Patent Publication Number: US-2023144593-A1

Title: Rapid Heating and Cooling System Utilizing Mechanical and Thermal Therapy

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 63/278,256, filed on Nov. 11, 2021, entitled “A Rapid Heating and Colling Reclining System Utilizing Mechanical and Water Encapsulated Thermal Massaging Therapy”. By this reference the entire disclosure, including the claims and drawings, of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 63/278,256 is hereby incorporated into the present disclosure as though now set forth in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to apparatus for applying therapeutic effects, and, specifically to an apparatus that utilizes water for applying heating and cooling while providing therapeutic massage. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The global health and wellness industry is growing rapidly with revenues, according to some estimates, exceeding $2-3 trillion per year. According to surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than two-thirds of adults in the United States are considered overweight or obese, with more than one-third of adults being considered obese. Yet, despite these market forces, some estimates indicate that less than 20% of the population of the United States is a member of a health club or fitness center. These two overwhelming national statistics, the growth of wellness dollars spent and the continuing growth rate of the overweight/obese populations, underscore the interest and need of people to look and feel better. Unfortunately, convenient and regular access to massage is simply unaffordable to the majority of the population. Additionally, now more than ever, people suffer tension and stress, chronic pain, lack of exercise, and a broad range of conditions which are often best treated with temperature-based therapy and massage. 
     Segments of the population which either need or often seek information and opportunity for improving personal health and wellness include those people who are overweight or obese, senior citizens, people who are already active and fit, and those people who suffer with chronic pain. Most people fall into one or more of these categories. These key demographics include: an overweight population exceeding 130 million; those purchasing hands-on massage numbering 40 million; active fitness individuals exceeding 35 million in number; chronic pain sufferers being approximately 95 million people; and a senior citizen population of over 40 million, which is the fastest growing population segment. 
     Often, those who are overweight or obese may feel out of place in a health club and may be too embarrassed or uncomfortable receiving a hands-on massage. Yet, these same people want and need the benefit and results that exercise and massage can deliver. The overweight population is thought to be highly interested in receiving touchless massage due to the discreet nature of privacy as compared to traditional hands-on massage. Interest is also thought to be due to their bodies&#39; response to massage, which is often greater than people who are considered in the normal range of body weight. More tissue and body mass requires additional stimulation during massage to offset some of the complications that accompanies extra weight. Additionally, scientific studies have concluded that one of the body&#39;s first and natural response to cold is to begin burning fat tissue. Which has led to the rise in popularity in specialized cold therapy, or cryotherapy for weight loss applications. 
     Senior citizens represent a large and growing segment of the population. More and more seniors are actively seeking information about how to improve mobility and achieve better health. Delivery of concise and accurate information, as well as the provision of helpful and needed services, can help seniors better understand how their health and bodies change over time. 
     Active people are more likely to know and understand the benefit of massage, exercise and nutrition and the role that each play in maintaining a healthful and more enjoyable lifestyle. Such people who already care enough to exercise are more likely to be inclined to want to enhance their fitness goals with the systems and methods disclosed herein. 
     Health and wellness services, most particularly the type of temperature-based and massage therapy which is a substantial component of the system and methods herein described, is especially meaningful with respect to a number of chronic pain conditions due to the analgesic benefits of penetrating heat and deep tissue massage. In many instances, people who suffer from chronic pain are prescribed massage as a therapy or treatment as a method for relieving the pain. Leading healthcare professionals generally agree that massage not only feels good but is very beneficial to a person&#39;s overall health. 
     Traditional massage chairs offer all of the above benefits, but they can be problematic for some users. Often, the hard or softer foam rollers used in traditional massage chairs can be too painful for some. Additionally, over 90% of the massage chairs on the market contain bacteria collecting folds and cavities on the surface on which the user sits. These folds and cavities can be virtually impossible to properly clean and unsanitary in a commercial environment. 
     Massage is a critical factor for the majority of people for achieving and maintaining better health. Moreover, the effects of a one-hour hands-on massage can be felt in as little as a 15-minute therapeutic massage chair session. There is a need for having a system that can combine heating or cooling rapidly into an integrated unit, while offering the benefit of a massage simultaneously. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Disclosed embodiments are enabled to provide temperature-based therapy by the use of water filled pads that are both within the chair and externally placed on or around the user. Additionally, encapsulated water, air, or mechanical massage is applied to the user in a manner which is less painful and more comfortable than existing devices. 
     To those ends, among others, the disclosed embodiments include water-filled pads, that can be either rapidly heated or cooled to aid in recovery after an injury or physical activity. Embodiments include pads both internally within the chair and externally that are placed over or around the user. In some embodiments, the temperature of the water within the pads can rapidly change from 35 to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 60 seconds. 
     Disclosed embodiments include a means for providing a less painful massaging experience to the user with the use of air, water-filled, or mechanical rollers within the chair. Further embodiments could include airbags that can be used independently or in combination with the roller system. Embodiments of the disclosed invention provide tolerable, comfortable, and optimal therapy to the body of the user. 
     Disclosed embodiments further include a smooth surface that is sanitary and easily cleaned. To achieve this, disclosed embodiments only have stitching on areas of the chair system that do not contact the user&#39;s body. Accordingly, areas of the chair that users contact include a smooth bacteria-resistant surface that can be easily cleaned and sanitized by wiping down. 
     In addition to those features mentioned above, disclosed embodiments may include components that provide the ability to simultaneously massage the legs of the user of the massage chair. Some preferred embodiments incorporate a leg section as part of the disclosed massage chair to perform either percussion or vibration massage to the user&#39;s legs based on the user&#39;s preference or need. 
     Disclosed embodiments of the massage chair include proprietary software programs that enable manipulation of the roller system such that the roller system provides a unique wave pattern. More particularly, disclosed embodiments of the massage chair deviate from the traditional wide back and forth sweeping motion that cross over many muscle fibers causing irritation, that is used in many existing massage chairs. Instead, the disclosed embodiments use a much narrower pass that mimics more of a human hand providing the massage, providing a less painful and more enjoyable massage for the user. 
     Another object of the present invention is to offer a massage chair that is both convenient and cost effective for business owners to charge clients to use. In some preferred embodiments, software is implemented into the massage chair to allow the owner to establish the time for use, price of the session, and frequency of massage. 
     Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a massage chair including a chair body having a chair back, a chair seat, and a leg section. The massage chair further includes a roller system comprising a plurality of massaging rollers and positioned within at least one of the chair back, the chair seat, and the leg section. The massage chair further includes a water temperature control system for providing thermal therapy to a user, comprising: a cool tank for storing cooled liquid cooled by the system; a heat tank for storing heated liquid heated by the system; an interior liquid pad fluidly coupled with the cool tank and the hot tank and configured to be heated and cooled by liquid from the cool tank and heat tank, the interior liquid pad disposed within one of the chair back, the chair seat, the leg section, and an exterior liquid pad fluidly coupled with the cool tank and the hot tank by a flexible fluid line and configured to be heated and cooled by liquid from the cool tank and heat tank, wherein the exterior pad is disposed at an exterior of the massage chair and the flexible fluid line is configured to enable the exterior liquid pad to be moveably positioned on the user&#39;s body. The massage chair further includes an attached display configured to present control options to the user for operating the water temperature control system and the roller system and control the systems based on inputs received from the user. 
     It is also contemplated that the massage chair will be full-featured and include features such as zero gravity, full recline, heat, auto-sensing controls, and multiple massage programs. 
     The disclosure, including descriptions, drawings, and claims, describes one or more embodiments of the invention. Many other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure. Given the disclosure, especially in light of the prior art, it is another object of the invention to improve upon, and overcome the inefficiencies, limitations, and constraints of, the prior art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a preferred embodiment showing the therapeutic massage chair  10 . 
         FIG.  2 A  illustrates one embodiment of the massage rollers  20  including an inner roller  22 , inner water packs  24 , and outer protective ring  26 .  FIG.  2 B  illustrates another embodiment of a massage roller. 
         FIGS.  3 A &amp;  3 B  depict one embodiment of the massaging rollers  30  including a cylindrical water-filled wrap  32  over a foam inner roller  34 . 
         FIGS.  4 A &amp;  4 B  illustrate another embodiment of the massaging rollers  40  with water filled inserts  42  placed around the exterior perimeter of a foam inner roller  44 . 
         FIGS.  5 A &amp;  5 B  illustrate embodiments of a water-filled heating and cooling pad  50  that may be incorporated into any of the disclosed embodiments of the chair  10 . 
         FIG.  6 A  illustrates an embodiment of the water temperature control system. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the water temperature control system. 
         FIG.  6 C  is a schematic view of another embodiment of the water temperature control system. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a preferred embodiment of an external water pad. 
         FIGS.  8 A &amp;  8 B  illustrate one embodiment of the massage intensity regulation chambers  80  having individual adjustable bladders  82 . 
         FIG.  9    illustrates screenshots of an example chair control menu  90  as it would appear on an attached touchscreen or mobile device. 
         FIG.  10    is a chart showing one non-limiting example of a membership pricing structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The disclosures of this patent application, including the descriptions, drawings, and claims, describe one or more embodiments of the invention in more detail. Many other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from these disclosures to one of ordinary skill in the art, especially when considered in light of a more exhaustive understanding of the numerous difficulties and challenges faced by the art. While there are many alternative variations, modifications and substitutions within the scope of the invention, one of ordinary skill in the art should consider the scope of the invention from a review of any claims that may be appended to applications and patents based hereon, including any amendments made to those claims in the course of prosecuting this and related applications. 
     Therapeutic Massage Chair 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention involve a temperature-based therapeutic massage chair  10  implementing the provision of adjustable temperature and massage to the body of the user. Embodiments will provide temperature-based therapies by offering a dynamic range of temperatures that can easily and quickly be adjusted from about 40 to over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to the rapid temperature control, for temperature-based therapies, such as heat-based therapy for muscle recovery or cold temperature benefits like weight loss, the apparatus  10  will offer several therapeutic effects. 
     Preferred embodiments of the therapeutic massage chair  10  will provide a more comfortable form of massage that is accessible to more users. The benefits of hydrotherapy massage include, but are not limited to, pain reduction, lymphatic stimulation, improved circulation, relaxation, and reduced stress. Despite the numerous benefits associated with traditional massage chairs, they are often not used due to pain or discomfort experienced by some users. 
     The present invention  10  appeals to those segments of the population who experience pain from use of traditional massage chairs, and who therefore would likely avoid use otherwise. Preferred embodiments of the present invention alleviate the issue of hesitancy to experience the therapeutic effect of massage chairs because of the perception that such devices cause pain to the user. The features that will be described in detail below combine to offer a less painful experience for the user. 
     In contrast to the hard or soft foam rollers used in traditional massage chairs, preferred embodiments of the rollers  20  in the massage chair  10  allow greater surface contact between the roller and the user. Preferred embodiments of the rollers  20  disperse pressure as they make contact with the user&#39;s body, allowing a more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the rollers  20  will mimic more of the feel of a human hand and varying the pressure of the rollers  20  will allow differing levels of softness and feel. As a result, the user of the massage chair  10  experiences a less painful and more customizable massage in contrast to prior massage chair designs. 
     Turning to  FIG.  1   , there is shown a preferred embodiment of the therapeutic chair  10 . The chair incorporates a flat surface  12  that has no exposed seams, is moisture proof, and is preferably treated with an anti-bacterial additive. The flat surface  12  allows a user or operator to quickly and effectively clean the part of the massage chair  10  that directly touches the body of users in a commercial environment. As those persons skilled in the art will readily recognize, the combination of an anti-bacterial inhibitor and the elimination of folds and cavities on the massage chair surface  12  discourages harmful germ growth on massage chair  10 . As a result, the massage chair  10  is more sanitary and easier to clean for owners than massage chair designs that do contain exposed seams or bacteria trapping folds and cavities. 
     Preferred embodiments of the massage chair  10  incorporate a chair back  11 , a chair seat  13 , and a leg section  14 . The leg section  14  is capable of applying a customizable massage to the legs of the user. The leg section  14  of the massage chair  10  will contain a mechanism that can either perform a vibration or a powerful tapping-like massage to the user&#39;s legs. The leg section  14  will have a flat surface  12 , providing the benefits previously described above. 
     Preferred embodiments of the apparatus  10  may incorporate an input device, such as touchscreen  16  or mobile device connected or in proximity to massage chair  10  for interacting with and operating the system for controlling functional aspects of massage chair  10 . In some embodiments of massage chair  10 , the touchscreen  16  is mounted to allow a user of massage chair  10  to intuitively interact with a touchscreen  16  or mobile device while seated in massage chair  10  and receiving massage and temperature-based therapy. The input device may be connected to a network that can transmit and store the user data and preferences between uses. Also seen in  FIG.  1    is the attached water temperature control system housing  15  which houses the water temperature control system  600  (Described in detail in  FIGS.  6 A and  6 B ). 
     As seen in  FIG.  2 A , the chair  10  incorporate the use of massaging rollers  20 . Preferred embodiments of the rollers  20  include a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) or silicone inner roller  22 , inner water packs  24  constructed of a thermoplastic polyurethane (“TPU”) material, and a TPE or silicone outer protective ring  26 . Other embodiments of the rollers  20  can be a foam or other materials to achieve the same effect. The use of water packs  24  within the roller  20  alleviate the sometimes painful experience users experience with the use of traditional rollers and produces a more comfortable massage. In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG.  2 B , chair  10  incorporates a plurality of roller  2 , which comprises an inner roller  4 , an outer roller  6  disposed around inner roller  4 , and a plurality of liquid packs  8  disposed around the outer-facing surface of outer roller  6 . In some embodiments, inner roller  4  comprises plastic, TPE, silicone, or a hard foam; and outer roller  6  comprises a softer material, such as a soft foam. Water packs  8  can be made of a pliable or malleable plastic, such as TPU, for example, which encloses a liquid. For example, water packs  8  can hold a water, gel, or gelatinous material. 
     As seen in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , some preferred embodiments of the apparatus  10  incorporate the use of massaging rollers  30  with a liquid chamber  32  placed around the exterior perimeter of an inner roller  34 . Some embodiments of the massage chair  10  incorporate the use of massaging rollers  40  with water filled inserts  42  placed around the exterior perimeter of a foam inner  44 , as seen in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B . 
     The embodiments described are one of many examples that could be utilized in the apparatus  10 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that many different materials or configurations could be used. In particular, the use of water in the inserts or within the water packs  8 ,  24 ,  32 ,  42  in the roller can be filled with a variety of liquid or gelatinous material to achieve the same effect. Additionally, rollers  4 ,  6 ,  22 ,  34 ,  44  can be made from or comprise any of a number of materials, such as foam, TPE, or silicone. 
     Temperature-Based Therapy 
     Turning to  FIGS.  5 A &amp;  5 B , which shows embodiments of a liquid pads  50 ,  55  within the chair that can rapidly heat or cool the user. In preferred embodiments of pad  50 , water enters the inlet  51  and is circulated through the pad  50  and flows through the outlet  52 . Similarly, pad  55  has a water inlet and outlet for circulating water through the pad  55 . The pads  50  are rapidly cooled or heated through a series of water ducts incorporated within. Embodiments of the water-filled pad  50 ,  55  can change temperature rapidly, they can increase in temperature from about 35 degrees to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in approximately 60 seconds. Inversely, water-filled pad  50 ,  55  can cool to about 35 degrees from over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the same amount of time. Those with skill in the art will understand that pad  50  and pad  55  are simply two different embodiments of and that either can be disposed within the chair  10 . Accordingly, throughout the current disclosure, it will be understood that any description of pad  50  can be applied to pad  55  and vice versa. 
     The water temperature in the water-filed pads  50  incorporated in the massage chair  10  has a therapeutic effect for the user, and can be customized. Using cold water in the pads  50  offer therapeutic effects such as recovery from injuries. Cold based therapy also has the benefit of causing the user to shiver which promotes weight loss in the individual. Heat based therapy can aid in recovering from muscle fatigue and offers a comfortable environment for the user while receiving a massage from the apparatus  10 . It should be noted that the exact temperatures provided are merely for example to illustrate the rapid temperature changing technology incorporated in the water-filled pads, and various temperatures can be achieved in relatively the same amount of time. 
     The temperature-controlled massaging applies heating or chilling to the body&#39;s microclimate. Temperature-based therapy provides benefit to active users before a workout by increasing their range of motion, improving flexibility, improving blood flow to the body, and by reducing the chance of injury. Additionally, the apparatus  10  can provide benefits post workout by aiding in flushing lactic acid from the body, lowering core body temperature rapidly, and relaxing and calming the body. 
     Turning to  FIG.  6 A , which illustrates an embodiment of the water temperature control system  600 . Embodiments of the water temperature control system  600  holds 7 gallons of water, preferably distilled. Those skilled in the art will understand that the water temperature control system  600  can take the form of different configurations, size, shapes, and different water volume capacities. 
     Turning to  FIG.  6 B , which shows the schematic  601  for an embodiment of the water temperature control system  600 . Although system  600  is described as heating and cooling water, those with skill in the art will understand that working liquids other than water may be incorporated into system  600 , such as coolant or refrigerants, for example. Components include the water-filled pad  55 , electrical box  602  to power the system, heat tank  604 , cool tank  606 , and chiller  630 . The water-filled pad  55  is embedded in the chair in either the chair back  11 , chair seat  13 , or leg section  14 , or in multiple sections. Water is circulated and regulated by small pumps  608   a  &amp;  608   b  and is circulated through a heating tank  604  and a cooling tank  606 . In some embodiments, water of the system is cooled by chiller  630  and delivered to cool tank  606  to be stored for use by the system. In some embodiments, heat tank  604  includes a heater configured to heat water stored therein for use by the system. Accordingly, water chiller  630  and cool tank  606  can be referred to herein as a water cooler and heat tank  604  can be referred to as a water heater. In other embodiments, a variety of heating and cooling methods can be used in a water temperature control system  600  to achieve the same results, such as with the use of coils, cylinders, or a “flow-through” circulated heating method as seen in modern tankless water heaters. Accordingly, in various embodiments of this disclosure, tanks  606  and  604  are replaced with a flow-through heater and/or cooler such that tanks for storing heated and/or cooled liquid is not needed. 
     As previously discussed, in some embodiments the chiller  630  is configured to cool water to 35 degrees Fahrenheit and the heat tank  604  is configured to heat water of the system to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Electric three-way valve  610 , electric two-way valves  612   a  &amp;  612   b , check valve  614 , solenoid valve  616 , T-joints  618   a - 618   f , and row switch  620  connect the hoses and direct water to the appropriate areas. Water from the system is released through drains with ball valves  622   a  &amp;  622   b.    
     Additional external pads  70  (described in detail in  FIG.  7   ) can be attached directly to the water system and can be placed on different areas of the user&#39;s body during use of the massage chair  10 . Externals pads  70  are connected to the system with a water inlet tube  71  and outlet tube  73 . The flow of water through the temperature control system  600  is indicated by the various flow arrows illustrated in  FIG.  6   . According to some embodiments, exterior pad  70  and interior pad  55  are fluidly coupled in series with heat tank  604  and cool tank  606 . As depicted in  FIG.  6   , in some embodiments, exterior pad  70  is disposed upstream of interior pad  50 . However, in other embodiments, interior pad  50  is disposed upstream of exterior pad  70 . Additionally, in other embodiments, those with skill in the art will understand that system only includes an interior pad  50  and does not include an exterior pad  70 . 
     Additionally, in other embodiments, that system  600  includes a plurality of interior pads  55  and, in some embodiments, each pad  55  is disposed in a different section  11 ,  13 ,  14  of chair  10 . Similarly, multiple moveably placeable pads  70  on the user&#39;s body. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the schematic in  FIG.  6    represents one embodiment, and other components or combination of components can be assembled in alternative methods to achieve the same effect, including the number of water pads  55 ,  70  included in the water temperature control system  600 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  6 C , which shows the schematic  603  for an embodiment of the water temperature control system  600 . Although system  603  is described as heating and cooling water, those with skill in the art will understand that working liquids other than water may be incorporated into system  603 , such as coolant or refrigerants, for example. Components include the water-filled pad  50 , leg section water pad  60 , external pad  70 , electrical box  602  to power the system, heat tank  604 , cool tank  606 , and chiller  630 . As discussed with system  600 , according to various embodiments, system  603  incorporates flow-through type water heaters and/or coolers rather than tanks for heated and/or cooled water. The water-filled pad  50  is embedded in the chair in either the chair back  11  or chair seat  13 , or pad  50  can span into both the chair back  11  and the seat  13 . In some embodiments, there are multiple pads  50 ; for example, one pad can be disposed in the chair back  11  and another can be disposed in the chair seat  13 . The dedicated leg section pad  60  is within the leg section  14  of the chair  10 . Leg section pad  60  is substantially similar to pad  50  previously described, but is geometrically shaped for disposition within the leg section  14 . Water pads  50  and  60  are described as “interior” pads, as they are disposed within chair  10 ; while pad  70  is described as an “exterior” pad, as pad  70  is disposed outside of chair so that it can be moveably placed on a user&#39;s body. Water is circulated and regulated by small pumps  608   a - 608   d  and is circulated through a heating tank  604  and a cooling tank  606 . Electric three-way valves  610   a - 610   f , check valves  614   a - 614   e , solenoid valve  616 , T-joints  618   a - 618   c , and row switches  620   a - 620   c  connect the hoses and direct water to the appropriate areas. Water from the system is released or recirculated through drain with ball valve  622 . 
     Water flows through the water pad  50  through the inlet  51   a  and is returned to the system  600  through the outlet  52   a . Similarly, for the leg section pad  60  water enters through the inlet  51   b  and is returned through the outlet  52   b , and water enters the inlet  71  and exits the through the outlet  73  after it circulates through the external pad  70 . In embodiments with this configuration, the water temperature control system  600  can individually and separately heat and cool each of the water pad  50 , leg section pad  60 , and external pad  70  concurrently. As illustrated, pads  50 ,  60 ,  70  are coupled with the heat and cool tanks  604 ,  606  in parallel (as opposed to in series), which allows for independent water flow control from the tanks  604 ,  606  to each of the pads  50 ,  60 ,  70 . As shown, pad  50  is coupled to tanks  606 ,  604  by valve  610   a  and pump  608   a ; pad  60  is coupled to tanks  606 ,  604  by valve  610   c  and pump  608   c ; and pad  70  is coupled to tanks  606 ,  604  by valve  610   c  and pump  608   c . Accordingly, by controlling operation of pumps  608   a - 608   c  and/or valves  610   a - 610   c , the system  603  is able to independently control water supply (and thus temperature) from tanks  604 ,  606  to each pad  50 ,  60 ,  70 . This independent temperature control of the pads  50 ,  60 ,  70  offers a user and enhanced therapeutic experience. For example, a user can utilize one temperature for the water pad  50  and cooler temperature for the leg section pad  60 , and a higher temperature for the external pad  70  all at the same time. Control of the valves and pumps of system  603 ,  600  described herein is achieved by electrical box  602  in display  16 . Specifically, a user can provide input settings at touchscreen display  16  and the inputs can provide operation instruction to electrical box  602  for controlling the pump and valves of system  603 ,  600  to provide for the desired settings entered by the user. 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that the schematic in  FIG.  6 C  represents one embodiment, and other components or combination of components can be assembled in alternative methods and configurations to achieve the same effect, including the locations and number of water pads  50 ,  60 ,  70  connected in parallel and methods for heating and cooling the liquid in the water temperature control system  603 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  7   , which illustrates an embodiment of an external liquid pad  70 . The system allows for one or multiple external pads  70  to be attached and placed on various places on the user&#39;s body during use of the chair  10 . In this embodiment, warm or cold water is brought from the heat tank  604  or cool tank  606  to the external pad  70  through a flexible tube  78  which houses an inlet tube  71  and outlet tube  73  which securely attaches to the temperature control system  600 . Water from the heat tank  604  or cool tank  606  is circulated through the entire inner bladder  72  which is in contact with the user to provide temperature-based therapy and returned to the system. An outer layer  74  with elastic straps  76  surrounds the inner bladder  72  to secure the inner bladder  72  to the portion of the body receiving treatment. Water that has been circulated through the inner bladder  74  is returned to the temperature control system  600  through the outlet tube  73 . A flexible tube  78 , which includes the inlet and outlet tubes  71 ,  73 , couples pad  70  with the rest of the system  600  and is a long tube and flexible enough such that pad  70  can be moveably positioned by the user to be placed anywhere on the user&#39;s body. Embodiments of the chair  10  have external pads  70  that are in a blanket like configuration and are draped over the individual&#39;s entire body while using the chair  10 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the external water pad  70  illustrated in  FIG.  7    is for illustrative purposes and different configurations of the external water-pad  70  including different shapes, sizes, materials, and components can be used to achieve the same effect. 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , in preferred embodiments regulation chambers  80  allow the massage chair  10  to accommodate a variety of body builds or types in a single chair system. Regulation chambers  80  are positioned in the back portion of massage chair  10 . Users can inflate or deflate three sections  82   a - c  of bladders  82  to enable the bladders  82  to conform to their body, providing a more comfortable and less painful massage. The center portion  82   b  of the regulation chambers  80  is thinner to provide a more consistent massage. The center portion  82   b  of the regulation chambers  80  accommodates the curvature of the spine and gives the needed support to the lower back of the user. The regulation chambers  80  incorporated into the apparatus  10  furthers the objective of providing a less intense massage experience to the user by offsetting pressure caused by the body weight of the user. Regulation chambers  80  can be incorporated in the leg section to provide a constricting therapy to the user&#39;s legs. Those skilled in the art should recognize that the regulation chambers  80  shown is for illustrative purposes and different configurations of the regulation chambers  80  including different shapes, sizes, materials, and number of air bladders can be used to achieve the same effect. 
     Additional Features 
     It is also contemplated that the massage chair  10  will be full-featured and incorporate desirable features such as zero gravity, full recline, auto-sensing controls, and multiple massage programs. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  9   , there is shown a screenshot of a control menu screen  90  exhibiting various options for a user wherein the user is able to customize the water and air adjustable massage experience and to interact with and operate the massage chair  10 . The user has the ability to select various options for a water and air adjustable massage through the course of accessible menus presented on touchscreen  16 . At the outset, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, the menu display as shown is merely for illustrative purposes only and are only examples of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10 . 
     As shown on the example chair control menu screen  90  for the touchscreen  16  as illustrated in the example of  FIG.  9   , there are icons for modifying the massage therapy during the receipt of treatment. For example, there are a number of pre-programed options displayed for the user to intuitively select for the desired therapeutic effect in this example screen  90 , such options include: “Flush”, “Cardiac”, “Stretch”, “Fire/Ice”, “Works”, and “Cold Rush”. Additionally, the user can customize the temperature, intensity, toggle air options, or adjust the duration with the push of a button. Further, the example screen  90  displays the time left in the treatment and the areas targeted by the apparatus  10 . It is contemplated that users can further customize which portions are targeted on their body and the recline position of apparatus  10 . 
     More particularly, it is contemplated that customers can, among other things, use the touchscreen  16  to order services, customize the massage, or select specific areas they wish to have massaged, as described in further detail below. It is also contemplated that the water and air adjustable massage chair  10  will implement similar methods for allowing a smartphone software application or through a secure web-based portal, to interface with the massage chair  10  in the same manner as a touchscreen  16 . 
     Other facets of operating the massage chair  10  may be represented in other embodiments. Any such alternate displays are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Preferred embodiments of massage chair  10  incorporate software to manipulate the roller system in a manner that mimics more closely the feel of a human hand performing a trigger point massage. Trigger point massages are best suited for people who have injuries, chronic pain, or a specific issue or condition. Sometimes areas of tightness in the muscle tissues, known as trigger points, can cause pain in other parts of the body. By concentrating pressure to trigger points, this type of massage can reduce pain. In contrast to the back and forth kneading motion that is approximately 4 inches wide, the software enables a user to manipulate the water filled rollers  20  of massage chair  10  to employ a much narrower pass if the user desires. 
     Preferred embodiments of the apparatus  10  have the ability to easily provide the massage services to users within a commercial environment. The software provides the owner information and control of the massage chair  10 . Such information includes but is not limited to, the price of the individual session, and the frequency of massage for the user. Additionally, the incorporated software will allow individual memberships to be established wherein a member remits periodic payments for access to massage chair  10  in addition to various other services and products offered, as described in further detail below. 
     Some embodiments of massage chair  10  also consider it can be offered in a commercial environment with various services and products in which are offered within the context of the same membership structure. These services and products may also be obtained as separately priced items outside of the membership program by those who choose not to secure a membership. 
     An example of a membership pricing structure is shown as a chart  100  in  FIG.  10   . This membership pricing schedule, more particularly the amount for each service or membership tier provided in  FIG.  10   , is merely an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Those of skill in the art will understand that any number of pricing and service combinations could be utilized in the context of massage chair  10  as described herein. 
     As can be seen in the chart  100  illustrated in  FIG.  10   , membership structure may be in a tiered system, both in relation to price and services provided. This example shows a monthly payment period for membership; however, other periods could be implemented, including weekly, bi-monthly, semi-annually, annually, etc. Along the top row of  FIG.  10    are listed possible membership tiers including Premium, Express, and Massage Membership. Each membership tier includes the number of massage sessions which are included in the monthly price. 
     A person paying for a Premium Membership would have unlimited access to water and air adjustable massage sessions. According to this example, the periodic payment (on a monthly basis in the example) would be the highest for the Premium Membership tier, which affords a customer the most access to the services provided. 
     The Express (mid-level tier) membership would have a lower monthly fee but would also result in more limited access to the services provided. As in the example illustrated in  FIG.  10   , a person paying for the Express Membership would only have access to ten (10) water and air adjustable massage sessions as compared to unlimited access accorded to those paying for a Premium Membership. 
     Also shown in  FIG.  10   , a Massage Membership tier in which only five (5) water and air adjustable massage sessions would be available. This would be the lowest priced membership tier, and accordingly would be afforded the least amount of access to the water and air adjustable massage services. 
     It is further anticipated that alternative embodiments may provide options for an a la carte payment method. Payment would be on a per-service or per-access basis, each and every time a person sought such service or access. It is contemplated that prices for individual services would be higher than comparable services under the membership tiers available. 
     Again, the chart  100  illustrated in  FIG.  10    is merely one example of a possible structuring mechanism for membership pricing for providing access to the present invention  10  or other related services in a commercial environment. Many other membership structures could be offered within the scope of the present invention herein described as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. It is also contemplated that access to other health and wellness services may be included in the tiered membership structure, and prices for such memberships as well as access to such services would be determined accordingly. 
     The figures and descriptions in this application depict specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. These examples are not given to limit the scope of the invention, but rather to teach inventive principles. To concisely teach inventive principles, some conventional aspects of the invention have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate many of the configurations, combinations, subcombinations, and variations on these examples that fall within the scope of the invention. For example, certain features of the invention described in separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments—separately or in any suitable subcombination. The invention is not limited to the specific illustrative examples described herein, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as in the current, amended, or added claims and their equivalents. In any case, all substantially equivalent systems, articles, and methods should be considered within the scope of the invention.