Abstract: Described herein is a pool assembly and methods of manufacturing and/or installing the pool assembly thereby providing for an above ground pool that may be personally customized by a user. The pool assembly may include a pool shell, a support structure, including a base member and support members, and a filtration system. A user may customize, or design, the pool assembly, including shape, size, and dimensions, such that the pool assembly may be delivered in a plumbed and ready to fill state. Upon delivery, the pool need only be positioned on a flat, or level, surface, coupled to an energy source and filled with water, thereby eliminating the need for additional assembly or skilled labor.

Abstract: A leg care apparatus includes a main body configured to provide an action space in which a leg is accommodated and at least one action space adjustment module configured to adjust a size of the action space. Accordingly, a leg may be cared to fit a size and length of the user's leg.

Abstract: A medical treatment system including a treatment chamber, a source of an aqueous mist containing a medication, a source of an oxygen-enriched gas, and a control system adapted to alternately surround a human body part with a mist containing a medication and the oxygen enriched gas, which can be used to treat various skin disorders including infected lesions, bacterial infections such as acne (i.e. Propionibacterium acnes), fungal infections such as Athlete's foot (i.e. fungal genus Trichophyton), conditions associated with hair loss including alopecia as well as ulcerations and frostbite resulting from poor circulation. A method of treating skin disorders is also disclosed, that includes providing a mist containing a medication and enriched oxygen gas to the site being treated as well as providing oxygen to the patient during treatment.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for applying pressure to a portion of a wearer's body is provided. The device includes a flexible enclosure formed from a flexible material and configured to enclose at least a portion of the wearer's body, thereby forming a cavity between an inner surface of the enclosure and the body. The device also includes at least one port extending through the flexible enclosure for accessing the cavity; and a fluid evacuation pump in fluid communication with the cavity. The device is configured such that, upon actuation of the pump, the flexible enclosure transitions from a relaxed position to a compressed position, in which the flexible enclosure exerts a compression force against the wearer's body. Optionally, the flexible enclosure defines a cross sectional area, wherein the cross sectional area in the relaxed position is greater than the cross sectional area in the compressed position.

Abstract: Home-use applicators for non-invasively removing heat from subcutaneous, lipid-rich cells via phase change coolants, and associated devices, systems and methods. A device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an applicator releasably positionable in thermal communication with human skin, and a coolant vessel having a coolant. The device further includes a heat transfer conduit operatively coupled to the applicator and housing a heat transfer fluid that is isolated from fluid contact with the coolant. A heat exchanger is operatively coupled between the coolant vessel and the heat transfer conduit to transfer heat between the heat transfer fluid and the coolant, and a fluid driver is operatively coupled to the heat transfer conduit to direct the heat transfer fluid between the applicator and the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus includes a tray (10) having a region adapted to receive a patient's body part (e.g. a leg) for treatment, a spray head (22, 23) for applying a spray of a gas containing liquid onto the body part and a covered well (13) in the tray having inlets (18) for surplus liquid and gas from the spray. Outlets are provided in communication with the well for gas and liquid respectively for connection to a suction to draw surplus liquid and gas from the well, and a unitary coupling (20) provides a plurality of fluid connections including a liquid supply for the spray head and liquid and gas withdrawal from said well outlets.

Abstract: Disclosed are a germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include detectors to determine the position of the hand, the spread of the fingers, and whether the hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: A germicidal system and method for deactivating pathogens on the surface of a bodily extremity protected by a prophylactic covering substantially opaque to UV-C radiation. The device includes an enclosure having one or more openings through which the extremity can be inserted. The enclosure contains a radiation source configured to produce germicidal radiation having a wavelength of about 253.7 nm. The openings are configured relative to the radiation source such that the inserted extremity is in close proximity to the radiation source. The prophylactic covered extremity is preferably a gloved hand thereby sanitizing the surface of the glove. The extremity inserted is preferably exposed for a predetermined period of time to ensure a desired level of sanitization. Optionally, the device can include an orientation detector to determine the position of the user's hand and the spread of the user's fingers, and a surface detector to determine whether the user's hand is covered by a glove.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable device (10) for cleaning and massaging the skin, comprising means (18, 22) for being fixed on a person's body part, means (26) for being connected to fluid supply means (28), and means (20, 30, 32) for circulating fluid connected to the connecting means (26) and designed to extend around and/or along the person's body part, said circulating means (20, 30, 32) comprising orifices (34, 36) or nozzles (38) for spraying fluid on said person's body part.

Abstract: A spa system includes a tub supported by a chassis, an enclosed space formed between the tub and the chassis, first and second vents through the chassis leading to the enclosed space, water heating and cooling devices coupled in series to a circulating system adapted to withdraw and return water relative to the tub, and a thermostat operatively coupled to the heating and cooling devices. The cooling device incorporates a fan operative for drawing air into the enclosed space through the first vent in response to activation of the cooling device, and a blower is operative for expelling air from the enclosed space through the second vent currently with the operation of the fan of the cooling device.

Abstract: A hinged hair washing helmet with a plurality of interior water jets emanating from an interior liquid canal, the canal also joining inlet valves with flexible inlet hoses for shampoo and conditioner. Fingers contacting a user's head provide powered massage. Power is provided by standard outlet A/C voltage or batteries. Message is adjustable for intensity. A timer control is also provided for controlling time of functions and a neck pad is adjustable for best fit of the helmet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrotherapy apparatus (10) useful for treating the lower extremities of a user, including the feet, lower legs, thighs, pelvis, and waist. The apparatus includes means for controlling fluid (16) sloughed from the lower extremity, such as that from washing the foot before a pedicure treatment, to prevent contamination of the hydrotherapy vessel (11). The apparatus may also be adapted to cover at least a portion of the fluid surface to prevent loss of water from the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a facial wetting apparatus having a substantially concave portion generally contoured to receive a user's face therein and including airway means adapted for communication with a user's mouth for breathing purposes, the device further being arranged to present water to the user's face when received in the device and such that the water presentation can continue and in a readily controlled manner without compromising the user's breathing which continues by way of the airway means.

Abstract: A bath apparatus for bathing a body part, such as feet, includes a bath chamber for containing fluid and receiving the user's feet therein. The bath apparatus includes a heater for heating the bath chamber fluid, and a fluid pump for directing streams of water into the bath chamber to massage the user's feet. A float switch is provided so that the heater and the fluid pump only operate if there is an adequate amount of fluid in the bath chamber. The bath apparatus also includes a selection device disposed within the bath chamber, that is configured to be actuated by the user's feet when they are submerged within the bath chamber fluid. This provides a higher water pressure only after the feet are disposed within the bath chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood that water will be expelled from the bath chamber.

Abstract: A bath apparatus for bathing a body part, such as feet, includes a bath chamber for containing fluid and receiving the user's feet therein. The bath apparatus includes a heater for heating the bath chamber fluid, and a fluid pump for directing streams of water into the bath chamber to massage the user's feet. A float switch is provided so that the heater and the fluid pump only operate if there is an adequate amount of fluid in the bath chamber. The bath apparatus also includes a selection device disposed within the bath chamber, that is configured to be actuated by the user's feet when they are submerged within the bath chamber fluid. This provides a higher water pressure only after the feet are disposed within the bath chamber, thereby reducing the likelihood that water will be expelled from the bath chamber.

Abstract: A self-sealed irrigation system for supplying a treatment fluid to a treatment site is disclosed. The system includes a flexible containment member that has a delivery channel which delivers treatment fluid to the treatment site, a sealing channel supplied with a suction force, and a recovery channel. The delivery channel delivers the treatment fluid to the treatment site. The recovery channel removes spent treatment fluid from the treatment site. The sealing channel hermetically seals the containment member to the body surface surrounding the area to be treated. The containment member is designed such that any spent treatment solution which should by-pass the recovery channel is drawn into the sealing channel thereby preventing any treatment fluid from leaking to the outside environment. The containment member is connected to a suction pump which circulates treatment fluid through the treatment site and a reservoir which supplies the treatment fluid to the system.

Abstract: A foot spa apparatus is constructed to include a base holding a container, a water pump adapted to pump water from the container to horizontal spray tubes and a vertical nozzle tube to stimulate the sole of the foot and lower pat of the user's legs, a collapsible fence wall provided at the top of the container around the water chamber in the container and adjusted to the desired height, and an electric heating coil adapted to heat water in the container.

Abstract: A self-sealed irrigation system for supplying a treatment fluid to a treatment site is disclosed. The system includes a flexible containment member that has a delivery channel which delivers treatment fluid to the treatment site, a sealing channel supplied with a suction force, and a recovery channel. The delivery channel delivers the treatment fluid to the treatment site. The recovery channel removes spent treatment fluid from the treatment site. The sealing channel hermetically seals the containment member to the body surface surrounding the area to be treated. The containment member is designed such that any spent treatment solution which should by-pass the recovery channel is drawn into the sealing channel thereby preventing any treatment fluid from leaking to the outside environment. The containment member is connected to a suction pump which circulates treatment fluid through the treatment site and a reservoir which supplies the treatment fluid to the system.

Abstract: A foot therapy device including a portable housing with an annular wall having an upper edge and defining a reservoir for retaining a volume of liquid to be used during foot therapy; a lid covering a given portion of the reservoir and secured to a continuous portion of the upper edge; and a liquid seal member disposed between the lid and the given upper edge portion.

Abstract: A cosmetology nail whirlpool bath, or spa, wherein the user's nails are exposed to a continuous flow of circulating solution allowing for both a more rapid softening of the nail cuticles and also providing the client with a pleasant sensation as the solution flow circulates between the fingers. The nail bath comprises a first compartment for holding the solution and a second compartment, below the first, for housing a motor, a first gear mounted to the motor shaft and a second gear coupled to the first gear and driving a stirrer device. With the motor energized, the second gear rotates the stirrer which, in turn, creates a whirlpool which circulates the solution within the second compartment.

Abstract: A hand sanitizing apparatus which uses at least two electrostatic emitters to dispense germicidal fluid to substantially all the surfaces of a user's hands when both hands are placed in proximity to the electrostatic emitters. The apparatus comprises a frame on which are mounted electrostatic emitters in preferably two cells which separate spray directed at one hand from spray directed at the other hand, a reservoir of germicidal fluid in fluid communication with the electrostatic emitters, a power source adapted to supply electrostatic energy to the electrostatic emitters, and a dispensing cycle actuator which is operated by the user to distribute electrostatic energy from the power source to the electrostatic emitters so that a predetermined quantity of germicidal fluid is directed from each electrostatic emitter toward each of the user's hands during the dispensing cycle. In one embodiment each hand is sprayed with an opposite charge.

Abstract: A therapeutic fingernail treatment device which injects active ingredients via a specially-designed nozzle, to remedy fingernail fungus infections. In a preferred embodiment, the device is constructed as a spray nozzle which attaches to the fingernail, and which is enclosed in a sleeve sealed around the fingernail. By developing cyclical high and low pressure conditions in the sleeve, active ingredients are injected into the space between the fingernail and the fingertip, to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. Thus, fingernail fungus infections can be treated and eliminated. Advantages of the invention include conservation of the usage of active ingredients by recycling them, contrary to existing techniques. The use of a sealed sleeve eliminates wastage of ingredients. The provision of a contoured spray nozzle insures increased efficiency by providing good contact between the active ingredients and the entire fingernail area.

Abstract: A method of underwater acupuncture which advantageously uses a synergistic effect resulting from a combined use of acupuncture and a water therapy treatment. A device for carrying out the method comprises an enclosure (11) which is sealed at one end and has a flange (33) on the opposite open end. The sealed end has a resilient tip (22) and supports a sterile acupuncture needle (26) inside the enclosure. The flange has an adhesive outer tape (32) for sealingly attaching the device to the skin of a patient in the area of an acupuncture point. The acupuncture needle (26) is guided through a longitudinal channel (14) of a guide tube (24) inserted into the enclosure (11) and can be brought into contact with the skin of the patient by pushing on the aforementioned resilient tip (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for cleaning dirty nails (2), especially fingernails, which has housing (3) with a cleaning space (4), at least one opening (7) through which at least one nail (2) to be cleaned or a body part (8) which has a nail (2) to be cleaned, especially a finger, can be inserted into the cleaning space (4), and a nozzle body (10, 21) which has at least one nozzle opening (11) from which cleaning liquid from nozzle body (10, 21) flows against at least one nail (2) in the cleaning space (4).

Abstract: A foot massager is provided in the form of a footbath (1) having first and second foot receiving portions (10). The base (2) of the footbath (1) is provided with a plurality of movable massaging elements (31, 50) to perform a massaging function on the feet. In one embodiment, the massaging elements are half-round projections (31) formed on a movable member (30) and which project through apertures (33) in an overlying fixed member (32), while in a second embodiment the massaging elements are rotating wheels (50) fixed on the movable member (30).

Abstract: A controllable fluid device (20) for rehabilitation of injured or weakened complex appendages such as the hands and feet. The controllable fluid device (20)includes a reservoir (34)which contains a sufficient amount of controllable fluid (52)such as a Magnetorheological (MR) fluid. A magnetic field generator (36)provides the magnetic field (H) which is applied to the controllable fluid (52) by a magnetic circuit (60). In one aspect, an electromagnet including a coil (58) and core (54) provides the magnetic field (H). The intensity of the magnetic field is controlled via a controller (38). In another aspect, the magnetic field (H) is provided by a permanent magnet (44) and a mechanical shunt mechanism (42) is used to vary the magnetic field intensity. Other embodiments include a heater unit (66) with optional thermostat (74).

Abstract: There is provided an exercise/therapy apparatus for human limbs, in particularly, hands. A sealed container forming an interior space is provided having an opening therein. A glove for receiving the hand is attached to the container near the opening and extends from the opening into the interior space. A viscous material which resists the movement of the hand is received in the interior space.

Abstract: A water-massaging device provides fluid jet-like action against a body portion of an individual or animal. A flexible manifold peripherally borders a separate fluid channel. The manifold and the fluid channel each connect to a fluid source with respective flexible tubings such that the fluid inflates the device in a secured position about a particular body portion. The channel has arranged thereon a plurality of apertures facing the body portion such that the fluid flowing through the channel penetrates through the apertures to provide massaging and/or therapeutic benefits to the body. The device provides adjustable hot or cold stimulation of the body for increasing circulation or reduction of swelling as well as other therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, an adjustable fluid outlet of the manifold provides adjustable stiffness of the manifold against the body portion.

Abstract: A misting apparatus for the treatment of injured areas and method therefor is disclosed having at least a containment portion for enclosing a patient's injured area, a plurality of misters located within the containment portion for atomizing medicinal type fluids for application to the injured area, flushing portion coupled to the containment portion for admitting cleaning fluids to the containment portion, and a drainage portion coupled to the containment portion for removing fluids located within the containment portion.

Abstract: A new and improved containment apparatus for lavaged fluids includes a container assembly and a transparent lid assembly placed on top of the container assembly with a patient's appendage contained therebetween. The container assembly is adapted to support and partially encompass an appendage of a patient. A transparent lid assembly is adapted to be supported by the container assembly. The transparent lid assembly and the container assembly define a lavage chamber. The transparent lid assembly is adapted to partially encompass the patient's appendage. The container assembly and the transparent lid assembly include respective sealing assemblies for preventing fluids from leaking past the patient's appendage and the respective container assembly and transparent lid assembly. The transparent lid assembly includes a plurality of entry ports for permitting a hand-held lavage nozzle to pass through the transparent lid assembly into the lavage chamber.