Surgery: kinesitherapy – Kinesitherapy – Device with applicator having specific movement
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-16
2001-10-30
Brown, Michael A. (Department: 3764)
Surgery: kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy
Device with applicator having specific movement
C601S160000, C601S158000, C601S156000, C601S154000, C601S015000, C601S022000, C601S049000, C601S055000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06309366
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to a portable foot therapy device and, more particularly, to a portable device having a reservoir in which feet can be submerged in heated liquid and subjected to massage therapy.
In the prior art there are various known foot care massages and baths which are capable of providing either a vibrating massage alone, a vibrating massage with dry heat or a vibrating massage with a liquid bath and a supplemental heater. Typical examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,283,756 and 4,513,735. However, portability of prior foot bath massage units has been cumbersome and subject to undesirable spillage of retained liquid.
The object of the invention, therefore, is to provide an improved, more easily transportable appliance having a liquid retaining reservoir for effecting foot therapy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a foot therapy device including a portable housing with an annular wall having an upper edge and defining a reservoir for retaining a volume of liquid to be used during foot therapy; a lid covering a given portion of the reservoir and secured to a continuous portion of the upper edge; and a liquid seal provided between the lid and the given upper edge portion. The sealed lid allows the given reservoir portion to hold liquid during transport of the device.
According to one feature of the invention, the device has a handle disposed on the housing in a position horizontally spaced from the continuous upper edge portion. The handle facilitates transport of the housing with the given reservoir portion disposed below the remaining portion thereof.
According to further features of the invention, the device includes a heater for heating liquid in the reservoir, an aeration system for forcing air into a lower portion of the reservoir and a vibrator for vibrating the housing. The aeration system, heater and vibrator enhance the therapy capability of the device.
According to still other features of the invention, the housing further defines a compartment isolated from the reservoir and retaining the aeration system. The isolated compartment protects the vibrator and aeration system from liquid retained in the reservoir.
According to an additional feature of the invention, the housing includes a bottom wall with a convex portion projecting into the reservoir and having an undulating cross-section. The convex portion supports the vibrator and facilitates foot massage therapy.
According to another feature of the invention, the housing further defines a cavity disposed in a lower portion of the reservoir and retaining the heater means; and a path providing liquid communication between the cavity and the reservoir. These features facilitate desired heating of the liquid retained in the reservoir.
Also included with the device are electrical controls for controlling the aeration system, the vibrator, and the heater. The controls are disposed in the compartment and therefore protected from liquid retained in the reservoir.
According to yet another feature of the invention, the aeration system includes a liquid circulation network for circulating liquid retained in the reservoir, a pump for circulating liquid through the circulation network, and a venturi mechanism for injecting air into the circulation network. These features facilitate the injection of air into the reservoir.
According to another feature of the invention, the handle is disposed on a portion of the annular wall substantially directly opposite to the center of the continuous upper-edge portion. This feature provides a desired relative orientation of the given reservoir portion and handle.
According to yet another feature of the invention, the handle is formed by a slot in an upper portion of the annular wall, and the slot further defines a spout for emptying water out of the reservoir.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 330426 (1992-10-01), Elkerbout
patent: 3283756 (1966-11-01), Turley
patent: 3837334 (1974-09-01), Johnson
patent: 3939825 (1976-02-01), Krummenacher
patent: 4497313 (1985-02-01), Kurosawa
patent: 4620529 (1986-11-01), Kurosawa
Brown Michael A.
Helen of Troy
Jarcho Harold G.
Koo Benjamin K.
Toupal John E.
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