阅读说明：本技术 用于在斜躺姿势下进行干式水疗身体按摩的设备 (Apparatus for dry hydrotherapy body massage in recumbent position ) 是由 P·伦特 T·埃利奥特 M·西梅斯 W·达斯卡姆 M·埃门黑泽 于 2020-02-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于处于斜躺姿势的使用者的干式水疗身体按摩的设备,包括壳体结构和流体喷雾组件,壳体结构具有用于支承处于就座姿势的使用者的使用者支承表面,使用者支承表面包括座椅背部部分、具有半圆柱形主座椅区段和腿部座椅区段的座椅部分,其中座椅背部部分和腿部座椅区段相对于彼此成相对角关系,并且主座椅区段设置在座椅背部部分和腿部座椅区段之间,流体喷雾组件在内部位于壳体结构内,用于在使用者支承表面处引导流体流,以用于通过支承表面将按摩效果赋予使用者的上部身体部分和下部身体部分。(An apparatus for dry hydrotherapeutic body massage of a user in a reclined position, comprising a housing structure having a user support surface for supporting the user in a seated position, the user support surface comprising a seat back portion, a seat portion having a semi-cylindrical main seat section and a leg seat section, wherein the seat back portion and the leg seat section are in a relative angular relationship with respect to each other and the main seat section is disposed between the seat back portion and the leg seat section, and a fluid spray assembly located internally within the housing structure for directing a fluid flow at the user support surface for imparting a massage effect to the upper and lower body portions of the user through the support surface.)

1. An apparatus for dry hydrotherapy body massage of a user in a reclined position, comprising:

a shell structure having a user support surface for supporting the user in the reclined position, the user support surface comprising a generally planar seat back portion, a seat portion having a semi-cylindrical main seat section and a generally planar leg seat section, wherein the seat back portion and the leg seat section are in a relative angular relationship with respect to each other, and the main seat section is disposed between the seat back portion and the leg seat section, and the seat back portion is adapted to support an upper body portion of the user, the leg seat section is adapted to support an upper leg region of a lower body portion of the user, and the main seat section is adapted to support the buttocks of the user, and

a fluid spray assembly internally located within the housing structure for directing a flow of fluid at the user support surface for imparting a massage effect to the upper and lower body portions of the user through the user support surface.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first ridge formed in the user support surface at an intersection of the main seat section and the leg seat section.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, the user support surface further comprising a generally planar ottoman section configured to support a lower leg region of the lower body portion of the user, wherein the ottoman section and the leg seat section intersect at a second ridge.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the user support surface comprises a waterproof membrane and an open mesh network disposed both adjacent to and below the waterproof membrane.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid spray assembly is movable for travel along the user support surface in a first travel path generally along the seat back portion and a second travel path generally along the seat portion, the second travel path being along an acute angle relative to the first travel path.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, the fluid spray assembly comprising a hollow elongate spray head comprising a plurality of discharge openings disposed along an upper surface thereof such that flow through the discharge openings is directed toward the user support surface, the spray head extending transverse to a longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the elongated spray head further comprises a rounded fluid inlet, and the discharge opening is disposed laterally from a central longitudinal axis of the spray head, the central longitudinal axis being transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fluid spray assembly comprises a plurality of fixed discharge openings arranged such that fluid flow therethrough is directed upwardly toward the user support surface.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a bucket-shaped housing shell having a bottom wall, a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, and a continuous flange extending along an upper perimeter of the side walls, wherein the user support surface is secured to the flange of the housing shell such that a watertight seal is formed therebetween.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of interlocking frame panels, each frame panel comprising a downwardly extending elongated projection that is received in a corresponding elongated groove defined in an upper surface of the flange of the housing shell, wherein the user support surface is attached to the housing shell when the elongated projection is disposed in the elongated groove.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein an O-ring is disposed between a bottom surface of the elongated groove and the elongated protrusion of the frame panel.

12. An apparatus for dry hydrotherapy body massage of a user, comprising:

a housing structure having a housing shell and a user-support surface for supporting the user in a reclined position, the housing shell including a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, wherein the user-support surface is secured to upper perimeters of the side walls, thereby defining an interior chamber; and

a vapor circulation system comprising a body defining an interior chamber, wherein the housing structure and the interior chamber of the vapor circulation system are in fluid communication with each other via a first passageway, and the housing structure and the interior chamber of the vapor circulation system form a closed system.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the interior chamber of the housing structure is partially filled with a volume of fluid, and the first passageway extends from a portion of the sidewall of the housing shell disposed above the volume of fluid to the body of the vapor circulation system.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second passageway extending from a lowermost portion of the body of the vapor circulation system to the housing enclosure.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said user support surface includes a generally planar seat back portion, a seat portion having a semi-cylindrical main seat section and a generally planar leg seat section, wherein said seat back portion and said leg seat section are in a relative angular relationship with respect to each other with said main seat section disposed between said seat back portion and said leg seat section and said seat back portion is adapted to support an upper body portion of said user, said leg seat section is adapted to support an upper leg region of a lower body portion of said user, and said main seat section is adapted to support the buttocks of said user.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a first ridge formed in the user support surface at an intersection of the main seat section and the leg seat section.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a fluid spray assembly internally located within the housing structure for directing a flow of fluid at the user support surface for imparting a massage effect to the upper and lower body portions of the user through the user support surface.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the fluid spray assembly is movable for travel along the user support surface in a first travel path generally along the seat back portion and a second travel path generally along the seat portion, the second travel path being along an acute angle relative to the first travel path.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the fluid spray assembly comprises a plurality of fixed discharge openings arranged such that fluid flow therethrough is directed upwardly toward the user support surface.

20. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a liquid cooling system that blows air through an interior volume of the shell structure, the interior volume disposed between the shell housing and an outer housing, the shell housing disposed in the outer housing, wherein a cross-section of the interior volume in a center of the shell structure is smaller than a cross-section of the volume at both a foot and a head of the shell structure, such that the air passing through the volume experiences a venturi effect.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus for applying a massage effect to a user's body, and more particularly, to dry hydrotherapy body massage apparatus utilizing a fluid spray assembly for the massage effect.

Background

Massage is a long-standing and effective therapy for muscle injuries, strain and general soreness. However, although massage is recommended by many physicians for such purposes, the therapy has limited usability due to the lack of a well-trained qualified masseur. Thus, a number of devices and apparatus have been proposed in the past for producing massage-like manipulation of a user's body by a variety of means, ranging from mechanically or electrically generated vibrations or pulsations (usually accompanied by heating) to pulsations of pressurized water, for use in wet environments such as partially submersing the user's body in a bathtub installation or in dry environments where a fluid spray assembly is housed in a fluid-tight bed or chair-type structure for applying a massage effect to the user's body without the user having to remove clothing.

Representative examples of the latter form of apparatus (commonly colloquially referred to as dry hydrotherapy massage) are disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 4635620; 4751919, respectively; 4757808, respectively; 4908016, respectively; 4976256, respectively; 5074286, respectively; 5713834, respectively; and 6036663. Such devices have met with modest success and efforts continue within the relevant industries to expand their acceptance, usability and utility.

Most of these known hydromassage apparatuses are in the form of bed-type structures having a substantially horizontal user support surface on which a user can lie in a recumbent position. Advantageously, in such a bed-type structure, the horizontal recumbent position of the user's body enables the massage fluid spray to be applied via a manifold device arranged for travelling longitudinally in a substantially linear path of travel alongside the user's body within the interior of the apparatus, thereby allowing part or the entire length of the user's body to be treated by hydromassage.

On the other hand, one of the perceived disadvantages of the bed-type dry hydrotherapy device is: the user's supine setting is disadvantageous in that it enables the user to engage in other activities during operation of the apparatus, such as reading, watching television, operating a laptop computer or other personal electronic device, and the like. In addition, experience has shown that many people find their use of massage devices uncomfortable in public places where they need to lie down on a machine. Many users suggest that a reclining or seating arrangement will make them feel less fragile. For this reason, a desire has been expressed in the industry for dry spa massage devices in which the user generally rests in a seated setting during operation of the device, allowing the user to read books or magazines, watch television, or otherwise remain engaged in other activities.

Some known devices to address this need include chairs for performing dry hydro massage on a user in a seated position. While such chair apparatuses have met with reasonable success, the apparatus has been limited in that the force exerted by the pressurized water jets on the upper body portion of the user may cause the user to slide along the support surface on which the user is disposed, due to the user's posture being in a seated position. As such, it is not uncommon for the pressurized water jets to not contact the optimal location on the user for achieving the desired massage results. As such, there remains a need for a hydromassage apparatus wherein the user is maintained in a desired reclined and/or seated position during the massage operation.

Another common problem with existing hydro massage devices is: the water vapour is passed out of the interior when the user boards the device, and ambient air is subsequently passed into the interior of the device when the user leaves the device. For example, a typical hydromassage apparatus includes a tank holding between 20 and 80 gallons of water, with a small amount of water leaving the apparatus as water vapor as the user steps on the unit and the internal volume of the apparatus is slightly reduced. For example, existing equipment may have approximately one cubic foot of air and entrained water vapor that is pushed out of the equipment with each use. This small loss of water from the plant with each use eventually requires additional water to be added to the interior of the plant, such as up to three gallons per day. Furthermore, the ingress of ambient air along with corresponding potential contaminants (such as, but not limited to, dust, dirt, dander, etc.) may increase the need for periodic maintenance as the internal components of the equipment may become more frequently dirty. As such, there is a need for a hydromassage apparatus with improved water vapor retention when a user is lying/sitting on the support surface of the apparatus.

As noted above, typical prior art hydromassage devices utilize from 20 to 80 gallons of water, which is maintained within the interior volume of the hydromassage device. Such large volumes of water may be impractical for known devices to provide an auxiliary containment volume for holding such quantities of water if catastrophic and/or long term minor leaks from the device occur. As such, there is a need for a hydro massage device that utilizes a relatively small amount of water to help prevent damage from potential leaks.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus for dry spa body massage of a user in a recumbent position comprising a housing structure having a user support surface for supporting the user in a seated position, the user support surface comprising a generally planar seat back portion, a seat portion having a semi-cylindrical main seat section and a generally planar leg seat section, wherein the seat back portion and the leg seat section are in a relative angular relationship with respect to each other and the main seat section is disposed between the seat back portion and the leg seat section, and the seat back portion is adapted to support an upper body portion of the user, the leg seat section is adapted to support an upper leg region of a lower body portion of the user, and the main seat section is adapted to support the buttocks of the user, and a fluid spray assembly located internally within the housing structure, for directing a fluid flow at the user support surface for imparting a massage effect to the upper and lower body portions of the user through the user support surface.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is an apparatus for dry hydrotherapy body massage of a user comprising a housing structure having a housing enclosure and a user support surface for supporting the user in a reclined position, the housing enclosure comprising a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, wherein the user support surface is secured to an upper perimeter of the side walls thereby defining an interior chamber, and a vapor circulation system comprising a body defining an interior chamber, wherein the interior chambers of the housing structure and the vapor circulation system are in fluid communication with each other via a first passageway, and the interior chambers of the housing structure and the vapor circulation system form a closed system.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

fig. 1A and 1B are perspective and side views of a dry hydromassage apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

figures 2 and 3 are partial cross-sectional views of the massage device shown in figures 1 and 2;

fig. 4A and 4B are perspective and cross-sectional views, respectively, of a head/neck spray deflector of the massage device shown in fig. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a water vapor circulation system of the massage device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an elongated massage spray head of the massage apparatus shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;

fig. 7A and 7B are top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of a housing shell of the massage device shown in fig. 1A and 1B;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the housing shell shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side plan view of the massage device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the user support retention system of the massage device shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 1B;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are interior and exterior plan views of the elongated massage spray head shown in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are exterior and interior plan views of the elongated massage spray head shown in FIG. 6;

fig. 13A, 13B and 13C are top, rear and front views of the elongated massage spray head shown in fig. 6;

fig. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the massage device shown in fig. 1A and 1B showing leg spray deflectors; and

fig. 15 is a perspective view of the housing shell of an alternative embodiment of the dry spa in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention according to the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, the dry hydrotherapy devices of the present disclosure are readily adapted to be embodied in many and various forms to accommodate massage by users in different seating positions. The present disclosure is described herein in one contemplated embodiment of such a device, but is for the purpose of providing an exemplary enabling disclosure of the present invention, and in particular, the present invention is not intended to be limited, and should not be construed, to be limited to applications or embodiments in such a device or in any other particular configuration, except as defined in the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings and initially to fig. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3, a dry hydrotherapy body massaging device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated at 10. The body massaging device 10 includes a housing structure, generally indicated at 12, generally in the form of a lounge-type structure, presenting an upwardly facing side 14 forming a user support surface configured for a user 100 to rest thereon for massaging treatment in a seated, reclined position, as explained more fully below. A fluid spray assembly, generally indicated at 16 (fig. 2), is provided within the housing 12 in association with a pressurized fluid supply arrangement, generally indicated at 18 (fig. 3), drawn from a pump 28 (fig. 7B), for directing a pressurized fluid discharge at the underside of the user support surface 14 to deliver a massage effect through the user support surface 14 to the body of a user 100 seated thereon.

The recliner structure 12 includes a chair body formed as a generally hollow housing shell 20 (fig. 7A, 7B and 8) generally in the form of a box or bucket of elongate configuration closed at its bottom 30 and side walls 21 and generally open at its top to define an upwardly facing elongate opening. The housing shell 20 may be fabricated from any suitable water-impermeable, rigid material having suitable strength that may be formed into the desired configuration described herein (e.g., fiberglass, plastic, or the like). The housing shell 20 is supported on a floor-standing frame 25 (fig. 3), for example, fabricated from any suitable structural material (metal bar, tubing, fiberglass, etc.), to elevate and orient the user support surface 14 at a desired height and inclination above the floor, while also providing an open volume 19 (fig. 2 and 9) within the frame 25 and below the housing 20 for the enclosure of the various operating components of the body massaging device 10.

As best seen in fig. 3, the upright frame 25 of the body massaging device 10 includes a continuous upwardly extending bottom lip 25' that forms a leak-proof volume with the bottom wall 17 of the frame 25. As such, in the unlikely event of a leak occurring in any of the housing shell 20 or the components and conduits supported by the frame 25, the water will remain within the frame 25, thereby preventing damage to the carpet, floor, etc. disposed beneath the body massaging device 10. As discussed in more detail below, the ability of the disclosed body massaging device 10 to function continuously with as little as 8 to 12 gallons of water held therein enables the containment of volumes including the described leaks.

As best seen in fig. 1B, the lateral side walls 21 of the housing shell 20 are contoured to form a generally planar seat back portion 22 and seat portion 24, the seat portion 24 having a generally planar leg seat section 24 ', an ottoman section 24 ", and a main seat section 29, the ottoman section 24" being angularly oriented relative to the leg seat section 24' to form the user support surface 14. Preferably, the seat back portion 22 and the leg seat section 24' are angularly oriented relative to each other with the main seat section 29 disposed therebetween. The user support surface 14 is configured such that the upper and lower body portions 101, 103, respectively, of the user 100 are supported in a generally reclined seating arrangement commensurate with the arrangement of a chair recliner in which the user's body rests in flexion at the waist and knees, with the upper body portion 101 lying partially reclined on the seat back portion 22, the upper leg region 103 ' of the lower body portion 103 being slightly inclined on the leg seat section 24 ', and the lower leg region 103 "being slightly inclined on the footrest section 24". The slight curvature of the knees of the user's legs helps to push the legs down into the user support surface 14, resulting in a more effective massage (as compared to using a conventional unit having a planar support section for the user's lower body).

As shown, the main seat section 29 is semi-cylindrical in shape and extends below the area that would be the intersection of the seat back portion 22 and the leg seat section 24'. As such, a slight ridge 31 is formed at the intersection of the main seat section 29 and the leg seat section 24'. As such, when a user is disposed on the user support surface 14, the ridge 31 prevents the force exerted by the jet of pressurized fluid impacting the user from sliding the user along the leg seat section 24'. Also, the main seat section 29 helps to position the user's lower back and hips for more vigorous massage, as most of the user's weight is supported by these areas. As such, proper positioning of the user on the user support surface 14 is maintained, and subsequently, the pressurized water jets will impact the user in the appropriate areas of the user's body to achieve the desired massage effect.

Referring now to fig. 8 and 9, a hollow interior chamber 27 is defined by the housing shell 20. The bottom wall 30 of the housing shell 20 forms a drainage surface that slopes centrally into the reservoir basin 28 along a longitudinal region of the housing shell 20. Preferably, to ensure that water returning to the reservoir basin 28 flows down the drainage surface at a desired rate, a plurality of water features in the form of dams 33 extend upwardly from the bottom wall 30 of the housing 20. If the water returning to the reservoir basin 28 runs down the drainage surface too quickly, it is possible that the water will pass over the reservoir basin 28 rather than entering the reservoir basin 28. Such a rapid water return rate requires a larger volume of water to be maintained in the reservoir basin 28 to ensure continuous operation of the massage device 10. By utilizing the dam 33 to control the rate at which water is returned to the reservoir basin 28, the present embodiment of the massage device 10 is capable of operating with as little as 8 to 12 gallons of water remaining within the device. The present embodiment of the massage device 10 is capable of flowing water through the fluid spray assembly 16 at a rate of approximately 105 gallons per minute, with only 8 to 12 gallons remaining in the device, although alternative embodiments function at varying flow rates. As noted previously, the existing equipment requires a minimum of 20 gallons of water to be retained therein for continuous operation. Additionally, as shown in fig. 9, a spacer plate 45 is provided in the opening to the reservoir basin 28. The partition plate 45 includes a plurality of partitions 47 extending upwardly therefrom and a plurality of openings 49 disposed therebetween. The partition 47 helps redirect the water flow downward into the reservoir basin 28 in a uniform manner so that the water in the reservoir basin is less turbulent (compared to water in prior art massage devices). As such, the likelihood of cavitation within the liquid pump 88 of the pressurized fluid supply arrangement 18 is reduced.

A liquid material is preferred as the fluid medium utilized by the body massaging device 10 for supply to and discharge from the fluid spray assembly 16 to produce a massaging effect as described hereinafter, water being the optimal liquid in view of its readily available and substantially non-corrosive and non-scorching characteristics. As noted, a suitable supply of water (8 to 12 gallons) or another suitable liquid is stored in the reservoir basin 28 for continuous circulation through the fluid supply arrangement 18 and the fluid spray assembly 16, and the bottom drain wall 30, as well as other interior surfaces of the housing shell 20, are configured to drain liquid discharged from the fluid spray assembly 16 into the basin 28. Of course, as those skilled in the art will readily recognize, pressurized air, other gases, and other fluid materials may also be used as the fluid massage medium without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure, and thus, the present disclosure is not intended to, and should not be construed as, being limited to the use of water or another liquid massage medium.

It is also preferred that the water or other massage liquid is heated to enhance the massage effect produced by the liquid, for example to a temperature approximating normal body temperature, preferably in the range of 95 degrees to 100 degrees fahrenheit, however the device has the capability of a wide liquid temperature range. For this purpose, a heater element (not shown) may be provided, mounted for example within the liquid reservoir basin 28 below the normal level of massage liquid therein, to be substantially continuously immersed in the stored massage liquid. A thermostat (not shown) is preferably provided in the electrical circuit to the heater element to provide selective control of the temperature of the massage liquid. As shown in fig. 3, the apparatus is also preferably provided with a liquid cooling system 70 to counteract the thermal gain to the massage liquid that may occur due to frictional contact of the liquid as it circulates through the apparatus. As shown, the liquid cooling system 70 includes a heat exchanger 72 in the form of a radiator and one or more fans 74 to draw air across the radiator 72.

As shown in fig. 9, the liquid cooling system 70 is provided at the foot of the massage device 10, where the liquid cooling system 70 draws in air that travels the length of the massage device 10 in the volume 19 existing between the housing shell 20 and the exterior housing of the massage device, and then exits the device at its head end. Note, however, that the liquid cooling system 70 may be positioned at any point along the length of the massage device 10. Preferably, the open volume defined between the hollow shell 20 (and in particular the bottom wall 30) and the outer shell is greater at the foot 19 "and head 19' of the massage device than along the central portion 19" of the massage device 10. In this manner, the flow of ambient air drawn into the massage device by the fan 74 (fig. 3) of the liquid cooling system 70 will experience a venturi effect as air flows from the large foot section, along the smaller central portion, and out of the larger head section, and out of the massage device 10. The venturi effect on the air flow helps to more efficiently cool the interior of the massage device 10 and its internal components as the air increases in velocity as it passes over the internal components.

In addition, referring to fig. 7A and 7B, the housing 20 includes a plurality of vertically extending ribs 76 disposed on the outer surface of the lateral side walls 21, and a plurality of horizontally extending ribs 78 extending along the width of the bottom wall 30 of the hollow housing 20. The vertical ribs 76 impart rigidity to the lateral side walls 21, while the horizontal ribs 78 impart rigidity to the bottom wall of the hollow shell 20. As such, the amount of material utilized in forming both the lateral side walls 21 and the bottom wall 30 of the hollow housing 20 can be reduced while still maintaining the rigidity of the thicker walled housing. As such, the vertical ribs 76 and horizontal ribs 78 allow for an overall reduction in weight of the massage device 10 as compared to prior units. The uppermost region of the housing shell 20 forms a flange surface 32 of the user support surface 14 for mounting thereto.

User support surface 14 may be formed from a relatively thin sheet 34 of waterproof material, with relatively thin sheet 34 attached in water-tight relation across flange 32, with flange 32 bordering an upwardly facing opening. The sheet material 34 is preferably sufficiently thin such that the impact of the fluid discharged from the fluid spray assembly 16 against the underside of the sheet material 34 transfers a massaging effect to the user's body through the sheet material 34. Further, the sheet material 34 preferably has sufficient flexibility and elasticity to generally conform to the body of the user for maximum transmission of the massage effect to the user through the sheet material 34. In this manner, the sheet material 34 functions in the nature of a waterproof membrane to keep the user dry during operation of the body massaging device 10 without significantly dampening the massaging impact of the fluid discharged from the fluid spray assembly 16. For example, latex rubber in sheet form in the range of 15 to 55 million thicknesses is a suitable material that provides these characteristics for sheet 34, although a variety of other commercially available rubber and plastic sheet materials should also provide suitable results.

As a primary component of the user's weight-bearing support, an open mesh web 35, shown in phantom in fig. 1, may be attached under tension to the flange 32 of the shell 20 across the opening of the shell 20 directly below the sheet 34. The mesh 35 should be strong enough to independently support the weight of the user to provide a safety barrier in the event of a rupture or other failure of the sheet 34. At the same time, the open mesh structure of mesh 35 allows for substantially unrestricted transfer of fluid from fluid spray assembly 16, through mesh 35 and against the underside of sheet 34. Preferably, the web 35 is not as taught in the area of the user support surface 14 that is below the head and lowermost leg areas of the user. As such, the user's head and feet can "sink" into the user support surface 14 for better positioning and enhanced massage effect as compared to the remainder of the user support surface.

As depicted in fig. 1, 7A, and 10, the flange 32 and side walls 21 of the housing shell 20 are covered by a frame panel 36 to provide an aesthetically pleasing outer enclosure of the overall housing shell 20 and the internal operating components housed beneath the shell 20. In particular, it is important to maintain a proper seal between the inner chamber 27 of the hollow housing 20 and the sheet material 34 in order to prevent loss of water from the interior of the massaging apparatus 10. As such, the continuous groove 41 is disposed along the entire length of the upper surface of the flange 32 of the hollow housing 20, wherein the continuous groove 41 is configured to receive the O-ring 39 therein. As shown in fig. 10, the outer periphery of sheet 34 extends over annular groove 41, and O-ring 39 is then placed in annular groove 41. With the O-ring 39 in place, a series of interlocking frame panels 36 are secured in place by threaded knobs 23 that engage the underside of the flange 32, thereby securing the sheet material 34 to the flange 32. In an alternative embodiment, the frame panel 36 may be secured to the flange 32 by snapping the frame panel 36 into place via features that interlock with the flange 32. Downwardly extending projections 36' extend from the bottom surface of each frame panel 36 into continuous groove 41, thereby compressing O-ring 39 and enhancing the water-tight seal of massage device 10. Note that the interlocking features of the frame panels 36 allow the frame panels 36 to be removed and reinstalled without the use of tools, as necessary for servicing the unit. In addition, the upper surface of the frame panel 36 covering and bordering the flange 32 may preferably be cushioned for user comfort during ingress and egress of the user support surface 14.

The internal chamber 27 of the housing shell 20 is substantially filled with air, except for the portion of the internal chamber 27 occupied by the water stored in the basin 28 and the area occupied by the fluid spray assembly 16 and the fluid supply arrangement 18. As such, as one would expect, when a user lies down on the user support surface 14, thereby reducing the internal volume of the internal chamber 27 as the user support surface 14 moves slightly down into the internal chamber 27, some air and possibly entrained water vapor would be expected to exit the hollow housing 20. In order to prevent ambient air and the subsequent ingress of dust, dirt, etc. into the interior of the hollow housing 20, the present massage device 10 includes a water vapor circulation system 130, as best seen in fig. 3 and 5. As shown, the water vapour circulation system 130 comprises a plenum 131, the plenum 131 being secured to the outer surface of the head portion of the hollow housing 20 and connected to the interior of the hollow housing 20 via a conduit 134 connected to an inlet 132 of the plenum 131. As such, when air and entrained water vapor are forced out of the hollow housing 20, they collect in the chamber 131 rather than out to the surrounding environment. When the user removes the user support surface 14, rather than drawing air from the surrounding environment, the air is simply drawn from the chamber 131 back into the hollow housing 20. An outlet 136 is provided in the bottom of the chamber 131 to allow condensed water vapour to return to the hollow housing 20 through the outlet 136. As such, the interior of the hollow housing 20 and the chamber 131 form a closed system, thereby helping to maintain a desired volume of water within the massage unit 10 and preventing the ingress of dust, debris, etc. from the surrounding environment.

Referring now to fig. 6, the fluid spray assembly 16 includes an elongated massage spray head, generally indicated at 44, that is oriented generally transversely across a widthwise region of the user's body. The massage head 44 may have any of a variety of possible configurations and components suitable for discharging massage fluid under pressure against the underside of the membrane sheet 34. For example, in one possible configuration, the massage head 44 may have a generally hollow outer body 52, the generally hollow outer body 52 having a plurality of discharge openings 56 over substantially the entire area of the body 52 facing the upward facing surface of the sheet 34, the plurality of discharge openings 56 each being in the form of a nozzle. The discharge opening 56 delivers pressurized fluid from the body 52 in a jet-like spray from it upwardly against the underside of the diaphragm plate 34. Preferably, the elongated massage head 44 and the discharge opening 56 are configured to provide a jet-like spray that is a combination of both laminar and turbulent flow. Typically, existing massage devices have a jet-like spray, which is strictly laminar or strictly turbulent. Strictly laminar massage sprays concentrate the force of the spray in a small area on the user, which can cause pain and discomfort. On the other hand, severe turbulence can spread the pressure of the massage spray over a large area, so that the desired massage effect is not achieved. The present massage device 10 achieves the desired combination of combined laminar and turbulent massage sprays by way of the design of the massage spray head 44 and corresponding discharge opening 56, as discussed below.

In addition, referring to fig. 11A-12B, the hollow outer body 52 of the massage spray head 44 is preferably formed from an injection molded upper body portion 82 and an injection molded lower body portion 86. As shown in fig. 11A and 11B, the lower body portion 86 includes a smoothly radiused inlet 84 and a plurality of brackets 46 on each end for receiving a corresponding roller or wheel 48 (fig. 13). The radiused inlet is configured to provide a smooth inlet water flow into the interior of the outer body 52 such that the flow within the outer body 52 is less turbulent. As best seen in fig. 12A and 12B, the upper body portion 82 of the outer body 52 also includes a rounded inlet 84 and a plurality of discharge openings 56. As shown, the discharge opening 56 is disposed along a line that is offset from a longitudinal central axis 89 of the upper body portion 82. The combination of the rounded inlet 84, the subsequent laminar flow within the outer body 52, and the offset discharge opening 56 allows the massage spray head 44 of the present massage apparatus 10 to achieve an optimal massage spray that includes both laminar and turbulent flow, resulting in a desired massage effect. Preferably, the modular design of the massage spray head 44 allows the desired massage spray pattern to be changed by simply replacing the upper body portion 82 of the outer body 52 with an alternative upper body portion having a different arrangement of discharge openings 56.

As best seen in fig. 2 and 13A-13C, an elongated massage head 44 is supported at each opposite end by a bracket 46 with rollers or wheels 48 (fig. 13) for rolling travel along the track 26 traversing back and forth across substantially the entire longitudinal extent of the chamber 27 laterally along a travel path that follows the angular variation of the angular configuration of the track 26. The diagonal rails 26 are attached internally to a bottom wall 30 of the housing shell 20, each extending across substantially the entire longitudinal extent of the chamber 27 in spaced parallel relation to one another in a corner section. The rollers 48 travel along the rails 26 during longitudinal transverse travel within the chamber 27. Preferably, each track 26 is a one-piece structure, while alternative embodiments may include multiple-piece tracks.

The traversing travel of the massage head 44 reciprocally drives back and forth through the longitudinal region of the massage chamber 27 via any suitable drive mechanism. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a toothed timing belt 66 (fig. 2) is attached at opposite belt ends to each respective bracket 46 at the end of the massage head 44, forming two endless drive belt loops trained about a series of toothed guide pulleys 68, the series of toothed guide pulleys 68 being rotatably mounted to the inner surface of the side wall 21 near the track 26 at each opposite end of the chamber 27 and also at the location of each change in angular direction in the track 26. A pulley 68 at one end of the chamber 27 is fixed to a common drive shaft journalled by one of the side walls 21 and externally connected to a reversible drive motor 70 for imparting a synchronous drive motion to the belt 66 and, in turn, to the massage head 44 for travel along the track 26. Any suitable form of sensor may be provided at the limits of travel of the massage head, such as an electric eye (not shown), to control the reversal of the drive motor 70.

Referring again to fig. 3, pressurized fluid is delivered from the fluid supply arrangement 18 to the massage head 44 in any suitable manner. For example, the pressurized fluid supply arrangement 18 may have an electric motor 90, the electric motor 90 driving a liquid pump 88 to draw fluid from the liquid reservoir basin 28 of the housing shell 20, e.g., via a submerged tubular fitting. The outlet side of the pump 88 delivers fluid under pressure to the massage head 44 through a conduit 92, the conduit 92 having a flow control valve (not shown) disposed therein and a length of flexible tubing (not shown) connected between the conduit 92 and a fitting on the outer body 52 of the massage head 44.

As will be appreciated, the massage head 44 laterally across the widthwise extent of the internal chamber 27 effectively applies a massage action to the entire lateral area of the user's body supported on the user support surface 14, and in particular, across the entire width of the user's shoulders, back or chest, middle and hips. In contrast, in the distal head region 110 (fig. 1B) and leg regions 112 of the user support surface 14, no fluid spray across the entire widthwise extent of the massage head 44 is required to achieve an effective massage action of the narrower neck and legs of the user. Thus, to ensure optimal application of the massage spray to these selected regions of the user's body, the present disclosure provides a control arrangement, preferably in the form of two deflectors 114, 116, disposed in the interior chamber 27 intermediate the fluid spray assembly 16 and the underside of the user support surface 14, to selectively alter and redirect the directional flow of the fluid spray to be concentrated in the narrower widthwise portions of the user support surface 14 (primarily only at the neck and legs of the user).

More specifically, as shown in fig. 4A and 4B, head/neck deflector 114 includes two pairs of deflector plates 118a and 118B attached to the end wall of housing shell 20 within interior chamber 27, the deflector plates within each pair being laterally spaced from one another and extending from the longitudinal end wall of the housing along the underside of the laterally outer edge portion of head region 110 of user support surface 14 and above fluid spray assembly 16. The deflector plates 118a and 118b are thereby disposed outwardly alongside, respectively, the region of the user support surface 14 on which the neck and head of the user will rest, and the plates 118a and 118b within each pair are inclined towards each other in converging relationship for deflecting the portion of the fluid stream from the discharge opening 56 of the massage head 44 inwardly towards the underside of the user support surface 14 (which would otherwise impact an unoccupied region of the user support surface 14) in the space between the plates to thereby redirect the deflected portion of the fluid spray for impact against the neck of the user. In the preferred embodiment shown, there is a deflector for each discharge opening 56 of the massage spray head 44 so that no massage spray stream impinges directly on the user's head/neck without first contacting the corresponding deflector. The head/neck deflector 114 helps to maximize the massaging effect of the massage head 44 in the soft tissue of the user's neck region by preventing any of the water jets from impinging directly on the spinal cord region without first being redirected by the deflector plate. Also, the deflector plate prevents the water jet from impinging on the area of the user support surface outside the area directly supporting the user, thereby reducing extraneous noise from the jet.

Similarly, as shown in fig. 14, leg deflector 116 (fig. 2) includes a pair of deflector plates 120, the pair of deflector plates 120 being attached to opposite end walls of housing shell 20 within interior chamber 27 immediately adjacent one another and extending from the longitudinal end walls of the housing centrally along the underside of leg region 112 of user support surface 14 and above fluid spray assembly 16. Thus, the deflector plates 120 are each disposed alongside a central longitudinal region of the user support surface 14 between the outward regions on which the user's legs will rest. The plates 120 abut one another along a common lower plate edge and are inclined upwardly away from one another in diverging relation for deflecting a portion of the fluid flow from the central region of the massage head 44 outwardly, outwardly of the plates 120 toward the underside of the user support surface 14 (which would otherwise impact an unoccupied region of the user support surface 14 between the user's legs) to thereby redirect the deflected portion of the fluid spray for impact against the user's legs.

The operation of the body massaging device of the present disclosure can thus be understood. As the massage head 44 travels longitudinally back and forth within the chamber 27, pressurized liquid is delivered from the pump 88 through the intervening conduit into the interior of the outer body 52 of the massage head 44 and from there through the discharge opening 56 as a jet-like spray. The relative thinness of sheet material 34, together with its elastic flexibility, allows sheet material 34 to conform relatively closely to the shape and contours of the user's body, and in turn, the impact of the sprayed liquid against the underside of sheet material 34 is readily transmitted therethrough to the user's body to produce a massaging effect on the user's body. Upon the massage head 44 reaching each of the opposite ends of the interior chamber 25 in its traveling movement, the electric eye or other sensor recognizes the presence of the massage head 44 and in turn actuates the reverse rotation of the electric motor 70 to begin driving the massage head 44 in the opposite direction.

Referring now to fig. 15, a housing shell 120 is shown according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing shell 120 differs from the previously discussed embodiments primarily in that, instead of the traveling fluid spray assembly 16 (fig. 2), the present housing shell 120 includes a plurality of fluid nozzles 156 directed upwardly from the bottom wall 130. This design allows for the omission of various components required in embodiments having a traveling fluid spray assembly 16. As shown, fluid nozzles 156 are arranged in horizontal and vertical rows along bottom wall 130. Note, however, that fluid nozzles 156 may be positioned in any desired pattern, such as, but not limited to, circular, staggered, varying spacing based on position, and the like. It is also noted that during use, the spray nozzles 156 may be operated simultaneously, in selected areas based on the user's position, independently, and so forth.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is susceptible to a wide range of utility and applications, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present disclosure (other than those described herein) as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present disclosure and the foregoing description thereof without departing from the substance or scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, while the present disclosure has been described herein in detail with respect to the preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure and is made merely for the purpose of providing a complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present disclosure or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present disclosure being limited only by the following claims and the equivalents thereof.