US2904037A - Bath apparatus - Google Patents

Description

R. J. CASSIDY BATH APPARATUS Sept. 15, 1959 Filed 001;. 28, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORZ 12052122" J 614551171.

BY W ATTORNEY Sept. 15, 1959 R. J. CASSIDY 2,904,0237

BATH APPARATUS Filed Oct. 28, 1957 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTQR I 120152. 27" 151155117 1.

- BY W ATTORNEY United States Patent BATH APPARATUS Robert J. Cassidy, Mansfield, Ohio, assignor to Pace, Inc., Mansfield, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application October 28, 1957, Serial No. 692,886

6 Claims. (Cl. 128-66) This invention relates to apparatus for vibrating a receptacle and liquid contained therein and more especially to apparatus for transmitting vibrations of an electrically actuated means to liquid in a receptacle in which portions of the human body may be immersed for bathing purposes or tranquilizing treatment.

The invention has for an object the provision of a receptacle adapted to contain water or other liquid into which the hands or feet may be immersed and vibrations imparted to the receptacle and liquid contained therein for imparting a tranquilizing influence to the immersed portions of the body.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus for transmitting vibrations to a liquid contained in a receptacle wherein the magnitude or amplitude of the vibrations may be regulated to attain a desired physical effect upon portions of the human body immersed in the liquid.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus for transmitting vibrations to liquid contained in a receptacle and concomitantly applying heat to the liquid to provide a heat controlled vibrating liquid particularly usable for stimulating the circulation of blood through portions of a body immersed in the liquid.

Still another object of the invention is a vibrating foot bath wherein the vibrator may be actuated by conventional alternating electric current or energy supply.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this invention such as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the related elements of the structure, to .various detailsof construction and to combinations of parts, elements perse, and to economies of manufacture and numerous other features as will be apparent from a; consideration of the specification and drawing of a form of the invention, which may be preferred, in which:

Figure 1 is a side'elevational view illustrating a form of apparatus of the invention;

Figure 2 is atop plan view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a'longitu'dinal sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, and

Figure 4 is a vertical sectional view illustrating a modified form of the apparatus of the invention.

While the apparatus of the invention is illustrated as being particularly adaptable for use as a foot bath, it is to be understood that the apparatus may be used for other purposes wherever the same may be found to have utility.

Referring tothe drawings in detail, and first with respect to the form of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 through 3, the arrangement is inclusive of a metal receptacle forming a casing or housing preferably of rectangular configuration provided with a bottom wall 12.

The upper region of the housing 10 is open and extending laterally and entirely around the shell is a laterally extending flange 14. The regions of the flange at the ends of the shell 10 are flared outwardly to provide 7 2,904,037 Patented Sept. 15, 1959 handle portions or grip portions 16 for convenience in carrying or moving the apparatus.

The shell or housing 10 is preferably formed of sheet metal and may be painted or coated with porcelain or other suitable material to enhance its durability, or the housing may be made of molded resin or plastic. The shell may be provided with supporting members or feet 18 welded or otherwise secured to the bottom wall 12 of the shell. The housing 10 provides a support or pan-like enclosure upon which is mounted a frame member of generally rectangular configuration preferably formed of :nonmetallic nonconducting material such as plastic, wood or other molded resin.

The frame member 20 is secured to the ledge portion 14 of the housing or receptacle 10 by means of screws 22. The frame member or escutcheon 20 is formed with a rectangular opening to receive and accommodate a basin-like receptacle or pan 25 formed of nonmetallic material such as molded resin or plastic. The receptacle 25 is of a length and width to accommodate the feet of an adult, the receptacle 25 being adapted to contain water or other liquid for bathing purposes.

For example, it has been found that a receptacle about 13 inches in length and 11 inches in width in interior dimensions is satisfactory for the purpose.

The pan or receptacle 25 is preferably removable so that the receptacle may be filled and emptied independently of the outer receptacle or housing 10. The receptacle 25 is preferably formed at its upper region with an outwardly extending flange 27 which rests upon the upper surface of the frame member 20.

Means is provided for imparting vibrations to the pan-like receptacle 25 and the water or other liquid contained in the receptacle. As shown in Figures 1 through 3, a vibrator unit 30 is disposed within the housing 10 and adjacent one end of the receptacle 25 and is arranged to be vibrated by electrically energizable vibrating means contained within the unit. In order to effectively transmit vibrations to the receptacle 25, a metal band or sling 32 may be provided extending lengthwise of the receptacle and of a configuration to snugly engage the end walls 34 and 35 and the bottom wall 36 as particularly shown in Figure 3.

The respective ends of the band 32 are preferably engaged with the upper surface of the frame member or escutcheon 20 and secured thereto by means of screws 38. The electrically energizable vibrator unit 30 is formed with a housing portion 40 having a surface 41 directly engaging and coincident with that portion of the band 32 in engagement with the end wall 34 of the receptacle '25 so that vibratory movements of the vibrator unit are directly transmitted through the band 32 to the receptacle 25 and the liquid contained therein.

The vibrator unit 30 is supported to facilitate vibratory movements relative to the support or housing 10. As particularly shown in Figure 3 there is secured to the vibrator unit 30 one leg of each of two L-shaped members 42, the other legs of members 42 being secured to the frame member 20 by means of screws 44. It is to be understood that the vibrator unit 30 may be directly supported upon the outer receptacle or housing 10 if desired. The L-shaped members 42 are formed of metal and are of substantially rigid construction, yet are sufficiently flexible or yieldable to provide flexure hinges to permit vibrations of the unit relative to the support.

In the embodiment illustrated, the hinge members 42 are spaced as shown in Figure 2. Secured to the hinge members is an L-shaped member 46 connected to hinge members 42 by means of rivets 48. As shown in Figure 3, the frame member 20 is formed with a boss portion 50 provided with a threaded bore adapted to receive a threaded member 52 equipped with a manipulating knob 54. The extremity of the threaded member 52 is adapted for engagement with the tapered or angular end region 56 of one leg of the L-shaped member 46 as shown in Figure 3.

The threaded member 52 provides a means for regulating the magnitude or amplitude of the vibrations transmitted to the receptacle 25 and liquid contained therein by restricting or limiting the extent of vibratory movements of the unit 30. Thus by threading the member 52 downwardly as shown in Figure 3, increased pressure or stress is imparted to the member 46 which dampens. or restricts the vibratory movements of the unit 30 so that the vibrations transmitted to the receptacle 25 are reduced in magnitude but without affecting the rate of vibration of the unit 30.

By threading the member 52 upwardly as viewed in Figure 3 to reduce tension or stress upon the L-shaped member 46, the unit 30 may be vibrated through greater distances or amplitudes so that the vibrations transmitted or imparted to the receptacle 25 are of greater magnitude. In this manner the user may regulate the effect or influence of the vibratory movements of the unit 30 upon the receptacle 25 and the liquid contained therein to increase or decrease the turbulence, agitation or vibration of the liquid.

The vibrator mechanism (not shown) contained in the vibrator housing 30 is connected with a suitable source of alternating electric current or energy through a two wire conductor 60, a switch 62 being provided for controlling the energization of the unit 30. It is to be understood that the vibration damping means afi'orded =by member 52 engaging the L-shaped member 46 may be of difierent construction, as for example, a semihard rub'ber 'block may be engaged with the vibrator unit 30. and tensioned or stressed by adjustable means to limit the magnitude or amplitude of the vibrations of the unit.

The arrangement of the invention is inclusive of means for heating or applying heat to the water or other liquid contained in the receptacle 25. As particularly shown in Figures 1 and 3 the bottom wall 36 of the receptacle 25 is spaced from the bottom wall of the housing receptacle 10. Disposed beneath the wall 36 is a heater or heating means 60 equipped with a resistance element 62 adapted to be connected with a source of electrical energy through conductors encased within a cord or sheath 64.

The resistance heating element 62 is encased within suitable insulating material 65 which may be of flexible character such as asbestos covered by a flexible waterproof envelope. A pad or mat 67 of heat insulating material may be disposed between the bottom wall 12. of the housing and the heating means 60 to direct or reflect the heat into the water or other liquid contained in the receptacle 25. A switch means 68 is connected in the current supply line or current conductors for the heater 60 for regulating the current flow to the heating means and thereby regulating the temperature of the liquid in the receptacle 25. The heat controlling or switch means 68 is provided with a switch lever 70 movable to several variable heating positions for controlling the heating of the resistance element 62. i

The operation of the arrangement shown in Figures 1 through 3 is as follows: The user fills the receptacle 25 with a desired amount of water W to cover the feet and manipulates the switch 62 to electrically energize the vibrator unit 30. The switch 70 controlling the heater or heating means 60 is moved to a position to secure the desired temperature for the water in the receptacle 25. The user may then adjust the knob 54 to regulate the pressure on the L-shaped member 46 to control the magnitude or amplitude of the vibrations which are transmitted to the receptacle 25 and the water contained therein through contact of the vibrator unit with; the metal band or sling 41.

The vibrations of the unit 30. impressed in the band 41 are directly transmitted to the receptacle 25 through the intimate contact of the band with the end walls and the bottom wall of the receptacle 25 whereby the vibrations of the unit 30 are effectively transmitted to the receptacle 25 to vibrate or agitate the water W. The knob 54 may be adjusted by the user after the feet are immersed in the water so as to obtain the most satisfactory turbulent action or agitation of the water. It has been found that the agitation or vibration of the water enhances the circulation of blood through the feet of the user as well as to provide an exhilarating or relaxing feeling of the feet.

Figure 4 illustrates a modified form of the foot bath construction of the invention. The housing or outer receptacle 75 is similar to the housing '10 and includes a bottom wall 77 and end walls 78 and 79. The housing is of rectangular configuration and provided with handles 80 secured to the end walls 78 and 79.

The upper region of the housing or support 75 is formed with an inwardly extending ledge or flange 82, the edge regions of the flange defining an opening of rectangular configuration which receives and accommodates the basinlike receptacle or pan 25' preferably formed of molded resin or plasitc. The receptacle 25' is adapted to contain water or other liquid indicated at W. The bottom wall 84 of the receptacle 25' is spaced from the bottom wall 77 of the housing 75 to accommodate a vibrator unit 86. which is adapted to be electrically energized. p

The vibrator unit is inclusive of a support or bracket 88 upon which is mounted a coil or field 90- formed with a central space 91 to accommodate a core or armature 92 which may be fashioned of soft iron or other magnetizable metal or alloy. Also forming a part of the armature is a plate 93 which is in direct contact or engagement with the bottom wall 84 of the receptacle 25.. Secured to the core or armature 92 is a plate-like spring or flexible member 95 whose end regions 96 engage an insulating plate 97 supported on the inner surface of the bottom wall 77 of the, housing 75.

The armature 92 and plate 93 are reciprocable axially in the field or winding 90,, the armature 92 being responsive to alternating magnetic flux generated in the field coil 90 through the energization of the coil by alternating current. Thus energization of the field coil 90 exerts a pull on the armature 92 in a direction downwardly toward the wall 77 of the housing 79 and the spring 95 forms the reaction, medium returning the core in an upward direction. between, successive cycles of magnetic flux generated by energization of the coil 90.

Thus vibratory movements. of the core. 92 are directly transmitted to the. bottom 84 of the receptacle25' thence to the water W within the receptacle, agitating or vi- 'brating the water.

Alternating current. is supplied to the coil- 90. through conductors contained in an insulating sheath or cord 98, a switch 99 being connected in the circuit and manipulated by means of a switch lever 100 for completing or interrupting the circuit through the coil 90 to actuate Qr render inefiective the vibrator 86. The vibrator unit in Figure 4 is schematically shown and may be sealed or encased in a waterproof housing (not shown).

The form of the invention illustrated in Figure 4 includes a heating means 102'. The heating means 102 is of the electrically energized type and the resistance element .104 of the heater is embedded in insulating material 106, the heater preferably surrounding the end and side walls of the receptacle as illustrated in Figure 4. The arrangement is inclusive of an automatic control means or thermostat switch contained within a housing and connected in series with the heating element 104 of the heater 102 as illustrated in Figure 4.

The thermostat switch or automatic control for the heater is provided with an adjustable member 112 associated with the switch mechanism contained in the'housing 110 and which is adapted to be manually adjusted for determining the temperature at which the water is to be automatically maintained by the thermostat. After the control means I12 moved or adjusted to the temperature desired, the thermostat mechanism contained in housing 110 which is of conventional character, automatically maintains or controls the energization of the resistance heating element 104 so that the proper amount of heat is transmitted to the water within the receptacle in accordance with the setting of the adjustable means 112.

'A control switch 114 operated by a manipulating or switch lever 1 16 is intercalated in the circuit of the thermostat 1'10 and the heater 102 for controlling the delivery of electrical energy to the heater. A threaded member 1 20, equipped with a manipulating knob 12 1 and supporting a block 122 of semihard rubber adjacent the armature 92, is threaded into a threaded opening in the bottom wall 77 of the housing and is adjustable for controlling the magnitude or amplitude of vibrations of the armature 92.

The operation of the arrangement shown in Figure 4 is substantially the same as the form of construction shown in Figures 1 through 3. The user fills the receptacle 25' with the amount of water necessary to cover the feet and the manually movable member 112 of the thermostat control means 110 adjusted to the temperature at which it is desired to maintain the water. The switch lever 116 may then be moved to a position to establish current flow to the heater '102 to bring the water to the desired temperature. The switch lever 100 is manipulated to establish current flow through the coil 90 which causes the armature 92 to be rapidly vibrated, which vibrations are transmitted by the plate 93 of the armature to the bottom 84 of the receptacle 25 whereby the vibrations of the armature are transmitted to the water or liquid W for agitating or vibrating the same. The magnitude of the vibrations may be regulated by adjusting the knob 121 and the armature movement limiting block 122.

It is to be understood that the thermostat 110 may be incorporated in the arrangement shown in Figures 1 through 3 for automatically controlling the heating element or heater 60 shown in Figure 3. It is also to be understood that an additional vibrator may be placed at the other end of the receptacle 25 in the form of the invention shown in Figures 1 through 3 if increased agitation or vibration of the water is desired.

In the arrangement shown in Figure 4 two or more vibrator units may be disposed in the space between the bottom wall 77 of the housing 79 and the bottom wall 84 of the basin-like receptacle Q5 if increased vibration is desired to be transmitted to the liquid in the receptacle 25'.

It is to be understood that while the arrangement disclosed in the drawings and described herein is especially adaptable as a foot bath, the same may be utilized for other purposes wherever it is desired to agitate or vibrate a liquid.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modifications and different arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, and the present disclosure is illustrative merely, the invention comprehending all variations thereof.

I claim:

1. An apparatus of the character disclosed, in combination, a housing, a receptacle supported by the housing adapted to contain a liquid, an electrically energizable vibrator, means supporting the vibrator whereby vibrations are transmitted to the receptacle, and adjustable means for regulating the pressure of engagement of the vibrator with the receptacle for varying the influence of the vibrations upon the liquid in the receptacle.

2. An apparatus of the character disclosed, in com- 6 bination, a housing, a receptacle supported by the hous ing adapted to contain a liquid, an electrically energizable vibrator, means supporting the vibrator whereby vibrations are transmitted to the receptacle, adjustable means for regulating the pressure of engagement of the vibrator with the receptacle for varying the influence of the vibrations upon the liquid in the receptacle, heating means arranged in heat transferring relation with the receptacle, and control means for regulating the temperature of the heating means.

3. An apparatus of the character disclosed, in combination, a housing, an open receptacle disposed in said housing and adapted to contain a liquid, means associated with said housing arranged to support said receptacle, an electrically energizable vibrator disposed between said housing and the receptacle and arranged in vibration transmitting relation with the receptacle, means for adjusting the relative position of said vibrator for regulating the magnitude of vibrations transmitted to the receptacle, heating means disposed in heat transferring relation with the receptacle for applying heat to the liquid contained therein, and means for regulating the heat applied to the liquid.

4. Apparatus of the character disclosed, in combination, a housing, :a pan formed of nonmetallic material removably supported in the housing, said pan adapted to contain a liquid, an electrically energizable vibrator in said housing and disposed in position to impart vibrations to the pan and liquid contained therein, a member.

supporting the vibrator and arranged to be flexed to accommodate relative vibratory movements of the Vibrator, adjustable means for limiting the flexure of the member for regulating the magnitude of vibrations transmitted to the pan, an electrically energizable heating means in said housing arranged in heat transferring relation with the pan for heating the liquid, and means for controlling the heating means.

5. Apparatus of the character disclosed, in combination, a housing, a receptacle removably disposed in said housing, a frame member carried by said housing and arranged to support the receptacle, an electrically energizable vibrator disposed in vibration transmitting relation with the receptacle, said receptacle adapted to contain a liquid, an electrically energizable heater disposed in heat transferring relation with the receptacle, thermostatically controlled means for regulating the temperature of the heater, and manually operated means for regulating the magnitude of the vibrations transmitted to the receptacle.

6. Apparatus of the character disclosed, in combination, a housing, a receptacle removably disposed in said housing, a frame member formed of nonmetallic material carried by said housing and arranged to support the receptacle, an electrically energizable vibrator carried by the frame member and disposed in vibration transmitting relation with the receptacle, said receptacle adapted to contain a liquid, an electrically energizable heater disposed in heat transferring relation with the receptacle, thermostatically controlled means for regulating the temperature of the heater, and manually operated means for regulating the magnitude of the vibrations transmitted to the receptacle.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,963,557 Pain June 19, 1934 2,237,435 Ille LAPI. 8, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS 28,799 Great Britain 1903

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