Multi-functional therapy pool

Abstract

A multi-functional therapy pool for use in physical rehabilitation, strengthening exercises and recreational purposes. The multi-functional therapy pool preferably has a generally rectangular shape wherein one side of the pool is provided with patient entry means and a seating area adjacent thereto. The remaining three sides of the pool are preferably provided with a continuous overflow gutter formed upon the upper periphery that is operative to catch splashes and minimize waves during physical activity within the pool. A number of therapeutic modalities will further be integrated within the pool, including spa jets, integrated underwater treadmill, and specialized hand rails to facilitate access in and out of the pool.

1 . A multi-functional therapy pool comprising:
 a pool body defining a pool interior, said pool interior comprising a pool floor having a uniform depth;   access means to enable individuals to access and exit the interior of said pool body; and   a peripheral edge extending about a portion of the perimeter of the pool body, said peripheral edge having an overflow gutter formed thereupon, said overflow gutter being operative to receive waves and splashes thereupon.   
     
     
         2 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 1  wherein said interior of said pool body includes at least one seating portion. 
     
     
         3 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 2  wherein said pool is provided with at least one hydro-jet formed upon said seating area. 
     
     
         4 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 1  wherein said access means comprises a series of steps or a ramp. 
     
     
         5 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 4  wherein said access means is provided with at least one set of handrails. 
     
     
         6 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 1  wherein said pool body is formed as a unitary fiberglass pool structure. 
     
     
         7 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 1  further comprising an underwater treadmill disposed upon said pool floor of said pool body. 
     
     
         8 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 7  wherein said treadmill is provided with at least one handrail. 
     
     
         9 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 5  wherein said handrails comprise dual width handrails defining dissimilar widths. 
     
     
         10 . The multi-functional therapy pool of  claim 6  wherein said pool body is formed to have a generally rectangular shape wherein one side of said generally rectangular pool body provides said access means and said overflow gutter is formed on the upper peripheral edge of the three remaining sidewall portions of said generally rectangular pool body.