the lowest portion of the steam circulation system housing to the housing shell. 14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the user support surface includes a substantially flat seat back portion, a seat portion with a semi-cylindrical seat body portion, and a substantially flat seat foot portion, wherein the seat back portion and the seat foot portion are positioned relative to each other at an angle, and the seat body is located between them, and the seat back portion is configured to support the user's upper body, the seat leg portion is configured to support the thigh portion of the user's lower body, and the seat body is configured to support the user's seat . 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising a first ridge formed on the user support surface at the intersection of the seat body and the seat leg portion. 16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a fluid spray unit within the housing structure for directing fluid flow to the user support surface to impart a massaging effect through the user support surface to the user's upper body and lower body. 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fluid spray assembly is movable along a support surface for the user along a first path of movement substantially along a portion of the seat back and along a second path of movement along an acute angle relative to the first path of movement substantially along a portion of the seat . 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the fluid spray assembly comprises fixed outlets arranged such that fluid flow therethrough is directed upward toward a user support surface. 19. The device according to claim 11, further comprising a liquid cooling system that blows air through the internal volume of the housing structure, which is located between the housing shell and the outer shell in which the housing shell is located, and the cross-section of the internal volume at the center of the housing structure is less than cross-section of the volume at both the foot and head of the body structure, so that the air passing through the volume is affected by the Venturi effect.