WO1997043998A1

WO1997043998A1 - Couch-like therapeutic treatment means for treatment of humans bodies using a heated, granular, mineral material

Info

Publication number: WO1997043998A1
Application number: PCT/DE1997/001000
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred Blum
Original assignee: Manfred Blum
Priority date: 1996-05-17
Filing date: 1997-05-16
Publication date: 1997-11-27
Also published as: DE29708534U1; DE19720059A1

Abstract

The invention relates to couch-like therapeutic treatment means (1) for treating the human body using a heated, granular, mineral material. Said mineral material is in a box-shaped container which is open at the top and is heated by a controllable heat source. A cover of air-permeable material, for example linen, cotton or the like lies loosely on the filling of mineral material. The container can be covered at the top by a pivotable closure cover. To substantially facilitate embedding in the mineral material caused by appropriate body movements of the patient, the mineral material is in the form of granulated material and has a grain size in the order of magnitude of 1 mm to 7 mm.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Lounger-like therapeutic treatment facility for

Treatment of the human body using heated, granular, mineral material

State of the art

The invention relates to a bed-type therapeutic treatment device according to the generic term of the independent claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. Such a treatment device is described in EP-B-0 162 088 and in US-A-4 663 516.

In connection with a sand bath system (DE-C-263 355), a bath is known for the treatment of the human body using heated sand, into which previously heated sand is introduced, which may be opened with the aid of a heating coil built into the bath tub a predetermined temperature can be maintained. The sand bath according to DE-C-263 355 is intended to exert a strong stimulus on the skin of the human body, in particular those suffering from skin disorders are to be treated in this sand bath. Because the sick in this treatment, which is aimed at alleviating skin ailments, is more or less completely surrounded by the sand in direct skin contact with the sand, after a treatment for the purpose of reusing the sand, the sand has to be cleaned laboriously. Apart from the losses in heat energy of the sand which inevitably result in the course of the reprocessing of the sand for re-treatment, no measures have been taken on the bathtub itself either. Limit loss of thermal energy.

In addition, the sand bath system according to DE-C-263 355 also does not offer the possibility of a hygienically perfect treatment of a plurality of patients suffering from the support and movement organs, without the sand having to be cleaned after each individual treatment.

Compared to the sand bath system according to DE-C-263 355, the therapeutic treatment facility mentioned in the introduction can be achieved in some applications with a minimum of heating or heating. Keeping the sand warm and cleaning the treatment of the support and movement organs in a hygienically flawless manner to enable a larger number of patients without the sand used for the treatment having to be renewed or cleaned after each individual treatment. In addition to supplying heat to the patient's body, this therapeutic treatment device can also be used for a subsequent massage treatment or for resting purposes.

The at the treatment facility according to EP-B-0 162 088 or. US-A-4 663 516 sand in the container, together with the covering lying loosely on the sand, can adapt more or less well to the body shapes, in particular in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine region, by appropriate movements of the patient adjust the patient concerned, and under hygienic conditions, the multiple use of the treatment facility without changing or enable cleaning of the sand filling; It may be necessary to replace them after each treatment. only those made of nettle, cotton cloth or the like existing, relatively thin cover. The closure cover for this therapeutic treatment device offers the possibility of a treatment following the heat treatment, in particular a massage treatment, and a rest option. In addition, the sealing cover with padding, together with the heat insulation surrounding the sand filling, forms a heat insulation that almost completely closes the sand filling, whereby the energy consumption for the heating, which takes place slowly over several hours, and in particular keeping the sand warm can be kept to a minimum.

When using the therapeutic treatment facility according to EP-B-0 162 088 or. US-A-4,663,516, however, has shown that it is difficult and sometimes even impossible for many patients to face themselves with the side of their body facing the sand filling - in most applications, therefore, with their back - mainly laterally moving body movements into the sand ("embedding" themselves) so that there is as uniform and complete a contact as possible of all body regions facing the sand filling with the sand (with the cover in between). This is because the sand used - which usually has a grain size of the order of 0.1 mm - opposes the body as a relatively "hard", unyielding material material; a patient who does not have any significant skeletal deformities such as e.g. B. Hyperlordosis or kyphosis, insofar as they move into the sand bed with the relevant body regions, that the uniform body contact with the sand required for a uniform heat effect occurs - due to the cover mentioned above. Such strong and relatively long lasting movements are not possible for all patients, especially not those who, for. B. operated on the intervertebral discs shortly before have been and should be treated with the beneficial dry heat of the sand. For such patients, the relative hardness or. The inflexibility of the sand and the resulting, aforementioned consequences for the "single bed" movements mean pain and unacceptable local pressure loads. Patients with considerable skeletal deformities cannot use this treatment device using normal sand at all for the reasons mentioned.

aim

The aim of the present invention is to improve the therapeutic treatment device mentioned at the outset to the extent that it is possible for each patient, regardless of any more or less pronounced deformities of his skeleton, and moreover to be much easier than before by corresponding movements of his body in the mineral material emitting the heat. This should also be possible for patients who have been operated on shortly before - especially on the intervertebral discs - for the purpose of post-treatment with heat.

solution

The above object is achieved with the invention in accordance with the characterizing part of claim 1. Alternative solutions, which moreover contain further advantageous construction details of the treatment facility, are specified in the subordinate claims 2 to 5.

Advantageous further developments of the inventions according to claims 1 to 5 are mentioned in claims 6 to 20.

With the solution specified in claim 1 is surprisingly achieved in such a way that a patient lying on the granules can "embed" into the granules relatively quickly without any difficulties and without any appreciable effort by corresponding body movements together with the cover, and thus a complete contact for a smooth transition of those starting from the granules Can produce heat on his body - back -; this is also possible for a freshly operated patient in the area of the back, in particular on the intervertebral discs, without feeling pain as in the case of using sand as granular mineral material. Even patients with significant skeletal deformations can easily "embed" themselves in the granules used according to the invention with constant pressure contact of the relevant parts of the body with the granules. Obviously, the granules used according to the invention have a significantly better modeling ability than sand with regard to “embedding” a person.

It has further been found that the heat emission in the case of the granules provided according to the invention is considerably milder than in the case of sand and that this is also felt by the patient. This additional advantage, which was not initially expected, can be explained by the fact that, due to the relatively coarse granulation of the granules compared to that of sand, there is a considerable proportion of air between the grains of the

Granules is located, which results in a braked heat transfer to the body compared to the conditions when using sand. In addition, due to the relatively large air gaps between the granules of the granules, a build-up of heat and, in particular, moisture on the relevant parts of the body is avoided; sweating of the patient occasionally due to the use of sand is hardly the case anymore with the granules provided according to the invention.

The alternative of the invention according to claim 2 offers the

Advantage of leaving one part of the two-part closure lid in the closed position while the other part is opened for the purpose of heat treatment. This advantageous possibility is useful if a patient is to receive heat treatment in the area of the back, due to vascular disease in the legs, especially in the lower legs, but must not be exposed to the heat emanating from the treatment facility there; the alternative according to claim 2 thus enables embedding in the granu lat with back, neck and back of the head, while the lower legs of the legs can lie on the closed part of the closure cover. This lying position is due to the weak, high elevation of the legs or. Lower thighs are also advantageous for other known reasons. In addition, it is possible to open only the smaller part of the closure cover if, for. B. only hands or forearms should be treated.

The alternative of the invention according to claim 3 makes it possible for the patient to move in and out of the container with the granulate more comfortably.

The alternative of the invention according to claim 4 can be used with particular advantage where the treatment device after a heat treatment should also be able to be used for a massage treatment and / or where the bed function of the treatment device is intended to be used as a sporadic resting option or even as Use bed. In the compartment according to claim 4, various, for. B. utensils or bedding required for massage treatment can be accommodated

The alternative of the invention according to claim 5 serves for easier movement - changing the parking space - of the relatively heavy treatment device.

Of course, it is possible to combine the alternative possibilities according to claims 2 to 5 as desired in comparison to the inventive solution according to claim 1, in order to achieve a particular purpose and place of use to get optimally adapted treatment facility.

Claims 6 and 7 indicate a shape for the granules of the granules to be aimed for with regard to easy lateral mobility / modeling ability of the granules, wherein the granules are either z. B. can also be made artificially from ceramic or - preferably - consists of naturally occurring material, in particular crystal quartz.

Preferred grain sizes of the granules provided according to the invention are specified in claims 8 and 9.

The claims 10 to 12 name materials that can be used with particular advantage because of their physical and chemical properties.

An expedient development of the alternative according to claim 2 of the invention is mentioned in claim 13; With such a division of the closure cover of the treatment device, this can be set up for the heat treatment of the back, neck and back of the patient of a patient with elevated lower legs, as described above, and for heat treatment, e.g. B. the forearms are used when the rest of the container of the treatment device is covered in a heat-insulating manner.

Advantageous further developments of the alternative according to claim 3 of the invention are cited in claims 14, 15 and 16.

The alternative according to claim 4 of the invention can advantageously be developed in accordance with the proposal according to claim 17.

The values mentioned in claim 18 have been found to be a layer thickness which is useful from a therapeutic and economic point of view - height of the filling - of the granules in the container of the treatment device. The filling preferred one Height of about 15 cm, as specified in claim 19.

A use of the treatment device also for massage and / or examination purposes is a measurement of the total height of the treatment device in accordance with claim 20.

Explanation of the invention using exemplary embodiments

1 to 6 of the drawing, the invention is explained in more detail below using two exemplary embodiments.

Show it

1 is a front view of a therapeutic treatment device which is previously known with regard to the construction details but is provided with a filling of granules according to the invention,

2 shows the treatment device according to FIG. 1 in a top view in section according to section line II-II in FIG. 1,

3 shows the treatment device according to FIGS. 1 and 2 in a side view in section according to section line III-III in FIG. 1 and with the closure lid open,

4 shows a treatment device supplemented by further advantageous construction details compared to the treatment device according to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the front view,

5 shows the treatment device according to FIG. 4 in a top view in section according to section line V-V in FIG. 4, and

Fig. 6, the treatment device according to FIGS. 4 and 5 in a side view in section according to section line VI-VI in Fis. 4th 1 to 3 of the drawing show a treatment device 1, which essentially consists of a container 4 with a filling 14 made of granular mineral material, which has a grain size between 1 and 7 mm, preferably between 2 and 3.5 mm Has. The preferred granular, mineral material is crystal quartz in the form of rounded natural grain, which has been obtained by appropriate classification (sieving), washing and drying and which contains neither sludge nor organic components or soluble salts. These granules are characterized by great hardness (Mohs hardness = 7), high abrasion resistance, ecological and toxicological harmlessness, water insolubility, a pH value of approx. 6 in the presence of water, non-flammability, lack of soluble salts and high chemical stability ( no dangerous decomposition products). From the aforementioned properties and the relatively coarse granulation of the granules (compared to sand with a grain size of approx. 0.1 mm) it also follows that this material can be cleaned easily and without problems if this is necessary from time to time should be. In particular, this preferred granulate has a relatively low bulk density of only approx. 1.5 g / cm ³ at a consistency of approx. 2.7 g / cm ³ , which, in conjunction with the essentially round shape of the individual granules of the granulate, means a considerable degree better modeling ability in terms of a displaceability of the granules, in particular in a horizontal direction, that is to say to the sides, results from corresponding movements of a person lying thereon. In addition, due to the large proportion of air trapped between the granules of the granules, there is a considerably milder heat transfer to the body of the person concerned and also a better moisture balance (no sweating otherwise possible) and a better body's own heat recovery than when using sand ( Grain size approx.0.1 mm).

The container 4 has a base 5 made, for example, of a particle board, which together with preferably made of wood? best side walls 6, 7, 8 and 9 and corner legs 10, 11, 12 and 13 forms the container 4. The side walls 6 to 9 and the corner braces 10 to 13 are firmly connected to each other by means of glue and long wood dowels. The bottom 5 and additional reinforcement strips, designated 20, are firmly connected to one another and to the side walls 6 to 9 by means of glue and additionally lent with screws or other fastening means.

In the vicinity of the bottom of the container 4, a preferably electrically operated heating device 16 is provided, which is designed in the manner of a surface heating system known per se. Such surface heaters can e.g. with electrically conductive material, e.g. Coal dust, coated and otherwise insulating foils or e.g. also wires or strands made of electrically conductive material (resistance wire or

strands). When designed as an electrical heating device, a grounding grating 17 is provided above the heating device 16 located in the lower region of the filling 14 in order to keep the filling 14 electrically free of voltage in any case and in particular in the event of a fault in the heating device. The heating device 16 is provided with a controller, not shown, which is suitable for keeping the filling 14 at a preselectable temperature of, for example, 45-60 ° C.

To avoid unnecessary heat loss is below the

Heating device 16 and over a Styrofoam layer 19 (foamed polystyrene) serving for further heat insulation or a layer of similar heat-insulating material, a heat radiation reflecting, expediently coated with plastic, aluminum foil 18 is provided. The aluminum foil 18 is expediently pulled up on the side walls 6 to 9 at least up to the upper edge of the approximately 14-20 cm, preferably approximately 15 cm high filling 14 and is fastened there to the side walls by means of strips or the like.

Furthermore, on the side walls 6 to 9 there is a textile material such as air-permeable and preferably also absorbent for example linen, nettle, cotton cloth or the like. Existing thin cover 15 is attached by means of Velcro fasteners, not specified in more detail, attached to the upper end of the inner sides of the side cheeks 6 to 9 or to the edge of the cover 15; this cover 15 is otherwise loose - that is, with a certain "loose" in the maritime meaning of this term - on the filling 14. A person lying on the filling 14 with the cover 15 interposed thus does not come into direct contact with the material of the filling ; nevertheless, the cover lying loosely on the filling allows the person in question to be “embedded” by corresponding movements, together with the cover 15, for example 10 cm deep into the granulate, and thus allows the heat-emitting granulate to be largely adapted to the individual Body contours of the person concerned and even and good heat transfer to the body. Since the cover 15 is only about the thickness of a conventional sheet, the granules and the cover 15 have a pleasant massage effect on the relevant parts of the body - caused by the "Einbetf" movements mentioned.

The granules used for the filling 14 bring about an extremely even and mild heat emission over the entire surface portion of the filling 14 adjacent to the patient, which is further enhanced by the relatively large, air-filled spaces between the individual granules of the granules it is alleviated that lying on the filling 14 is perceived as extremely pleasant and beneficial even without clothing, quite apart from the therapeutic success to be achieved.

As a closure means and with regard to an additional possibility of using the treatment device according to the invention as a bed - in particular after heat treatment has taken place - a closure cover 21 is pivotably attached to the container 4 by means of hinges 23 or similar joints. The closure lid 21 has a padding 22 so that unemployment restricted use of the treatment device according to the invention also results with regard to a pure bed function. In addition, the closure lid 21 largely helps to avoid unnecessary heat losses from the filling 14.

In order to keep the closure lid 21 open in a suitable position when using the treatment device 1, supports 24 and 25 are expediently provided, which are fastened on the one hand to parts, in particular side walls of the container 4 and on the other hand to the closure cover 21 and which are expediently used as known gas springs are formed.

To accommodate the one end with the side cheek 7 or. 9 and at the other end with the cap 21 hinged supports 24 and 25 are inside the container 4 by means of one of the respective side cheek 7 or. 9 associated Quer¬ wood 30 or. 31 rooms 32 resp. 33 created. The cross pieces 30 and 31 extend to the bottom of the container 4 and are glued at the ends with the relevant side cheek 6 and / or. 8 and on one long side with the

Bottom 5 connected. The spaces 32 and 33 serving to accommodate the supports 24 and 25 are intended to help prevent the supports 24 and 25 from becoming dirty and possibly preventing them from functioning.

Furthermore, the drawing shows an electrical thermostat 26 and an electrical connection 27 in a schematic representation, which are attached here, for example, to the side wall 7. The thermostat 26 extends with its sensor denoted by 34 through the transverse wood 31 sufficiently far into the filling 14. Instead of attaching the thermostat 26 and the electrical connection 27 and, if appropriate, further electrical means on or on the side cheek 7, a solution is expedient in which these electrical devices and means are combined in a device box, which is then a unit in a corresponding manner large recess, for example, the side cheek 7 is used. In order to be able to use the treatment device 1 with the closure lid 21 closed also for massage purposes and / or examination purposes, the treatment device 1 with the closure lid closed is expediently approx. 75 cm high.

The Fig. 4 to 6 of the drawing show a treatment device 35 which, with regard to the use of heated, granular, mineral material for a heat therapy with the treatment device 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 agree, which, however, also has other advantageous design features.

The treatment device 35 essentially consists of a container 36 with a filling 37 made of granular, mineral material, as in the case of the treatment device 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The container 36 has - similar to the container 4 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 - a z. B. made of a chipboard base 38, which together with preferably made of wood side walls 39, 40, 41 and 42 and corner legs 43, 44, 45 and 46 forms the container 36. The side walls 39 to 42 and the corner legs 43 to 46 are firmly connected to one another by means of glue and long wood dowels. The bottom 38 and additional reinforcing strips, designated 47, are firmly connected to one another and to the side walls 39 to 42 by means of glue and additionally suitable clamps.

In the vicinity of the bottom 38 of the container 36, a heating device 48 is provided, which can be designed in the manner of the heating device 16 (FIGS. 1 to 3). When designed as an electrical heating device, a grounding grid 49 is provided above the heating device 48 located in the lower region of the filling 37, in order to keep the filling 37 electrically free in any case and in particular in the event of a fault in the heating device. The heater 48 is not with one shown controller provided, which is suitable to keep the filling 37 at a preselectable temperature of 45-60 ° C, for example.

In order to avoid unnecessary heat losses, a heat radiation reflecting, expediently plastic-coated aluminum foil 51 is provided below the heating device 48 and above a styrofoam layer 50 serving for further heat insulation or a layer made of similarly heat-insulating material. The aluminum foil 51 is preferably pulled up on the side cheeks 39 to 42 at least up to the upper edge of the filling 37 which is about 10-20 cm, preferably about 15 cm high, and is fastened there to the side cheeks by means of strips or the like.

On the side walls 39 to 42 there is also a textile

Material such as, for example, linen, nettle, cotton cloth or the like. Existing cover 52 fastened by means of Velcro fasteners, not specified in more detail; As in the case of the cover 15 according to FIG. 1, the cover 52 lies loosely on the filling 52.

As a closure means and with regard to an additional possibility of using the treatment device according to the invention as a bed - in particular after the heat treatment has taken place - on the container 36 by means of hinges 53 or the like

Articulated a two-part closure lid attached, which consists of the two cover parts 54 and 55, which are each pivotable about the hinge 53 in question. The closure cover 54 has a padding 55 or 56, so that there is an unrestricted possibility of using the treatment device 35 also with regard to a pure bed function. In addition, this two-part cover 54, 55 also helps to avoid unnecessary heat losses of the heated mineral granulate - that is, the filling 37 - to a large extent.

The two-part cover with the cover parts 54, 55 allows a patient to the upper body to embed heat therapy treatment in the granules of the filling 37 and to store his legs or lower legs - with the cover part 55 closed as shown in FIG. 4 - outside of the heat influence of the filling 37 and beyond to a certain extent. On the other hand, it is possible to keep the cover part closed and only open the cover part 55 for the treatment of only the hands or the forearms. With regard to these possible applications, the cover parts have, for example, a different length, for example with an aspect ratio of 1: 2 to 1: 3 transverse to the common geometric pivot axis 66 of the cover parts 54, 55.

In order to keep the cover parts 54, 55 open in a suitable position when using the treatment device 35, supports 58 and 59 are provided, which are fastened on the one hand to parts, in particular side walls of the container 36 and on the other hand to the cover part 54 or 55 and which are expediently designed as gas springs known per se.

The treatment device 35 also has a compartment 60 - or a plurality thereof - which is expediently arranged in a pull-out manner below the container 36 and which accommodates e.g. Bedding and / or utensils required for a massage treatment is used.

A padding located on the front long side of the container 36 - that is to say on the side cheek 39 - serves to make it easier to get into the container 36 or to exit it more comfortably.

The padding 61 is expediently detachably fastened to the side cheek 39, preferably by means of a Velcro fastener. In this case, the Velcro fastener part can be used that is already provided there - on the inside of the side cheek 39 - for fastening the cover 52.

Finally, the corner legs 43 to 46 of the treatment facility device 35 provided with rollers 62 to 65, whereby the relatively heavy treatment device 35 is easier to move.

In the case of the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 to 6, the granules of the filling 14 or 37 lie directly on the heating device 16 or 48, while the above-mentioned earthing grid 17 lies at a certain distance above the heating device 16 or 48 or 49 is in the granules. This means that the granules are in direct contact with the e.g. stands as a plastic film coated with conductive material such as carbon.

In order to avoid direct contact between the heating device 16 or 48 and the granules of the filling 14 or 37, an aluminum plate, for example approximately 1-2 mm thick, is placed over the heating device 16 or 48 instead of the earthing grid 17 or 49 mentioned arranged on which the granules lie. Between this aluminum plate and the heating device 16 or 48, an electrically insulating intermediate layer is provided, which is preferably a stiff, approximately 1 mm thick plate made of a synthetic resin or the like (for example known under the product name "Resopal" for use in furniture construction) is executed. The aluminum plate mentioned is usefully folded upwards on the sides by a few centimeters, so that it has an approximately U-shaped cross section both in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction and thus forms a trough-like receptacle for the granulate. The aluminum plate can be fastened via the upwardly bent edges on the side cheeks 6 to 9 or 39 to 42 of the container 4 or 36.

As a practical option for storing various utensils, the treatment devices 1 and 35 have a storage board 23 on the long side opposite the entry and exit side, which also has the function of a spacer from the adjacent wall 29. The in the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 6 provided poster 66 extends there only over a certain part - approximately half - of the front long side of the treatment device 35 or. the side cheek 39.

In some applications, however, a continuous upholstery is provided along the three side cheeks 39, 40 and 42 of the container; This can consist, for example, of foam covered with textile material l and a thickness of the order of approx. Have 30 mrr. - To the cover 21 or. the cover parts 54, 55 in the case of a flush closure in the closed state with the side cheek 39 or. To be able to grip under a padding thereon for the purpose of lifting, the above-mentioned cushioning in the area of the upper edge of the side cheek 39 expediently grips under the closure cover 21 or. of the cover part 54 or. 55 enabling recess.

Finally, the treatment device according to the invention can be supplemented by pillow or sack-like containers loosely filled with granulate or sand, which - on the filling 14 or. 37 of the container 4 or. 36 lying - from the granulate of the filling 14 or. 37 are able to absorb and store outgoing heat. When using the treatment device, the patient can position these pillow-like or bag-like containers, for example for additional heat dissipation in the area of the neck and shoulders and / or the two sides of the body. - These pillow-like or sack-like containers are preferably designed and dimensioned such that - and in particular - when the lid 21 is closed or. closed cover parts 54, 55 remain in the container 4 or. 36 is possible. For this, of course, a certain amount of space between the underside of the closure cover 21 or. the cover parts 54, 55 on the one hand and the top of the filling 14 and. 37 on the other hand. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Treatment equipment

container

ground

Sidewall

Corner leg

filling

cover

Heating device

Grounding grid

Aluminum foil

Styrofoam sheet

Reinforcement strips

Sealing cover

upholstery

Hinges

support

thermostat

Connection

Storage board

wall

Cross wood

Cross wood room

room

sensor

Treatment facility

container

filling

ground

Sidewall

Corner leg

Reinforcement strips

Heating device

Grounding grid

Styrofoam sheet

Aluminum foil

cover

Hinges

Cover part

upholstery

support

Compartment

upholstery

Roller

Swivel axis

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. couch-like therapeutic treatment device (1) for the treatment of the human body using heated, granular, mineral material,

a) with a box-like container (4) which is open towards the top and otherwise closed and which is filled to a predetermined extent with the mineral material,

b) with a controllable heat source for the mineral material,

c) with a cover (15) made of air-permeable material, e.g. textile material such as linen, nettle, cotton cloth or the like, which lies loosely on the filling (14) made of the mineral material, and

d) with a closure cover (21) which can be pivoted from a horizontal position to be covered up to the container (4) with the filling (14) into a position which releases the filling (14) with cover (15) for therapeutic use,

characterized,

e) that as a mineral material, a granulate with a

Grain size on the order of 1 to 7 mm is provided. 2. Lounger-like therapeutic treatment device (35) for the treatment of the human body using heated, granular, mineral material,

a) with a box-like container (36) which is open towards the top and otherwise closed, and which is filled to a predetermined extent with the mineral material,

b) with a controllable heat source for the mineral material,

c) with a cover (52) made of air permeable material, e.g. textile material such as linen, nettle, cotton cloth or the like, which lies loosely on the filling (37) made of the mineral material, and

d) with a closure cover (54, 55) which can be pivoted from a horizontal position to be covered by the container (36) with the filling (37) into a position which releases the filling (37) with cover (52) for therapeutic use is

characterized,

e) that as a mineral material, a granulate with a

Grain size on the order of 1 to 7 mm is provided, and

f) that the closure cover (54, 55) is designed divided such that in addition to a complete release of the

Container (36), if necessary, only one or the other part of the container is released for therapeutic use of the heated granular mineral material.

3. Lounger-like therapeutic treatment device (35) for the treatment of the human body using warmed, granular, mineral material,

a) with a box-like container (36) which is open at the top and otherwise closed and which is filled to a predetermined extent with the mineral material,

b) with a controllable heat source for the mineral material,

d) with a closure cover (54, 55), which from a

Container (36) with the filling (37) to be covered upwards can be pivoted into a position that releases the filling (37) with cover (52) for therapeutic use,

characterized,

e) that granules with a grain size of the order of 1 to 7 mm are provided as the mineral material, and

f) that the container (36) on the side opposite the pivot axis (66) of the closure cover (54, 55) is provided with padding (61) attached in the edge region of the relevant container wall (side wall 39).

4. Lounger-like therapeutic treatment device (35) for the treatment of the human body using heated, granular, mineral material,

a) with a box-like, open to the top and in remaining closed container (36), which is filled to a predetermined extent with the mineral material,

b) with a controllable heat source for the mineral material,

d) with a closure lid (54, 55) which can be pivoted from a horizontal position to cover the container (36) with the filling (37) upwards into a position releasing the filling (37) with cover (52) for therapeutic use is

characterized,

e) that as a mineral material, a granulate with a

Grain size on the order of 1 to 7 mm is provided, and

f) that at least one compartment (60) is provided below the container (36) receiving the granulate for storing utensils, e.g. to accommodate utensils required for a massage or bed linen.

Lounger-like therapeutic treatment device (35) for the treatment of the human body using heated, granular, mineral material,

a) with a box-like container (36) which is open towards the top and otherwise closed, and which is filled to a predetermined extent with the mineral material, b) with a controllable heat source for the mineral material,

characterized,

f) that the treatment device (35) on rollers (62 to 65) is supported on the floor.

6. Treatment device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the granules are at least substantially spherical.

7. Behanrilungseinrichtung according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the granulate is rounded natural grain.

8. Treatment device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the granules have a grain size of predominantly 1.5 to 4 mm.

9. Treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the granules have a grain size of predominantly

10. Treatment device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the granules consist of quartz.

11. Treatment device according to claim 10, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the granulate is crystal quartz.

12. Treatment device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the granules made of ceramic, e.g. Sintered ceramic.

13. Treatment device according to claim 2, characterized in that the closure cover (54, 55) transversely to it

Swivel axis (66) is carried out in a ratio of about 1: 2 to 1: 3 divided.

14. Treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that the padding (61) is removably attached to the relevant wall of the container (side wall 39).

15. Treatment device according to claim 14, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that the padding (61) by means of Velcro is attached to the container wall (side wall 39).

16. Treatment device according to claim 15, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that as for fastening the padding (61) on the container (36) provided Velcro for the releasable attachment of the cover (52) on the inside of the side cheeks (39 to 42) of the container (36) provided Velcro is used.

17. Treatment device according to claim 4, characterized in that the compartment (60) is designed in the manner of a drawer and on the side of the pivot axis (66) of the closure cover (54, 55) opposite Treatment device (35) can be pulled out of this.

18. Treatment device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the filling height of the granules in the container (36) is between 10 cm and 25 cm.

19. Treatment device according to claim 16, characterized in that the filling height of the granules in the container (36) is of the order of 15 cm.

20. Treatment device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the treatment device (35) in the closed state of the closure cover (54, 55) has a total height which is suitable for massage purposes and / or examination purposes, for example one

Overall height of approximately 75 cm.

21. Treatment device according to claim 17, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that two separate, side by side under the container (36) arranged drawers are provided.

22. Treatment device according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that the granulate on a above the heating device (16 or 48) in the container (36) arranged metal plate, preferably one

Aluminum plate, lies.

23. Treatment device according to claim 22, characterized gekenn¬ characterized in that a plate made of electrically insulating material, for example synthetic resin, between the metal plate and the heating device.

Treatment device according to claim 3, characterized in that upholstery running continuously along the three side cheeks (39, 40, 42) facing away from the pivot axis (66) is provided. 25. Treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the treatment device with granules or sand loosely filled pillow or sack-like containers are assigned, lying on the filling (14 or 37) remaining in the container (4 or 36) with the cover (21) or cover parts (54, 55) closed.