US2747571A - Hydromassaging device - Google Patents

Description

May 29, 1956 c. A. FORTlN HYDROMASSAGING DEVICE Filed Nov. 1, 1954 ['kark's' Wit/MZZ/flt United States Patent Brunei. .ssaonsu usvrcn Charles Aim Fortin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, assignor of ninety per cent to Fan! Pouliot, lviontreai, Quebec, Canada Application November 1, 1954, Serial No. 466,176

2 Claims. (Cl. 12866) The present invention pert ins to a novel hydromassaging device for various parts of the human body.

The principal object of the invention is to provide such a device that can be used by an individual without the assistance of a nurse of a professional operator. Another object is to provide such a device that furnishes a vibratory flow of water to enhance the massage action.

A further object is to provide such a device that furnishes laterally directed jets as well as axial jets of water, if desired. Still another object is to provide a relatively simple and inexpensive device for the purposes set forth.

In the accomplishment of these objects, the device includes a cup mounted on a tubular handle that also serves as the water outlet. In the end of the handle at the cup is supported a valve body with a ported dome end in the cup. A valve plug, or a slide valve, controls flow through the ported end and is operated by an electric automatic vibrating device as described in detail below.

The invention is fully disclosed by way of example in the following description and in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical section of the device;

Figure 2 is a vertical section of modification;

Figure 3 is a perspective view; and

Figure 4 is a cross section of the device shown in Figure 2.

Reference to these views will now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

In Figure 1 is shown a tube 1 that serves as a handle and also as a water outlet. Mounted thereon at one end is a bell cup 2, of rubber or other pliable material, to be applied to the face or other area to be treated.

Near the same end of the tube 1 is secured a laterally extending housing 3 containing a pair of electromagnets 4 supplied with conductors 5 and 6 attached respectively to the housing 3 and the magnets 4. The armature is a blade 7 having one end supported by a spring 7' in the outer end of housing 3 and the other end received in the tube 1 after passing loosely through a slot 8 in the tube. The armature carries a contact 9 engageable with a bare contact 10 on the conductor 5 to constitute a circuit breaker. When the contacts engage each other, the magnet circuit is closed and the armature is attached. Immediately, the contacts 9 and 10 are separated to open the circuit and permit the spring blade 7 to bring the contacts again into engagement with each other. The blade 7 is thereby maintained automatically in vibration, as in the case of a bell or buzzer.

In the upper end of tube 1 is secured a dome-like valve body 11 extending slightly into the cup 2. The body is supported at one point by a boss 12 and a screw 13 in the wall of the tube 1. At an opposite point, a nipple 14 extends from the body through the ice tube, communicating with the body and having its outer end threaded at 15 for attachment of a water pipe 15'.

"the bottom of the body 11 is closed by a plate 16 through which passes a stem 17 mounted on the free end of the spring blade 7. The upper end of the stem carries a spherical valve plug 13 adapted to seat against apertures 19 in the dome portion of the body 11.

In the operation of the device, the cup 2 is applied to the treated area and, with the current on, the blade 7 is vibrated in the manner already indicated. The valve plug 13 is thereby vibrated to and from the ports 19 to provide an intermittent flow of water through the latter. The water drains off through the annular space 2% around the body 11. A seal 8' covers the opening 8 and is tight on the blade 7.

In the modification shown in Figure 2, the tube 21 and cup 22 are assembled as already described. The housing 23 is mounted lengthwise of the tube and contains magnets 24 one over the other. The armature 25' also lies lengthwise, with a portion 26 extending radially through a slot 27 in the tube 2.1. Conductors 28 and 29 extend to the housing and magnets, as above described, and the blade 25 carries a circuit control contact 30 adapted to engage a bare contact 31 on conductor 29.

A dome-like valve 32 is mounted in the upper end of tube 21 and is formed with ports 33 in its dome portion within the cup 22. An inlet nipple 3 extends from the body 32 through the tube 21. A stem 35 secured to the free end of portion 26 passes through a resilient bottom closure as of the body 32 and carries at its upper end a slide valve 37 formed with slots 38. Valve 32 is supported concentrically in tube 21 by a boss 39 and a screw 40 in the wall of the tube 21.

The vibration of the armature 25 induces a swinging motion of the slide valve 37. Thus, at times, the slots 38 are in partial register with the ports 33, to impart a lateral or angular direction to the jets of water. In full register the jets are nearly axial. The combination of both forms of jet is more effective and is preferred by many users.

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood that various alterations in the details of construction may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. A hydromassaging device comprising a tube, a cup at one end thereof, a valve body secured in said tube and having a ported domed end at the throat of said cup, a water inlet to said body, said body being spaced from the wall of said tube to provide a water outlet, a slotted slide valve in said body at said ported end, and an electric vibrator connected to said valve and adapted to slide it over said end.

2. A hydromassaging device comprising a tube, a cup at one end thereof, a valve body secured in said tube and having a ported domed end at the throat of said cup, 21 water inlet to said body, said body being spaced from the wall of said tube to provide a water outlet, a slotted slide valve in said body at said ported end, and an electric vibrator connected to said valve and adapted to slide it over said end.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,101,804 Lauter June 30, 1914 2,300,605 Wilcox Nov. 3, 1942 2,682,868 Fortin July 6, 1954

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