Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
.,~ WO 93/14880 PCT/US93/00755
t ~?
2128904
HYDROTONE
BACRGROOND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a device for hydro-thErap_~.
More particularly, the present invention pertains to a de~,ric~
for hydro-therapy which is adaptable for use in a home s~:owcr
or for use in a clinical environment by a professional rydro-
thera~ist . ...
The Tedical profession has long recognized the advantageous
benefits which can be derived from the application of 5ydrc-
therapy. For example, it is common practice for a medical
professional to treat a patient having a muscle strain. by
placing the affected portion of the body in a whirlpool bath.
The massaging action of the moving water in the whirlpool bat.a
relaxes the muscles and promotes blood circulation, etc. In
this type of hydro-therapy, the affected portion of the body
is immersed in a bath where jets of pressurized water or
pressurized air may be directed at the affected portion of the
.body to obtain the massaging action. However, the whirlpool
type of hydro-therapy requires that the person receiving the
hydro-therapy place at least the affected portion of the body
into a water bath. Thus, such hydro-therapy is inadequate in
that it rea_uires a tub or the like to contain the water ara is
l not adaptable for home use in the shower. Also it is
diTficult to direct the' j,et of :.?afar or air at the localized
areas of the body and it is not ~:ossible to controllably ~ove
tb2 jet about the ofzected portion of the body.
To effect another type of hydro-~-'.~.~rapy, a stream of water may
be applied to the portions of ;.::~.2 body at which the' hydro-
therapy is desired. With this :ae of hydro-therapy. it is
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SUBSTITUTE SHEET
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2128904
desirous that a single stream of water may be alternately
turned on and off to effect pulsation of the single stream.
It is also desirous that this type of hydro-therapy be
adaptable for use in the home shower. Furthermore, a device
for such hydro-therapy should have some means for the user to
easily control the flow of the single stream of water, and
optimally, a one-handed operation of directing the flow of the
single stream at the portion of tkie body to receive the hydro-
therapy and to control the flow~~~of the single stream of water
should be provided. Additionally, it is desirous that the
hydro-therapy apparatus be adaptable for use in combination
with a flow of water from the showerhead while effecting
hydro-therapy in the home shower.
The application of alternating hot and cold water is effective
to relieve digestive and lower-back problems, and helps to
overcome chronic diarrhea. Hydro-therapy is useful in
relieving pain, firming the muscles, improving overall body
tone and~relieving dry skin. Also, hydro-therapy may be
useful in breaking up cellulite and helps to remove dead skin.
Furthermore, hydro-therapy is useful in treating back-aches,
and muscle fatigue. Also, due to the relaxing nature of the
warm water massaging action, hydro-therapy is helpful in
relieving insomnia. Hydro-therapy has been recognized for
other medicinal use. A stream of water directed at one part
of the body can affect other parts by ref lex, or by diverting
blood from the area receiving the impact of the stream. For
example, a stream of water directec7 to the soles of the feet
can not only increase circulation in the localized area, but
also act either by diverting blood from another part of the
body, and therefore relieving congestion at another part, or
as a reflex connection to another organ. However, there are
no prior art devices which effect such hydro-therapy utilizing
a single stream user-operable device.
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wo 93~WO _ 212 8 9 d 4 pCT~US93/00755
SUMMARY OF T8E INVENTION
The present invention is intended to overcome the various
drawbacks of the prior art. It is an object of the present
invention to provide an apparatus for hydro-therapy.having a
simple construction and is readily adaptable to home shower or
bath use and may be effectively used by a user for in-dome
hydro-therapy. It is another object of the present invention
to provide an apparatus for hydro-therapy which may be used by
a professional hydro-therapist in a clinical setting.
In accordance with the present invention, the inventive
apparatus for hydro-therapy includes a hollow housing member
which has a first end and a second end. The hollow housing
member is effective for passing a flow of pressurized water
from the first end through the second end. Conduiting means
are provided for conduiting the flow of pressurized water from
a water supply source to the first end. Coupling means are
also provided for coupling the conduiting means with the first
end of the hollow housing member. Thus, a flow of pressurized
water is provided from a water supply source through the
conduiting means to the hollow housing member to be effective
in hydro-therapy.
Valuing means ire provided for valuing the flow of water
through the hollow housing member. A user may selectively
valve the flow of water through the hollow housing member
depending on the particular application for the hydro-therapy
apparatus. Thus, the hollow housing member is effective to
provide a single pulsatable stream of pressurized water for
hydro-therapy. In other words, the hollow housing member has
a flow chamber which is effective for providing a single
pulsatable stream of pressurized water which may be restricted
selectively by a user using the valuing means. This single
stream of gressurized water is most effective for hydro-
therapy and may be controllably directed by the user to obtain
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the benefits of hydra-therapy at various portions of the body
while in the shower. Also, in accordance .with the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a simple one-handed
operation is required to effect control of the stream-flow and
direct the impact of the stream over portions of the body. '
Diverting means are provided for selectively diverting .the
flow of pressurized water from the water supply source to a
showerhead and the conduiting means. This diverting means is
effective to selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized
water through both the showerhead and the hollow housing
member. In other words, by the appropriate selection' of a
position of the diverting means, the user may alter the flow
of pressurized water through both the showerhead and the
hollow housing member from a single water supply source.
Thus, the user may obtain the benef its of a combination of
water sprayed from the show~erhead and the single pulsatable
stream of pressurized water~obtained from the apparatus for
hyc7ro-therapy while in the in-home shower.
. The inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy may further include
a diameter restricting means which are disposable at the
second end of the hollow housing member~for controllably
restricting a diameter of the single stream. To accomplish
this, a nozzle cap may be provided having a predetermined
c7iameter which restricts the diameter of the single stream of
pressurized water through the hollow housing member. Thus, a
particular diameter may be chosen from a variety of
differently sized nozzle cap diameters to provide a desired
flow diameter and thus provide a desired flow rate, velocity,
and impact strength of a single pulsatable stream of
pressurized water dependent on the flow characteristics from
the water supply source. Furthermore, the diameter
restricting means may comprise stream altering means to
obtain, for example, a gentle spray, misting and the like.
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WO 93/14880
212 8 9 p 4 PCT/US93/00755
Since the conducting means may be supplied from various
manufacturers, the connecting hardware of the conducting means
may vary. In order to provide more flexible design
considerations, therefore, in accordance «ith the present
invention adapting means may be provided for adapting the
coupling means to be couplable with different sized coupling
hardware. In other words, adapting means having particular
thread pitch and thread diameter are provided to match the
corresponding thread diameter of the connecting hardwarb~ from
various manufacturers. Therefore, the design considerations
in manufacturing the inventive apparatus are made.. more
flexible.
In accordance with the present invention, the valuing means
may included pulsing means for pulsing the flow of water as an
on/off pulse. This pulsing means may comprise a user-operable
switch which is effective to control the valuing means to
selectively control the flow of water. The valuing means may
include a cylindrical inner chamber which is disposed in the
hollow housing member. A valve body is slideably disposed in
the cylindrical inner chamber and has an engaging portion. A
valve seat is disposed in the second end of the hollow housing
member within the flow chamber of the hollow housing member.
Thus, the valve body may be slid within the cylindrical inner
chamber so that it is effective to selectively engage the
engaging portion of the valve body with the valve seat for
restricting the flow of water. Thus, the user operable switch
is effective to selectively slide the valve body in the
cylindrical inner chamber to effect user operable selective
restriction of the flow of water through the co-action of the
engaging portion and the valve seat.
Thus, in accordance with the present invention, an apparatus
for hydro-therapy is provided which allows a user to obtain
the ben~fits of hydro-therapy v~ithin the home shower. Also
the inventive device is effective for clinical use by a
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CA 02128904 2003-02-27
professional. In accordance with the present invention,
a single stream of pressurized water is provided which
may be directed at various portions of the body at which
the benefits of hydro-therapy are desired. Also, in
accordance with the present invention, the single stream
of pressurized water may be pulsed by a user using a
simple valving means located directly on the hollow
housing member so that a single-handed operation of the
inventive apparatus may be effected. Also, the flow rate
and thus impact strength of the single stream may be
varied selectively by the user continuously throughout
the use of the inventive apparatus for hydrotherapy so
that various portions of the body may safely enjoy the
benefits of hydro-therapy taking into consideration the
tenderness or sensitivity variations among the various
portions of the body. The apparatus also provides a
means by which a combination of the effects of a soothing
shower and hydro-therapy may be combined for home use.
Furthermore, the present invention provides a means by
which various alternative methods of hydro-therapy may be
accomplished. For example, by varying the water
temperature at the water supply source, alternative
applications of hot and cold water during hydro-therapy
may be obtained.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an
apparatus for hydro-therapy, comprising a hollow housing
member having a first end and a second end and effective
for passing a flow of pressurized water from said first
end through said second end, the hollow housing member
having an exit orifice at the second end being effective
to provide only a single stream of pressurized water to
exit the exit orifice second end at a flow rate and
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pressure the same as the flow rate and pressure of the
water supply source (50 or more PSI) for performing the
desired hydro-therapy to the skin muscles of a user;
conducting means comprising a length of flexible
hose for conducting the flow of pressurized water from a
water supply source to the first end to promote the
effective use of the apparatus in the shower or a
conducting means consisting of length effective for use
of the apparatus in the bathtub;
coupling means for coupling the conducting means
with the first end;
diverting means for selectively diverting the flow
of pressurized water from the water supply to a shower
head and the conducting means, and effective to
selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water
simultaneously flowing through both the shower head and
the hollow housing member and providing for the single
stream of pressurized water to exit the exit orifice of
the hollow housing member second end at a flow rate and
pressure the same as the flow rate and pressure of the
water source for performing desired hydro-therapy to the
skin and muscles of a user;
valuing means comprising a user operable switch
disposed on the hollow housing member for valuing the
flow of water through the hollow housing member, the
valuing means effective to provide a single-handed
operation for varying the flow of pressurized water while
continuously moving the single stream of pressurized
water about the body of the user to perform the desired
hydro-therapy;
whereby, the hollow housing member is effective to
provide only a single stream of pressurized water to exit
the exit orifice at a flow rate and pressure virtually
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the same as the water supply source flow rate and
pressure of the water source (50 or more PSI) for
effective hydro-therapy.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
apparatus for hydro-therapy, comprising; a hollow housing
member having a first end and a second end and effective
for passing a flow of pressurized water from said first
end through said second end, the hollow housing member to
exit the exit orifice at a flow rate and pressure that is
close to the flow rate and pressure of the water source
(45 or more PSI) effective to provide only a single
stream of pressurized water at the second end for
performing hydro-therapy to the skin and muscles of a
user; conduiting means comprising a length of flexible
hose for conduiting the flow of pressurized water from a
water supply source to said first end; coupling means for
coupling the conduiting means with said first end; and
valving means for valuing the flow of water through the
hollow housing member, said valuing means may include
pulsing means for pulsing the flow of water as an on-off
pulse and the pulsing means comprising a user-operable
switch disposed on the hollow housing member which is
effective to control the flow of water, the valuing means
effective to provide a single-handed operation for
varying the flow of pressurized water while continuously
moving the single stream of pressurized water about the
body of the user to perform hydro-therapy.
In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an
apparatus for hydro-therapy with a nozzle cap or diameter
restricting means which may be selected depending on the
specific application of the apparatus for hydro-therapy.
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If a more concentrated single pulsatable stream of
pressurized water is desired, a nozzle cap may be screwed
onto the nozzle cap receiving end which has a minimum
diameter of .1/5 inch. Thus the single stream of
pressurized water may be selectively adjusted to match a
particular hydro-therapy application.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
apparatus for hydro-therapy, comprising:
a hollow housing member having an entrance end and
an exit end and effective for passing a flow of
pressurized water from said entrance end through said
exit end, said hollow housing member having an exit
orifice at said exit end effective to provide a single
stream of pressurized water for performing hydro-therapy
to the skin and muscles of a user;
flexible conduit means for conducting the flow of
pressurized water from a water supply to said entrance
end of said hollow housing member;
diverting means for selectively diverting the flow
of pressurized water from the water supply to a shower
head and said flexible conduit means, and effective to
selectively regulate a flow rate of pressurized water
through both said shower head and said hollow housing
member; and
valving means comprising a user-operable slide
switch disposed on said hollow housing member for valuing
the flow of water through said hollow housing member,
said valuing means effective to provide a single-handed
operation for varying the flow of pressurized water while
continuously moving said single stream of pressurized
water about the body of the user to perform hydro-therapy
thereon.
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In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an
apparatus for hydro-therapy, comprising:
a water supply connected to a shower head;
a hollow housing member having an entrance end and
an exit end and effective for passing a flow of
pressurized water from said entrance end through said
exit end, said hollow housing member having an exit
orifice at said exit end effective to provide a single
stream of pressurized water for performing hydro-therapy
to the skin and muscles of a user;
flexible conduit means for conducting the flow of
pressurized water from said water supply to said entrance
end of said hollow housing member;
coupling means for connecting said flexible conduit
means to said entrance end of said hollow housing member;
diverting means connected between said water supply
and said shower head for selectively diverting the flow
of pressurized water from said water supply to said
shower head and said flexible conduit means and effective
to selectively allow the pressurized water to flow
through either one or both of said shower head and said
hollow housing member; and
valving means comprising a user-operable slide
switch disposed on said hollow housing member, a
cylindrical inner chamber and a valve body disposed in
said chamber, said valve body having an engaging portion
thereon, and a valve seat disposed near said exit end in
said hollow housing member, said valve body being
connected to said slid switch and being moveable
therewith so as to selectively engage said engaging
portion with said valve seat restricting the flow of
pressurized water through said exit end and thereby
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effecting an on-off pulsing action of the single stream
of pressurized water.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
apparatus for performing personal hydro-therapy with a
single stream of pressurized water comprising:
an elongated hollow housing, said housing having an
entrance end and an exit end for the water, said housing
further effective in passing a flow of pressurized water
therethrough, said entrance end connected through a
plurality of plumbing pipe connections to a flexible
conduit means; said flexible conduit means connected to a
diverter valve; said diverter valve provided with an
alternate diverter capable of selectively directing
pressurized water to a shower head or said flexible
conduit means, said diverter valve connected to a
pressure water source;
said elongated hollow housing being provided with a
thumb switch located on the outside wall surface of said
elongated hollow housing, said thumb switch connected
through a longitudinal opening in said housing to a valve
body in a centrally positioned valve body housing inside
said elongated hollow housing, said valve body housing
having a circular cross-section supported in a spaced
central location allowing the free flow of water all
around the outside of said valve body housing, said
hollow housing exit end having an opening shaped to
concentrate water exiting the housing into a single
stream of pressurized water;
said valve body having an exit end which includes a
portion which enters the hollow housing exit end opening
for controlling the single stream of pressurized water,
said valve body having an O-ring on said exit end for
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sealing with the opening in the hollow housing exit end,
said valve body having two additional O-rings for sealing
the central portion of said valve body housing from
water, said valve body in said valve body housing being
connected to said thumb switch that is adapted to being
placed in an off position, a fully on position or
anywhere in between by the movement of said thumb switch;
said portion of said exit end of said valve body
moves within the hollow housing exit end opening to
control the size and force of the pressurized water flow
out the exit end of the hollow housing thereby producing
a pressurized single stream of hydro-therapeutic water in
a force of at least about 45 psi to whatever location on
the body of the user that may be desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a plan view of the hydro-therapy device of
the invention showing it connected to a water supply;
Figure 2(a) is an exploded planned view of various
components of the embodiment of the inventive apparatus
for hydro-therapy shown in Figure 1;
Figure 2(b) is a perspective view of the nozzle cap
employed in the device shown in Figures 1 and 2(a),
showing the diameter restricting means in greater detail;
Figure 3(a) is a cutaway view of the hollow housing
member of
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the embodiment shown in Figure 1 showing the valuing means in
a "flow-off" position;
Figure 3(b) is a cutaway view of the hollow housing member
shown in Figure 1 showing the valuing means in a "flow-on"
position;
Figure 3(c) is an exploded view of various components of the
hollow housing member and valuing means;
Figure 3(d) is an exploded perspective view of various
components of the valuing means;
Figure 4(a) is a view showing the inventive apparatus for
hydro-therapy in a "flow-off" position as in use; and
Figure 4(b) is an isolated view of the inventive apparatus
for hydro-therapy shown in use in a "flow-on" position
showing the single stream of pressurized water impacting a
portion of the user's body.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of the inventive
apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 is shown. A hollow housing
member 12 is provided which has a first end 14 and a second
end 16. The second end 16 having an exit orifice effective
to provide a single stream of pressurized water for
performing hydro-therapy to the skin and muscles of a user.
The hollow housing member 12 is provided with elongated ribs
18 or endorsements on the sidewalls of the hollow housing
member to assist the user in grasping the device. Each of
the hollow housing member, conduiting means, diverting means
and valuing means may be effective to allow the single stream
of pressurized water to exit the exit orifice at a flow rate
and pressure close to a house-hold water supply source flow
rate and pressure of at least 45 lb/in2.-- after "16." The
hollowing housing member is effective for passing a flow of
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WO 93/14880 PCT/US93/007,~,~
._ 2128904
pressurized water from the first end 14 through the second end
16. In this embodiment, the hollow housing member 12 is
configured and dimensioned substantially as a cylinder having
a cross-sectional diameter which is effective for providing a
comfortable and secure grip by a user during.use in the
shower. To further facilitate the gripping of the hollow
housing member 12 when used in the soap and water environment
of the shower. Conducting means are provided for conducting
the flow of pressurized water from a water supply source to
the first end 14. The conducting means may comprise a length
of flexible hose 20 which provides the necessary freedom of
movement for the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy~l0 to
promote the effective use of the apparatus in the shower or
may have a length effective for use of the apparatus in the
bathtub. Coupling means 22 are provided for coupling the
conducting means with the first end 14. Thus, the conducting
means is coupled with the hollow housing member 12 so that the
flow of pressurized water from the water supply may flow
through the hollow housing member 12 and be effective in
hydro-therapy. ,The inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy also
includes valuing means 24 (shown in detail in Figs. 3(a)-3(d)
for valuing the flow of water through the hollow housing
member 12. By such construction, the hollow housing member 12
is effective to provide a single pulsatable stream of
pressurized water for hydro-therapy.
In other words, a flow of pressurized water is supplied from
the water supply through the conducting means which is coupled
to the hollow housing member 12 through the coupling means 22.
This flow of water may tie selectively pulsated in an on/of f
pulse to provide the necessary effect of hydro-therapy. Also,
in accordance with the present invention, a single pulsatable
stream of pressurized water exits the hollow housing member 12
at the second end 16 which may be directed by the user so that
the single pulsatable stream of water impacts various parts oT '
the body to effect hydro-therapy.
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CA 02128904 2003-02-27 ,
Also shown in Figure 1, diverting means 26 are provided for
selectively diverting the flow of pressurized water from the
water supply to a showerhead 28 and the conduiting means or
hose 20. This diverting means 26 is effective to selectively
regulate a flow rate of pressurized water through both the
showerhead 28 and the hollow housing member 12. In other
words, the user may selectively divert all or a portion of
the pressurized water flow from the water supply to either
the showerhead 28 or the apparatus for hydro-therapy. Thus,
the user is able to combine the effects of a spray of water
from the showerhead 28 with that of the controllably
directable, pulsatable single stream of pressurized water
from the hydro-therapy apparatus 10. Also, the user may
selectively use the diverting means 26 to divert the entire
flow of the pressurized water from the water supply to either
of the showerhead 28 or the apparatus for hydro-therapy 10.
Thus, the user is free to adjust the combination of a spray
from the showerhead 28 and a single pulsatable stream
pressurized water from the apparatus for hydro-therapy 10
depending on the application.
Referring now to Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the present
embodiment of the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10
may also comprise diameter restricting means 30 which is
disposable at the second end 16 for controllably restricting
a diameter of the single stream. This diameter restricting
means 30, in accordance with this embodiment of the present
invention, consists of a diameter restricting orifice 32' and
a nozzle cap which may be screwed onto a nozzle cap receiving
end (second end 16) of the hollow housing member 12. As
shown in Figure 2(b), the diameter restricting means 30, or
nozzle cap, has a predetermined diameter 30' which may be
selected depending on the specific application of the
apparatus for hydro-therapy 10. For example, in the event
that a more concentrated single pulsatable stream of
pressurized water is desired, a nozzle cap may be screwed
onto the nozzle cap receiving end which has a minimum
diameter.
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WO 93/14880 PCT/US93/00'~SS
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Thus, the flow rate of a'given pressure of pressurized water
will be maximized so that the velocity and impact force of the
single pulsatable stream of pressurized water impacting a
desired portion of the body has the desired effect.
Conservesely, a nozzle cap having a mzximum diameter may be
screwed onto the nozzle cap receiving end so that the same
given flow rate of pressurized water through the hollow
housing member 12 will exit the~~nozzle cap as a wider single
pulsatable stream of pressurized water therby having a.less
concentrated impact force and lower velocity. Thus, the
single pulsatable stream of pressurized water may be
selectively adjusted to match a particular hydro-therapy
application.
As shown in Figure 2(a), the conduiting means may include
connecting hardwater 32 for connecting with the coupling means
22. This connecting hardware 32 may vary depending on the
source of the conduiting means or the type of conduiting
means. For example, different suppliers of the conduiting
means may manufacture the connecting hardware 32 having
specific thread pitch and/or thread diameter. In this
embodiment, the inventive apparatus for hydro-therapy 10
further includes adapting means 34 and 34' for adapting the
coupling means 22 to be couplable with differently sized
connecting hardware 32. This provides a certain flexibility
in design and allows the inventive apparatus to be compiled
from components from various manufacturers.
Referring to Figures 3(a) through 3(d), more detailed
description of the valving'means 24 of the inventive apparatus
for hydro-therapy 10 will be described. The valuing means 24
in this embodiment includes pulsing means for pulsing the flow
of water as an on/off pulse. This pulsing means includes a
user-operable switch 36 which is effective to control the
valuing means 24 to selectively control the flow of water . In
other words, when using the inventive apparatus l0, the user
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~is able to slide the'user-operable switch 36 to positions
which vary the flow of water through the hollow housing member
from an "Off" flow position to a maximum "On" flow position to
vary the stream of water dependent on the flow rate of the
pressurized water. By rocking the user-operable switch 36
back and forth the user is able to effect a pulsation of the
single stream of pressurized water and thereby direct the
impact of this pulsating single stream of pressurized water to
the various parts of the body to effect hydro-therapy.
Alternatively, the user may selectively allow the single
stream of water to flow in a consistent stream and impact the
body without pulsation to effect an alternative form of hydro-
therapy. Furthermore, since this flow rate and therefore the
impact force of the single stream-of water may be selectively
varied, the apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 may be controllably
used to effect hydro-therapy at various portions of the body,
some of which are tougher and may receive a stronger impact
force and some of which are more tender and require a more
sensitive or lighter impact force.
As shown in Figures 3(a) through 3(d), the valuing means 24
includes a cylindrical inner chamber 38 which is disposed in
the hollow housing member. A valve body 44 is slideably
disposed in the cylindrical inne r chamber 38 and has an
engaging portion 40. A valve seat 42 is disposed near the
second end 16 in the hollow housing member 12. The co-action
of the valve seat 42 with the engaging portion 40 is effective
to vary the f low of pressurized water out of the hollow
housing member 12 in a selectable manner. The valve body 44
is effective to selectively engage the engaging portion 40
with the valve seat 42 to restrict the flow of water. The
user-operable switch 36 is effective to selectively slide the
valve body 44 in the cylindrical inner chamber 38 to effect
user-operable selective restriction of the flow of water
through the co-action of the engaging portion 40 and the valve
seat 42.
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frJhen the valve body 44 is positioned as in Figure 3(a), the
engaging portion 40 is co-acting with the valve seat 42 to
prevent any flow of water through the hollowing housing member
12 ("off" position). O rings are provided to enhance the
efficiency of restriction of the co-action between the
engaging portion 40 and the valve seat 42. As shown in Figure
3(b), when the valve seat 42 is positioned as shown, the
engaging portion 40 and valve seat~42 are not engaged. In
this position, the flow of water through the second end 16 is
substantially unrestricted by the valuing means 24 and a
single stream of pressurized water flows through the inventive
apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 to be effective in hydro-
therapy. By selectively positioning the user-operable switch
36 between the extremes shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b) the
user may provide a flow of pressurized water at various
velocities and impacts strengths so that the various portions
of the body may safely benefit from the hydro-therapy.
In this embodiment, the valve seat 42 has its outer periphery
threaded with threads which correspond with threads provided
in the second end 16 of the hollow housing member 12. As
shown in Figures 3(a) through 3(d), O rings are provided at
various locations to promote the effectiveness of the valuing
means 24 in selectively restricting the flow of water through
the hollow housing member 12. The flow chamber 12' of the
hollow housing member 12 provides a conduit through the hollow
housing member 12 for the flow of pressurized water and also
has the various portions of the valuing means 24 disposed
therein. in operation, the flow of pressurized water flows
around the components of the valuing means 24 and exits the
hollow housing member l2 through the second end 16 to provide
the single stream of pressurized water.
Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show the use of the inventive apparatus
for hydro-therapy. In use, a user positions the inventive
apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 so that the second end 16 of
12.
PCT/US93/00755
~,, WO 93/14880 212 8 9 0 4
the hollow housing member is opposite a selected portion 46 oz
the body which is to receive the hydro-therapy. The user then
manipulates the user operable switch 36 to selectively allow
the single stream of pressurized water to flour through the
hollow housing member 12 and impact the portion 46 of the body
which is to receive the hydro-therapy (Figure 4(b). This
single stream of water may be maintained at a constant
velocity and flow rate by leaving the user-operable switch 36
at alselected position. Then, this single stream of water may
be moved around the portion 46 of the body receiving the
hydro-therapy by directing the position of the inventive
apparatus for hydro-therapy 10 relative to this portion''~46 of
the body.
In another form of hydro-therapy, the user rocks the user-
operable switch 36 back and forth to create a pulsating single
stream of pressurized water which impacts the desired portion
46 of the body. This pulsating stream may also be moved
around the portion 46 of the body. Also, through the use of
the diverting means (shown in Figure 1) and the user-operable
switch 36, a combination of a shower of water from the
showerhead 28 and a jet of water impacting a selected portion
46 of the body may be obtained. Thus, the user may enjoy the
soothing comfort of a warm shower wh=ile also obtaining the
benefits of hydro-therapy. Furthermore, by varying the
temperature of the water from the supply source (using the
conventional plumbing means in the shower) another form of
hydro-therapy may be obtained whereby the selected portion 46
of the body receiving hydro-therapy receives alternating
pulses of hot and cold water. Or, cold water, for example,
may be applied for a specific period of time and then hot
water may be applied for another specific period of time to
thereby effect another form of hydro-therapy.
With respect to the above description, it is realized that the
optimum dimensional relationships fox parts of the invention,
13.
WO 93/14880 PGT/US93/007,~.5
21~z~~u~
including variations in size, materials, shape, form,
function, and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art.
All equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the
drawings and described in the specification are intended to be
encompassed by the present invention.
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of
the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled
in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the
exact construction and operation shown and described.
Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be
resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.
14.
