WO2001045631A2

WO2001045631A2 - Hydrotherapy device for the arm

Info

Publication number: WO2001045631A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/035138
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mary Bajza
Original assignee: Mary Bajza
Priority date: 1999-12-22
Filing date: 2000-12-22
Publication date: 2001-06-28
Also published as: AU2594901A; WO2001045631A3

Abstract

The hydrotherapy device (10) for the arm is provided in the form of an elongated basin (12) for receiving a user's arm and is of sufficient height and width as to permit the basin to hold a reservoir of therapeutic liquid to completely immerse the user's arm. Devices for aerating (20,24,62), circulating (26,60), and heating (28) the therapeutic liquid is included to massage the arm. Handles (22,34) to facilitate easy lifting and transportation, a storage compartment for the electrical power cord, a drain with a removable plug for easy liquid drainage, and a liquid level indicator (70) are also included.

Description

HYDROTHERAPY DEVICE FOR THE ARM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrotherapy devices are known to be beneficial for the treatment of different medical problems and common ailments. The flow of liquid at an elevated temperature relieves pain, muscle spasm and stiffness, allowing the arm to relax. In addition to the heat, agitated liquid will provide a hydromassage effect. At times, it may also be desirable to bathe the arm in cool water, which helps decrease swelling and pain.

Though hydrotherapy devices have been previously primarily used in medical settings, their use in the home is becoming more prevalent. The fast pace of daily living, the usage of computers, and the popularity of recreational sports has created an increased need for the use of hydrotherapy devices. People with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive use injury also benefit from the use of hydrotherapy in the home. The therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy have been recognized by the consumer and they are responding by increased purchases of these devices.

The most popular hydrotherapy devices have been geared for treatment of the feet and are readily available in the marketplace. These foot spas offer the advantage of portability which allows the user to place them in front of a comfortable chair in which the user can relax while treating their feet. Hydrotherapy devices for the arm are still mainly limited to medical settings. A number of hydrotherapy devices for the treatment of the arm have required the user to insert or wrap his or her arm in the device. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,890, issued to Morris, describes a water- massaging device that is wrapped around the user's arm and provides fluid jet-like action against the arm (or other body part). The fluid flows through a manifold consisting of convoluted coils with perforations to release the fluid against the arm with the temperature being controlled by introducing hot or cold water into the coils. Such a device requires assistance to place it on the arm and must be attached to a reservoir for containing the water that is pumped into and out of the device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,688,208 issued to Plemmons, discloses a limb therapy apparatus which includes a glove that extends into a sealed container of viscous fluid. The user's hand is inserted into the glove and moved within the fluid so that the fluid provides resistance.

While it may be possible to use a conventional foot hydrotherapy device for treatment of the arm, particularly the forearm, there are a number of drawbacks to such an application. First, typical "foot spas" are configured to receive both feet and contain sufficient water, or other therapeutic liquid, to fully cover the feet. The length of typical foot spas is not enough to accommodate the arm, since the average person's arm is twice the length of his or her foot. Furthermore, since such a device can contain a gallon or more of liquid, it can be difficult to carry the device from one location to another without spillage. The need to lift the device up onto a table or other raised surface to allow the lower arm to be comfortably placed in the bath increases the risk of spillage. In addition, since the user is seeking to treat a sore or tired arm, it could exacerbate the problem to attempt to carry a heavy container filled with liquid.

For the reasons described above, there remains a need for a lightweight, compact, and simple-to-use therapeutic alternative such as the hydrotherapy device for the arm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that allows hydrotherapy treatment by immersing the forearm from the fingertips to the elbow in a basin filled with a therapeutic liquid.

It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that provides hydrotherapy treatment by way of devices for heating, cooling, aerating, and/or circulating a therapeutic liquid within the basin. It is still another advantage of the present invention to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that provides for easy drainage of liquid from within the basin.

Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that is lightweight, compact, and simple-to- use.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a hydrotherapy device for the arm that uses the benefit of an open air style basin, thereby allowing users with problems like tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or chronic pain the ability for simple daily use.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hydrotherapy device for the arm comprises a basin for receiving a user's arm. The basin is configured as a trough or elongated container. The basin is preferably molded using a durable, rigid plastic. To enhance the rigidity and strength of the basin to avoid bending or torsion while carrying, a lip arch is formed around its upper edges. Further enhancement of the rigidity can be obtained by forming ridges at least in the bottom of the basin. The basin is of sufficient height and width as to permit the basin to hold a reservoir of therapeutic liquid to completely immerse the user's arm from the fingertips to the elbow. The therapeutic liquid is typically water, however oils, salts, or other treatments may be added. The rear of the basin will preferably be sloped or slantable in a manner that would best accommodate the user's arm with the elbow bent at an angle within the range of 90° to 1 50° . The front top of the basin has a removable cover that will preferably act as a splash guard and/or support one or more control knobs or other control means.

Within the removable cover are located devices for aerating, circulating, and heating the therapeutic liquid. The aerating pump will provide air that will be pumped through the aerating nozzle into a lower chamber located in the bottom of the basin. The lower chamber is comprised of a thickened inner wall. The lower chamber will channel the air to the aerating jets that will apply pressure evenly or to specific areas. The aerating jets will preferably be evenly distributed within the basin located on the bottom and sidewalls. The circulating pump provides a means for circulation and movement of the therapeutic liquid through the circulating nozzle. The circulating pump will preferably be an air source or other means that will provide pumping action to allow for circulation of the therapeutic liquid.

In the exemplary embodiment, control knobs can be provided for selection of aerating jets, a circulating pump, or both to be used simultaneously. The same control knob, or a second control knob, can be provided to control a heater for adjusting the temperature of the therapeutic liquid. These knobs have a rheostat-type mechanism that allows a user to control the degree of temperature and the amount of air pressure in the aerating jets. The heater can be configured to either heat the therapeutic liquid or to heat the lower portion of the basin. When used to directly heat the liquid, the heater can be a watertight, covered resistive coil immersed in this liquid with appropriate safety precautions being taken to ensure that electric current is not allowed to contact the water. For heating of the basin, resistive wires can be embedded in the bottom of the basin. The heater will preferably include a thermal sensor or other means that will prevent the bath temperature from exceeding a safe level. The electrical components of the devices for aerating, circulating, and heating the therapeutic liquid are preferably encased in a watertight enclosure to prevent electric shock or damage to the electronic devices. A power supply with necessary components will be included to convert and supply power to the aerating, circulating and heating devices.

The front of the basin houses a small closeable compartment that provides for storage of an electrical power cord. The hinged compartment door will preferably open by pushing on the top of the compartment door, thereby releasing an internal latch that will open the door. The electrical power cord can simply be manually coiled for storage after use, or a retractable spool can be incorporated so that the cord automatically retracts into the compartment when no longer needed.

The front and back of the basin is configured to have protruding handles allowing for easy lifting and transportation. A liquid level indicator may be included within the basin to allow the user to easily monitor the liquid level during use. A drain with a removable plug can be located on the back of the basin to allow easy drainage of liquid from within the basin without requiring the basin to be tilted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Understanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts and in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the hydrotherapy device for the arm;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of Figure 1 ; and Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated in Figure 1 , the hydrotherapy device for the arm 1 0 comprises a basin 1 2 for receiving a user's arm. The basin 1 2 is configured as a trough or elongated container. Basin 1 2 is preferably molded using a durable, rigid plastic. To enhance the rigidity and strength of basin 1 2 to avoid bending or torsion while carrying, a lip arch 38 is formed around its upper edges. Further enhancement of the rigidity can be obtained by forming ridges 48 at least in the bottom of the basin. The basin 1 2 is of sufficient height and width as to permit the basin 1 2 to hold a reservoir of therapeutic liquid to completely immerse the user's arm from fingertips to just above the elbow. A level indicator 70, such as an indentation or raised area of the sidewall, provides an indicator for the user to gauge a desired liquid level. The width of the basin should be dimensioned to fit the forearm of a larger person with sufficient clearance to permit good liquid circulation throughout the basin. On the other hand, the dimensions of the basin should not be overly large since an important advantage of the invention is to minimize the volume of liquid required for effective therapy. The therapeutic liquid is typically plain water, however oils, salts, or other treatments may be added as desired. The rear of the basin 42 as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is preferably sloped or slanted in a manner that would best accommodate the user's arm at a comfortable angle while the user is relaxing in a sitting or reclining position, which is typically within the range of 90°to 1 50° . In one embodiment of the invention, the rear of the basin 42 has a means for adjusting the inner wall 52 upward or downward to a preferred angle

The front top of the basin has a removable cover housing 14 that can act as a splash guard and/or support one or more control knobs 1 6, 1 8 or other control means. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, located within the removable cover housing 1 4 are devices for aerating and/or circulating, and heating the therapeutic liquid. An aerating pump 62 provides air that can be pumped through the aerating nozzle 24 into a lower chamber 54 located in the bottom of the basin 1 2. The lower chamber 54 comprises a thickened inner wall 52. The lower chamber 54 channels the air to the aerating jets 20. Although one lower chamber 54 is shown, it is possible to divide the chamber into a number of smaller chambers, which can permit differential application of pressure to the aerating jets 20, allowing the jets to be focused on, or blocked from, a particular location on the user's arm. Where multiple chambers are provided, pump 62 can be fitted with a corresponding number of nozzles. The aerating jets 20 will preferably be evenly distributed within the basin 1 2 located on the bottom 44 and sidewalls 50, but it may be desirable to include means for selecting certain jets to focus on specific areas of the arm. In another embodiment, the inner wall 52 of the basin may include air tubes that distribute forced air from the aerating pump 62 along the length of the basin 1 2. A circulating pump 60 can be provided for circulation and movemert of the therapeutic liquid through the circulating nozzle 26. The aerating pump 62 can double as the circulating pump 60 or a separate water pump can be included as shown to provide pumping action to circulate the therapeutic liquid. Selection and incorporation of such pumps will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

One control knob 1 8 or other control means will preferably be provided for selection of aerating jets, a circulating pump, or both to be used simultaneously. The control knob 1 8 may simply provide on or off selection of aerating and/or circulating functions, or can provide for adjustment of air pressure of the jets 20 and/or the circulation speed, e.g. low, moderate, and high. A second control knob 1 6, or other control means, may be used for controlling a heater for adjusting the temperature of the therapeutic liquid within a therapeutic and safe range. This temperature control means 1 6 will allow a user to choose an initial preferred temperature, e.g. cool, warm, or warmer, and adjust the temperature during the therapeutic session.

The heater 28 can be configured to heat the therapeutic liquid or to heat the lower portion of the basin. When used to directly heat the liquid, the heater 28 can be a watertight, covered resistive coil immersed in the liquid with appropriate safety precautions being taken to ensure that electric current is not allowed to contact the liquid. For heating of the basin, resistive wires can be embedded in the bottom 44 of the basin 1 2. Selection and incorporation of such heaters will be apparent to those of skill in the art. The heater 28 will preferably include a thermal sensor or other means that will prevent the bath temperature from exceeding a safe level. The electrical components of the devices for aerating, circulating, and heating the therapeutic liquid are preferably encased in a watertight enclosure 36 to prevent electric shock or damage to the electronic devices. A power supply 64 with necessary components will be included to convert and supply power to the aerating, circulating and heating devices. ln a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the basin 1 2 may be utilized for a number of therapeutic purposes. In one application, a person with arthritis in his or her arms may adjust the heater knob 1 6 to the warmest temperature setting, and the aerating knob 1 8 to a high flow circulation. A person with an infected wound on the forearm and/or hand may desire to use a tepid temperature of fluid while soaking his arm in an antibiotic solution without any circulation of fluid. An open traumatic wound impacted with dirt, oil, and/or grease would benefit from a basin filled with a diluted betadine solution in normal saline with a low amount of pressure to circulate the fluid. This type of therapy utilizing the present invention may be utilized prior to surgically repairing the injured areas. A person who has suffered a burn on her hand or forearm may have her wound debrided with a minimal amount of pain by soaking the burned extremity in a normal saline solution with ingredients as prescribed by a medical doctor. Post operative patients and arthritic patients may increase their flexibility by preforming exercises with their fingers, hands, or forearms while submerging the extremity in a warm circulating solution. The present invention may also be utilized in health spa settings to provide relaxation by soaking the arms in a warm circulating aroma therapy solution, or to facilitate manicure procedures such as the removal of artificial nails.

Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the front of the basin 40 houses a small closeable compartment 30 that provides for storage of an electrical power cord 32 which is connected through the wall of compartment 30 to power supply 64. The hinged compartment door 56 will preferably open by pushing on the top of the compartment door, thereby releasing an internal latch that will open the door. The electrical power cord 32 can simply be manually coiled for storage after use, or a retractable spool can be incorporated so that the cord automatically retracts into the compartment when no longer needed. Such mechanisms are well known to those of skill in the art. The front and back of the basin 1 2 is configured with protruding handles 22 and 34, allowing for easy lifting and transportation. A liquid level indicator 70 may be included within the basin 1 2 to allow the user to easily monitor the liquid level during use. A drain 46 with a removable plug can be located on the back of the basin 1 2 to allow easy drainage of liquid from within the basin without requiring the user to lift and tilt the basin over a sink. Instead the basin can be placed on a counter with the drain end extending over the edge of a sink, so the therapeutic liquid will readily drain out once the drain plug is removed. The arm hydrotherapy devicel O of the present invention provides many advantages over devices currently available for home treatment. It can be set up with little difficulty, since it is lightweight and easy to handle. It does not require a large volume of water or other liquid and most users will not require additional assistance to use the device, contrary to many of the devices currently available. In addition the device provides convenient controls for adjusting water temperature and aeration.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations be made in the apparatus and process of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modification and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. I CLAIM:

Claims

1 . A hydrotherapy device for a user's arm, comprising:

(a) a basin comprising an elongated container adapted to retain a therapeutic liquid, the basin having a length and a width for receiving the arm, so that the arm is immersed within the therapeutic liquid;

(b) a circulating pump for circulating the therapeutic liquid around the arm.

2. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1 , wherein the basin has a removable cover housing mounted on the basin.

3. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 2, wherein the removable cover housing has a plurality of control devices mounted thereon.

4. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 3, wherein the removable cover housing comprises a watertight enclosure.

5. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1 , wherein the circulating pump comprises an air source.

6. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1 , further comprising an aerating pump.

7. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 6, wherein the aerating pump comprises an air source.

8. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1 , further comprising a heater.

9. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1 , further comprising a liquid level ndicator.

10. A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1 , further comprising a drain; and a removable plug for draining the therapeutic liquid from the basin.

1 1 . A hydrotherapy device for the arm as in Claim 1 , further comprising a storage compartment for storing an electrical cord.

1 2. A hydrotherapy device for treatment of a user's arm, the device comprising:

(a) an elongated basin for retaining a therapeutic liquid, the basin having a front, a back, a length and a width adapted for fully immersing the user's arm in the liquid so that the liquid can freely circulate about the arm;

(b) a handle disposed at each of the front and back of the basin for carrying the basin; (c) a pump for generating a pressure for moving the liquid within the basin;

(d) at least one chamber disposed along the length of the basin for receiving the pressure from the pump;

(e) a plurality of jets distributed along the at least one chamber for directing the pressure against the arm; (f) a pump controller for controlling the pressure;

(g) a heater for heating the liquid;

(h) a heater controller connected to the heater for monitoring and controlling a temperature of the liquid to within a therapeutic temperature range; (i) a cover disposed at the front of the basin for housing the pump, pump controller and heater controller; and (j) a storage compartment disposed at the front of the basin for retaining a power cord.

1 3. The hydrotherapy device of claim 1 2, wherein the pump comprises an aerating pump.

1 4. The hydrotherapy device of claim 1 2, wherein the pump comprises a water pump.

1 5. The hydrotherapy device of claim 1 2, further comprising a drain disposed at the back of the basin.