Patent Application
20100281611
Spas are well known for use in facilitating comfort and relaxation. Pedicure spas specifically allow for treatment and comfort of the feet of a person in addition to other incorporated services. Accessing a pedicure spa can sometimes be complicated by the position of a seat or by other spa components. Accessing a pedicure spa can also be complicated by a person's stature, age, and physical capabilities Further, a pedicure spa may not be universally aesthetically appealing and can become stylistically outdated or worn with repeated use.
One exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a spa apparatus, comprising a basin including an upper rim having a back edge; a support assembly having a substantially vertical axis, the support assembly including an upper portion coupleable to a first seating element, the first seating element being substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis; and a base being located below the upper rim at the back edge, the first seating element being movable by the support assembly from a first position at a first distance relative to the base to a second position at a second distance relative to the base, wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a spa apparatus, comprising a seat; a basin including a reservoir, a back portion, a front portion, and a top portion, the back portion of the basin being closer to the seat than the front portion, and the top portion of the basin including at least a first footrest supporting feature and a second footrest supporting feature; and a footrest member movable from a first position proximate the front portion of the basin to a second position intermediate the first position and the back portion of the basin, wherein the footrest member is removably secured in the first footrest receiving feature in the first position and the footrest member is removably secured in the second footrest receiving feature in the second position.
Another exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a spa apparatus, comprising a base assembly supporting a seat; a basin coupled to the base assembly; a first electrical component and a first plumbing component coupled to the base assembly; a second electrical component and a second plumbing component coupled to the basin; a first quick release connector coupling the first electrical component and the second electrical component; and a second quick release connector coupling the first plumbing component and the second plumbing component.
Referring to
Spa assembly 10 generally includes a base assembly 12 and a basin 16. Spa assembly 10 may further include a joint 14 and a seat 18. In one exemplary embodiment, spa assembly 10 is configured to provide a person improved access to, i.e., entry to and exit from, seat 18. In another exemplary embodiment, spa assembly 10 is configured to accommodate persons with disabilities, the elderly, and persons having a variety of statures and body types. In another exemplary embodiment, the seat and/or the basin of spa assembly 10 are configured to be quickly and easily interchanged or removed. In this manner, spa assembly 10 may be quickly customized to appeal to different aesthetic preferences and worn components may be quickly and easily replaced. In another exemplary embodiment, base assembly 12 and basin 16 of spa assembly 10 are configured to be removably coupled. In another exemplary embodiment, plumbing and electrical components are configured to be coupled with coupling mechanisms, e.g., quick release coupling mechanisms.
Base assembly 12 is configured to support seat 18 and the weight of a person in seat 18. Base assembly 12 includes a front portion 20, a back portion 22, a support assembly 24, and a base 28.
Support assembly 24 is movable along an axis. In one exemplary embodiment, support assembly 24 includes a vertical axis 30 substantially normal to the surface of the floor on which spa assembly 10 is located, support assembly being moveable therealong. Accordingly, support assembly 24 is movable upward and downward, allowing the height or vertical position of seat 18 coupled to base assembly 12 to be adjusted. Support assembly 24 is further configured to be rotatable about vertical axis 30. Accordingly, the angular orientation seat 18 may be adjusted. In another exemplary embodiment, the support assembly may be further configured to adjust the position of the seat fore and aft, i.e., toward the front portion of the base assembly and toward the back portion of the base assembly, respectively. In other exemplary embodiments, the axis may be at an angle relative to the normal to the surface of the floor on which spa assembly 10 is located. In these embodiments movement of support assembly along the axis would provide a vertical adjustment component and a horizontal adjustment component, wherein the horizontal adjustment component is an adjustment component perpendicular to the vertical component.
Referring to
In the exemplary embodiment shown, pump 38 is a hydraulic pump configured to telescope. Pump 38 provides for upward and downward movement along vertical axis 30 and for rotational movement about vertical axis 30. While the adjustment mechanism is shown as pump 38, it may also be configured as any other mechanism sufficient to provide upward, downward, and/or rotational adjustability. For example, a pneumatic pump, electrically actuated pump, or scissor mechanisms may be used in place of the hydraulic pump. In another exemplary embodiments, the adjustment mechanism may consist of a plurality adjustment mechanisms. The adjustment mechanism may be made of metal, plastic, or any other material sufficient to provide support and adjustability to the base assembly.
Pedal 40 is pivotally operable with a person's foot. Pedal 40 is pivotally coupled to pump 38 at pivot points 46. Support assembly 24 may be raised by pressing down and then releasing pedal 40. Support assembly 24 may be lowered by holding pedal 40 down. Pedal 40 is generally operated by a spa service technician, though, it may be operated by a another party. In other exemplary embodiments, the actuating mechanism may be configured in any manner sufficient to at least in-part actuate the adjustment mechanism, including, but not limited to, a lever, a joystick, a button, and a switch.
Generally, support assembly base 36 provides stability for support assembly 24. Support assembly base 36 may also provides support for seat 18 and a person seated in seat 18. In the exemplary embodiment shown, support assembly base 36 is coupled to pump 28 and dome, though, support assembly base 36 may have any number of configurations sufficient for providing stability or support. Support assembly base 36 is shown in contact with the surface of the floor on which spa assembly 10 is located at a rim 294 having a top surface 296 and a bottom surface 298. Bottom surface 298 of rim 294 of support assembly base 36 may include a coating, e.g., rubber, to prevent unwanted movement of support assembly 24. Support assembly base 36 may further include a cavity 300 configured to receive pump 38 in part.
Spa assembly 10 may further include a connection device 26. Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in
Connection device 26 includes a first connection portion 52 and a second connection portion 54. Spa assembly 10 may include or be coupled to one or more plumbing components. Further, spa assembly 10 may include or be coupled to one or more electrical components. First front connection portion 52 and second connection portion 54 include a plurality of coupling points 56 at which electrical components or plumbing components may be coupled. These plumbing components and electrical components may include, but are not limited to, cold water supply lines, hot water supply lines, a power drain pump elements, gravitational emptying mechanisms, and electrical wiring.
Electrical components and plumbing components may be coupled with coupling mechanisms, shown as quick release mechanisms 66 in the exemplary embodiment (see, e.g.,
Further referring to
In the exemplary embodiment shown in
First connection portion 52 is shown at front side 78 of housing 50. Second connection portion 54 is shown at back side 82 of housing 50. A first electrical component 262 and a first plumbing component 264 are coupled to and substantially confined within housing 50 (see, e.g.,
In the exemplary embodiment shown connection device 26 further includes a locking element, shown as cutout 86, configured to substantially lock support assembly 24 at a given angular orientation about vertical axis 30. Cutout 86 includes a peripheral wall 88, configured to securably receive pedal 40 therein. When pedal 40 is not received in cutout 86, support assembly 24 may be rotated about vertical axis 30. When pedal 40 is received in cutout 86, support assembly 24 is substantially prevented from rotating about vertical axis 30. In alternative exemplary embodiments, other mechanical or electromechanical locking elements sufficient to lock the support assembly at a given angular orientation may be used.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in
Referring to
Joint 14 is configured to couple base assembly 12 to seat 18. Joint 14 includes a seat connection portion 102 and a base assembly connection portion 104. Joint is shown intended to be coupled to the support assembly without the use of tools. The joint is further shown intended to be removed from the support assembly without the use of tools. For example, the joint may be coupled to the support assembly and removed therefrom using a releasable latch. In another exemplary embodiment, the joint may be coupled to the support assembly using tools, e.g., a screw driver. In other exemplary embodiments, the joint may include threading, snap mechanisms, magnets, or fasteners for coupling the joint to the support assembly.
Referring to the exemplary embodiment shown in
Base assembly connection portion 104 of joint 14 includes a cavity 110 having a cavity opening 112. Cavity opening 112 is substantially opposite substantially planar top surface 106 of seat connection portion 102. Cavity 110 is configured to receive upper portion 34 of support assembly 24. In another exemplary embodiment, the weight of seat 18 and the weight of a person receiving a spa service help keep the joint in place on the support assembly. In other exemplary embodiments, base assembly connection portion 104 may be configured in any manner sufficient to couple the seat to the support assembly.
Joint 14 may be of any configuration sufficient to couple seat 18 to base assembly 12. In one exemplary embodiment, the joint may be integral with the support assembly. In another exemplary embodiment, the joint may be integral with the seat. The joint may be made of metal, plastic or other composites of suitable strength and durability to couple the seat to the base assembly. In another exemplary embodiment, seat 18 may be coupled to base assembly 12 without joint 14.
Basin 16 is configured to accommodate and provide comfort to the feet of a person receiving a spa service. Basin is further configured to provide support for the feet of a person providing a spa service, providing additional comfort for the spa service recipient and facilitating administration of a spa service. The basin may be composed of a variety of materials, including, but not limited to plastic and composite materials. The basin may be formed by an injection molding process or by other methods known in the art.
Referring to
The basin may further include massaging mechanisms that introduce air into the reservoir to provide comfort to the feet of a person receiving a spa service. For example, the basin may include aerators, nozzles, or air holes.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, top portion 138 of basin 16 includes a top surface 144 and a rim or upper rim 146. Rim 146 of top portion 138 substantially surrounds reservoir 140. Rim 146 may have a curved profile or may be otherwise shaped, e.g., for aesthetic purposes or to facilitate placement of a person's feet into the reservoir. Rim 146 includes a back edge 290. Generally, a person receiving a spa treatment extends their leg over back edge 290 into reservoir 140 when receiving a spa service.
Top portion 138 of basin 16 further includes a first footrest receiving feature, shown as first recesses 148, and a second footrest receiving feature, shown as second recesses 150, and a pair of ridges 184. First recesses 148 and second recesses 150 are configured to removably receive a footrest member 168. First recesses 148 of basin 16 each include a first wall 152, a second wall 154 and a bottom surface 156. Second recess 150 of basin 16 each include a first wall 158, a second wall 160 and a bottom surface 162. Ridges 184 are in-part defined by first recesses 148 and second recesses 150. Ridges 184 each include an inner wall 204 that generally coincides with peripheral wall 164 of reservoir 140. In other exemplary embodiments, footrest receiving features may include, but are not limited to, be a concave depressions, tabs, slots, or tracks. Such features may additionally facilitate movement of the footrest member between a first position and a second position.
Spa assembly 10 may include one or more nozzles or faucets 212. Nozzles 212 may be configured to fill reservoir 140 of basin 16 with a liquid pedicure solution. Nozzles 212 may be, for example, a pull-out spray faucet, a cold water faucet, a hot water faucet, or a constant temperature faucet. Basin 16 may also include an overflow mechanism 216. Overflow mechanism 216 prevents over-filling reservoir 140. Overflow mechanism 216 is also used to open the drain.
Basin 16 is configured to be interchangeable. Basin 16 be provided in any number of aesthetic designs. A user may replace or change a basin 16 to best suit their personal preferences or the preferences of customers. A user may also replace or change a basin due to wear and tear.
Basin 16 may be provided with casters or wheels 228 to enable basin 16 to move relative to base assembly 12. Casters or wheels 228 may further include anchors 230 to prevent undesired movement of basin 16. Casters or wheels 228 may be detachable from basin 16 or fixed thereto. Casters or wheels 228 are shown coupled to bottom portion 136 of basin 16 (see, e.g.,
Basin 16 includes a plurality of coupling points 56, at which electrical components and/or plumbing components may be coupled. These components may include, for example, cold water supply lines, hot water supply lines, a power drain pump elements, gravitational emptying mechanisms, and electrical wires. Coupling points 56 of basin 16 may be located at a connection portion 232. In the embodiment shown, connection portion 232 is located at back portion 132 of basin 16. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
Referring back to
Footrest member 168 is configured to provide support and comfort to a spa service recipient's feet. Footrest member 168 is configured to be movable between at least a first position and a second position to more comfortably accommodate the legs, including the feet, of persons of various statures, leg lengths, etc., receiving spa services.
Referring to
Referring to
The distance between the ends of first side 174 and second side 176 of footrest member 168 is substantially greater than the distance between inner edges 202 of first recesses 148 and substantially greater than the distance between inner edges 202 of second recesses 150. The distance between second wall 194 of first notch or groove 190 and the second wall 200 of second notch or groove 196 is substantially lesser than the distance between inner edges 202 of first recesses 148 and substantially lesser than the distance between inner walls 204 of second recesses 150.
In the first position, front side 170 of footrest member 168 is substantially integral with rim 146 of top portion 138 of basin 16. In this manner, footrest member 168 does not substantially obstruct reservoir 140, e.g., while a person receiving a spa service is soaking their feet. Footrest member 168 is removably secured in first recesses 148. Fore and aft motion of footrest member 168 is prevented by confining footrest member 168 within first recesses 148 between first wall 152 of and second wall 154. Footrest member 168 is supported by the bottom surface 156 of first recesses 148. First notch or groove 190 and second notch or groove 196 receive ridges 184. First wall 192 of the first notch or groove 190 and first wall 198 of second notch or groove 196 substantially interface with second walls 154 of first recesses 148. Second wall 194 of first notch or groove 190 and second wall 200 of second notch or groove 196 substantially interface with inner walls 204 of ridges 184, substantially preventing side-to-side movement of footrest member 168.
In the second position, footrest member 168 extends across reservoir 140 and is located closer to back edge 290 of rim 146 than it is in the first position. Footrest member 168 is removably secured in second recesses 150. Fore and aft motion of footrest member 168 is prevented by confining footrest member 168 within second recesses 150 between first wall 158 and second wall 160. Footrest member 168 is supported by bottom surfaces 162 of second recesses 150. First notch or groove 190 and second notch or groove 196 receive a portion of rim 146. First wall 192 of the first notch or groove 190 and first wall 198 of second notch or groove 196 substantially interface with second walls 160 of second recesses 150. Second wall 194 of first notch or groove 190 and second wall 200 of second notch or groove 196 substantially interface with a portion of peripheral wall 164 of reservoir 140, substantially preventing side-to-side movement of footrest member 168.
In other exemplary embodiments, footrest member 168 may be removably received in any features sufficient to substantially confine the footrest member, e.g., prevent side-to-side movement and fore and aft movement. In one alternative exemplary embodiment, footrest member 168 may hook over the edges of basin 16 to secure it in place. In another alternative exemplary embodiment, footrest member 168 may also be secured using a snapping or latch mechanism.
Basin 16 is configured to be removably coupled to base assembly 12. Referring to
Referring to
Referring back to the exemplary embodiment shown in
Further referring to
Referring to
Joint 14 is configured to be coupled or secured to any number of seats, for example, office-style seats. Thus, a seat may be quickly easily interchanged in accordance with aesthetic preferences and/or because of wear and tear.
Upper portion 34 of support assembly 24 is secured within cavity 110 of joint 14. In the exemplary embodiment shown, joint 14 is secured without the use of tools. Similarly, joint 14 is configured to be removed from support assembly 24 without the use of tools.
Spa assembly 10 may be coupled to the plumbing components and electrical components of a building or space in which the spa assembly resides via coupling points 56 of second connection portion 54 of base assembly 12.
Referring to
Referring to
In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface of the seat cushion may be above the rim in both the first position and the second position. In another exemplary embodiment, the bottom surface of the cushion may be below the upper rim in both the first position and the second position.
Pedal 40 of support assembly 24 enables a user to move seat 18 between the second position and the first position. Pumping pedal 40 causes pump 38 to extend or telescope upwards along vertical axis 30, raising seat 18 from the first position to the second position. Seat 18 is maintained in the second position by pushing pedal 40 to an inactive or downward orientation. Referring to
Seat 18 is rotatable by support assembly 24 about vertical axis 30 between a first in-use position and a second entry-exit position. Referring to
Referring to
Before a person enters the seat, the seat may be adjusted to a height allowing them to comfortably enter the seat. A person enters the seat in the second entry-exit position. The seat is adjustable to a desired height using the actuating mechanism and is rotatable towards the first in-use position, enabling the person to comfortably position their feet and/or legs within the reservoir of the basin. A person may exit the seat in a similar manner. A person may remove their feet and/or legs from the reservoir of the basin. The seat may then be rotated from the first in-use position to the second entry-exit position and then lowered. It should be noted that in some instances it may be desirable to change the order of the entry and exit steps discussed above.
Referring to
The ability to raise and lower the support assembly and to rotate the support assembly about an axis provides improved access to spa assembly 10 for persons receiving spa services. Both the height and the angular orientation of the seat can be customized to the person accessing the chair, making the persons entry and exit to the spa assembly more comfortable. This is particularly useful to accommodate those of various statures, ages, and physical capabilities.
Footrest member 168 may be located in the first position at a number of times during the administration of a spa service, e.g., while the feet of a person receiving a spa service are soaking in reservoir 140 filled with a liquid spa solution. Footrest member 168 may remain in first position or may be moved the second position at other times during administration of a spa service, e.g., when the person's feet are not soaking. Whether or not the footrest member is moved is dependent on whether it is more comfortable for the spa service recipient to have the footrest member in the first position or the second position when resting their feet thereon, e.g., having their feet supported by the footrest member. Accordingly, spa assembly 10 is configured to provide a comfortable spa experience for people receiving spa services.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally defined as a single unitary body with one another, with the two components or the two components and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
Although specific shapes of each element have been set forth in the drawings, each element may be of any other shape that facilitates the function to be performed by that element.
The present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, however, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although different exemplary embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another, or, alternatively, be combined with one another in the described exemplary embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the exemplary is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted a single particular element may also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the assembly as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a certain number of embodiments 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, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the assemblies may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment or attachment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter.
