Surgery: kinesitherapy – Kinesitherapy – Device with applicator having specific movement
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-26
2001-02-13
Yu, Justine R. (Department: 3764)
Surgery: kinesitherapy
Kinesitherapy
Device with applicator having specific movement
C601S155000, C004S541600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186964
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to cushioned neck and head supports for whirlpool baths and spa tubs and, more particularly, to a hydro-massage pillow system having internally mounted water jets for application of pressurized water to a user's neck area to achieve a massaging effect.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Users of whirlpool baths and spa tubs (referred to collectively herein as “tub(s)”) frequently desire to recline while in the tub. Pillows have been provided in the past to support and cushion the user's neck and suboccipital area when reclining. It has been found desirable to use water jets with such pillows to massage the user's neck as well as provide support and comfort. Although existing combinations have been suitable for their purposes, they have met with several drawbacks.
Water jets mounted in pillows tend to spray the pressurized water across the tub, resulting in unwanted splashing of water both inside and outside the tub. Attempts to cover the water jets have been marginally successful because the water is either completely blocked, so that the benefits of the heated water are reduced, or a residual water spray remains.
Other drawbacks include inadequate or overly complex attachment methods for mounting the pillow to the tub, and expensive and cumbersome control systems, or lack of any control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a water massage device that includes a housing having a hollow interior; a pressurized water source for introducing pressurized water to the hollow interior; a membrane removably attached to the housing and in fluid communication with the hollow interior; and a retaining member for removably attaching the membrane to the housing. Ideally, the pressurized water source also includes means for draining water from the hollow interior.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the retaining member for removably attaching the membrane to the housing is received in an opening formed in the housing, the opening being sized and shaped to receive the retaining member in slideable engagement.
In accordance with yet another embodiment, the membrane is formed from nonpermeable material. Alternatively, the membrane may be formed from semipermeable material.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a hydro-massage pillow for use with a source of pressurized water is provided. The pillow comprises a body having a cavity formed therein; a first opening formed in one side of the body that is in fluid communication with the cavity for admitting pressurized water into the cavity; a second opening formed in another side of the body that is in fluid communication with the cavity; a membrane that is sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the second opening; and a frame member for removably attaching the membrane to the body.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the frame member is sized and shaped to be slideably received within the second opening. Ideally, the frame member is sized and shaped to have a fit within the second opening of sufficient snugness that the frame member and the membrane maintain engagement with the body when pressurized water is applied in the cavity.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, the second opening includes one or more protrusions extending from an interior edge to limit travel of the frame member into the second opening. Ideally, the one or more protrusions comprise a shoulder formed in the second opening, preferably extending around the entire circumference of the opening.
In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, the membrane is formed of semipermeable material. Alternatively, the membrane may be formed from nonpermeable material and the body includes a drain mechanism for draining water from the cavity.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for mounting the pillow on a structural member is provided. Preferably, the mounting apparatus attaches one or more water jets to the pillow and affixes the pillow to a structural member.
In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, a hydro-massage support system for whirlpool baths and spa tubs is provided, comprising a support assembly that comprises a body having a cavity formed therein; a first opening formed in the body in fluid communication with the cavity for admitting pressurized water into the cavity; a second opening formed in the body in fluid communication with the cavity; a membrane sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the second opening; a frame member on which the membrane is mounted, the frame member being sized and shaped to be slideably engaged within the second opening; a control assembly for controlling the application of pressurized water to the cavity; and a remote controller in electrical communication with the control assembly.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the second end opening includes one or more protrusions formed therein for limiting the travel of the frame member into the second opening. Ideally, the one or more protrusions comprise a shoulder formed at least partially, and more preferably, completely around the circumference of an interior edge of the second opening.
In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the present invention, the membrane is formed from semipermeable material. Alternatively, the membrane is formed from nonpermeable material and the body includes a drainage mechanism for draining the cavity.
As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing description, the combination of the present invention provides a unique system for using pressurized water in a cushioned pillow. Membranes of different permeability can be easily interchanged to provide different massaging effects. Mounting of the pillow on a structural member, such as a hot tub, is easily accomplished, and forming the pillow body from flexible material allows the pillow to conform to the shape of the tub to enhance appearance and comfort. The remote control enables a user to conveniently adjust the temperature, pressure, and other desired system features.
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Seed IP Law Group PLLC
Tarleton E. Russell
Yu Justine R.
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