TITLE

Feminine Hydro-therapeutic massage device

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I, David Heilman, residing in Geneseo, Illinois and being a United States citizen, do

herein in this patent application disclose and claim the apparatus and method of

using my invention "Feminine Hydro-therapeutic Massage Device". I do also herein

state and claim that this application claims priority from non-provisional patent

application #11, 016,046 filed on December 18, 2004 and entitled "Feminine Hydro-

therapeutic Massage Device". The non-provisional patent application is incorporated

by reference herein.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR

DEVELOPMENT

No federal funds were used to develop or create the invention disclosed and

described in the patent application.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX (Not Applicable)

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of portable hydro-therapeutic stimulation devices

for massage therapy to a female user's labium region wherein a method of

circulating the water within a small contained body of water such as a spa, shallow

pool, or a bathtub is utilized to produce the desired effect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A wide variety of mechanical stimulating devices and a limited number of hydro-

therapeutic devices are known in the prior art to affect a massage to the human body

to promote stress relief and relaxation. It is a known fact to those skilled in the art

that direct stimulation of the typical female clitoris will result in a climax of the

entire body, and a plethora of devices have been developed to this end. Mechanical

vibratory stimulating devices are diverse and can be used to massage all parts of the

human body to effect a soothing relaxation of local musculature and may be used to

focus a concentrated effect on a female user's clitoral stimulation point. A general

whole body therapy is achieved by use of spas and whirlpools where a plurality of

hydro jets are placed around the periphery of the user in a water filled tub setting

allowing for circulation, heating and aeration of the water. Hydro pulsating devices

in fluid connection with an external water source or a circulated water source are

employed in showers, tubs, whirlpools, and personal spas to affect a similar but

deeper massage than the vibratory devices. A few of these personal spas employ a

method of a hand held local massage as an option.

More recently personal spas and whirlpools have evolved in shape and design to

provide a contoured comfortable seating arrangement with strategically placed

hydro jets to provide stimulation to predetermined points of the human anatomy

such as the back, neck, legs, feet, and pelvic region.

U.S. Patent 5,920,923 issued to Jillette teaches hydro clitoral stimulation in

combination with a fixed whirlpool spa environment. As taught by Jillette, and

similar to the present invention, air entrained in water allows stimulation to the

female genitalia. The unit taught by Jillette, however, is not portable and would be

quite costly to purchase, install and maintain. Furthermore, Jillette does not teach a

method or apparatus allowing fixed placement combined with fine control of the air-

water stream during stimulation.

U.S. Patent 5,077,841 issued to Sugai employs a portable self-contained pumping

unit designed to circulate water within a bathtub. The discharge of the pumping unit

utilizes a hydro jet with an entrained air mix that is directed at target points to affect

a local massage as the user positions oneself near the discharge of the device. A

rechargeable battery is used to power the pumping unit. Multiple discharge paths

are used to allow the user to select the type of water stream exiting the device. The

housing is temporarily attached to the wall of the tub.

U.S. Patent 4,924,535 issued to Yamasaki is based on the same principle as the

previously discussed Sugai patent, and uses an external power supply. Yamasaki

requires a fixed mounting that would not be easily positioned within the bathtub

and allows only limited adjustment by the user. Yamasaki is not practical to effect

the variable local stimulation sought by the user. Additionally, Yamasaki provides

no teaching on direct or indirect control methods. Furthermore, Yamasaki does not

teach any engagement surfaces allowing placement between the user's legs.

U.S. Patent 4,123,808 issued to Guarrera teaches a general area cleansing system

using water without aeration. To employ the system, the user most permanently

mount a chair to the bathtub. Furthermore, during cleansing, the user has no contact

with the nozzle or structure directing the water to the cleansing area thus, limiting

the user's control of the air-water stream upon the user.

U.S. Patent 3,902,200 issued to Pratt also teaches a general area cleansing system,

referred to as a "Sitz" bath, which also uses water without aeration. To use the

system as taught by Pratt, the user must sit immobile in a curved chair located in a

bathtub. Pratt does not teach a method or apparatus for adjustment of the direction

of the water used for cleansing. Pratt does not teach a method or apparatus allowing

engagement between the user's legs or comfortable access to the frontal areas of the

user.

U.S. Patent 4,100,917 issued to Talge et. al ("Talge") teaches a portable water

circulating device that mounts over the side of the tub to supply a water air mixture

over a general area on the bottom of the tub. An optional handheld device connected

by a hose to the unit capable of reaching more specific target areas is also taught. No

means for removable fixation of the optional handheld device to the tub walls is

taught by Talge.

U.S. Patent 5,807,289 is a portable hand held hydro massage device for submerged

use and focused stimulation to a user's body parts. As disclosed, this patent does not

teach an apparatus or method allowing pivotal fixed mounting at the base of the

device.

The prior art disclosed and discussed above indicates weaknesses in the teachings

necessary for hydro-therapeutic stimulation of the female genitalia and surrounding

regions. The prior art fails to teach finite control of the stimulation stream. The prior

art fails to teach a device or method allowing the user to be both comfortable and

stimulated. The prior art also fails to teach a device or method that allows control of

the stimulation stream through engagement between the device and the user's lower

body. The common thread linking the failure of the prior art is the lack of individual

control and choice of control for the user. This lack of teaching, to date, thus limits

the effectiveness of using water for stimulation of the user. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present art as described herein overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. The

apparatus disclosed and described herein addresses the weaknesses found in the

prior art and improves hydrotherapy stimulation devices by providing a small

mobile device capable of deployment within any shallow contained bathing area

such as a spa, pool or bathtub. The device although mobile, is still fixable to the

water container walls. The combination of removability and fixability allows the user

to find a comfortable spatial relationship between the device, the user and the user's

position in the contained bathing area, and then maintain that position. After

establishing and fixing that relationship, the user may use the side engagement

surfaces of the device to position the apparatus between the user's legs at a high

comfort level, as determined by the user. The user may then also control directly at a

fine level the water stream and thus the area of treatment during stimulation.

Because treatment and stimulation are a dynamic process, the direct and indirect

control surfaces allow the user to find the best stimulation area and rate of

stimulation for the particular user, at a particular time.

A portable pumping unit contained in a housing designed to receive the female

pelvic region and direct a focused aerated pulse of water at the same. Said portable

hydro massage device when submerged in an enclosed body of water containing a

female user, i.e. bathtub, provides a local massage to the labium region and a

focused stimulant to the female user's clitoris thereby resulting in a superior

sensation to the entire body promoting an overall euphoric state and calming effect.

The apparatus employs a saddle shaped housing, where the buttocks are placed, and

a saddle horn for controlling the concentration of the stimulus. Disposed within the

midsection of the saddle horn is a hydro jet with a driven flow from a circulating

water pump that draws suction from the main body of water. The hydro jet is

adjustable in pressure and a method is provided for aeration of the water discharged

to allow for a rhythmic pulsation effect. The saddle horn may be held and the lower

body positioned as needed to focus the discharged water from the hydro jet to the

desired point of the pelvic region.

The climatic effects are superior to the typical mechanical vibration devices and the

prior hydro-therapeutic devices previously described. When operating, the female

user has control of the unit to vary the angle and intensity of the stream and

alternately sit or recline in a rested position with the legs extended or drawn up near

the body. The device is portable and- can be moved to different locations. A

removably secure base, fixed to the bottom of the tub, is required to allow for a

moderate amount of pressure from the user's pelvic to be applied to the unit.

It is therefore an objective of the invention to provide a hydrotherapeutic and

stimulation method and device that allows fixable attachment within a self-

contained bathing area.

It is another object of the invention to provide comfortable access between the user's

legs without direct engagement of the apparatus with the user's vaginal region.

It is another objective of the invention to provide a utility for local concentrated

stimulus to the female user's labium region that is socially acceptable and does not

require penetration of the vaginal opening to achieve the desired effect.

It is another objective of the invention to combine close proximity of the discharge

nozzle to the labium area with an adjustable discharge stream trajectory for user

stimulation and "hands-free" adjustment. The inventor has realized the need for fine

adjustments of the discharge nozzle at critical moments and mental concentration

would be broken as the hand blocks the discharge stream or the device has to be

moved away from the body to make adjustments.

It is another objective of the present invention to allow indirect adjustment of the

discharge stream trajectory with minimal change of the discharge stream intensity

by moving the housing of which the discharge nozzle is mounted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the invention in a typical application. This first

embodiment is shown in a sectional side view of a typical bathtub. The control unit

is displayed attached to the outside wall of the bathtub.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view of the first embodiment depicting the range of

movement of the device.

FIG. 5 is a right side elevational view of the first embodiment with a cutaway section

of the housing to show the internal configuration of internal parts.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of pivotal slide assembly.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of pivotal slide assembly.

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the preferred embodiment not employing a

saddle.

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment not employing a

saddle.

FIG. 10 shows a partial cross sectional view of the preferred embodiment slide

section with an extending rotatable pivot point.

FIG. 11 shows a typical bumper and method of attachment.

FIG. 12 A and 12B shows an optional bumper that maintains clearance from the user

in relation to the discharge of the hydro jet.

FIG. 13A and 13B shows an optional bumper that maintains clearance from the user

in relation to the discharge of the hydro jet and splits the discharge flow into two

separate streams.

FIG. 14A shows a partial front elevation view of the saddle horn

FIG. 14B shows a partial side sectional view of the saddle horn.

FIG. 14C shows a side elevation view of an extended pivotal bumper and attachment

method.

FIG. _. 14D shows a side elevation view of a stationary bumper and attachment

method.

FIG. 14E shows a top view of stationary bumper and attachment method.

FIG. 15A shows a front elevation view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 15B shows a side elevation sectional view of non-electric preferred embodiment.

FIG. 15C shows a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment in an alternate

position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1, the hydro massage device is functional when submerged in a

main body of water 13, e.g. contained in a standard bathtub 14. A hydro massage

device consisting of a saddle 1, a partial seat which functions as a floodable housing

for the internal parts and provides support for a variably disposed elongated

protrusion from the forefront of the saddle heretofore referred to as the saddle horn -

2. Said horn 2 is a handle which the user may hold for directional control of the

device and may be formed in any number of shapes that would be of a comfortable

grip to the user. Said saddle 1 is formed with a contour concave taper, sloping

gradually from the rear of said saddle up to the fore of said saddle at the base of said

horn 2 to aid in positioning the user's pelvic region into proximity of said horn 2 and

act as a base for anchoring the device to the bottom of tub 14 using the weight of the

user. Said saddle 1 employs slip resistant feet 3 to prevent the device from shifting

foreword as the user mounts upon said device. Said saddle 1 contains a circulating

water pumping unit 4, and electrical conductors 5 to feed low voltage direct current

power from a conventional external AC to DC power supply 15 to said pumping

unit 4. A switchable control 16 connected in the electrical power supply conductors 5

enables the user to turn on or off said pumping unit 4. In another embodiment a

waterproof electrical switch may be employed within the device to allow the user to

switch off and on the device and a sealed rechargeable battery may be employed

within the saddle housing to provide the electricity needed to operate said pumping

unit 4.

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 5, said pumping unit 4 consists of a direct current

electrical motor coupled to a centrifugal pump capable of running submerged in

water and is common to those skilled in the art. Said pumping unit 4 has a suction

inlet 6, which draws water, flooded within the housing, and discharges the water at

a higher pressure and flow from the discharge 7 of said pumping unit 4. Disposed

within said saddle horn 2 is hydro jet 8, an air-water structure means common to

those skilled in the art, externally discharging through discharge nozzle or orifice 12

toward the female user from the mid section of the horn 2. A water inlet port 9 of

said hydro jet 8 is in fluid communication through fluid conduit 18 extended to the

discharge 7 of said pumping unit 4. Said hydro jet 8 increases the velocity of the

water through a venturi effect to draw in air supplied by air suction conduit 10,

connected at hydro jet air inlet 11, further extended above the surface of the water at

the top of said horn 2 to provide aeration to discharge nozzle 12 of the hydro jet 8.

An air control regulating valve 20, common to those skilled in the art, is employed in

communication with said air suction conduit 10 to allow for variable airflow into the

hydro jet and ultimately the intensity of the water discharged through nozzle 12 of

said hydro jet 8. Air suction conduit 10 alternately may exit at any other desired

point of the housing. Said hydro jet 8 is oriented such that the discharge nozzle 12 is

directed at the female user's labium region when the female user is seated in the

saddle 1.

Referring to figure 4 and figure 5, the vertical placement and orientation of said

hydro jet 8 in relation to said saddle seat 1 is designed to accommodate a wide

variety of female users. Shifting the pelvic region and or sitting verses reclining

while positioned on the saddle seat 1 will allow the user to direct the massaging

discharge of the said hydro jet 8 to the desired point of the labium region by moving

said horn 2 with one or both hands. To utilize said horn 2 function to make

adjustable the focus of the hydro jet 8 discharge trajectory, as referenced by

trajectory lines A, B, and C, a pivotal point 22 is employed by a pivotal slide

mechanism 21. An overlapping seam 25 is utilized to separate said saddle 1 from

said horn 2. The internal lower extents of said horn 2 is pivotally connected at said

pivot point 22 and in turn coupled to said slide mechanism 21. Said pivot point 22

and said slide mechanism 21, in conjunction with overlapping seam 25, allows said

horn 2 to be moved vertically and or pivotally fore and back in relation to saddle 1.

Said saddle housing 1 internally employs a recessed female socket whereas male

portion of slide mechanism 21 is movably received to allow vertical movement of

pivotally coupled said horn 2. Reference line A shows the trajectory of the discharge

of said hydro jet 8 with said horn 2 at a first position. Reference line B shows

trajectory of the discharge of said hydro jet 8 with said horn 2 pivoted foreword to a

second position 23. Reference line C shows trajectory of discharge of said hydro jet 8

with said horn 2 extended vertically from second position 23 to a third position 24 .

The discharge trajectory from the hydro jet 8 is then variable, at the users discretion,

as said horn 2 may be moved to any position within the range of the first position,

said second position 23 and said third position 24. Vertical movement of said horn 2

to said third position 24 is limited by releasable stop tab employed in slide

mechanism 21.

Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, releasable stop tab 28, engaged in aperture 29 of

female slide section 30, is flexibly employed on male slide section 26 of said slide

mechanism 21 to limit vertical movement which prevents slide mechanism 21 from

disengaging during normal use but is releasable to allow slide mechanism 21 to be

separated for device disassembly. Two male pivot parts 27, one not shown in Figure

6, attach at the base of said saddle horn 2, engage both side ends of female pivot part

of said male slide section 26 to allow pivotal movement of attached horn. Female

slide section 30 is molded into base of said saddle housing. Two male pivot parts 27

can be molded into base of said horn 2. Slide mechanism 21 may employ a ball and

socket pivot point to perform the same function as described above additionally

providing for a rotatably swiveled pivot point and a greater range of trajectory paths

from the hydro jet discharge.

Referring to Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10, a preferred embodiment is depicted

without the need for a saddle seat allowing the female user to affix the device

directly to the bottom of the tub, between the legs, and adjust movement of said

horn 2 as desired. The preferred embodiment is functionally identical as the first,

and employs the same mechanical and electrical parts to operate. The slide

mechanism, however, is modified to allow said horn 2 to be used independent from

a saddle housing. This preferred embodiment employs a ball and socket pivot point

31 at the base of horn 2, providing for an extending rotatably swiveled pivot point.

Suction cup 32 receives ball end of male slide section 33 allowing for a removably

fixed attachment to the bottom of tub. Female slide section 37 is molded into base of

saddle horn 2 to receive said male slide section 33 allowing said horn 2 to be moved

pivotally within the physical range of ball and socket pivot point 31. A stop tab 35 is

molded into male slide section 33 which will impinge on stop collar 34 to prevent

the slide assembly from disengaging when extended to its physical range of motion.

Referring to Figure 2, the floodable housing is shown in the top view with slots 19

which communicate the surrounding water to the interior of the device. It is desired

to include a filter assembly at slots 19 to prevent debris from entering the pumping

unit. Apertures, functionally identical to said slots 19, may be utilized beneath the

housing to allow water to be pulled in and flood the internal cavity from the bottom

of the housing.

Referring to Figure 3, Figure 12, and Figure 13, externally surrounding the outlet of

the hydro jet 8 is a bumper 17 allowing for comfortable pressing of the user's pelvic

region to said horn 2 as desired. Said bumper 17 is attached to horn 2 and not to

saddle 1 thereby extending over said seam 25. As said horn 2 is moved to a variable

position, said seam 25 will not be exposed to the user's labium region. Bumper 17

can be designed to enhance the user's experience and function to maintain small

distance between the user and the exterior edge of the discharge of hydro jet 8 to

prevent blocking of the discharge flow. Bumper 17 is employed in all embodiments

to perform a similar function.

Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13, two different embodiments of said bumper 17

are depicted, respectively. In both embodiments, as shown in figures 12B and 13B,

said bumper 17 has a relief cutaway portion 40 at the top of said bumper 17 and a

thickness to maintain a path for discharge flow from the hydro jet 8 if the user

presses the labium region hard against bumper 17. A nodal protrusion 41 is

employed to stimulate the vaginal opening and can be of various shapes and

lengths. The embodiment of the bumper 17 shown in Figures 13A and 13B, is

configured such that the single discharge flow from the hydro jet 8 is split into two

channel streams, one directed up and the second down, to provide further

stimulation through water contact at two distinct points. Although not shown, those

practiced in the arts will understand that it is also contemplated by the inventor to

modify bumper 17 with other variations of cutaway portion 40 to include a plurality

of channel streams emitting from said hydro jet device.

Referring to Figure 11 and Figure 8, said bumper 17 is removeably attached to the

rear face of said horn 2 immediately below hydro jet discharge nozzle 12 by means

of a bow tie shaped aperture 38. Aperture 38 receives a corresponding male part 39

fixed to the base 36 of bumper 17. Male part 39 is locked into aperture 38 by

inserting, then twisting 90 degrees to lock the bumper base into place. This feature

allows a variety of bumper shapes to be interchanged as desired by the user or

removed for cleaning or replacement.

Referring to Figures 14 A-E, the preferred method of bumper attachment to horn 2 is

utilized with ball and socket joints. Female ball sockets 42, made of rubber, are

disposed above and or below the hydro jet discharge nozzle 12 to allow a pivotal

attachment, as in 14C, or a stationary attachment of bumper 17 shown in 14 D,E to

allow the user to easily attach and remove for interchange, and connect attachments

to any available socket. Male portion 44 of ball joint, made of plastic, is molded into

fixed bumper 17 or a variably disposed phallus extension 43. With this method of

attachment, said phallus extension 43 is pivotal at the attached end and will allow

for angular changes as the user shifts position of said horn 2. A wide variety of

bumper shapes, both stationary and pivotal, can be designed and made to attach

with this method.

Figures 15 A-C depict an alternative embodiment of the present invention employing

an externally supplied water source via hose 48 instead of an electric pump. Supply

hose 48, connected to hydro jet inlet 18 is in fluid communication with a bathtub

waterspout or a jet nozzle of a hot tub, or any other water pressure source. The air

suction conduit 10 may be routed within the housing and exit at any penetration

point on the housing and extend to the air space above the water line. Hydro jet 8

discharges the mixture of air and water at discharge nozzle 12 when water under

pressure is supplied through hose 48 and air is venturied in through air suction

conduit 10. This means eliminates the need for an electric power source and pump

with no loss of function.

In fig 15B the base of the unit is chamfered at 49 to the back base of the lower

housing to such a degree that the unit can be tilted back, fig 15C, with the slide

extension 21, fixed and extended, and optional suction cup 46 making a fixed second

point of contact. This feature removeably fixes the device in a stationary position and

allows hands free operation during stimulation.

In Figure 15C, the upper extents of the horn 2 can be coated, textured, or an inlay

made of a rubber compound 45 to make a non-slip, comfortable grip for the user. A

series of ridges 52, fig 15B, may also be employed at the back or front of neck on said

horn 2 to provide a gripping surface. Said horn 2 is slender and a plurality of shapes

may be designed to fit comfortably in the hand of the average female user.

In Figure 15B, vent hole 51 is utilized to continuously remove air from the internal

volume as housing 1 floods with water from the bottom and the air is displaced. Said

vent hole 51 is located at the top of said horn 2 to minimize buoyancy of the device.

In a typical session the female user places said saddle 1 into a tub of water drawn to

the desired temperature to suit the bather. Said switchable unit 16 is placed on the

outside edge of the tub and the electrical supply 15 is plugged into the switchable

unit 16. The female user may now enter the bath and position said saddle 1 to a

desired distance from the back of said tub 14 and take a seated position on said

saddle 1. The user may now turn on the power to the device at said switchable unit -

16 and adjust the seating position in the saddle 1 or recline her upper torso against

the rear wall of the tub 14. The user's legs may be extended without interference or

may be drawn up in a splayed position. Placing a hand on said horn 2 as leverage,

the female user now may position her pelvic region at the desired distance from or

up to said bumper 17. The user may adjust the velocity of the air-water mixture

discharging from hydro jet 8 by adjusting said air control valve 20 to the desired

stimulation intensity. Said horn 2 may be moved to a plurality of positions to fine

tune the trajectory of the discharge stream to focus the discharge at the desired

stimulation point(s).

The materials required to construct the unit could be of injection molded or blow

molded plastic. The bumper can be made of silicone, soft plastic or rubber

compound. The pumping unit is common to those skilled in the art as well as the

hydro jet and all required tubing and electrical parts to construct the device.

It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations are of utility and

may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. This is

contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. Since many possible

embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope

thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the

accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting

sense.