Hydromassage bath apparatus

Abstract

Hydromassage bath apparatus (1) comprising: - a shell (10) delimiting a volume (15) intended to receive a liquid such as water, and one or more users, - at least one liquid reservoir (20) disposed in said shell (10) and configured to be pressurized when supplied with liquid, said reservoir (20) having on a first face, at least one inlet orifice (24) for liquid into the reservoir, and on a second face, a plurality of outlet orifices (26; 28) for pressurized liquid from the reservoir to said volume, called "massage orifices", - a liquid supply system (30) comprising at least one pipe (32) arranged to bring the liquid to said reservoir (20), said pipe (32) being connected to said reservoir (20) through at least one through opening (13) made in the shell (10).

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of hydromassage bath devices. Technological background

[0002] We know of bathtubs or similar devices that allow hydromassage of an anatomical area, particularly the back, of a user by directing jets of pressurized water towards that area.

[0003] A typical spa of this type consists of a tub equipped with multiple massage points, achieved using jets located on the tub's walls. These jets are grouped according to the different anatomical regions of the user's body. Each jet is supplied with water from a pump via a hose connected to a manifold.

[0004] The massage points, as described above, require a considerable number of parts for their operation, for example, the nozzle, its fixing means, sealing means, the supply pipe, etc. This impacts both the cost of making the hydromassage bath, but also its maintenance.

[0005] Furthermore, each nozzle requires a corresponding perforation to be made in the bathtub, thus increasing the risk of leaks, particularly when mounting the nozzles on the wall or due to wear and tear.

[0006] There is therefore a need to further improve hydromassage bath devices, in particular to reduce the cost of creating massage points while maintaining good massage performance. Summary of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to meet this need and relates to a hydromassage bath device comprising: A shell delimiting a volume intended to receive a liquid such as water, and one or more users, At least one liquid reservoir disposed in said shell and configured to be pressurized when supplied with liquid, said reservoir having on a first face, at least one liquid inlet orifice into the reservoir, and on a second face, a plurality of pressurized liquid outlet orifices from the reservoir into said volume, called " massage orifices ", a liquid supply system comprising at least one pipe arranged to bring the liquid to said reservoir, said pipe being connected to said reservoir through at least one through opening made in the hull.

[0008] Preferably, the liquid is water.

[0009] In the present invention, a reduced number of perforations are provided in the casing for all the massage jets of a single reservoir. Preferably, a single through-hole is made in the casing to supply the corresponding reservoir with liquid. Therefore, for a similar, or even improved, massage result, fewer perforations are required than in conventional bath devices. This helps reduce the risk of leaks mentioned above.

[0010] Furthermore, the claimed bathing device features reservoirs that are pressurized when filled with liquid. This allows for jets of liquid to be directed through the massage jets without the need for nozzles. Consequently, the number of parts required to create the massage points is significantly reduced. This, on the one hand, lowers the cost of the parts needed for the massage, and on the other hand, simplifies the maintenance of these massage points. Reservoir

[0011] The reservoir allows for the creation of a suitable space to accumulate the liquid under pressure.

[0012] As mentioned above, the reservoir is configured to be pressurized when it is filled with liquid by the aforementioned supply system. This pressurization creates jets of liquid through the massage nozzles, allowing for the massage of a specific anatomical area of ​​the user. Furthermore, the invention, through the reservoir and its pressurization, eliminates the need for nozzles, thus reducing the number of parts involved in creating the massage points.

[0013] At least one massage orifice may be without a nozzle.

[0014] Preferably, all massage orifices of the reservoir are free of nozzles.

[0015] At least one massage orifice of the reservoir can open directly into said volume.

[0016] Preferably, all the massage orifices of the reservoir open directly into said volume.

[0017] Preferably, the first face of the tank is distinct from the second face. Advantageously, the first and second faces are opposite faces of the tank.

[0018] The tank can have a capacity greater than 0.1 L, better greater than 0.3 L, even better greater than 0.5 L.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tank has a capacity greater than or equal to 1L, preferably greater than or equal to 2L, more preferably ranging from 2L to 3L, even more preferably ranging from 2.1L to 2.7L, or even ranging from 2.2L to 2.6L.

[0020] The device may include at least two tanks arranged in different locations on the hull, including on the same side of the hull or on different opposite or adjacent sides.

[0021] The bathing unit can have between 1 and 50 tanks, better between 2 and 30, even better between 2 and 15.

[0022] At least two reservoirs may have a different number of massage ports and / or a different arrangement of massage ports.

[0023] Preferably, the tank is fixed to the hull.

[0024] Preferably, the tank is housed in a recess or imprint made in the hull.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is formed by a hollow-shaped part, said part having within it a space for liquid accumulation. Said space is delimited by the walls of the hollow part.

[0026] Preferably, the shell includes at least one recess for the hollow part, the recess being made in the inner face of a wall of the shell and opening into the volume. Preferably, the through opening in the shell leads into the recess.

[0027] Preferably, the hollow piece is placed in the aforementioned recess so as to cover at least partially the recess. Reservation

[0028] Preferably, the reservation is made in a side wall of the shell, in particular in a wall intended to be in contact with an anatomical area, particularly dorsal, of the user.

[0029] The reservation is made by stamping, thermoforming, or by any other known technique.

[0030] The hull may have at least two reservations in two different locations on the hull and at least two hollow pieces, each arranged to cover the corresponding reservation.

[0031] Preferably, reservations should be in the same format.

[0032] Alternatively, the reservations can be of different shape and / or size(s).

[0033] The reservations can be present on the same wall, for example on the side wall.

[0034] Reservations can be placed on the same side or on two different sides of the wall, including adjacent or opposite sides. Hollow piece

[0035] The hollow part is configured to be energized when the tank is supplied with liquid by said supply system.

[0036] Preferably, the hollow part has the inlet opening on its first face opposite the reservation. Preferably, the massage openings are located on a second face of the part, distinct from the first face, preferably opposite the first face.

[0037] Preferably, the piece is monolithic.

[0038] By " monolithic"The part is meant to be a single, unified block. The part can be obtained by molding, particularly by rotomolding, by injection molding, or by blow molding."

[0039] Preferably, the part is made of plastic.

[0040] Alternatively, the part is made of a metallic material. The metallic material can be chosen from steel, including stainless steel, or even aluminum.

[0041] The part can be attached to the hull in a removable manner, in particular by snapping, screwing or by other means of removable attachment.

[0042] The room can extend over a maximum measured length, along a longitudinal axis of it, of between 50 and 2000 mm, better between 60 and 1500 mm, even better between 80 and 1000 mm, especially between 100 and 800 mm.

[0043] The room can have a maximum width measured along a transverse axis of it, between 50 and 1500 mm, better between 60 and 1000 mm, even better between 100 and 800 mm, especially between 150 and 500 mm.

[0044] The part may have, in front view, a substantially polygonal outline, in particular parallelogrammatic, rectangular, square, etc.

[0045] Alternatively, the part has a circular or elliptical outline when viewed from the front.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of massage ports in the part or reservoir includes a primary massage port arranged to at least partially overlap the inlet port, and in particular, secondary massage ports. Also, a portion of the liquid arriving through the pipe may flow directly into the primary massage port, and the other portion of the liquid arriving through the pipe may, in particular, fill the reservoir so as to pressurize it, allowing this portion of liquid to be ejected through the secondary massage ports under the effect of pressure. This results in jets of pressurized liquid exiting the secondary massage ports, thus providing the desired massage.

[0047] Preferably, the inlet orifice has a larger cross-section than the main massage orifice.

[0048] Preferably, the main massage orifice has a larger cross-section than the secondary massage orifices.

[0049] For example, secondary massage orifices have a circular cross-section with a diameter ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm, preferably ranging from 7 mm to 13 mm, more preferably ranging from 8 mm to 12 mm.

[0050] The hydromassage bath unit can be configured so that the liquid exiting the reservoir through each of the secondary massage orifices has an exit velocity ranging from 0.5 m / sec to 2.1 m / sec, preferably ranging from 0.8 m / sec to 1.8 m / sec, more preferably ranging from 1 m / sec to 1.6 m / sec.

[0051] The hydromassage bath unit can be configured so that the liquid exiting the reservoir through the main massage orifice has an exit velocity ranging from 7.8 m / sec to 11.8 m / sec, preferably ranging from 8.8 m / sec to 10.8 m / sec, more preferably ranging from 9.3 m / sec to 10.3 m / sec.

[0052] Preferably, the ratio of the liquid exit velocity through the main massage orifice to the liquid exit velocity through each of the secondary massage orifices is between 6 and 9, preferably between 6.5 and 8.5, more preferably between 7 and 8, even more preferably between 7.2 and 7.8, or even between 7.3 and 7.7.

[0053] The massage orifices can be of different sizes and / or shapes.

[0054] Alternatively, all the orifices of the plurality of massage orifices of the hollow part or reservoir are identical.

[0055] The reservoir or hollow part can have between 2 and 30 orifices, better between 2 and 20, even better between 2 and 15.

[0056] The massage openings can be circular in cross-section or slit-shaped.

[0057] When the device has at least two tanks, the corresponding parts may be identical in shape or have different shapes.

[0058] In particular, at least two parts may have a different number of massage orifices and / or a different arrangement of massage orifices.

[0059] The hydromassage bath unit can be configured so that the tank is supplied with liquid at its inlet orifice with a supply flow rate ranging from 40 L / min to 60 L / min, preferably ranging from 45 L / min to 55 L / min, more preferably ranging from 47 L / min to 53 L / min, and even more preferably ranging from 48 L / min to 52 L / min.

[0060] The hydromassage bath unit can be configured so that the tank is supplied with liquid at its inlet orifice with a supply pressure ranging from 0.5 bar to 1.5 bar, preferably ranging from 0.7 bar to 1.3 bar, more preferably ranging from 0.8 bar to 1.2 bar, and even more preferably ranging from 0.9 bar to 1.1 bar. Power supply system

[0061] The power supply system may include at least one bulkhead fitting with a body suitable for being fixed to a ledge surrounding the through opening made in the hull.

[0062] Preferably, the body includes a fluid passage arranged to connect to the pipe and to pass through the fluid inlet port provided in the reservoir. This fluid passage also allows the fluid to be conveyed from the pipe to the reservoir.

[0063] The supply system may include a pump to supply the tank(s) with pressurized liquid.

[0064] When the device has at least two tanks as described above, these can be connected in series or in parallel

[0065] In this embodiment, the supply system includes a plurality of fittings, notably T or Y fittings, to connect the pipes together. Preferably, the bulkhead fittings are each connected to the corresponding pipe by a fitting.

[0066] Alternatively, the supply system includes one or more manifolds, with each tank connected to the manifold(s) by means of the corresponding pipe.

[0067] The supply system may include at least one means of regulating the pressure and / or flow rate of the liquid. The regulating means may consist of one or more valves.

[0068] The bathing appliance can be a bathtub, a swimming pool, a spa or even a jacuzzi ®< .

[0069] The invention also relates to a method of using a bathing appliance according to the invention, said method comprising: supplying the reservoir(s) with liquid from the corresponding inlet port so as to pressurize the reservoir(s), the jet of pressurized liquid through the massage ports towards an anatomical part of a user to perform a massage of a portion of said anatomical area. Brief description of the figures

[0070] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will clearly explain the nature of the invention and how it can be implemented. Regarding the accompanying figures: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a perspective view of a hydromassage bath device according to the invention; [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a top view of the device figure 1 ; fig. 3a] and [fig. 3b ] are details of the device of the figure 1 ; fig. 4a] and [fig. 4b ] are cross-sections of the figures 3a and 3b , respectively; [ Fig. 5 ] represents in isolation a hollow part and a bulkhead element according to the invention; [ Fig. 6 ] is a perspective view of a variant of the bathing apparatus according to the invention; [ Fig. 7 ] is a top view of the device of the figure 6 ; Fig. 8 ] is a detail of the device of the figure 6 ; Fig. 9 ] is a bottom view of another variant of the bathing apparatus according to the invention, [ fig. 10a] and [fig. 10b ] are an example of an apparatus according to the invention in which the tanks are connected in parallel, and [ Fig. 11 ] represents the apparatus of figures 10a-b without the case. Description of method(s) of implementation

[0071] In the figures, and unless otherwise specified, identical elements shall bear the same reference symbols.

[0072] We represented at figures 1 to 4 , a hydromassage bath device 1 according to the invention.

[0073] As illustrated, the hydromassage bath unit 1 comprises a shell 10 delimiting a volume 15 intended to hold a liquid such as water and to accommodate one or more users. In the illustrated example, the shell 10 has a substantially polygonal, specifically rectangular, contour when viewed from above.

[0074] The shell 10 rests on a frame 11 and includes a side wall 12 having an inner face 14 against which an anatomical area, particularly the back or lumbar region, of the user can rest. As illustrated, this side wall 12 has on its inner face 14 a plurality of recesses 16 in different locations, here four in number. These recesses 16 open into the volume 15 and each has a depth p r between 50 and 200 mm. Each reservation extends over a length Lr between 100 and 800 mm.

[0075] In the illustrated example, the recesses 16 are present on two opposite sides 12a and 12c of the wall 12. Alternatively, the recesses 16 are present on two adjacent sides 12a and 12b of the wall 12 as illustrated in the figure 7 , or both on adjacent and opposite sides 12a-c, as in the example of the figure 9 .

[0076] Each recess 16 receives a part 22. Each part 22 is removably mounted on the shell 10 so as to at least partially cover the corresponding recess 16. The part 22 is hollow, as can be seen in the figures 4a and 4b Thanks to its hollow shape, part 22 constitutes a liquid reservoir 20 capable of accumulating liquid. The reservoir is supplied with pressurized liquid through a liquid inlet orifice 24 made in the wall of part 22. As illustrated, the inlet orifice 24 is made in a first face of the part which is opposite the corresponding recess 16.

[0077] In the illustrated example, the hollow part 22 is made of plastic and is configured to be pressurized when supplied with liquid.

[0078] The room extends over a maximum length L p measured between 100 and 800 mm and has a maximum width I pmeasured between 150 and 500 mm.

[0079] Each hollow part 22 has on a second face, opposite the first face, a plurality of outlets 26 and 28 for pressurized liquid from the reservoir 20 to said volume 15 and therefore to the aforementioned anatomical area, called " massage orifices » in what follows.

[0080] The number and distribution of massage orifices in the hollow part 22 depend on the type of massage desired. The hollow parts in the example each have a different number and distribution of massage orifices. The number of massage orifices in a single part can range from two to twenty.

[0081] In the example considered, each hollow part 22 has a main massage orifice 26 and secondary massage orifices 28. The main massage orifice 26 is positioned so as to overlap at least partially with the inlet orifice 24. The inlet orifice 24 has a larger cross-section than the main massage orifice.

[0082] In the example illustrated in figures 1 to 4 The piece is monolithic. Alternatively, and as represented in figures 6 to 8 The part is formed by two portions 22a and 22b. The main portion 22a includes the inlet and massage ports as described above.

[0083] The reservoirs 20 are supplied by means of a supply system 30. The supply system 30 comprises a plurality of pipes 32, each of these pipes 32 being arranged to bring the liquid to one of the reservoirs 20. The pipe 32 is connected to the corresponding reservoir 20 through a through opening 13 made in the hull 10. In the illustrated example, the through opening 13 is made at the level of each reservation 16.

[0084] The power supply system 30 further comprises a plurality of bulkhead elements 34 each comprising a body 35 fixed on a rim surrounding one of the through openings 13.

[0085] As is particularly evident in the figure 5 , the bulkhead fitting 34 includes a liquid passage 36 arranged to be connected to the corresponding pipe 32 and to pass through the liquid inlet orifice 24 provided in the hollow part 22.

[0086] The supply system 30 includes a pump 31 to supply the tank(s) 20 with pressurized liquid.

[0087] The tanks can be connected in series, as illustrated in the figure 9 In this embodiment, the supply system 30 comprises a plurality of fittings 39, notably T or Y fittings, for connecting the pipes 32 together. In this example, the bulkhead fittings each cooperate with the corresponding pipe via one of the fittings 39.

[0088] Alternatively, the supply system includes a manifold (not shown) to which the tanks 20 are connected by means of the corresponding pipe 32, as illustrated in the figure 6 .

[0089] THE figures 10a-b And 11 illustrate an example in which the tanks are connected in parallel.

[0090] The supply system 30 further includes regulation of the pressure and / or flow of the liquid 38. The regulation means 38 includes in the illustrated examples a valve.

[0091] We will now describe the operation of a bathing device according to the invention.

[0092] The supply system feeds pressurized liquid into the reservoir 20, formed by the hollow part 22, using the pump 31 and the lines 32. Due to the position of the main massage jets, some of the liquid delivered by the lines enters these jets directly and is thus ejected into the volume 15 first. A second portion enters the reservoir. This supply pressurizes the reservoir, allowing the liquid to be ejected through the secondary massage jets under pressure. This results in jets of pressurized liquid that provide the desired massage.

[0093] The invention is not limited to the examples just described.

[0094] The number of hollow parts used may vary. The general shape of the hollow parts may differ from that of the figures 1 to 11 .

[0095] The massage openings may be slit-shaped.

Claims

1. Hydromassage bath apparatus (1) comprising: - a shell (10) delimiting a volume (15) intended to receive a liquid such as water, and one or more users, - at least one liquid reservoir (20) arranged in said shell (10) and configured to be pressurized when it is supplied with liquid, said reservoir (20) comprising on a first face, at least one inlet orifice (24) for liquid in the reservoir, and on a second face, a plurality of outlet orifices (26; 28) for pressurized liquid from the reservoir to said volume, called " massage holes ", at least one massage orifice being without a nozzle, - a liquid supply system (30) comprising at least one pipe (32) arranged to bring the liquid to said reservoir (20), said pipe (32) being connected to said reservoir (20) through at least one through opening (13) made in the shell (10).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising at least two reservoirs (20) arranged at different locations on the hull, in particular on the same side of the hull (10) or on different opposite or adjacent sides.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that at least two reservoirs (20) have a different number of massage orifices (26; 28) and / or a different arrangement of massage orifices (26; 28).

4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reservoir (20) is formed by a hollow-shaped part (22) configured to be pressurized when it is supplied with liquid, in that the shell (10) comprises at least one reservation (16) opening towards said volume (15) and in which said part (22) is arranged so as to at least partially cover the reservation (16), and in thatsaid reservation (16) is made in an inner face (14) of a wall (12) of said shell (10).

5. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shell has at least two reservations (16) at two different locations on the shell and at least two hollow parts (22) each arranged so as to cover the corresponding reservation.

6. Apparatus according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reservations (16) are present on the same wall (12), for example on the side wall, in particular on the same side (12a) or on at least two different sides of the wall (12a-c), in particular adjacent or opposite.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in thatthe liquid inlet orifice (24) is provided on a first face of the hollow part (22) opposite the reservation (16), and the massage orifices (26; 28) are arranged on a second face of the hollow part (22), in particular distinct from the first face, preferably opposite the first face.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the hollow part (22) is monolithic.

9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the hollow part (22) is removably mounted on the shell (10).

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the hollow part (22) is obtained by molding, in particular by rotational molding.

11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe supply system (30) comprises at least one bulkhead element (34) comprising a body (35) capable of being fixed to a rim surrounding the through opening (13) of the shell (10), the body comprising in particular a liquid passage (36) arranged to be connected to the corresponding pipe (32) and to pass through the liquid inlet orifice (24) provided in the tank (20).

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