WO2012120548A1

WO2012120548A1 - Polyfunctional and automated apparatus for cosmetic-therapeutic treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2012120548A1
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000058
Authority: WO
Inventors: Claudia Battaglino
Original assignee: Claudia Battaglino
Priority date: 2011-03-08
Filing date: 2011-03-08
Publication date: 2012-09-13

Abstract

Multipurpose device for the aesthetic/therapeutic treatment of the human body of a user, characterised in that it comprises, as a treatment environment, a cubicle (1 ) operatively associated with: means (2) for environmentally conditioning said cubicle (1 ); means (3) for administering aesthetic/health products to the body; means (4) for removing the excess portion of said products from the body; means (5) for managing the resulting waste products; means (6) for sanitising said cubicle (1 ); and programmable means (7) for the total or partial automation of the operations of said means (2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

Description

Polyfunctions! and automated apparatus for cosmetic-therapeutic treatment

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to the field of aesthetic and/or therapeutic treatments, and particularly it relates to a multipurpose device for the aesthetic/therapeutic treatment of the human body.

An ever increasing number of people are turning to treatments offered by health spas and thermal treatment centres to alleviate the stress caused by the hectic pace of daily life and to restore a psycho-physical balance to enable them successfully to face all the challenges posed by modern-day living. Unfortunately, the free time available to dedicate to this albeit essential regenerating activity is often insufficient and the costs of aesthetic treatments are often too high, which is why many people can only dream while leafing through the glossy coloured brochures of the various spas, without actively being able to access the extraordinary benefits linked, for example, to a treatment using thermal mud, whose aesthetic and therapeutic properties are now internationally recognised and accepted.

The object of the present invention is therefore to overcome these problems by providing a solution that is extremely versatile in terms of treatment methods, times and costs, and that is sufficiently compact and modular as to enable its use even in environments that are not specifically designed for the treatment and well-being of the body, such as shopping centres, airports and exhibitions, so as to offer people the possibility of enjoying a healthy moment of relaxation without having to take time off from their daily activities.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is a multipurpose device for the aesthetic/therapeutic treatment of the human body of a user, characterised in that it comprises, as a treatment environment, a cubicle operatively associated with means for environmentally conditioning said cubicle, means for administering aesthetic/health products to the body, means for removing the excess portion of said products from the body, means for managing the resulting waste products; means for sanitising said cubicle, and programmable means for the total or partial automation of the operations of said means. Preferably, such a treatment cubicle has an overall structure having a substantially spherical configuration, and it is made up of a base structure to which a movable cover is connected.

Other features of the multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device of the present invention will be clear to one skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a general schematic view of a multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a water supply circuit for the device according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of conditioning means associated with the device according to the present invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of the means for administering aerosols/nebulisers associated with the device according to the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic view which illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of administering means for slurry treatment products as associated with the device according to the present invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic view which illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the dispensing means for slurry treatment products as associated with the device according to the present invention;

Figures 7 and 8 are schematic views that show two exemplary embodiments of removal means associated with the device according to the present invention; Figures 9 and 10 are schematic views that show the sanitising and disposal means associated with the device according to the present invention;

Figure 11 is a side view of an embodiment of a cubicle for the device according to the present invention;

Figure 12 is a plan view of an embodiment of a cubicle for the device according to the present invention; and

Figure 13 is a partially cutaway side view of an embodiment of the cubicle for the device according to the present invention.

In the following description, identical reference numerals correspond to identical parts in all the various views illustrated in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a schematic overall view of a preferred embodiment of a multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device according to the present invention, comprising a cubicle 1 substantially composed of a base structure 11 to which a movable cover 12 is connected, the opening and closing of the movable cover being controlled by actuator means 13 to enable a user to access the cubicle. The cubicle 1 is operatively associated with conditioning means 2 to condition the internal environment of the cubicle, administering means 3 to apply one or more treatment products to the user, removal means 4 to remove said products from the user, disposal means 5 to manage the waste materials, and sanitising means 6 to sanitise the cubicle upon completion of a treatment cycle and to prepare it for the next use. Means 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, and optionally the actuator means 13, are operatively connected to a central control unit 7 which appropriately interfaces with a control panel 8.

Figure 2 shows a water supply circuit for the multipurpose device according to the present invention. A supply source 90, which can be a local water system, a buffer tank or a basin equipped with a suitable supply pump, supplies water to a main branch 91 of the water supply circuit. The flow rate of the water delivered is measured by a flow-meter 92 which, if a flow rate below a pre-set threshold required to perform all the necessary operations is detected, triggers a pump 93 operatively connected thereto in order to increase the flow rate until such a threshold is reached. A non-return valve 94 prevents the water thus pressurised from flowing back towards the supply source 90. From the main branch 91 of the embodiment shown here, four secondary branches branch off, i.e. one branch 95 supplying treatment water, one branch 96 supplying water intended for steaming, one branch 97 supplying cold domestic water, and one branch 98 supplying hot domestic water, the latter being provided with an appropriate water/water exchange system and a tank 99 for heating the water (connected to the circuit 21 ).

Turning now to Figure 3, the conditioning means 2 used to condition the internal environment of the cubicle 1 of the multipurpose device according to the present invention is shown here in greater detail. This conditioning means comprises a heating circuit 21 , a steam circuit 22, a distributor 23 of volatile fragrance substances, a ventilation member 24 in the form of a grill, and a forced-ventilation assembly 25. The heating circuit 21 , which is a closed ring circuit, is supplied for example by the cold domestic water delivery branch 97 previously illustrated in Figure 2, and it is provided with a charge valve 210 to charge a certain amount of water into said circuit. Downstream of the charge valve 210 there is located water heating means 211 comprising an electric heat exchanger of a known type, in which the water heated by the electrical heating means exchanges heat with the flow of water intended for the use with the device, and a pump 212, which serve to heat and pressurise the feed water until the preset values of temperature and pressure are reached, respectively. The water thus heated and pressurised is finally passed through a radiating panel 213 which radiates heat within the cubicle 1.

The steam circuit 22 is supplied by branch 96 and comprises a steam device 221 which vaporises the inlet water and transfers the steam thus produced to a steam dispenser 222 arranged within the cubicle 1. The distributor 23 serves to distribute volatile fragrance substances into the internal environment of the cubicle 1. Optionally, the distributor 23 can be operatively connected to the steam circuit 22, for example downstream of the steam device 221 , so as to use the steam produced therein as a vehicle to convey the volatile fragrance substances delivered by the distributor 23. The forced- ventilation assembly 25 of the embodiment shown comprises a fan 251 , for example a bladed fan, a diffuser 252 and a ventilation grill 253.

Figures 4 to 6 show preferred embodiments of the administering means 3, as shown schematically in Figure 1 , to apply one or more treatment products onto the user. These embodiments can be used, alone or in any combination thereof, within a multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device according to the present invention.

Specifically, Figure 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a system for administering treatment products as an aerosol or mist. In summary, this system comprises a mixer/heater assembly 30 connected, by means of an auxiliary pump 306, to a compression assembly 307 which, in turn, supplies a diffuser assembly 312 arranged within the cubicle 1. In detail, the mixer/heater assembly 30 comprises a mixing chamber 301 supplied by the branch 95 previously illustrated in Figure 1 , said mixing chamber 301 being provided with a heating member 302 (connected to the circuit 21 ) and an impeller 303 driven in rotation by a motor 304. Furthermore, the mixing chamber 301 communicates with a tank 305 that feeds one or more treatment products into the chamber. The tank 305 can optionally be divided into compartments (not shown), each containing a different treatment product and communicating with the mixing chamber 301 independently of each other, in order to feed their respective contents into the mixing chamber 301 in any desired combination. The auxiliary pump 306 downstream of the mixing chamber 301 pressurises the mixture of hot water and treatment products thus formed, and conveys it to the compression assembly 307. The compression assembly 307 comprises a compressor 308 which feeds compressed air into the compression chamber 309, where the mixture from the mixing chamber 301 is aerosolised or nebulised. A non-return valve 310 upstream of the compression assembly 307 and a non-return valve 311 between the compressor 308 and the compression chamber 309 prevent unwanted backflows. Then, the aerosol thus formed is transferred to the diffuser assembly 312 arranged within the cubicle 1 , and it is diffused into the atmosphere of the cubicle for the administration to the user. In a more preferred embodiment, a portion of the aerosol can be diverted towards a secondary diffuser 313 which can be held and used by the user for a targeted administration of the aerosol to a specific part of the body. As shown in Figure 4, the cubicle 1 comprises a perforated supporting footboard 14, for example a slat footboard, on which the user can remain and which enables the aerosol to be collected by gravity in a bath 15 arranged beneath the supporting footboard 14.

Figure 5 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a system for administering slurry treatment products, in this case a thermal mud. This system substantially comprises a circuit 314 to supply water and a circuit 318 to supply the thermal stone, which both communicate with the bath 15 previously illustrated in Figure 4. The water supply circuit 314 comprises a mixer 315 which receives water both from the branch 97 supplying cold domestic water and from the branch 98 supplying hot domestic water. The mixer 315 is operatively connected to a control unit 316, for example a thermostat, which provides for adjusting the mixture of a certain amount of cold water with a certain amount of hot water, until a desired temperature is reached.

The water thus mixed is then fed into the bath 15 by means of an appropriate delivery valve 317 located downstream of the mixer 315. The circuit 318 supplying the thermal stone comprises a tank 319 containing thermal stone operatively connected to a propulsor 320, for example a pneumatic propulsor or air compressor. On actuating a dosing valve 321 located downstream of the tank 319, the propulsor 320 generates a thrust which is sufficient to transfer a certain amount of thermal stone from the tank 319 to the bath 15 installed within the cubicle 1 ; upstream of the valve and arranged in the circuit is a filter 100 which enables the granulometry of the thermal stone to be controlled. Within the bath 15 a mixture thus forms of water and thermal stone which on contact becomes thermal mud, appropriately dosed and heated, ready to be used for treatment purposes. Optionally, this mixture can be recirculated by a recirculation circuit 322 comprising a heater (connected to the circuit 21 ), a UV steriliser 323 and a recirculation pump 324, in order to keep the mixture constantly at the desired temperature and disinfected for repeated treatments. In this case, the temperature is maintained by switching on the panel 253 previously described in Fig. 3. As can be seen in Figure 5, the supporting footboard 14 previously illustrated in Figure 4 is, at least in part, removable or foldable to allow access to the bath 15 by the user. Furthermore, also as shown in Figure 5, it is possible to provide additional disinfection means 325 in order to keep the mixture of water and thermal mud contained in the bath 15 disinfected between one use and the next. Preferably, both the delivery valve 317 and the dosing valve 321 are electrovalves.

In addition or as an alternative to the first exemplary embodiment described above, Figure 6 shows a second exemplary embodiment of an assembly for administering slurry treatment products, in this case a thermal stone transformed into a thermal mud. This second exemplary embodiment is particularly suitable for a targeted treatment of the user, particularly for the targeted treatment of the face, hands and feet. This assembly comprises a mixing chamber 326 which is provided with a heating member 327 (connected to the circuit 21 ) and an impeller 328 driven in rotation by a motor 329. The mixing chamber 326 receives water from the branch 95 as illustrated in Figure 1 , and thermal stone from an appropriate tank 330 which can contain either thermal stone (supplied by the 320-319-100-321-318 system) or cosmetic mud; the thermal stone in the mixing chamber 326 is converted into thermal mud by the impeller 328. The cream formed and heated in the mixing chamber 326 is conveyed, with the aid of a propulsor 331 , to delivery nozzles 332, 332' positioned within the cubicle 1 and controlled by corresponding dosing valves 333, 333'. The propulsor 331 is preferably a pneumatic propulsor, and the dosing valves 333, 333' can be dosing electrovalves or manually-operated dosing valves. The delivery nozzles 332, 332' deliver the cream into respective basins 334, 334' appropriately positioned to enable a targeted treatment of specific parts of the user's body. In the embodiment illustrated, the basin 334 is designed for the treatment of hands and face, while the basin 334' is designed for the treatment of feet. Optionally, basins 334, 334' can be provided with rolling members 335, 335', for example rolling balls, capable of apply a massaging action to the parts of the body being treated. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment (not shown), the basins 334, 334' can have a closed box-like structure with a suitable slot into which the hands and feet can be respectively inserted, and can be equipped with appropriate movable arms, operated by corresponding actuating means, which have brushes at their ends for the automatic application of the cream onto the user's hands and feet.

Figure 6 also shows another embodiment of the administering means 3 previously illustrated in Figure 1 , i.e. a tanning lamp 336 which can be, for example, a fluorescent UV lamp, a high-pressure UV-A lamp or an infrared lamp, as are well know to those skilled in the art, with the purpose of disinfecting and radiating the epidermis in some cases, both to produce a flow conveying heat and to achieve faster drying of the product by accelerating and promoting the absorption of the active substances for immediate treatment benefits.

Figures 7 and 8 show two exemplary embodiments of removal means 4 previously shown schematically in Figure 1 , to cleanse the user's body of excess treatment products upon completion of the treatment cycle. Specifically, the removal means illustrated in Figure 7 comprises a mixer 401 which receives water both from the branch 97 delivering cold domestic water and from the branch 98 delivering hot domestic water. The mixer 401 is operatively connected to a control unit 402, such as a thermostat, which provides for adjusting the mixing of a certain amount of cold water with a certain amount of hot water, until the desired temperature is reached. The water thus mixed is then fed, through an appropriate delivery valve 403 located downstream of the mixer 401 , to a nebuliser nozzle 404 which disperses it within the internal environment of the cubicle 1 and then onto the user's body. The excess water is collected in the bath 15 passing through the slats of the supporting footboard 14, if present. The removal means illustrated in Figure 8 is identical to that shown in Figure 9, except that the water mixed in the mixer 401 is delivered, through the dosing valves 333, 333' and the delivery nozzles 332, 332', only into the basins 334, 334' used for the targeted treatment described above.

Figures 9 and 10 show two exemplary embodiments of disinfection and disposal means 5 of the device after the cycle, previously shown schematically in Figure 1 , for the management of waste materials produced upon completion of the treatment cycle. Specifically, the disposal means illustrated in Figure 9 is directly connected to the bath 15, and comprises an auxiliary pump 51 that conveys the waste materials to an intermediate tank 52 in which the denser matter, particularly spent thermal mud, is separated from the rest of the waste materials and collected in a reservoir 53 so as to be recycled for veterinary use or as manure. Instead, the remaining waste materials are directed towards a drain 54 connected either to the local sewage system or to a waste water reservoir (not show) or tank/canister. The removal means shown in Figure 10 is identical to that shown in Figure 9, except that it is directly connected to the two basins 334, 334' instead of to the bath 15.

Furthermore, Figures 9 and 10 show two exemplary embodiments of the sanitising means 6, previously shown schematically in Figure 1 , to sanitise the cubicle upon completion of a treatment cycle and to prepare it for the next use. Specifically, the sanitising means shown in Figure 9 receives water from branch 97 (or 98) and mixes it in 61 with a detergent from an appropriate tank 62, so as then to deliver it within the cubicle through delivery means 63. The sanitising mixture is then collected in the bath 15 passing through the slats of the supporting footboard 14, if present. The sanitising means shown in Figure 10 is identical to that shown in Figure 9, except that the sanitising

i

mixture produced in 61 is delivered only into basins 334, 334' as well as into the basin for the face 334" (see Figure 11 ).

An example of thermal stone particularly suitable for use in association with the multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device of the present invention is that obtained using the clay referred to in International Patent Application PCT/IT2010/000322 filed by the same applicant; this is a clay stone rich in mineral salts and beneficial substances which has, among others, the following advantages:

• Mixable on the spot;

• Active at the time mixing;

• Without expiry if not mixed;

• Immediately reactive (because rich in oligo-mineral substances naturally made available and thermal in origin);

• Of immediate benefit, ideal for even quick applications;

• With no environmental impact and substantially non-allergenic, as found in previous clinical tests.

Figures 11 to 13 show in greater detail the structure of the cubicle for the multipurpose treatment device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring specifically to Figure 11 and as previously indicated above in Figure 1 , the cubicle, generally denoted by reference numeral 1 , is substantially composed of a base structure 11 to which a movable cover 12 is connected, the opening and closing of said movable cover being controlled by actuator means 13, for example motorised means, to allow a user to gain access to the cubicle. Referring also to Figure 12, it can be noted that the base structure 11 includes two supporting rings 111 , 112 arranged concentrically in relation to each other, the supporting ring 111 being larger in diameter than the supporting ring 112 and raised with respect to the same. The two supporting rings 111 , 112 are joined by means of spoke members 113, 114, 114' arranged radially, at regular intervals, around the perimeter of the two rings. These spoke members are generally shaped as a rectangular triangle with the hypotenuse facing inwards, and pairs of diametrically opposite spoke members can be joined to each other by means of radial reinforcement members, as in the case of the spoke members 114, 114' shown in Figure 11 , which are connected by their respective horizontal catheti by means of a reinforcing member 115. Particularly, the hypotenuses of the two diametrically opposite spoke members 114, 114' extend further upwards, forming respective arched supporting extensions 116, 116'. These two supporting extensions 116, 116' serve to support the movable cover 12 at the fulcrum pins 117, 117'.

The base structure 11 is made of a metal material such as steel, aluminium or light metal alloys containing aluminium, titanium and similar metals. The structure thus designed is self-supporting, not subject to overturning, can be easily dismantled and similarly easily transported.

As can be better observed by referring also to Figure 13, the movable cover 12 is composed of a series of flexible arches 121 hinged on the fulcrum pins 117, 117' of the supporting extensions 116, 116'. Note that, in the arrangement shown in Figure 13, only one supporting extension 116 can be seen with its respective fulcrum pin 117. The flexible arches 121 have a foldable hood 122 secured over them, normally made of a waterproof material or other flexible, water-repellent material, which can be folded back and extended by reducing and increasing respectively the angular distance between adjacent flexible arches 121 , acting on the fulcrum pins 117, 117' through the actuator means 13. The foldable hood 122 can be integral or, alternatively, can be composed of two pieces that can be folded back and extended independently of each other. Furthermore, at the upper ends of the supporting extensions 116, 116' it is possible to removably attach anchoring members for seating means 16, such as a hammock, which the user can lie down on during the treatment within the cubicle. Alternatively, the seating means 16 can also be composed of an ergonomically-designed seat that enables a foetal position to be assumed which is highly suitable from the physiological point of view.

From the above description it is clear that, in this preferred embodiment of the cubicle 1 associated with the multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic device according to the present invention, said cubicle has a substantially spherical shape with a flattened base. This arrangement is particularly advantageous in that it enables condensate to collect on the sides, avoiding annoying drips on the user during the treatment.

The bath 15 as illustrated, for example, in Figure 4, is accommodated within the base structure 11 composed of the two supporting rings 111 , 112 joined by the spoke members 113, 114, 114', and rests on a bottom base 17. According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, said bath 15 is made of a waterproof fabric or other flexible and water-repellent material, and it is supported at the top by a ring element 151 fixed to the top of the spokes 113, 114, 114'. The bottom base 17 can have a recess to accommodate the radiating panel 213 previously described with reference to Figure 3 (and/or other panels, such as an infrared panel 214). The footboard 14, also as illustrated in Figure 4, can conveniently rest on the ring element 151 or another part of the base structure 11. As stated above, the footboard 14 can be fixed, removable or partially removable, depending on its intended use. As can be observed, for example, in Figure 13, the footboard can have a movable portion 140 hinged to the footboard itself, whereby the user can access the locker 119 located in the box 18; this locker is appropriately heated and designed to contain the user's clothing and/or a disposable kit 120 comprising, for example, sachets of balsams, creams and shampoos, disposable items of clothing made of non-woven fabric or paper such as bath-robes and footwear, a towel, plastic goggles, etc.

Furthermore, to one or more of the spoke members 113, 114, 114' can be attached, on the outer sides of their respective vertical catheti, one or more boxes 18 that can act as a supporting surface for users waiting to access the cubicle, as a step to facilitate access to the cubicle, and/or as a container either for part of the circuitry (for example pumps, valves, pipes) that constitutes the multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device according to the present invention, or for other items used in connection with the latter (for example, disposable kit for the user or stocks of treatment products). Lastly, turning back to Figure 11 , it can be seen that, in addition to the supporting extensions 116, 116', an additional supporting extension 188 can be provided which extends from a particular spoke member 113, said additional supporting extension 118 serving to support the basin 334" used for the treatment of the face with thermal mud in the manner described below.

As is easily understood by one skilled in the art, the multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device according to the present invention is suitable to a complete or partial automation of the multiple operations that it can perform, enabling a centralised control by means of the control panel 8 which interfaces with the central control unit 7. Furthermore, this device is extremely versatile, enabling numerous types of treatment to be performed and making it possible to switch from one type of treatment to another simply and quickly. As if this were not enough, due to its modular construction and the choice of its materials, the multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device according to the present invention is easy to install, dismantle and transport, enabling it to be used also on an extemporaneous basis. The following application examples serve to further illustrate the features and advantages of the present invention, but not to limit its scope which is exclusively defined in the accompanying claims. Application Example 1 : Treatment with nebulisation of the active substance In Application Example 1 , the perforated supporting footboard 14 (Fig. 4) entirely covers the bath 15 and forms a comfortable supporting surface for the user.

The central control unit 7 (Fig. 1 ) activates the heating of the radiating panel 213 (Fig. 3) until a desired temperature value is reached within the cubicle 1. The temperature can be monitored by means of suitable sensors (not shown). This operation coincides with the user accommodating him/herself and undressing within the cubicle 1. The user can put his/her clothing in the appropriately heated locker 119 (Fig. 13), where he/she will find a kit (120) comprising a bag containing disposable clothing, a disposable towel, and a disposable cloth impregnated with essential oils. The same kit bag can then be used to dispose of the rubbish once the treatment cycle has been completed.

Once the user has sat down on the seating means 16 (Fig. 11 ), then the central control unit 7 operates the steam dispenser 222 (Fig. 3), appropriately positioned on the side base of the cubicle 1 so as to pass across the user's body with the natural upward rise of the steam, as in a normal Turkish bath; the steam serves not only to create a hot/humid environment but is also used for the cleansing/preparing and pore-opening stage, and to prepare the body to receive the treatment and speed up absorption of the active substances. At this time, the radiating panel 213 and fan 251 (Fig. 3) are alternately actuated in order to achieve a balanced and preparatory climatisation for the next application.

Then, the system prepares a specific mixture of water and active substance in the mixing chamber 301 (Fig. 4) at a suitable temperature, nebulises it in the compression chamber 309, and disperses it within the cubicle 1 through the diffuser assembly 312 and/or the secondary diffuser 313, assuring its application over most of the user's body. The benefit of this treatment will then be generalised due to the effect of the body's reflexological system. At this time, the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251 are re-actuated until the desired levels of temperature and humidity are reached, after which the system rinses the user with appropriately heated water delivered by the nebuliser nozzle 404 (Fig. 7). The entire treatment cycle can be accompanied by buzzers and lights, produced by means not shown, which indicate the various stages of the cycle for the user and entertain him/her.

Then, the central control unit 7 provides for drying the user's body by activating the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251. At this time, the user can use the towel and the essential oils cloth provided, to dry any areas of the body that are still wet and to produce an emollient action of desired parts of the body, respectively. Once dried, the user can get dressed in clothes kept warm in the locker 119 (Fig. 13), come out of the cubicle 1 by operating the actuator means 13 (Fig. 1 ) to open the movable cover 12, and possibly spend a period of relaxation sitting on one of the boxes 18 (Fig. 13), whose upper portion will be appropriately shaped and covered to provide a high degree of comfort. Advantageously, the movable cover 12 will be provided with safety devices that will enable it to be immediately opened, even manually, in emergency situations. If necessary, it will be possible to activate these safety devices also from outside the device.

The actuator means can be associated with photocells or other detection devices which, when the user comes out, automatically close the movable cover 12 and activate the cubicle-cleaning stage using the sanitising means 6 (Fig. 1 ). This means prepares a detergent solution and delivers it within the cubicle 1 through delivery means 63 (Fig. 9). The detergent solution, together with all the waste materials, passes through the supporting footboard 14 and is finally collected in the bath 15, from where it is disposed of by the disposal means 5 (Fig. 1 ).

Application Example 2: Treatment with thermal mud in the bath

In Application Example 2, the perforated supporting footboard 14 (Fig. 4) is completely or partially removed, and the bath 15 is exposed. However, advantageously, the supporting footboard 14 is only partially removed, so as to constitute an appropriate supporting surface for the user while undressing and dressing.

At this time, the central control unit 7 activates the filling of the bath 15 with a suitable mixture of water and mud coming from the water supply circuit 314 and the thermal mud supply circuit 318, respectively. The mixture thus formed, if reused several times, is constantly disinfected by the action of the UV lamp 325 and recirculated by the recirculation circuit 322; in the case of a single application, it will be kept warm by the panel 213 until the end the treatment and then drained away (Fig. 5). The user can then lie down in the bottom of the bath 15 and relax or play by making movements that create not only enjoyment but also an automatic massaging and peeling action. During this stage, the system maintains the desired levels of temperature and humidity by alternately activating the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251 (Fig. 3). The entire treatment cycle can be accompanied by buzzers and lights, produced by means not shown, which indicate the various stages of the cycle for the user.

Once this stage has been completed, the system can prompt the user to get out of the bath 15 and accommodate him/herself on the supporting footboard 14 or on the seating means 16 (Fig. 11 ), for example through a specific combination of buzzers and lights. Then, the central control unit 7 activates the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251 to distribute hot, dry air which is pleasant but also necessary to promote the absorption of the active substances of the thermal mud. Once the treatment with the thermal mud has been completed and the appropriate levels of temperature and humidity have been reached, the system rinses the user with water appropriately heated in the mixer 401 (Fig. 7) and delivered by the nebuliser nozzle 404. The remaining liquid mixture of water and thermal mud is conveyed, by the action of the auxiliary pump 51 (Fig. 9), to the intermediate tank 52 where the spent thermal mud is separated from the rest of the waste materials and collected in a reservoir 53 in order to be recycled for veterinary use or as manure. Then, the central control unit 7 provides for drying the user's body by activating the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251. At this time, the user can use the towel and the essential oils cloth provided, to dry any areas of the body that are still wet and to produce an emollient action of desired parts of the body, respectively. Once dried, the user can get dressed by recovering the conveniently warmed clothes in the heated locker 119, come out of the cubicle 1 by operating the actuator means 13 (Fig. 1 ) to open the movable cover 12, and possibly spend a period of relaxation sitting on one of the boxes 18 (Fig. 13), whose upper portion will be appropriately shaped and covered to provide a high degree of comfort.

A variation of Application Example 2 involves keeping the bath 15 constantly full, using the UV lamp 325 and the recirculation circuit 322 to maintain optimum levels of disinfection and temperature, so as to recreate the atmosphere of a mini-swimming pool or spa, to keep said fluid bed of mud disinfected and warm for several applications, and to avoid repeating all of the mixing and mixture-preparation stages previously described. In this case, the emptying of the bath 15 can be periodic and programmed depending on the frequency of use, which can also be automatic, for example by connecting counting means to the photocells that control access to the cubicle 1.

Application Example 3: Treatment with informed water in the bath

In Application Example 2, the perforated supporting footboard 14 (Fig. 4) is completely or partially removed, and the bath 15 is exposed. However, advantageously, the supporting footboard 14 is only partially removed, so as to form an appropriate supporting surface for the user while undressing and dressing.

The central control unit 7 (Fig. 1 ) automatically activates the heating of the radiating panel 213 (Fig. 3) to maintain the temperature of water and environment. The temperature can be monitored by means of suitable sensors (not shown). This operation is continuous and automatized, while the activation of the fan 251 coincides with the user accommodating him/herself and undressing within the cubicle 1. The user can put his/her clothing in the appropriately heated locker 119 (Fig. 13), where he/she will find a kit (120) comprising a bag containing disposable clothing, a disposable towel, and a disposable cloth impregnated with essential oils. The same kit bag can then be used to dispose of the rubbish once the treatment cycle has been completed.

At this time, the central control unit 7 activates the addition of fresh water into the bath 15 adding a suitable mixture of water and mud from the water supply circuit 314 and the thermal stone supply circuit 318, respectively. The admixed and conditioned water will add the active substances previously absorbed to a fresh solution of available active substance. The circuit water is constantly aspirated by an appropriate nozzle, pressed into the filter by a pump, appropriately filtered to guarantee a high filtering efficiency and easy counter-washing, using a filtering bed layered with sand, quartz and glass with constant filtering, and then disinfected by the action of the UV lamp 325 and recirculated by the recirculation circuit 322 by means of a special delivery nozzle in a constant and continuous cycle by the action of the auxiliary pump 51 (Fig. 9), to the intermediate tank 52, where the spent thermal mud is separated from the rest of the waste materials and collected in a reservoir 53 in order to be recycled for veterinary use or as manure. The filter is washed automatically upon completion of the application between one user and the next.

Then, the user can lie down in the bottom of the bath 15 and relax or play by making movements that create not only enjoyment but also an automatic massaging action. During this stage, the system maintains the desired levels of temperature and humidity by alternately activating the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251 (Fig. 3), switching on the dispenser located at the bottom and operated by the compressor 320 which is activated for a few minutes to produce a massaging air. The entire treatment cycle can be accompanied by buzzers and lights, produced by means not shown, which indicate the various stages of the cycle for the user.

Once this stage has been completed, the system can prompt the user to get out of the bath 15 and accommodate him/herself on the supporting footboard 14 or on the seating means 16 (Fig. 11 ), for example through a specific combination of buzzers and lights. Then, the central control unit 7 activates the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251 to distribute hot, dry air which is pleasant but also^' necessary to promote the absorption of the active substances of the conditioned water. Once the treatment has been completed and the appropriate levels of temperature and humidity have been reached, the system rinses the user with water appropriately heated in the mixer 401 (Fig. 7) and delivered by the nebuliser nozzle 404. The bath is always kept full and ready because it is independently disinfected like a mini- swimming pool.

Then, the central control unit 7 provides for drying the user's body by activating the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251. At this time, the user can use the towel and the essential oils cloth provided, to dry any areas of the body that are still wet and to produce an emollient action of desired parts of the body, respectively. Once dried, the user can get dressed by recovering the conveniently warmed clothes in the heated locker 119, come out of the cubicle 1 by operating the (otherwise automatic) actuator means 13 (Fig. 1 ) to open the movable cover 12, and possibly spend a period of relaxation sitting on one of the boxes 18 (Fig. 13), whose upper portion will be appropriately shaped and covered to provide a high degree of comfort.

The actuator means can be associated with photocells or other detection devices which, when the user comes out, automatically close the movable cover 12 and activate the cubicle-cleaning stage using the sanitising means 6 which serves, in this case, to clean and disinfect the air 6 (Fig. 1 ). This means prepares a detergent solution and delivers it within the cubicle 1 through delivery means 63 (Fig. 9). The detergent solution is sprayed toward the dome whose shape directs is laterally, and the detergent solution passes through the supporting footboard 14 and is finally collected in the bath 15, from where it is disposed of by the disposal means 5 (Fig. 1 ). The emptying of the bath 15 can be periodic and programmed depending on the frequency of use, which can also be automatic, for example by connecting counting means to the photocells that control access to the cubicle 1.

In the planned cycle of maintenance and complete replacement of the conditioned water, the water is conveyed, by the action of the auxiliary pump 51 (Fig. 9) to the intermediate tank 52, where any residues are separated from the rest of the waste materials and collected in a reservoir 53 in order to be recycled for veterinary use or as manure.

Application Example 4: Solar treatment combined with the targeted application of a thermal mud-based cream

In Application Example 3, the perforated supporting footboard 14 (Fig. 4) entirely covers the bath 15 and forms a comfortable supporting surface for the user.

The central control unit 7 (Fig. 1 ) activates the heating of the radiating panel 213 (Fig. 3) until a desired temperature value is reached within the cubicle 1. The temperature can be monitored by means of suitable sensors (not shown). This operation coincides with the user accommodating him/herself and undressing within the cubicle 1. The user can put his/her clothing in the appropriately heated locker 119 (Fig. 11 ), where he/she will find a kit (120) comprising a bag containing disposable clothing, a disposable towel, a disposable cloth impregnated with essential oils, and optionally one or more application brushes. The same kit bag can then be used to dispose of the rubbish once the treatment cycle has been completed.

Once the user has accommodated him/herself on the seating means 16 (Fig. 11 ), the central control unit 7 activates the tanning lamp 336 (Fig. 6) and the infrared panel 214 (Fig. 13) and, at the same time, activates the fan 251 (Fig. 3) in order to achieve a tanning action fanned with fresh air. In the meantime, the system prepares a formulation of thermal mud cream in the basin 334 (Fig. 6). The user can then use the brushes provided in the kit to apply the thermal mud cream just produced to the relevant areas of the body. Alternatively, application means (not shown) can be envisaged which independently apply said cream to targeted areas of the body that have an important reflexological connection, using automatic rotating and movable systems with soft disposable surfaces.

Upon completion of this stage, the system deactivates sequentially the tanning lamp 336 and the infrared panel 214 (Fig. 13) and, at the same time, activates the radiating panel 213 to create, in combination with the ventilation provided by the fan 251 , a distribution of hot and dry air that promotes the absorption of the active substances of the thermal mud. The entire treatment cycle can be accompanied by buzzers and lights, produced by means not shown, which indicate the various stages of the cycle for the user.

Once the treatment with the thermal mud has been completed and the appropriate levels of temperature and humidity have been reached, the system provides for rinsing the user with water appropriately heated in the mixer 401 (Fig. 8) and delivered by the nebuliser nozzle 404 and/or the delivery nozzle 332. The remaining cream is conveyed, by the action of the auxiliary pump 51 (Fig. 10), to the intermediate tank 52 where the spent thermal mud is separated from the rest of the liquid and collected in a reservoir 53 in order to be recycled for veterinary use or as manure.

Then, the system provides for drying the user's body by activating the radiating panel 213 and the fan 251. At this time, the user can use the towel and the essential oils cloth provided, to dry any areas of the body that are still wet and to produce an emollient action of desired parts of the body respectively. Once dried, the user can get dressed, come out of the cubicle 1 by operating the actuator means 13 (Fig. 1) to open the movable cover 12, and possibly spend a period of relaxation sitting on one of the boxes 18 (Fig. 13), whose upper portion will be appropriately shaped and covered to provide a high degree of comfort. The actuator means can be associated with photocells or other detection devices which, when the user comes out, automatically close the movable cover 12 and activate the cubicle-cleaning stage using the sanitising means 6 (Fig. 1 ). This means prepares a detergent solution and delivers it within the cubicle 1 through delivery means 63 (Figs. 9 and 10). The detergent solution, together with all the waste materials, passes through the supporting footboard 14 and is finally collected in the bath 15, from where it is disposed of by the disposal means 5 (Fig. 1 ). Application Example 5: 'Fast and Easy' treatment with thermal mud based cream

In Application Example 4, the perforated supporting footboard 14 (Fig. 4) entirely covers the bath 15 and forms a comfortable supporting surface for the user. The particular feature of this example of application is that the treatment is performed on specific areas of the body having an important reflexological connection, in this case hands, feet and face. Consequently, the 'Fast and Easy' treatment can be conveniently performed on clothed persons who, before entering the cubicle, can decide whether to have a 'hands only', 'feet only' or 'face only' treatment or any combination thereof. Application Example 4 is particularly aimed at the combined treatment of hands and feet. Therefore, the 'Fast and Easy' treatment will enable the user not to forgo a regenerative opportunity only because make-up is worn or undressing is difficult and, for this reason, it has been specially designed for all areas frequently passed through or stayed at for short periods such as airports, shopping centres, exhibitions, etc. In Application Example 4, each of the basins 334, 334' and 334" (Fig. 6, Fig. 11 ) are similar to a closed box in shape, with an appropriate slot for respectively inserting hands and feet and an opening for the face, and are fitted with appropriate movable arms which have application brushes at their ends, as previously described above. The Fast and Easy system, precisely to satisfy all transit areas, can also be designed and inserted behind a movable screen (like an automatic photograph booth for example) with the application of an automatic panel containing the system, provided with an appropriate seat that enables a suitable posture for^'treatment.

If this treatment occurs in the context of the cubicle 1 , the central control unit 7 (Fig. 1 ) activates the heating of the radiating panel 213 (Fig. 3) until a desired temperature value is reached within the cubicle 1. The temperature can be monitored by means of suitable sensors (not shown). This operation coincides with the user accommodating him/herself and partially undressing within the cubicle 1. The user can put his/her clothing in the appropriately heated locker 119 (Fig. 11 ), where he/she will find a kit (120) comprising a bag containing a disposable towel and a disposable cloth impregnated with essential oils. The same kit bag can then be used to dispose of the rubbish once the treatment cycle has been completed.

At this time, the user can accommodate him/herself on the seating means 16, in an appropriate posture designed to bring the body closer and keep it relaxed with the hands and feet and possibly the face extended towards the treatment basins, and to insert the hands and feet into the appropriate slots provided in basins 334, 334', respectively (Fig. 6). Within the latter, in the meantime, the system will have already prepared an appropriately heated formulation of thermal mud cream, which is applied onto the areas concerned by pouring and by means of brushes installed within the basins. The rolling balls 335, 335' respectively contained in basins 334, 334' promote a massaging action that speeds up the connection of the areas of the body corresponding to reflexology. For the version further comprising a facial treatment, a special anatomically-shaped soft vertical basin will be used to support the soft parts of the chin and neck. As soon as the presence of the face is detected, a special roller impregnated with mud cream, prepared as previously described, will pass over the face from top to bottom to allow the product to be spread as homogeneously as possible, made possible also because of its oriented and anatomical shape. The entire treatment cycle can be accompanied by buzzers and lights, produced by means not shown, which indicate the various stages of the cycle for the user and entertain him/her.

Upon completion of the thermal mud cream application stage, the system dries the user's hands and feet by appropriately activating the radiating panel 213 and/or the fan 251 (Fig. 3) and/or the infrared panel 214 (Fig. 13), considering that the user is partially clothed. Then, the system rinses the user with water appropriately heated in the mixer 401 (Fig. 8) and delivered by the delivery nozzles 332 and 332'. For the face, it will be sufficient to rest the face again on the appropriate basin in order to receive a nebulised rinse. The residual cream is conveyed, by means of the action of an auxiliary pump 51 (Fig. 10), to the intermediate tank 52, where the spent thermal mud is separated from the remaining liquid and collected in a reservoir 53 so as to be recycled for veterinary use or as manure.

Then, the user can pull out his/her hands and feet from the basins 334, 334' and use the towel and the essential oils cloth provided to dry and regenerate himself/herself. Once dried, the user can recover his/her clothes from the heated locker 119 (Fig. 11 ), come out of the cubicle 1 by operating the actuator means 13 (Fig. 1 ) to open the movable cover 12, and possibly spend a period of relaxation sitting on one of the boxes 18 (Fig. 13), whose upper portion will be appropriately shaped and covered to provide a high degree of comfort.

The actuator means can be associated with photocells or other detection devices which, when the user comes out, automatically close the movable cover 12 and activate the cubicle-cleaning stage using the sanitising means 6 (Fig. 1 ).

As can be observed from the above description, the multipurpose aesthetic/therapeutic treatment device according to the present invention exhibits extremely high levels of automation and versatility, both in terms of types of treatment and in terms of treatment times, which make it an ideal choice both for aesthetic farms and spas and other establishments specifically intended for the treatment and well-being of the individual, and also for other types of environments such as shopping centres, exhibitions and airports.

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are intended exclusively to illustrate, and not to limit, the present invention. In fact, one skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications, variations and combinations are possible that all fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. Multipurpose device for the aesthetic/therapeutic treatment of the human body of a user, characterised in that it comprises, as a treatment environment, a cubicle (1 ) operatively associated with:

means (2) for environmentally conditioning said cubicle (1 );

means (3) for administering aesthetic/health products to the body;

means (4) for removing the excess portion of said products from the body; means (5) for managing the resulting waste products;

means (6) for sanitising said cubicle (1 ); and

programmable means (7) for the total or partial automation of the operations of said means (2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

2. Multipurpose device according to claim 1 , wherein said means (2) for environmentally conditioning said cubicle (1 ) comprises a heating circuit (21 ), a steam circuit (22), a distributor (23) of volatile fragrance substances, a ventilation assembly (24) and a forced-ventilation assembly (25).

3. Multipurpose device according to claim 2, wherein said heating circuit (21 ), having a closed-ring configuration, is charged by a first branch (97) delivering cold water through a charge valve (210), said heating circuit (21) comprising heating means (211 ) and, downstream of said heating means, a circulation pump (212) to feed one or more radiating panels (213) preferably arranged along a bottom of said cubicle (1 ).

4. Multipurpose device according the claim 3, wherein said heating means comprises a heat exchanger (211 ) provided with an electrically- heated primary water circuit which is thermally connected to the water supply circuit.

5. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 4, wherein said steam circuit (22) comprises a steam device (221 ) fed by a second water supply branch (96) and connected to a steam dispenser (222) arranged within said cubicle (1 ).

6. Multipurpose device according to claim 5, wherein said steam dispenser (222) is shaped as a ring and preferably installed at a bottom portion of said cubicle (1 ).

7. Multipurpose device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said distributor (23) of volatile substances is associated with said steam circuit (22) and, particularly, it is arranged downstream of said steam device (221 ).

8. Multipurpose device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said ventilation assembly (24) comprises one or more grilled vents formed in said cubicle (1 ).

9. Multipurpose device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein said forced_Tventilation assembly (25) comprises a fan (251 ) associated with a diffuser body (252) and an air inlet grill (253).

10. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means (3) for administering aesthetic/health products comprises a system for administering such products as an aerosol or mist.

11. Multipurpose device according to claim 10, wherein said system for administering said products as an aerosol or mist comprises a mixer/heater assembly (30) connected, by means of a pump (306), to a compression assembly (307) which, in its turn, feeds a diffuser assembly (312, 313) arranged in said cubicle (1 ).

12. Multipurpose unit according to claim 11 , wherein said mixer/heater assembly (30) comprises a mixing chamber (301 ) fed by a third water supply branch (95) and communicating with a tank (305) containing said aesthetic/health products, said mixing chamber (301 ) being provided with a heating member (302) and a motorised impeller (303).

13. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means (3) for administering aesthetic/health products comprises a system for administering aesthetic/health products in a slurry state, particularly thermal mud.

14. Multipurpose device according to claim 13, wherein said system for administering said products in a slurry state, particularly thermal mud, comprises a water supply circuit (314) and a circuit (318) for supplying said slurry products, both said circuits (314, 318) being connected to a bath (15), positioned at the bottom of said cubicle (1 ), in which the extemporaneous mixing of water with said products occurs.

15. Multipurpose device according to claim 14, wherein said water supply circuit (314) comprises a mixer (315) receiving water both from said first cold water supply branch (97) and from a fourth hot water supply branch (98), said mixer (315) being operatively associated with a control unit (316) and being connected to said bath (15) by means of a delivery valve (317).

16. Multipurpose device according to claim 14 or 15, wherein said circuit (318) supplying said slurry products comprises a tank (319) containing said products, which is operatively connected to a preferably pneumatic propulsor (320) to transfer the desired amount of said slurry products into said bath (15) through a dosing valve (321 ).

17. Multipurpose device according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein said system for administering said products in a slurry state also comprises a circuit for the recirculation of said mixture in said bath (15).

18. Multipurpose device according to claim 17, wherein said recirculation circuit comprises a heater (323), a recirculation pump (324) and a UV sterilisation system.

19. Multipurpose device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said bath (15) is provided with means for disinfecting its contents, preferably UV-ray lamps.

20. Multipurpose device according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein said system for administering said slurry products comprises an assembly for targeted treatment of the user, particularly the face, hand and feet of the user.

21. Multipurpose device according to claim 20, wherein said targeted treatment assembly comprises a mixing chamber (326) provided with a heating member (327) and a motorised impeller (328), which receives water from said third branch (95) and said slurry products from an appropriate tank (330), said mixing chamber (326) being connected to a propulsor (331 ) and to one or more basins (334, 334', 334"), located within said cubicle (1 ), through dosing valves (333, 333') and delivery nozzles (332, 332').

22. Multipurpose device according to claim 21 , wherein said basins (334, 334') are provided with massaging rollers (335, 335') at the bottom.

23. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means (3) for administering aesthetic/health products comprises an UV ray application assembly (336) and/or an infrared ray application assembly (214).

24. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means (4) for removing the excess portion of said products from the body comprises a mixer (401 ) fed by said first cold-water supply branch and by said fourth hot-water supply branch (98), and controlled by a corresponding control unit (402), which mixer (401 ) supplies rinsing water at the appropriate temperature to one or more diffuser heads (404, 332, 332') through delivery valves (403, 333, 333').

25. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said means (5) for managing waste products comprises a pump (51) connected to containers (15, 334, 334') for collecting said waste products within said cubicle (1 ), said pump (51 ) conveying said waste products into an intermediate tank (52) which separates the denser material from the water component, feeding the former to a recycling reservoir (53) and draining the latter into a local sewage system while the environment is automatically disinfected between one user and the next.

26. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said treatment cubicle (1 ) has an overall structure which is substantially spherical in shape.

27. Device according to claim 26, wherein said structure is self-supporting.

28. Multipurpose device according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said cubicle (1 ) is made up of a base structure (11 ) to which a movable cover (12) is connected.

29. Multipurpose device according to any one of preceding claims 26 to

28. wherein said base structure comprises two concentric supporting rings (111 , 112), one of which (111 ) is larger in diameter and raised with respect to the other (112), said supporting rings (111 , 112) being mutually joined by spoke members (113) arranged radially and in a regular offset pattern.

30. Multipurpose device according to claim 29, wherein two (114, 114') of said spoke members, positioned diametrically opposite each other, have upwardly arched extensions (116, 116') which are designed to support said movable cover (12).

31. Multipurpose device according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein said movable cover (12) is made up of a series of flexible arches (121 ) hinged at the upper ends of said extensions (116, 116'), said flexible arches (121 ) carrying a foldable hood (122).

32. Multipurpose device according to any one of clams 28 to 31 , wherein said movable cover (12) is operated by actuator means (13) operatively connected to said programmable means (7).

33. Multipurpose device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said device and its structural and operational components are arranged as modular blocks which can be easily assembled and disassembled.

34. Multipurpose device usable with combinations of applications and activations which can be differentiated according to therapies or requirements, even adopting procedures other than those described, which takes into account versatility, reduced consumption and remote control with independent operation, without risks to health or its users.