Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application takes benefit of U.S. Prov. App. 61/877,250 filed 12 Sep. 2013 which is hereby incorporated in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to devices for the administration of fluid therapy and chromotherapy to the head for stimulatory purposes. Particularly, the invention comprises a portable device for administering fluid therapy using pressurized water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances to massage and relax the head and scalp of the user while simultaneously allowing the use of craniofacial chromotherapy thus providing a generally relaxing and refreshing stimulative experience for the head. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is well known that merely standing in a shower with a stream of water directed at one&#39;s body results in a stimulating and relaxing effect in and about the area on which the water impinges. Many inventions for applying one or more streams of water to the body are well known in the prior art. Such devices range from mere handheld devices (e.g. a handheld shower massager) through more complex devices that subject the user&#39;s entire body to a multiplicity of streams of water and/or steam and/or entrained air (e.g. a therapeutic shower cabinet or whirlpool bath). Moreover, it is well known that variations in the temperature of the impinging water act to vary the stimulative or relaxing effect. Cold water causes one set of sensations, hot water causes another. 
         [0004]    These effects are equally effective when applied directly to the head, particularly as a means of decreasing or eliminating head and neck pain and discomfort. A stream of water naturally acts to decrease tension in the muscles of the head and face, thus lessening stress related headaches. Some people report that a hot or warm water spray applied to the head lessens headaches. By the same token, a stream of cold water applied to a greater area of the scalp lowers the temperature of the scalp, thus causing the vasculature of the scalp to constrict slightly. Some people feel this helps alleviate headaches. Other therapeutic effects may be obtained by means of decreasing intra-cranial blood pressure thus preventing and/or treating some forms of stroke and/or facilitating more rapid recovery from cranial concussion. To achieve these effects water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances may be sprayed or misted onto the scalp in a variety of temperatures, from cold to hot. Therapeutic fluids include, but are not limited to, carbonated water, tonic water, and astringent liquids. Therapeutic substances include, but are not limited to ice, bathing salts, and sea salt. 
         [0005]    However, no such device exists in the prior art to apply one or more flowing sources of water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances to the head, and only the head of the user. If one wishes to partake of such therapy using devices presently extant in the prior art, one must either take a shower or bath. Obviously, the necessity of disrobing to enjoy these existing therapies adds to their inconvenience. 
         [0006]    Similarly, the use of colored light (chromotherapy or light therapy) as a therapeutic regimen is well known in the prior art both to practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine and photobiology. Chromotherapy is variously believed to induce feelings of well-being or “balance” various “energies” in the body (i.e. physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental) and/or treat specific sleep, skin, and mood disorders. While various devices are known in the prior art that combine shower heads, full sized bathtubs, and full-sized shower cabinets with chromotherapeutic devices, none are known that allow selective chromotherapy in the region of the face and neck. Thus, to the extent phototherapy is effective solely when administered through the eyes and the skin of the head and scalp, an apparatus that administers such therapy either independently or in concert with the fluid therapy described above would be advantageous. 
         [0007]    By the same token, the use of aromatic substances as a therapeutic regimen is also well known in the prior art. Aromatherapy is variously believed to alter the user&#39;s mood or cognitive state, or physical well-being. While various devices are known in the prior art that combine shower, bathtubs, and shower cabinets with aromatherapeutic, none are known that allow selective aromatherapy in the region of the face and neck. Thus, to the extent aromatherapy is effective an apparatus that administers such therapy either independently or in concert with the therapies described above would be advantageous. 
         [0008]    Further, to improve the relaxatory effect of the fluid therapy, chromotherapy, and aromatherapy described above, it would be advantageous to use the device in conjunction with a table also equipped with chromotherapeutic light sources. 
         [0009]    Thus, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used to administer fluid therapy by applying a multiplicity of streams of water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances onto the head, and only the head, of the user. These streams of water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances may be deposited on the scalp and face in any one of a variety of temperatures ranging from hot to cold, or any combination in between. Therapeutic fluids include, but are not limited to, carbonated water, tonic water, and astringent liquids. Therapeutic substances include, but are not limited to, ice, bathing salts, and sea salt. 
         [0010]    It is a second object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used to administer chromotherapy to the head of the user. Such chromotherapy is administrable in a variety of colors and intensities—from individual single color therapy to variable color therapy, such colors being derived by varying the intensity of independent red, green, and blue light sources. 
         [0011]    It is a third object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used to administer aromatherapy. 
         [0012]    It is a fourth object of the present invention to provide a table equipped with chromotherapeutic light sources to enhance the chromotherapeutic effect of the device. 
         [0013]    It is a fifth object of the present invention to allow the user to undergo stone or crystal therapy simultaneously while enjoying therapeutic fluid and/or chromotherapy and/or aromatherapy. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The device is comprised of a cabinet which loosely surrounds the head. The cabinet comprises a top support with a substantially transparent Plexiglas or glass insert and substantially transparent left and right side panels also preferably constructed primarily of Plexiglas or glass. Lamps or LEDs that allow for the administration of chromotherapy are embedded in the edges of the Plexiglas or glass panels comprising the top support and in the rear edges of the left and right side panels such that when activated the Plexiglas or glass insert of the top support and the left and right side panels act as light guides causing the Plexiglas or glass insert of the top support and the left and right side panels to simultaneously glow with the desired color. The base and rear structure of the cabinet rectangular, with the base serving as the repository for water and/or therapeutic substances when the device is used. 
         [0015]    The device further comprises a pump to continuously circulate the water and/or therapeutic substances held in the base of the unit up through the rear structure of the unit where they exit through a waterfall spigot onto the forehead of the user and through two adjustable flow lines onto areas of the face chosen by the user. 
         [0016]    Constructed into the rear structure of the device is a cavity for containing stones or crystals as might be used in stone therapy. Attached to the rear of the rear structure is a support and cover for an aromatherapy generator unit. Aroma lines duct the generated aromatherapy through the rear structure into the cabinet. Also, the Plexiglas or glass insert mounted in the top support has multiple perforations allowing the placement of another aromatherapy generator on the top support. A pyramidal structure surmounts the top support enclosing this second aromatherapy generator. Installed to the sides and front of the top support is a holder into which a tablet computer may be placed, such that the tablet computer may be used while the user receives fluid and/or chromotherapy and/or aromatherapy. Also installed through the top support is a wireless or wired speaker, preferably a wireless Bluetooth speaker, such that sound from the tablet computer or a cell phone or wireless media steamer may be audibly reproduced. 
         [0017]    Since the user must necessarily lay horizontally while using the device, a table is provided. The table comprises a support stand, a reservoir for containing several air-filled or foam cushions or water. Affixed to the inner aspects of the sides of the reservoir are waterproof light strips, preferably LEDs that glow with the desired color. The reservoir may be optionally lined with a colored or colorless transparent or translucent light guide liner to act as a light guide and further enhance the chromotherapeutic effect of the waterproof light strips. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a right perspective view of an improved portable relaxation therapy massage device for the head. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a rear-right perspective view of an improved portable relaxation therapy massage device for the head. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an improved portable relaxation therapy massage device for the head. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a right detail view of the upper aspect of an improved portable relaxation therapy massage device for the head. 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a top oblique perspective view of a table for use with an improved portable relaxation therapy massage device for the head. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a partially schematic view of an improved portable relaxation therapy massage device for the head showing typical electrical and fluid handling components. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 6 , the device is comprised of a cabinet  10  which loosely surrounds the entire head. Cabinet  10  generally comprised of substantially opaque fluid reservoir  11 , rear structure  13 , and top support  15  and substantially transparent Plexiglas or glass insert  16  installed in top support  15 , left side panel  17 , and right side panel  18 . A multiplicity of lamps or LEDs  19  that allow for the administration of chromotherapy are installed in the supporting edges of Plexiglas or glass insert  16  and the rear and bottom edges of left and right side panels,  17  and  18  respectively, such that when activated the Plexiglas or glass insert  16  in top support  15 , left side panel  17 , and right side panel  18  act as light guides causing Plexiglas or glass insert  16  of top support  15 , left side panel  17 , and right side panel  18  to simultaneously glow with the desired color. Rear structure  13  of cabinet  10  is generally rectangular, substantially hollow prism, containing various aromatherapy and fluid therapy distribution passages. The interior of rear structure  13  is accessible by means of hinged door  14 . 
         [0025]    On the bottom of the inside aspect of cabinet  10  is drain grate  12  which is ordinarily equipped with a waterproof cushion. Drain grate  12  lets fluid drain into fluid reservoir  11 , which then flows by means of gravity through a filter mat into suction feed line  22 . The upper part of the inside aspect of rear structure  13  is equipped on the left and right sides by directionally adjustable left flow line  26  and right flow line  27  whereby the user can adjustably direct individual streams of water to different points on the head. Ordinarily two flow lines are sufficient, but those having skill in the art will recognize that more than two may be supplied. Similarly, at the level of left and right flow lines,  26  and  27 , respectively, and preferably between them, is waterfall spigot  25 . Waterfall spigot  25  is designed so that a nearly continuous sheet of water falls vertically in a plane onto the forehead of the user. This is of course not the only design conceivable. It would be useful to have alternative designs. For example, a waterfall spigot arranged to direct water backwards at an angle towards rear structure  13  and the forehead of the user is helpful to limit splashing in high water volume applications. It will be readily appreciated that other spray/flow patterns are conceivable. All such combinations that produce sprays, drips, mists, and streams are implicitly included in the present disclosure. Left flow line  26 , right flow line  27 , and waterfall spigot  25  are each in turn connected to a distribution manifold, internally housed in the upper aspect of rear structure  13 . The distribution manifold is in turn connected to pressurized feed line  20  which is in turn attached to the output of pump  21 . 
         [0026]    Constructed into rear structure  13  is stone receptacle  28  for stones or crystals as might be used in stone therapy. Stone receptacle  28  is located adjacent to seventh primary chakra, the Sahasrara, when the user&#39;s head is inserted into cabinet  10 . By placing the appropriate stones or crystals in stone receptacle  28 , the user can enjoy stone therapy. 
         [0027]    Attached to the rear of rear structure  13  is support  50  and cover  51 . The cavity formed inside cover  51  may be used to enclose a source of aromatherapy such as aromatherapy generator unit  52 . Left and right aroma lines,  53  and  54 , respectively, duct generated aromatherapy through rear structure  13  and into cabinet  10 . 
         [0028]    Plexiglas or glass insert  16  mounted in top support  15  has multiple perforations  16   a  allowing the placement of another aromatherapy generator on top support  15 . Pyramidal structure  61  surmounts top support  15  enclosing this second aromatherapy generator. Perforations  16   a  duct generated aromatherapy through Plexiglas or glass insert  16  and into cabinet  10 . 
         [0029]    Installed to the sides and front of top support  15  is tablet computer holder  62 . Tablet computer  63  may be placed in tablet computer holder  62 , such that tablet computer  63  may be used while the user receives fluid and/or chromotherapy and/or aromatherapy. 
         [0030]    Also installed through top support  15  is wireless or wired speaker fluid resistant speaker  64 , preferably a wireless Bluetooth speaker, such that sound from the tablet computer  63  may be audibly reproduced. 
         [0031]    Framework  30  supports cabinet  10  on table top  31 . Table top  31  has a drain hole providing a passage for suction feed line  22  such that when fluid is sprayed on the user&#39;s head it drains through drain grate  12 , into fluid reservoir  11 , through a filter mat and into suction feed line  22  and thence to the input of pump  21 . Installed in suction feed line  22  is valve  23  used to control the flow of drain water to pump  21 . Also, installed in suction feed line  22  is drain cock  24  used to drain used water from fluid reservoir  11 . 
         [0032]    Pump  21  is electrically wired to power supply  40  operated by means of a pump switch  41 . When the user actuates pump switch  41  pump  21  is energized and begins to pump, drawing water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances from the bottom of the fluid reservoir  11  by means of suction feed line  22 , through pump  21  and into pressurized feed line  20 , into the distribution manifold, and finally out of left and right flow lines,  26  and  27 , respectively, and waterfall spigot  25 . The water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances fall onto the user&#39;s head, flow down through drain grate  12  and into fluid reservoir  11 . 
         [0033]    LEDs  19  in cabinet  10  can be monochromatic (i.e. all constituent LEDs are the same color) or multi-colored (i.e. each LED can generate a range of colors). LEDs  19  are wired to light control unit  42  that is, in turn, wired to power supply  40  and two controls: 1) Intensity control  43 ; and, 2) Color control  44 . In the case of monochromatic LEDs  19 , the user operates intensity control  43  to simultaneously vary the intensity of the light emitted by LEDs  19 , thus varying the intensity of the monochromatic light generated inside cabinet  10 . In the case of multi-colored LEDs  19 , the user operates color control  44  to cause the light control unit  42  to vary the color of LEDs  19  to create a color inside cabinet  10  ranging from no light (black) to red to green to violet to white. If the user selects a color of light, the user then operates intensity control  43  to vary the intensity of the light from dim to bright. 
         [0034]    When top support  15  with Plexiglas or glass insert  16  is equipped with Plexiglas or glass pyramidal structure  61 , pyramidal structure  61  serves as a light guide and glows with the same color and intensity as Plexiglas or glass insert  16  when illuminated. 
         [0035]    Since the user must necessarily lay horizontally while using the device, table  70  is provided. Table  70  generally comprises support stand  71  and table reservoir  72  for containing several cushions  75  or water and/or therapeutic substances. When used with water and/or therapeutic substances, drain  73  is used to drain table reservoir  72  when therapy has been concluded. Drain  73  may be closed by a conventional stopper or valve. Those having skill in the art will recognize that cushions  75  may be air-filled or vinyl encapsulated foam. Affixed to the inner aspects of table reservoir  72  are waterproof light strips  74 , preferably comprising LEDs, that glow with the desired color. As before, the LEDs that comprise light strips  74  can be monochromatic (i.e. all constituent LEDs are the same color) or multi-colored (i.e. each LED can generate a range of colors). Also as discussed before, the LEDs comprising light strips  74  are wired to light control unit  42  and operated in tandem with LEDs  19  in cabinet  10 . By this means, all LEDs  19  in cabinet  10  the LEDs that comprise light strips  74  in table reservoir  72  may be coordinated to generate chromotherapeutic light as desired. Table reservoir  72  may be optionally lined with a transparent or translucent light guide liner  76  to act as a light guide and further enhance the chromotherapeutic effect of waterproof light strips  74 . Light guide liner  76  may be constructed of any suitable glass or plastic material, preferably Plexiglas or styrene, and may be any color including colorless. Further, light guide liner  76  may only cover the inner aspects of the sides of table reservoir  72  or it may cover the entirety of the inner aspect of table reservoir  72 . 
         [0036]    To operate the device to administer fluid therapy, the user pours water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or substances into fluid reservoir  11 . Next, the user places cushions  75  in table reservoir  72 . The user then lies on adjoining table  70  and inserts his head, face up, into cabinet  10 . The user then rests his head on the waterproof cushion and activates pump  21  via pump switch  41  and enjoys the stimulating and refreshing flow of the water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or other substances present in fluid reservoir  11  as they are expelled onto the user&#39;s scalp and face through left and right flow lines,  26  and  27 , respectively, and waterfall spigot  25 . The water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or substances then drain through drain grate  12 , into fluid reservoir  11  and through a filter mat where they travel by means of gravity into suction feed line  22  to pump  21 . Pump  21  pressurizes the water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or other substances through pressurized feed line  20 , into an internally mounted distribution manifold and thence through left and right flow lines,  26  and  27 , respectively, and waterfall spigot  25  to repeat the process. 
         [0037]    To operate the device to administer chromotherapy (when the device is equipped with multi-colored LEDs  19  and light strips  74 ), the user lies on table  70  and inserts his head, face up, into cabinet  10 . The user then rests his head on the waterproof cushion and activates light control unit  42  by actuating color control  44  and intensity control  43  to create a colored light inside cabinet  10  and table reservoir  72  of the desired color and intensity. 
         [0038]    To operate the device to administer fluid therapy, the user pours water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or substances into fluid reservoir  11 . Next, the user places cushions  75  in table reservoir  72 . The user then lies on adjoining table  70  and inserts his head, face up, into cabinet  10 . The user then rests his head on the waterproof cushion and activates pump  21  via pump switch  41  and enjoys the stimulating and refreshing flow of the water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or other substances present in fluid reservoir  11  as they are expelled onto the user&#39;s scalp and face through left and right flow lines,  26  and  27 , respectively, and waterfall spigot  25 . The water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or substances then drain through drain grate  12 , into fluid reservoir  11  and through a filter mat where they travel by means of gravity into suction feed line  22  to pump  21 . Pump  21  pressurizes the water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or other substances through pressurized feed line  20 , into an internally mounted distribution manifold and thence through left and right flow lines,  26  and  27 , respectively, and waterfall spigot  25  to repeat the process. Simultaneously, to operate the device to administer chromotherapy (when the device is equipped with multi-colored LEDs  19  and light strips  74 ) the user activates light control unit  42  by actuating color control  44  and intensity control  43  to create a colored light inside cabinet  10  and table reservoir  72  of the desired color and intensity. 
         [0039]    In another embodiment an electrical device to heat and/or cool the water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or substances in fluid reservoir  11  may be installed in fluid reservoir  11 , suction feed line  22 , or pressurized feed line  20 . 
         [0040]    In another embodiment an ultraviolet lamp, or some other means of sterilizing the water and/or therapeutic fluids and/or substances in fluid reservoir  11  may be installed in fluid reservoir  11 , suction feed line  22 , or pressurized feed line  20 . 
         [0041]    In another embodiment, a ventilation port for admitting air or other gasses into cabinet  10  is provided. Air may be provided by any of the conventional means, i.e. by a fan or blower and may be warmed by an electrical heating element or cooled by a refrigerated air system. Further, ventilating air may be admixed with oxygen or other compressed gasses to provide an altered atmospheric environment inside cabinet  10 . 
         [0042]    In another embodiment fluid reservoir  11  may be externally removed from the device and interconnected with cabinet  10  by means of a feed line such that water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances in fluid reservoir  11  are expelled over the head of the user by gravity. In this embodiment, the water and/or other therapeutic fluids and/or substances expelled over the user&#39;s head drain directly from the device and into a suitable floor drain. 
         [0043]    While the invention has been described in connection with what are considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, variants, and sub-variants, but on the contrary is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, Plexiglas or glass insert  16  in top support  15  may be an “infinity mirror” such that multiple reflections of LEDs  19  installed at the edge of Plexiglas or glass insert  16  in top support  15  may be perceived. Similarly, it will be readily apparent the phototherapeutic effect of the LEDs  19  and light strips  74  may be enhanced by including one or more effects machines inside or used in conjunction with cabinet  10 . For example, a bubble generator or a vapor generator equipped with user selectable or externally controllable sources of colored light may be used to amplify the phototherapeutic effect.

Technology Category: 1