A soaking-device is usable to soak a given body part of a user. The body part may be a face or a portion of the face of the user. The user may be a person or other animal. The soaking-device includes a vessel-subassembly. The vessel-subassembly includes a wettable-subassembly. The wettable-subassembly itself and/or interaction of the wettable-subassembly with a part of the vessel-subassembly, its outermost-shell, may not utilize screws or the like mechanical fasteners. The wettable-subassembly may include a neck-gasket for removable physical contact with a neck portion of the user. The wettable-subassembly is configured to hold a volume of an immersion-liquid for the soaking of the body part. Prior to use, the volume of the immersion-liquid may be heated or cooled. A breathing-apparatus may be used. A tower may be placed next to the wettable-subassembly to shine light into and/or to release bubbles into the immersion-liquid.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to devices that are configured for soaking a particular body portion of a subject and more specifically to such a soaking device that is also configured hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, cryotherapy, light therapy, and/or bubble therapy.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With respect to thermal therapies and/or cryotherapies, where heat or cool may be delivered to a particular body or portion of a body of a given animal subject, such as, but not limited to, a human, a primate, a mammal, or a vertebrate animal, and with further respect to conduction as a means for heat transfer, a solid material may generally provide more efficient heat transfer over a liquid material, and a liquid material may generally provide more efficient heat transfer over a gas material.

However, good solid materials for heat transfer, such as, but not limited to, copper (and other metals and/or alloys) are difficult and/or expensive to shape to yield a heat transfer surface that would be capable of physically touching all or most all of the skin of a subject's face; and such a problem is further compounded by the fact that each person's face (or any other body part) is dimensionally unique as compared to other people and with respect to a single person those dimensions may change, even if just slightly, over that person's lifetime. For example, it would be unreasonable create a diecast mold for every body portion (e.g., face, hand, foot, etc.) of a given subject and it would be equally unreasonable to fill each such diecast mold with copper or the like, for each person that desires to have their face (or other body portion) heated or cooled. As such, solid materials for conductive heat transfer may be less than desirable to use as means for heating or cooling the particular body or portion of the body of the given animal subject.

In this respect, liquids may be a superior heat transfer medium, as a liquid may easily and readily physically touch all or most all of the skin of any subject's face or other body part. Liquids, such as, but not limited to, water are particularly useful for heat transfer, for heating something or for cooling something that may be direct physical contact with the given liquid, because of, at least in part, the liquid's fluidity, density, and/or heat capacity. Thus, liquids, such as, but not limited to, water may be useful in the application of thermal therapies, cryotherapies, and/or hydrotherapies with respect to treating and/or benefiting the given animal subject.

Further, the human face because of its various nerves and nerve endings, such as, but not limited to, the trigeminal nerve, may be an ideal target for directed heating and/or cooling. That is, the human face may be an ideal target for directed hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, and/or cryotherapy. And because liquids, such as, but not limited to, water, may be a desirable heat transfer medium for therapies and/or for cryotherapies, then it may be desirable to use heated or cooled liquid to physically touch the skin of the face to impart a given desired hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, and/or cryotherapy. Further still, it may be desired to target treating of the face (of the subject) in this manner, with a heater or cooled liquid, and to do without wetting any other portion of the subject's body. To accomplish that goal, it would be desirable to have a soaking device, that holds a volume of an immersion liquid, wherein that soaking device is configured to removably receive a face (or portion thereof) of the subject, lowered down into the immersion liquid.

However, lowering down of the face (or a portion thereof) of the subject, into the immersion liquid may create at least two problems to address. One, the subject cannot breathe if their mouth and nose is submerged within the immersion liquid. And two, bending one's head in a manner that only submerges the face (or a portion thereof) can create undesirable strain and/or pain in the neck of the subject and/or could result in a hard surface (e.g., an upper edge or rim of the soaking device) being pressed uncomfortably into the soft tissues of the front of the subject's neck.

It could be desirable for the subject to use a breathing-apparatus when their face (mouth and/or nose) is submerged within the immersion liquid.

It could be desirable to include a headrest with the soaking device to alleviate neck strain issues.

It could be desirable to implement a neck gasket into an upper edge and/or a rim of the soaking device to alleviate having any hard surfaces pressed uncomfortably into the soft tissues of the front of the subject's neck.

Additionally, since a liquid heat transfer medium is contemplated, it may be desirable to include a means for measuring, determining, and/or learning what the temperature of the immersion liquid within the soaking device might be. It may be desirable if the soaking device and/or an accessory of the soaking device included such a temperature sensing (and displaying) means.

Further, since a liquid heat transfer medium is contemplated, gas bubble therapy may also be simultaneously employed along with the hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, and/or cryotherapy, if a gas or gasses are released as bubbles into the immersion liquid within the soaking device. Thus, it may be desirable to include a gas source and/or a bubble emitting means with use of the soaking device.

Also, when the liquid heat transfer medium may be mostly (substantially) optically transparent and/or translucent, then light therapy may also be simultaneously employed along with the hydrotherapy, thermal therapy, and/or cryotherapy, by shining light(s) into the immersion liquid within the soaking device. Thus, it may be desirable to include a light source to be used with the soaking device.

Lastly, it may be desirable to design and manufacture such a soaking device that may be shipped in at least a partially disassembled configuration and/or as flat as possible configuration (e.g., to minimize necessary warehouse storage space and/or to keep shipping costs down), that may be easily and readily assembled at a destination location in a manner that results in a robust waterproof soaking device; and that also utilizes as few as possible of screws, bolts, rivets, nails, pins, staples, brads, tacks, dowels, biscuits, or the like mechanical fasteners with respect to generating the waterproofness.

There is a need in the art for such a soaking device that is configured to use a liquid for its immersion liquid.

See also the “Background of the Invention” section of the Specification of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 filed on May 15, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

It is to these ends that the present invention has been developed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To minimize the limitations in the prior art, and to minimize other limitations that will be apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification, embodiments of the present invention may describe soaking-device, a system that comprises the soaking-device, or a kit that comprises the soaking-device. In some embodiments, a soaking-device may be usable to soak a given body part of a user. In some embodiments, the body part may be a face or a portion of the face of the user; but the body part could also be different from the face. In some embodiments, when the face (or portion thereof) is the targeted body part, then the soaking-device may be a face soaking-device. In some embodiments, the face soaking-device may also be known or referred to as a Hydroeffacer. In some embodiments, the user may be a person or other animal (such as, but not limited to, a primate, a mammal, or a vertebrate animal). In some embodiments, the soaking-device may comprise a vessel-subassembly. In some embodiments, the vessel-subassembly may comprise a wettable-subassembly (and at least an outermost-shell). In some embodiments, the wettable-subassembly itself and/or physical interaction of the wettable-subassembly with another part of the vessel-subassembly, the outermost-shell, may not utilize screws, bolts, rivets, nails, pins, staples, brads, tacks, dowels, biscuits, nor the like mechanical fasteners. In some embodiments, the wettable-subassembly (specifically its front-panel) may comprise a neck-gasket for removable physical contact with a neck portion of the user. In some embodiments, the wettable-subassembly may be configured to hold a volume of an immersion-liquid (without leaking) for the soaking of the body part. In some embodiments, prior to intended soaking use, the volume of the immersion-liquid may be heated or cooled away from and/or separately from the wettable-subassembly.

Because the volume of the immersion-liquid within the wettable-subassembly may be heated or cooled, the soaking-device may be use for various thermal therapies, hydrotherapies, cryotherapies, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Thus, the soaking-device may be a thermal delivery device.

In some embodiments, various additives may be added to the volume of the immersion-liquid within the wettable-subassembly. In some embodiments, a breathing-apparatus may be used by the user to breathe if and when a nose and/or a mouth of the user are submerged (immersed) within the immersion-liquid within the wettable-subassembly. In some embodiments, the soaking-device, the system, and/or the kit may comprise the breathing-apparatus. In some embodiments, a tower may be placed next to the wettable-subassembly to shine light into and/or to release (gas) bubbles into the immersion-liquid that is located within the wettable-subassembly. In some embodiments, a rear-panel of the wettable-subassembly may be at least substantially (mostly) transparent and/or translucent to permit at least some of the emitted light from the tower to pass through the rear-panel and into the immersion-liquid that is located within the wettable-subassembly. In some embodiments, a headrest-assembly may be used by the user to support a portion of the user's head (and/or face) during intended use of the soaking-device. In some embodiments, the soaking-device, the system, and/or the kit may comprise the headrest-assembly. In some embodiments, the headrest-assembly may be (removably) attachable to the vessel-subassembly (such as, but not limited to, to handles of the vessel-subassembly).

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a thermal delivery device.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a soaking-device as the thermal delivery device.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device) that is capable of cooling and/or heating a targeted portion (such as, but not limited to, a face) of a subject (user) (such as, but not limited to, a living human).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device) that is capable of selectively cooling and/or heating a face, a head, or a portion thereof without (directly) cooling and/or heating a remainder of that subject's (user's) body.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device) that is capable of selectively cooling and/or heating a face, a head, or a portion thereof without wetting a remainder of that subject's (user's) body.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system and/or a kit for cooling and/or heating a targeted portion of a subject (user).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a system and/or a kit for cooling and/or heating a targeted portion of a subject (user) that at least utilizes a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method for cooling and/or heating a targeted portion of a subject (user).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method for cooling and/or heating a targeted portion of a subject (user) that at least utilizes a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of inducing a desired and/or intended outcome in a subject by cooling and/or heating a targeted portion of the subject (user) that at least utilizes a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of inducing release of at least one type of neurotransmitter that results in a desired and/or intended outcome in a subject (user) by cooling and/or heating a targeted portion of the subject (user) that at least utilizes a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of [indirectly] stimulating a vagus nerve of a human by stimulating a trigeminal nerve of the human, wherein the trigeminal nerve is stimulated, at least in part, by heating the trigeminal nerve, cooling the trigeminal nerve, or alternating between heating and cooling of the trigeminal nerve using a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of causing release of at least one type of neurotransmitter in an animal by, at least in part, heating a portion of the subject (animal), cooling the portion, or alternating between heating and cooling of the portion using a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of transdermal delivery of at least one chemical across a portion of skin by applying the at least one chemical to an exterior portion of the skin and by, at least in part, heating the portion of the skin, cooling the portion of the skin, or alternating between heating and cooling of the portion of the skin using a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device).

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a method of improving a region of treated skin by using a thermal delivery device on that region of skin.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a thermal delivery device (such as, but not limited to, a soaking-device) that may be used recreationally and/or to relax.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a soaking-device that is configured for the immersion/soaking of particular body portion(s), such as, but not limited to, the face (or head) of a person, but without having hard surfaces press into the soft tissues of a front of the neck of that person.

It is another objective of the present invention provide a soaking-device that is configured to warm, heat, cool, chill, combinations thereof, portions thereof, and/or the like, the particular body portion(s) that may be soaking/immersed within an immersion liquid of the soaking-device.

It is another objective of the present invention to make much (most) of the soaking-device from largely (mostly and/or mainly) off-the-shelf planar sheet materials, that may be subsequently formed, cut, bent, and/or machined into various components (parts) of the soaking-device.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a soaking-device with a wettable-subassembly, wherein parts (components) of the wettable-subassembly do not require nor utilize screws, bolts, rivets, nails, pins, staples, brads, tacks, dowels, biscuits, or the like mechanical fasteners.

It is another objective of the present invention wherein physical interaction of the wettable-subassembly with another part of a vessel-subassembly, an outermost-shell, may not utilize screws, bolts, rivets, nails, pins, staples, brads, tacks, dowels, biscuits, nor the like mechanical fasteners.

It is another objective of the present invention wherein the wettable-subassembly of the soaking-device may have no electronics.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a soaking-device, a system, and/or a kit that may further comprise a tower.

It is another objective of the present invention wherein the tower may have all of the electronics.

It is yet another objective of the present invention wherein the tower may be configured to shine light into and/or to release (gas) bubbles into an immersion-liquid that is located within the wettable-subassembly of the soaking-device.

These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art, both with respect to how to practice the present invention and how to make the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMERAL SCHEDULE

Note, at least some of the above called out reference numerals used in this present (instant) patent application are also used in U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 filed on May 15, 2023, by the same inventor; wherein the entire disclose of patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 is included herein by reference.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following discussion that addresses a number of embodiments and applications of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part thereof, where depictions are made, by way of illustration, of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

FIG.1shows a front, top, and right-side perspective view of an overall assembled soaking-device100(shown without tower2700), in use by a human user190, with a face192of the user190immersed (submerged) within an immersion-liquid180of a vessel of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, when soaking-device100may in use as intended by user190, such as is shown inFIG.1, a back-of-neck193(closest to neck vertebrae) (of user190) may not be touching a neck-gasket500of soaking-device100; whereas, at least some of a front-of-neck197(further from the neck vertebrae) (of user190) may be in direct physical contact with at least some portions of neck-gasket500(flexible-member501) of soaking-device100(seeFIG.7Ffor front-of-neck197). Compare for example,FIG.1toFIG.7F.FIG.1shows back-of-neck193not touching neck-gasket500; whereas,FIG.7Fshows at least some of front-of-neck197in direct physical contact with at least some portions of neck-gasket500(flexible-member501). One ear199of user190may be visible inFIG.1. A portion of this ear199of user190may be just partially visible inFIG.7F. Some embodiments, of soaking-device100may be a face soaking device.

Continuing discussingFIG.1, in some embodiments, soaking-device100may be configured to (temporarily) hold an immersion-liquid180(such as, but not limited to, water [with or without additives]) above a wettable-floor portion of a wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101component, between a wettable-sidewalls portion of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101component and between a front-panel103and a rear-panel105of soaking-device100(rear-panel105is first shown inFIG.2D). In some embodiments, the front-panel103and the rear-panel105may be opposing from each other, with a length of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101disposed between front-panel103and rear-panel105. In some embodiments, front-panel103may be distinguished from rear-panel105, because front-panel103may have or may comprise neck-gasket500and/or because at least some of rear-panel105may be optically transparent (and/or translucent). In some embodiments, rear-panel105may have not nor comprise neck-gasket500. In some embodiments, because wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, front-panel103, and rear-panel105may be configured to hold this immersion-liquid180without leaking, those particular components (parts) may collaboratively work together in forming a watertight (water proof) vessel configured to hold this immersion-liquid180; wherein that vessel may be wettable-subassembly104. Thus, the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, the front-panel103, and the rear-panel105may define a waterproof vessel (container) (for holding this immersion-liquid180) that is open at its top that is wettable-subassembly104, as shown inFIG.1. See also,FIG.12A,FIG.12B, and/orFIG.12Cthat also shows these configurations and/or arrangements of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, the front-panel103, and the rear-panel105of soaking-device100that when assembled (as intended) may form this waterproof vessel (container) of wettable-subassembly104that is open at its top. In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104may comprise: wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, front-panel103, and rear-panel105. In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104may be configured to house, hold, and/or retain at least some volume of immersion-liquid180in a manner that is free from leaking that volume of immersion-liquid180.

Continuing discussingFIG.1, in some embodiments, immersion-liquid180may be the direct physical medium that at least one body part, body portion, combinations thereof, portion thereof, and/or the like of the user190(subject190) is submerged into within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, immersion-liquid180may be enhanced by heating and/or cooling of immersion-liquid180(see e.g.,FIG.20and its discussion); and/or by including one or more additives to immersion-liquid180. In some embodiments, immersion-liquid180may be a primary heat transfer medium used to heat and/or cool the at least one body part, body portion, combinations thereof, portion thereof, and/or the like of the user190(subject190), with respect to given volume of immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, at least most of immersion-liquid180may be comprised of water. Note, discussions of “immersion-liquid180” from U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 filed on May 15, 2023, may be applicable to embodiments of this present patent application.

Continuing discussingFIG.1, in some embodiments, immersion-liquid180may also be referred to as a liquid (or slurry, mud, gel, or the like) because immersion-liquid180may be used to immerse (submerge) at least one body part, body portion, combinations thereof, portion thereof, and/or the like of the user190(e.g., within wettable-subassembly104, when wettable-subassembly104is holding at least some immersion-liquid180). For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, this at least one body part, body portion, combinations thereof, portion thereof, and/or the like of the user190as shown inFIG.1may be a face192of user190, a portion of face192of user190, and/or a portion of a head191of user190. Note, face192of user190may be at least partially shown inFIG.17Fand/or inFIG.17G. In some embodiments, immersion-liquid180within this vessel (wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100may be heated, cooled, chilled, combinations thereof, portions thereof, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, an animal190body part (or portion thereof) may be soaked within this immersion-liquid180that is being (temporarily) hold within the vessel portion of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, animal190may be selected from a vertebrate animal, a mammalian animal, a primate animal, or a human. In some embodiments, the body part of animal190may be selected from head191, a face192, a hand195, a foot, an arm, a leg, combinations thereof, portions thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, reference numeral “190” may refer to the user of soaking-device100who is and/or intends to have a body portion soaked (immersed) within the vessel portion (wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100(that may have some volume of immersion-liquid180); wherein this user190may be selected from a vertebrate animal, a mammalian animal, a primate animal, or a human.

FIG.1also shows concurrent use of a breathing-apparatus1700. In some embodiments, when a mouth and/or a nose of user190may be submerged (immersed) within immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion (wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100, the breathing-apparatus1700may be used by that user190, so that user190may continue to breathe while concurrently having their face192(mouth and/or their nose) completely (entirely) submerged within the volume of immersion-liquid180being held in wettable-subassembly104. Note, breathing-apparatus1700is further shown inFIG.17AthroughFIG.17Hand is further discussed in the discussion of those figures.

FIG.1also shows handles1300of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, handles1300may be configured for user190to hold and/or be used to carry soaking-device100, with or without immersion-liquid180within the vessel portion of soaking-device100. Note, handles1300are further shown inFIG.9AthroughFIG.91and is further discussed in the discussion of those figures.

FIG.2Ashows a top front perspective view of soaking-device100.FIG.2Bshows another top front perspective view of soaking-device100, from a different viewing angle as compared toFIG.2A.FIG.2Cshows a top front and side (right-side) perspective view of soaking-device100.FIG.2Dshows a top rear (back) and side (right-side) perspective view of soaking-device100, without showing user190.FIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C, andFIG.2Dalso omit showing user190.FIG.2Dshows a portion of rear-panel105. Additionally, a head-rest (assembly)1800and tower2700are also shown inFIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C, andFIG.2D. Note, head-rest (assembly)1800was thoroughly shown and discussed in U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 filed on May 15, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety (patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 is by the same inventor as the present [instant] patent application). Head-rest (assembly)1800may be used by user190when a portion is rotated to be within wettable-subassembly104and/or within immersion-liquid180to provide a load bearing structural support for a portion of the head191, the face192, and/or other body portion of user190, when that user190may be using soaking-device100as intended to soak their given body portion within immersion-liquid180. For example, head-rest (assembly)1800is shown in its rotated out of immersion-liquid180configuration (and/or out of wettable-subassembly104configuration) inFIG.2Aand inFIG.2D; whereas,FIG.2BandFIG.2Cshow that same head-rest (assembly)1800in its rotated down into the immersion-liquid180configuration (in wettable-subassembly104configuration).

Continuing discussingFIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C, andFIG.2D, in some embodiments, tower2700may provide various enhancements to a user190intended use of soaking-device100, such as, but not limited to, providing a means to shine light into wettable-subassembly104and/or to providing a means of adding bubbles to immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. Tower2700is further shown inFIG.18A,FIG.18B,FIG.18C, andFIG.18D; and electronics of tower2700are shown in a schematic block diagram inFIG.19.

Further,FIG.2Ashows a portion of a bubble-emitter2710removably located within the volume of immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104, which may be emitting bubbles250into the volume of immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In this manner, soaking-device100may be used for bubble therapy. In some embodiments, bubble-emitter2710may be operatively connected to gas-line-tubing2709, which may be operatively connected to gas-source2725, wherein gas-source2725may be a component and/or controlled by tower2700, see e.g.,FIG.18AandFIG.19. Gas-source2725may not be shown directly inFIG.2A, but in some embodiments, at least some portion of gas-source2725(e.g., when a gas compressor and/or a gas pump) may reside within tower2700. SeeFIG.19for gas-source2725.

FIG.3Ashows a bottom, front, and side (right-side) perspective view of the vessel-subassembly102of soaking-device100.FIG.3Bshows a bottom, rear (back), and side (right-side) perspective view of the vessel-subassembly102of soaking-device100.FIG.3Cshows a top rear (back) perspective view of the vessel-subassembly102of soaking-device100. Tower2700and user190are omitted inFIG.3A,FIG.3B, andFIG.3C. In some embodiments, vessel-subassembly102may comprise wettable-subassembly104and integral-outermost-sidewall-and-bottom106(also referred to as outermost-shell106). In some embodiments, vessel-subassembly102may comprise wettable-subassembly104, outermost-shell106, and handle(s)1300. In some embodiments, vessel-subassembly102may comprise wettable-subassembly104, outermost-shell106, handle(s)1300, and a means to attach handle(s)1300to outermost-shell106(such as, but not limited to, fastener[s]1307). In some embodiments, when wettable-subassembly104is fitted within opposing capture-surfaces306of outermost-shell106, that fit may be friction and/or a press fit, because a linear length of outermost-shell106may be predetermined, fixed, finite, non-variable, and sized to fit the overall predetermined, fixed, finite, and non-variable length of wettable-subassembly104between those opposing capture-surfaces306. In some embodiments, when wettable-subassembly104is fitted within opposing capture-surfaces306(retention-surfaces306) of outermost-shell106, then vessel-subassembly102may be formed. In some embodiments, when wettable-subassembly104is fitted within opposing capture-surfaces306of outermost-shell106and when handle(s)1300are attached to outermost-shell106, then vessel-subassembly102may be formed. In some embodiments, when vessel-subassembly102is assembled as intended, the opposing capture-surfaces306of outermost-shell106may exert opposing compressive forces upon front-panel103and upon rear-panel105, such that front-panel103and rear-panel105are squeezed against opposing terminal end edges of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, that as such may help to make wettable-subassembly104leak proof (or be without leaks). In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may be comprised of three main flat and/or planar sections of: two opposing side-panel-portions107and one bottom-panel-portion113. In some embodiments, the two side-panel-portions107and the one bottom-panel-portion113may be all integral and of a single article of manufacture. In some embodiments, bottom-panel-portion113may be disposed between the two side-panel-portions107. In some embodiments, bottom-panel-portion113may be integrally attached to the two side-panel-portions107. In some embodiments, side-panel-portions107may form the exterior most sidewall portions of vessel-subassembly102and/or of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, bottom-panel-portion113may form the exterior most bottom portion of vessel-subassembly102and/or of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may be comprise side-panel-portions107, bottom-panel-portion113, and capture-surfaces306. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106, side-panel-portions107, bottom-panel-portion113, and/or capture-surfaces306may not be intended to be waterproof nor to hold and/or retain a liquid (such as, but not limited to, immersion-liquid180and/or water); however, during normal use of soaking-device100, at least some portions of outermost-shell106, side-panel-portions107, bottom-panel-portion113, and/or capture-surfaces306may be occasionally get wet from some splashing, dripping, or the like. In some embodiments, the capture-surfaces306may located at at least some of opposing terminal ends of side-panel-portions107and/or of bottom-panel-portion113. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may be made from sheet metal. In some embodiments, a single sheet of metal may be folded and/or bent into shape to become outermost-shell106with its two side-panel-portions107, its one bottom-panel-portion113, and its capture-surfaces306. Outermost-shell106may be shown by itself inFIG.11A,FIG.11B, andFIG.11C. In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be made from sheet metal. Wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be shown by itself inFIG.15AandFIG.15B.

Note, in contrast to outermost-shell106in this present (instant) patent application where its regions side-panel-portions107and bottom-panel-portion113are merely different regions of the same single integral article of manufacture; the side-panel(s) 107 and the bottom-panel 113 in U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 filed on May 15, 2023, are not integral with each other, but are instead entirely separate and distinct parts (components) from each other; and the side-panel(s) 107 and the bottom-panel 113 of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 may utilize mechanical fasteners for attachment to front-panel103and/or rear-panel105.

Continuing discussingFIG.3A,FIG.3B, andFIG.3C, in some embodiments, there may be no mechanical fasteners (such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, nails, brads, staples, rivets, pins, dowels, biscuits, or the like) used between front-panel103and outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, there may be no mechanical fasteners (such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, nails, brads, staples, rivets, pins, dowels, biscuits, or the like) used between front-panel103and side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, there may be no sealants, glues, adhesives, epoxies, welds, or the like used between front-panel103and outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, there may be no sealants, glues, adhesives, epoxies, welds, or the like used between front-panel103and side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, there may be no mechanical fasteners (such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, nails, brads, staples, rivets, pins, dowels, biscuits, or the like) used between rear-panel105and outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, there may be no mechanical fasteners (such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, nails, brads, staples, rivets, pins, dowels, biscuits, or the like) used between rear-panel105and side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, there may be no sealants, glues, adhesives, epoxies, welds, or the like used between rear-panel105and outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, there may be no sealants, glues, adhesives, epoxies, welds, or the like used between rear-panel105and side-panel-portion107.

With respect toFIG.3BandFIG.3C, note, some exterior views of rear-panel105(or a portion thereof) show it interior surface701located channel-for-end-gasket719(for gasket1200), of rear-panel105, drawn in broken lines (shown in a “U,” “C,” semi-circle, or the like shape) to indicate that at least some portions of rear-panel105may be at least substantially (mostly) transparent and/or translucent with respect to light shined out from light-source2723of tower2700. See e.g.,FIG.3B,FIG.3C,FIG.10A,FIG.10B, andFIG.12Cfor these broken lines of channel-for-end-gasket719. Note, reference numerals701and719are explicitly shown (called out) inFIG.14A, the internal (interior) view of rear-panel105shown by itself. SeeFIG.18AandFIG.19for tower2700and light-source2723. Reference numeral “701” may in general refer to surfaces of soaking-device100, vessel-subassembly102, and/or wettable-subassembly104that are interiorly oriented and/or interiorly facing; whereas, in contrast, reference numeral “811” may in general refer to surfaces of soaking-device100, vessel-subassembly102, and/or wettable-subassembly104that are externally (exteriorly) oriented and/or facing externally (exteriorly).

FIG.3Calso shows a portion of the level height of immersion-liquid180behind rear-panel105in broken lines to again demonstrate that at least some portion of rear-panel105may be transparent and/or translucent with respect to light emitted by light-source2723(of tower2700). Similarly, inFIG.3Ca portion of headrest assembly1800that is behind rear-panel105is also thus shown in broken lines. In some embodiments, at least some portion of rear-panel105may be transparent and/or translucent with respect to light emitted by light-source2723(of tower2700). In some embodiments, a majority of rear-panel105may be transparent and/or translucent with respect to light emitted by light-source2723(of tower2700). In some embodiments, the transparent and/or translucent portion(s) of rear-panel105may be made from glass, a plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

FIG.4Ais a top front perspective of soaking-device100, with a focus on front-panel103.FIG.4Ba top front perspective of front-panel103that shows a neck-gasket-channel201within a top203of a cutout region205of front-panel103.FIG.4Bshows a more enlarged (closer up view) of neck-gasket-channel201as compared to neck-gasket-channel201shown inFIG.4A. Note,FIG.4AandFIG.4Bshows front-panel103with its neck-gasket500and its wedge600(clamp600) removed from a neck-gasket-channel201of front-panel103. Whereas, inFIG.1,FIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C,FIG.2D,FIG.3A, and inFIG.3Cthe neck-gasket500and its wedge600are shown and/or are included as being removably attached to front-panel103. However, when the neck-gasket500and the wedge600may be removably attached to front-panel103, then the neck-gasket-channel201of front-panel103may not be readily visible because neck-gasket-channel201may be at least partially visibly blocked by portions of neck-gasket500and of wedge600being seated within neck-gasket-channel201.

As shown inFIG.4Aand inFIG.4B, a top203center region of front-panel103has cutout region205. In some embodiments, cutout region205may have top portions that are below (beneath) top203of front-panel103. In some embodiments, when cutout region205may be view from a front view (or a back [rear] view), cutout region205may have a shape that is at least substantially (mostly) similar to one or more of: a half-circle, a semi-circle, a half-oval, a half-ellipse, a polygon, a half-polygon, a square, a rectangle, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Note, cutout region205need not be formed from cutting into a top203of front-panel103.

Continuing discussingFIG.4AandFIG.4B, in some embodiments, extending into cutout region205from its top (a finite and fixed distance), may be a channel, namely, the neck-gasket-channel201. In some embodiments, neck-gasket-channel201may be a channel that runs a fixed (finite) distance into a portion of a top cutout region205of front-panel103. In some embodiments, neck-gasket-channel201may be configured to (removably) receive the bottom portions of neck-gasket500and of wedge600to create the watertight (waterproof) seal between the neck-gasket500and front-panel103. In some embodiments, neck-gasket-channel201may be configured for removably receiving a bottom portion of the neck-gasket500. In some embodiments, neck-gasket-channel201may be configured for removably receiving a bottom portion of the wedge600. In some embodiments, neck-gasket-channel201may be configured for removably receiving both the bottom portion of the neck-gasket500and the bottom portion of the wedge600at the same time. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of neck-gasket500may be held removably in place within neck-gasket-channel201by wedge600that also fits into the neck-gasket-channel201and presses up against the bottom portion of neck-gasket500. When the neck-gasket500may be removably attached to front-panel103in this manner, there may be a continuous watertight (waterproof) seal between portions of front-panel103that physically contact neck-gasket500.

FIG.5AtoFIG.5Care a series of three sequential drawings showing a sequential process of inserting the bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500into its receiving neck-gasket-channel201(in front-panel103).FIG.5Ais a top front perspective view of front-panel103and showing a bottom portion of neck-gasket500not yet inserted within its receiving neck-gasket-channel201.FIG.5Ashows a beginning of the process to removably attach neck-gasket500to the front-panel103. In some embodiments, the bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500will be inserted into its receiving neck-gasket-channel201.

FIG.5Bis a top front perspective view of front-panel103and showing bottom portions of neck-gasket500, with some of the bottom portions of neck-gasket500being inserted its receiving neck-gasket-channel201located in front-panel103.FIG.3Bshows the process to removably attach neck-gasket500to its receiving neck-gasket-channel201in front-panel103a bit further along as compared toFIG.3A. Now inFIG.3B, at least some of the bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500have been inserted into its receiving neck-gasket-channel201in front-panel103.

FIG.5Cis a top front perspective view of front-panel103and showing bottom portions of neck-gasket500having been inserted into its receiving neck-gasket-channel201located in front-panel103.FIG.5Cshows the process to removably insert neck-gasket500to front-panel103completed, with the bottom portions of neck-gasket500fully (entirely) inserted into its receiving neck-gasket-channel201located in front-panel103. However, note at this point shown inFIG.3C, wedge600is not yet also inserted into receiving neck-gasket-channel201located in front-panel103, and thus there may not yet be a watertight (waterproof) seal between neck-gasket500and front-panel103.

FIG.6AtoFIG.6Care a series of three sequential drawings showing a sequential process of inserting the bottom edge portions of wedge600into neck-gasket-channel201(of front-panel103) and adjacent to the already inserted bottom edges of neck-gasket500into neck-gasket-channel201. Note,FIG.1,FIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C,FIG.2D,FIG.3A, and/orFIG.3Cshow and/or have both the neck-gasket500and the wedge600fully and entirely inserted (seated) to neck-gasket-channel201, resulting in the watertight (waterproof) seal between neck-gasket500and front-panel103.

FIG.6Ais a top front perspective view of front-panel103, with neck-gasket500inserted into its neck-gasket-channel201located on front-panel103, and with wedge600not yet inserted into this neck-gasket-channel201.FIG.6Ashows a beginning of the process to removably attach wedge600to the front-panel103. In some embodiments, wedge600may be inserted into neck-gasket-channel201next to the already inserted bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500such that the inserted wedge600will press (wedge) up against the inserted portions of neck-gasket500within neck-gasket-channel201. In some embodiments, the insertion process of wedge600may be very similar to the insertion process of neck-gasket500. In some embodiments, wedge600may be a stiff and/or rigid member that is not elastic and non-variable in its fixed dimensions and shape.

FIG.6Bis a top front perspective view of front-panel103, with neck-gasket500inserted into its receiving neck-gasket-channel201located on front-panel103, and with wedge600only partially inserted into this neck-gasket-channel201.FIG.6Bshows the process to removably attach wedge600to front-panel103a bit further along as compared toFIG.6A. Now inFIG.6B, at least some of the bottom edge portions of wedge600have been inserted into neck-gasket-channel201next to the already inserted neck-gasket500.

FIG.6Cis a top front perspective view of front-panel103, with neck-gasket500inserted into its receiving neck-gasket-channel201located on front-panel103, and with wedge600more inserted into this neck-gasket-channel201as compared toFIG.6B.FIG.6Cshows the process to removably attach wedge600to front-panel103further along as compared toFIG.6B. Now inFIG.6C, more of bottom edge portions of wedge600have been inserted into neck-gasket-channel201next to the already inserted neck-gasket500as compared toFIG.6B.

FIG.7Ais a top perspective exploded view of the neck-gasket500assembly, showing that the neck-gasket500may be at least comprised of two separate parts (components), namely, a flexible-member501and a rigid-member503, in at least some embodiments. That is, reference numeral “500” may refer to the overall neck-gasket assembly, in its assembled configuration, that may at least comprise flexible-member501and rigid-member503. In some embodiments, flexible-member501may be a flexible member. In some embodiments, flexible-member501may be a waterproof material. In some embodiments, flexible-member501may be an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, flexible-member501may be selected from one or more of: neoprene, silicone, rubber, a flexible plastic, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, flexible-member501may be a flat and planar member that is wider (or longer) than thick. In some embodiments, when flexible-member501may be spread out and laying flat upon a flat substrate surface, then flexible-member501may have a predetermined shape that at least substantially matches and/or is sized to cover over void space formed from the cutout region205of front-panel103, except that a top of flexible-member501may extend above top203of front-panel103. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, when cutout region205may have a substantially semi-circle shape, then flexible-member501may also have a substantially semi-circle shape (and/or of a similar size), except for the top of flexible-member501.

Continuing discussingFIG.7A, in some embodiments, rigid-member503may be planar flat rigid member that has a shape that at least substantially (mostly) complementary matches a bottom edge shape of flexible-member501, such that when rigid-member503is attached to the bottom portions of flexible-member501, then that neck-gasket500assembly shares a common bottom edge shape that is now rigid, whereas, the rest of flexible-member501may remain flexible. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, when the bottom edge portions of flexible-member501may be have a substantially (mostly) U-shape or a half-arc of a circle shape, then rigid-member503may have a similarly sized and shape U-shape or have a shape that is of a similar shape and size to the half-arc of circle shape. In some embodiments, rigid-member503may be configured to function as a stiffener that is attached to the bottom side portion of flexible-member501to provide some stiffness (rigidity) to the bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500.

FIG.7Bis a view of flexible-member501showing a portion of flexible-member501(by itself and without rigid-member503) being bent and/or folded over on itself to demonstrate that flexible-member501may be flexible.FIG.7Bshows that flexible-member501may be flexible.

FIG.7Cshows a backing507from an adhesive505being removed from one side of rigid-member503, such that rigid-member503may be attached to a bottom side portion of flexible-member501. In some embodiments, neck-gasket500may comprise flexible-member501, rigid-member503, and adhesive505. In some embodiments, neck-gasket500may comprise flexible-member501, rigid-member503, adhesive505, and backing507. In some embodiments, adhesive505may be an adhesive. In some embodiments, adhesive505may be configured for attaching a side of rigid-member503to a bottom side portion of flexible-member501to form neck-gasket500.

FIG.7Dshows a bottom side edge portion of flexible-member501being attached to a side of rigid-member503by using of adhesive505, wherein adhesive505is disposed between the bottom side edge portion of flexible-member501and the side of rigid-member503. InFIG.7Dthis attachment process is shown as only being partially completed, i.e., in process. In an alternative embodiment, adhesive505could instead or also be on a portion of flexible-member501.

FIG.7Eshows the bottom side edge portion of flexible-member501having been fully (entirely) attached to the side of rigid-member503by use of adhesive505, wherein adhesive505is disposed between the bottom side edge portion of flexible-member501and the side of rigid-member503. InFIG.7Ethis attachment process is shown in its completed state, such that fully assembled neck-gasket500is shown inFIG.7E.

FIG.7Fis a bottom front and (right) side partial perspective view of soaking-device100, with a focus on showing how neck-gasket500removably interacts with a body part of user190, such as, a front of a neck of user190.FIG.7Fis a different view of the same situation ofFIG.1, i.e., when user190has their face immersed within the vessel portion of soaking-device100(e.g., with the face of user190within the immersion-liquid180), and the front-of-neck197of user190is in removable physical contact with side surface(s) of neck-gasket500. In some embodiments, when the front-of-neck197of user190may be physically pressing up against side surface(s) of neck-gasket500and physically touching side surface(s) of neck-gasket500, then there may be (secondary) watertight (waterproof) seal as between the front of the neck of user190and the side surface(s) of neck-gasket500, wherein this may be deemed a “secondary” watertight (waterproof) seal in comparison to a “primary” watertight seal that may exist between neck-gasket500and neck-gasket-channel201of front-panel103. In some embodiments, as soon the neck of user190is removed from neck-gasket500, this secondary watertight seal may cease to exist; however, the immersion-liquid180will not leak out from the vessel portion of soaking-device100because when the face192of the user190is removed from this vessel (wettable-subassembly104) the immersion-liquid180level within the vessel naturally lowers a bit and is not sufficiently high to come over a top of neck-gasket500(nor over the top of this vessel).

FIG.8Amerely shows wedge600and neck-gasket500together by themselves (with wedge600laying on top of neck-gasket500) without showing other aspects of front-wall103and/or of soaking-device100.FIG.8Amay illustrate a size and shape relationship between wedge600and neck-gasket500; but otherwise, the configuration, arrangement, and/or orientation of neck-gasket500and wedge600shown inFIG.8Ais not important (not relevant).

FIG.8Bis a perspective view of just wedge600(clamp600) shown by itself. In some embodiments, wedge600may be a rigid member. In some embodiments, wedge600may be made from one or more of: a metal, an alloy, a wood, a composite, a plastic, a reinforced plastic, a laminate, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, wedge600may be planar flat rigid member (except for its prongs601) that has a shape that at least substantially (mostly) complementary matches a bottom edge shape of neck-gasket500and/or of neck-gasket-channel201. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, when the bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500may have a substantially (mostly) U-shape or a half-arc of a circle shape, then wedge600(except for its prongs601) may have a similarly sized and shape U-shape or have a shape that is of a similar shape and size to the half-arc of circle shape. In some embodiments, wedge600(except for its prongs601) may be configured to fit at least mostly into neck-gasket-channel201and up against the bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500that are already within neck-gasket-channel201. In some embodiments, wedge600(except for its prongs601) may be shaped and/or sized to fit at least mostly into neck-gasket-channel201and up against the bottom edge portions of neck-gasket500that are already within neck-gasket-channel201. In some embodiments, wedge600(except for its prongs601) may be configured to function as a wedge to help push portions of neck-gasket500up against surfaces of neck-gasket-channel201, to form the primary watertight (waterproof) seal.

Continuing discussingFIG.8B, in some embodiments, wedge600may have two terminal ends. In some embodiments, wedge600may comprise a prong601located at each of its terminal ends. In some embodiments, prongs601of wedge600may point at least substantially (mostly) orthogonally away from the flat planar surfaces of wedge600. In some embodiments, prongs601of wedge600may be configured to aid in removal of wedge600from neck-gasket-channel201. In some embodiments, wedge600may be removed from neck-gasket-channel201by squeezing opposing prongs601of wedge600towards each other and lifting (pulling) wedge600away from201.

FIG.9Ashows a partial top, front, and side (left-side) perspective view of soaking-device100(and/or of vessel-subassembly102), where a given handle1300is at least partially detached from a top region (portion) of a (left) side-panel-portion107of outermost-shell106.FIG.9Amay show how assembly of a given handle1300to a side-panel-portion107of outermost-shell106can occur.FIG.9Amay show how disassembly of a given handle1300from a side-panel-portion107of outermost-shell106can occur. In some embodiments, one or more mechanical fastener(s)1307may be used to secure (attach) a given handle1300to a given side-panel-portion107of outermost-shell106, by using apertures715and apertures1305(e.g., at least some portions of the mechanical fastener[s]1307may through apertures715and apertures1305). SeeFIG.9CandFIG.9Dfor mechanical fastener(s)1307. In some embodiments, aperture(s)715may be one or more through apertures (holes) within side-panel-portion107of outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, aperture(s)1305may be one or more through apertures (holes) through downward-protecting-portion1303of a given handle1300.FIG.9Aalso shows use of a thermal-break1309disposed between a given handle1300and a top of a side-panel-portion107of outermost-shell106and a top of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be located underneath a portion of a given handle1300and on top of side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106) and also on top of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101.

FIG.9Bshows a partial top, front, and side (left-side) perspective view of soaking-device100(and/or of vessel-subassembly102), where a given handle1300is removed and showing a given thermal-break1309.FIG.9Bmay show how assembly of a given thermal-break1309to a top of a side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106) and/or to a top of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101can occur.FIG.9Bmay show how disassembly of a given thermal-break1309from a top of a side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106) and/or from a top of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101can occur. Note, a portion of neck-gasket-channel201in front-panel103is also visible inFIG.9B.

Note,FIG.9AandFIG.9Balso show bracket(s)1821, wherein bracket(s)1821may be components (parts) of the overall headrest-assembly1800and are further described in U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 filed on May 15, 2023, by the same inventor as the present patent application; wherein the entire disclose of patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 is included herein by reference.

FIG.9Cis a close up left and front perspective view of the left front upper corner region (portion) of the soaking-device100showing how a given handle1300may be attached to a given side-panel-portion107(such as the left side-panel-portion107shown inFIG.9C).FIG.9Cshows a top-portion1301of handle1300laying flat on top of a top903of the given side-panel-portion107, with a downward-protecting-portion1303of handle1300abutting up against the external (exterior) surface811of the given side-panel-portion107, towards (near) top903of side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, top-portion1301and downward-protecting-portion1303may be different regions (portions) of a same given handle1300. In some embodiments, top-portion1301and downward-protecting-portion1303may be attached to each other. In some embodiments, top-portion1301and downward-protecting-portion1303may be connected to each other. In some embodiments, top-portion1301and downward-protecting-portion1303may be integral with each other. In some embodiments, top-portion1301and downward-protecting-portion1303may be of a single article of manufacture with respect to each other. In some embodiments, top-portion1301may be an elongate member that is planar and flat. In some embodiments, top-portion1301may be an elongate member that is planar and flat that is sized and shaped to be able to rest on top of top903of a given side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, downward-protecting-portion1303may be another elongate member that is planar and flat, that is separate and different from the elongate, planar, and flat regions of top-portion1301. In some embodiments, downward-protecting-portion1303may function as a flange that is configured to butt up against the external (exterior) surface811of the given side-panel-portion107, towards (near) top903of side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, downward-protecting-portion1303may be termed flange1303. In some embodiments, the major surfaces/sides of top-portion1301and downward-protecting-portion1303may be at least substantially orthogonal with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, downward-protecting-portion1303may have one or more apertures1305(seeFIG.9Aand/orFIG.9Ffor aperture1305). In some embodiments, aperture1305may be a hole that passes entirely through downward-protecting-portion1303(flange1303). In some embodiments, a (mechanical) fastener1307may pass through a given aperture1305of downward-protecting-portion1303and into aperture715of side-panel-portion107to secure handle1300to side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, a fastener1307may pass through a given aperture1305of downward-protecting-portion1303and into aperture715of side-panel-portion107to secure handle1300to side-panel-portion107. InFIG.9C, one such fastener1307, a portion of downward-protecting-portion1303, and a portion of top-portion1301are all visible; as well as portions of the external (exterior) surface811of side-panel-portion107and portions of the external (exterior) surface811of front-panel103. However, apertures1305and apertures715are all readily not visible inFIG.9Cbecause they are covered by other structures (e.g., such as by a fastener1307).

FIG.9Calso shows a portion of at least one thermal-break1309. In some embodiments, when a given handle1300may be attached to a given side-panel-portion107, disposed between top903of that given side-panel-portion107and a bottom of top-portion1301of handle1300may be at least one thermal-break1309. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may slow a heat transfer rate between wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and handle1300. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may minimize the handle1300getting uncomfortably too hot and/or too cold for holding by a naked human190hand195or the like. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be made from a material (or materials) with slower heat transfer rates as compared to wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and/or as compared to handle1300. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be an insulator. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be at least partially made from one or more of: an elastomer; silicone; rubber; plastic; foam; fiber; mesh; aero-gel; combinations thereof; portions thereof; and/or the like. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be sized to complementary fit between a top of top-ledge1105(of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101) and a bottom of top-portion1301of handle1300. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be an elongate member. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be longer than wide and wider than thick. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be a planar and/or sheet member. In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be flexible.

In some embodiments, thermal-break1309may be omitted from soaking-device100(and/or omitted from vessel-subassembly102); e.g., if and when the handle1300(or top-portion1301) has relatively poor heat transfer characteristics (as compared to wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101), as then thermal-break1309may be unnecessary.

FIG.9Dis a top perspective view showing a pair of handles1300assemblies side by side to each other, in a state of disassembly. In some embodiments, soaking-device100may comprise two handle1300assemblies, one for each of the two side-panel-portions107. In some embodiments, a single handle1300assembly may comprise at least one handle1300, at least one fastener1307, and at least one thermal-break1309. In some embodiments, a quantity of fasteners1307may match a quantity of: apertures1305(or of apertures715) of a given soaking-device100(and/or of a given vessel-subassembly102).

FIG.9Eis a top front right perspective view showing installation of a given thermal-break1309onto a top of top-ledge1105(of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101) and beneath the top-portion1301of handle1300.FIG.9Emay also demonstrate that thermal-break1309may be flexible in some embodiments.FIG.9Eis similar toFIG.9B.

FIG.9Fis a top front right respective view of the upper top front right corner region of soaking-device100(and/or of a given vessel-subassembly102) showing how a given handle1300may be installed onto the top (upper) region of a given side-panel-portion107. InFIG.9Fa thermal-break1309has already been installed onto a top of top-ledge1105of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and beneath the top-portion1301of handle1300; and now the top-portion1301of that handle1300is being lowered onto a top of that thermal-break1309and over top903of that given side-panel-portion107. InFIG.9F, at least one aperture1305of downward-protecting-portion (flange)1303is visible; as well as, at least one aperture715of that given side-panel-portion107. Once that given top-portion1301of that handle1300is seated on top of that given thermal-break1309and/or on top of top903of that given side-panel-portion107, then each aperture1305of downward-protecting-portion (flange)1303may be in colinear alignment with a given aperture715of that given side-panel-portion107, such those colinearly aligned pairs of apertures1305/715may receive a fastener1307to secure that handle1300to that given side-panel-portion107. CompareFIG.9CtoFIG.9F.

FIG.9Falso shows that in some embodiments, an end-view of a given handle1300may resemble a letter “f” and/or a transverse-width cross section through a given handle1300may resemble a letter “f” in some embodiments. For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, at least a portion of the horizontal stroke region of a letter “f” may coincide with downward-protecting-portion (flange)1303; at least a portion of the stem region of a letter “f” may coincide with top-portion1301; and/or at least a portion of the ascender region of a letter “f” may coincide with a portion of handle1300where human190fingers may be holding that given handle1300, wherein this region of handle1300may be ascender-portion1311. In some embodiments, a given handle1300may comprise at least one top-portion1301, at least one downward-protecting-portion (flange)1303, at least one aperture1305, and at least one ascender-portion1311. In some embodiments, ascender-portion1311may be a curved region (portion) of handle1300.

FIG.9Gshows an end view of a given handle1300. In some embodiments, terminal-end-edge1405may be a terminal end edge of top-portion1301that is disposed away from downward-protecting-portion (flange)1303and/or that is disposed away from ascender-portion1311of that given handle1300. In some embodiments, handle1300and/or top-portion1301may comprise terminal-end-edge1405. In some embodiments, descending from a terminal-end-edge1405of top-portion1301of that given handle1300may be a slot1400. In some embodiments, a length of slot1400may be at least substantially (mostly) parallel and/or dimensionally equal to a length of its associated (connected) terminal-end-edge1405. In some embodiments, slot1400may run in a direction that is at least substantially (mostly) parallel to the length of its associated (connected) terminal-end-edge1405. In some embodiments, slot1400may run in a direction that is at least substantially (mostly) linearly straight and/or unobstructed. In some embodiments, slot1400may comprise an opening1401and an enclosed-region1403. In some embodiments, opening1401and enclosed-region1403may be operationally directly linked (connected) to each other. In some embodiments, opening1401may be facing away from downward-protecting-portion (flange)1303and/or away from ascender-portion1311. In some embodiments, when both handles1300may be each attached to their respective side-panel-portion107, then each opening1401may be facing each other (e.g., in vessel-subassembly102). In some embodiments, opening1401and enclosed-region1403may also run in a direction that is at least substantially (mostly) parallel with the length of slot1400and/or with the length of its associated (connected) terminal-end-edge1405. In some embodiments, opening1401and enclosed-region1403may be configured to allow back-and-forth sliding translation (movement) of at least one mating-member1407held (trapped) within slot1400. In some embodiments, a transverse-width cross-section through a given handle and/or a given slot1400may show that a shape of slot1400may at least substantially resemble a letter “T” with a bottom of a stem portion of a letter “T” coinciding with opening1401to slot1400; and with the top horizontal arms portion of a letter “T” coinciding with the portions of slot1400that are mostly enclosed, as in enclosed-region1403. That is, slot1400may be a “T” slot in some embodiments.

FIG.9His a close up (detail) view ofFIG.9G, that may better show at least one mating-member1407in a process of being inserted into slot1400. In some embodiments, at least some portions of a given mating-member1407may have a size and/or a shape that complementary fits within slot1400. In some embodiments, the at least some portions of the given mating-member1407may have a size and/or a shape that complementary fits within opening1401and/or within enclosed-region1403. In some embodiments, the at least some portions of the given mating-member1407may have a size and/or a shape that complementary fits within slot1400, such that those at least some portions of the given mating-member1407may slidingly translate back-and-forth within slot1400. In some embodiments, the at least some portions of the given mating-member1407may have a size and/or a shape that at least substantially (mostly) resembles a letter “T.” In some embodiments, the at least some portions of the given mating-member1407may be shaped as a screw, a bolt, a flat-head screw, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a given mating-member1407may be configured for two purposes, namely, (1) to removably and/or sliding attach to handle1300and/or (2) to permit one or more accessories to be removably attached to soaking-device100, via the mating-member1407to slot1400interaction (engagement).

In some embodiments, the one or more accessories may be selected from: a breathing apparatus, a head rest (e.g., headrest1800), airline tubing, gas line tubing, a light, a thermometer, a temperature probe, a timer, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

FIG.91is an end perspective view of a given handle1300showing at least one mating-member1407received into slot1400of that given handle1300.FIG.91is an end perspective view of a given handle1300showing at least two different mating-members1407being received into slot1400of that given handle1300. In some embodiments, a given slot1400may be configured to accommodate one or more mating-members1407within that given slot1400. However, because the length of slot1400is fixed, finite, and/or non-variable, there is a finite maximum quantity of mating-members1407that may simultaneously fit into a given slot1400. Additionally, a greater the quantity of mating-members1407within a given slot1400, the greater the reduction in sliding translation freedom of movement of those mating-members1407within that given slot1400.

In some embodiments, the headrest-assembly1800may be (removably) attachable to the vessel-subassembly102. In some embodiments, the headrest-assembly1800may be (removably) attachable to the handles1300of the vessel-subassembly102. In some embodiments, the headrest-assembly1800may be (removably) attachable to slots (tracks)1400of the handles1300(such as, but not limited to, by using at least one mating-member1407in each slot [track]1400). See e.g.,FIG.91,FIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C,FIG.3C, andFIG.17A.

FIG.10Ashows a partial perspective view of vessel-subassembly102in a state of at least partial disassembly, with handle(s)1300(and with thermal thermal-break[s]1309) removed.FIG.10Aalso shows that since the handle(s)1300are removed, side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106) may be coming removed from wettable-subassembly104.FIG.10Aalso shows that since the handle(s)1300are removed, side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106) may be coming removed from front-panel103and from rear-panel105.

FIG.10Bshows a front top perspective view of wettable-subassembly104being lifted out (separated) of/from outermost-shell106. Or in the alternative,FIG.10Bshows a perspective view of wettable-subassembly104being set into place within outermost-shell106.FIG.10Cshows another perspective view, a side (right-side) perspective view, of wettable-subassembly104being lifted out (separated) of/from outermost-shell106. Or in the alternative,FIG.10Cshows a perspective view of wettable-subassembly104being set into place within outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, when handles1300are detached from soaking-device100(and/or from vessel-subassembly102), then wettable-subassembly104may be physically separated from outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, with respect to vessel-subassembly102, there are no mechanical fasteners used to secure front-panel103to side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106). In some embodiments, with respect to vessel-subassembly102, there are no mechanical fasteners used to secure rear-panel105to side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106). See e.g.,FIG.10A,FIG.10B, andFIG.10C.

FIG.11Ashows a front top (or a rear top) perspective view of outermost-shell106, shown by itself.FIG.11Bshows another front top (or a rear top) perspective view of outermost-shell106, shown by itself. The perspective views fromFIG.11AandFIG.11Bare different from each other.FIG.11Cshows a side top (left or right) perspective view of outermost-shell106, shown by itself. Recall at least some of outermost-shell106was previously discussed above in the discussions ofFIG.3A,FIG.3B, andFIG.3C. A right-side view may be the same as a left-side view of outermost-shell106due to left-right symmetry of outermost-shell106in some embodiments. A front view may be the same as a rear (back) view of outermost-shell106due to front-back symmetry of outermost-shell106in some embodiments. However, a top view of outermost-shell106may differ from a bottom view of outermost-shell106as outermost-shell106may not be top-bottom symmetric. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may also be referred to as integral-outermost-sidewall-and-bottom106. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may form the outer most exterior bottom and sidewalls of soaking-device100and/or of vessel-subassembly102. In some embodiments, a length of outermost-shell106(e.g., from front-panel103to rear-panel105) may be predetermined, fixed, finite, non-variable, and/or non-elastic. In some embodiments, opposing terminal ends of each side-panel-portion107(of outermost-shell106), with respect to the length of outermost-shell106, may turn up and in (or bend up and in or fold up and in) into a region of capture-surface306(retention-surface306). In some embodiments, capture-surface306may also be referred to as retention-surface306. In some embodiments, with respect to one terminal end of outermost-shell106, two different sets of capture-surfaces306(from the two side-panel-portions107), i.e., a pair of capture-surfaces306, may at least mostly face or point towards each other, particularly when that outermost-shell106is attached to (and/or retaining) wettable-subassembly104; i.e., this pair of capture-surfaces306are not turning away from each other. In some embodiments, a pair of capture-surfaces306(that at least mostly face and/or point towards each other) may capture, retain, pull, and/or hold front-panel103against outermost-shell106and also may push that front-panel103against wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101; while the other (opposing) pair of capture-surfaces306(that at least mostly face and/or point towards each other) may capture, retain, pull, and/or hold rear-panel105against outermost-shell106and may also push that rear-panel105against that same wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. Thus, outermost-shell106may work in this clamping aspect squeezing front-panel103against wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and squeezing rear-panel105against wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. This may work because the length of outermost-shell106is sized to make this clamping action happen, taking into account a length of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, and thicknesses of front-panel103and of rear-panel105. Thus, when outermost-shell106is retaining (holding and/or squeezing) wettable-subassembly104, to form vessel-subassembly102(by placing front-panel103into one pair of capture-surfaces306, placing rear-panel105into the other pair of capture-surfaces306and securing handles1300to side-panel-portions107); then wettable-subassembly104becomes waterproof because of this squeezing action from outermost-shell106and does so without use of mechanical fasteners between outermost-shell106and front-panel103and without mechanical fasteners between outermost-shell106and rear-panel105. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may be made from at least one metal or at least one alloy. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may be made from at least one single sheet that is bent into a shape.

FIG.12Ashows a front top perspective view of just wettable-subassembly104by itself (e.g., without outermost-shell106, handles1300, breathing-apparatus1700, headrest assembly1800, and tower2700).FIG.12Bshows more of top perspective view of just wettable-subassembly104by itself.FIG.12Cshows a rear (back) top perspective view of just wettable-subassembly104by itself. In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104may comprise: front-panel103, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, and rear-panel105. In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104may comprise: front-panel103, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, rear-panel105, and end-gasket1200. In some embodiments, when wettable-subassembly104is assembled by itself, e.g., as shown inFIG.12A,FIG.12B, andFIG.12C, this assembled configuration may be held together entirely by frictional forces from press fits. In some embodiments, such press fits may be between channel-for-end-gasket705, (a first) end-gasket1200, and (a first) terminal end1107(of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101) with respect to the physical interaction between front-panel103and wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101; and/or between channel-for-end-gasket719, another (different or second) end-gasket1200, and (a second and/or opposing) terminal end1107(of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101) with respect to the physical interaction between rear-panel105and wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104may be referred to as wettable because its upper and/or interior opposing facing surfaces701may be intended to be in direct physical contact with immersion-liquid180for temporary periods of time, such as, but not limited to, long enough for a given user190to use soaking-device100as intended. In some embodiments, at least some of the top, upper, and/or upward facing surfaces of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101shown inFIG.12A,FIG.12B, and/orFIG.12Cmay be configured to be intentionally wetted and/or submerged while soaking-device100may be in intended use for soaking a given body part of user190. In some embodiments, at least some of the opposing facing interior surfaces701of front-panel103and of rear-panel105shown inFIG.12A,FIG.12B, and/orFIG.12Cmay be configured to be intentionally wetted and/or submerged while soaking-device100may be in intended use for soaking a given body part of user190. In some embodiments, the top, upper, and/or upward facing surfaces of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and the opposing facing interior surfaces701of front-panel103and of rear-panel105, all shown inFIG.12A,FIG.12B, and/orFIG.12C, when in the wettable-subassembly104configuration, may be configured to be waterproof and/or to hold and/or retain at least some of immersion-liquid180within the volume of wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, the top, upper, and/or upward facing surfaces of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and the opposing facing interior surfaces701of front-panel103and of rear-panel105, all shown inFIG.12A,FIG.12B, and/orFIG.12C, when in the wettable-subassembly104configuration and being retained by outermost-shell106, may be configured to be waterproof and/or to hold and/or retain at least some of immersion-liquid180within the volume of wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, the top, upper, and/or upward facing surfaces of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and the opposing facing interior surfaces701of front-panel103and of rear-panel105, all shown inFIG.12A,FIG.12B, and/orFIG.12C, when in the wettable-subassembly104configuration and being retained by outermost-shell106and with affixed handles1300, may be configured to be waterproof and/or to hold and/or retain at least some of immersion-liquid180within the volume of wettable-subassembly104. Note, front-panel103may be shown by itself inFIG.13Aand inFIG.13B. Note, rear-panel105may be shown by itself inFIG.14Aand inFIG.14B. Note, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be shown by itself inFIG.15Aand inFIG.15B.

In some embodiments, the opposing main (largest) surfaces (e.g., exterior surface811and/or interior surface701) of front-panel103may have a perimeter that is at least substantially (mostly) in a shape of a trapezoid, not including the cutout region for the neck-gasket-channel201, wherein the only two parallel sides of that trapezoid are the top and the bottom sides of front-panel103, wherein the top side is wider than the bottom side. See e.g.,FIG.12A.

In some embodiments, the opposing main (largest) surfaces (e.g., exterior surface811and/or interior surface701) of front-panel103may have a perimeter that is at least substantially (mostly) in a shape of a polygon (or a quadrilateral), not including the cutout region for the neck-gasket-channel201. See e.g.,FIG.12A.

In some embodiments, the opposing main (largest) surfaces (e.g., exterior surface811and/or interior surface701) of rear-panel105may have a perimeter that is at least substantially (mostly) in a shape of a trapezoid, wherein the only two parallel sides of that trapezoid are the top and the bottom sides of rear-panel105, wherein the top side is wider than the bottom side. See e.g.,FIG.12C.

In some embodiments, the opposing main (largest) surfaces (e.g., exterior surface811and/or interior surface701) of rear-panel105may have a perimeter that is at least substantially (mostly) in a shape of a polygon (or a quadrilateral). See e.g.,FIG.12C.

FIG.12Dshows a bottom rear perspective view of wettable-subassembly104, shown in a process of installing (or removing) insulation115from a bottom of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, soaking-device100, vessel-subassembly102, and/or wettable-subassembly104may comprise insulation115. In some embodiments, insulation115may be (thermal) insulation. In some embodiments, insulation115may be configured to slow down (reduce) heat transfer from (to) wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and/or from (to) submersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, insulation115may be made at least partially from one or more of: mineral wool, rock wool, fiberglass, hemp, cellulose, foam, animal wool, polystyrene, polyurethane, spray foam, spray foam insulation, phase-shift insulation, a sealed packet of phase-shift insulation, aerogel, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a form factor of insulation115may be in one or more of: a planar foam sheet; a fibrous batt; a fiberglass batt; a rock (mineral) wool batt; sprayed foam; a sealed pouch (of phase shift insulation); sprayed insulation; loose cellulose; foam board; aerogel, a portion thereof; combinations thereof; and/or the like.

FIG.12Eshows a bottom rear perspective view of wettable-subassembly104, shown with installed insulation115(installed onto a bottom of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101). In some embodiments, insulation115may be located on a bottom surface of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, insulation115may cover over at least most of a bottom surface of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. Note, in the vessel-subassembly102configuration, insulation115may not be visible, as bottom-panel-portion113(of outermost-shell106) may cover over installed insulation115. In some embodiments, (with respect to vessel-subassembly102) insulation115may be disposed between wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and outermost-shell106.

FIG.12Emay also show a rabbet (inset-shelf or inset-ledge)123. In some embodiments, front-panel103and/or rear-panel105may comprise one or more rabbet(s)123. In some embodiments, vertical edges of external (exterior) surface811of front-panel103and/or of rear-panel105may comprise a rabbet123. In some embodiments, rabbet123may be an inset-shelf and/or an inset-ledge along a given vertical edge, i.e., a rabbet, located at the vertical edges of external (exterior) surface811of front-panel103and/or of rear-panel105. In some embodiments, these rabbet(s)123may be configured to receive the capture-surface(s) (retention-surface[s])306of outermost-shell106, so that the overall external (exterior) surface811of front-panel103and/or rear-panel105are flush with the exteriors of the capture-surface(s) (retention-surface[s])306; and/or to facilitate the outermost-shell106being able to squeeze (compress) the front-panel103against a first terminal-end1107of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and the outermost-shell106also simultaneously being able to squeeze (compress) the rear-panel105against a second terminal-end1107of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101.

FIG.13Ais top203internal (interior)701perspective view of just front-panel103shown by itself. Top203and internal (interior) facing surface701of front-panel103are shown inFIG.13A. The cutout region205of front-panel103and neck-gasket-channel201of front-panel103are also at least partially visible inFIG.13A; as well as, channel705(channel-for-end-gasket705). In some embodiments, channel705(of interior surface701of front-panel103) may be configured to receive an edge of (a first) terminal end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, when that edge of that terminal end1107is being retained within a receiving-channel1201of (a first) end-gasket1200(see e.g.,FIG.16A,FIG.16B,FIG.16C, andFIG.16Dfor terminal end1107, end-gasket1200, and receiving-channel1201, and their interactions).

FIG.14Ais a top1001internal (interior)701perspective view of just rear-panel105shown by itself. In some embodiments, rear-panel105may comprise a top side1001, a bottom side1003, a left side1005, and a right side1007, wherein top side1001, bottom side1003, left side1005, and right side1007define a continuous polygonal (such as, but not limited to, a quadrilateral, a trapezoid, a square, a rectangle, and/or the like) perimeter (boundary) to rear-panel105, when rear-panel105is viewed from above or below and a major planar surface of rear-panel105(e.g., internal surface701or exterior surface811of rear-panel105) may be lying flat upon a surface. In some embodiments, top side1001may be disposed opposite from bottom side1003. In some embodiments, top side1001may be separated from bottom side1003by a fixed and/or non-variable height (tallness) of rear-panel105. In some embodiments, top side1001and bottom side1003may be at least substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, left side1005may be disposed opposite from right side1007. In some embodiments, left side1005may be separated from right side1007by a width of rear-panel105. In some embodiments, left side1005and right side1007may be at least substantially parallel to each other. In some embodiments, left side1005and right side1007may be non-parallel to each other. Top side1001and internal (interior) facing surface701of rear-panel105are shown inFIG.14A. The channel719(channel-for-end-gasket719) of rear-panel105is shown inFIG.14A. In some embodiments, channel719(of interior surface701of rear-panel105) may be configured to receive an edge of the opposing terminal end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, when that edge of terminal end1107is being retained within a receiving-channel1201of a second (different) end-gasket1200(see e.g.,FIG.16A,FIG.16B,FIG.16C, andFIG.16Dfor terminal end1107, end-gasket1200, and receiving-channel1201, and their interactions).

FIG.14Bis a bottom1003left1005external (exterior)811perspective view of just rear-panel105shown by itself.FIG.14Bshows bottom side1003, left side1005, and the external (exterior) surface811of rear-panel105.

FIG.15Ashows just the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101by itself, from a top perspective view.FIG.15Bshows just the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101by itself from a front (or rear) perspective view. In some embodiments, a transverse width cross-section of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may have a shape that at least substantially (mostly) resembles a “U” shape, a half-circle, a semi-circle, half of a cylinder, half pipe, combinations thereof, portions thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101member may be a continuous member that serves as both a floor and as opposing sidewalls to the vessel of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101member may be waterproof. In some embodiments, at least some or most of the upper-surfaces1109of a given wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be configured to periodically touch and/or house immersion-liquid180. In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may have a predetermined shape. In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be bent, rolled, stamped, pressed, folded, combinations thereof, portions thereof, and/or the like into its predetermined overall final shape from at least one single planar sheet of stock material. In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be injection (and/or diecast) molded, 3D printed, extruded, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a given wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may comprise a single floor-portion1101; two (2) opposing sidewall-portions1103; and two (2) opposing top-ledges1105portions. In some embodiments, a given wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may comprise a single floor-portion1101; two (2) opposing sidewall-portions1103; and two (2) opposing top-ledges1105portions; wherein wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be a single integral article of manufacture, with these five (5) portions being merely different regions of that single wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, the two (2) opposing sidewall-portions1103may flank and be continuously attached to floor-portion1101. In some embodiments, floor-portion1101may be centrally located and may be a lowest portion of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, when assembled soaking-device100(and/or wettable-subassembly104and/or vessel-subassembly102) may be resting upon a flat surface (e.g., a tabletop). In some embodiments, two (2) opposing sidewall-portions1103may form opposing sidewalls of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, each of two (2) opposing sidewall-portions1103may terminate and/or be (integrally) attached to (transition to) a given top-ledge1105. In some embodiments, each top-ledge1105may be configured to rest on top of top903of a given side-panel-portion107, when soaking-device100(and/or vessel-subassembly102) may be in its assembled configuration. In some embodiments, when soaking-device100(and/or vessel-subassembly102) may be in its assembled configuration, then a given top-ledge1105of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may rests on top of a top903of a given side-panel-portion107. In some embodiments, a given wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may comprise two (2) opposing terminal ends1107(with respect to a length of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101). In some embodiments, each terminal end1107of a given wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be configured to be attached to a given end-gasket1200. In some embodiments, the two opposing terminal ends1107of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be separated from each other by the length of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. See e.g.,FIG.15Aand/orFIG.15B.

Small portions of bottom-surface1111of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be visible inFIG.15B, underneath portions of top-ledges1105. In some embodiments, bottom-surface1111may be a bottom main (major) surface of a given top-ledge1105. In some embodiments, bottom-surface1111and upper-surface1109may be oppositely disposed main (major) surfaces of a given top-ledge1105. In some embodiments, bottom-surface1111and upper-surface1109may generally face away from each other.

In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101(or most of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101) may be made from a material that is considered by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant industries to be a thermal insulator or poor or undesirable at heat transfer, such as, but not limited to, a plastic, and/or the like. In an assembled configuration, below wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be no heating and/or cooling elements.

In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101(or most of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101) may be made from a material that is considered by persons of ordinary skill in the relevant industries to be good or desirable at heat transfer, such as, but not limited to, a metal, an alloy, stainless steel, copper, graphene, and/or the like. In an assembled configuration, below wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be heating and/or cooling elements, which is why it may be beneficial for wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101to be relatively good at heat transfer; i.e., so that immersion-liquid180may be heated, warmed, cooled, chilled, combinations thereof, portions thereof, and/or the like in reasonable amounts of time.

In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be made from at least one metal or at least one alloy. In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may be made from at least one single sheet that is bent into a shape.

FIG.16Ais a rear top perspective view showing attachment of an end-gasket1200to one of the two terminal ends1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, end-gasket1200may be a flexible elongate member with a receiving-channel1201that runs along a length of the given end-gasket1200. In some embodiments, end-gasket1200may be at least substantially (mostly) made from one or more: elastomeric materials; waterproof materials; hydrophobic materials; gasket materials; sealing materials; combinations thereof; portions thereof; and/or the like. In some embodiments, end-gasket1200may be an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, end-gasket1200may be selected from one or more of: neoprene, silicone, rubber, a flexible plastic, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a given soaking-device100(and/or wettable-subassembly104and/or vessel-subassembly102) may comprise two (2) separate and distinct end-gaskets1200(e.g., a first end-gasket1200and a second [different] end-gasket1200); i.e., one end-gasket1200for each of the two terminal ends1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, a given end-gasket1200may be configured for (removable) attachment to a given terminal end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, end-gasket1200is attached to terminal end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101by pressing terminal end1107into receiving-channel1201of that end-gasket1200, until that terminal end1107is at least substantially (mostly) filling (occupying) that receiving-channel1201.FIG.16Ashows the beginning of this attachment process. AndFIG.16Bshows this attachment process for one end-gasket1200and one terminal end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101.FIG.16Bis a rear top perspective view showing completion of the attachment process ofFIG.16Aof end-gasket1200to at least one of the two terminal ends1107of the wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101.

FIG.16Cis a perspective view of just a portion of one end-gasket1200.FIG.16Cshows the elongate nature of end-gasket1200. In some embodiments, the member that may be formed into end-gasket1200may be come in an extruded roll that may be cut to (predetermined) length to arrive at a given end-gasket1200. In some embodiments, end-gasket1200may be formed from extrusion, die cutting, 3D printing, injection molding, and/or the like.

FIG.16Dis a perspective close up view of just a portion of one end-gasket1200showing its receiving-channel1201.FIG.16Dshows receiving-channel1201within a given end-gasket1200. In some embodiments, this receiving-channel1201may run a length of end-gasket1200. In some embodiments, this receiving-channel1201may be configured to fit onto and/or around a given terminal end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments, a transverse width cross-section of a given end-gasket1200may have a shape that is at least substantially shaped as a letter “U,” a letter “C,” a letter “V,” portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

FIG.17AthroughFIG.17Hshow various aspects of breathing-apparatus1700.FIG.17Ais a top front right side perspective view of soaking-device100along with a breathing-apparatus1700(or showing breathing-apparatus1700that soaking-device100may comprise in some embodiments). In some embodiments, soaking-device100may further comprise breathing-apparatus1700(or other breathing apparatus). In some embodiments, a system (or a kit) may comprise soaking-device100and breathing-apparatus1700(or other breathing apparatus). In some embodiments, soaking-device100may further comprise breathing-apparatus1700(or other breathing apparatus) and headrest1800. In some embodiments, a system (or a kit) may comprise soaking-device100, breathing-apparatus1700(or other breathing apparatus), and headrest1800. InFIG.17A, breathing-apparatus1700is shown partially residing (resting) within the vessel portion (vessel-subassembly102) of soaking-device100, i.e., with a portion of breathing-apparatus1700in direct physical contact with floor-portion1101of floor-and-sidewalls101. In some embodiments of breathing-apparatus1700,FIG.17Amay show a general size relationship (comparison) between soaking-device100(and/or vessel-subassembly102) and breathing-apparatus1700. In some embodiments, when user190may have their mouth and/or nose submerged within immersion-liquid180within the vessel portion (vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100, then that user190may continue to breathe by intended use of breathing-apparatus1700.

FIG.17Bshows a perspective view of just breathing-apparatus1700by itself (in its assembled configuration). In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may be comprised of one or more of: a rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(or semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701), a flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703, and a mouthpiece1705. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may be comprised of: at least one rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(or at least one semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701), two separate flexible-elongate-hollow-members1703, and one mouthpiece1705. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may further comprise one or more fittings1707. In some embodiments, fitting(s)1707may be configured to facilitate (removable) attachment between one or more of: rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(or semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701), flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703, and/or mouthpiece1705. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may be comprised of one or more of: rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703, mouthpiece1705, and/or fitting1707.

Continuing discussingFIG.17B, in some embodiments, mouthpiece1705(or a portion thereof) may be configured to be removably gripped by a mouth, lip, teeth, and/or gums of user190. In some embodiments, mouthpiece1705may be at least substantially similar to a mouthpiece used in snorkels (for use in snorkeling) and/or to a mouthpiece used in a breathing apparatus for SCUBA diving or the like. In some embodiments, mouthpiece1705may be fitted with at least one one-way-valve (check-valve) that is configured to release immersion-liquid180(or other liquid) from within mouthpiece1705but is also configured to block (prevent and/or minimize) immersion-liquid180from entering past that check-valve and getting into mouthpiece1705. In some embodiments, this check-valve may be a flapper type check-valve. Such check-valves are common on snorkeling snorkels and are incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, mouthpiece1705may be at least substantially (mostly) made from injection molding (and/or 3D printing). In some embodiments, mouthpiece1705may be at least substantially (mostly) made from one or more: elastomers, silicone, rubber, a flexible plastic, plastic, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, mouthpiece1705may be operatively connected to a terminal end of one or more of flexible-elongate-hollow-member(s)1703; and/or to one or more fitting(s)1707. In some embodiments, mouthpiece1705may be configured for washing and/or sterilizing within a dishwasher (or pot of boiling water). In some embodiments, mouthpiece1705may be configured for sterilizing within a microwave and/or oven.

Continuing discussingFIG.17B, in some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be configured to operatively link mouthpiece1705to rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be an elongate member that is hollow and at least partially flexible. In some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be an elongate member that is tubular and hollow. In some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may have a predetermined, fixed, finite, and/or non-variable length. In some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may have a variable length because flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be stretchable and/or because at least some of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may have an accordion (telescoping) aspect that permits some expansion or some retraction. In some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may comprise two opposing terminal ends. In some embodiments, at each of the two terminal ends of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be one main opening to the hollow interior of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703; such that, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703has two opposing main openings. In some embodiments, one terminal end of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be configured for (removable) attachment to mouthpiece1705and/or to a fitting1707; whereas, the other remaining terminal end of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be configured to (removable) attachment to rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) and/or to another different fitting1707. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may comprise two separate and distinct flexible-elongate-hollow-members1703. In some embodiments, at least some of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be made from the same or at least substantially (mostly) similar materials the flexible tubing used in snorkeling snorkels and/or SCUBA gear breathing tubing. In some embodiments, at least some of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be made from extruding one or more: elastomers, silicone, rubber, flexible plastic, plastic, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least some of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be reinforced to minimize or prevent kinking of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703. In some embodiments, at least some of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be braided to reinforce flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703. In some embodiments, at least some of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be optically transparent and/or translucent with respect to human vision, as that may permit a cleanliness state of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703to be determined by human visual inspection from an exterior of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703. In some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be configured for washing and/or sterilizing within a dishwasher (and/or within a boiling pot of water). In some embodiments, flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be configured for sterilizing within a microwave and/or oven.

Continuing discussingFIG.17B, in some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be configured to operatively link rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) to mouthpiece1705via at least one intermediary of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703. In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be directly connected to one or two flexible-elongate-hollow-member(s)1703. In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be directly connected to one or two fitting(s)1707. In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701may be an elongate member that is hollow and fixedly rigid (at least compared to flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703). In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701may be rigid. Whereas, in other embodiments, semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701may be flexible, with a same or similar flexibility as flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703or less so. In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be an elongate member that is tubular and hollow. In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may have a predetermined, fixed, finite, and/or non-variable length. In some embodiments, an overall length of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may have a predetermined overall shape. In some embodiments, this overall shape of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may a fixed and predetermined curvature. In some embodiments, this overall shape of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be of a fixed and predetermined arc. In some embodiments, this overall shape of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701may at least substantially (mostly) resemble a letter “c,” half-circle, semicircle, half-oval, half-ellipse, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may comprise two opposing terminal ends. In some embodiments, at each of the two terminal ends of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be one main opening to the hollow interior of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701); such that, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) has only two opposing main openings. In some embodiments, only one of the two terminal ends of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may have a single main opening to the hollow interior of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701); such that, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701has only one main opening. In some embodiments, one terminal end of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be configured for (removable) attachment to flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703and/or to a fitting1707; whereas, the other remaining terminal end of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be configured to (removable) attachment to a separate and different flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703and/or to another different fitting1707. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may comprise one rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, at least some of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be made from the same or at least substantially (mostly) similar materials as the tubing used in snorkeling snorkels and/or used in SCUBA gear breathing tubing. In some embodiments, at least some of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be made from extruding one or more: metals, alloys, aluminum, stainless steel, elastomers, silicone, rubber, rigid plastic, flexible plastic, plastic, PVC, ABS, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least some of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be reinforced to minimize or prevent kinking of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, at least some of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be braided to reinforce rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, at least some of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be optically transparent and/or translucent with respect to human vision, as that may permit a cleanliness state of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) to be determined by human visual inspection from an exterior of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be configured for washing and/or sterilizing within a dishwasher (and/or within a pot of boiling water). In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be configured for sterilizing within a microwave and/or oven.

Continuing discussingFIG.17B, in some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may comprise one or more fittings1707. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may comprise no fittings1707. In some embodiments, fitting1707may be optional and/or omitted in breathing-apparatus1700. In some embodiments, a given fitting1707may be configured to operatively link: rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) to flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703; flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703to mouthpiece1705; combinations thereof; and/or the like. In some embodiments, a given fitting1707may be hollow. In some embodiments, a given fitting1707may be at least substantially (mostly) similar to a given plumbing fitting used to attach one end of a tube, tubing, hose, or pipe to another end of a tube, tubing, hose, or pipe. In some embodiments, a given fitting1707may comprise one or more hose barbs, threads, unions, couplings, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, a given fitting1707may function via friction and/or compression. In some embodiments, fitting1707may be rigid, flexible, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least some of fitting1707may be made from one or more: metals, alloys, aluminum, stainless steel, elastomers, silicone, rubber, rigid plastic, flexible plastic, plastic, PVC, ABS, PEX, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least some of fitting1707may be reinforced to minimize or prevent kinking of fitting1707. In some embodiments, at least some of fitting1707may be braided to reinforce fitting1707. In some embodiments, at least some of fitting1707may be optically transparent and/or translucent with respect to human vision, as that may permit a cleanliness state of fitting1707to be determined by human visual inspection from an exterior of fitting1707. In some embodiments, fitting1707may be configured for washing and/or sterilizing within a dishwasher. In some embodiments, fitting1707may be configured for sterilizing within a microwave and/or oven.

FIG.17Cshows a (right) side perspective view of just breathing-apparatus1700by itself (in its assembled configuration).FIG.17Cmay show at least one aperture1709. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may comprise at least one aperture1709. In some embodiments, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may comprise at least one aperture1709. In some embodiments, aperture1709may be a through hole that passes entirely through a sidewall (thickness) of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) from an exterior of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) and into the hollow interior of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, aperture1709may extend in a radial direction that may be at least substantially (mostly) orthogonal or perpendicular with respect to an axial length of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, one or more apertures1709may be located on the exterior/outside curving arc region of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) that may be disposed and/or facing away from mouthpiece1705, when breathing-apparatus1700is in its assembled configuration (see e.g.,FIG.17D). In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700is in its assembled configuration and in use (as intended), with mouthpiece1705and a mouth of user190submerged within immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion of soaking-device100, the aperture(s)1709may remain vertically above and outside of immersion-liquid180and thus dry enough (aside from moisture in respiratory gasses and in the ambient air's humidity) (see e.g.,FIG.17H).

FIG.17Dshows another perspective view of just breathing-apparatus1700by itself (in its assembled configuration).FIG.17Dmay be from a view that opposing from the other perspective view ofFIG.17B.FIG.17Dmay show two or more apertures1709of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701).FIG.17Dmay show two or more apertures1709located on the exterior/outside curving arc region of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) that may be disposed and/or facing away from mouthpiece1705, when breathing-apparatus1700is in its assembled configuration.

FIG.17Eis a top-down view of one embodiment of breathing-apparatus1700, showing that breathing-apparatus1700embodiment in a disassembled configuration. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700may comprise one rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701), two separate and distinct flexible-elongate-hollow-members1703, one mouthpiece1705, and one fitting1707. In some embodiments, each opposite terminal end of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be (removably) connected to a given terminal end of one of the two flexible-elongate-hollow-members1703. In some embodiments, the other remaining two terminals ends of the flexible-elongate-hollow-members1703may each be (removably) connected to a different location of the same fitting1707. In some embodiments, that fitting may be further (removably) connected to mouthpiece1705. In some embodiments, the parts and/or components of breathing-apparatus1700may be routinely disassembled to facilitate cleaning and/or sterilization of those parts and/or components of breathing-apparatus1700.

FIG.17Fis right side view of breathing-apparatus1700in its intended relational configuration with respect to user190; showing mouthpiece1705currently being gripped by the mouth, lip, teeth, and/or gums of user190; with each of the two separate and distinct flexible-elongate-hollow-members1703passing over a side of face192of user190; with opposite portions of breathing-apparatus1700in direct physical contact with the shoulders of user190(or with those opposite portions of breathing-apparatus1700close to the shoulders of user190[e.g., within two inches of the given shoulder of user190]); and with rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) being disposed over an upper back portion of user190. In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700is in use (as intended), such as shown inFIG.17FthroughFIG.17H, the opposite portions of breathing-apparatus1700may be in direct physical contact with the shoulders of user190or those opposite portions of breathing-apparatus1700may be located close (near, adjacent, proximate) to the shoulders of user190, such as, within two inches of the given shoulder of user190. In some embodiments, the opposite portions of breathing-apparatus1700that may be near or in direct physical contact with the shoulder(s) of user190, may be portions of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703and/or of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700is in use (as intended), such as shown inFIG.17FthroughFIG.17H, the curvature and/or arc region of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may help to keep the opposite portions of breathing-apparatus1700resting upon the shoulders of user190. In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700is in use (as intended), such as shown inFIG.17FthroughFIG.17H, the curvature and/or arc region of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may help to overall align breathing-apparatus1700in a position that is comfortable for user190to wear and/or use. In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700is in use (as intended), such as shown inFIG.17FthroughFIG.17H, head191of user190may be located in the interior void space of the overall breathing-apparatus1700, with a front of head191of user190being located closer to mouthpiece1705than to rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701). In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700is in use (as intended), such as shown inFIG.17FthroughFIG.17H, the curvature and/or arc region of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may help to keep the opposite portions of breathing-apparatus1700resting upon the shoulders of user190.

FIG.17Gis a rear top perspective view of soaking-device100, showing breathing-apparatus1700(removably) fitted to user190, but with head191of user190not yet at least partially submerged within immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion (vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700may be (removably) fitted to user190, at least some portion of mouthpiece1705may be (removably) gripped by a mouth, a lip, teeth, a gum, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like of user190. See e.g.,FIG.17Gand/orFIG.17F.FIG.17Gmay be a rear respective view ofFIG.17F(or front view from the perspective of user190), but also showing soaking-device100. In some embodiments, the relational configurations as between breathing-apparatus1700and user190shown inFIG.17Fmay be maintained inFIG.17G.

FIG.17His a rear top perspective view of soaking-device100, showing breathing-apparatus1700(removably) fitted to user190, but now with head191of user190at least partially submerged within immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700may be (removably) fitted to user190, at least some portion of mouthpiece1705may be (removably) gripped by a mouth, a lip, teeth, a gum, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like of user190.FIG.17Hmay be a same or similar view as compared toFIG.17G, but inFIG.17Hhead191(and/or face192) of user190may be at least partially submerged immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion of soaking-device100; whereas, inFIG.17Ghead191(and/or face192) of user190may not be at least partially submerged immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion (vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, inFIG.17H, at least some portions of breathing-apparatus1700may be submerged within immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion (vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, inFIG.17H, mouthpiece1705and/or at least some portions of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703may be submerged within immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion (vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, inFIG.17H, rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) and/or aperture(s)1709may be disposed vertically above and outside of immersion-liquid180of the vessel portion (vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104) of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, inFIG.17H, at least a portion of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701) may be located at a highest point with respect to: other portions of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701), other portions of breathing-apparatus1700, soaking-device100, face192of user190, head191of user190, user190, portions thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, inFIG.17H, at least a portion of mouthpiece1705(and/or a centrally located fitting1707) may be located at a lowest point with respect to other portions of breathing-apparatus1700. In some embodiments, the relational configurations as between breathing-apparatus1700and user190shown inFIG.17Fand/or inFIG.17Gmay be maintained inFIG.17H.

In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700may be in use as intended (see e.g.,FIG.17FtoFIG.17H), fresh external ambient air may be move into (through) aperture(s)1709, then into the hollow interior of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701), then into the hollow interior of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703, then into the hollow interior of mouthpiece1705, and then into the mouth of user190. In some embodiments, when breathing-apparatus1700may be in use as intended (see e.g.,FIG.17FtoFIG.17H), internal used (respired and/or exhaled) air (e.g., which may contain more carbon dioxide [CO2] than the fresh external ambient air) may move out from the mouth of user190, then into the hollow interior of mouthpiece1705, then into the hollow interior of flexible-elongate-hollow-member1703, then into the hollow interior of rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701(semi-rigid-elongate-hollow-member1701), then through aperture(s)1709, and lastly out into the fresh external ambient air. In some embodiments, from aperture(s)1709to mouthpiece1705, breathing-apparatus1700may comprise at least one airtight sealed pathway that is configured for respiratory gas movement. Thus, breathing-apparatus1700may be used for natural and/or normal respiratory breathing of user190. See e.g.,FIG.17BtoFIG.17H.

Note,FIG.17Hmay also show two opposing mating-members1407, with each such mating-member1407being slidingly confined (retained) to its respective slot1400(track1400).

In some embodiments, soaking-device100may be used without breathing-apparatus1700. In some embodiments, in lieu of breathing-apparatus1700, i.e., breathing-apparatus1700may be replaced with any breathing apparatus or the like shown and described in U.S. utility patent Ser. No. 10/667,990, U.S. utility patent Ser. No. 10/449,341, U.S. utility patent Ser. No. 10/667,991, U.S. utility patent Ser. No. 11/154,697, U.S. design Pat. D863575, U.S. design Pat. D863576, U.S. design patent D864403, U.S. design Pat. D889675, and/or in U.S. design Pat. D916303; wherein the disclosures of these U.S. patents is incorporated by reference herein as if fully set-forth herein.

In some embodiments, in lieu of breathing-apparatus1700, i.e., breathing-apparatus1700may be replaced with a snorkel used for snorkeling or the like.

FIG.18Ashows a front and top perspective view of a tower2700by itself.FIG.18Bshows an embodiment of tower2700from a top, front, and a right-side perspective view. In some embodiments, use of tower2700may provide benefits and/or enhancements to immersion-liquid180and/or to user190who may be using immersion-liquid180within soaking-device100(vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104). In some embodiments, these benefits and/or enhancements may comprise one or more of: providing gas bubbles250to immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104; providing lighting effects to immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104; monitoring a temperature of immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104; doing so with a (countdown or count up) timer function; a portion thereof; combinations thereof; and/or the like. In some embodiments, during intended use of tower2700, tower2700may be removably located adjacent to (next to and/or proximate to) wettable-subassembly104; wherein adjacent to, next to, and/or proximate to may be six inches or less between a portion of tower2700and a portion of wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, during intended use of tower2700, at least some portions of tower2700may be removably located (insertable) into immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, these at least some portions of tower2700may be at least a region of: temperature-sensor2707, gas-line-tubing2709, bubble-emitter2710, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least a region of: temperature-sensor2707, gas-line-tubing2709, and/or bubble-emitter2710, may be configured for (removable) immersion into immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, tower2700may be removable from vessel-subassembly102and/or from wettable-subassembly104. For when tower2700may be in use with vessel-subassembly102and/or with wettable-subassembly104seeFIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C, and/orFIG.2D. In some embodiments, tower2700may be taller than vessel-subassembly102and/or from wettable-subassembly104(see e.g.,FIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C, and/orFIG.2D). In some embodiments, soaking-device100may further comprise tower2700. In some embodiments, soaking-device100may further comprise breathing-apparatus1700(or other breathing apparatus), headrest1800, and tower2700. In some embodiments, a system (or a kit) may comprise soaking-device100and tower2700. In some embodiments, a system (or a kit) may comprise soaking-device100, breathing-apparatus1700(or other breathing apparatus), headrest1800, and tower2700. In some embodiments, use of tower2700with vessel-subassembly102and/or with wettable-subassembly104may be optional, skipped, and/or omitted.

Continuing discussingFIG.18Aand/orFIG.18B, in some embodiments, tower2700may include any and/or all electronics of soaking-device100and/or of a system (or a kit) that utilizes soaking-device100. In some embodiments, no electronics may be located in and/or on vessel-subassembly102, wettable-subassembly104, breathing-apparatus1700, headrest1800, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise one or more of: user-interface2701, housing2703, temperature-sensor2707, gas-line-tubing2709, bubble-emitter2710, gas-source2725, controller2721, light-source2723, screen2727, power2729, electronics, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, housing2703may be an external physical enclosure of tower2700. In some embodiments, housing2703may house at least some portions of the electronics within and/or on housing2703.

Continuing discussingFIG.18Aand/orFIG.18B, in some embodiments, tower2700may comprise one or more user-interface(s)2701, at least one of which may be accessible from housing2703. In some embodiments, user-interface2701may be located on housing2703. In some embodiments, user-interface2701may be how user190uses, controls, operates, manages, turns on, turns off, and/or the like the electronics of tower2700. In some embodiments, user-interface2701may be how user190provides input(s) to the electronics of tower2700, such as, but limited to, a controller2721. In some embodiments, user-interface2701may one or more electronic input devices and/or input means. In some embodiments, user-interface2701may be selected from one or more of: a touchscreen, a button, a switch, a dial, a slide, a lever, a microphone, a camera, an antenna, a radio, a WiFi radio, a Bluetooth radio, a port, a portion thereof, a combination thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, at least one user-interface2701may be located on a top of tower2700. In some embodiments, user-interface2701may be operatively connected to electronics of tower2700, such as, but not limited to, controller2721.

Continuing discussingFIG.18Aand/orFIG.18B, in some embodiments, temperature-sensor2707may be configured to read and/or determine a temperature of immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, temperature-sensor2707may be temperature probe, a thermometer, a temperature probe, a thermocouple, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, temperature-sensor2707may be operatively connected to electronics of tower2700, such as, but not limited to, controller2721.

Continuing discussingFIG.18Aand/orFIG.18B, in some embodiments, gas-line-tubing2709may be configured to transport one or more gasses within gas-line-tubing2709. In some embodiments, gas-line-tubing2709may be gas line tubing. In some embodiments, gas-line-tubing2709may be one or more of: hollow, tubing, piping, elongate, flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, have an exterior that is non-permeable to its intended gasses, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, gas-line-tubing2709may be configured to provide one or more gasses from gas-source2725to bubble-emitter2710. In some embodiments, gas-line-tubing2709may be disposed between gas-source2725and bubble-emitter2710. In some embodiments, gas-line-tubing2709may be attached to both gas-source2725and to bubble-emitter2710.

Continuing discussingFIG.18A, in some embodiments, bubble-emitter2710may be configured to be (removably) immersed into immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104and to release gas bubbles250into immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104(seeFIG.2Afor gas bubbles250). In some embodiments, bubble-emitter2710may be one or more of: hollow, tubing, piping, elongate, flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, have an exterior that is permeable to its intended gasses (e.g., perforated), a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, bubble-emitter2710may be an air stone. In some embodiments, bubble-emitter2710may be a fixed length of tubing that is permeable to the gasses. In some embodiments, bubble-emitter2710may comprise a plurality of holes, apertures, pores, and/or the like that are configured to release gas bubbles250into immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, a given section bubble-emitter2710may be attached to at least one section of gas-line-tubing2709. In some embodiments, a given section bubble-emitter2710may be attached to two different sections of gas-line-tubing2709.

In some embodiments, gas-source2725, may be a source of gas or gasses to tower2700, gas-line-tubing2709, and/or bubble-emitter2710. In some embodiments, gas-source2725may be one or more gas cylinders; wherein each such gas cylinder may contain a predetermined volume and/or pressure of one or more gasses, such as, but not limited to, air, oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, such a given gas cylinder may be fitted with a pressure regulator and/or a solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve may be operatively connected to controller2721(and/or to user-interface2701). In some embodiments, gas-source2725may be an electrical pump and/or compressor that is configured to compress and pump air. In some embodiments, such a given electrical pump and/or compressor may be in operative communication with controller2721(and/or with user-interface2701). In some embodiments, gas-source2725may be operatively connected to gas-line-tubing2709. In some embodiments, an output of gas-source2725may be attached to gas-line-tubing2709. See e.g.,FIG.19for gas-source2725.

Continuing discussingFIG.18Aand/orFIG.18B, in some embodiments, light-source2723, may be one or more light sources. In some embodiments, light-source2723may be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent light sources, fluorescent light sources, a portion thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, light-source2723may be configured to shine in or at one or more: color(s), predetermined color(s), selectable color(s), programmable color(s), (color) temperature(s) (e.g., often referred to in Kelvin), predetermined temperature(s), selectable temperature(s), programmable temperature(s), wavelength(s), predetermined wavelength(s), selectable wavelength(s), programmable wavelength(s), a color of the human visual spectrum, in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, in the infrared (IR) spectrum, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, light-source2723may be oriented to be emitted from tower2700and/or from housing2703and into and/or at rear-panel105. In some embodiments, at least some light emitted by light-source2723may shine at and/or on rear-panel105. In some embodiments, at least some light emitted by light-source2723may be directed to shine at and/or on rear-panel105. In some embodiments, at least a portion of rear-panel105may be transparent and/or translucent with respect to the wavelength(s) of light being emitted by light-source2723, so that at least some of the emitted light of light-source2723may shine into the immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, light-source2723may be in operative communication with controller2721(and/or with user-interface2701).

Continuing discussingFIG.18Aand/orFIG.18B, in some embodiments, screen2727, may be a display and/or a screen of tower2700. In some embodiments, screen2727may be a touchscreen. In some embodiments, screen2727may not be a touchscreen. In some embodiments, screen2727may be an output device and/or an output means of tower2700. In some embodiments, screen2727may be a LED, a LCD (liquid crystal display), and/or the like type of screen (display). In some embodiments, screen2727may be configured to display current and/or past status of one or more of the electronics of tower2700. In some embodiments, screen2727may be configured to display one or more timers and/or user profiles. In some embodiments, screen2727may be in operative communication with controller2721(and/or with user-interface2701).

In some embodiments, power2729, may be configured to receive electrical power from main-power-cable2711and to then distribute electrical power to one or more electronics of tower2700. In some embodiments, power2729may be one or more of: an electrical power management circuit, an electrical distribution circuit, an AC/DC converter, a DC/AC inverter, a battery, a rechargeable battery, a capacitor, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, power2729may be operatively connected to one or more of: electronics of tower2700, user-interface2701, temperature-sensor2707, controller2721, light-source2723, gas-source2725, screen2727, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, power2729may provide electrical power (directly and/or indirectly) to one or more of: electronics of tower2700, user-interface2701, temperature-sensor2707, controller2721, light-source2723, gas-source2725, screen2727, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, power2729may provide direct electrical power to the given electronics component and/or hardware element, by being directly wired to that given electronics component and/or hardware element. In some embodiments, power2729may provide indirect electrical power to the given electronics component and/or hardware element, by being directly wired to controller2721, and then controller2721may be directly wired to that given electronics component and/or hardware element. See e.g.,FIG.19for power2729; and seeFIG.18Cand/orFIG.18Dfor main-power-cable2711.

In some embodiments, controller2721, may be configured to control, operate, and/or manage one or more of: electronics of tower2700, user-interface2701, temperature-sensor2707, light-source2723, gas-source2725, screen2727, power2729, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, controller2721may be operatively and/or directly connected to one or more of: electronics of tower2700, user-interface2701, temperature-sensor2707, light-source2723, gas-source2725, screen2727, power2729, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, controller2721may be directly wired to one or more of: electronics of tower2700, user-interface2701, temperature-sensor2707, light-source2723, gas-source2725, screen2727, power2729, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, controller2721may be one or more: control circuits, a processor, a PCB (printed circuit board), a motherboard, a PLC (programmable logic controller), a graphics card, a portion thereof, a combination thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, controller2721may comprise and/or may be operatively connected to memory and/or to storage, for the non-transitory storing and/or saving of firmware, operating code, software, programs, computer programs, data, information, settings, profiles, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. See e.g.,FIG.19for controller2721.

FIG.18Cshows an embodiment of tower2700from a rear (back) and right-side perspective view.FIG.18Dshows an embodiment of tower2700from a rear (back) perspective view. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise at least one handle2705. In some embodiments, handle2705may be located on and/or attached to housing2703. In some embodiments, handle2705may be a handle of tower2700. In some embodiments, handle2705may be configured to be used as a handle by user190, such that user190may completely lift tower2700completely off of a given support structure (such as, but not limited to, a tabletop, a desktop, a shelf, a countertop, the floor, the ground, and/or the like). In some embodiments, handle2705may be configured to structurally support a load of tower2700. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise at least one main-power-cable2711. In some embodiments, main-power-cable2711may be an electrical power cable. In some embodiments, main-power-cable2711may be attached to power2729and/or to controller2721. In some embodiments, a free terminal end of main-power-cable2711(e.g., that is not attached to power2729and/or to controller2721) may be a plug that is configured for removable attachment to an electrical receptable. In some embodiments, the electrical receptable may be one from a building that may provide building mains power, such as, but limited to, in a form of 110 volts to 120 volts AC or 220 volts to 240 volts AC.

Note, in some embodiments, a left-side of tower2700may be at least substantially (mostly) a mirror image of a right-side of tower2700, both in terms of looks and in terms of functionality.

Note, in some embodiments, tower2700may not provide any direct electrical wiring and/or electrical distribution or supply to vessel-subassembly102, wettable-subassembly104, breathing-apparatus1700, headrest1800, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. In some embodiments, there may be no electrical wiring and/or no wires running from tower2700to one or more of: vessel-subassembly102, wettable-subassembly104, breathing-apparatus1700, headrest1800, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like. See e.g.,FIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C,FIG.2D,FIG.18A,FIG.18B,FIG.18C, and/orFIG.18D.

FIG.19shows a schematic block diagram of at least some of the possible electronics of tower2700. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise one or more of: user-interface2701, housing2703, temperature-sensor2707, gas-line-tubing2709, bubble-emitter2710, gas-source2725, controller2721, light-source2723, screen2727, power2729, electronics, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, soaking-device100, vessel-subassembly102, wettable-subassembly104, tower2700, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like may be entirely and/or completely devoid of active heating and/or cooling means. In some embodiments, soaking-device100, vessel-subassembly102, wettable-subassembly104, tower2700, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like may be entirely and/or completely devoid of any heater, refrigerator, and/or freezer. However, in some embodiments, at least portions of soaking-device100, vessel-subassembly102, wettable-subassembly104, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like may be insulated to reduce (slow down) heat transfer from immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104.

In some embodiments, the volume of immersion-liquid180intended to be used in wettable-subassembly104, may be heated and/or cooled prior to be poured (inserted) into wettable-subassembly104. Thus, in some embodiments, any heating and/or cooling of immersion-liquid180to be used in wettable-subassembly104may be come devices and/or means that are external and/or outside of soaking-device100, vessel-subassembly102, wettable-subassembly104, tower2700, a portion thereof, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the intended volume of immersion-liquid180to be used in wettable-subassembly104may be initially held in or more liquid holding vessels, such as, but not limited to, one or more pitchers, carafes, or the like. Those vessel(s) holding the volume(s) of immersion-liquid180may be chilled by placing in a freezer and/or a refrigerator for long enough to chill that immersion-liquid180to a desired cool temperature. Alternatively, those vessel(s) holding the volume(s) of immersion-liquid180may be chilled by use of ice cubes, crushed ice, cold packs, or the like. Also, the immersion-liquid180within those vessel(s) may be heated by obtaining immersion-liquid180directly from a hot water source, such as, but not limited to, hot water from a hot water tap source, hot water from a heated kettle, teapot, pot, and/or the like. When the volume(s) of immersion-liquid180within those vessel(s) is at the desired temperature (hot, warm, cool, or cold), that immersion-liquid180may then be poured into wettable-subassembly104.

FIG.20shows how the volume(s) of immersion-liquid180, before being poured into wettable-subassembly104, may be heated or cooled, and then after such heating or cooling, poured into wettable-subassembly104.FIG.20may be schematic block diagram showing the initial heating or cooling phase and then followed by the pouring phase.FIG.20may show pitcher2000(or the like) that is temporarily holding a volume of immersion-liquid180that is intended for use in wettable-subassembly104. Block2001inFIG.20may be cooling-means2001and may represent cooling pitcher2000, with its volume of immersion-liquid180, by use of one or more of: a freezer, refrigerator, ice, ice cubes, crushed ice, ice packs, and/or the like. Block2003inFIG.20may be heating-means2003and may represent heating the volume of immersion-liquid180, by use of one or more of: hot water from a hot water tap source (e.g., hot water spigot), hot water from a heated kettle, teapot, pot, and/or the like and/or the like. In some embodiments, the kettle, teapot, and/or the pot may be the pitcher2000with its volume of immersion-liquid180.

For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, side-panel-portion107and bottom-panel-portion113in the present patent application are merely different regions of a same integral single article of manufacture, namely of outermost-shell106; whereas, in U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 side-panel 107 and bottom-panel 113 are each a separate and distinct part (component) from each other. Outermost-shell106does not exist in U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365.

For example, and without limiting the scope of the present invention, electronics 117 of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 does not exist as components (parts) of vessel-subassembly102and/or of wettable-subassembly104, in the present patent application, but electronics 117 of U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 18/197,365 may be at least some electronics of tower2700in some embodiments of the present invention as long as vessel-subassembly102and/or of wettable-subassembly104do not have any electronics.

In some embodiments, soaking-device100may comprise wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, front-panel103, rear-panel105, and outermost-shell106. In some embodiments, wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101may form both a wettable-floor (such as, but not limited to, floor-portion1101) and wettable-sidewalls (such as, but not limited to, sidewall-portions1103) of wettable-subassembly104of soaking-device100. In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104may be configured to hold a volume of immersion-liquid180without leaking (particularly when the outermost-shell106is used as intended). In some embodiments, front-panel103may attach to a first terminal-end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101(and in some embodiments this attachment may utilize a given end-gasket1200). In some embodiments, rear-panel105may attach to a second (and opposing) terminal-end1107of wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101(and in some embodiments this attachment may utilize a given different [separate] end-gasket1200). In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104may comprise wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, front-panel103, and rear-panel105. In some embodiments, when front-panel103is attached to wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101and when rear-panel105is attached to wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101, then wettable-subassembly104may be formed. In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may form both an external bottom (such as, but not limited to, bottom-panel-portion113) and external sidewalls (such as, but not limited to, side-panel-portions107) of soaking-device100(and/or of vessel-subassembly102). In some embodiments, outermost-shell106may externally cover over wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101in an assembled configuration of soaking-device100(and/or of vessel-subassembly102). In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104when holding the volume of immersion-liquid180may be configured to soak a portion of a body part of an animal190. In some embodiments, the animal190may be a human190or a person190. In some embodiments, the body part may be a neck of user190.

In some embodiments, front-panel103may comprise a neck-gasket500. In some embodiments, neck-gasket500is configured for removable physical contact with a front region197of a neck of the animal190, wherein the neck is the body part. In some embodiments, when neck-gasket500is in intended use with the animal190, neck-gasket500does not go around (and does not enclose) a full circumference of the neck of the animal190. See e.g.,FIG.1,FIG.2A, andFIG.7F.

In some embodiments, the soaking-device100and/or vessel-subassembly102may further comprise a pair of handles1300that are attached to outermost-shell106. See e.g.,FIG.1,FIG.2C,FIG.9A,FIG.9C,FIG.9E, andFIG.9F.

In some embodiments, wettable-subassembly104has no electronics. In some embodiments, soaking-device100may further comprises tower2700that is freely movable and/or separable from wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, a system and/or a kit may comprise soaking-device100and tower2700. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise electronics. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise at least one light source2723that is configured to shine at least some light through rear-panel105and into immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise at least one gas source2725(such as but not limited to, a gas compressor, a gas pump, and/or a gas cylinder). In some embodiments, at least one bubble-emitter2710may be configured to emit (gas) bubbles250into immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. In some embodiments, the at least one bubble-emitter2710may be operatively connected to the at least one gas source2725. In some embodiments, tower2700may comprise at least one temperature-sensor2707that is configured to sense a temperature of immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. See e.g.,FIG.2A,FIG.2B,FIG.2C,FIG.18A, andFIG.19.

In some embodiments, soaking-device100(and/or vessel-subassembly102and/or wettable-subassembly104) may further comprise insulation115that is configured to slow heat transfer from wettable-floor-and-sidewalls101. See e.g.,FIG.12DandFIG.12E.

In some embodiments, soaking-device100may further comprise a breathing-apparatus1700. In some embodiments, a kit and/or a system may comprise both soaking-device100and breathing-apparatus1700. In some embodiments, breathing-apparatus1700is configured to permit the animal190to breathe when a mouth and/or a nose of the animal190are immersed within immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. See e.g.,FIG.17AthroughFIG.17H.

In some embodiments, soaking-device100may further comprise a headrest1800. In some embodiments, a kit and/or a system may comprise both soaking-device100and headrest1800. In some embodiments, headrest1800is configured to support at least portion of a head of the animal190when the portion of the body part (e.g., a portion of a face192) is immersed within immersion-liquid180within wettable-subassembly104. See e.g.,FIG.2A,FIG.2B, andFIG.2C.

In some embodiments, the volume of immersion-liquid180, intended for use within wettable-subassembly104, may be heated or cooled externally (separately) from soaking-device100. See e.g.,FIG.20.

A soaking-device, a face soaking-device, a system and/or a kit that comprises a soaking-device (or face soaking-device) have been described. The foregoing description of the various exemplary embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and disclosure. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching without departing from the spirit of the invention.