Apparatus for dry hydrotherapy body massage in reclining position

Abstract

An apparatus for dry hydrotherapy body massage of a user in a reclining position includes a housing structure having a user support surface for supporting the user in a seated position, and a fluid spray assembly disposed in the housing structure, the user support surface includes a seat back portion, a seat portion having a semi-cylindrical main seat section and a leg seat section, where 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, a fluid spray assembly is 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 parts of the user through the support surface.

Description

[0001] Priority claim This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 16 / 800,490, filed on February 25, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 811,928, filed on February 28, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to devices for applying a massaging effect to a user's body, and more particularly to a dry hydrotherapy body massage device utilizing a fluid spray assembly for the massaging effect. Background Art

[0003] Massage is a time-honored and effective therapy for muscle injuries, strains, and general aches and pains. However, although massage is recommended by many physicians for such purposes, the therapy has limited availability due to a lack of trained and qualified masseurs. Therefore, many devices and apparatus have been proposed in the past for producing massage-like manipulations 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, which are applied in a wet environment (such as partially immersing the user's body in a bathtub arrangement) or in a dry environment, in which a fluid spray assembly is contained in a fluid-tight bed or chair-type structure for applying a massage effect to the user's body without requiring the user to remove clothing.

[0004] Representative examples of the latter type of device, commonly referred to as dry hydromassage, are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,635,620; 4,751,919; 4,757,808; 4,908,016; 4,976,256; 5,074,286; 5,713,834; and 6,036,663. Such devices have achieved moderate success, and efforts continue within the relevant industry to expand their acceptance, availability, and usefulness.

[0005] Most such known hydromassage devices are in the form of a bed-type structure 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 arrangement arranged for longitudinal travel in a substantially linear path of travel alongside the user's body within the interior of the device, thereby allowing part or the entire length of the user's body to be treated by hydromassage.

[0006] On the other hand, one of the perceived disadvantages of bed-type dry spa devices is that the supine position of the user does not facilitate enabling the user to engage in other activities during operation of the device, such as reading, watching television, operating a laptop or other personal electronic device, etc. In addition, experience has shown that many people feel uncomfortable using massage devices in public, where they are required to lie down on the machine. Many users have suggested that a reclining or seated position would make them feel less vulnerable. For this reason, a desire has been expressed in the industry for a dry spa massage device in which the user generally reclines in a seated position during operation of the device, thereby allowing the user to read a book or magazine, watch television, or otherwise stay busy with other activities.

[0007] Some known devices to address this need include chairs for performing dry hydromassage on a user in a seated position. While such chair devices have achieved a reasonable degree of success, a limitation of the devices is that, due to the user's position being in a seated position, the forces exerted by the pressurized water jets on the user's upper body portion may cause the user to slide along a support surface on which the user is positioned. 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 hydromassage devices in which the user is maintained in a desired reclining and / or seated position during the massage operation.

[0008] Another common problem with existing hydromassage devices is the exit of water vapor from the interior when a user steps on the device, and the subsequent entry of ambient air into the interior of the device when the user steps off the device. For example, a typical hydromassage device includes a water tank that holds between 20 and 80 gallons of water, wherein a small amount of water exits the device as water vapor when a user steps on the unit, and the internal volume of the device is slightly reduced. For example, an existing device may have approximately one cubic foot of air and entrained water vapor that is pushed out of the device with each use. This small amount of water loss from the device with each use ultimately requires additional water to be added to the interior of the device, such as up to three gallons per day. In addition, the entry of ambient air along with corresponding potential contaminants (such as, but not limited to, dust, dirt, dander, etc.) may increase the need for regular maintenance, as the internal components of the device may become dirty more frequently. As such, there is a need for a hydromassage device with improved water vapor retention when a user lies / sits on the support surface of the device.

[0009] As noted above, typical prior art hydromassage devices utilize between 20 and 80 gallons of water that are held within the internal volume of the hydromassage device. Such large volumes of water may be impractical for known devices to provide auxiliary containment volumes for holding such amounts of water in the event of a catastrophic and / or chronic minor leak from the device. As such, there is a need for a hydromassage device that utilizes smaller amounts of water to help prevent damage from potential leaks. Summary of the invention

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device for dry hydrotherapy body massage for a user in a reclining position is provided, which includes a shell structure and a fluid spray assembly, wherein the shell structure has a user support surface for supporting the user in a seated position, the user support surface including a substantially planar seat back portion, a seat portion having a semi-cylindrical main seat section and a substantially 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 arranged between the seat back portion and the leg seat section, and the seat back portion is suitable for supporting the upper body portion of the user, the leg seat section is suitable for supporting the upper leg area of ​​the lower body portion of the user, and the main seat section is suitable for supporting the buttocks of the user, and the fluid spray assembly is internally located within the shell structure for guiding a fluid flow at the user support surface for imparting a massage effect to the upper body portion and the lower body portion of the user through the user support surface.

[0011] Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is a device for dry hydrotherapy body massage of a user, which includes a shell structure and a steam circulation system, the shell structure having a shell shell and a user support surface for supporting a user in a reclining position, the shell shell including a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upward from the bottom wall, wherein the user support surface is fixed to the upper periphery of the side walls, thereby defining an inner chamber, the steam circulation system including a main body defining the inner chamber, wherein the shell structure and the inner chamber of the steam circulation system are fluidically connected to each other via a first passage, and the shell structure and the inner chamber of the steam circulation system form a closed system.

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] A complete and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1A and Figure 1Bare perspective and side views of a dry hydromassage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 and Figure 3 For Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a massage device shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B They are Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a head / neck spray deflector of a massage device shown in; Figure 5 for Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of a water vapor circulation system of a massage device shown in; Figure 6 for Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of an elongated massage spray head of a massage device shown in FIG. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B They are Figure 1A and Figure 1B A top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of a housing shell of a massage device shown in FIG. Figure 8 for Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A top plan view of the housing shell shown in FIG. Fig. 9 For along Figure 1A The line 9-9 is intercepted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A cross-sectional side plan view of a massage device shown in; Fig.10 For along Figure 1B The line 10-10 is intercepted Figure 1A and Figure 1B A cross-sectional view of a user support retention system of a massage device shown in; Fig.11A and Fig. 11B for Figure 6 An interior plan view and an exterior plan view of an elongated massage spray head shown in; Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B for Figure 6 An exterior plan view and an interior plan view of an elongated massage spray head shown in FIG. Fig.13A , Fig. 13B as well as Fig. 13C for Figure 6 A top view, a rear view, and a front view of the elongated massage spray head shown in FIG. Fig.14To illustrate the leg spray deflector Figure 1A and Figure 1B A vertical cross-sectional view of the massage device shown in FIG. 1 ; and Fig.15 is a perspective view of a housing shell of an alternative embodiment of a dry hydromassage device according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] 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

[0015] As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art, the dry hydrotherapy device of the present disclosure is readily adaptable to embodiment in many forms and multiple forms to accommodate massage of users in different seated postures. The present disclosure is described herein in one contemplated embodiment of such a device, but only for the purpose of providing an exemplary enabling disclosure of the present invention, and in particular, except as defined in the appended claims, the present invention is not intended to be limited to and should not be construed as limited to application or embodiment in such a device or any other specific configuration.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings and first to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 , a dry hydrotherapy body massage device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is generally indicated at 10. The body massage device 10 includes a housing structure, generally indicated at 12, generally in the form of a reclining chair-like structure, presenting an upwardly facing side 14 forming a user support surface, the user support surface being configured for a user 100 to recline thereon for massage therapy in a seated reclining position, as explained more fully below. A fluid spray assembly (generally indicated at 16 ( Figure 2 ) indicates) and from pump 28 ( Figure 7B ) Pull out the pressurized fluid supply arrangement (generally 18 ( Figure 3 ) indication) is provided in association within the housing 12 for guiding the discharge of pressurized fluid at the underside of the user support surface 14 to transmit the massage effect to the body of the user 100 seated thereon through the user support surface 14.

[0017] The recliner structure 12 includes a chair body formed as a generally hollow shell shell 20 ( Fig. 7A , Figure 7B as well as Figure 8), which is generally in the form of a box or barrel of elongated construction that is closed at its bottom 30 and sidewalls 21 and generally open at its top to define an upwardly facing elongated opening. The housing shell 20 can be made of any suitable impermeable, rigid material of appropriate strength that can 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 (e.g., made of any suitable structural material (metal rods, tubing, fiberglass, etc.) Figure 3 ) 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 ( Figure 2 and Fig. 9 ) for encapsulating various operating components of the body massage device 10.

[0018] like Figure 3 As best seen in FIG. 1 , the upright frame 25 of the body massage device 10 includes a continuously 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 that a leak occurs in the housing shell 20 or any of the components and conduits supported by the frame 25, the water will be retained within the frame 25, thereby preventing damage to carpets, floors, etc. disposed beneath the body massage device 10. As discussed in more detail below, the ability of the disclosed body massage device 10 to continue to function while retaining as little as 8 to 12 gallons of water therein makes it possible to include the described leak-proof volume.

[0019] like Figure 1BAs best seen in the drawing, the lateral sidewalls 21 of the shell shell 20 define a contour to form a generally planar seat back portion 22 and a 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 oriented at an angle relative to the leg seat section 24' to form a user support surface 14. Preferably, the seat back portion 22 and the leg seat section 24' are oriented at an angle relative to each other, with the main seat section 29 disposed therebetween. The user support surface 14 is configured so that the upper body portion 101 and the lower body portion 103 of the user 100 are each supported in a generally reclining seating arrangement comparable to that of a reclining chair, wherein the user's body leans in a bend at the waist and knees, wherein the upper body portion 101 partially reclines on the seat back portion 22, the upper leg region 103' of the lower body portion 103 is slightly inclined on the leg seat section 24', and the lower leg region 103" is slightly inclined on the footrest section 24". The slight bending of the user's legs at the knees helps to push the legs downward into the user support surface 14, resulting in a more effective massage (compared to conventional units utilizing a planar support section for the user's lower body).

[0020] As shown, the main seat section 29 is semi-cylindrical in shape and extends below the area that will be the intersection of the seat back portion 22 and the leg seat section 24'. As such, a tiny 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 positioned on the user support surface 14, the ridge 31 prevents the force exerted by the pressurized fluid jets impacting the user from causing the user to slide along the leg seat section 24'. Likewise, the main seat section 29 helps position the user's lower back and buttocks for a more powerful massage because 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 appropriate areas of the user's body to achieve the desired massage effect.

[0021] Reference now Figure 8 and Fig. 9, a hollow interior chamber 27 is defined by the housing shell 20. A bottom wall 30 of the housing shell 20 forms a drainage surface that slopes centrally along the longitudinal extent of the housing shell 20 into the reservoir basin 28. 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 flows down the drainage surface too quickly, it is possible that the water will pass over the reservoir basin 28 rather than enter the reservoir basin 28. Such a rapid rate of water return requires a relatively large volume of water to be maintained in the reservoir basin 28 to ensure continued operation of the massage device 10. By utilizing the dams 33 to control the rate at which water returns 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 retained 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 within the device, although alternative embodiments function at varying flow rates. As previously noted, prior devices require a minimum of 20 gallons of water to be retained therein for continuous operation. Additionally, as Figure 8 , a partition plate 45 is disposed 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 partitions 47 help redirect the flow of water downwardly into the reservoir basin 28 in a uniform manner so that the water in the reservoir basin is less turbulent (compared to the water in the prior art massage device). As such, the likelihood of cavitation within the liquid pump 88 of the pressurized fluid supply arrangement 18 is reduced.

[0022] Liquid materials are preferred as the fluid medium utilized by the body massage device 10 for supply to and discharge from the fluid spray assembly 16 to produce the massage effects as described below, with water being the preferred liquid in view of its readily available and substantially non-corrosive and non-caustic properties. 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, with the bottom drain wall 30 and other interior surfaces of the housing shell 20 configured to drain the liquid discharged from the fluid spray assembly 16 into the basin 28. Of course, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, 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 therefore, 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.

[0023] 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, although the device has the capability of a wide range of liquid temperatures. For this purpose, a heater element (not shown) may be provided, for example mounted within the liquid reservoir basin 28 below the normal level of the massage liquid therein, so as to be generally continuously immersed in the stored massage liquid. A thermostat (not shown) is preferably provided in the circuit to the heater element to provide selective control of the temperature of the massage liquid. Figure 3 As shown in , the device is also preferably provided with a liquid cooling system 70 to counteract heat gain to the massage liquid that may occur due to frictional contact of the liquid as it circulates through the device. 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.

[0024] like Fig. 9 , the liquid cooling system 70 is disposed at the foot of the massage device 10, where it draws in air which travels the length of the massage device 10 in the volume 19 present between the housing shell 20 and the outer shell 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 housing 20 (particularly the bottom wall 30) and the outer shell is larger 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 fan 74 ( Figure 3 ) The ambient air flow drawn into the massage device will experience a Venturi effect as air flows from the large foot section along the smaller center portion and out 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 because the velocity of the air increases as it passes over the internal components.

[0025] In addition, refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B, the housing 20 includes a plurality of vertically extending ribs 76 disposed on the outer surface of the lateral sidewalls 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 stiffness to the lateral sidewalls 21, while the horizontal ribs 78 impart stiffness to the bottom wall of the hollow housing 20. As such, the amount of material utilized in forming both the lateral sidewalls 21 and the bottom wall 30 of the hollow housing 20 may be reduced while still maintaining the stiffness of a thicker wall housing. As such, the vertical ribs 76 and the horizontal ribs 78 allow for an overall reduction in the 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.

[0026] The user support surface 14 may be formed of a relatively thin sheet 34 of waterproof material attached in watertight relation across the flange 32 that borders the upwardly facing opening. The sheet 34 is preferably thin enough so that the impact of fluid discharged from the fluid spray assembly 16 on the underside of the sheet 34 transmits a massaging effect to the user's body through the sheet 34. In addition, the sheet 34 is preferably sufficiently flexible and resilient to generally conform to the user's body for maximizing the transfer of the massaging effect to the user through the sheet 34. In this manner, the sheet 34 acts in the nature of a waterproof membrane to keep the user dry during operation of the body massage device 10 without significantly inhibiting 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 mil thickness is a suitable material that provides these properties for the sheet 34, however a variety of other commercially available rubber and plastic sheet materials should also provide suitable results.

[0027] As the primary means of weight-bearing support for the user, an open mesh net 35, shown in phantom in FIG. 1 , can be attached to the flange 32 of the housing shell 20 in a tensioned state horizontally across the opening of the housing shell 20 just below the sheet 34. The net 35 should have sufficient strength 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 the net 35 allows the fluid to pass from the fluid spray assembly 16 through the net 35 and against the underside of the sheet 34 substantially unrestricted. Preferably, the net 35 is not in the area of ​​the user support surface 14 as taught, which is below the user's head and the lowermost leg area. As such, the user's head and feet can "sink" into the user support surface 14 compared to the rest of the user support surface for better positioning and enhanced massage effects.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, Fig. 7A as well as Fig.10, the flange 32 and sidewalls 21 of the housing shell 20 are covered by a frame panel 36 to provide an aesthetically pleasing exterior enclosure of the overall housing shell 20 and the internal operating components housed beneath the shell 20. Specifically, it is important that a proper seal be maintained between the interior chamber 27 of the hollow housing 20 and the sheet material 34 to prevent loss of water from the interior of the massage device 10. As such, a continuous groove 41 is provided 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 an O-ring 39 therein. Fig.10 32, the outer periphery of the sheet 34 extends over the annular groove 41, into which the O-ring 39 is then placed. With the O-ring 39 in place, a series of interlocking frame panels 36 are secured in place by threaded knobs 23 engaging the underside of the flange 32, thereby securing the sheet 34 to the flange 32. In an alternative embodiment, the frame panels 36 may be secured to the flange 32 by snapping the frame panels 36 into place via features that interlock with the flange 32. Downwardly extending protrusions 36' extend from the bottom surface of each frame panel 36 into the continuous groove 41, thereby compressing the O-ring 39 and enhancing the watertight seal of the 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 is necessary for servicing the unit. In addition, the upper surfaces of the frame panels 36 that cover and abut the flange 32 may preferably be cushioned for user comfort during entry and exit of the user support surface 14.

[0029] The interior chamber 27 of the housing shell 20 is substantially filled with air, except for the portion of the interior chamber 27 occupied by 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 interior volume of the interior chamber 27 as the user support surface 14 moves slightly downward into the interior chamber 27, some air and possibly entrained water vapor would be expected to escape from the hollow housing 20. To prevent ambient air and dust, dirt, etc. from subsequently entering the interior of the hollow housing 20, the present massage device 10 includes a water vapor circulation system 130, such as Figure 3 and Figure 51. As shown, the water vapor circulation system 130 includes an inflatable chamber 131 that is secured to the outer surface of the head portion of the hollow housing 20 and is connected to the interior of the hollow housing 20 via a conduit 134 connected to an inlet 132 of the chamber 131. As such, when air and entrained water vapor are forced to exit the hollow housing 20, it is collected in the chamber 131 rather than exiting to the surrounding environment. When a user removes the user support surface 14, rather than inhaling air from the surrounding environment, air is simply drawn back into the hollow housing 20 from the chamber 131. An outlet 136 is provided in the bottom of the chamber 131 to allow condensed water vapor 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 water volume within the massage unit 10 and preventing the ingress of dust, debris, etc. from the surrounding environment.

[0030] Reference now Figure 6 , the fluid spray assembly 16 includes an elongated massage spray head (generally indicated at 44) that is oriented transversely across a width-wise area of ​​the user's body. The massage head 44 may have any of a variety of possible configurations and components that are suitable for discharging massage fluid under pressure against the underside of the diaphragm sheet 34. For example, in one possible configuration, the massage head 44 may have a generally hollow outer body 52 having a plurality of discharge openings 56 over substantially the entire area of ​​the upward surface of the body 52 facing the sheet 34, each of the plurality of discharge openings 56 being in the form of a nozzle. The discharge openings 56 deliver the pressurized fluid from the body 52 in a jet-like spray from the underside of the diaphragm sheet 34 that is upwardly against the body 52. ​​Preferably, the elongated massage head 44 and the discharge openings 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 that is either strictly laminar or strictly turbulent. A strictly laminar massage spray concentrates the force of the spray in a small area on the user, which can cause pain and discomfort. On the other hand, strictly turbulent flow can disperse 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 spray by way of the design of the massage spray head 44 and the corresponding discharge opening 56, as discussed below.

[0031] In addition, refer to FIG. 11A to FIG. 12B The hollow outer body 52 of the massage spray head 44 is preferably formed by an injection molded upper body portion 82 and an injection molded lower body portion 86. Fig.11A and Fig. 11BAs shown in FIG. 1 , the lower body portion 86 includes a smoothly rounded inlet 84 and a plurality of brackets 46 on each end for receiving corresponding rollers or wheels 48 ( FIG. 13 ). The rounded inlet is configured to provide a smooth inlet water flow into the interior of the outer body 52 so that the flow within the outer body 52 is less turbulent. Fig. 12A and Fig. 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 openings 56 are arranged along a line offset from the longitudinal center 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 openings 56 allows the massage spray head 44 of the present massage device 10 to obtain an optimal massage spray including both laminar and turbulent flow, thereby 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.

[0032] like Figure 2 and FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C 1, elongated massage head 44 is supported at each opposite end by bracket 46, wherein rollers or wheels 48 (FIG. 13) for rolling travel along track 26 traverse laterally back and forth across substantially the entire longitudinal extent of chamber 27 along an angularly varying travel path that follows the angular configuration of track 26. Diagonal tracks 26 are internally attached to bottom wall 30 of housing shell 20, each extending in parallel spaced relationship to one another in an angular section across substantially the entire longitudinal extent of chamber 27. Rollers 48 travel along tracks 26 during longitudinal traversal travel within chamber 27. Preferably, each track 26 is a one-piece structure, although alternative embodiments may include multiple-piece tracks.

[0033] The traversing movement of the massage head 44 is reciprocatedly driven back and forth across the longitudinal area of ​​the massage chamber 27 via any suitable drive mechanism. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a toothed timing belt 66 ( Figure 2) are attached at opposite belt ends to each respective bracket 46 at the end of the massage head 44, thereby forming two endless drive belt loops which are trained around a series of toothed guide pulleys 68 which are 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 each change of angular direction in the track 26. The pulleys 68 at one end of the chamber 27 are fixed to a common drive shaft which is journaled through one of the side walls 21 and connected externally thereof to a reversible drive motor 70 for imparting synchronized 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, such as an electric eye (not shown), may be provided at the limit of travel of the massage head to control the reversal of the drive motor 70.

[0034] Reference again Figure 3 , pressurized fluid is delivered to the massage head 44 from the fluid supply arrangement 18 in any suitable manner. For example, the pressurized fluid supply arrangement 18 may have an electric motor 90 that drives a liquid pump 88 to draw fluid from the liquid reservoir basin 28 of the housing shell 20, for example, via an immersed tubular fitting. The outlet side of the pump 88 delivers the fluid under pressure to the massage head 44 through a 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 the fitting on the outer body 52 of the massage head 44.

[0035] As will be appreciated, the lateral extent of massage heads 44 across interior chamber 27 effectively applies massage action to the entire lateral area of ​​the user's body supported on user support surface 14, and in particular, across the entire width of the user's shoulders, back or chest, midsection, and buttocks. Figure 1B ) and leg regions 112, a fluid spray across the entire width-wise extent of the massage head 44 is not required to achieve an effective massaging action on the narrower neck and legs of the user. Therefore, to ensure optimal application of the massage spray to these selected areas 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 change and redirect the directional stream of the fluid spray to be concentrated in the narrower width-wise portions of the user support surface 14 (primarily only at the neck and legs of the user).

[0036] More specifically, if Figure 4A and Figure 4B, the head / neck deflector 114 includes two pairs of deflector plates 118a and 118b attached to the end wall of the housing shell 20 within the 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 the head region 110 of the user support surface 14 and above the fluid spray assembly 16. The deflector plates 118a and 118b are thereby respectively disposed outwardly adjacent to the region of the user support surface 14 upon which the neck and head of the user will rest, and the plates 118a and 118b within each pair are inclined toward one another in a converging relationship for deflecting a portion of the fluid stream from the discharge opening 56 of the massage head 44 (which would otherwise impinge on an unoccupied region of the user support surface 14) inwardly toward the underside of the user support surface 14 in the space between the plates to thereby redirect the deflected portion of the fluid spray to impinge 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 a corresponding deflector. The head / neck deflector 114 helps maximize the massage effect of the massage head 44 in the soft tissue of the user's neck area by preventing any direct impingement of the water jets on the spinal cord area without first being redirected by the deflector. Likewise, the deflector prevents the water jets from impinging on areas of the user's support surface outside of the area directly supporting the user, thereby reducing extraneous noise from the jets.

[0037] Similarly, if Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the leg deflector 116 ( Figure 2 ) includes a pair of deflector plates 120 attached to opposite end walls of the housing shell 20 proximate to one another within the interior chamber 27 and extending from the longitudinal end walls of the housing centrally along the underside of the leg region 112 of the user support surface 14 and above the fluid spray assembly 16. Thus, the deflector plates 120 are respectively disposed adjacent to a central longitudinal region of the user support surface 14 between outward regions upon which the legs of a user will rest. The plates 120 abut one another along a common lower plate edge and are inclined upwardly away from one another in a diverging relationship for deflecting a portion of the fluid stream from the central region of the massage head 44 (which would otherwise impinge upon an unoccupied region of the user support surface 14 between the legs of the user) outwardly toward the underside of the user support surface 14 outside of the plates 120 to thereby redirect the deflected portion of the fluid spray to impinge against the legs of the user.

[0038] The operation of the body massage device of the present disclosure may 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 therefrom through the discharge opening 56 in a jet-like spray. The relative thinness of the sheet 34, together with its elastic flexibility, allows the sheet 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 the sheet 34 is easily transmitted therethrough to the user's body to produce a massaging effect on the user's body. As the massage head 44 reaches each opposite end of the inner chamber 27 in its traveling movement, an 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.

[0039] Reference now Fig.15 , showing a housing shell 120 according to an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure. The housing shell 120 differs from the previously discussed embodiments primarily in that the fluid spray assembly 16 ( Figure 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, the fluid nozzles 156 are arranged in horizontal and vertical rows along the bottom wall 130. However, note that the fluid nozzles 156 can be positioned in any desired pattern, such as but not limited to circular, staggered, spacing based on positional variations, etc. Note also that during use, the spray nozzles 156 can be operated simultaneously, in selected areas based on the position of the user, independently, etc.

[0040] Therefore, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the present disclosure allows for a wide range of utility and application. Without departing from the essence or scope of the present disclosure, many embodiments and adaptations (except those described herein) of the present disclosure and many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent from the present disclosure and its foregoing description or reasonably suggested by the present disclosure and its foregoing description. Therefore, although the present disclosure has been described in detail herein with respect to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the present disclosure only illustrates and exemplifies the present disclosure, and is made only for the purpose of providing a complete and achievable disclosure of the present invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or interpreted as limiting the present disclosure or otherwise excluding any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, and the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device (10) for dry hydrotherapy body massage of a user (100) in a reclining position, comprising: A shell structure (12) having a user support surface (14) for supporting the user (100) in the reclining position, the user support surface (14) comprising a generally planar seat back portion (22), a seat portion (24) having a semi-cylindrical main seat section (29) and a generally planar leg seat section (24'), wherein the seat back portion (22) and the leg seat section (24') are in a relative angular relationship with respect to each other, and the main seat section (29) is disposed between the seat back portion and the leg seat section. The seat back portion (22) is adapted to support an upper body portion (101) of the user (100), the leg seat portion (24') is adapted to support an upper leg region (103') of a lower body portion (103) of the user (100), and the main seat portion (29) is adapted to support a buttocks of the user (100), a first ridge (31) being formed in the user support surface (14) at an intersection of the main seat portion (29) and the leg seat portion (24'); wherein the housing structure (12) comprises a housing shell (20), the housing shell comprising a bottom wall (30) and a plurality of side walls (21) extending upwardly from the bottom wall, wherein the user support surface (14) is secured to an upper periphery of the side walls (21) thereby defining an interior chamber (27); a fluid spray assembly (16) internally located within the housing structure (12) for directing a fluid stream at the user support surface (14) for imparting a massaging effect to the upper body portion (101) and the lower body portion (103) of the user (100) through the user support surface (14); and The first ridge (31) prevents the force applied by the fluid spray assembly (16) from causing the user to slide along the leg seat section (24').

2. The apparatus (10) of claim 1, wherein the user support surface (14) further comprises a substantially planar footrest section (24") configured to support a lower leg region (103") of the lower body portion (103) of the user (100), wherein the footrest section (24") and the leg seat section (24') intersect at a second ridge.

3. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The user support surface (14) includes a waterproof membrane (34) and an open mesh net (35) disposed both adjacent to the waterproof membrane (34) and beneath the waterproof membrane (34).

4. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid spray assembly (16) is movable for travel along the user support surface (14) in a first path of travel generally along the seat back portion (22) and a second path of travel generally along the seat portion (24), the second path of travel being along an acute angle relative to the first path of travel.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the fluid spray assembly (16) includes a hollow elongated spray head (44), the spray head including a plurality of discharge openings (56) arranged along its upper surface so that the flow passing through the discharge openings (56) is directed toward the user support surface (14), and the spray head (44) extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the device (10).

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The spray head (44) further includes a radiused fluid inlet (84), and the discharge opening (56) is disposed laterally from a longitudinal center axis of the spray head (44), the longitudinal center axis of the spray head (44) being transverse to the longitudinal center axis of the device.

7. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The fluid spray assembly (16) includes a plurality of fixed discharge openings (156) arranged such that fluid flow therethrough is directed upwardly toward the user support surface (14).

8. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the shell shell (20) is barrel-shaped, having a bottom wall (30), a plurality of side walls (21) extending upward from the bottom wall, and a continuous flange (32) extending along the upper periphery of the side walls (21), wherein the user support surface (14) is fixed to the flange (32) of the shell shell (20) so that a watertight seal is formed therebetween.

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, the bottom wall (30) of the housing shell (20) forming a drainage surface inclined to the reservoir basin (28).

10. The apparatus (10) of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of dams (33) extending upwardly from the drainage surface of the housing shell (20).

11. The apparatus (10) of claim 9, further comprising a separation plate (45) disposed in an opening to the reservoir basin (28).

12. The apparatus (10) of claim 9, further comprising a heater element mounted within the reservoir basin (28).

13. The device (10) according to claim 8 further includes a plurality of interlocking frame panels (36), each frame panel (36) including a downwardly extending slender protrusion (36'), the slender protrusion being received in a corresponding slender groove (41) defined in the upper surface of the flange (32) of the shell shell (20), wherein the user support surface (14) is attached to the shell shell (20) when the slender protrusion (36') is set in the slender groove (41).

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: An O-ring (39) is disposed between a bottom surface of the elongated groove (41) and the elongated protrusion (36') of the frame panel (36).

15. The device (10) according to claim 1 further includes two deflectors (114, 116), which are arranged in the inner chamber (27) between the fluid spray assembly (16) and the lower side of the user support surface (14) to selectively change and redirect the directional flow of the fluid spray to be concentrated in a narrower width-wise portion of the user support surface (14).

16. The device according to claim 1 further includes a liquid cooling system (70), which blows air through the internal volume of the shell structure (12), the internal volume is arranged between the shell shell (20) and the external shell, and the shell shell (20) is arranged in the external shell, wherein the cross-section of the internal volume at the center of the shell structure (12) is smaller than the cross-section of the volume at both the foot and the head of the shell structure (12), so that the air passing through the volume experiences a Venturi effect.

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