Patent Application
20060242758
The present invention relates to a spa apparatus, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a portable, disposable spa apparatus that may be used to spray the body with water in the tub or shower.
Using a shower or bath having a spray of water emitted from a relatively large surface area is relaxing and pleasurable. In more recent years, it has become popular to install multiple shower heads and shower spray spas in the home, for example products available from Kohler Co. such as the KOHLER BodySpa products. Considering the cost of the apparatus and the need for plumbing work, this activity can be cost prohibitive for some, especially if more than one bathroom is fitted with such plumbing. Further, persons that live in rented housing may find it difficult to install and use spa apparatuses that require special plumbing.
Several attempts at portable and more affordable spa apparatuses have been made that may alleviate the inconvenience and cost of installing multiple shower heads or spray units. One such apparatus is a rigid pad that has channels with orifices for spraying water outwardly from one surface of the pad. Water is supplied from a hose connected to a residential water supply. Another such apparatus is a flexible pad that is permanently attached to a pump housing. The pad has orifices for spraying water outwardly from a pad surface. The pump further pressurizes water supplied to the apparatus from a residential water supply.
However, such attempts have not been completely satisfactory. Both apparatuses are meant to be used for an extended period of time, and possibly stored between uses. Each such spa apparatus is used in a moist environment and the interior surfaces of the water channels may not be accessible without disassembling and possibly destroying the apparatus. Storing used spa apparatuses that may not or cannot completely dry invites mold and bacteria overgrowth. Therefore, unless the user is willing to be inconvenienced by cleaning these portable apparatuses, what initially may be a pleasurable bathing experience may turn into a concerning and unhealthy experience if mold or bacteria is being transferred to the body and the bath environment.
Accordingly, despite the attempts to develop portable shower spas, there remains a need for an apparatus that can provide a spray of water in the tub or shower without the need for extensive cleaning of the apparatus. Moreover, there remains a need for an affordable spa apparatus.
In response to the difficulties and problems discussed above, a new shower spa apparatus has been discovered. In one aspect, the present invention concerns a disposable liquid delivery apparatus that uses water from pre-pressurized liquid supply. The apparatus includes a laminate made from a flexible back sheet of liquid impervious material that is bonded to a flexible front sheet of liquid impervious material to form at least one channel. The flexible front sheet defines a body-facing surface and the flexible back sheet defines a rear surface. The front sheet further defines a plurality of apertures therethrough in communication with the at least one channel. A node is attached to the laminate so that it is in liquid communication with at least one channel, allowing liquid to flow into the node and exit from the plurality of apertures.
In another aspect, the present invention concerns a personal hygiene kit for delivering liquid to a body for the purpose of bathing. The kit may include a disposable liquid delivery apparatus. The apparatus is made from a laminate formed by a flexible back sheet of liquid impervious material bonded to a flexible front sheet of liquid impervious material. The bond forms at least one channel in the laminate. The flexible front sheet has a thickness of 0.01 to 0.5 mm and defines a body-facing surface. The front sheet defines a plurality of apertures therethrough in communication with the at least one channel. The flexible back sheet defines a rear surface. A node is attached to the laminate so that it is in liquid communication with one or more channel, allowing liquid to flow into the node and exit from the plurality of aperture. A liquid supply hose is adapted for connecting the node to the liquid supply. Further at least one securement member is adapted for selectively attaching the disposable liquid delivery apparatus to a fixed structure.
In yet another aspect, the present invention concerns a disposable liquid delivery apparatus that can receive a supply of pre-pressurized liquid. The apparatus includes a laminate with a flexible back sheet of liquid impervious material that is bonded to a flexible front sheet of liquid impervious material to form at least one channel. The flexible back sheet and the flexible front sheet each have a thickness of about 0.02 mm to about 0.3 mm, and a basis weight of about 20 gsm to about 300 gsm. The flexible front sheet defines a body-facing surface and the flexible back sheet defines a rear surface. The front sheet further defines a plurality of apertures therethrough in communication with the channel. A node is attached to the laminate so that it is in liquid communication with one or more channel. A hose connector is attached between the node and the supply of pre-pressurized liquid. Liquid can flow into the node from the hose connector and exit from the plurality of apertures.
It is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of particular embodiments of the article of the present invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the various aspects of the invention.
The present invention will be more fully understood and further advantages will become apparent when reference is made to the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals represent like elements. The drawings are merely representative and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.
a. representatively shows a side elevation view of one example of a dispenser as shown in
b. representatively shows a bottom elevation view of the dispenser shown in
The present disclosure of the invention will be expressed in terms of its various components, elements, constructions, configurations, arrangements and other features that may also be individually or collectively be referenced by the term, “aspect(s)” of the invention, or other similar terms. It is contemplated that the various forms of the disclosed invention may incorporate one or more of its various features and aspects, and that such features and aspects may be employed in any desired, operative combination thereof.
It should also be noted that, when employed in the present disclosure, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” and other derivatives from the root term “comprise” are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of any stated features, elements, integers, steps, or components, and are not intended to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.
Within the context of this specification, each term or phrase below includes the following meaning or meanings:
“Attach” and its derivatives refer to the joining, adhering, connecting, bonding, sewing together, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered to be attached together when they are integral with one another or attached directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly attached to intermediate elements. “Attach” and its derivatives include permanent, releasable, or refastenable attachment. In addition, the attachment can be completed either during the manufacturing process or by the end user.
“Bond” and its derivatives refer to the joining; adhering, connecting, attaching, sewing together, or the like, of two elements. Two elements will be considered to be bonded together when they are bonded directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly bonded to intermediate elements. “Bond” and its derivatives include permanent, releasable, or refastenable bonding.
“Connect” and its derivatives refer to the joining, adhering, bonding, attaching, sewing together, or the like, of two elements. Two -elements will be considered to be connected together when they are connected directly to one another or indirectly to one another, such as when each is directly connected to intermediate elements. “Connect” and its derivatives include permanent, releasable, or refastenable connection. In addition, the connecting can be completed either during the manufacturing process or by the end user.
“Disposable” refers to articles which are intended to be discarded after limited use and which are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored for use.
The terms “disposed on,” “disposed along,” or “disposed toward” and variations thereof are intended to mean that one element can be integral with another element, or that one element can be a separate structure bonded to or placed with or placed near another element.
“Layer” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single element or a plurality of elements.
“Liquid impermeable,” when used in describing a layer or multi-layer laminate means that liquid, such as water, will not pass through the layer or laminate, under ordinary use conditions, in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of the layer or laminate at the point of liquid contact.
“Liquid permeable” refers to any material that is not liquid impermeable.
“Nonwoven” and “nonwoven web” refer to materials and webs of material that are formed without the aid of a textile weaving or knitting process. For example, nonwoven materials, fabrics or webs have been formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spunbonding processes, air laying processes, and bonded carded web processes.
These terms may be defined with additional language in the remaining portions of the specification.
The present invention is directed to providing a disposable spa apparatus that can be used in a shower, bath or similar setting. The spa apparatus may be used in the shower as a shower curtain or a shower or tub wall covering that provides one or more streams of water for wetting, washing and/or massaging the body. The spa apparatus may also be used in a horizontal position by placing it on a bath tub floor, a shower floor, shower ceiling or the like.
b representatively illustrate an example of a disposable spa apparatus, as generally indicated at 10, of the present invention. Referring to
Back sheet 14 may be from film and nonwovens as described below, or laminate combinations thereof. For example, back sheet 14 may be a separate sheet of film made from the following materials, including but not limited to: vinyl (polyvinyl chloride or other), polyolefin (such as polyethylene, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene, single-site catalyzed polyethylene and others), polylactic acid, polystyrene, styrenic block copolymers (such as Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene, Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene, Styrene-Ethylene-Propylene-Styrene, and Styrene-Ethlyene-Butylene-Styrene), polyurethanes, polyesters, polyamides such as Nylon 6, Nylon 6/6, Nylon 6/10, etc.), polyether amides, Vinyl acetate polymers (such as Ethylene Vinyl Acetate), or blends thereof. In the alternative, sheet 14 could be a foam made from one or more of the above-listed materials.
Alternatively, backsheet 14 may be a separate sheet of nonwoven material made from the following materials, including but not limited to: spunbonded nonwoven, carded nonwoven, meltblown nonwoven, hydroentangled nonwoven and laminates such as the spunbond-meltblown and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond laminates such as are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,041,203 and 4,766,029 to Brock et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,706 to Collier et al., all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties, to the extent that they do not present a conflict.
In a further alternative, backsheet 14 may be a separate sheet of nonwoven/film laminate made from a combination of the materials listed above.
It is understood that those skilled in the art of nonwoven or film making appreciate that additives such as process aids, colorants, anti-microbials, inorganic fillers and other ingredients may be added to the polymer or other blends for reasons of quality, function or aesthetics. Further, it may be suitable to deliver the film as a multi-layered coextruded or coated structure to prevent blocking, facilitate handling, or provide a surface texture or feel that is desirable to the user of the device. The laminate 12 may be entirely or partially treated to resist or prevent fungus and bacteria growth, or may be made from materials which have a material resistance to such growths.
Front sheet 16 may be any one of the films, nonwovens, combined laminates or foams as described herein for back sheet 14. However, if back sheet 14 and front sheet 16 are made from identical materials, back sheet 14 may be integrally connected to front sheet 16 along a fold line, or may be integrally connected along two fold lines to form a flattened tube. Thus, in manufacture, the stock from which sheet 14 and sheet 16 are derived may be two separate webs, a single web, or tube stock.
The materials from which sheets 14, 16 may be made can vary in thickness and basis weight. Back sheet 14 and/or front sheet 16 may have a thickness of about 0.01 millimeters (mm) to about 5 mm. More suitably, sheet 14 and/or 16 may have a thickness of about 0.01 mm to about 0.5 mm; even more suitably, sheet 14 and/or 16 may have a thickness of about 0.02 mm to about 0.3 mm; and most suitably, sheet 14 and/or 16 may, have a thickness of about 0.05 mm to about 0.2 mm. The back sheet 14 and/or front sheet 16 may have a basis weight of about 5 grams per square meter (gsm) to about 5000 gsm. More suitably, sheet 14 and/or 16 may have a basis weight of about 5 gsm to about 500 gsm; even more suitably, sheet 14 and/or 16 may have a basis weight of about 20 gsm to about 300 gsm; and most suitably, sheet 14 and/or 16 may have a basis weight of about 50 gsm to about 250 gsm.
Back sheet 14 and front sheet 16 each have an inner surface 18 and an outer surface 20. Inner surfaces 18 of each sheet 14 and 16 are placed together and the sheet 14 and sheet 16 are then permanently bonded together over selected areas to form laminate 12. Bonding may be achieved thermally, ultrasonically, by use of adhesives, high pressure, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, patterned embossing rolls or calendar rolls may be used. The resulting laminate has a rear surface that coincides with back sheet 14, and a body-facing surface that coincides with front sheet 16.
Referring to
Channels 22 may have at least one aperture formed in sheet 16 so that it is open to channel 22. The purpose of each aperture is to allow liquid to exit channel 22 at the body-facing surface of laminate 12. If channel 22 does not include an aperture extending through front sheet 12, it may instead fill with liquid so that it appears raised. This may be used as a desired aesthetic effect as discussed herein.
Sheets 14 and 16 may have a variety of configurations, and the embodiments of laminate 12 as shown in
Each channel 22 is designed to receive liquid (e.g. water), most desirably from a pre-pressurized source. By the term “pressurized,” it is meant that the liquid emanates from a source having a pressure greater than ambient pressure, such as a residential or municipal water supply, or the like. The liquid, such as water, is then pressurized before it reaches the apparatus 10. The liquid may be pressurized by an external pump mechanism or by gravity, e.g. an overhead tank.
The size of each channel 22, and the number and sizes of each aperture 24 located on each channel 22 are factors which influence the pressure at which liquid exits laminate 12. Several liquid streams simultaneously striking the body at various points may be more desirable than one or two streams. Further, liquid streams exiting at higher-pressures may provide a more satisfying spa experience. However, if the liquid exits apparatus 10 at too high of a pressure, it may irritate sensitive skin. If the liquid exits apparatus 10 at too low of a pressure, the person may find it necessary to stand uncomfortably close to the body-facing surface of laminate 12, or the liquid may not be able to satisfactorily strike the body at all. In the alternative, it may be desirable to have more of a mist of small liquid droplets than a continuous liquid stream. The apertures may be sized and/or configured to produce such a mist.
With respect to each channel 22, the number and or size of aperture(s) 24 is inversely proportional to the pressure at which liquid can exit channels 22 given a constant liquid supply pressure and total channel volume. The flexibility of the sheets 14 and 16 can also affect pressure. If the sheets 14, 16 can stretch, this may inversely affect the pressure at which liquid can exit channels 22.
Referring now to the various embodiments shown in
The embodiments shown in
For any embodiment of the present invention, apertures 24 may be staggered, aligned with each other or even randomly positioned along the channels 22, keeping in mind the desired water pressure. Apertures 24 may be strategically placed along channels 22 to correspond with the users body. For example, the apertures may correspond with certain acupressure sites or body parts. For relatively long channels, such as channel 22a shown in
So that water may be directed into channels 22, it is desirable to connect at least one channel 22 to a common manifold or liquid distribution node 28. Referring to
Apparatus 10 may have more than one node 28 to accommodate more than one liquid supply source or supply line 26, e.g. from a bathtub spout and an outlet supply line. Node 28 may be constructed from materials such as nylon, plastic or metal.
A liquid supply hose 30 is connected between node 28 and supply line 26 so that liquid, e.g. water, may flow from the supply line 26 to node 28, from node 28 to channels 22, and exit the channels 22 at aperture(s) 24. As seen in
Referring to
Referring to the embodiment of the present invention as seen in
Apparatus 10 may be suspended from a fixed structure or used horizontally on a floor as a bathing mat or on the ceiling as an overhead shower. If suspension is desired, such as for use in a shower, a variety of securement members may be used as demonstrated by the various embodiments illustrated in
The securement member as seen in the embodiment of
The securement member as seen in the embodiment of
The securement member as seen in the embodiment of
The securement member as seen in the embodiment of
It may be suitable to apply coatings to one or more surfaces of the laminate 12. If the present invention is used horizontally as a bathing mat such as shown in
Each embodiment of laminate 12 may be configured such that one portion of the laminate 12 is positioned in one plane, and other portion(s) of the laminate 12 are position in another plane or planes (not shown). For example, in a tub, the laminate 12 could have side sections that attach to the tub side surfaces, and a bottom section that attaches to the tub floor. This may be useful, for example, for providing an aromatherapy mist/spray, or for general bathing. Alternatively, a portion of a laminate 12 used as a shower bathing mat may be positioned on the shower wall, and the remaining portion of the laminate 12 on the shower floor. This may be useful, for example, for shaving legs and washing feet.
Weights 90 may be used in any of the embodiments to stabilize the apparatus 10 and/or cause apparatus 10 to hang straight, especially before its initial use. By way of example, in the embodiment of
It may further be desirable to prohibit liquid from exiting a portion of at least one of the channels 22. A blocking member may be used to prohibit the liquid flow, the blocking member being a clip, press bar or the like, For example, in the embodiment of the present invention shown in
An optional dispenser maybe available for dispensing additives into the liquid flowing through apparatus 12. Additives may include perfumes, medications, dyes, soap, detergent, water conditioners, antibacterial agents and fungicides. As an example, the additive may be in tablet or bead form, and held within the node 28 by the dispenser until it dissolves. Other dispensers may be able to accommodate liquids or powders. For example, as seen in
Hose 30 may be relatively short as seen in
The spa apparatus 10 may further be provided to users as a kit. In particular, the kit may include laminate 12 and one or more of the following as defined herein: a securement member, a dispenser, additives, spare laminates 12, a hose 30 or supply hose, a hose keeper 46, and the like. Optional accessories may be made available.
One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the various personal spa apparatuses described herein may be combined to arrive at a number of configurations not illustrated herein, yet quite suitable for use in the bath or shower. Having described the invention in rather full detail, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. All of such changes and modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended Claims and any equivalents thereto.
