Vacuum Foot and Hand Bathtub with Sealing Mechanism

The problem

When soaking feet or hands in warm water, the experience is limited to the temperature of the water itself. Standard basins are entirely open to the surrounding room, meaning the environment around the submerged limb remains at normal atmospheric pressure throughout the session. Users looking for a more structured soaking routine often find that basic tubs lack any mechanism to alter the physical conditions inside the basin beyond simply heating the water. Without a way to enclose the basin and manage the air inside, the soak relies solely on thermal transfer, leaving no room to introduce changes in atmospheric pressure during the routine.

The solution

This bathtub addresses the limitation by enclosing the inner chamber and actively managing the air pressure inside it while the user soaks their foot or hand.

1. A sealed chamber: The bathtub features an inner chamber with an open top. A sealing mechanism closes the gap between the open top and the user’s body, forming a relatively enclosed space.
2. Active air extraction: An air pump connects to the inner chamber via an air passage equipped with a valve. When activated, the pump draws air out of the enclosed chamber.
3. Controlled pressure cycling: A controller coordinates the air pump and the valve to lower the pressure inside the chamber, then returns it to normal atmospheric pressure in repeated cycles.
4. Combined with heat: A heater built into the lagging casing shell warms the water, so the pressure changes occur alongside a warm water soak.

Who it is for

• Personal care appliance brands looking to expand their foot spa and hand care product lines with a device that offers more than basic heating.
• Spa and salon equipment suppliers seeking specialized soaking basins for professional foot and hand treatments before nail or skin services.
• Wellness product wholesalers sourcing devices intended for home relaxation routines that involve warm water and pressure variation.
• E-commerce sellers targeting consumers interested in structured personal care routines involving temperature and environmental adjustments.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Set parameters: The user sets operating parameters via the controller, such as temperature, vacuum level, vacuum hold time, normal pressure time, and the number of evacuation-inflation cycles.
2. Insert and seal: The foot or hand is placed into the inner chamber. The sealing mechanism is applied—for example, the seal rubber sleeve is buckled and tightened with the double buckle, or the inflatable airbag is inflated to fill the gap.
3. Heat the water: The controller activates the heater to warm the water in the chamber.
4. Evacuate air: The controller powers the air pump and opens the electromagnetic valve to extract air from the inner chamber until the pressure reaches the set value.
5. Hold and release: The system holds the negative pressure state for a set duration, then de-energizes the valve to allow air back in, returning the chamber to normal atmospheric pressure.
6. Cycle and finish: The evacuation and inflation sequence repeats for the programmed number of cycles. Once complete, the system stops heating, and the user unfastens the sealing mechanism.

Applications

Home foot soaking routines

Individuals who soak their feet at home after work can use this bathtub to combine warm water with pressure cycling. The controller allows them to set the duration and number of cycles, providing a structured routine rather than a simple static soak. The sealing mechanism keeps the chamber closed while the pump operates.

Hand care before salon services

Nail technicians and estheticians preparing a client’s hands for detailed work need a reliable soaking step. This bathtub accommodates hands through the open top, using the airbag or rubber sleeve to seal around the wrists. The combination of heated water and controlled air extraction provides a consistent preparation environment for each client.

Wellness retail and e-commerce

Sellers offering personal care devices online can list this bathtub for buyers interested in adjustable soaking systems. Because the controller manages the heater, pump, and valve automatically based on user inputs, the device functions without requiring manual operation of the air pump during the session.

Spa and relaxation centers

Facilities focused on relaxation routines can integrate this bathtub into their service menu. The lagging casing houses the heating element, and the system supports multiple cycles of negative pressure followed by normal pressure. Staff can program the controller to match the specific timing required for their service protocols.

Where it is less suitable

• Full-body bathing: The patent describes an inner chamber used for accommodating a human foot or hand. It is not sized or configured for full-body immersion.
• Clinical use: According to the patent, the negative pressure and warm water are meant to promote microcirculation in the hands and feet. That is the inventor’s description, not a tested result, and this design has not been through FDA review for any clinical purpose.
• Outdoor or portable camping use: The unit requires electrical connections for the heater, air pump, electromagnetic valve, and controller, making it dependent on a stable power supply rather than suited for off-grid travel.