Abstract:
A hydro-massage pillow assembly ( 10 ) including a pillow assembly ( 12 ) in combination with a water source ( 18 ) and a control assembly ( 14 ) for use with spa tubs ( 16 ) and the like. The pillow assembly ( 12 ) includes interchangeable membrane assemblies ( 44, 46 ), that are made of material with different permeability. The cushioned, flexible pillow ( 34 ) conforms to the shape of the tub ( 16 ) to enhance appearance and comfort. A remote control head ( 26 ) permits users to conveniently control the temperature, pressure, and other desired control parameters of the massaging effect produced by the pressurized water in the pillow assembly ( 12 ).

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/026,793, filed Sep. 27, 1996. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to cushioned neck and head supports for whirlpool baths and spa tubs and, more particularly, to a hydro-massage pillow system having internally mounted water jets for application of pressurized water to a user&#39;s neck area to achieve a massaging effect. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Users of whirlpool baths and spa tubs (referred to collectively herein as “tub(s)”) frequently desire to recline while in the tub. Pillows have been provided in the past to support and cushion the user&#39;s neck and suboccipital area when reclining. It has been found desirable to use water jets with such pillows to massage the user&#39;s neck as well as provide support and comfort. Although existing combinations have been suitable for their purposes, they have met with several drawbacks. 
     Water jets mounted in pillows tend to spray the pressurized water across the tub, resulting in unwanted splashing of water both inside and outside the tub. Attempts to cover the water jets have been marginally successful because the water is either completely blocked, so that the benefits of the heated water are reduced, or a residual water spray remains. 
     Other drawbacks include inadequate or overly complex attachment methods for mounting the pillow to the tub, and expensive and cumbersome control systems, or lack of any control. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a water massage device that includes a housing having a hollow interior; a pressurized water source for introducing pressurized water to the hollow interior; a membrane removably attached to the housing and in fluid communication with the hollow interior; and a retaining member for removably attaching the membrane to the housing. Ideally, the pressurized water source also includes means for draining water from the hollow interior. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the retaining member for removably attaching the membrane to the housing is received in an opening formed in the housing, the opening being sized and shaped to receive the retaining member in slideable engagement. 
     In accordance with yet another embodiment, the membrane is formed from nonpermeable material. Alternatively, the membrane may be formed from semipermeable material. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a hydro-massage pillow for use with a source of pressurized water is provided. The pillow comprises a body having a cavity formed therein; a first opening formed in one side of the body that is in fluid communication with the cavity for admitting pressurized water into the cavity; a second opening formed in another side of the body that is in fluid communication with the cavity; a membrane that is sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the second opening; and a frame member for removably attaching the membrane to the body. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the frame member is sized and shaped to be slideably received within the second opening. Ideally, the frame member is sized and shaped to have a fit within the second opening of sufficient snugness that the frame member and the membrane maintain engagement with the body when pressurized water is applied in the cavity. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, the second opening includes one or more protrusions extending from an interior edge to limit travel of the frame member into the second opening. Ideally, the one or more protrusions comprise a shoulder formed in the second opening, preferably extending around the entire circumference of the opening. 
     In accordance with still yet another aspect of the present invention, the membrane is formed of semipermeable material. Alternatively, the membrane may be formed from nonpermeable material and the body includes a drain mechanism for draining water from the cavity. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for mounting the pillow on a structural member is provided. Preferably, the mounting apparatus attaches one or more water jets to the pillow and affixes the pillow to a structural member. 
     In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention, a hydro-massage support system for whirlpool baths and spa tubs is provided, comprising a support assembly that comprises a body having a cavity formed therein; a first opening formed in the body in fluid communication with the cavity for admitting pressurized water into the cavity; a second opening formed in the body in fluid communication with the cavity; a membrane sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the second opening; a frame member on which the membrane is mounted, the frame member being sized and shaped to be slideably engaged within the second opening; a control assembly for controlling the application of pressurized water to the cavity; and a remote controller in electrical communication with the control assembly. 
     In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, the second end opening includes one or more protrusions formed therein for limiting the travel of the frame member into the second opening. Ideally, the one or more protrusions comprise a shoulder formed at least partially, and more preferably, completely around the circumference of an interior edge of the second opening. 
     In accordance with still yet a further aspect of the present invention, the membrane is formed from semipermeable material. Alternatively, the membrane is formed from nonpermeable material and the body includes a drainage mechanism for draining the cavity. 
     As will be readily appreciated from the foregoing description, the combination of the present invention provides a unique system for using pressurized water in a cushioned pillow. Membranes of different permeability can be easily interchanged to provide different massaging effects. Mounting of the pillow on a structural member, such as a hot tub, is easily accomplished, and forming the pillow body from flexible material allows the pillow to conform to the shape of the tub to enhance appearance and comfort. The remote control enables a user to conveniently adjust the temperature, pressure, and other desired system features. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as the same become better understood from the detailed description when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, where: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a hydro-massage pillow system formed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of the disassembled components of the hydro-massage pillow formed in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the disassembled components of the hydro-massage pillow of FIG. 2; and 
     FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the assembled hydro-massage pillow taken along lines  4 — 4  of FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring initially to FIG. 1, illustrated therein are the components of a hydro-massage pillow system  10  formed in accordance with the present invention. The hydro-massage pillow system  10  includes a pillow assembly  12  in fluid communication with a control assembly  14  used in conjunction with a spa tub  16 . A water source  18  provides water to the control assembly  14  through a source hose  20 , and the water in turn is supplied to the pillow assembly  12  via supply hoses  22 ,  24 . An electric control head  26  communicates control signals to the control assembly  14  through a cable  28 . It is to be understood that while the system  10  of the present invention is described in conjunction with a spa tub as shown in FIG. 1, the invention may be readily adapted for use with other types of tubs, including whirlpool baths, and the like. 
     The pillow assembly  12  shown in FIG. 1 is mounted on the end wall  30  of the tub  16 . Preferably, the pillow assembly  12  is positioned above the water line, and the control head  26  is mounted on the deck  32  of the tub  16 , again above the water level and preferably above the head of the user. Commercially-available fasteners and conventional attachment methods can be used for mounting the pillow assembly  12  and the control head  26  to the tub  16 . Briefly, holes are drilled in the end wall  30  to enable fasteners (not shown) to pass therethrough and attach to the pillow assembly  12 . Additional holes are drilled that are sized and shaped to accommodate fittings for the hoses  22 ,  24 , as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Preferably, the hose fittings on the back of the pillow assembly  12  are used to attach the pillow assembly  12  to the end wall  30 , as will be described more fully hereinbelow. 
     Referring next to FIGS. 2 and 3, shown therein is the disassembled pillow assembly  12 , which includes the body or pillow  34  itself, a first water jet head  36  and first water jet adaptor  38  attached to the pillow  34 , a second water jet head  40  and second water jet adaptor  42  disassembled from the pillow  34 , and a membrane assembly  44  also disassembled from the pillow  34 . An optional second membrane assembly  46  is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, which will be described in more detail hereinafter. The first water jet head  36  and adaptor  38  are identical to the second water jet head  40  and adaptor  42  and construction and use of both will be described in conjunction with the first water jet head  36  and adaptor  38 . 
     Referring next to FIGS. 2-4, the pillow  34  has a substantially oval plan form shape, as viewed from the front  48  of the pillow  34 , and is ideally formed of flexible urethane material with cushioned portions formed around an oval-shaped cavity  50 . The cavity  50  is formed near the lateral midpoint and slightly below the center of the pillow  34 . A large front opening  52  is formed in the front  48  of the pillow  34 , and two inlet openings  54  and  56  are formed in the back wall  58 , which are in fluid communication with the cavity  50 . A drain opening  60  is formed in the back wall  58  to drain water in the cavity  50  out through the bottom  62  of the pillow  34 . 
     The front opening  52  of the cavity has a shoulder  64  formed almost halfway into the cavity  50 , ideally adjacent the interior edge  63  that reduces the diameter of the cavity  50 . The membrane assembly  44  is sized and shaped to be slidably received within the front opening  52  and to bear against the shoulder  64  with a tight, interference fit. Thus, the membrane assembly  44  cannot be pushed into the cavity, and the interference fit prevents pressurized water from forcing it out. 
     The membrane assembly  44  comprises an oval-shaped ring  66  sized and shaped to be received within the front opening  52  of the cavity as described above. Ideally, the ring is formed of resilient plastic material. A membrane  68  is stretched over and permanently attached to the ring  66  with suitable adhesive. Preferably, the membrane  68  is formed of semi-permeable two-way stretch material, such as the commercially available Lycra brand. The semi-permeability permits water under pressure to pass through the membrane  68  at a controlled rate without splashing. This type of material will maintain a taut condition during flexing of the urethane pillow  34 , which can occur in use or when the pillow  34  is slightly bent upon mounting to a curved tub wall. The membrane assembly  44  can be removed from the pillow  34  for cleaning and washing of the membrane  68  and cleaning the other internal components of the cavity  50 . 
     The pillow assembly  12  is designed for mounting to the wall of a tub  16 , either with conventional fasteners, with hose fittings, or a combination thereof. Prior to attachment, holes are drilled in the tub end wall  30  for the fasteners and to permit the adapters  38 ,  42 , to pass there through. The urethane pillow  34  will bend to conform to the curved shape of the tub end wall  30 , enhancing appearance and comfort. 
     The removeability of the membrane assembly  44  permits an optional second membrane assembly  46  to be used. This second membrane assembly utilizes nonpermeable material for the membrane  70 , which prevents the passage of water therethrough while facilitating the transfer of heat to the neck of the user as well as vibration from the impact of the water. Water is drained through the drain opening  60 , or it can be drained through another hose, or a combination thereof. 
     Referring again to FIG. 4, the first water jet head  36  comprises a body  72  having a central longitudinal axial bore  74  formed therein for the passage of water. A circumscribing flange  76  is larger than the inlet opening  56  such that it bears against the interior surface  78  of the pillow back wall  58 . A smooth neck portion  80  formed behind the flange  76  is sized and shaped to be slidably received within the inlet opening  56 . Adjacent the neck portion  80  are external threads  82 . 
     The first water jet adaptor  38  comprises a body  84  having a circumscribing external flange  86  at one end a reduced-diameter barbed hose nipple  88  at the other end. The external flange  86  includes a channel  90  formed therein with an O-ring seal  92  mounted therein. Internal threads  94  in the adaptor body  84  are sized and shaped to engage the external threads  82  on the water jet head  36 . With the water jet head  36  and adaptor  38  attached together, the external flange  86  on the adaptor  38  forces the O-ring  92  into sealing contact with the external surface  96  of the back wall  58  to prevent the leakage of pressurized water. 
     The barbed hose nipple  88  is sized and shaped to receive one of the supply hoses  22 ,  24 . Pressurized water is introduced to the cavity  50  through an opening  98  in the adaptor  38  and the axial bore  74  of the first water jet head  36 . The drain opening  60  is sized and shaped to allow the pressurized water to drain or cascade out the pillow assembly  12 . The size of the drain opening  60  may be varied to enable all o the water to drain as it is entering the cavity or to force the cavity to fill all or a portion of the cavity. Additional drainage is provided through the semipermeable membrane assembly  44 . With the cavity  50  filled with water, pulses of water will be transmitted more uniformly throughout the membrane assembly  44 . 
     Turning next to the control assembly  14 , as shown in FIG. 1, the control assembly  14  includes a pair of control valves  100 ,  102  for controlling the flow of water to the pillow assembly  12 . The water inlet hose  20  is connected via a T-fitting to the existing water jet pump associated with the tub  16 . The water jet heads  36 ,  40  are small enough in size so as not to noticeably reduce or affect the existing water pressure. 
     The inlet hose  20  then connects to each control valve  100 ,  102 , through conventional fittings, as will be known to one skilled in the art. The control valves  100 ,  102  may be conventional electric sprinkler control valves or other equivalent solenoid valves known to one skilled in the art and which are readily commercially available. The control head  26  is used to electrically control the operation of the valves  100 ,  102 . The supply hoses  22 ,  24  are connected to and in fluid communication with the control valves  100 ,  102 , respectively, and in turn are attached to the first and second water jet adapters  38 ,  42 . The control valves  100 ,  102  may be operated through the control head  26  to have the water shut off, full on, or at various levels of flow in between. In addition, the valves  100 ,  102  may be operated to create a pulsing effect at the water jet heads  36 ,  40  and to alternate the pulsing effect of each water jet head  36 ,  48 , to create alternating back and forth pulses of water. 
     It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, various changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In one alternative embodiment, the pillow assembly  12  is connected directly to existing water jets in the tub  16 , eliminating the use of the control assembly  14  and the control head  26 . In this embodiment, the water supplied to the existing water jets in the tub  16  is used in the pillow assembly  12 . 
     In another embodiment, the pillow assembly  12  may be separately encased inside an external membrane to facilitate transmission of the water pulses throughout the entire pillow assembly  12 . This external membrane may be comprised of the same semi-permeable two-way stretch material as the membrane  68  described above, or it may consist of other material providing a similar effect.