GB2362317A - Portable sauna - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible sauna comprising foldable support frame means comprising a central wall portion (30) and two opposing side wall portions (40) that are connected to the central wall portion by respective hinge means such that the side wall portions are pivotable relative to the central wall portion between a collapsed position in which the side wall portions overlay the central wall portion in a substantially flat configuration and an erected position in which the side wall portions extend generally transversely of the central wall portion to define an accommodation recess therewith, which accommodation recess is dimentioned to accommodate at least one person; a substantially water-proof tent (80) that can be removable fitted to the collapsible frame means (20) in the erected position such that the tent is supported by the frame means and substantially encloses the accommodation recess; and steam generating means (100,102) adapted to dispense steam into the accommodation recess. Preferably the supporting frame means comprise a skeletal frame-work of interconnected frame members.

Description

2362317 1 PORTABLE SAUNA The present invention relates to a portable

sauna, and has particular reference to a portable sauna that is collapsible from an erected configuration for use and a collapsed configuration for storage.

EP-A-0769289 discloses a collapsible steam cabin for personal body care having a rigid bottom wall and a rigid back wall. The back wall is hinged to the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is formed with an upstanding rim, so that the back wall and bottom wall assembly forms a container. The container houses a flexible diaphragm wall which, when the back wall is moved to an upright position, is erected to provide two opposing side walls and a front wall which is fitted with a zip fastener and a head hole. The collapsible steam cabin of EP-A-0769289 may include an integral seat which is folded and erected automatically as the sauna is collapsed and erected respectively. A problem with the collapsible cabin of EP-A-0769289 is that the bottom and rear panels, being solid, are fairly heavy, making the cabin rather cumbersome to use and transport. Furthermore, the cabin of EP-A-0769289 is quite expensive to manufacture.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel portable sauna.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable sauna that is lightweight and easy to use and transport.

2 A further object of the present invention is to provide a portable sauna that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide various improvements in and relating to portable saunas which will be apparent from the following description of the invention.

According to the present invention therefore there is provided a collapsible sauna comprising:

foldable supporting frame means comprising a central wall portion and two opposing side wall portions that are connected to the central wall portion by respective hinge means such that the side wall portions are pivotable relative to said central wall portion between a collapsed position in which the side wall portions overlay the central wall portion in a substantially flat configuration and an erected position in which the side wall portions extend generally transversely of the central wall portion to define an accommodation recess therewith, which accommodation recess is dimensioned to accommodate at least one person; a substantially water-proof tent that can be removably fitted to the collapsible frame means in the erected position such that the tent is supported by the frame means and substantially encloses the accommodation recess; and steam generating means adapted to dispense steam into the accommodation recess.

3 Said supporting frame means may comprise a skeletal framework of interconnected frame members. For example, central and opposing side wall portions may comprise a plurality of interconnected tubular members. Such tubular members may be formed from aluminium tubing which is cut into suitable lengths, shaped and then rivetted together to form said wall portions.

Aluminium tubing has the advantage that it is lightweight and is a good heat conductor, so that it will lose heat quickly after use. In some embodiments the aluminium tubing may be powder coated.

In the collapsed configuration, the side wall portions overlay the central wall portion such that the supporting frame means occupies a small volume that is convenient for storage, for example under a bedstead. In order to prepare the collapsible sauna of the invention for use, the side wall portions are unfolded relative to the central wall portion such that they extend generally transversely of the central wall portion, and the frame means is then stood on a supporting surface with the central and side wall portions erect, such that the pivot axes between the cential wall portion and the respective side wall portions are oriented substantially vertically. The central and opposing side wall portions thus define a C-shaped configuration when viewed in plan which is substantially self-supporting on a substantially flat surface. The supporting frame means is then enshrouded with the substantially water-proof tent to enclose the accommodation recess and the steam generating means operated to 4 dispense steam within the accommodation recess.

The side wall portions may define an open side of the accommodation recess opposing the central wall portion. Said tent may comprise a front panel portion that extends over said open side when fitted and is provided with closeable means for allowing access to the accommodation recess. For instance, the front panel of the tent may be provided with an elongate linear or curvi linear slot to enable the tent to be opened to allow a user to gain access to the interior of the tent. Said slot may be equipped with suitable fastening means for closing the slot, e.g. hook and loop type fastening means, a zip fastener, buttons or press-fasteners or the like. Said central and opposing side wall portions may define first and second opposing open ends to the accommodation recess which, in use, will form the top and bottom of the collapsible sauna. Said tent may have a top panel portion that extends over the first open end of the erected frame and is provided with an opening for a user's head, so that the user's head may stick-out from the sauna in use. Said top panel portion may further comprise two spaced arm holes.

Preferably, each of the side wall portions comprises a transverse frame member that extends transversely of the hinge means at the second open end of the frame means so as to form a base on which the frame may stand in use. In some embodiments, the central wall portion may also comprise such a transverse frame member that is aligned with the corresponding transverse frame members of the opposing side wall portions. Advantageously, the transverse tubular member of the central wall portion may be arcuate or C shaped such that it extends outwardly of the frame means so as to enlarge the "footprint" of the frame means so that the frame means stands more stably on a supporting surface.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, said frame means further comprises an integral seating portion comprising a seat pan that is pivotably connected to the central wall portion for movement between the stowed position in which the seat pan is substantially flat with the central wall portion and deployed position in which the seat pan extends away from the central wall portion to form a seat, and a swing-down leg portion that is pivotably connected to the seat pan for movement between a stowed position in which the leg portion is substantially flat against the seat pan and an extended position in which the leg portion extends away from the seat pan towards the supporting surface so as to support the seat pan off said surface. As with the rest of the frame means, the seating portion may be constructed from interconnected aluminium tubular members. However, such aluminium tubular members are preferably reinforced, for example with internal steel rods, to support the weight of all possible users of the sauna. For instance, in some embodiments, the seating portion may be reinforced such that it is capable of supporting a weight of up to about 3001bs.

6 Said tent preferably comprises a base panel portion that is adapted to extend under the second open end of the frame. Preferably the base panel portion is formed as a single piece with an upstanding rim so as to form a water-proof tray to collect condensed steam. The provision of such an integral water-proof tray comprising said base panel portion and said upstanding rim is advantageous, because it does not include any seams between interconnected panels of the tent at the bottom of the frame, it being appreciated that condensed steam collecting at the bottom of the tent in use would tend to leak out through such seams.

The tent may be constructed from any flexible, substantially water-proof material. The tent may be manufactured from a composite material, for example a laminate. For safety reasons, the material used to form the tent should be fire- proof or at least comprise a fire-proof outer layer. Said material may compnse a substantially water-proof inner layer, for example a PVC inner layer.

Said steam generating means may comprise a boiler that is adapted to be positioned outside the tent and a steam conduit adapted to extend from the boiler into the accommodation recess through an aperture provided for that purpose in the tent. Said steam conduit may terminate within the accommodation recess at any convenient position. Preferably, however, the conduit extends through an aperture formed in one of the central or side wall 7 portions of tile tent at a position towards the base of the tent e.g 6-9" above the base. Preferably the steam conduit terminates within the accommodation recess towards the central wall portion, and most preferably the steam conduit terminates under the seating portion.

In some embodiments, said conduit may comprise a short stiff pipe that is cantilevered from the boiler. The steam conduit may be oriented to direct steam substantially horizontally into the accommodation recess, and possibly at a slight downwards angle.

In some embodiments, the leg portion of the seating portion may be provided with a splash guard that extends downwardly from the seat Pan to protect the backs of a user's legs from steam and droplets of boiling water emanating directly from the steam conduit. Said splash guard may be formed from the same material as the tent.

Said boiler may comprise a receptacle adapted to contain water, a removable closure for the receptacle and an electrically operated heating element within the receptacle that is positioned to be submerged in the water.

Said heating element may have a power rating in the range 500-1500 watts, preferably about 1000 watts. Said boiler may be provided with automatic cut out means for switching off the heating element when the water level in the reservoir drops below a predetermined level, for instance when the reservoir is empty. The boiler may also be provided with a thermostat for controlling 8 operation of the element so that the rate of steam generation, and thus temperature within the tent, can be adjusted.

Following is a description by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings of embodiments of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure I is a front view from above of a collapsible sauna in accordance with the present invention with the frame erected and the tent fitted.

Figure 2 is a front view to one side of a collapsible sauna with tile frame erected and the tent removed.

Figure 3 is a side view of the collapsible sauna of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the collapsible sauna of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a front view of the collapsible sauna of Figures 2-4, with frame in the collapsed configuration.

Figure 6 is a side view of the collapsible sauna of Figure I showing the generator.

Figure 7 is a front view of a head enclosure mounted on a collapsible sauna in accordance with the invention.

With reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, a collapsible sauna in accordance with the present invention comprises an internal folding frame 20 comprising a rear wall 30 and two opposing side walls 40. Said side and back walls 30, 40 are formed from a plurality of interconnected aluminium tubular members that steam 9 are powered coated and rivetted together. Said back wall 30 comprises two spaced substantially upright frame members 32 that are interconnected by a plurality (in this case four) of cross members 34. Each of said cross members 34 is substantially straight, but is arcuate towards each end where it is connected to the upright members 32. The transverse members 34 are thus disposed largely out of the plane defined by the two upright members 32 and form a recess 35 as best shown in Figure 3. One of the cross members 34, which is indicated by reference numeral 36, extends between the lower ends of the upright members 32. Another cross member 34, which is indicated by reference numeral 37, extends between the upper extremities of the upright members 32.

Each of said side walls 40 is formed from a single length of aluminium tubing that is formed into a C-shape as best shown in Figure 3. Each side wall has an upright linear tubular portion 42, a lower linear tubular portion 44 that is hinged to a respective one of the upright members 32 at its lower end in alignment with the bottom transverse member 36 and an upper linear portion 46 that is hinged to the upper extremity of the same respective upright member 32 in alignment with the upper transverse member 37. The upper linear portion 46 is joined to the upright portion 42 by an arcuate portion 47. The hinges between the upper and lower linear portions 46, 44 and the respectiv upright member 32 of the back wall 30 define a common pivot axis that is coaxial with the upright member 32. Each of the side walls 40 is thus able to pivot relative to the back wall 30 between an open position as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4 and a closed position as shown in Figure 5.

In the open position, the lower linear portions 44 of the side walls 40 and the bottom transverse member 36 of the rear wall 30 form a stable base for the frame 20 such that said frame is self-supporting on any suitable substantially flat surface. As best appreciated from Figure 3 of the drawings, the rearward protrusion of the bottom transverse member 36 of the rear wall 30 beyond the upright members 32 is advantageous, because it reduces the to likelihood of the frame 20 tipping backwards.

As shown in Figure 3, each of said upright tubular member 32 is pivotably connected at a point about one third of the way between its upper and lower extremities to a triangular fixture 52. Each of said triangular fixtures 52 is affixed to a respective linear side arm portion 54 of a generally U- shaped member 51 forming part of a seat assembly 50. Said side arm portions 54 are interconnected by a substantially linear rear portion 55 that extends rearwardly of the upright members 32. Said side arm portions 54 extend forwardly of the upright members 32 and terminate substantially level with the upright portions 42 of the side walls 40. Said side arm portions 51 are interconnected by two spaced cross bars 56 that are positioned as shown in Figure 3 towards the upright members 32 of the rear wall 30. Said cross bars 56 are made from short lengths of aluminium tubing that is reinforced with internal steel bars for strength and support thereon a plastic moulded seat pan 58 which may optionally be covered with a removable fleecy cover.

Each of said side arm portions 54 is pivotably connected at 59 to a respective end of a substantially C-shaped leg portion 60. Said leg portion 60 is also shaped from a length of aluminium tube that is reinforced with an internal steel rod and has a central linear grounding engaging portion 62 and two opposing side portions 63 that are substantially coplanar and extend at an angle of approximately 90' to the ground engaging portion 62. Said side portions 63 are connected at their respective extremities to the side arm portions 51 as mentioned above. Said side portions 63 are interconnected by an intermediate brace member 64.

Said U-shaped member 51 is thus able to pivot on the triangular fixtures 52 relative to the back wall 30 between a deployed position as shown in Figures 2-4 and a stowed position as shown in Figure 5. It will be appreciated that as the U-shaped member 51 rocks relative to the upright members 32 on the triangular fixtures, the U-shaped member is moved rearwardly of the upnght members 32 into said recess 35. In the deployed position, the side arm portions 54 of the U-shaped member 51 extend generally horizontally forwards of the upright members 32 and the leg portion 60 may be pivoted from a stowed position as shown in Figure 5 in which it is substantially flat against 12 the U-shaped member to a ground engaging position as shown in Figures 2-4 to support the seat 50 off the ground.

As best seen in Figure 4, the two transverse members 34 intermediate to the upper and lower transverse members 36, 37 are disposed relatively close to each other above the seat assembly 50 and carry a plastic moulded back rest 70 which, like the seat pan 58, may optionally be covered with a fleecy covering.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the forwardmost of the two cross bars 56 of the seat assembly 50 carries a depending water-proof flap which may, for example, be formed of PVC. Said flap extends from the said forwardmost cross member 56 over the intermediate brace member 64 and serves to protect the backs of a user's legs as will be described in more detail below.

With reference to Figures 1 and 6, the collapsible frame 20, when erected, is adapted to support a flexible tent 80. Said tent has two opposing side panels 82, a rear panel 84, a bottom panel 86 and a front/top panel 88.

Each of said panels is formed from a composite material comprising a PVC inner layer for water-Proofing and a fire-proof outer layer. The panels are stitched together in the usual way to form the tent 80 which is adapted to fGm a close fit around the erected frame 20.

The front/top panel 88 is provided, as shown in Figure 1, with an 1.1 13 elongate, upwardly extending slot 90 which terminates at a generally circular head hole 92 in the top of the tent. The opposing edges of the slop 90 are fitted with a zip- fastener 94 to allow the slot to be opened to gain access to the interior of the tent and closed for use. The two halves of the zip- fastener 94 are mounted on respective strips of material which, in turn, are attached to the respective edges of the slot 90 by means of hook and loop fastener such, for example, as Velcro@. It is therefore easy for a person inside the tent to open the slot in order to exit the tent in the event of an emergency of if the zip-fastener falls.

The front/top panel 88 of the tent is also provided with two spaced arm holes 93 as shown in Figure 1. Each of said arm holes 93 may be provided with a circular closure 95 of the same material which can fastened around the periphery of the arm holes 93 by means of a zip-fastener or a hook and loop fastener. Thus, if a user desires to keep his/her arms inside the tent during a sauna, then the closures 95 may be used to seal the arm holes 93.

The bottom panel 86 of the tent 80 is formed as a single piece with an upstanding rim 87 having a height of about 4 inches above the bottom of the tent. The upper edge of the rim 87 is stitched to the front/top panel 88, the two side panels 82 and the rear panel 84. By spacing such seams from the bottom of the tent, the leakage of condensed steam out of the tent is avoided.

The rear panel 84 of said tent 80 is formed with an aperture 83 at about 14 7V2" above the bottom of the tent. Said aperture 83 accommodates one end of a short, stiff pipe 102 that is connected at one end outside the tent to a steam generator 100 and terminates at its other end a short distance inside the tent under the seat assembly 50. Said steam generator 100 comprises a base portion 105 that comprises a receptacle adapted to contain water and a lid 106 having an outlet orifice for steam that is connected to the one end of the pipe 102. The base portion 105 contains an electrical element which is fitted with suitable means for connecting the element to a power supply. The element is thermostatically controlled by an adjustable thermostat 107 to control the rate of steam generation. The steam generator 100 is further provided with a safety cut-out (riot shown) to disconnect automatically the element from the power supply in the event that the water level within the receptacle falls below a predetermined level; for example when the water level fails below the level of the element in the receptacle.

In use, the frame 20 is erected as shown in Figures 2 to 4, with the scat assembly 50 deployed and the swing down leg portion 60 extended to engage a supporting surface. The frame 20 is then enshrouded by the tent 80 as shown in Figures 1 and 6. The steam generator 100 is charged with water, and the other end of the pipe 102 remote from the steam generator 100 is inserted through the orifice 83 in the rear panel 84 of the tent 80 into the interior of the tent. The steam generator 100 is then connected to a source of electrical power and the thermostat set to provide a predetermined rate of steam generation to be dispensed within the tent. Once the temperature within the tent has reached a predetermined temperature, a user may gain access to the interior of the tent by opening the zip-fastener 94 and stepping into the interior of the tent. The user may then sit on the seat assembly 50 and close the zip-fastener 94 behind him or herself The user's head will protrude through the head hole 92 and optionally the user may extend his or her arm through the arm holes 93.

After use, the user exits from the tent 80 and the power to the steam generator 100 is disconnected. Once the collapsible sauna has cooled down,

the tent 80 may be removed for drying and optionally cleaning, and the frame may be collapsed by folding up the seat assembly such that the side arm portions 54 extend upwardly in the recess 35 defined by the back wall 30 of the frame, and the leg portion 60 extends downwardly flat with the underside of the seat. The two side walls 40 can then be folded over the back wall 30 and over one another to form a substantially flat configuration as shown in Figure 5 which is convenient for storage.

In some embodiments, the collapsible sauna may be provided with an optional head enclosure i20 as illustrated in Figure 7. Said head enclosure 120 comprises an internal aluminiurn tubular frame 122 comprising two spaced substantially parallel linear foot portions 124 and two end n-shaped portions 126. The internal frame 122 carries a flexible hood 130 having opposing side 16 panels 136 and a top/rear panel 138 formed from the same material as the tent 80. The hood 130 further comprises a transparent front panel 134 which is formed with a central liole 135. The hood 130 is fitted over the internal frame 126 such that the side panels 136 and the toP/rear panels 138 are supported by the n-shaped end portions 126 of the frame, and the space between the foot portions 124 of the frame, which constitutes the bottom of the enclosure 120, is left open.

In use, the head enclosure 120 is placed on the top of the tent 80 with the open bottom of the head enclosure 120 positioned over the head liole 92 in the top of the tent 80 such that a user's head is accommodated in the hood 130.

Said hood 130 allows steam dispensed into the tent by the steam generator to collect in the hood 130 for treating the user's head and face. The hole 135 is provided to allow air into the hood 130 and to allow the user to see out of the hood 130- 1...

17

Claims (1)

1. Claims

   1. A collapsible sauna comprising:

   foldable supporting frame means comprising a central wall portion and two opposing side wall portions that are connected to the central wall portion by respective hinge means such that the side wall portions are pivotable relative to the central wall potion between a collapsed position in which the side wall portions overlay the central wall portion in a substantially flat configuration and an erected position in which the side wall portions extend generally transversely of the central wall portion to define an accommodation recess therewith, which accommodation recess is dimensioned to accommodate at least one person; a substantially water-proof tent that can be removably fitted to the collapsible frame means in the erected position such that the tent is supported by the frame means and substantially encloses the accommodation recess; and steam generating means adapted to dispense steam into the accommodation recess.

   2. A collapsible sauna claimed in claim 1, wherein said supporting frame 20 means comprises skeletal frame work of interconnected frame members.

   3.

   18 A collapsible sauna as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the collapsed configuration, the side wall portions overlay the central wall portion.

   4. A collapsible sauna as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein 5 in the erected position the side wall portions extend generally transversely of the central wall portion such that the frame means can be stood on a supporting surface with the central and side wall portions erect and the pivot axes between the central wall portion and the respective side wall portions oriented substantially vertically.

   5. A portable sauna as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the side wall portions define an open side of the accommodation recess opposing the central wall portion, and said substantially water-proof tent comprises a front panel portion that extends over said open side when fitted and is provided with 15 closable means for allowing access to the accommodation recess.

   6. A collapsible sauna as claimed in claim 5, wherein said front panel of the tent is provided with an elongate linear or curvilinear slot to enable the tent to be opened to allow a user to gain access to the interior of the tent, and said 20 slot is equipped with suitable fastening means for closing the slot.

   19 7. A collapsible sauna as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said central and opposing side wall portions define first and second opposing ends to the accommodation recess which, in use, form the top and bottom of the collapsible sauna, and the tent has a top panel portion that extends over the first open end of the erected frame and is provided with, an opening for a user's head, so that the user's head may protrude from the sauna in use.

   9. A collapsible sauna claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the side wall portions comprises a transverse frame member that extends transversely of the 10 hinge means at the second open end of the frame means so as to form a base on which the frames means may stand in use.

   9 A collapsible sauna as claimed in claim 8, wherein the central wall portion also comprises a transverse frame member that is aligned with the 15 corresponding transverse frame members of the opposing side wall portions, which transverse tubular central wall portion is arcuate or cshaped such that it extends outwardly of the ftame means so as to enlarge the foot-print of the frame means so that the frame means stands more stably on a supporting surface.

   10. A collapsible sauna as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame means further comprises an integral seating portion comprising a seat pan that is pivotably connected to the central wall portion for movement between the stowed position in which the seat pan is substantially flat with the wall portion and a deployed position in which the seat pan extends away from the central wall portion to form a scat, and a swing-down leg portion that is pivotably connected to the seat pan for movement between a stowed position in which the leg portion is substantially flat against the seat pan and an extended position in which the leg portion extends away from the seat pan towards the supporting surface so as to support the seat pan of said surface- Is 11. A collapsible sauna as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tent comprises a base panel portion that is adapted to extend under the second open end of the frame, which base panel portion is formed as a single piece with an upstanding rim so as to form a water-proof tray to collect condensed steam.

   12. A collapsible sauna as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the tent comprises a substantially water-proof and fire-proof material.

   13. A collapsible sauna as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the 20 steam generating means comprises a boiler that is adapted to be positioned outside the tent and the steam conduit adapted to extend from the boiler into 21 the accommodation recess through an aperture provided for that purpose in the tent.

   14. A collapsible sauna as claimed in claim 13, wherein the conduit extends 5 through an aperture formed in one of the central or side wall portions of the tent at a position towards the base of the tent under the seating portion.

   15. A collapsible sauna as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein said conduit comprises a short stiff pipe that is cantilevered from the boiler.

   16. A collapsible sauna as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the leg portion of the seating portion is provided with a splash guard that extends downwardly from the seat pan to protect the backs of a user's legs from steam and droplets of boiling water emanating directly from the steam conduit.

   17. A collapsible sauna as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the boiler comprises a receptacle adapted to contain water, a removable closure for the receptacle and an electrically operated heating element within the receptacle that is positioned to be submerged in the water, and automatic cut-out means 20 for switching off the heating element when the water level in the reservoir drops below a predetermined level.

   22 18. A collapsible sauna as claimed in claim 17, wherein the boiler further comprises a thermostat for controlling operation of the elements so as to adjust the rate of steam generation.

   19. A collapsible as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a head enclosure comprising an internal supporting frame structure and a substantially water-proof tent having an open base enshrouding the frame structure, which head enclosure is adapted to be mounted on an upper end of the tent of the collapsible sauna to cover a user's head which may protrude from said tent.

   20. A collapsible sauna substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.