Abstract:
A mobile massage and spa unit includes a body, a lighting system and a massage table. The body includes a front, rear, and side walls and a divider extending between the side walls to divide the body into a front section and a rear section. A perimeter of the rear section is defined at least partially by a surface of the divider, a surface of the rear wall, and surfaces of the side walls. Such surfaces are coated with a reflective material. The lighting system includes one or more controllable RGB fixture mounted within the rear section and configured to emit a selected color light. The emitted light is reflected via the coated surfaces to illuminate the rear section with the selected color light. The massage table is disposed within the rear section and centered between the side walls thereof. A working area is defined completely around the massage table.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/787,869, filed on Mar. 15, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates to massage and spa services and, more particularly, to mobile massage and spa units incorporated into vehicles, trailers, roll-off containers, and the like. 
     2. Background of Related Art 
     Spas and massage studios offer a wide variety of services including various different types of massages, facials, treatments, nail care services, relaxation therapies, etc. As can be appreciated, some services may require a particular setting or atmosphere to enable clients to obtain the full benefit of such services. Likewise, some services may require specific instrumentation, equipment, etc. to perform such services. In these situations, ready mobility becomes difficult due to the volume, size, weight, power considerations, etc. of the necessary equipment to perform such services and/or create a desired setting/atmosphere. It would therefore be beneficial to provide a fully integrated mobile massage and spa unit capable of offering a plurality of different services. In other words, it would be desirable to provide a mobile massage and spa unit that does not require compromise between mobility and functionality. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure relates to mobile massage/spa units incorporated into trailers, roll-off containers, or other suitable mobile or transportable structures. The mobile massage/spa units of the present disclosure may include various features, as will be detailed below, relating to the performance of massage/spa services, enhancement of the client&#39;s experience, convenience for employees, adaptability for mobile use, etc. 
     Provided in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is a mobile massage and spa unit generally including a body, a lighting system and a massage table. The body has a front end and a rear end and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The body further includes a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls extending between the front and rear walls. A divider extends between the first and second side walls to divide the body into a front section disposed towards the front end and a rear section disposed towards the rear end. A perimeter of the rear section is defined at least partially by a surface of the divider, a surface of the rear wall, and surfaces of the first and second side walls. These surfaces are at least partially coated with a reflective material. The lighting system including at least one RGB fixture mounted within the rear section. The at least one RGB fixture is controllable to emit a selected color light. The emitted light is reflected via the coated surfaces to illuminate the rear section with the selected color light, e.g., illuminating substantially all exposes surfaces within the rear section. The massage table is disposed within the rear section of the body and centered between the first and second side walls of the body. The massage table has a head end and a foot end and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the head and foot ends. The longitudinal axis of the massage table extends in parallel orientation relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. A working area is defined around the massage table, e.g., having a first portion defined between the head end of the massage table and the divider of the body, a second portion defined between a first side of the massage table and the first side wall of the body, a third section defined between the second side of the massage table and the second side wall of the body, and a fourth section defined between the foot end of the massage table and the rear wall of the body. 
     In aspects, the body is a trailer body. In such aspects, an attachment member extending from the front end of the trailer body may be provided. The attachment member is configured to releasably secure the trailer body to a transport vehicle. A least one axle and wheel assembly is also provided in such aspects. The at least one axle and wheel assembly is disposed towards the rear end of trailer body. Further, the trailer body may include a stand assembly for supporting the trailer body when not secured to a transport vehicle, which may be configured to automatically level the trailer body. 
     In other aspects, the body is a roll-off container body. 
     In aspects, the massage table is hydraulically-actuated. Additionally or alternatively, the massage table may be configured to be selectively articulated and/or selectively heated. 
     In aspects, the front section includes a desk disposed therein. The front section may include other components for functioning as an office for employees or other personnel. 
     In aspects, first and second exterior doors are provided. The first exterior door provides access to the front section and the second exterior door provides access to the rear section. An interior door disposed between the front and rear sections may also be provided. 
     In aspects, the body includes an exteriorly accessible compartment and an on-board generator and control system housed within the exteriorly accessible compartment. 
     In aspects, a bench is disposed within the rear section and positioned to extend along the rear wall of the body. The bench may include one or more surfaces that are coated with the reflective material. 
     In aspects, at least one cabinet is disposed within the rear section and positioned to extend along the divider. The at least one cabinet may include one or more surfaces that are coated with the reflective material. 
     In aspects, a sink is disposed within the rear section and positioned to extend along the divider. 
     In aspects, a microwave is disposed within the rear section and mounted on the divider. 
     In aspects, a retractable awning is mounted on an exterior surface of the body. 
     In aspects, a bathroom is disposed between the front and rear sections, or in the front section. 
     Additional aspects and features not specifically detailed above are provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various aspects of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of a trailer provided in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top, schematic view of one particular configuration of the trailer of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side, schematic view of the configuration of  FIG. 2 ; and 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a roll-off container provided in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a mobile massage/spa unit is shown incorporated into a trailer  10 . Trailer  10  includes a body having a front end  12  including an attachment member  13  configured to releasably engage trailer  10  to a suitable vehicle (not shown) for transport, e.g., towing, and a rear end  14 . A set of wheel and axle assemblies  15  support trailer  10  towards the rear end  14  thereof and allow trailer  10  to be towed by a suitable vehicle (not shown) engaged to front end  12  of trailer  10  via attachment member  13 . The axles of wheel and axle assemblies  15  may be torsions axles, e.g., Torflex® axles sold by Dexter Axle Company of Elkhart, Ind., USA, or other suitable axles capable of sufficiently supporting trailer  10 . Trailer  10  may further include one or more front stand assemblies  16  that are movable between a storage position (as shown) and an extended position, wherein the front stand assembly(s)  16  supports trailer  10  in the absence of a towing vehicle attached thereto. In particular, front stand assembly(s)  16  may be a powered tongue jack. Further, the front stand assembly(s)  16  may incorporate automatic leveling functionality such that trailer  10  is automatically leveled upon extension of front stand assembly(s)  16 . Additional supports (not shown) may also be provided to facilitate the supporting and/or leveling of trailer  10  and/or the position of front stand assembly(s)  16  may be modified depending on a particular purpose. 
     Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , trailer  10  includes a first door  17  positioned towards front end  12  thereof and a second door  19  positioned towards rear end  14  thereof. One or more windows  21  are positioned towards front end  12  of trailer  10 , although other windows may be additionally or alternatively provided. The exterior of trailer  10  further includes a plurality of areas  22 ,  24  configured for information, logos, etc. For example, the company logo may be displayed in area  22 , while contact information, hours of operation, or other information may be displayed in area  24 . Other configurations are also contemplated. Above area  22 , or in any other suitable location, a retractable awning  26  is provided. Retractable awning  26  provides shade and weather protection during outdoor massage services and provides a convenient location for employees to disseminate information, generate clients, etc. Outdoor lighting systems and/or outdoor sound systems are also contemplated for these and other purposes. As can be appreciated, doors  17 ,  19 ; display areas  22 ,  24 ; and retractable awning  26  are positioned on the curb-side of trailer  10  (with respect to the right-hand driving convention, as followed in the U.S.), for ease of use and safety purposes. 
     Trailer  10  may additionally include one or more compartments  28  accessible from an exterior of trailer  10  for facilitating access to the input, generator, and control system  29  of trailer  10 . System  29  powers and controls the various components of trailer  10 , which will be detailed below. Providing access to a centralized system  29  via compartment  28  facilitates hook-up to an external power source, e.g., a remote generator, and external inputs, and well as for servicing/configuring any or all of the components of system  29 . Providing system  29  accessible via compartment  28  also facilitates the control, e.g., plumbing control, HVAC control, and/or control of individual electronic components/systems, of the various components of trailer  10  at a centralized location, although individual control modules may also be provided within or on trailer  10  where appropriate. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the interior of trailer  10  includes various features configured to facilitate and enhance an employee&#39;s ability to provide massage/spa services and the client&#39;s experience during receipt of such services. As can be appreciated, unique challenges and significant constraints in providing such features are imposed by the fact that trailer  10  is a self-sufficient, fully comprehensive mobile platform, as compared to the fixed building structures (with all applicable utilities) utilized by typical massage/spa services. 
     The interior of trailer  10  includes a forward section  30  and a rear section  40 . An internal door  32  separates the forward and rear sections  30 ,  40 , respectively, from one another. The walls  34  of trailer  10 , are sufficiently insulated, e.g., via 2″ foam insulated walls, to inhibit outside noises from disturbing a patient undergoing massage/spa services and for regulating temperature. Ceiling and floor insulation may also be provided for similar purposes. Likewise, dividing wall  31  and internal door  32  between forward and rear sections  30 ,  40 , respectively, may be insulated. Further, the floor of rear section  40  may be covered with rubber flooring, e.g., black coin rubber flooring, to facilitate clean up after services are performed. Front section  30 , on the other hand, may be carpeted as is typical in an office-like setting, although portions of rear section  40  may likewise include carpeting. 
     The interior surfaces of walls  34  at least in rear section  40  are painted or otherwise coated with a smooth material that may be white in color. More specifically, the interior surfaces of walls  34  may be coated with a reflective white glossy surface capable of displaying a desired color upon illumination via lighting system  36 . The ceiling of rear section  40  may likewise include such a coating. The ceiling of rear section  40  may further include a skylight  39  with a retractable black-out shade (not explicitly shown) for controlling the amount of natural light entering rear section  40 . Lighting system  36  includes a plurality of RGB (Red, Green, Blue) fixture segments  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c  mounted on the walls  34  of rear section  40 , e.g., either or both of the side walls and/or the rear wall. As such, by setting lighting system  36  to a desired configuration, rear section  40  and, in particular walls  34 , may exhibit a desired color, pattern, etc. The RGB fixture segments  36   a ,  36   b ,  36   c  allow for display of any color within the RGB array, as known in the art of color lighting. 
     Rear section  40  further includes a full-size massage table  42  generally positioned in a center of rear section  40  (centered between the side walls thereof) above the wheel and axle assemblies  15  ( FIG. 1 ). Massage table  42  may be hydraulically powered, e.g., for raising/lowering and/or articulation, and may also include heating capability. Massage table  42  is oriented such that its longitudinal axis extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of trailer  10 . Such a configuration best-utilizes the limited space provided within rear section  40  of trailer  10  and provides sufficient working room for a masseuse or other employee to work on a client from any position alongside massage table  42 , at the head end of massage table  42 , or at the foot end of massage table  42 . Further, no compartments or other structures having significant depth are provided on the side walls of rear section  40  in the vicinity of table  42  so as to maximize the area surrounding table  42  and, in particular, the width dimension thereof. Thus, an unimpeded working area for the masseuses or other employees is provided. Centering the massage table  42  within rear section  40  also enhances a client&#39;s experience as any lighting, aromatherapy, temperature, and/or other effects fully surround the client, allowing such to be sensed 360 degrees around the massage table  42 . Likewise, with the side walls of rear section  40  substantially exposed, e.g., not having components attached thereto or otherwise obscuring the surfaces thereof, the desired color, pattern, etc. effect displayed on the side walls by the lighting system  36  can be fully appreciated. 
     A bench  44  extends across the back wall of rear section  40 . Bench  44  may be configured as a trunk, thus providing under-seat storage for equipment, tools, etc. By positioning bench  44  along the back wall of rear section  40 , rearward of door  19 , bench  44  does not interfere with the working area surrounding table  42 , while still providing the functionality of storage, a place for a client to change, etc. Further, the front, exposed surface of bench  44  may include a reflective white glossy finish for the purposes detailed above. 
     Towards a front side of rear section  40 , e.g., adjacent dividing wall  31  and internal door  32 , additional storage cabinets  45 ,  46  are provided, in addition to a sink  48  that allows employees to wash their hands, wash equipment, etc. A microwave shelf may be built-into upper cabinet  46  for conveniently mounting a microwave  49  above sink  48  (or in any other suitable location). Specifically, microwave  49  may be configured for heating tools and/or instruments for use in, for example, Mu-Xing therapy or other services/treatments requiring heated implements. Similar to bench  44 , by positioning cabinets  45 ,  46 , sink  48 , and the microwave  49  along dividing wall  32 , the working area surrounding table  42 , particularly along the sides thereof, is maximized, without losing the functionality of storage sink access, and microwaving capability. The exposed surfaces of cabinets  45 ,  46 , as well as any other exposed surface of dividing wall  31  and the rearward face of door  32  may include a reflective white glossy finish for the purposes detailed above. As such, with substantially all exposed surfaces about the perimeter of rear section  40  including the reflective white glossy finish, a desired color, pattern, etc. effect displayed by the lighting system  36  can be fully appreciated. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , front section  30  of trailer  10  serves as an office area for employees and, as mentioned above, is separated from rear section via dividing wall  31  and internal door  32  (either or both of which may be insulated). First door  17  provides access to front section  30 , while rear door  19  provides access to rear section  40 , thus enabling separate entry for employees as compared to clients. Front section  30  of trailer  10  includes a bathroom  50  area having its own door  52 , a desk  54 , e.g., an “L-shaped” desk, and over-head cabinetry  56  for storage of files and other office-related items. A refrigerator  58  may be tucked under desk  54 . 
     Trailer  10  may include an integrated control system for controlling the various system of trailer  10 , e.g., heating and air-conditioning, lighting, aromatherapy, etc. The control system may be programmable using one or more preset configurations, e.g., a preset for the each of the particular services offered, and/or may be manually controlled. Further, separate zones may be provided for front and rear sections  30 ,  40 , respectively, such that the temperature, lighting, etc. may differ therebetween. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , as an alternative to a trailer, the mobile massage/spa units provided in accordance with the present disclosure may be incorporated into a roll-off container  100 . Roll-off container  100  may be delivered via a flatbed truck (not shown) to locations where massage/spa services may be particularly desirable, for semi-permanent use. Roll-off container  100  may include any or all of the features of trailer  10 , described above. 
     While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings and described hereinabove, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments.