EP0299955A1 - Procede et appareil pour un hydromassage ameliore. - Google Patents

Procede et appareil pour un hydromassage ameliore.

Info

Publication number
EP0299955A1
EP0299955A1 EP87900960A EP87900960A EP0299955A1 EP 0299955 A1 EP0299955 A1 EP 0299955A1 EP 87900960 A EP87900960 A EP 87900960A EP 87900960 A EP87900960 A EP 87900960A EP 0299955 A1 EP0299955 A1 EP 0299955A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
air
enclosure
streams
inlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP87900960A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0299955B1 (fr
EP0299955A4 (en
Inventor
Dominic A Ricchio
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of EP0299955A1 publication Critical patent/EP0299955A1/fr
Publication of EP0299955A4 publication Critical patent/EP0299955A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0299955B1 publication Critical patent/EP0299955B1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses
    • A47C27/081—Fluid mattresses of pneumatic type
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
    • A47C27/00—Spring, stuffed or fluid mattresses or cushions specially adapted for chairs, beds or sofas
    • A47C27/08—Fluid mattresses
    • A47C27/085—Fluid mattresses of liquid type, e.g. filled with water or gel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H23/00—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms
    • A61H23/04—Percussion or vibration massage, e.g. using supersonic vibration; Suction-vibration massage; Massage with moving diaphragms with hydraulic or pneumatic drive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H9/00—Pneumatic or hydraulic massage
    • A61H9/0021—Hydraulic massage
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G7/00—Beds specially adapted for nursing; Devices for lifting patients or disabled persons
    • A61G7/05—Parts, details or accessories of beds
    • A61G7/057—Arrangements for preventing bed-sores or for supporting patients with burns, e.g. mattresses specially adapted therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
    • A61H2201/16—Physical interface with patient
    • A61H2201/1602—Physical interface with patient kind of interface, e.g. head rest, knee support or lumbar support
    • A61H2201/1654—Layer between the skin and massage elements, e.g. fluid or ball

Definitions

  • the invention relates to waterbeds of the type having a water-containing mattress for buoyantly sup ⁇ porting a person in a prone position.
  • the invention relates to an apparatus and method for water therapy in which a person is buoyantly supported in a reclining position on a top membrane of an enclosure containing heated water.
  • the water is drawn out of the enclosure and pressure is imparted to the water, which is then reintroduced in an array of water jets directed into the interior of the enclosure and upwardly against the underside of the membrane.
  • the action of the water jets generates ripples across the underside of the membrane to provide a heated water massage and the beneficial effects resulting therefrom.
  • the invention more particularly relates to a waterbed apparatus in which a membraneous envelope of water-impervious material is supported by a base and frame assembly with a deck that extends along the bottom of the envelope and with sidewalls rising upwardly from the deck around the perimeter of the envelope.
  • a retainer member of water-impervious material is dis ⁇ posed beneath the bottom of the envelope and in the middle of the deck.
  • An array of water inlets and at least one water outlet are anchored in the retainer, the array of inlets being spaced from the outlet, and the inlets and outlets all opening into the envelope and sealingly clamping the bottom membrane of the envelope to the retainer.
  • the inlets are operable for conveying streams of pressurized water into the envelope and the outlets are operable for conveying water out of
  • SUBSTITUTE SHE T the envelope for recirculation.
  • a water pump is posi ⁇ tioned below the deck and is connected to receive the water for recirculation from the outlet.
  • the pump imparts pressure to the water and is connected to the array of inlets for introducing streams of pressurized heated water into the envelope and upwardly against the underside of the top membrane.
  • One object of the invention is to apply massaging streams of water and to provide the pleasurable and therapeutic effects thereof on a human body without the necessity of submerging any part of the body.
  • the near immersion of patients with the apparatus currently used for physical therapy at medical facilities requires careful supervision which can be reduced with the invention.
  • the invention also provides an apparatus that is usable for rest and relaxation as well as for therapy.
  • the apparatus can be located in a wide variety of places within a medical facility or residence and is not limited to location in a bathroom.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide the circulating streams of water in an apparatus in which a body of the individual is buoyantly supported. Buoyant support alleviates painful pressure points.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an array of heated pressurized streams of water at pre ⁇ selected locations corresponding to areas of the body where massaging effects are most effectively applied such as the neck, shoulders, back, arms and legs.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of therapy treatments by aspirating an array of water jets, or by introducing air into a water mattress to generate an aspirated layer of water that impinges upon the underside of the membrane.
  • Aspirated water jets provide an alternative mode of operation to to the use of unaspirated water jets and may be preferred for pleasure or therapy by certain individuals.
  • a more specific object of the invention is to support the plumbing necessary to produce water jets while providing a sealing connection thereof to a waterbed mattress. This is accomplished by means of a stiff support member of a water-impervious material. Still another object of the invention is to provide an aesthetic appearance by a waterbed which is accomplished by hiding the mechanical components within the base and frame assembly.
  • the base and frame assembly may be formed with pockets at either the head or foot end in which fittings can be sealingly connected to the top membrane of the mattress for withdrawal of air.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodi ⁇ ment of a waterbed of the invention with parts broken away for a better view;
  • Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section view of the waterbed of Fig. 1 taken in a vertical plane;
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the distri ⁇ bution of inlets, outlets and a heater that axe seen in Fig. 1;
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET Fig. 4 is a detail section view of one of the inlet assemblies seen in Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective view of one of the outlet assemblies seen in Figs. 1 and 2;
  • Fig. 6 is a plan view of the plumbing seen in
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodi ⁇ ment of the invention with parts broken away for a better view;
  • Fig. 8 is a longitudinal section view of the waterbed of Fig. 7 taken in vertical plane;
  • Fig. 9 is a detail section view showing the manner of attaching a sealing cover shown in Fig. 8;
  • Fig. 10 is a plan view of the sealing cover of Figs. 8 and 9 and its surrounding area;
  • Fig. 11 is a plan view of an air and water dis ⁇ tributor seen in the embodiment of Fig. 7.
  • FIG. 1 A first preferred embodiment of a waterbed that incorporates the present invention is illustrated in Figs. 1-6.
  • the waterbed has a rectangular base or pedestal 1 with a generally open interior that is traversed by vertical cross members 13 that extend longitudinally and transversely between its outer walls to provide additional support. These cross members 13 also effect a partitioning of the interior into smaller compartments.
  • Drawers 19 a typical item in waterbeds, are provided to slide in and out of the compartments through the sides of the pedestal 1. Access doors 39 are pro ⁇ vided at the foot end of the pedestal 1 for access to the plumbing to be described more particularly below.
  • a wood frame comprising a generally horizontally extending deck 2 that rests on top of the pedestal 1.
  • the frame also has four up-
  • SUBSTITUTESHEET standing sidewalls 3 rising upwardly from the deck 2 and surrounding the perimeter of a waterbed mattress 4 supported by the deck 2 and pedestal 1.
  • the mattress 4 is made of a flexible vinyl membrane that is impervious to water and is sealed to form an envelope with top, bottom and side portions to contain a volume of water 33. For convenience of the description, these will each be referred to as a membrane with it being understood that they may in fact be portions of a larger membrane.
  • the mattress 4 is partially filled through an uncapped filler assembly (not shown) with about one hundred and sixty gallons of water 33, which when contained in the mattress stands about nine inches deep.
  • mattresses of the invention contain a layer of water about nine to ten inches deep.
  • the mattress 4 substantially fills the length and width of the frame cavity, with the top of the mattress 4 being about even with the top of the sidewalls 3, and the sides of the mattress 4 being con ⁇ tained against outward expansion by the sidewalls 3.
  • a vinyl safety liner 5 seen in Figs. 4 and 5 is posi ⁇ tioned under the mattress 4 and is folded upwardly along its sides to protect the wood frame and the area sur- rounding ' the waterbed from any leakage.
  • the elements mentioned so f r, except the access doors 39, are typi ⁇ cally found in conventional waterbeds.
  • FIG. 1 An item of optional equipment used with most waterbeds is the elongated heating pad 6 illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, which is positioned on the deck 2 underneath the safety liner 5 and is used to heat the water 33 above the average room temperature. Also included in the mattress 4 (though not shown in Fig. 1) are several baffles which damp and reduce waves within the mattress 4. Conventional waterbeds have been used in treating orthopedic and burn patients, stroke victims, the
  • this plumbing there is the problem of sealing the waterbed mattress around the area where inlet nozzles would introduce such jet streams into the mattress.
  • the plumbing and more importantly, the weight of the water contained in the plumbing, presents a heavy item to be supported.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET direct heat to the body of water contained therein.
  • the baffles are also positioned to the sides of the retainer plate 8 to be out of the way of water jets 34.
  • the retainer plate 8 is preferably made of eighteen gauge metal, which will flex slightly, if necessary, to carry the loads imposed on it, but will not be deformed by such loads.
  • the material used for the retainer plate 8 is impervious to water. Other materials including plastics could also be used, provided they have the above-mentioned qualities.
  • a preferred type of metal is stainless steel due to its non-corrosive character ⁇ istics in moist environments.
  • the retainer plate 8 should be smooth on its broad surfaces and along its edges so as not to perforate the bottom of the mattress 4 or the safety liner 5.
  • inlet assemblies 31 are arranged in an array so as to direct jets of heated water against various areas along a body positioned on the top membrane of the mattress 4 as seen in Fig. 2.
  • a pair of outlet assemblies 32 are located away from the inlet assemblies 31 and towards the foot end of the mattress 4 so as not to disturb the water jets 34 eman ⁇ ating from the inlet assemblies 31.
  • the deck 2 has a relatively large aperture 35 through which the inlet assembly 31 extends.
  • the assembly 31 has a threaded fitting 7 with a flange that can be inserted through an opening in the bottom membrane of the mattress 4. The body of this fitting 7 can then be inserted through an aperture in the retainer plate 8 and an opening of corresponding size in the safety liner 5.
  • a first washer 15 of synthetic, elastomeric material is captured between the underside of the fitting flange and the bottom membrane of the mattress
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET 4 A second such washer 15 is pressed against the underside of the safety liner 5 by a PVC washer 16 and locknut 14 which threadingly engages the body portion of fitting 7 to sealingly clamp onto the combination of the mattress membrane 4, retainer plate 8 and safety liner 5.
  • the weight of the water-filler mat ⁇ tress 4 prevents the retainer plate 8 and the inlet and outlet assemblies 31 and 32 from shifting position and stressing the membrane of the mattress 4.
  • An inlet nozzle member 17 is received in an inner threaded bore within the fitting 7.
  • the parts of the inlet assembly 31, aside from the washers 15, are preferably made of a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. Other materials, such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) plastic can also be used for these parts.
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • an outlet assembly 32 for drawing water by suction is anchored to the retainer plate 8 by a fitting 10 and a locknut 12 which clamp a pair of washers 15 of synthetic elastomeric material against the bottom of the mattress 4, the retainer plate 8 and the safety liner 5.
  • the fitting 10 extends through a larger opening 35 in the wooden deck 2.
  • the outlet fitting 10 is provided with a safety grate 21 across its drain opening to pre- vent portions of the mattress 4 and other large objects from being sucked into the plumbing.
  • the safety grate 21 is also believed to provide for an even draw of water from all directions .
  • FIG. 2 and 6 an arrangement of plumbing passes through openings in the cross members 13 of the pedestal 1.
  • Inlet assemblies 31 are coupled through inlet coupling unions 18 and T-shaped fittings 27 to respective branches of inlet feeder piping 9.
  • the branches are connected to a main trunk of the feeder piping 9 through another T-shaped fitting 27 at one end and are terminated by plugs 28 at an opposite
  • a water recirculation pump 11 is situated at floor level within the interior of the pedestal 1.
  • the discharge side of the pump 11 is connected to the main trunk of the inlet piping 9, through a pump disconnect union 23, a series of elbow fittings 30 and a shut-off valve 24 just before the closest T-shaped fitting 27.
  • this piping 9 and its associated fittings 27 and 30 are preferably made of PVC material.
  • the outlet assemblies 32 are connected to the return side of the pump 11 through outlet coupling unions 26, return piping 22, a T-shaped connector 29, a second shut-off valve 24, and a second pump disconnect union 23.
  • the inlet and outlet coupling unions 18 and 26 provide a convenient means of connecting the piping 9 and 22 to the inlet and outlet assemblies 31 and 32, while the pump discon ⁇ nect unions 23 and 24 provide a convenient means of assembling the waterbed and a means of disconnecting the piping 9 and 22 for servicing the pump 11.
  • Shut- off valves 24 are provided so that the pump 11 can be disconnected without draining the water 33 from the mattress 4.
  • Controls for the pump 11 and heating ele ⁇ ment 6 are housed in control box 20 and connected to the pump 11 and heating element 6 through conventional electrical connections as seen in Figs. 1 and 3.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEHT of water therapy not heretofore known includes the steps of supporting a body in a reclining position on the top membrane of an envelope containing heated water, introducing an array of jets into the envelope generally upwardly and perpendicular to the top surface of the water to impinge upon the underside of the top membrane and create a multitude of ripples across the membrane, and drawing water from a region near one end of the envelope and recirculating this water to provide a continuous supply of water for the water jets 34.
  • an air inlet valve 41 is connected in a line of return piping 42 going to a water pump 43, and when the valve 41 is opened, it allows air to be sucked through the pump 43 and mixed with the water conveyed to water inlets 44 through inlet feed piping 45.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET produces aerated water jets 78 emanating from the inlets 44 into the mattress 40.
  • a plurality of air relief valves 49 are mounted in a head 50 and a foot 51 of a base and frame assembly 52 that rises above and overhangs the respective ends of the mattress 40.
  • a balance can be maintained between the air entering and leaving the mattress 40.
  • a desired amount of air can be allowed to accumu ⁇ late in the mattress 40 prior to balancing the air in ⁇ take and exhaust.
  • the mattress 40 is also provided with an air pressure safety valve (not shown) so that if the air pressure should reach a certain high pressure limit, the valve will open.
  • an air pressure safety valve (not shown) so that if the air pressure should reach a certain high pressure limit, the valve will open.
  • an air pump 54 seen in Fig. 8 is situated at floor level in the interior of the base and frame assembly 52 to supply pressurized air.
  • An air inlet feed line 55 rises vertically upward into a cavity 87 in the head 50 of the base and frame assembly 52.
  • the air inlet feed line 55 has an 180-degree bend at its upper extent and travels back down and beneath the deck 58 of the base and frame assembly 52 as seen in Fig. 8.
  • the inlet line 55 then extends laterally through a T- fitting 59 and an elbow fitting 60, respectively, and through unions 57 to a pair of air inlets 62, through which air is fed into the interior of the mattress 40.
  • SUBSTITUTESHEET level keeps water 48 from being fed back into the air pump 54 when that pump is off. Nevertheless, the air pump 54 is preferably of the type in which its motor is sealed against moisture passing through its impeller portion.
  • Air is evacuated from the mattress in the second mode illustrated in Fig. 8 either through the relief valves 49 or through a suction pipe 56 that is connected through a series of elbow fittings 60 to the suction side of the air pump 54.
  • This pipe 56 extends upwardly from the air pump 54 into the head 50 of the base and frame assembly 52 and through a portion of the vertical cavity 87 in which the air inlet piping 55 is also situ ⁇ ated.
  • the air suction pipe 56 then extends outwardly and down through a cavity 88 in a portion of the head 50 overhanging the head end of the mattress 40.
  • a floating air intake unit 61 with upwardly opening aper ⁇ tures is connected through extensible tubing 70 to the suction pipe 56 to draw air off the top of the water 48.
  • the water pump 43 is connected to four water inlets 44 and two water outlets 47 in a manner illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8.
  • the inlets 44 and outlets 47 are formed as integral parts of an air and water distributor fitting 46.
  • the inlets 44 and outlets 47 are formed with threads around their outside circumference for connection to the plumbing.
  • the water outlets 47 are connected through unions 63, elbow fittings 64 and T-fittings 65 (partially hidden) and a shut-off valve 66 to the return side of the water pump 43.
  • the dis ⁇ charge outlet on the pump 43 is connected through a shut-off valve 67, T-fittings 68, elbow fittings 69, inlet feed piping 45 and unions 57 to the four water inlets 44.
  • Pump disconnect unions can also be provided but have not been shown in Fig. 8.
  • the wafer- shaped air and water distributor fitting 46 which is preferably made of an acrylic polymeric material, for inclusion in the interior of the waterbed mattress 40.
  • the rectangular distributor fitting 46 have top and bottom planar sides that are relatively long and wide, as seen best in Fig. 7, to cover an area slightly larger than the body of a six-foot person of average weight. As seen in both Figs. 7 and 8, this distribu ⁇ tor 46 is relatively thin compared to its length and width.
  • the interior of the distributor fitting 46 has a rectangular, inner chamber 72 that is separated by a rectangular, looped interior divider 73 from an outer chamber 74 that loops around the inner chamber 72 and divider 73.
  • the outer chamber 74 is enclosed by three short exterior side ⁇ walls connecting the top and bottom sides of the dis- tributor itting 46 and a transverse divider 75 spaced from the interior divider 73 and extending between the sidewalls to separate the outer chamber 74 from a compartment 71 opening towards the foot end.
  • the two air inlets 62 are spaced along the longitudinal axis of the distributor fitting 46 and open into the inner chamber 72.
  • the four water inlets 44 are located to enter near the four corners of the outer chamber 74.
  • Water jet ports 76 are spaced along the length of the top portion of the distributor fitting 46 that encloses the outer chamber 74 so that the four streams of pressurized water entering the outer chamber 74 are divided and dispersed into a greater number of pres ⁇ surized streams leaving the manifold 46.
  • An array of smaller air stream ports 77 are formed in the top portion of the distributor fitting 46 that encloses
  • the water outlets 47 and two return ports 80 are formed with integral cross members 111 that perform the same function as the safety grates 21 in the first embodiment.
  • a distributed aspir ⁇ ated layer of water can be provided for a pleasurable and therapeutic effect without unduly increasing the amount of piping to convey the air and water from the pumps 43 and 54 under the deck 58.
  • the number of water inlets 44 can actually be reduced to two, the number of water outlets 47 can be reduced to one, and the number of air inlets 62 can be reduced to one, however, I prefer to provide the numbers shown in Fig. 11 for greater volume and stronger massaging effects over the full area of the user.
  • the distributor fitting 46 can be provided in the same embodiment as the air inlet valve 41 as seen in Fig. 8.
  • the integral air and water inlets and outlets 44, 47 and 62 in distributor fitting 46 are connected
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET in slightly different manner to the plumbing, the deck 58 and retainer plate 81 than in the first embodiment.
  • the bottom membrane of the mattress 40, the retainer plate 81, a safety liner 82 and a large, rectangular, apertured gasket 83 are clamped between the bottom of the distributor 46 and locknuts 84.
  • the retainer plate 81 and safety liner 82 are simi ⁇ lar to those in the first embodiment, but the retainer plate 81 is centered in layer of foam material 85 to provide a flat surface underneath the bottom membrane of the mattress 40.
  • the thickness of the sectioned layers in Figs. 7, 8 and 9 has been somewhat exaggerated as an aid in disclosing the details of carrying out the invention.
  • a seal cover 86 seen in Figs. 9 and 10 for sealing an opening 90 in the bottom membrane of the mattress 40.
  • the opening 90 is slightly shorter than the width of the distributor fitting 46.
  • This opening 90 also has some width transverse to its longer dimension, so that it can be stretched to allow insertion of the distributor • fitting 46.
  • This cover 86 is made of the same material as the distributor fitting 46.
  • a gasket 91 of less thickness than the large gasket 83 is seen in Fig. 9 and is used to sealingly press the portions of the mattress 40 against the distributor 46, the larger gasket 83 compensating for the added thickness of the cover 86.
  • the cover 86 is fastened with countersunk screws 92 that are inserted with sealant through the cover 86 and into corresponding holes in the bottom of the distributor fitting 46.
  • a simpler method, but one requiring additional equipment would be sealing the seams of an unsealed mattress membrane after the dis-
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET tributor fitting 46 is inserted. In both methods of inserting the distributor fitting 46, the holes for inlets and outlets 44, 47 and 62 are cut in the bottom of the mattress 40 prior to insertion of the distribu- tor fitting 46.
  • the assembly 52 is formed by a wooden core that includes a pedestal 89 with cross members 93, the deck 58, and risers 94 within the head 50 and foot 51 of the assembly 52 that extend upwardly above the ends of the mattress 40 and over the top membrane. These risers 94 are formed with cavities 87 and 88 for housing air relief valves 49 and air piping 55 and 56.
  • a cap 95 of nonporous, water-impervious material is attached to and covers the wood core. Where seams are found at the corners, smaller cap members 96 are used to cover any potential crevices. Portions of the cap 95 are bent around risers 94 to.
  • the head 50 and foot 51 have been formed in the same con ⁇ figuration to save manufacturing expense, but only one of these, preferably the head 50, need be used for evacuating air, and the foot 51 could be shorter in height.
  • the air relief valves 49 and air suction pipe 56 are connected into the mat ⁇ tress 40 by inserting a fitting through a hole cut in the top membrane of the mattress 40 for that purpose.
  • a first locknut 99 is used to attach the membrane to
  • the cap 95 for the bed and frame assembly 52 is preferably made of stainless steel, to provide an exterior for the waterbed that can be easily cleaned and sterilized, when used in medical facilities. Acrylic polymeric materials can also be used for the cap 95.
  • the ends of the base and frame assembly 52 include vents 104 to allow heat from the pumps to escape.
  • a layer of soundproofing material 105 is used to line the interior of the base and frame assembly 52 to muffle the sound of the pumps.
  • the water pump 43, the air pump 54, and a heater are electrically powered through cables 106 extending from control unit 107.
  • This con- trol unit 107 includes pneumatically actuated electri ⁇ cal switches (not shown) which are controlled from a control panel 108 on top of head 50 of the base and frame assembly 52 as seen in Fig. 7.
  • This control panel 108 is connected through pneumatic lines 110 in Fig. 8 to the switches in the control unit 107.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
  • Massaging Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Dans un appareil et procédé d'hydrothérapie, une personne est soutenue par flottaison dans une position de décubitus ventrale sur la membrane d'un matelas (40) d'un lit à eau contenant de l'eau chauffée (48). Une pompe à eau (43) remet en circulation l'eau (48), laquelle est aspirée hors du matelas (40) par des orifices de sortie (47) et par une tuyauterie associée (42), puis es t réintroduite par des orifices d'entrée (44) et par une tuyauterie associée (45), formant ainsi un réseau de jets d'eau (78). De l'air (74) est introduit par une soupape (41) dans la tuyauterie d'eau (42) côté retour de la pompe (43) ou au moyen d'une pompe à air séparée (54) reliée à des orifices d'entrée d'air (62) conduisant dans le matelas. Sont également décrits un distributeur (46) destiné à être inséré dans le matelas (40) pour le mélange de l'air (79) et de l'eau (48) et un ensemble base et bâti (52) destiné à cacher la plomberie et la tuyauterie de remise en circulation de l'air.
EP87900960A 1987-01-12 1987-01-12 Procede et appareil pour un hydromassage ameliore Expired - Lifetime EP0299955B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US1987/000068 WO1988004918A1 (fr) 1987-01-12 1987-01-12 Procede et appareil pour une hydrotherapie amelioree

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0299955A1 true EP0299955A1 (fr) 1989-01-25
EP0299955A4 EP0299955A4 (en) 1990-12-12
EP0299955B1 EP0299955B1 (fr) 1994-09-21

Family

ID=23464064

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP87900960A Expired - Lifetime EP0299955B1 (fr) 1987-01-12 1987-01-12 Procede et appareil pour un hydromassage ameliore

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0299955B1 (fr)
AU (1) AU609385B2 (fr)
DE (1) DE3750580T2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1988004918A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4751919A (en) * 1987-02-20 1988-06-21 Thomsen Merlin E Water jet massage apparatus and method
US4976256A (en) * 1989-06-20 1990-12-11 Marlin Dave B Body massage apparatus
NZ236501A (en) * 1989-12-21 1992-12-23 Merrell Dow Pharma Piperidine derivatives and antithrombotic compositions
US6210351B1 (en) 1996-02-14 2001-04-03 Tetsuya Korenaga Massaging water bed

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU609385B2 (en) 1991-05-02
WO1988004918A1 (fr) 1988-07-14
DE3750580D1 (de) 1994-10-27
AU6941387A (en) 1988-07-27
EP0299955B1 (fr) 1994-09-21
DE3750580T2 (de) 1995-05-24
EP0299955A4 (en) 1990-12-12

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