MAGNETOTHERAPY SYSTEM FOR TUBS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present patent application claims priority on United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/807,232, filed on July 13, 2006.

FIELD OF THE APPLICATION

The present application generally relates to washing/bathing tub accessories and, more particularly, to a magnetotherapy system to be used in conjunction with tubs, such as bathtubs, spas, pools, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

Tubs are well known for their primary use, namely a washroom installation in which a user person washes and bathes . Tubs have however evolved to add relaxation and comfort to practicality, and are found in many forms, such as bathtubs, spas, whirlpools. For instance, tubs are now provided with air-jet systems and whirlpool systems .

Magnetotherapy is a natural type of treatment for the human body, and has been known for some curative virtues. The action of a magnetic field of predetermined magnitude favorably affects tissues of the body. For instance, magnetotherapy is a treatment used to relieve pain associated with rheumatism, and with muscle soreness.

Magnetotherapy treatments involve continuous or pulsed magnetic fields on living organs, by the generation of magnetic fields and the use of microstreaming for the benefit of the human body. The magnetic fields are generated by electromagnets typically positioned at determined points of the body, for instance on opposite sides of points of

pain of the human body, in order to perform their soothing action. The magnets used in magnetotherapy have an effect on the human body in accordance with their polarity. For instance, the north pole of magnets favors the relaxation of muscles, whereas the south pole of magnets has a calming and anti- inflammatory effect.

The therapeutic action of magnetotherapy results from the circulation of blood, i.e., a conductive liquid, through organs subjected to a mag- netic field. This results in electrical microstreaming. The microstreaming stimulates circulation of bodily fluids, such as blood and lymph, and stimulates nerve impulse, which results in improvements to chemical transfers and to the overall health of cells. Moreover, magnetotherapy treatments increase the production of endorphin, a natural hormone that acts as an antalgic that reduces pain without the side effects of medication.

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a magnetotherapy system associated with a tub, so as to expose occupants of a tub to magnetotherapy .

Therefore, in accordance with the present application, there is a system for magnetotherapy treatment, comprising: a tub; at least one magnet secured to a hidden surface of the tub; and a controller system for actuating the magnet in producing a magnetic field in the tub of suitable magnitude for a magnetotherapy treatment .

In a further embodiment, the controller system has a keypad provided as an interface for the operator of the system.

In a still further embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of the magnet, the magnets being

regrouped into at least two groups with each of the groups of magnets being actuatable independently by the controller system.

In a still further embodiment, the controller system actuates the magnet in producing at least one of a pulsed magnetic field and a continuous magnetic field.

In a still further embodiment, a duration of the magnetotherapy treatment is selected by the operator through the keypad. In a still further embodiment, the keypad has adjustment means for the control of the magnitude of the magnetic field.

In a still further embodiment, the system comprises an indicator light for emitting light to indicate the controller system is actuating the magnet for a magnetotherapy treatment .

In a still further embodiment, the system comprises an indicator light on the keypad for emitting light to indicate the controller system is actuating the magnet for a magnetotherapy treatment.

In a still further embodiment, the at least one magnet has a cylindrical body with a connection flange at an end thereof, the connection flange being secured to the hidden surface of the tub, and a coil wrapped around the cylindrical body and being connected to the controller system for being powered into producing the magnetic field of suitable magnitude.

In a still further embodiment, the connection flange is secured to the hidden surface of the tub with an adhesive.

In a still further embodiment, the connection flange has holes to increase a contact surface between the adhesive and the connection flange.

In a still further embodiment, the system comprises an operation indicator for indicating to a user person that the controller system is actuating the

magnet for a magnetotherapy treatment. The operation indicator is a vibrating motor secured to the hidden surface of the tub, or a sound emitter.

In a still further embodiment, the tub is any one of a bathtub, a spa, a pool, a whirlpool.

Further in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a system for magnetotherapy treatment, comprising: a tub having an exposed surface defining a cavity to receive a bathing liquid, and a hidden surface; and at least one magnet, the at least one magnet being of suitable size so as to create a magnetic field of suitable magnitude for a magnetotherapy treatment; and means for securing the at least one magnet to the hidden surface of the tub such that a person bathing in the tub is subjected to the magnetic field of the tub in a magnetotherapy treatment.

In a further embodiment, the means for securing the magnets is an adhesive between the magnets and the hidden surface of the tub.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a tub having a magnetotherapy system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation view of the tub of Fig. 1 with the magnetotherapy system;

Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the tub of Fig. 1 with the magnetotherapy system;

Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the tub of Fig. 1 with the magnetotherapy system; Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a magnetotherapy system associated with a tub in accordance with the preferred embodiment of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a tub having a magnetotherapy system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to Figs. 1 to 4 , a tub is generally shown at 10. The views of Figs. 1 to 4 of the tub 10 all show a hidden surface of the tub, with a bottom wall 11, lateral walls 12, an inclined abutment wall 13, a faucet wall 14 and a top flange 15.

The tub 10, as illustrated herein, is a bathtub, but it is contemplated to provide a magnetotherapy system in other types of tubs (e.g., tubs, spas, pools) . Moreover, although not shown in Figs. 1 to 4, the tub 10 may be provided with air injection systems, whirlpool systems or the like. The tub 10 typically consists of a tub in acrylic, fiberglass, ABS or other materials such as suitable plastic materials.

A magnetotherapy system in accordance with the preferred embodiment is generally shown at 20. The magnetotherapy system 20 has a plurality of electromagnets 21 secured to the hidden surface of the tub 10, and/or on the bottom wall 11, and/or the lateral walls 12, and/or the inclined abutment wall 13, and/or the faucet wall 14. An electronic controller 22 and a keypad 23 (i.e., keyboard) are also provided in the magnetotherapy system 20 for the control of the magnetotherapy system 20, with wires 24 interrelating the electronic controller 22 to the electromagnets 21 and to the keypad 23.

The electromagnet 21 is illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 as having a body readily mountable to the hidden surface of the bathtub. More specifically, each of the electromagnets 21 has a cylindrical body 30 upon which a coil 31 is wrapped to form an electromagnet actuatable to create a magnetic field. A connection flange 32 is provided at an end of the cylindrical body 30 so as to secure the

electromagnet 21 to the hidden surface of the tub 10. The connection flange 32 is illustrated as having a circular shape with a plurality of throughbores . Accordingly, an adhesive can be used to interact with the connection flange 32 to secure the electromagnet 21 to the hidden surface of the tub. The adhesive typically infiltrates the throughbores to enhance the interconnection between the connection flange 32 and the hidden surface of the tub 10. As they are secured to the hidden surface of the tub, the electromagnets 21 are not visible from the exposed surface of the tub. Accordingly, the electromagnets 21 do not interfere with the esthetic aspect of the tub.

The cylindrical body 30 and the connection flange 32 are preferably integrally formed of a suitable material such as a plastic or the like. It is pointed out that other types and configurations of electromagnets are well suited for use in the magnetotherapy system 20. The electronic controller 22 is interconnected to the electromagnets 21 by way of the wires 24. The wires 24 in Figs. 1 to 4 relate all electromagnets 21 in series, with the electronic controller 22 providing a power supply so as to activate the electromagnets 21 in producing magnetic fields .

The electronic controller 22 is therefore connected to a power source (e.g., the local power outlet, battery) , and optionally has a transformer to provide suitable characteristics to the power being fed to the electromagnets 21.

The keypad 23 is connected to the electronic controller 22. The keypad 23 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the bathing cavity of the tub 10, such that bathers can readily access the keypad 23 without exiting the tub 10. As shown in Fig.4, the keypad 23 is provided in the preferred embodiment in the top flange

15 of the tub 10, but could be positioned at other places in the tub 10 according to various configurations. It is pointed out that all safety- measures must be taken to prevent any electric shocks to occupants of the tub 10.

The keypad 23 is typically a rheostat having push buttons provided for the occupant to adjust the magnitude of the magnetic fields produced by the magnetotherapy system 20, between a maximum value and an "off" value. Setting selected by the occupant through the keypad 23 will be implemented by the electronic controller 22.

The keypad 23 optionally has an indicator light that emits light to indicate that the magnetotherapy system 20 is operating. As an alternative to an indicator light, the keypad 23 may be equipped with a sound emitter. Moreover, the indicator light may be separate from the keypad 23, but it is preferred to enclose the indicator light with the keypad 23 to limit the number of perforations in the walls of the tub.

In an embodiment, the keypad 23 enables time entries to be entered, such that an occupant of the tub 10 can set duration time for the magnetotherapy treatment. Alternatively, a default duration time

(e.g., 20 minutes) can be preset (e.g., at manufacturing) for the magnetotherapy system 20. The keyboard 23 may be provided with a display to illustrate overall duration, and time remaining to the treatment. In another embodiment, the keypad 23 enables the generation of pulsed or continuous magnetic fields through the electronic controller 22, in accordance with commands from the occupant of the tub or operator of the magnetotherapy system 20. In another embodiment, the keypad 23 enables the generation of south-pole and north-pole magnetic

fields through the electronic controller 22, in accordance with commands from the occupant of the tub or operator of the magnetotherapy system 20.

All magnets 21 are shown connected in series by wires 24. Accordingly, with the magnetotherapy system 10, all electromagnets 21 are actuated simultaneously. It is considered to separate the magnets 21 in groups forming different zones, so as to expose specific parts of the body to magnetic fields. For instance, the magnetotherapy system 20 as arranged in Fig. 5 has the electromagnets regrouped in groups 2IA, 2IB, 21C and 2ID. Accordingly, any of the groups can be actuated individually, or in combination with other groups, in accordance with the commands of the occupant of the tub or the operator of the magnetotherapy system 20.

As shown in Fig. 5, the group 2IA has electromagnets on the bottom wall 11. Accordingly, the legs and buttocks of the occupant are typically subjected to the magnet field produced by the electromagnets of the group 21A. Similarly, the group 21B exposes the legs to magnetic fields, the group 21C exposes the back to magnetic fields, and the group 21D exposes the feet to the magnetic fields. It is pointed out that the magnetotherapy system 20 can be installed in tubs in-plant, such that tubs are sold with the magnetotherapy system 20. Alternatively, the magnetotherapy system 20 can be sold as a kit that can be retrofitted to a tub. In both cases, the necessary precautions are taken at installation to prevent any type of electric shock.

It is also considered to provide alternative operation indicators as opposed to the indication light that is part of the keypad 23, to indicate to the occupant of the tub that the magnetotherapy system 20 is on. For instance, as is shown in Fig. 5, an operation

indicator 25 is connected to the controller 22, and receives a power supply therefrom. The operation indicator 25 is in one embodiment a vibrating motor that is connected to the hidden surface of the tub 10 at a position at which the occupant of the tub can feel the vibrating effect from the vibrating motor. In another embodiment, the operation indicator 25 is a sound emitter that will emit a sound to indicate that the magnetotherapy system 20 is on. Referring to Fig. 6, a magnetotherapy system

20' in accordance with another preferred embodiment is generally shown at 20' . The magnetotherapy system 20' is mounted to the bathtub 10, and has a plurality of permanent magnets 21'. The permanent magnets 21' are secured to the bottom wall 11 and the inclined abutment wall 13 of the tub 10, but could also be secured to the other walls of the tub 10.

The permanent magnets 21' are sized so as to create a magnetic field of sufficient magnitude to perform a magnetotherapy treatment on the occupant of the tub 10. The permanent magnets 21' may be secured directly to the hidden surface of the tub 10, or may be secured thereto using an adhesive or mechanical fasteners. It is preferred that no perforations are made in the walls of the tub 10 when securing the permanent magnets 21' .