Combined sauna and environmental capsule

A personal therapy or sauna compartment is formed with a base, that has a support bed on the interior of the base in which a person can lie. A cover is provided over the base and covers the body of a person lying in the bed, with the head of the person outside of the cover. The bed is supported above massage shower heads that provide massage water impingement upwardly against the back of the person on the bed. Infrared heaters are placed in the cover, and shower heads in the cover provide for comfort and showering the person lying on the bed. A mist head is provided for adding in liquid forms of vitamins, hormones, and other therapeutic elements capable of being absorbed by the skin. The cover has large translucent side panels for the majority of the sides of the panels, and is supported on a central spine frame pivoted at a foot end to the base, with a hoop at its open or head end. The cover hinges to open and close relative to the base.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a combination personalized compartment forming a sauna and environmental capsule for a person to receive various therapeutic environmental conditions for relaxation and/or therapy.

In the prior art, various environmental capsules have been advanced, including, for example, the structure shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,101,809 and 6,497,717.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a self-contained, personal therapy unit, and comprises a personal compartment including sources of heat, shower, air control, light, steam, and misting spray for herbal and vitamin therapy. The personal compartment is made with a base supporting a bed, with a cover that has a frame to permit obstructed sides, covered with a translucent, pebble surface plastic material so that the interior lights will provide a glow along the translucent plastic surfaces, the covering of the open sides is a unitary molded shell for integrity and enhanced appearance. Various therapies for the person supported on an internal bed are provided.

A known vibrator for the bed is provided. Massaging water spray or shower heads are below the bed for providing a hydro-massage action along the spine and lower back of a user, for relaxation massage therapy. Foot massage hydro heads are also provided under the feet of a person lying on the bed.

Shower heads (Vichy shower) are also provided overhead in the cover, above the person lying on the bed.

Infrared heaters are provided in the cover to direct heat down onto the person lying on the bed. Showering is blocked when the heaters are operating. The bed can be vibrated as has been done in previous saunas, at the same time as the shower or heat is used. The heaters and showers cannot be used at the same time.

The cover is hinged to the base at the foot end and extends up to the shoulder area of the user. The user's head is supported on a head pillow on the upper side of the base of the compartment to the exterior of the cover. An overhead pivoting panel at the head end of the cover carries the controls and a function display screen. The pivoting panel can be moved from a generally horizontal position where it can be observed and is accessible to the person lying on the bed, to an upright position where it is observable and can be controlled by an attendant for various treatments under the control of the attendant or operator.

The shower heads can be connected for individual control through suitable solenoid valves, operated from the control panel, and software is provided so either a personally selected or a programmed regime can be undertaken. The control can be under the supervision of a therapist.

The cover is constructed in a unique manner with a central overhead frame or spine, made of spaced aluminum tubes, and forming a channel receptacle in which water and control lines and shower heads can be installed. A cover is placed over the spaced aluminum tubes to cover the chamber. The aluminum frame or spine supports a yoke or hoop frame member at the head end of the cover, about in line with the shoulders of a person lying on the bed. A main cover support frame is provided at the foot area for hinging the cover spine frame to a base frame. The base has a tripod foot support with a pair of legs at the foot end that are spaced apart, and a relatively large footprint single pedestal under the head end of the base. This provides a stable support, without rocking, and thus does not cause a sense of insecurity.

Receptacles are provided for aromatherapy materials, and also for solutions of vitamins and other materials, that can be misted onto the user. Essential oils and the like can be provided. A steam generator and steam outlets are provided for use, as well.

The valves and controls are all located in a compartment at the foot end frame and are easily accessible and plumbed. Light sources are provided on the base at the foot end directed rearwardly toward the head end. The lights are made to provide six colors controllable by the user for chromatherapy. The translucent cover side panels provide a glow on the interior and the glow is visible at the exterior. The colors are selected to provide a soothing or a healing effect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

A therapy compartment indicated generally at10includes a base unit12, and a cover14hinged together about a hinge axis16at a foot end17of the compartment10. The base12is supported on a three-point leg system, including a large footprint pedestal12A with a single area of contact shown at12A, and a pair of forward legs12B and12C (SeeFIG. 9) so that there is a tripod-type support for the base. The legs12A and12B at the foot end provide stability, in combination with the pedestal12A without any rocking or problems with unevenness of a support floor.

The base12includes a bed platform18, that is supported on the interior of the base with suitable members19, that are shown schematically as part of the base frame70. A chamber30is formed beneath the platform bed18. The bed platform is molded from plastic or fiberglass to be integral with or supported on the molded base12. The outer molded shell portions of the base are supported on frame70. The bed support18, as can be seen inFIG. 6, is molded with a rim member22that is raised to form a recess or trough24in the center portions of the bed. The recess24is molded so that water will drain into the recess and then down to a drain opening into a waste receptacle of drain line of suitable design.

Various components can be housed in the chamber30of the base or pedestal below the bed. The rim22can be formed to slope inwardly for drainage, along the sides of the recess24.

The recess24is covered with a support mattress or pad26, that can lift up, as shown inFIG. 6. The mattress or pad is supported on resilient ball supports28of conventional design so that when a vibrator (not shown) is used and operated, the ball supports provide for a resilient mounting of the mattress or pad on which a person lies. Vibrators can be controlled as to intensity (amplitude) and frequency as taught in the prior art.

The molded bed support18also includes sloped or incline panels32on the rim22facing toward the head end, on which the shower water main control valves34A and34B can be mounted. Also, light support panels36A,36B,36C, and36D are formed on the rim and inclined upwardly and generally face toward the head end. Each of these light supports36A-36D include multi-colored LED lights38A-38D, that will provide for a light projection rearwardly toward the head of the user that is lying on the pad or mattress26. The lights thus can be directly viewed and they will provide reflected light.

It should also be noted that the bed or mattress26is covered with a waterproof cover, because of the shower and hydro massage therapy that is provided. The bed or mattress is a cushion that supports the user adequately. Additionally, as can be seen inFIG. 3, the foot portion has a separate cushion40, that supports the feet and can be individually removed. It also is formed to provide for drainage.

As shown inFIG. 3, a hand-held shower head42is provided and is removably supported in a fitting44in the rim22. The shower head can be pulled out for hand-showering, using suitable controls, as well as being used for rinsing the compartment. Cups47for containing aromatherapy material are provided and supported in molded in receptacles.

A pillow48is provided at the head end, and as will be explained, this will be outside of the cover14.

Thus, the base12can be a molded unit with an interior framework of suitable design to provide the space30for the various components, such as water tanks, pumps, drain conduits, and piping for various shower units.

As shown inFIG. 6, the bed panel recess24has a base wall24A that mounts a plurality of massaging shower head shown generally at50. These include a pair of massaging shower heads50A, which are underneath the shoulder area of a person lying on the bed, and a series of massaging shower heads50B that are aligned with the spine of a person lying on the pad or mattress. As shown, there are four of the massaging shower heads50B in the mid-portion and lower portion of the back of a user lying on the bed. The massaging shower heads50A and50B project sprays of water of desired and variable intensity up against the shoulders and back of the user for hydro massaging, and relaxation therapy. As can be seen inFIG. 3, there are openings52A and52B in the pad or mattress26above these shower heads. InFIG. 3, it can be seen that openings52A and52B permit massaging water to move against the body of a person lying on the bed.

Additionally, there are a pair of leg massage shower heads50C under the leg area of a person lying on the pad or mattress26, and in the chamber24. Openings52C as seen inFIG. 3can be provided above the massage shower heads50C.

InFIG. 3, additional foot massage shower head openings52D are shown, and the shower heads50D are provided under these openings52D. There are thus massaging shower heads under the areas of the body where muscles can benefit from steady or pulsing hydro massages.

Cover14is constructed in a unique manner, with wide side openings that will permit natural light to the interior and a “glowing” of the colors projected by the lights38A-38D. The cover14, as can be seen inFIG. 2in its open position, is hinged at the base end as previously explained, and has a center spine frame60, and has a translucent or semi-transparent unitary panel61that has a pair of side panels62. The single unitary molded plastic member61includes the panels62and a center portion64that underlines the spine or center frame support members60. The side panels62have exteriorly facing recesses65for handles67for lifting the cover.

As can be seen inFIG. 5, for example, the spine or center frame support member60is supported on a strong aluminum tubing frame66at the foot end of the base. The frame66is hinged or pivoted to a base frame70. (SeeFIG. 5). A pair of support arms68are attached to the frame70of the base, and a pair of arms72are attached to the frame66. These arms68and72are pivoted together with suitable bolts.

The frame66has uprights74on opposite sides thereof that are joined together with a cross piece76, and then spaced apart longitudinally extending tubes forming side member tubes78extend over the top of the bed to form side members for the spine or center frame60. The side members78are spaced sufficiently far above the mattress or pad26to provide the necessary space for the person lying on the bed. The frame side members78taper together toward the head end, are held with one or more cross members80, including one at the head end. The center portion64of the molded plastic translucent cover liner panel61is recessed to go underneath the side members78. This spacing and the bottom formed by center panel64provide a chamber region for holding various water lines and control lines indicated generally at82.

Cross members84can be provided to support infrared heaters86that are spaced along the length of the bed to overlie the body of a person lying on the bed. The cover14also supports the Vichy shower heads along opposite sides of the center line of the cover, as can be seen inFIG. 2, and these shower heads88are made so that they can be controlled in pairs, or in other words, the showers88E, for example, that are laterally aligned, can be plumbed together, and the four shower heads88A and88B can be operated as a unit or individually. Shower heads88C and88D also can be operated together or in pairs. If desired, the heads can be individually controlled or all controlled together, as well.

The infrared heaters86can be also individually controlled and can be controlled as to the amount of power being provided so that the heat generated is controlled.

The shower heads88A-88E are mounted on suitable supports on the frame spine or center, and open through openings in the plastic molded member61in the center portion64. The openings in the molded member61can be sealed around the shower heads.

The side frame tubes78, and cross members form the spine frame60, and at the head end, the side frame tubes are joined with a collar or hoop member90that is also made of tubing. The hoop member90is open at the bottom and provides structural support at the head end of the cover. A shield portion92can be provided on the exterior of the hoop or part circular head end frame.

Longitudinal cover edge frame members94are then joined to the lower end of the hoop90, and extend longitudinally toward the foot end where they are joined with a cross member96that is attached to the frame66. The frame members94support the lower edges of the side panels62of the cover member.

Thus, the spine frame60and the other support members for the cover are made of lightweight but strong aluminum tubing. The cover is made with a longitudinal extending spine or center frame60, a foot end frame66, and a head hoop frame, along with longitudinally extending edge members for supporting and carrying the molded plastic cover61that is translucent and is provided with a pebble finish to enhance the color diffusion when the lights are on.

Another feature of the present invention is a control panel housing100that is hingedly attached about a transverse hinge102to the head end of the spine member60above the hoop frame. The panel housing is movable from a position where it rests on a provided recess104around an opening in the shield or extension92, as shown inFIG. 4. The head extension92can be molded integrally with the cover sheet61, and the recess portion104defines an open area106through which the control members108can be reached by a person lying on the bed, when the control panel housing100is in its position shown inFIG. 8. A display screen110is provided for indicating the status of various functions or devices controls that are controlled by the controls108.

The control panel housing100can be pivoted upwardly about its hinge to the position shown inFIG. 4, and in dotted lines inFIG. 1, where the controls108are accessible to an operator standing along side of the compartment. As can be seen, the control area108is no longer easily accessible to the person lying on the bed.

A fan and outlet112can also be included in the housing100. The control wiring can pass between the tubular members78of the spine frame60.

The underlying individual massage shower heads50A,50B,50C and50D are controlled individually as sets, as are the shower heads88A-88E.

In addition, a steam generator122can be provided to supply steam to steam outlets generally shown at116shown inFIG. 6, for example. The steam outlets can be swiveled to direct steam in a desired direction.

The chamber30below the bed can be used for housing a liquid reservoir118, and this includes suitable color inputs120, if desired, as detailed in application Ser. No. 09/706,946, filed Nov. 6, 2000, incorporated herein by reference. A steam generator122can be provided, along with a steam generator heater122A. The steam outlets116are shown schematically inFIG. 1as well.

Reservoir118is shown only schematically, but it can be understood that several reservoirs can be used if desired, and a pump provided, as shown at128, for providing water under pressure to a manifold control. A filter129also is provided.

One other aspect that is added in the present invention is a mist head indicated at130, which is a fine mist that is connected to a source of liquid vitamins or hormones that can be absorbed through the skin. The fine mist head130is above the chest area of the person lying on the bed, so that the mist will fall gently down onto the chest and will be absorbed by the skin. This function is also detailed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/379,975, filed Mar. 5, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The source of the liquid vitamins and hormones is through containers in the chamber30, and accessible by filler caps shown inFIG. 3at46.

Individual solenoid valves for controlling the shower heads88A-88E are shown inFIG. 3, for example, and can comprise individual solenoid valves132A,132B,132C,132D and132E. These valves can be connected and used as desired, for example, if one valve supplies plain water to four heads, another valve can be used to provide water that is colored, or has additives to the same shower heads. A valve132F can be used for controlling the flow of liquid vitamins or hormones and other therapeutic materials to the mist head130under the controls from the control panel108.

InFIGS. 10A,10B,10C and10D, typical control arrangements are shown. The water temperature can be controlled with a thermostatic control146, with the ability to raise and lower the temperatures through controls146A and146B, and then on the screen, the indication of the temperature can be made with a digital representation146C. Sources of shower and massage water also can be controlled as desired, and come from the reservoir118, or from a hot or cold tap, if desired, along182and184. These lines can be hooked up individually, if desired.

The individual showers can be controlled as previously indicated. The shower heads can be set to spray or provide a mist or a rain. Shower heads that provide such use are conventional. A shower timer148can be used with the control system, and the time can be increased or reduced with suitable controls148A and148B.

Start and stop switches149A and149B can also be provided on the shower control system. These are shown schematically and can start and stop the overhead selectable shower, the back massage and foot massage heads, and the hand-held shower. The on/off controls are tied into an interlock circuit149I that interlocks with the infrared heaters, so the heaters cannot be used during showering or when steam is on.

Steam cycles can be controlled as shown inFIG. 10Bwith a timer149, and the temperature also can be controlled with a control151to either increase with the control151A or decrease the temperature with the control151B. The on/off control152is on the control panel as well, and operates through interlock circuit149I.

The infrared heaters86have on/off controls154, as shown inFIG. 10C, with the temperature indicating on the screen as shown at154C, and the controls can include an intensity control154A. Again, the interlock circuit prevents operating the showers or massage head at the same time as the infrared heaters are on.

The vibration control for vibrator29as shown as control29A, including on/off, rate (frequency) and intensity.

The air flow from the fan behind air flow outlet112can be controlled with a face air on/of switch158, and the lights can be controlled through a suitable control indicated generally at111A,111B,111C,111D,111F and111G for the different colors.

The lights38A-38D are LEDs and the different colors are provided either from original light sources or a blend of lights, as desired. The solenoid valve132F is illustrated for controlling flow from the vitamin source or hormone source46, which is a liquid that can be misted through the mist head130. The lights can also be connected through interlock circuit149I, if desired.

If water color is desired, it also can be controlled and coordinated with the lights as desired from sources111W.

FIG. 11provides a schematic diagram of the various valves and the like that can be used. On the left hand side inFIG. 11, the bed18is represented, and it can have a drain18D. A solenoid valve18E can be used for controlling the drain, and also if desired, a valve18F can be used for providing the drain water back to the reservoir through a suitable filter or treatment. A solenoid valve18E can control flow to a pump to a waste drain, if desired. Various spa products can be added as represented schematically, and the excess will all be drained out through the drain18D.

The source of vitamins is indicated at VS1and46, and can be injected through a pump46P and the valve132F to the mist head130for misting onto a person lying on the bed in the compartment. A hormone source, for example, such as that shown at H2at46H, can be controlled through a separate pump46P-1, and also through the same valve132F to the mist head130, or to a separate mist head if desired.

The water reservoir118is illustrated, and if desired, aroma liquid can be provided from a source to the reservoir. The reservoir can include a tank heater166, for controlling the temperature of the water, through the control146A and B (FIG. 10) as explained.

The pump128is connected to a source through a filter129takes the liquid from the reservoir and passes it through a check valve168, and the temperature control146, to valves132A-132F. The valves control flow to the individual shower heads that are connected in parallel shown only schematically inFIG. 11. Also, a separate pump can be used for providing flow to the massage heads50.

By way of an alternate source of water for a shower system, external connections can be provided to the shower lines from outside water sources. Hot and cold water lines182and184are provided through a valve191which can direct flow of cold water to the overhead shower, as shown. If desired, a mix valve186can be used for mixing hot and cold water, and an anti-scald valve188can be branched into the lines leading to the shower heads. Servo valve191is a cold water bypass that can be controlled from the control panel to provide cold water if a cold rinse is desired.

The hand-held shower head shown at194can be used with a separate on/off valve, connected with a hose196through a soap dispenser or injector198, if desired, and controlled by a servo valve200from a water manifold192. The water manifold can receive water from the hot and cold tap lines, through one of the valves34A or34B, if desired, and then through servo valves202and204that can be opened or closed to provide flow to or from the hand held shower if desired. These valves also can be controlled through interlock circuit149I, so they will not be openable if the infrared heaters are on.

Thus, a wide range of shower conditions, vitamin additions and other treatments can be used. The shower heads underneath the body provide for massage effects that are therapeutic and can be enjoyed by the user.

If desired, various color sources207can be utilized. These can be coordinated with the colored lights for a shower that is provided with chromatherapy benefits. The color sources207can be directed to a reservoir118, or generally it would be a separate reservoir, that would be provided to the shower system. Yellow color206can be controlled through a solenoid valve206A, and green color, for example, can be controlled from a source208through a valve208A, and each of the individual colors then can be used as a general color source as indicated at207. These can be mixed into the shower at any desired ratio, and in a suitable location.

The present device provides for control of various operations, including the vibration bed intensity, and frequency, and this can also be pulsating so it would vary in intensity across a known cycle. Face air can be turned off and on as desired, and this is through the fan that is shown. Controls would be touch controls, and the functions would be displayed on the screen. Software is provided for control, as is well known.

There also is an audio system, as has been shown in the prior art therapy capsules, and the audio volume and speaker on/off controls for the speaker and audio source211and212(seeFIG. 2) can be provided. Light brightness, as well as light color selection is available, and air flow onto the face can be at various levels.

The colors provided can be LEDs or any desired color. As shown, red, blue, green, turquoise, violet and orange are provided. The lights can have known fading control, so that after a certain length of time, they can be programmed to fade, as well as being manually controllable.

As was stated, the bed vibration can be selected as to intensity and mode, the steam is selectable on and off, and temperature can also be selected. Aromatherapy is provided, as well as the ability to vary the intensity of the infrared light. The overhead or Vichy showers can have various modes, and the vitamins or hormones from the misting head can be provided at desired times. The back massage and the foot massage can also have various modes for pulsing operation at timed intervals, and the like.

It is pointed out that the interlock control149I cuts out the misting, and the showers as well as the back and foot massage when infrared heaters are being used.

The interlock control is set so that high infrared heat settings cannot be selected in conjunction with the steam, and as stated, when showers or misting is used, the infrared heaters cannot be turned on.

Several preset programs can be used in a known manner, using software controls that are known.