Patent Grant
6880182
The present invention relates to a spa device. In particular, the present invention relates to a spa apparatus for use in activities related to a foot massage.
It is generally known to provide for a spa device, such as health spas, whirlpools, jet stream exercisers, foot spas, etc. Such known spa devices are typically used in commercial and recreational settings for hydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, and bathing purposes. However, such spa devices have several disadvantages including being difficult to thoroughly clean, requiring complicated maintenance schedules, and often providing harsh and uncomfortable massages.
Water quality can become a problem in systems that use circulating water that comes into contact with the human body where the spa is not thoroughly cleaned. Several actions have been taken in an attempt to overcome this difficulty, including the addition of chemicals (e.g., bleach) into the water to help control bacteria growth. Despite such efforts, however, water quality is sometimes still difficult to maintain. For example, bacteria can develop simple defense mechanisms to counter chemical attacks such as forming a protective outer coating that acts as a barrier against harsh chemical treatments. The destruction of the outer coating is generally difficult with chemicals alone. Often times, chemicals are only effective in destroying the outer coating when used for extended periods of time, sometimes hours. Therefore, the preferred method of eliminating bacteria from systems is through mechanical means such as abrasion (e.g., removal with a rag and a chemical cleanser that has anti-bacterial capabilities).
Furthermore, many spa devices have intricate and elaborate systems of pipes that move water from a pump, through a filtering system, and ultimately to one or more nozzles (e.g., openings) that deliver water back to a basin for re-circulation. In the case of a pedicure basin, the process of cleaning after each pedicure involves draining the water from the system, spraying the basin with some type of anti-bacterial cleanser, circulating the water for a period of time, rinsing and then refilling with fresh water. Because there are pipes and fittings, it is often difficult to mechanically scrub every component that comes into contact with water. In addition, after a system is drained, some water may remain within the piping system, usually in cracks and crevices or low spots in the pumping system. For example, the pump itself is usually a sealed unit that may be difficult to completely drain. It is within these areas that the bacteria tend to grow the outer coating as a defensive mechanism against attack from anti-bacterial chemicals, especially when the pedicure system is not used for extended periods (e.g., overnight, weekends, etc.). Consequently, water quality may be diminished in conventional piped systems that are not effectively cleaned.
Another problem with known spa devices is that they often provide a harsh massaging effect to the feet by pointing a small number of nozzles (e.g., openings) toward the top of the feet. These nozzles are generally connected via pipes and hoses to a single centrifugal pump that produces a very high pressure (20-40 psi) and a relatively low volume of water. Customers often complain that the jets of water produced in this manner are too rough, in some cases even producing pain or discomfort. Although the jets can be partially closed to reduce the force of the water stream, this also reduces the water volume. Consequently, the massage effect is minimized since the jets are often a considerable distance away from the feet (e.g., in the walls of the basin).
An example of an existing system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,312,524 issued to William B. Cox. Specifically, Cox discloses a foot bathing device that utilizes foot rests consisting of a disk of heavy wire screening or a perforated plate (see col. 1, lines 43-44). This type of system can have several disadvantages including producing unrestricted streams of water. For example, Cox discloses the use of a flat foot rest containing a uniform pattern of openings across the entire foot rest that is not capable of directing the water in any particular direction (e.g., a foot rest that includes a uniform grid pattern across the entire foot rest).
Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a spa apparatus that substantially avoids the problems of bacterial growth by eliminating the need for pipes and/or pumps. Further, it would be advantageous to provide a spa apparatus with a removable foot rest plate for easy access to clean the basin and exposed components. It would also be advantageous to provide a spa apparatus that produces an improved massage of the foot by directing a flow of water at a much lower pressure while still maintaining a higher volume of water to specific areas of the foot. In addition, it would be advantageous to provide a spa apparatus that substantially eliminates the water fountain effect (e.g., excess splashing) sometimes found in other pedicure systems. It would be desirable to provide for a spa apparatus having one or more of these or other advantageous features.
A feature of the present invention is to provide a spa apparatus that overcomes the above-noted disadvantages.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a spa apparatus that does not require circulation pipes or pumps, thereby reducing the bacteria problem within the apparatus.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a spa apparatus with a removable foot rest plate that allows for easy access to clean the spa components exposed to water.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a spa apparatus that does not require tools to install and/or remove the foot plate and/or screen.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a spa apparatus that minimizes the water fountain effect.
Another feature of the present invention is to provide a spa apparatus that includes a safety mechanism that stops the impeller from rotating when the screen or foot rest plate is removed.
A still further feature is to provide a spa apparatus with a removable foot rest plate that sealingly engages the bottom of a basin to form a high pressure zone between the foot rest plate and the bottom of the basin.
How these and other advantages and features of the present invention are accomplished (individually, collectively, or in various subcombinations) will be described in the following detailed description of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the FIGURES.
One embodiment of the invention provides a spa apparatus that includes a basin for retaining fluid. Further, the spa apparatus includes a foot rest plate removably positioned within the basin, the foot rest plate including a plurality of openings and at least one area without openings. The spa apparatus also includes an impeller coupled to the basin and a motor drivably coupled to the impeller.
Another embodiment of the invention provides a spa apparatus including a basin for retaining fluid. Further, the spa apparatus includes a foot rest plate removably positioned within the basin, the foot rest plate including a plurality of openings and at least one non-horizontal region. The spa apparatus also includes an impeller coupled to the basin and a motor drivably coupled to the impeller.
Another embodiment of the invention a basin for retaining fluid having a floor. A foot plate is operatively sealed to the basin. A first region is defined by an area between the foot plate and the floor of the basin. The foot plate includes an intake opening and at least one output opening. An impeller is located between a top surface of the plate and the floor of the basin and configured to draw fluid through the intake opening into the first region and to force the water out of the first region through the output opening.
In another embodiment, a water spa includes a basin configured to hold water. A removable foot rest plate having an upper surface is operatively secured to the basin below the free surface of the water. The foot rest plate includes an inlet opening and at least one output opening. A pump is configured to draw water through the inlet opening into a region below the foot rest plate and to distribute the water to the output opening under a pressure greater than the fluid pressure of the water above the foot rest plate.
Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of cleaning a spa apparatus including removing a foot rest plate from the spa apparatus. In addition, the method includes mechanically cleaning the spa apparatus with a cleanser, including each component exposed to fluid during use of the spa apparatus. Further, the method includes replacing the foot rest plate in the spa apparatus.
The present invention further relates to various features and combinations of features shown and described in the disclosed embodiments. Other ways in which the objects and features of the disclosed embodiments are accomplished will be described in the following specification or will become apparent to those skilled in the art after they have read this specification.
Before describing a number of preferred, exemplary, and alternative embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or being practiced or carried out in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Before proceeding to the detailed description of the preferred and exemplary embodiments, several comments can be made about the general applicability and the scope thereof.
First, while the components of the disclosed embodiments will be illustrated as a spa apparatus designed for feet or foot spas, the features of the disclosed embodiments have a much wider applicability. For example, the spa design is adaptable for other spa devices including spas for hands, other body parts, entire bodies, etc. Further, the size of the various components and the size of the apparatus can be widely varied.
Second, the particular materials used to construct the exemplary embodiments are also illustrative. For example, the basin of the spa apparatus may be made from a scratch resistant material such as borosilicate or other suitable material. Further, components of the spa apparatus can be manufactured from thermoplastic resins such as injection molded high density polyethylene, polypropylene, other polyethylenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polyurethane, nylon, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled plastics, etc. Also, other molding operations may be used to form these components, such as blow molding, rotational molding, etc. In addition, various components of the spa apparatus can be manufactured from stamped alloy materials such as steel or aluminum.
Proceeding now to descriptions of the preferred and exemplary embodiments,
Spa apparatus 10 includes a basin 12 configured to retain fluid (e.g., water) for use with various cleaning and/or massage activities. Spa apparatus 10 also includes a foot rest plate 14 positioned within the basin, an impeller 16 coupled to basin 12, and a motor 18 located external to the basin for rotating impeller 16 so that fluid is directed through foot rest plate 14.
Foot rest plate 14 is preferably positioned in the lower portion 20 of basin 12. According to an exemplary embodiment, foot rest plate 14 is removably coupled to basin 12 below the fluid surface, and in the preferred embodiment rests on the floor of basin 12. Foot rest plate 14 forms a seal with the floor or bottom surface 27 of basin 12 to restrict the flow of fluid around foot rest plate 14. Referring to
In the particular embodiment illustrated, foot rest plate 14 includes a first nozzle system 30 and a second nozzle system 32. Nozzle system 30 is positioned on foot rest plate 14 to direct a stream of fluid in a non-vertical direction. Nozzle system 30 includes at least a first opening 31 configured to direct fluid in a non-vertical direction. More specifically, opening 31 is configured to direct a stream of fluid at the front of the foot, including the toes. Nozzle system 32 is positioned on foot rest plate 14 to direct a stream of fluid in a non-vertical direction. Nozzle system 32 includes at least a second opening 33 configured to direct fluid in a non-vertical direction. More specifically, opening 33 is configured to direct a stream of fluid at the back of the foot, including the heel. As used in this application, the vertical direction is a generally upward direction parallel to the vertical plane. Further, the vertical plane is perpendicular to the horizontal plane or the plane of resting fluid within the basin.
Foot rest plate 14 is configured so that users are able to move their feet to adjust the location of nozzle systems 30 and 32 relative to their feet. In effect, this allows users to control how the water exiting nozzle systems 30 and 32 makes contact with their feet. As shown in
Further, openings 31 and 33 are arranged in a non-uniform pattern on foot rest plate 14. As used in this application, the term “uniform” means consistent throughout an entire area. For example, screens and grids are often characterized by uniform perforations or openings over the entire surface of the screen or grid. Each opening or perforation is generally uniform in shape and distribution throughout the object. Since foot rest plate 14 has a non-uniform pattern of openings, plate 14 includes at least one area without any perforation or openings. In other words, foot rest plate 14 does not have an even and continuous distribution of openings across its entire surface.
Foot rest plate 14 serves several purposes. For example, foot rest plate 14 provides support for the foot at a desired angle for comfort. In addition, foot rest plate 14 protects the foot from contact with the rotating impeller housed beneath it. Further, foot rest plate 14 confines, constricts, and directs the flow of water from impeller 16 to nozzle systems 30 and 32 formed in the foot rest plate. Furthermore, foot rest plate 14 also serves to divide basin 12 into a high pressure zone 36 and a low pressure zone 38. The high pressure zone 36 is located between basin 12 and the bottom of foot rest plate 14 whereas low pressure zone 38 is located above the top of foot rest plate 14. Consequently, the cavity formed between basin 12 and foot rest plate 14 (e.g., high pressure zone 36) takes the place of, and in effect replaces the pipes in a conventional pipe system.
A screen 40 is configured to be positioned over the opening of inlet or intake 61 of foot rest plate 14 and is coupled to console 26 and/or foot rest plate 14. Referring to
In one embodiment foot spa apparatus 10 may include an air line 44 coupled to screen 40 to control the outflow of air mixed in the fluid streams through nozzle systems 30 and 32. According to an exemplary embodiment, air line 44 may comprise a hose or standpipe. According to alternative embodiments, air line 44 may comprise other devices (e.g., cylinders, pipettes, pipes, lines, inlets, channels, etc.). Air line 44 is generally positioned to bring air to the low pressure side 46 of impeller 16 and to mix air into the fluid stream. In addition, air line 44 may include a valve 48 to regulate the amount of air in the fluid stream. In the particular embodiment illustrated, valve 48 is controlled by an air line switch 50 located on a handset 52. Alternatively, valve 48 may be controlled by other electronic or mechanical devices (e.g., button, knob, etc.). Moreover, in alternative embodiments, air line 44 and/or valve 48 may be omitted.
According to an exemplary embodiment, spa apparatus 10 includes a motor 18. Motor 18 may be enclosed in a motor housing 54 and coupled to belt 56 so that when motor 18 operates, belt 56 rotates in a cyclical manner. Belt 56 may also be coupled to a shaft 58 which is supported by bearings 60 and secured within a shaft housing 55. Shaft 58 is further coupled to impeller 16 so that the cyclical rotation of belt 56 also rotates impeller 16. Consequently, the rotation of impeller 16 causes the fluid to be drawn in through screen 40 and out through nozzle systems 30 and 32.
Referring to
A duct seal 64 coupled to basin 12 and shaft housing 55 also keeps the fluid in basin 12 from escaping out of the apparatus. Spa apparatus 10 may also include a drain 66 for releasing at least some of the fluid from basin 12. Drain 66 is located on the lower portion 20 of basin 12.
A sensor switch 68 is located within apparatus 10 senses when foot rest plate 14 is in position. In addition, sensor switch 68 senses when screen 40 is in position. Upon sensing that either screen 40 or foot rest plate 14 are out of position, sensor switch 68 shuts off power to motor 18 to prevent the operation of motor 18. Sensor switch 68, therefore, acts as a safety mechanism to reduce the risk of accidental injury caused by the operation of impeller 16.
Referring to
Radius 76 enables a user to position their toes within the stream of water exiting opening 31 according to the user's desired configuration. For example, depending on the position of a user's foot, the stream of water may flow against the toes, over the foot, under the foot, around the foot, etc. The location and angle of the foot determines how the stream of water flows relative to the foot. Radius 76 extends from radiused surface 70 to create toe region 80. According to a preferred embodiment, heel region 78 is positioned lower than toe region 80 so that a user may angle their foot upward from heel to toes.
The operation of spa apparatus 10 will now be described. According to a preferred embodiment, foot rest plate 14 is positioned within basin 12 prior to use such that neoprene sealing ring 29 comes into contact with the floor 27 of basin 12. As a result zone 36 is formed between the underside 82 of foot rest plate 14, the lower ridges 21, and the floor 27 of basin 12. Fluid is placed in basin 12 up to a desired level above the upper surface 84 of foot rest 14. Prior to operation of motor 18, water will fill zone 36 by entering through openings 31 and 33 and through intake 61. Operation of motor 18 causes impeller 16 to rotate and consequently draw fluid from basin 12 through screen 40 and inlet 61 through circular duct 62 and into zone 36. The rotation of impeller 16 creates a low pressure zone 38 above foot rest plate 14 and a high pressure zone 36 below foot rest plate 14. This difference in pressure causes the fluid to move from basin 12 down through circular duct 62 and eventually out through openings 31 and 33. Further, the shape and angles of foot rest plate 14 guide the exiting fluid from opening 31 against, under, over, and around the front of a user's foot positioned within spa apparatus 10. Similarly, the shape and angles of foot rest plate 14 guide the exiting fluid from opening 33 against the back of the heel and around the foot.
In one embodiment, the pressure differential between the high pressure zone 36 and low pressure zone 38 is approximately two psi. Of course the pressure differential may be greater than or less than two psi and may be adjusted. However, pressure substantially above two psi results in a flow that is turbulent and may also result in an uncomfortable effect on a user's feet. In one embodiment, water is circulated at 60 gpm with approximately 4.3 gpm through each of openings 31, 33. Of course other pressure differentials and flow rates may be selected by increasing the speed of the impeller or the size and/or number of openings 31, 33.
As described above in a preferred embodiment, water exits opening 31 at an angle of about 8 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane. This angle allows the water to be directed over the top of a user's foot if the user's foot is moved back toward opening 33 at the heel region. By moving one's foot away from the heel region and toward nozzle system 31, the water from opening 31 may be directed under the toes or heel of one's foot. This allows the user to determine where the water exiting the opening 31 should be directed. The recessed location of opening 31 due to the curvature and/or shape of foot rest plate 14 makes it difficult for a user to block the openings thereby disrupting the balance of the water flow. Additionally it is believed that being too close to the opening does not produce a pleasant affect. The location of opening 31 and the shape of foot rest plate 14 help ensure that a user's foot will not entirely come into contact with the openings during operation of the system. Water exits opening 33 an angle of about 15 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. Referring to
Referring to
During cleaning of spa apparatus 10, foot rest plate 14 may be easily and conveniently removed from basin 12 without the use of tools. Referring to
Referring to
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the spa apparatus as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, the basin of the spa apparatus may be made from borosilicate or other suitable material. Further, other components of the spa apparatus may be manufactured from thermoplastic resins such as injection molded high density polyethylene, polypropylene, other polyethylenes, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), polyurethane, nylon, any of a variety of homopolymer plastics, copolymer plastics, plastics with special additives, filled plastics, steel, aluminum, alloys, etc. Also, other fabricating, stamping, or molding operations may be used to form these components. Openings 30-33 have a cross sectional area 0.05 to 0.15 square inches and in another embodiment have a cross sectional area between 0.10 and 0.30 square inches and in yet another embodiment have an opening of 0.2 square inches. Further, motor 18 may be configured to operate at variable speeds. Additionally, foot rest plate 14 may be substantially non-perforated. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in this application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and/or omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/436,128, filed Dec. 23, 2002, entitled “Spa Apparatus” by Gruenwald and is incorporated by reference herein.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20040117905 A1 | Jun 2004 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60436128 | Dec 2002 | US |
