THERAPEUTIC SHOWER DEVICE

Abstract

This invention relates to a therapeutic shower device, having hand-held means for convenient control of water temperature, for an acupunctural water treatment by delivering sharp pointy jet water streams on a person's acupuncture points and repeatedly alternating hot and cold water of pre-set temperatures. The therapeutic shower device comprises a main flow line connected to water systems; an adjustable water dispenser comprising a distribution line, a plurality of self-supporting hoses, and nozzle assemblies; a diverter valve; and a supporter to support and fix the distribution line. The advantages of the present invention are: (1) the therapeutic shower device provides an acupunctural treatment; (2) the therapeutic shower device can be conveniently installed to an existing water system; and (3) water temperature can be repeatedly altered between hot and cold at pre-set temperatures every ten to thirty seconds while using the therapeutic shower device by manipulating a hand switch.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/207,408 filed Feb. 12, 2009.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a therapeutic shower device. More particularly, this invention relates to a therapeutic shower device for an acupunctural water treatment by delivering sharp pointy jet water streams on a person's acupuncture points and repeatedly alternating hot and cold water of pre-set temperatures.

Acupuncture is the procedure of inserting and manipulating filiform needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. Acupuncture proved to be effective for the treatment of various ailments and promoting health. The present invention is to provide the acupuncture effect by delivering sharp pointy jet water streams on a person's acupuncture points and also facilitating the person's blood circulation by repeatedly alternating hot and cold water. Additionally, the present invention of the therapeutic shower device is easy to be installed to an existing shower system and a user can conveniently use the device with or without taking shower.

Conventional therapeutic shower systems generally relate to water massage systems for massage therapy. Massage is the practice of soft tissue manipulation with physical (anatomical), functional (physiological), and psychological purposes and goals and it involves acting on and manipulating the body with pressure, tension, motion, or vibration. Water massage systems involve plural spray nozzles to deliver water onto a person's body. The spray nozzles may or may not move back and forth.

However, these conventional water massage systems are not suitable for acupunctural treatment. Spray nozzles of conventional systems, even if direction controllable, are not configured to be fixable at any selected angular position whereby a user can direct a water stream to a specific acupuncture point of him. Furthermore, conventional systems are generally independently integrated systems and a water and/or power source, if any, is required to be connected to. They are not adapted to be conveniently installed to a pre-existing bathtub or stall shower.

Besides, even if conventional water massage systems provide means to control water temperature, the means are not configured in a way that a user can repeatedly alter hot and cold water of pre-set temperatures or conveniently change the water temperature while continuing to take massage or shower—the user has to bend over or reach to a switch, interrupting massage or shower, and it is not possible to precisely control water temperature within a range of preset upper limit/lower limit temperatures.

In addition to acupunctural effect, alternating hot and cold water or changing water temperature during water massage is known to stimulate blood flow and help improve poor circulation. Generally, heat quiets and soothes the body whereas cold stimulates and invigorates, and thus, alternating cold and hot water stimulates blood flow, bringing immediate rush of blood through the system as well as a rush of energy.

Accordingly, a need for a therapeutic shower device, having hand-held means for repeatedly alternating hot and cold water of pre-set temperatures or conveniently controlling water temperature, for an acupunctural treatment by delivering sharp pointy jet water streams on a person's acupuncture points has been present for a long time considering the expansive demands in the everyday life. This invention is directed to solve these problems and satisfy the long-felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of the prior art.

An object of the invention is to provide a therapeutic shower device for an acupunctural water treatment by delivering sharp pointy jet water streams on a person's acupuncture points.

Another object of the invention is to provide an easy-to-install therapeutic shower device so that the device can be conveniently installed to a pre-existing water system generally associated with bathtubs and stall showers.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a therapeutic shower device for an acupunctural treatment, which comprises a hand switch for repeatedly alternating hot and cold water of pre-set temperatures every ten to thirty seconds or precisely controlling water temperature without being interrupted during the acupunctural water treatment and means for setting upper and lower limits of water temperature.

An aspect of the invention provides a therapeutic shower device for an acupunctural water treatment, which comprises a main flow line connected to water systems; an adjustable water dispenser comprising a distribution line, a plurality of self-supporting hoses, and nozzle assemblies; a diverter valve to turn water flow to the main flow line; and a supporter to support and fix the distribution line.

The advantages of the present invention are: (1) the therapeutic shower device provides an acupunctural water treatment; (2) the therapeutic shower device can be conveniently installed to an existing water system; and (3) water temperature can be repeatedly altered between hot and cold at pre-set temperatures every ten to thirty seconds while using the therapeutic shower device by manipulating a hand switch.

Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an acupuncture chart showing acupuncture points of a person;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the present invention and a person using the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a therapeutic shower device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hand switch according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial view of a self supporting hose according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a view of a nozzle assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a shower valve assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an elbow-resting pad according to the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 9 is a front view of an adjustable water dispenser with an acupuncture chart attached according to the embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The acupuncture therapy to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today for its effectiveness. To promote health and cure sickness, acupuncturists adjust the so-called “vital energy” or “energetic imbalance” of a person by stimulating certain areas known as acupuncture points or acupoints with fine, slender needles. Many additional forms of stimulation have been introduced, including herbs, electricity, magnets and lasers. The present invention of a therapeutic shower device 10 introduces a new form of stimulation by a fine, slender pressurized jet water. In addition, the therapeutic shower device 10 is configured to be conveniently installed to a pre-existing water system generally associated with bathtubs and stall showers. A user can also alter hot and cold water or control water temperature by using a hand-held hand switch 80 without being interrupted in using the present invention. The user of the device can promote health and cure sickness by stimulating his acupuncture points with hot and/or cold sharp jet water streams.

FIG. 1 shows an acupuncture chart 110 showing acupuncture points or acupoints and FIG. 2 shows a user using the therapeutic shower device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. She adjusts directions of nozzle assemblies 43 to point her selected acupuncture points and then, she takes acupunctural shower, adjusting water temperature by using a hand-held hand switch 80. A plurality of self-supporting hoses 42 are connected to a distribution line 41, which in turn is connected to a main flow line 20 connected to a pre-existing water system. The plurality of self-supporting hoses 42 are vertically symmetrically arranged to deliver water streams for an acupunctural water treatment.

FIG. 3 shows a therapeutic shower device 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The therapeutic shower device 10 for an acupuncture treatment comprises a main flow line 20 connected to a water source; an adjustable water dispenser 40 comprising a distribution line 41 connected to the main flow line 20, a plurality of self-supporting hoses 42 connected to the distribution line 41, and a nozzle assembly 43 connected to one end of each self-supporting hose 42, wherein each self-supporting hose 42 is configured to be fixable at any selected angular position whereby water from the nozzle assembly 43 can be directed to any part of a person's body and the nozzle assembly 43 is configured to stop or deliver various streams of water ranging from a gentle fan to a sharp pointy jet stream; a diverter valve 60 to turn water flow to the main flow line 20; and a supporter 70 to support and fix the distribution line 41. Preferably, the distribution line is configured to form a vertically elongated oval which has two substantially parallel vertical parts 45, 46.

The therapeutic shower device 10 is adapted to be connected to a pre-existing water system generally associated with bathtubs and stall showers and the diverter valve 60 is configured to turn water flow between a shower head of the pre-existing water system and the main flow line. Preferably, the diverter valve 60 is located near a shower head 62 of the pre-existing water system and water flow may be turned by push and pull mechanism of the valve 60. The main function of the supporter 70 is stably fixing and attaching the therapeutic shower device 10 to the pre-existing water system. This function is accomplished by the structure of the supporter 70 that it is configured to be attached to a shower valve connecting pipe 51 of the pre-existing water system, the distribution line 41 and a shower head connecting pipe 61 of the pre-existing water system to stably hold the therapeutic shower device 10 onto the pre-existing water system. Preferably, the supporter 70 is a pipe so that a rigid wire can pass therein.

FIG. 5 shows a self-supporting hose 42 which is flexible and dimensionally stable articulated hoses.

FIG. 6 shows a nozzle assembly 43 which comprises a thumbscrew 44 to be turned clockwise or counterclockwise for focusing water flow or turning off water stream. The nozzle assembly 43 may further comprise means for pulsating water flow 45. Turning the thumbscrew 44 controls the water pressure for delivering various streams of water ranging from a gentle fan to a sharp pointy jet stream. Alternatively, several different water stream patterns can be selected by turning the thumbscrew. All or some of the patterns may be a sharp pointy jet stream with varying degree of water pressure. One or some of the patterns may involve delivering pulsating water stream and/or turning off water stream. The means for pulsating water flow 45 is turned on and off by turning it clockwise or counterclockwise.

FIG. 4 shows a hand switch 80 of the therapeutic shower device 10 so that a user can repeatedly alter hot and cold water or conveniently change water temperature while using the therapeutic shower device. Alternating hot and cold water or changing water temperature during water stimulation is known to stimulate blood flow and help improve poor circulation. Generally, heat quiets and soothes the body whereas cold stimulates and invigorates, and thus, alternating cold and hot water stimulates blood flow, bringing immediate rush of blood through your system as well as a rush of energy. It is preferable to alter hot and cold water every ten to thirty seconds for maximizing the treatment effect of the present invention. The hand switch 80 is to control water temperature while using the therapeutic shower device 10 and a user doesn't have to change her posture to change water temperature. In one embodiment, the hand switch 80 comprises a switch 81, a grip 82 and a temperature control wire 83 wherein the grip is attached to a supporting arm 90 and the temperature control wire 83 passes through the supporting arm and the supporter 70 to reach the shower valve assembly 50 in order to turn the shower valve assembly 50 for controlling water temperature by push-pull mechanism of the switch 81 from the grip 82. A user can move up or down the switch 81 to push or pull the temperature control wire 83 for turning the shower valve assembly 50 to change water temperature. The switch 81 may be configured to slidably move against the grip 82. The hand switch 81 may comprise means for setting upper and/or lower limits of water temperature.

The supporting arm 90 may be flexible and self-supporting for stably fixable at a certain position and connected to a joint 91. The joint 91 is in turn connected to the supporter 70. Preferably, the joint 91 turns one hundred eighty degrees in order to turn to a wall. This turning will prevent interference by the supporting arm 90 while not using the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a shower valve assembly 50 of the therapeutic shower device 10. The shower valve assembly 50 is configured to engage and disengage with the temperature control wire 83. A user may disengage the shower valve assembly 50 when she does not use the present invention. Preferably, the engagement/disengagement mechanism operates by external and internal gears 51, 52 whereby the temperature control wire 83 is engaged when the two gears are engaged. The two gears are engaged or disengaged by pushing or pulling the shower valve. Instead of gears, other transmission means may be used. Additionally, the engagement/disengagement mechanism of the shower valve assembly 50 provides means for setting upper and lower limits of water temperature in the switch 81. The upper limit of water temperature can be set by engaging the shower valve assembly 50 with the temperature control wire 83 at upper limit of water temperature which a user chooses and the lower limit of water temperature which a user chooses is set by locking a locking band 84. The locking band 84 can move up and down the grip 82 and can be locked at a certain location by locking a pin 83. The switch 81 cannot move below the point locked by the locking band 84. Alternatively, the lower limit may be set first by engaging the shower valve assembly 50 and then the upper limit by the locking band 84. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the locking band 84. A user sets the lower limit of water temperature by moving the switch 81 down and then locks the locking band 84 there for proper cold temperature a user wants in order to prevent the switch 81 from moving below that point.

FIG. 8 shows an elbow-resting pad 100 for the therapeutic shower device in order to support a user's elbow while using the therapeutic shower device. The elbow-resting pad 100 may be one or two, being attached to a wall or both walls using an attachment means 101. While using the present invention, the best position is folding one's hands behind her head and the elbow-resting pad 100 eases the posture, resting her two elbows thereupon to fix her posture so that proper distance from nozzle assemblies and relative location of body are maintained. The attachment means 101 may be any attachment means to attach the elbow-resting pad 100 to a wall, but a suction cup, designed to adhere to smooth surfaces, is preferred for repeated attachment and detachment.

FIG. 9 shows a front view of an adjustable water dispenser 40 with an acupuncture chart 110 attached to the distribution line 41 in order for a user to refer to. A user can refer to the chart 110 to study her acupuncture points and determine what points she will stimulate using the therapeutic shower device 10.

Besides, the inner part of the main flow line 20 may be treated to produce anion, vitamin or aroma for additional therapeutic effect. Alternatively, the main flow line 20 may further comprise a supplement box 30 for producing anion, vitamin or aroma.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail, compositions and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A therapeutic shower device comprising:

a main flow line connected to a water source;

an adjustable water dispenser comprising a distribution line connected to the main flow line; a plurality of self-supporting hoses connected to the distribution line; and a nozzle assembly connected to one end of each self-supporting hose, wherein each self-supporting hose is configured to be fixable at any selected angular position whereby water from the nozzle assembly can be directed to any part of a person's body and the nozzle assembly is configured to stop or deliver various streams of water ranging from a gentle fan to a sharp pointy jet stream;

a diverter valve to turn water flow to the main flow line; and

a supporter to support and fix the distribution line.

2. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of self-supporting hoses are vertically symmetrically arranged to deliver water streams for an acupunctural water treatment.

3. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, wherein the therapeutic shower device is adapted to be connected to a pre-existing water system generally associated with bathtubs and stall showers and the diverter valve is configured to turn water flow between a shower head of the pre-existing water system and the main flow line.

4. The therapeutic shower device of claim 3, wherein the supporter is configured to be attached to a shower valve connecting pipe of the pre-existing water system, the distribution line and a shower head connecting pipe of the pre-existing water system for stably fixing and attaching the therapeutic shower device to the pre-existing water system.

5. The therapeutic shower device of claim 4, wherein the supporter is a pipe.

6. The therapeutic shower device of claim 5, further comprising a hand switch for repeatedly alternating hot and cold water or controlling water temperature so that a user can repeatedly alter hot and cold water or conveniently change water temperature while using the therapeutic shower device.

7. The therapeutic shower device of claim 6, wherein the hand switch comprises a switch, a grip and a temperature control wire wherein the grip is attached to a supporting arm and the temperature control wire passes through the supporting arm and the supporter to be connected to a shower valve assembly in order to turn the shower valve assembly for controlling water temperature by push-pull mechanism of the switch from the grip.

8. The therapeutic shower device of claim 7, wherein the shower valve assembly is configured to engage and disengage with the temperature control wire.

9. The therapeutic shower device of claim 8, wherein the hand switch comprises means for setting upper and lower limits of water temperature.

10. The therapeutic shower device of claim 9, wherein the upper limit of water temperature is set by engaging the shower valve assembly with the temperature control wire at upper limit of water temperature and the lower limit of water temperature is set by a locking band.

11. The therapeutic shower device of claim 10, further comprising a L-shaped joint connecting the supporting arm and the supporter wherein the joint is configured to turn to a wall and the supporting arm is configured to be flexible and self-supporting for stably fixable at a certain position so that a user is not interrupted by the supporting arm while using the therapeutic shower device.

12. The therapeutic shower device of claim 3, wherein the diverter valve is located near a shower head of the pre-existing water system.

13. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly comprises a thumbscrew to be turned clockwise or counterclockwise for focusing water flow or turning off water stream.

14. The therapeutic shower device of claim 13, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises means for pulsating water flow.

15. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, wherein the distribution line is configured to form a vertically elongated oval which has two substantially parallel vertical parts.

16. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, wherein the self-supporting hoses are flexible and dimensionally stable articulated hoses.

17. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, further comprising one or two an elbow-resting pads attached to one or two side walls in order to support a user's elbow or elbows while folding her hands behind her head.

18. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, wherein inner part of the main flow line is treated to produce anion, vitamin or aroma.

19. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, wherein the main flow line comprises a supplement box for producing anion, vitamin or aroma.

20. The therapeutic shower device of claim 1, further comprising an acupuncture chart attached to the distribution line in order for a user to refer to.