US3048852A

US3048852A - Portable steam bath

Info

Publication number: US3048852A
Application number: US813026A
Authority: US
Inventors: Schoneberg Ernest
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1959-05-13
Filing date: 1959-05-13
Publication date: 1962-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 1979-08-14

Description

g- 14, 1962 E. SCHONEBERG 3,048,852

PORTABLE STEAM BATH Filed May 13. 1959 Ava/70,?

United States Patent 3,048,852 PORTABLE STEAM BATH Ernest Schoneberg, Rolla, N. Dak. Filed May 13, 195%, Ser. No. 813,026 2 Claims. (Cl. 4-164) This invention relates to steam bath devices and more specifically to portable steam bath devices.

It is a general object of this invention to provide a novel portable steam bath device of simple and inexpensive construction.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel portable steam apparatus convertible into a shower apparatus.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel convertible steam bath device arranged and constructed for disassembly whereby at least a component part of said disassembled device is adapted for use as a shower apparatus when connected to a source of water. under pressure.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved vaporizer apparatus.

These and other objects and advantages of this invention will more fully appear from the following description, made in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the portable steam apparatus shown partly in section and other parts thereof broken away to better illustrate concealed parts;

FIG. 2 is a top elevational view of the steam apparatus; and

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the improved vaporizer apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a porti n of FIG. 3, partly in section, to better show concealed parts.

Referring now to the drawings and spec'fically to PEG. 1, the portable steam bath apparatus is generally designated and includes a base or tray element 11. Base element 11 may be formed of any imperforate material such as sheet metal or the like and comprises a substantially flat base portion 12 having upstanding peripheral flanges 13 to thereby define a relatively shallow open top receptacle. Base portion 12 is provided with a boss 14 having a threaded bore 15 formed therein and adapted to receive threaded end 17 of an elongated hollow member 16. Elongated hollow member 16 may be formed from a small diameter metallic pipe or tube sealed at both ends to thereby define interior chamber 16a. It is to be understood, of course, that elongated hollow member 16 may be formed of other material than metal such as plastic or glass or the like. Elongated member 16 is also provided with an inlet 18 which communicates with interior chamber 16a. Inlet 18 is telescopically received by one end of an elongated conduit 19 which has its other end telescopically connected to an outlet 20 of a steam generator 21. Conduit 19 is formed of a flexible material and, of course, may be of any desirable length. Steam generator 21 comprises a substantially rectangularly shaped metal container 22 having an upper wall 23 to thereby define a reservoir chamber 24. Wall 23 is provided with an opening 23a communicating with a downwardly extending pipe 23b. One end of pipe 23b is secured to the lower surface of wall 23 while the other end thereof extends downwardly a short distance into reservoir chamber 24. A suitable closure 230, such as an insulated stopper commonly used in Thermos containers, is provided for closing opening 23a. An electrical heater 25 is disposed within the lower portion of reservoir 24 and includes an electrical cable 26 extending therefrom. Although not shown in the drawings, electrical cable 26 may have a conventional plug at its outer end which is 3,.t48,852 Patented Aug. 14., 1962 adapted to be inserted in any suitable electrical outlet, in the manner shown in my Patent 2,864,097.

It is important in supplying the generator with water that the generator not be overfilled. When the generator 21 is filled, outlet 20 is closed by holding ones finger over the open end thereof and water is poured through opening 23a until no more water can pass therethrough. When filled to this point, a space remains in the reservoir 24 which, of course, per 'ts ready generation of steam therein.

Elongated member 16 also has a plurality of openings or perforations 27 formed therein which communicate with the interior chamber 16a for permitting steam to pass therethrough. Elongated hollow member 16 is also provided with a drain outlet 28 located adjacent the lower end which permits moisture resulting from condensation to drain therethrough into base element 11. Elongated member 16 is also provided with a drain outlet 28 located adjacent the lower end which permits moisture resulting from condensation to drain therethrough into base element 11. Elongated member 16 is also threaded at its upper end as at 29.

A seat member 30, which in the embodiment shown is of substantially circular shape in the manner of conventional stool supports, has a depending boss 31 secured thereto. Depending boss 31 has a threaded bore 32 adapted to receive the upper threaded end 29 of elongated member 16 whereby seat 30 may be detachably secured thereto. It is preferred that seat 30 be made of a material having a low coefficient of heat conductivity such as some forms of plastic or the like. This is necessary to permit my device to be used comfortably since elongated member 16 becomes extremely hot during operation of the device.

Steam bath apparatus 10 also includes a cover 33 having an opening 34 formed therein adapted to fit snugly around the neck of the wearer in a robe-like fashion as shown in FIG. 1. This cover 33 will completely enclose the body of a user seated upon support 30 from the neck down to thereby define a steam confining chamber or compartment 35. Cover 33 may be formed of any Suite able flexible, waterproof material such as plastics or the like which, of course, may be folded into a compact bundle when the steam apparatus is not being used.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that when water is heated in generator 21 steam will be genera-ted therein and will pass through outlet 20, conduit 19, inlet 18 and then into interior chamber 16a. Steam accumulated in interior chamber 16a will then exhaust through openings or perforations 2'7 outwardly into the steam confining compartment or chamber 35. As steam accumulates within steam confining chamber 35, the body of a user will be saturated thereby to effectively cleanse the skin and pores of a user. Perspiration and moisture resulting from condensation will drain downwardly into the base element 11.

Steam bath apparatus 1t) is also adapted tobe converted into a hand held shower device which constitutes another important novel aspect of my invention. This conversion may be accomplished by merely disassembling the assembled port-able steam device. removed from the upper end of elongated member 16 and then the lower end of elongated member 16 is detached from the base element 11. Steam generator 22 is then filled with water and therefore functions to serve as a source of water under pressure for supplying the hand held shower device. Steam generator 22 is also provided with a bracket 22a which permits the generator to be suspended in an inverted position. A stop cock or adjustabel opening bottom of generator 22 and may be opened to permit water to flow freely from the generator when the same is 22b may be provided adjacent the J used as a means for supplying water to the hand held shower device. When water is permitted to pass through conduit 19 into interior chamber 16a, elongated member 16 will then function in the manner of a water dispensing spray apparatus. The water will be forced out through openings or perforations 27 of elongated member 16 in a spray-like fashion as in a shower head or spray device.

Another important part of my invention, as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, comprises a vaporizer apparatus generally designated 36. Vaporizer apparatus 36 includes an elongated member 37 being substantially hollow and sealed at one end as at 38 to thereby define an interior chamber 37a. Sealed end portion 38 of elongated member 37 is threaded as at 39 and is adapted to be received within boss 14 of a tray or base element 11, as shown in FIG. 1, to thereby support elongated member 37 in substantially upright relationship. Elongated member 37 is also provided with an inlet 40 which is telescopically received within one end of an elongated flexible conduit 41. The other end of flexible conduit 41 is adapted to be connected to the generator or source of steam such as "generator 21 shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The other end portion of elongated member 37 is threaded as at 42 and has a tapered opening 43 formed therein. An elongated hollow spout element 44, which is open at both ends, constitutes a means for directionally discharging steam. A cap member 45 has an opening 46 formed therein and is adapted to fit around spout element 44. Cap member 45 is internally threaded and functions as an attachment means for securing spout element 44 to threaded end portion 42 of elongated member 37. Lower end portion of spout element 44 is telescopically received within elongated member 37 through tapered opening 43 and is adjustable in a vertical direction. A coiled spring 47 is disposed around spout element 44 and has one end convolution bearing against the inner surface of cap member 45 while the other end convolution bears against the inner tapered wall surfaces 48 which define opening 43. Coil spring 4'7 is compressed against the tapered wall surface 48 as cap member 45 is tightened to thereby form a fluid seal for preventing the escape of steam therefrom. Cap member 45 is also provided with a heat-insulating element 45a, which in the embodiment shown may be formed of rubber material or the like and which fits snugly around cap member 45. Insulating element 45a permits the cap member 45 to be adjusted even when the vaporizer is in use without danger of burning the hands of the user.

The intermediate portion of spout element 44 is curved as at 49 and terminates in a horizontal portion 59 having an open end defining a steam discharge outlet 51. An adjustable cowl 52 is pivotally attached as at 53 to spout element 44 adjacent steam outlet 51 and provides a means for controlling the direction of discharge of the steam. Adjustable cowl 52 is in the form of an elongated trough member and is swingable about an axis transversely of horizontal portion 50. When adjustable cowl 52 is positioned as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, steam is discharged therefrom in a jet-like fashion but when adjustable cowl member 52 is pivoted upwardly steam is discharged therefrom in a diffused fashion.

Elongated spout element 44 is also provided with a compartmented receptacle 54 which is secured to horizontal portion adjacent the discharge outlet 51. Compartmented receptacle 54 includes a water trap compartment 55 and a medicinal compartment 56 separated by a partition 57. The horizontal portion 50 of elongated spout element 44 has an opening 58 formed therein communicating with water trap compartment 55 whereby moisture resulting from condensation will pass therethrough into water trap 55. With this arrangement there is no danger of the medicinal preparation Within the medicinal compartment 56 becoming diluted from moisture. Water trap compartment 55 is provided with an outlet 55a which is telescopically received within one end of an elongated flexible tube or conduit 59 for permitting water accumulated within said trap to be drained therefrom. Tube 59 may have its lower end secured to elongated member 37 by a clamp means 60 to insure that moisture passing therethrough will drip within the base or tray element 11.

Spout element 44 may be provided with a handle 44a to facilitate adjusting thereof. Spout element 44 may be adjusted vertically by unscrewing cap member 45 and grasping handle 44a and thereafter moving the same in a vertical direction. Cap member 45 is then tightened and the spout is secured in its adjusted position.

It will be seen from the foregoing description that I have provided a novel and unique portable steam bath apparatus which may be disassembled and which is adapted for use as a shower device. It will also be noted from the preceding paragraphs that I have provided a novel and unique vaporizer apparatus of simple and efiicient construction and which may be used in conjunction with the tray or base element and generator associated with a portable steam bath apparatus.

It will, of course, be understood that various changes may be made in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts without departing from the scope of my invention which consists of the matter shown and described herein and set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a portable steam bath apparatus, the combination of a relatively shallow tray-like base having a flat bottom and an upturned marginal rim, an upstanding boss provided on the fiat bottom of said base and formed with an upwardly opening screw-threaded bore blind at its lower end, a vertical tube having screw-threaded upper and lower end portions, the lower end portion of said tube being screw-threadedly received in said bore of said upstanding boss, an occupants seat supported by said tube, said seat being provided at the underside thereof with a depending boss formed with a downwardly opening screwthreaded bore blind at its upper end, the upper end portion of said tube being screw-threadedly received in said bore of said depending boss, a laterally projecting nipple provided intermediate the ends of said tube and communicating with the interior thereof, a steam generator disposed exteriorly of said base, a flexible hose extending from said steam generator to said nipple for delivering steam into said tube, the intermediate portion of said tube being provided with a plurality of openings for discharging steam therefrom, and a cover of flexible material for an occupant of said seat, said cover being provided at a point above said seat with a neck opening and the marginal edge portion of the cover lying on said base.

2. The combination as defined in claim 1 wherein the lower end portion of said tube is provided at a point above said upstanding boss and below said openings with an outlet for discharging condensation from said tube onto said base.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED ST TES PATENTS 347,430 Lambert Aug. 17, 1886 913,310 Schreiber Feb. 23, 1909 2,077,437 Robinson Apr. 20, 1937 2,140,952 Clifford Dec. 20, 1938 2,194,668 Morrison Mar. 26, 1940 2,311,899 Marlowe Feb. 23, 1943 2,624,887 Pessina Jan. 13, 1953 2,826,763 Bass Mar. 18, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 414,985 Germany June 18, 1925