The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 27, 1996
Filed:
Aug. 16, 1993
John M Bloemer, Madison, WI (US);
Isadore Balan, Mequon, WI (US);
Thomas A Bonnell, Sheboygan, WI (US);
Alan D Bengtson, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Robert C Giose, Sheboygan, WI (US);
Mary J Reid, Sheboygan, WI (US);
John A Fiumefreddo, Plymouth, WI (US);
Michael J Kurth, Fond du Lac, WI (US);
Kohler Co., Kohler, WI (US);
Abstract
A whirlpool tub has a first set of nozzles located to direct water against the back of a bather and a second set of nozzles to direct water against the bather's neck. A controller has different modes of operation in which water is emitted by either one or both sets of nozzles. Separate mechanisms are provided to direct a pulse of water sequentially through different nozzles in each set. This action produces a progression of pulsating water jets that create a massaging effect on the bather's skin. A pillow is placed about the second set of nozzles. A sensor is provided to detect when the pillow is removed and disable water flow through the second set of nozzles.