In the prior art, various environmental capsules have been advanced,.. including, for example, the structure shown in U. S. Patent No. 5,101, 809 and U. S. Patent No. 6,497,-717.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a self- contained, personal therapy unit, and comprises a personal compartment made with a base supporting a bed, with a cover that has a base frame and spine frame. In an aspect of the invention, the cover is constructed in a unique manner with a central overhead frame or spine, made of spaced aluminum tubes, and forming a channel receptacle in which water and control lines and shower heads can be installed. A cover is placed over the spaced aluminum tubes to cover the-chamber. The aluminum frame or spine supports a yoke or hoop frame member at the head end of the cover, about in line with the shoulders of a person lying on the bed. A main cover support frame is provided at the foot area for hinging the cover spine frame to a base frame. The base can have a tripod foot support with a pair of

legs at the foot end that are spaced apart, and a relatively large footprint single-pedestal under the head end of the base. This provides a stable support, without rocking, and thus does not cause a sense of insecurity.

The cover extends from the base at the foot end and extends up to the shoulder area of the user.

The user's head is supported on a suitable pillow on the upper side of the base of the compartment to the exterior of the cover. In one aspect of the invention, an overhead pivoting panel at the head end of the cover carries the controls and a function display screen. The pivoting panel can be moved from a generally horizontal position where it can be observed and is accessible to the person lying on the bed, to an upright position where it is observable and can be controlled by an attendant for various treatments under the control of the attendant or operator.

The frame may be covered with a translucent, pebble surface plastic material so that the interior lights will provide a glow along the translucent plastic surfaces, the covering of the open sides is a unitary molded shell for integrity and enhanced appearance. Various therapies for the person supported on an internal bed are provided.

The therapy includes in one aspect. massaging water spray or shower heads below the bed for providing a hydro-massage action along the spine

and lower back of a user, for relaxation massage therapy. If desired, foot massage hydro heads also can be provided under the feet of a person lying on the bed.

Shower heads overhead in the cover, above the person lying on the bed, heaters and various treatments are provided.

In another aspect of the invention, receptacles are provided for aromatherapy materials, and also for solutions of vitamins and other materials, that can be misted onto the user.

Essential oils and the like can be provided. A steam generator and steam outlets are provided for use, as well.

Further aspects of the invention have the valves and controls all located in a compartment at the foot end frame and are easily accessible and plumbed. Also, light sources may be provided on the base at the foot end on sloped panel directed rearwardly toward the head end. The lights are made to provide six colors controllable by the user for chromatherapy. The translucent cover side panels provide a glow on the interior and the glow is visible at the exterior. The colors are selected to provide a soothing or a healing effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a therapy compartment made according to the present invention ;

Figure 2 is an end view of the cover in an open position and a fragmentary portion of the base looking from the head end toward the foot end of the compartment; Figure 3 is a view from the head end of the compartment with the cover open, showing the arrangement of the support bed ; Figure 4 is a view from the head end with the control panel member in a raised position for use by an operator; Figure 5 is a view from the foot end of the bed showing the spine framework, and the chamber for carrying the various lines and controls ; Figure 6 is a detailed view of the support bed with the support pad lifted showing the shower heads that are provided under the bed ; Figure 7 is a fragmentary side perspective view showing details of features adjacent the foot end ; Figure 8 is a perspective view at the head end of the cover looking. upwardly to show the control panel inuits position usable by a person lying on the bed, and showing the framework assembly ; Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the-base and compartment ; Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D are schematic representations of the controls available on the therapy compartment; and

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the plumbing and valves used with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS A therapy compartment indicated generally at 10 includes a base unit 12, and a cover 14 hinged together about a hinge axis 16 at a foot end 17 of the compartment 10. The base 12 is supported on a three-point leg system, including a large footprint pedestal 12A with a single area of contact shown at 12A, and a pair of forward legs 12B and 12C (See Figure 11) so that there is a tripod-type support for the base. The legs 12A and 12B at the foot end provide stability, in combination with the pedestal 12A without any rocking or problems with unevenness of a support floor.

The base 12 includes a bed platform 18, that is supported on the interior of the base with suitable members 19, that are shown schematically as part of the base frame 70. A chamber 30 is formed beneath the bed platform 18. The bed platform is molded from plastic or fiberglass to be integral with or supported on the molded base 12. The outer molded shell portions of the base are supported on frame 70.

The bed platform 18, as can be seen in Figure 7, is molded with a rim member 22 that is raised to form a recess or trough 24 in the center portions of the bed. The recess 24 is molded so that water will drain

into the recess and then down to a drain opening into a waste receptacle of drain line of suitable design.

Various components can be housed in the chamber 30 of the base or pedestal below the bed.

The rim 22 can be formed to slope inwardly for drainage, along the sides of the recess 24.

The recess 24 is covered with a support mattress or pad 26, that can lift up, as shown in Figure 6. The. mattress or pad is supported on resilient ball supports 28 of conventional design so that when the vibrator 29 that is used is operated, the ball supports provide for a resilient mounting of the mattress or pad on which a person lies. The vibrator can be controlled as to intensity (amplitude) and frequency as taught in the prior art.

The molded bed platform 18 also includes sloped or incline panels 32 on the rim 22 facing toward the head end, on which the shower water main control valves 34A and 34B can be mounted. Also, light support panels 36A, 36B, 36C, and 36D are formed on the rim and inclined upwardly and generally face toward the head end. Each of these light supports 36A-36D include multi-colored LED lights 38A-38D, that will provide for a light projection rearwardly toward the head of the user that is lying on the pad or mattress 26.'The lights thus can be directly viewed and they will provide reflected light.

It should also be noted that the bed or mattress'26 is covered with a waterproof cover, because of the shower and hydro massage therapy that is provided. The bed or mattress is a cushion that supports the user adequately. Additionally, as can be seen in Figure 3, the foot portion has a separate cushion 40, that supports the feet and can be individually removed. It also is formed to provide for drainage.

As shown in Figure 3, a hand-held shower head 42 is provided and is removably supported in a fitting 44 in the rim 22. The shower head can be pulled out for hand-showering, using suitable controls, as well as being used for rinsing the compartment. Cups 47 for containing aromatherapy material are provided and supported in molded in receptacles.

A pillow 48 is provided at the head end, and as will be explained, this will be outside of the cover 14.

Thus, the base 12 can be a molded unit with an interior framework of suitable design to provide the space 30 for the various components, such as water tanks, pumps, drain conduits, and piping for various shower units.

As shown in Figure 6, the bed panel recess 24 has a base wall 24A that mounts a plurality of massaging shower head shown generally at 50. These include a pair of massaging shower heads 50A, which

are underneath the shoulder area of a person lying on the bed, and a series of massaging shower heads 50B that are aligned with the spine of a person lying on the pad or mattress. As shown, there are four of the massaging shower heads SOB in the mid-portion and lower portion of the back of a user lying on the bed.

The massaging shower heads. 50A and 50B project sprays of water of desired and variable intensity up against the shoulders and back of the user for hydro massaging, and relaxation therapy. As can be seen in Figure 3, there are openings 52A and 52B in the pad or mattress 26 above these shower heads. In Figure 3, it can be seen that openings 52A and 52B permit massaging water to move against the body of a person lying on the bed.

Additionally, there are a pair of leg massage shower heads 50C under the leg area of a person lying on the pad or mattress 26, and in the chamber 24. Openings 52C as seen in Figure 3 can be provided above the massage shower heads 50C.

In Figure 3, additional foot massage shower head openings 52D are shown, and the shower heads 50D are provided under these openings 52D. There are thus massaging shower heads under the areas of the body where muscles can benefit from steady or pulsing hydro massages.

Cover 14 is constructed in a unique manner, with wide side openings that will permit natural light to the interior and a"glowing"of the colors

projected by the lights 38A-38D. The cover 14, as can be seen in Figure 2 in its open position, is hinged at the base end as previously explained, and has a center spine frame 60, and has a translucent or semi-transparent unitary panel 61 that has a pair of side panels 62. The single unitary molded plastic member 61 includes the panels 62 and a center portion 64 that underlines the spine or center frame support members 60. The side panels 62 have exteriorly facing recesses 65 for handles 67 for lifting the cover.

As can be seen in Figure 5, for example, the spine or center frame support member 60 is supported on a strong aluminum tubing frame 66 at the - foot end of the base. The frame 66 is hinged or pivoted to a base frame 70. (See Figure 5). A pair of support arms 68 are attached to the frame 70 of the base, and a pair of arms 72 are attached to the frame 66. These arms 68 and 72 are pivoted together with suitable bolts.

The frame 66 has uprights 74 on opposite sides thereof. that are joined together with a cross piece 76, and then spaced apart longitudinally extending tubes forming side member tubes 78 extend over the top of the bed to form side members for the spine or center frame 60. The side members 78 are spaced sufficiently far above the mattress or pad 26 to provide the necessary space for the person lying on the bed. The frame side members 78 taper together

toward the head end, are held with one or more cross members 80, including one at the head end. The center portion 64 of the molded plastic translucent cover liner panel 61 is recessed to go underneath the side members 78. This spacing and the bottom formed by center panel 64 provide a chamber region for holding various water lines and control lines indicated generally at 82.

Cross members 84 can be provided to support infrared heaters 86 that are spaced along the length of the bed to overlie the body of a person lying on the bed. The cover 14 also supports the Vichy shower heads along opposite sides of the center line of the cover, as can be seen in Figure 2, and these shower 'i heads 88 are made so that they can be controlled in pairs, or in other words, the showers 88E, for example, that are laterally aligned, can be plumbed together, and the four shower heads 88A and 88B can be operated as a unit or individually. Shower heads 88C and 88D also can be operated together or in pairs. If desired, the heads can be individually controlled or all controlled together, as well.

The infrared heaters 86 can be also individually controlled and can be controlled as to the amount of power being provided so that the heat generated is controlled.

The shower heads 88A-88E are mounted on suitable supports on the frame spine or center, and open through openings in the plastic molded member 61

in the center portion 64. The openings in the molded member 61 can be sealed around the shower heads.

The side frame tubes 78, and cross members form the spine frame 60, and at the head end, the side frame tubes are joined with a collar or hoop member 90 that is also made of tubing. The hoop member 90 is open at the bottom and provides structural support at the head end of the cover. A shield portion 92 can be provided on the exterior of the hoop or part circular head end frame.

Longitudinal cover edge frame members 94 are then joined to the lower end of the hoop 90, and extend longitudinally toward the foot end where they are joined with a cross member 96 that is attached to the frame 66. The frame members 94'support the lower edges of the side panels 62 of the cover member.

Thus, the spine frame 60 and the other support members for the cover are made of lightweight but strong aluminum tubing. The cover is made with a longitudinal extending spine or center frame 60, a foot end frame 66, and a head hoop frame, along with longitudinally extending edge members for supporting and carrying the molded plastic cover 61 that is translucent and is provided with a pebble finish to enhance the color diffusion when the lights are on.

Another feature of the present invention is a control panel housing 100 that is hingedly attached about a transverse hinge 102 to the head end of the spine member 60 above the hoop frame. The panel

housing is movable from a position where it rests on a provided recess 104 around an opening in the shield or extension 92, as shown in Figure 4. The head extension 92 can be molded integrally with the cover sheet 61, and the recess portion 104 defines an open area 106 through which the control members 108 can be reached by a person lying on the bed, when the control panel housing 100 is in its position shown in Figure 8. A display screen 110 is provided, for indibating the status of various functions or devices controls that are controlled by the controls 108.

The control panel housing 100 can be pivoted upwardly about its hinge to the position shown in Figure 4, and in dotted lines in Figure 1, where the controls 108 are accessible to an operator standing along side of the compartment. As can be seen, the control area 108 is no longer easily accessible to the person lying on the bed.

A fan and outlet 112 can also be included in the housing 100. The control wiring can pass between the tubular members 78 of the spine frame 60.

The underlying individual massage shower heads 50A, SOB, 50C and 50D are controlled individually as sets, as are the shower heads 88A- 88E.

In addition, a steam generator 122 can be provided to supply steam to steam outlets generally shown at 116 shown in Figure 6, for example. The

steam outlets can be swiveled to direct steam in a desired direction.

The chamber 30 below the bed can be used for housing a liquid reservoir 118, and this includes suitable color inputs 120, if desired. A steam generator 122 can be provided, along with a steam generator heater 122A. The steam outlets 116 are shown schematically in Figure 1 as well.

Reservoir 118 is shown only schematically, but it can be understood that several reservoirs can be used if desired, and a pump provided, as shown at 128, for providing water under pressure to a manifold control. A filter 129 also is provided.

One other aspect that is added in the present invention is a mist head indicated at 130, which is a fine mist that is connected to a source of liquid vitamins or hormones that can be absorbed through the skin. The fine mist head 130 is above the chest area of the person lying on the bed, so that the mist will fall gently down onto the chest and will be absorbed by the skin.

The source of the liquid vitamins and hormones is through containers in the chamber 30, and accessible by filler caps shown in Figure 3 at 46.

Individual solenoid valves for controlling the shower heads 88A-88E are shown in Figure 3, for example, and can comprise individual solenoid valves 132A, 132B, 132C, 132D and 132E. These valves can be connected and used as'desired, for example, if one

valve supplies plain water to four heads, another valve can be used to provide water that is colored, or has additives to the same shower heads. A valve 132F can be used for controlling the flow of liquid vitamins or hormones and other therapeutic materials to the mist head 130 under the controls from the control panel 108.

In Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D, typical control arrangements are shown. The water temperature can be controlled with a thermostatic control 146, with the ability to raise and lower the temperatures through controls 146A and 146B, and then on the screen, the indication of the temperature can be made with a digital representation 146C. Sources of shower and massage water also can be controlled as . r desired, and come from the reservoir 118, or from a hot or cold tap, if desired, along 182 and 184.

These lines can be hooked up individually, if desired.

The individual showers can be controlled as previously indicated. The shower heads can be set to spray or provide a mist or a rain. Shower heads that provide such use are conventional. A shower timer 148 can be used with the control system, and the time can be increased or reduced with suitable controls 148A and 148B.

Start and stop switches 149A and 149B can also be provided on the shower control system. These are shown schematically and can start and stop the

overhead selectable shower, the back massage and foot massage heads, and the hand-held shower. The on/off controls are tied into an interlock circuit 149I that interlocks with the infrared heaters, so the heaters cannot be used during showering or when steam is on.

Steam cycles can be controlled as shown in Figure 10B with a timer 149, and the temperature also can be controlled with a control 151 to either increase with the control 151A or decrease the temperature with the control 151B. The on/off control 152 is on the control panel as well, and operates through interlock circuit 149I.

The infrared heaters 86 have on/off controls 154, as shown in Figure 10C, with the temperature indicating on the screen as shown at 154C, and the controls can include an intensity control 154A. Again, the interlock circuit prevents operating the showers or massage head at the same time as the infrared heaters are on.

The vibration control for vibrator 29 as shown as control 29A, including on/off, rate (frequency) and intensity.

The air flow from the fan behind air flow outlet 112 can be controlled with a face air on/of switch 158, and the lights can be controlled through a suitable control indicated generally at 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D, 111F and 111G for the different colors.

The lights 38A-38D are LEDs and the different colors are provided either from original

light sources or a blend of lights, as desired. The solenoid valve 132F is illustrated for controlling flow from the vitamin source or hormone source 46, which is a liquid that can be misted through the mist head 130. The lights can also be connected through interlock circuit 149I, if desired.

If water color is desired, it also can be controlled and coordinated with the lights as desired from sources 111W.

Figure 11 provides a schematic diagram of the various valves and the like that can be used. On the left hand side in Figure 11, the bed 18 is represented, and it can have a drain 18D. A solenoid valve 18E can be used for controlling the drain, and also if desired, a valve 18F can be used for providing the drain water back to the reservoir through a suitable filter or treatment. A solenoid valve 18E can control flow to a pump to a waste drain, if desired. Various spa products can be added as represented schematically, and the excess will all be drained out through the drain 18D.

The source of vitamins is indicated at VS1 and 46, and can be injected through a pump 46P and the valve 132F to the mist head 130 for misting onto a person lying on the bed in the compartment. A hormone source, for example, such as that shown at H2 at 46H, can be controlled through a separate pump 46P-1, and also through the same valve 132F to the, mist head 130, or to a separate mist head if desired.

The water reservoir 118 is illustrated, and if desired, aroma liquid can be provided from a source to the reservoir. The reservoir can include a tank heater 166, for controlling the temperature of the water, through the control 146A and B (Figure 10) as explained.

The pump 128 is connected to a source through a filter 129 takes the liquid from the reservoir and passes it through a check valve 168, and the temperature control 146, to valves 132A-132F.

The valves control flow to the individual shower heads that are connected in parallel shown only schematically in Figure 11. Also, a separate pump can be used for providing flow to the massage heads 50.

By way of an alternate source of water for a shower system, external connections can be provided to the shower lines from outside water sources. Hot and cold water lines 182 and 184 are provided through a valve 191 which can direct flow of cold water to the overhead shower, as shown. If desired,, a mix valve 186 can be used for mixing hot and cold water, and an anti-scald valve 188 can be branched into the lines leading to the shower heads. Servo valve 191 is a cold water bypass that can be controlled from the control panel to provide cold water if a cold rinse is desired.

The hand-held shower head shown at 194 can be used with a separate on/off valve, connected with a hose 196 through a soap dispenser or injector 198,

if desired, and controlled by a servo valve 200 from a water manifold 192. The water manifold can receive water from the hot and cold tap lines, through one of the valves 34A or 34B, if desired, and then through servo'valves 202 and 204 that can be opened or closed to provide flow to or from the hand held shower if desired. These valves also can be controlled through interlock circuit 149I, so they will not be openable if the infrared heaters are on.

Thus, a wide range of shower conditions, vitamin additions and other treatments can be used.

The shower heads underneath the body provide for massage effects that are therapeutic and can be enjoyed by the user.

If desired, various color sources 207 can be utilized. These can be coordinated with the colored lights for a shower that is provided with chromatherapy benefits. The color sources 207 can be directed to a reservoir 118, or generally it would be a separate reservoir, that would be provided to the shower system. Yellow color 206 can be controlled through a solenoid valve 206A, and green color, for example, can be controlled from a source 208 through a valve 208A, and each of the individual colors then can be used as a general color source as indicated at 207. These can be mixed into the shower at any desired ratio, and in a suitable location.

The present device provides for control of various operations, including the vibration bed

intensity, and frequency, and this can also be pulsating so it would vary in intensity across a known cycle. Face air can be turned off and on as desired, and this is through the fan that is shown.

Controls would be touch controls, and the functions would be displayed on the screen. Software is provided for control, as is well known.

There also is an audio system, as has been shown in the prior art therapy capsules, and the audio volume and speaker on/off controls for the speaker and audio source 211 and 212 (see Figure 2) can be provided. Light brightness, as well as light color selection is available, and air flow onto the face can be at various levels.

The colors provided can be LEDs or any desired color. As shown, red, blue, green, turquoise, violet and orange are provided. The lights can have known fading control, so that after a certain length of time, they can be programmed to fade, as well as being manually controllable.

As was stated, the bed vibration can be selected as to intensity and mode, the steam is selectable on and off, and temperature can also be selected. Aromatherapy is provided, as well as the ability to vary the intensity of the infrared light.

The overhead or Vichy showers can have various modes, and the vitamins or hormones from the misting head can be provided at desired times. The back massage

and the foot massage can also have various modes for pulsing operation at timed intervals, and the like.

It is pointed out that the interlock control 1491 cuts out the misting, and the showers as well as the back and foot massage when infrared heaters are being used.

The interlock control is set so that high infrared heat settings cannot be selected in conjunction with the steam, and as stated, when showers or misting is used, the infrared heaters cannot be turned on.

Several preset programs can be used in a known manner, using software controls that are known.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.