Paraffin bath

Abstract

A paraffin bath apparatus for melting paraffin used in therapeutic applications is disclosed. The paraffin bath apparatus comprises a housing having a base, a sidewall and upper opening. An inner tub is formed of a temperature resistant polymeric material is a generally cup shaped member having a bottom wall, an upstanding wall and an open top. The inner tub is received within the upper opening of the housing with the bottom wall of the inner tub overlying the base of the housing. The heating element is located between the inner tub and the housing for providing heat to the inner tub sufficient to melt the paraffin but below the temperature that would adversely affect the polymeric material forming inner tub. A thermostatic sensor is disposed between the inner tub and the housing and is electrically connected to the heating element to control the heat provided to the inner tub. A temperature indicating element may be provided in the inner tub and placed in contact with paraffin melted in the inner tub. The temperature indicating element provides a visual indication that the paraffin in the tub is within a predetermined temperature range and is visible through the melted paraffin.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A paraffin bath apparatus for melting paraffin comprising: 
 a housing having a base;    an inner tub being formed of a polymeric material having a bottom wall, an upstanding wall and an open top, the inner tub being received by the housing with the bottom wall overlying the base, paraffin is supplied to the inner tub wherein the open top of the inner tub and the housing have cooperating elements that align the open top and housing;    a set of fasteners are provided to secure the housing and the inner tub together; and    a heating element disposed between the inner tub and the housing.    
     
     
         2 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a metallic sheet is secured to the inner tub and generally disposed between the heating element and the housing.  
     
     
         3 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the heating element includes at least a base heating wire and a side heating wire.  
     
     
         4 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the cooperating elements comprise a flange and groove, wherein the flange is received within the groove to connect the housing and the inner tub.  
     
     
         5 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the housing further comprises a side wall and an upper opening, and wherein the fasteners secure the upper opening of the housing to the open top of the inner tub.  
     
     
         6 . The paraffin bath of  claim 5  wherein the fasteners are screws.  
     
     
         7 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the fasteners secure the housing and the inner tub together at the base.  
     
     
         8 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the fasteners are screws.  
     
     
         9 . A paraffin bath apparatus for melting paraffin comprising: 
 a housing having a base, a side wall and an upper opening;    an inner tub being formed of a polymeric material having a bottom wall, an upstanding wall and an open top, the inner tub being received within the upper opening of the housing with the bottom wall overlying the base, paraffin is supplied to the inner tub wherein the open top of the inner tub and the upper opening of the housing have cooperating elements that align the open top and upper opening about their periphery, the cooperative elements comprising a flange and groove to connect the housing and the inner tub;    a set of fasteners are provided to secure the housing and inner tub together; and    a heating element disposed between the inner tub and the housing.    
     
     
         10 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 9  wherein a metallic sheet is secured to the inner tub and generally disposed between the heating element and the housing.  
     
     
         11 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the heating element includes at least a base heating wire and a side heating wire.  
     
     
         12 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the fasteners secure the housing and the inner tub together at the upper opening.  
     
     
         13 . The paraffin bath of  claim 12  wherein the fasteners are screws.  
     
     
         14 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the fasteners secure the housing and the inner tub together at the base.  
     
     
         15 . The paraffin bath apparatus of  claim 14  wherein the fasteners are screws.