US3649971A

US3649971A - Portable steam bath and bathing apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3649971A
Application number: US37685A
Authority: US
Inventors: Napoleon A Basa
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1970-05-15
Filing date: 1970-05-15
Publication date: 1972-03-21
Anticipated expiration: 1989-03-21

Abstract

A portable steam bath and bathing apparatus comprises an enclosure including a collapsable framework and a separate foldable, flexible cover attached thereto as well as base means. Vapor distribution means is supported by the framework for distributing vapor within the enclosure. Bath water dispenser means is supported by the framework and includes a water discharge means disposed within the enclosure and a bath water container portion supported outside of the enclosure and including a spring urged plunger means to force water from the container portion through said water discharge means. A dispenser device includes a hollow container portion for flowable material and has an outlet means. Plunger means is slidably mounted within the container portion and spring means normally urges the plunger means toward the outlet means. A cock arm is connected to the plunger means and extends through slot means formed in a housing means. The slot means has a part extending longitudinally of the housing and a part extending laterally of the housing. A manually operated control means is provided for controlling movement of the plunger.

Description

United States Patent Basa 15] 3,649,971 [451 Mar. 21, 1972 [54] PORTABLE STEAM BATH AND BATHING APPARATUS Napoleon A. B258, 46 Cordillera Street, Quezon City, Philippines [22] Filed: May 15, 1970 [21] Appl.No.: 37,685

[72] Inventor:

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,725,577 12/1955 Howard ..4/l64 3,092,843 6/1963 Wright..... ....4/164 3,051,956 11/1967 Thoner ..4/l60 3,351,957 11/1967 Ikeda ..4/l64 2,753,433 7/1956 Rutkowski ..4/16l X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 77,047 5/1949 Denmark ..4/l61 824,254 12/1951 Netherlands ..4/161 Primary ExaminerHenry K. Artis Attorney-Imirie & Smiley [57] ABSTRACT A portable steam bath and bathing apparatus comprises an enclosure including a collapsable framework and a separate foldable, flexible cover attached thereto as well as base means. Vapor distribution means is supported by the framework for distributing vapor within the enclosure. Bath water dispenser means is supported by the framework and includes a water discharge means disposed within the enclosure and a bath water container portion supported outside of the enclosure and including a spring urged plunger means to force water from the container portion through said water discharge means.

A dispenser device includes a hollow container portion for flowable material and has an outlet means. Plunger means is slidably mounted within the container portion and spring means normally urges the plunger means toward the outlet means. A cock arm is connected to the plunger means and extends through slot means formed in a housing means. The slot means has a part extending longitudinally of the housing and a part extending laterally of the housing. A manually operated control means is provided for controlling movement of the plunger.

9 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATENTEDMARZI I972 SHEET 1 [IF 4 NAPOLEON A BASA PORTABLE STEAM BATH AND BATHING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional steam bath constructions commonly employ relatively heavy, rigid enclosures which are of such a nature that they cannot readily be carried from place to place and are rather bulky whereby they occupy excessive storage space. It is accordingly desirable to provide a lightweight yet durable construction which is readily portable and can be folded into a collapsed position so as to minimize the amount of storage space required when not in use.

Steam bath constructions ordinarily have some source of steam associated therewith. In addition to a supply of steam, it is also desirable to provide an essence or aromatic substance so as to enhance the effect of the vapor within the enclosure. It is an objective of the present invention to provide means for supporting an essence within the enclosure of the apparatus in such a manner as to be acted upon by the steam and thereby provide an improved vapor bath.

Known steam baths are not provided with means for bathing an occupant which is highly desirable. It is a further objective of the present invention to provide bath water dispenser means whereby either hot or cold water may be dispensed within the enclosure over the body of an occupant so as to bathe the occupant while disposed within the enclosure.

The dispenser device of the present invention relates to a device for dispensing various flowable materials which may have many applications, such as in the agricultural field for dispensing'liquid fertilizers and the like. Insecticides may also be dispensed with this type of apparatus during pest control operations. The dispenser device may also be utilized as a fire extinguisher. The dispenser device is further particularly adaptable as to dispensing relatively viscous materials such as the icing placed on cakes and the like whereby the dispenser device may be employed as an icing decorator device.

In the prior art, flowable materials are ordinarily dispensed from a storage tank or the like by means of compressed gas which is compressed either by manual pumping or by utilizing so'called aerosol arrangements. This type of compressed gas construction requires a number of steps in order to prepare the device for operation and the mechanisms for creating the desired air pressure are relatively complex.

The aforementioned type of known dispenser devices are also limited to use with liquids of relatively low viscosity since as the gas pressure is dissipated, the devices are not capable of adequately dispensing viscous solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The portable steam bath and bathing apparatus of the present invention includes a lightweight collapsable, relatively rigid framework covered by a flexible, foldable separate cover which is attached to the framework. A base means is also associated with the framework to provide in combination with the cover an enclosure for receiving an occupant.

Vapor distribution means includes a part supported by the framework and comprises a heater means for heating and boiling water to provide vapor as well as an essence housing supported within the enclosure and having a member saturated with essence therein and subjected to steam from said heater so as to provide the desired vapor.

Bath water dispenser means is supported by the framework and includes a water discharge nozzle within the enclosure as well as a container portion supported outside of the enclosure the container portion having water therein and a spring urged plunger means which forces the water from the container portion through the water discharge means within the enclosure, a manually operable control means being disposed within the enclosure for controlling the flow of water.

This construction provides a relatively inexpensive, lightweight yet durable steam bath and bathing apparatus which is foldable so as to be readily stored in a collapsed condition. The construction incorporates an essence attachment for enhancing the vapor within the steam bath and a flow of bath water can be controlled in an expeditious manner by an occupant of the apparatus.

The dispenser device of the present invention includes a hollow container portion for flowable materials which has an outlet means. A plunger means is slidably supported within the container portion and spring means normally urges the plunger means toward the outlet means. A cock arm is interconnected with the plunger means and extends through slot means formed in a surrounding housing. This slot means includes a part extending longitudinally of the housing and a part extending laterally of the housing whereby the cock arm may be moved into the laterally extending part of the slot means so as to hold the plunger means against movement toward said outlet means.

A manually operated trigger means is provided to control the movement of the plunger means, and a gauge portion is interconnected with the plunger means and extends outwardly of the housing for indicating the amount of flowable material remaining within the container portion at all times.

The dispenser device of the present invention may be readily prepared for use simply by cocking the spring means thereof which can be carried out manually in a simple and efficient manner. Operation of the dispenser device is substantially fool-proof and the spring means provides sufficient energy to expel] the flowable material from the device at a greater velocity than is obtainable with gas pressure discharge arrangements. The components of the dispenser device may be readily replaced when so desired and the device can be easily assembled and disassembled. The dispenser device is especially suited for dispensing a viscous material such as icing decoration for cakes and molds of any particular design may be connected with the outlet means of the dispenser device so as to provide the desired decoration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a portable steam bath and bathing apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the base means of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the base means of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view through a part of the structure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective exploded view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view through the manually operable control means for the water discharge means;

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the framework of the apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the cover of the apparatus;

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view partly broken away illustrating a detail of a portion of the framework;

FIG. 10 is a top perspective exploded view illustrating part of the vapor distribution means;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view partly broken away illustrating a portion of the bath water dispenser means;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view illustrating part of the bath water dispenser means;

FIG. 13 is a top perspective exploded view illustrating certain details of the bath water dispenser means;

FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the opposite side of the bath water dispenser means;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken through a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal section through a dispenser device according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is an end view of a nozzle for use with the dispenser device shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a longitudinal section through a nozzle shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective exploded view of the dispenser device shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a portion of the structure shown in FIG. 16, and

FIG. 21 is a top perspective exploded view of a portion of the components shown in FIG. 20.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the portable steam bath and bathing apparatus is illustrated in FIGS. linclusive. As seen most clearly in FIG. 7, the enclosure includes a framework, this framework having opposite side plates 30 and 30', side plate 30 having the edges thereof suitably interconnected with

anglemembers

32, 34, 36, 38 and 40, plate 30' being connected with similar angle members having been given the same reference numerals primed. All these members may be formed of a suitable lightweight yet durable material such as aluminum.

Foot portions

42 and 44 are connected with the lower ends of

angle members

38 and 32 respectively, corresponding foot members 42' and 44 being provided at the opposite side of the framework.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 9, a plate 46 is connected with

angle members

32 and 34, it being understood that a similar plate is provided at the opposite side of the framework. Plate 46 has a plurality of holes 48 formed therein which are adapted to cooperate with attaching means on the cover hereinafter described. Similar holes 48 are provided at spaced points along the various angle members so as to enable the cover to be effectively connected with the framework.

Slot means is formed through plate 46 and includes a first elongated part 50 which joins with a part 52 extending substantially at right angles thereto. A cross brace member 60 is connected with a pin 62 which is slidable within the slot means formed in plate 46. In the position illustrated, cross brace member 60 is locked in the erected position of the structure. A similar cross brace member 64 is correspondingly connected with a plate similar to plate 46 at the opposite side of the framework.

Cross brace members

60 and 64 are pivotally interconnected with one another at an intermediate point thereof, the lower ends of these cross brace members being pivotally connected with plates similar to plate 46. It is apparent that this construction enables the framework to be collapsed and folded into a position so as to occupy a minimum of space when not in use. I A pair of mounting

straps

70 and 72 are illustrated as being secured to the outer portion of one side of the framework, and a mounting plate 74 is also secured to the outer portion of one side of the framework, plate 74 having holes 76 and 78 formed therethrough. It should be understood that corresponding straps and a mounting plate is provided at the opposite side of the framework.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the enclosure includes a flexible folder cover 80 formed of a suitable substance such as canvas or the like, member 80 having a configurationsized to be stretched relatively tightly over the framework shown in FIG. 7 when in assembled position. Cover 80 has a plurality of attaching means 82 provided at spaced points along the edge thereof, these attaching means comprising buttons or similar fasteners which are adapted to be placed through holes 48 provided in the framework whereby the cover may be readily attached and detached with respect to the framework. The buttons may be either disposed on the inner or outer side of the cover so that the cover may be stretched either over the outer part of the framework or over the inner part thereof as desired.

The cover is provided with a central hole 84 adapted to receive the neck portion of an occupant, and a zipper 86 is provided from the neck hole downwardly along the forward portion of the cover so as to facilitate entry of an occupant into the apparatus.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, a base means includes a front wall 90 and a rear wall 92 joined by

side walls

94 and 96. Handles 98 may be connected to the opposite side walls to facilitate handling of the base means. A bottom wall 100 is provided within the base means and has a central drain 102 formed therethrough. A drain pan 104 is provided, this drain pan being received within a cutout 105 provided in back wall 92 whereby the drain pan is removable. The drain pan has an elongated slot 106 formed therein which is adapted to be aligned with drain 102 when the drain pan is in operative position as shown in FIG. 3. Elongated slot 106 facilitates cleaning out of the drain pan, and a handle 108 secured to the side of the drain pan enables it to be readily manipulated into and out of operative position. A cleanout plug 1 10 is provided at one side of the drain pan.

A pair of upwardly extending generally U-shaped members 114 are rigidly connected with

opposite side walls

94 and 96 and a seat portion 116 is connected with the upper parts of member 114, the seat serving to support an occupant in operative position within the apparatus.

A heater and water boiler 120 includes a chamber 122 for receiving water through a filling opening closed by a plug 124. A heater element 126 is disposed within the lower part of the heater and water boiler and is operatively connected with an electric cord 128 as shown in FIG. 1. Referring again to FIG. 4, a handle 130 is provided for carrying the heater and water boiler and an outlet 132 is adapted to discharge steam therefrom.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 10, a fitting includes an enlarged end portion 142 which is disposed over the outlet 132, the opposite threaded end 144 fitting 140 being threaded within a T fitting 146 which in turn is connected with

pipes

148 and 150 of generally L-shaped configuration.

Essence housings

152 and 154 are connected with the upper ends of

pipes

148 and 150 within the interior of the enclosure defined by the collapsable framework, the cover and the base means. Fitting 140 .is supported within the lower hole 76 of plate 74 previously described whereby this part of the vapor distribution means is supported by the framework of the apparatus.

Each of the essence housings is of similar construction, and as seen in FIG. 5, essence housing 152 has a groove formed therein as well as a cover 162 pivotally connected therewith and a foraminous construction including a plurality of slots 164 formed therethrough.

Steam from pipe 148 enters into essence housing 152 through a central hole 165 in the bottom thereof, and a member 166 is disposed within groove 160. This member is saturated with a suitable essence such a perfume, menthol, or even a medicament in certain cases. Member 166 may, for example, comprise a cloth tube having cotton therewithin is soaked in the essence, or it may comprise a sponge saturated with the essence. Member 166 may additionally be placed within a casing 168 having a plurality of holes 170 formed therethrough.

It is apparent during operation of the apparatus that steam entering each of the essence housings will come in contact with member 166 thereby enhancing the vapor produced within the enclosure of the apparatus.

Similar bath water dispenser means are provided at opposite sides of the apparatus, each of these bath water dispenser means being supported by the

aforementioned straps

70 and 72 provided on the associated framework portion. As seen most clearly in FIGS. 11 and 14, the bath water dispenser means includes a container portion of generally semicircular cross-sectional configuration which is adapted to contain bath water which is discharged through a threaded outlet pipe 182, a manually operable valve 184 being provided for opening or closing said outlet pipe as desired.

A fitting 186 is threaded on the outer end of outlet pipe 182 and is connected with a flexible hose 188. It will be noted as seen in FIG. 4 that outlet pipe 182 extends through hole 78 and plate 74 and that flexible hose 188 is disposed within the enclosure, a hook 190 being supported by plate 30 of the framework, this hook supporting the hose in position within the enclosure when not in use. A manually operable control means 192 is connected with the opposite end of hose 188 and controls discharge of water through a shower head type nozzle 194.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 6, nozzle 194 includes a ball portion 200 which is mounted for substantially universal movement within a socket portion 202 formed on the outer end of control means 192 whereby the position of the nozzle may be selectively adjusted as desired. A hole 204 formed in the ball portion is adapted to be aligned with a bore 206 formed through the control means whereby water under pressure is adapted to be discharged through the nozzle.

Control means 192 includes a valve portion 210 for closing off the bore formed through the control means, this valve member being pivotally connected at 212 with a manually operated lever 214 pivotally supported by control means 192 at point 216. A spring 218 normally biases lever 214 in such a direction as to move the valve member 210 inwardly to close off the bore formed through the control means. It is apparent that by squeezing on lever 214, valve member 210 can be moved so as to open the bore through the control means and allow water to be discharged through nozzle 194.

Referring to FIGS. 11-14 inclusive, container portion 180 includes a filling pipe 220 through which water is placed into the interior of the container portion. A removable cap 222 is threaded on pipe 220 for closing off the pipe except when a filling operation is taking place.

A plunger means 230 is of complimentary configuration to the container portion 180 and is slidably disposed therewithin with a relatively snug fit. Plunger means 230 is fixedly connected with one end of three

rods

232, 234, and 236, these rods extending through holes provided in the top wall of the container portion and having the opposite ends thereof connected with

spring engaging bars

238, 240 and 242 respectively.

A housing means 250 is of the same general configuration as container portion 180, both the housing means the container portion having screws 252 fixed to the rear surfaces thereof as seen in FIG. 14, these screw extending through suitable holes provided in attaching

straps

70 and 72 whereby the housing means and the container portion may be fixedly supported on the framework ofthe apparatus.

Attaching clips 256 are secured to the base portion 257 of the housing means and cooperate with attaching clips 258 secured to the container portion for locking the housing means and the container portion to one another, these attaching clips enabling the housing means and the container portion to be quickly released from one another when it is desired to remove one of these portions with respect to the other. As seen in FIG. 12, a sealing gasket 260 is provided between the base portion 257 of the housing means and the upper part of the container portion to provide a liquid type seal therebetween when in operative position.

As seen in FIG. 11, a pair of rods 270 have the opposite ends thereof secured to the base 257 of the housing means and the top wall 271 of the housing means, these rods extending through holes provided in plate 238, compression springs 272 being disposed in surrounding relationship to rods 272 and normally urging plate 238 in a downward direction.

A pair of rods 274 similarly have the opposite ends thereof connected to the base 257 and the top wall 271 of the housing means, rods 274 extending through holes provided in plate 240. A compression spring 276 is disposed in surrounding relationship to a gauge portion 278 which is fixedly connected with plate 240 and rod 234, gauge 278 extending through a hole formed in top wall 271 and having suitable indicia thereon so as to indicate the position of plunger means 230 within the container portion whereby the amount of bath water within the container portion can be readily determined at all times. It is apparent that spring 276 normally urges plate 240 in a downward direction.

A further pair of rods 280 have the opposite ends thereof secured to the base 257 and the top wall 271 of the housing means, rods 280 extending through holes provided in plate 242. A pair of compression springs 282 are disposed in surrounding relationship to rods 280 and normally bias plate 242 in a downward direction.

It is apparent that springs 272, 276 and 282 all normally bias the associated plates in a downward direction. Each of the plates is in turn rigidly connected by

rods

232, 234 and 236 with plunger means 230, whereby the springs are adapted to bias plunger means 230 in a downward direction.

Three cock arms, 280, 282, and 284 are operatively associated with

rods

232, 234 and 236 respectively, each of these cock arms being movable longitudinally with the associated rod and also being rotatable with respect thereto. Three generally L-shaped

brackets

286, 288 and 290 extend downwardly from the under surface of the top wall 271 of the housing means, these brackets cooperating with the cock arms so as to enable the cock arms to be moved upwardly to a position so as to compress the associated springs whereupon the cock arms may be swung laterally so as to engage the associated bracket to hold the cock arms in place whereby the force of the associated spring means will not be applied to the plunger means until the cock arm is swung out of engagement with the associated bracket.

As seen in FIG. 13, the side wall 300 of housing means 250 has three elongated slots, 302, 304 and 306 formed therethrough, the upper ends of these slots being in communication with laterally extending

slot portions

308, 310 and 312 respectively. These slots are adapted to receive the

cock arms

280, 282, and 284, the slots allowing the cock arms to be moved upwardly to compress the associated springs and then further allowing the cock arms to be swung laterally so as to engage the aforementioned brackets for holding the cock arms in position.

With this arrangement, each of the cock arms may be moved up separately from the other cock arms whereby the amount of force required for compressing the associated springs is not excessive. After the various cock arms have been moved upwardly to compress the associated springs, all of the cock arms may then be released so that the force of all of the springs will be simultaneously applied to the plunger means thereby providing considerable pressure for discharging the bath water from the container portion.

Referring now to FIG. l6-21 inclusive, a dispenser device according to the present invention is illustrated. The dispenser device includes a hollow container portion 400 for receiving flowable material, a handle 402 being formed integral with the container portion facilitating handling thereof. The container portion includes an outlet means 404 having a bore 405 formed therethrough, a manually operable flow control valve 406 being provided for controlling the discharge of flowable material from the container portion. The outer end of discharge means 404 is threaded for receiving a suitable nozzle such as nozzle 410 illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 which is of conventional construction.

Attaching clips 414 are secured to the outer surface of container portion 400 and cooperate with attaching clips 416 secured to a base plate 418 which is in turn attached to a housing means 420 whereby the housing means and container portion may be detachably connected to one another by the attaching clips. A rubber gasket 422 is provided between the container portion and the base plate when the apparatus is in operative position as shown in FIG. 16 to provide a liquid type seal.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 19, housing means 420 is split longitudinally thereof and is provided with hinges 424 whereby the two halves of the housing means may be swung open when desired. Suitable attaching clips are provided at points diametrically opposed from the hinges for securing the two halves of the housing means together.

Slot means is formed through the housing means and includes a longitudinally extending part 430 and a laterally extending part 432 for a purpose hereinafter described.

A disclike plunger means 440 is slidably disposed within the interior of container portion 400 and has a relatively snug fit therewith. This plunger means is connected with a push rod 442 having a plurality of spaced recesses 444 provided along one side thereof. The push rod extends through holes provided in base plate 418 and gasket 422. As seen in FIG. 21, a cock arm 446 is connected with a hub portion 448 which is rotatable on push rod 442 and is retained against axial movement with respect thereto by a collar 450 formed on the push rod.

The outer end 454 of the push rod extends through a central hold 456 formed in a generally U-shaped bracket 458. A spring engaging plate 460 is received by bracket 458 and has a hole 462 formed therethrough for receiving'the end of the push rod.

A gauge portion 466 includes a reduced threaded end 468 which is threaded within a correspondingly threaded bore 470 provided in the end of the push rod whereby the gauge portion is moveable with the push rod as well as bracket 458 and spring engaging plate 460. The gauge portion extends through a central hole provided in the end wall 474 of the housing means the gauge portion having suitable indicia provided thereon for indicating the position of the plunger means within the container portion whereby the amount of flowable material remaining in the container portion may be readily determined at all times.

A compression spring 480 is disposed in surrounding relationship to the gauge portion 466 and normally biases the plunger means toward the outlet means of the container portion. The cock arm is received in the slot means formed in the housing means whereby the cock arm can be moved longitudinally of the housing means in part 430 of the slot means and then can be swung laterally into part 432 of the slot means to hold the spring under compression until it is desired to pressurize the device. The cock arm is then swung into alignment with part 430 of the slot means whereupon the spring biases the plunger means toward the outlet means of the apparatus.

As seen most clearly in FIGS. and 21, the opposite ends of the spring engaging plate 460 are provided with lugs 484 which are slidably received within slots 486 formed in opposite legs 488 ofa guide rail, laterally extending portions 490 of legs 488 permitting attachment of the guide rail to the base plate previously described. The guide rail includes a connecting portion 492 between the opposite legs 488 thereof, a central hole being provided through portion 492 for receiving the aforementioned gauge portion. It is apparent that the guide rail serves to guide movement of the spring engaging plate 460 and stabilizes operation of the apparatus.

A pistol grip type handle 500 is provided having a trigger means 502 pivotally supported at point 504, a compression spring 506 normally biasing the trigger means in one direction.

The trigger means is connected by flexible connector 510 with a detent member 512 which is normally biased by a spring 514 upwardly as seen in FIG. 16 so as to be engaged within one ofthe recesses 444 provided in the push rod.

It is apparent that when detent member 512 engages one of the recesses 444. the plunger means will be held against movement. When it is desired to discharge flowable material from the container portion, trigger 502 is operated against a force of spring 506 so as to pull the detent member downwardly against the force of spring 514 thereby freeing the push rod and the associated plunger means for movement under the influence of compression spring 480. Upon release of the trigger means, the detent member will again be biased upwardly to engage one of the recesses in the push rod so as to hold the plunger means against further movement.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A portable steam bath and bathing apparatus comprising an enclosure, said enclosure including a collapsible framework, a separate cover, and a base means, said framework including a plurality of relatively rigid members, said cover being of foldable flexible configuration and including attaching means for attaching the cover to the framework, vapor distribution means a part of which is supported by said framework for distributing vapor within said enclosure, and bath water dispenser means, said dispenser means including water discharge means disposed within said enclosure, 21 water container portion supported by said framework and disposed outwardly of said enclosure, and spring urged plunger means disposed within said container portion for forcing water out of said container portion and through said water discharge means within said enclosure.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said vapor distribution means includes means for heating and boiling water to produce vapor.

' 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said vapor distribution means includes an essence housing connected with the output of said means for heating and boiling water so as to receive vapor therefrom.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3, including a member saturated with essence and supported within said essence housing.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein said essence housing includes a foraminous cover.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said base means has a drain formed therein, and a drain pan disposed in underlying relationship to said drain for receiving water from the drain, said drain pan being removable with respect to said base means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein said base means includes a seat rigidly connected therewith and extending thereabove.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including manually operable control means for controlling the discharge of water from said water discharge means.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including a plurality of springs normally urging said plunger in one direction, a plurality of cock arms, certain ones of said cock arms being associated with certain ones of said springs, said water dispensing means including a housing means connected with said container portion, said housing means having a plurality of slot means formed therethrough, each of said slot means including a part extending longitudinally of said housing and a part extending laterally of said housing means.

Claims

1. A portable steam bath and bathing apparatus comprising an enclosure, said enclosure including a collapsible framework, a separate cover, and a base means, said framework including a plurality of relatively rigid members, said cover being of foldable flexible configuration and including attaching means for attaching the cover to the framework, vapor distribution means a part of which is supported by said framework for distributing vapor within said enclosure, and bath water dispenser means, said dispenser means including water discharge means disposed within said enclosure, a water container portion supported by said framework and disposed outwardly of said enclosure, and spring urged plunger means disposed within said container portion for forcing water out of said container portion and through said water discharge means within said enclosure.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said vapor distribution means includes an essence housing connected with the output of said means for heating and boiling water so as to receive vapor therefrom.