WO2001039718A2

WO2001039718A2 - Flexible container for liquid, for use as a total immersion tank and a water reservoir

Info

Publication number: WO2001039718A2
Application number: PCT/EP2000/011984
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maria Pfeiffer; Rolf Klammes
Original assignee: Maria Pfeiffer; Rolf Klammes
Priority date: 1999-11-29
Filing date: 2000-11-29
Publication date: 2001-06-07
Also published as: AU2670301A; WO2001039718B1; EP1246559A2; WO2001039718A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a container (1, 30, 50), consisting of a film (10, 22, 55) which is designed in such a way that the film can be held at its upper end in a substantially vertical position whilst the lower end of said film is simultaneously supported on a floor (23, 34, 40). The container is designed to be filled with a liquid, such as water and to accommodate a person. Said person can be totally immersed in the water and can relax without feeling restricted by rigid walls. The person also has total freedom of movement in the container and is able to sit, lie, crouch or stand therein whilst being totally immersed.

Description

Flexible liquid container as a full-body underwater bath and

liquid storage

The invention relates to a container for holding liquid according to the type specified in the preamble of claim 1.

The container serves as a device for diving and relaxation purposes for therapy and leisure activities, liquid storage.

Water reservoirs in the form of commercially available rain catch basins, swimming pools, bathtubs, medical baths, water tanks and other tanks are known from the prior art. Furthermore, an elongated container is known, which is filled with saline water, in which a person can lie down for a long time for the purpose of relaxation without submerging.

Furthermore, a closed tank is known from DE 689 10 938 T2 for simulating the state of weightlessness, the closed tank being filled with water which is pressurized with a pressure which is substantially higher than the atmospheric pressure. The closed, sealed water tank is pressurized by a pressure source, for example with compressed air or water. This makes it possible to realize a state in which changes in the buoyancy are small, as in the case of large water depths, even if the water depth in the tank itself is small.

From G 85 34 007.3 a water basin is known with or without a whirlpool device for bathing and underwater massage purposes. The water basin comprises a water channel which receives water running over the edge of the basin. The water absorbed in this way is filtered and fed to a collecting container. There the water can be cleaned and reprocessed. The water basin consists of a solid body which is made of a thermoformable material.

DE 36 01 064 A1 discloses a vertical bathing cell, in particular for medical baths and massages. The bathing cell consists of a housing that is open at the top, with a more or less square plan. The A bath cutout is entered through a cutout on one side. The cutout is provided with a sealing lip and is closed by a door. The sealing lip is pressed more firmly against the door the greater the water pressure in the bathroom. The bathing cell can be used for showering but also for a full bath while standing.

The disadvantages resulting from the prior art are that the abovementioned tanks or water basins and bathing cells are largely stationary and rigid and can only be produced with great effort. Swimming pools in particular are not suitable for good relaxation, since they are mostly used by several people at the same time, which inevitably leads to distraction or is completely unprofitable for an individual. Bathtubs or water basins do not provide the desired scope for optimal freedom of movement, including medical baths. The known water tanks are known as angular or cylindrical containers. This shape does not allow great freedom of movement. In addition, the hard material can cause injuries from knocking.

The object of the invention is to provide a container for liquid absorption, which can be set up practically anywhere and without previous complex construction measures. The container should be largely universal and quick to use. Furthermore, the container should offer maximum freedom of movement with a minimal volume in order to ensure absolute relaxation in the medical and therapeutic area as well as in the leisure area. It should also be able to be used by handicapped people and practically exclude the risk of injury.

This object is achieved by a container with the features claimed in claim 1.

The container, which is formed from a film, is constructed in the assembled state in such a way that it is held essentially vertically at its upper end and can be supported on a floor with its lower end. Because of its shape and texture, it can offer great freedom of movement with a small volume at the same time.

A container designed in this way enables the user to move freely in the liquid without having to constantly look for a firm hold. The shape of the container has the purpose that the user has maximum freedom of movement in any position. The container has a particularly simple structure that can be used flexibly at practically any location. The container consists of a tear-proof, liquid-tight film, which preferably has a round or square base.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the container consists of a film, of a reinforced elastic material, preferably of a stronger rubber, the film having a balloon-like shape with an opening upwards. In this case, the opening can additionally be made reinforced. The vertical hold results from the reinforced material itself or from an additional reinforcement of the opening.

In a further embodiment, the film is attached to a frame that, for example, consists of a ring shape in the form of a closed ring and supports. The ring shape can basically have an angular or irregular shape instead of a round one. The height of the supports on the scaffold can be adjusted, for example. The scaffold can preferably be disassembled into its individual parts, so that it can be easily assembled and disassembled and transported. The film can be attached to the ring shape, for example, by means of belts which are attached to the film or by means of at least one tensioning element in which the film is clamped to the ring shape. The film forming a container can then be filled with a liquid. The lower end of the container can be supported directly on the floor or a floor in the form of a floor element can be placed under it beforehand. The floor element preferably has an opening and a corresponding height, so that a user of the container can sit in the area of the opening and does not come into contact with a possibly cold floor underneath. In addition, such a base element can also support the container laterally. The base element is preferably made of a material, for example foam, which adapts to the filled container so that no hard transitions between the container and the separate base element occur. For getting in and out, a ladder is provided on the container, which is designed, for example, in such a way that it is hung on the scaffold and thus cannot slide away.

In a further embodiment, holders are attached to the ends of the film. Suspension elements can be attached to the brackets. With these suspension elements, the film is attached to a second holder so that it forms a container that can easily be filled with a liquid such as water. The holder can be provided in the form of an additionally reinforced recess in the film or, for example, as a metal ring which is attached to the outside of the film.

In order to achieve a defined entry diameter of the container, a first ring-shaped element is attached around the container, the film being folded over the first ring-shaped element. In order to prevent the first annular element from slipping down, a second annular element is provided, preferably a belt or a rubber ring, the rubber ring having a smaller diameter than the first annular element, so that it has the first annular element after the container has been filled can fix. The film is then pulled over the first and second annular members.

In one embodiment, for example, a rope is pulled through the brackets at the upper end of the film and lashed down, so that both ring-shaped elements are fixed and cannot slip. In this way, a stable container rim is formed.

In a further embodiment, suspension elements are attached to the film drawn over the two annular elements in order to hang the film forming a container. For this purpose, the suspension elements are attached in the holders of the film and finally attached to a second holder. Such a second holder can be, for example Act hook that is attached to a ceiling. A free-standing frame to which the container with its suspension elements can be attached is also conceivable.

Enough space is created by the suspension elements so that a user can easily get in or out of the container. A rope or chain can be used as the suspension element, which in turn can be provided with a hook, such as a snap hook, in order to be hooked into the holder of the container. In addition to a rope or a chain, a tension belt can be used as a further suspension element, which represents a particularly simple and inexpensive option.

In addition, the container can be placed in a collecting or overflow trough which is designed in such a way that a user can enter the container via it and on the other hand liquid can be collected from the container. A particularly simple option is to attach a walk-on grille on the edge of the tub.

In order to optimally relax the user in the container, the film is preferably made of an elastic material. This has the advantage that the container can yield when touched by the user. This gives the user the feeling of not being surrounded by rigid walls, as is the case with the containers described in the prior art; the relaxing and beneficial effect on the user is further enhanced. It also prevents the user from getting hurt on hard edges or corners. This is especially necessary for disabled people who are handicapped in the musculoskeletal system. Due to the flexible material, the pool edge formed by, for example, at least one ring-shaped element can be pulled down so far that a comfortable entry and exit is made possible and the water level can also be reduced by hand. This is also possible, for example, in the case of a container with a balloon-shaped film. As a result, the user can independently end his diving process at any time. The For this purpose, the annular element or the annular elements consist of a solid material, preferably a rubber ring

A pre-installation of separate water and waste water pipes at certain points is not necessary, since a connection between the container and an existing water pipe, water pump or drain can be established via a flexible hose

After use, the container can be easily disassembled into its individual parts, the film being transformed back into a flat surface and being easy to clean and disinfect

A container made of a balloon-shaped film can be easily turned over for cleaning

The specific weight of the liquid enables the user to get the feeling of weightlessness. The therapeutic effect of weightlessness and water or other liquid as a massage medium is known. Due to the possibility of total immersion without having to look for a stop and without encountering rigid walls intensify this effect many times over In particular during a diving operation, the user can completely "dive" internally without being affected by external noise, for example. In addition, he hardly feels his own weight. The user can simply drop and thus achieve a completely relaxed state The user also has the option of holding the container in any position. For example, he can lie, stand or crouch in the container and be completely immersed in the container

It is also conceivable to use it as a premature baby bed. In particular with the previously known transportation options, such as baby carriers, the newborn is exposed to enormous stress, since it is not yet used to its own body weight It is also conceivable that the container can be used as a birthing pool.

The production costs for such a container are relatively low compared to the prior art. The replaceability is almost unlimited. The water inlet and outlet can conveniently be outside the container as already described; this can prevent a risk of injury from hard edges. However, it is conceivable to provide an additional possibility in the film, for example for draining water from the container; it should be noted, however, that the inlet and outlet are designed so that they form a smooth transition inside the container to the film and thus a user does not feel impaired. The inlet and outlet are sealed against the escape of liquid from the container and can be connected to a hose or a pump.

By means of the ring-shaped element attached to the outside in combination with, for example, a belt for fixing, the container, or more precisely the height of the container edge, can be adjusted individually depending on the body size of the user.

Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the following drawings. It shows:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the

container;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of another preferred embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a cross section through a container in which the container only

Ropes are suspended; FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a further preferred embodiment of the container,

Figure 5 is a plan view of a round sheet of another preferred

Embodiment of the container;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container made from the film in Figure 5;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a container which consists of a balio-shaped film.

Description of the drawings

1 shows a cross-sectional view of a container 1. The container 1 consists of a liquid-tight, tear-resistant square film, the ends 12 of the film are fastened with a holder in the form of a metal hoop 11 in a round or square design in the film. One end 13 of the film has a metal ring which is fastened to the film 10 on the outside. Suspension elements 4 are provided for fastening the bracket 9 to a second bracket 5. In the illustrated embodiment, these are a hook 16 and a metal chain 15 as well as a rope 17 and a tension belt 18.

At the ends, the film is pulled through an annular element 2, which forms a defined diameter for an entry opening, and is turned over to the outside. A belt is placed around this as the second annular element 3, which is contracted so far that the remaining opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the annular element 2. In order to fix the ring-shaped element 2 in its position and prevent it from sliding down. This ring-shaped element 2 forms the upper edge of the container 1, the container 1 can be flexibly designed in this way as required in height and thus individually adapted to each user. The container can be entered either before or after it is filled with a liquid. The user can take a seat on the film before filling. The ends of the film are slowly pulled up and lashed up by means of the suspension elements 4 which are fastened to the holder 5. The container that forms is then filled with liquid. In addition, the film is provided on the outside with a belt 6, so that the balloon-like shape of the container is additionally supported and the film can thus be relieved.

The container 1 can also be climbed by a user after filling, this can be further facilitated by a collecting and overflow trough 7 into which the container can be placed or by a ladder. The tub 7 can on the one hand collect overflowing water and on the other hand facilitate entry and exit into and out of the container by means of a walk-in grille 8 at its upper edge.

In the container an inlet and outlet 19 is attached, which allows the connection of a hose or a pump, for example for emptying the container. The inlet and outlet 19 forms a soft transition to the film in the interior of the container, so that a user cannot be injured. Furthermore, the inlet and outlet 19 are sealed against the escape of water from the container.

Controlled emptying into the tub can also be carried out. The trough 7 can be emptied into each basin provided for drainage by means of a drain. The container 1 can also be used in a correspondingly larger water basin (e.g. swimming pool).

FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a further preferred embodiment of the container according to the invention. The film 22 from which the container 30 is formed is attached to a ring 20 of a frame 24. A belt 26, which is attached to the outside of the film 22, or a tensioning element can be used to fasten the film 22, for example. The belt is lashed to the ring 20 while the tensioning element 28 clamps the film and the ring together. The frame 24 consists of a ring 20 on the feet or supports 32 which can also be adjusted in height. The container 30 as shown in Figure 2 is not on the floor 40, but is supported on a bottom element 34 at its lower end 38. The floor element 34 has an opening 36 and has a corresponding height so that the user does not sit directly on the floor 40 as shown. In addition, the inner walls of the floor element 34 are chamfered. The material for the base element is chosen here so that it can adapt to the shape of the container and so there are no hard transitions between the container 30 and the element 34 against which the user can bump. In order to get into and out of the container 30, a ladder 42 is provided on the container 30, which is designed in such a way that it can be easily hung on the container edge 44. The container 30 is filled and emptied as already described.

FIG. 3 shows a container 1 which is suspended exclusively on ropes 17 as suspension elements 4

FIG. 4 shows a container 30 according to the invention, in which the upper edge of the container is stabilized by a rubber bead or rubber ring 45, the film being fastened to the rubber ring with belts 26 and / or a clamping device 28 and the container being open a continuous bottom element 34 stands that adapts to the shape of the filled container.

FIG. 5 shows a film 10 which has holders 9 in the form of reinforced cutouts 11.

FIG. 6 shows the container according to FIG. 5. A rubber ring is attached to the film 10 as an annular element 2. First, a rope 48 is pulled through the recesses and the film is finally folded over the ring-shaped element 2 and a second ring 3 is attached below that of the element 2 to prevent the element 2 from slipping off when the container is full. The film is finally knocked over the ring 3 and the element (2) and the rope 48 is tightened so that the film can no longer slide back over the element 2. FIG. 7 shows a container 50 which consists of a balloon-shaped film 55 made of a reinforced, elastic material. The opening 60 of the container 50 is additionally reinforced by a thicker bead 65. The container 50 can also be placed on a base element 34 (not shown). Because the material of the base element 34 can adapt to the shape of the container 50 or can also have a corresponding recess or opening 36, it is possible to additionally support the container 50 laterally.

Claims

claims

Container (1, 30, 50) for holding liquid which is used for the relaxation of people, characterized in that the container (1, 30, 50) has a film (10, 22, 55) and is designed in such a way that that it can be held essentially vertically in the assembled state at the upper end, can be supported at the same time with its lower end (38) on a floor (23, 34, 40) and, due to its shape and nature, maintain great freedom of movement and at the same time relatively little volume

Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (1, 30, 50) consists of a tear-resistant, liquid-tight, preferably square or round or balloon-shaped film (10, 22 55)

Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the film (10, 22, 55) consists of an elastic material

Container according to one of claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the container (50) has a film (55) in the shape of a balloon with an opening upwards

A container according to claim 4, characterized in that the film (55) consists of a reinforced, elastic material

A container according to claim 5, characterized in that the opening (60) of the film (55) has a reinforced edge (65)

A container according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the film (22) can be fastened to a frame (24) in such a way that the upper edge (44) of the container (30) formed from the film (22) through the frame ( 24) is trimmed

Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the scaffold (24) can be dismantled into individual parts.

9. Container according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the frame (24) consists of a ring shape (20) and attachable to the ring shape supports (32).

10. A container according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that the frame (24) are adjustable in height.

11. A container according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the supports (32) are adjustable in height.

12. Container according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the film (22) on the frame (24) is fastened by at least one belt (26) attached to the film.

13. Container according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the film (22) on the frame (24) by at least one Spannelemeπt (28) is firmly clamped, wherein the clamping element is detachable.

14. Container according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at the ends of the film (10) brackets (9) are attached, which serve to receive at least one suspension element (4) with which the film after the filling process on a second Bracket (5) can be anchored.

15. A container according to claim 14, characterized in that the holders (9) in the ends of the film (10) are attached.

16. A container according to claim 15, characterized in that the holders (9) in the form of a reinforced recess (11) are attached to the ends of the film, preferably for fastening at least one suspension element (4).

Container according to claim 16, characterized in that the holders (9, 14) are attached to the ends (12) of the film, for fastening at least one suspension element (4)

Container according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the suspension element (4) is a rope (17) or a chain (15), on which preferably a hook element (16) can be hung or is particularly preferably a tension belt (18)

A container according to one of claims 1 to 3 and 14 to 18, characterized in that an annular element (2) is attached to the film (10) and forms an opening for entry

Container according to claim 19, characterized in that the annular element (2) consists of a solid, elastic material, particularly preferably a rubber ring

Container according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the film (10) is folded over the ring-shaped element (2) and fixed by a second ring-shaped element (3), preferably a belt or a rubber ring, which is also attached to the film (10) is, the rubber ring has a smaller diameter than the annular element (2), so that a container filled with liquid can be formed without further devices

Container according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that at least one strap (6) can additionally be attached to the outside of the container (1, 30, 50) for additional stabilization of the container (1, 30, 50), so that it balloon-like shape is supported

Container according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that an inlet for filling the container (1, 30, 50) is provided outside the container

24. Container according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that an outlet outside the container (1, 30, 50) is provided.

25. Container according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the container (1, 30, 50) has at least one inlet and outlet (19) in the container wall, the inlet and outlet (19) being sealed, that no liquid can get out of the container (1, 30, 50).

26. A container according to claim 25, characterized in that the inlet and outlet (19) is formed in the container wall so that a hose or a pump for pumping liquid from and into the container (1, 30, 50) is connected to it can be.

27. Container according to one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that on the container (1, 30) a ladder (42) can be provided for entry and exit.

28. Container according to one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the container (1, 30, 50) can be supported at its lower end on a floor in the form of a separate floor element (34).

29. A container according to claim 28, characterized in that the bottom element (34) has an opening (36) so that the user of the container (1, 30, 50) does not sit directly on the element.

30. A container according to claim 28 or 29, characterized in that the bottom element (34) consists of a material, preferably foam, which can adapt to the shape of the filled container (1, 30, 50) substantially, so that no hard transitions between the bottom element (34) and the container (1, 30, 50) arise.

31. Container according to one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that the container (1, 30, 50) can be placed in a collecting and drain pan (7) for draining overflowing water.

32. Container according to claim 31, characterized in that the collecting and drain pan (7) has a walk-in grille (8) as Einzwzw. Option to get out of the container (1, 30, 50).

33. A container according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the collecting and drain pan (7) is adjustable in height.

34. Use of the container for the transport of living beings and sensitive goods, preferably small children and infants.

35. Use of the container as a birthing pool.

36. Use of the container according to one of claims 1 to 35 for diving and relaxation purposes over a longer period of time by means of a suitable breathing apparatus, preferably a breathing mask.

37. Use of the container as liquid storage.

38. Use of the storage container.