Multi-functional therapy pool

Abstract

A multi-functional therapy pool for use in physical rehabilitation, strengthening exercises and recreational purposes. The multi-functional therapy pool preferably has a generally rectangular shape wherein one side of the pool is provided with patient entry means and a seating area adjacent thereto. The remaining three sides of the pool are preferably provided with a continuous overflow gutter formed upon the upper periphery that is operative to catch splashes and minimize waves during physical activity within the pool. A number of therapeutic modalities will further be integrated within the pool, including spa jets, integrated underwater treadmill, and specialized hand rails to facilitate access in and out of the pool.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONSStatement Re: Federally Sponsored Research / Development[0001]Not ApplicableBACKGROUND[0002]The present invention is directed to a multi-functional therapy pool that is specifically designed and configured for use in physical rehabilitation, strengthening exercises and general recreation purposes that is significantly more advanced than conventional swimming pool design.[0003]Swimming pools are well-known in the art. Generally, swimming pools can take a variety of shapes and sizes, and may be designed for a wide range of purposes. In this regard, pools can range from small spas and current pools that are operative to fit no more than one to two swimmers at a time to architecturally-designed pools having complex depths, designs, and water features that sprawl across the most luxurious of resorts. With respect to standardized pools, the same can likewise vary greatly from small wading pools to Olympic-sized swimming pools, the latter being regarded...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]As is further contemplated, and per conventional spa design, the multi-functional therapy pool may be provided with jets and/or hydro-massage chairs and the like that may be adapted to serve as a patient waiting area. In a preferred embodiment, the multi-functional therapy pool will be formed to have a generally rectangular shape whereby one side of the pool will be provided with steps, ramp and the like with hand rails to enable individuals to easily enter and exit the pool with the remaining three sides having a periphery defining the aforementioned overflow gutter. To that end, it is contemplated that dual width handrails may be provided to accommodate

Problems solved by technology

Despite the well-known advantages of hydrotherapy, the use of most conventional pools is ill-suited to that end.

In this regard, conventional swimming pool design, and in particular conventional in-ground recreational pools, only provides a limited shallow area that is actually usable for hydrotherapy and rehabilitation purposes.

The “deep end” of such pools in not only impractical to perform a majority of rehabilitation exercises and activities, but also poses a risk of drowning as most recreational pools have a gradual transition from shallow to deeper portions that pose a risk that frail or non-ambulatory individuals may drown.

Likewise, most conventional pools do not provide easily accessible steps or structures that readily allow hydrotherapy patients to get in and out of the hydrotherapy pool, and much less seating accommodations specifically designed for use with hydrotherapy patients.

Still further, most conventional pool design does not provide for any mechanism to provide for systematic hydrotherapy training or rehabilitation

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