Patent Application
20240374416
The present invention relates to tubs or spas, specifically tubs or spas that are used to provide cold-water immersion therapy. More particularly, the present invention provides a cold-water therapy tub or spa with warming pockets for hands and feet.
It is widely accepted that cold-water therapy can be used to relieve muscle soreness, swelling, and joint pain brought about by prolonged physical exertion. Athletes, trainers, and physical therapists commonly use cold-water baths or ice baths to alleviate inflammation of muscles and other bodily tissues following an intense workout or therapy session.
Cold-water therapy tubs are known in the art. In their most basic form, these tubs consist of an uninsulated metal, plastic, or molded tub that is filled with ice or an ice water slurry. Some prior art tubs are insulated and use a chiller for circulating cold water throughout the tub, similar to the manner in which a hot tub circulates heated water. Still others employ provisions for circulating either hot or cold water, or a combination of both. For example:
Likewise, devices used for cooling and heating appendages are known in the art. For example:
One drawback of existing cold-water therapy tubs and other devices is that the hands and feet cool more rapidly than the rest of the body, which can result in numbness and pain. Therefore, a need exists in the field for a cold-water therapy tub or spa that allows the benefit of cold-water immersion therapy without the drawback of pain and numbness in the hands and feet.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention solves the aforementioned problem in a straightforward and simple manner by providing a novel cold-water therapy tub or spa that incorporates warming chambers or pockets for the hands and feet. The cold-water therapy tub of the present invention incorporates a chiller unit and system to cool the water for circulation throughout the tub, with a separate heating unit and system to distribute warm water to pockets for the hands and feet.
For a further understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing in which like parts are given like reference numerals, and wherein:
Referring now to
Tub enclosure 20 may be constructed by using a rotational molding process, vacuum or thermo-formed acrylic, or fiberglass and gelcoat. Walls 28 are essentially hollow to accommodate cold-water system 50 and hot-water system 60, and are insulated with closed cell polyurethane foam, or other suitable insulating material as is known in the art. Tub enclosure 20 may also incorporate LED lighting or other spa accessories known in the art.
In the preferred embodiment, integral seat 25 is located at one end of the interior of tub enclosure 20 with service compartment door 21 attached to the corresponding exterior of wall 28 through means of hinges and screw knobs to provide access to service compartment 26. Drain fitting 22, cold-water connector 23, and electrical cord 24 pass through wall 28 below service compartment door 21. Ladder mounts 27 are integrally molded into the exterior of wall 28 proximate to integral seat 25, providing means for attachment of optional steps or a ladder if desired to facilitate entry and exit for tub enclosure 20.
Hand warming pockets 30 are located on the interior of walls 28 adjacent to integral seat 25, and foot warming pocket 40 is located on floor 29 at the end of tub enclosure 20 opposite to integral seat 25. Hand warming pockets 30 and foot warming pocket 40 are affixed to tub enclosure 20 through means of screws or other suitable fasteners. Hand warming pockets 30 further comprise hand opening 31, which is adapted to accommodate insertion of a person's hand, and pocket seal 70. Foot warming pocket 40 further comprises foot openings 41, which are adapted to accommodate insertion of a person's feet, and pocket seals 70.
Referring now to
Hot-water system 60 comprises water heater 61, hot-water pump 62, hot-water lines 63, hand warming pockets 30, and foot warming pocket 40. Warm water is circulated through hand warming pockets 30 and foot warming pocket 40 by hot-water system 60. Hot-water system 60 is a closed system, with hand warming pockets 30 connected to foot warming pocket 40, water heater 61, and hot-water pump 62 by hot-water lines 63. Hot-water lines 63 may be rigid PVC pipe, PEX tubing, flexible PVC hose, or other suitable liquid conduit as is known in the art. Hot water lines 63 are routed through walls 28 of tub enclosure 20 and are encased in the insulating material of walls 28. Hot water lines 63 are connected to hand warming pockets 30 and foot warming pocket 40 through walls 28 of tub enclosure 20 by bulkhead fittings or other suitable means as are known in the art. In the preferred embodiment, water heater 61 is a flow-activated tankless water heater, which heats water to a desired temperature in the range of 65 degrees to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and hot-water pump 62 is a high-efficiency circulation pump. Hot-water pump 62 circulates heated water from water heater 61 through hot-water lines 63 to right hand warming pocket 30, foot warming pocket 40, left hand warming pocket 30, and back to water heater 61.
Filter 57, ball valve 58, cold-water pump 59, water heater 61, and hot-water pump 62 are housed in service compartment 26. Switch 201 is electrically connected to cold-water pump 59, hot water-pump 62, and electrical cord 24, such that activation of switch 201 provides electrical power to cold-water pump 59 and hot-water pump 62. In the preferred embodiment, switch 201 is a waterproof switch mounted to wall 28 proximate to integral seat 25.
Referring now to
In the preferred embodiment, pocket seals 70 are essentially oval in shape and are installed in hand openings 31 and foot openings 41 using screws or other suitable fasteners. Pocket seals 70 prevent mixing of cold water in tub enclosure 20 with warm water from hot-water system 60 by means of elastic seal 75, which comprises waterproof membrane 76 and elastic band 77. Waterproof membrane 76 is essentially a hollow sleeve, which is gathered in the center by elastic band 77 and affixed at the ends to the inside of housing 74 by adhesive or other water tight means, such that elastic band 77 fits snugly around a person's wrist or ankle and waterproof membrane 76 inhibits the passage of water through housing 74. Housing 74 and elastic seal 75 are inserted into and attached to cutouts in hand warming pockets 30 and foot pocket 40 through screws or other suitable fastening means. Pocket seals 70 further prevent mixing of cold water in tub enclosure 20 with warm water from hot-water system 60 by means of baffle 73, which is made of rubber, neoprene, or other suitable material as is known in the art to minimize the flow of water into and out of hand warming pockets 30 and foot warming pocket 40. Baffle 73 is provided with radial slits or flaps to accommodate insertion of a hand or foot. Baffle 73 is held in place by bezel 72, which is secured to housing 74 by screws or other suitable fastening means. Pocket seals 70 further comprise cover 71, which is hingedly attached to bezel 72, enabling cover 71 to be closed over bezel 72 when hand warming pockets 30 and foot warming pocket 40 are not in use, further preventing mixing of cold water in tub enclosure 20 with warm water from hot-water system 60.
Because many varying and differing embodiments may be made within the scope of the inventive concept herein taught and because many modifications may be made in the embodiment herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirement of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
