Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – Means for agitating or circulating water in a tub
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-22
2001-12-11
Walczak, David J. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
Means for agitating or circulating water in a tub
C004S541400, C004S574100, C004S575100, C004S579000, C004S590000, CD23S280200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06327721
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a hydrotherapy equipment, and more particularly, to a whirlpool bath for circulating liquid to bathe a person and to treat body disorders and injuries.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hydrotherapy is used to treat a number of conditions that afflict the human body as well as for a relaxing massage. When partially submerged in a tub of water with a stream of water, air or mixture of the two impinging on submerged portions of the body, blood circulation is improved providing more oxygen for healing. Zone therapy reflex areas are believed to exist, especially on the hands and feet, that, when stimulated, increases blood flow to corresponding congested areas of the body. Circulating fluid in a hydrotherapy unit of conventional whirlpool bath can provide stimulation. Hydrotherapy units are not typically found in homes or apartments where people reside, and it is usually inconvenient to visit a commercial location. Home whirlpool baths are relatively expensive and are not standard equipment, particularly in apartment and older homes. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that it would be highly desirable to have a hydrotherapy unit that is relatively inexpensive and does not require a plumber to install. It is also desirable to have a hydrotherapy unit that is transportable so that apartment dwellers can use it where space is limited and can take it with them when they move.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above. Briefly summarized, according to one aspect of the present invention, a hydrotherapy unit comprises a housing and an elongated open tub mounted on the housing for holding a volume of fluid. The tub has a pair of upstanding sidewalls and end walls. Each sidewall has upper and lower portions horizontally offset from one another with a connecting bridging member forming an arm rest. One end wall has upper and lower portions horizontally offset from one another with a connecting bridging member forming a foot rest. The other end wall has upper and lower portions horizontally offset from one another with a connecting bridging member forming a back rest. The bottom of the tub has first and second portions vertically offset from one another with a connecting bridging member forming a seat. The tub thus has sidewalls defining arm rests, end walls defining a foot rest and back rest, and a bottom defining a seat. The seat, arm rests, foot rest and back rest form a chair for the user. Jets are located strategically about the tub to circulate fluid about particular portions of the body of a person seated in the tub. The unit is mounted on wheels for transportability. An electrical power cord connects the unit to a power source to power the pumps and jets, while hoses provide water for filling and draining the tub.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2589592 (1952-03-01), Ocana
patent: 3788306 (1974-01-01), Eberhard
patent: 4249522 (1981-02-01), Carrier
patent: 4346485 (1982-08-01), Reed et al.
patent: 4546506 (1985-10-01), Houle et al.
patent: 4796312 (1989-01-01), Corlew
patent: 5343576 (1994-09-01), Dannenberg et al.
patent: 5604940 (1997-02-01), Shimizu
patent: 2169196 (1986-07-01), None
patent: 300932 (1993-11-01), None
Devereaux Sherry
Devereaux Thomas
James John L.
Prunner Kathleen J.
Walczak David J.
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