Spa lighting system

Abstract

Techniques and systems for removing moisture from behind an illuminated panel on a spa. In one exemplary implementation, a panel is attached to a sidewall of a spa seating area. A light source is used to illuminate the panel, in which the light source can be attached to the panel. An air vent is connected to the spa to allow moisture to evaporate from behind the panel, in which one end of the air vent may be connected to the atmosphere outside of the spa. The panel can be flush mounted inside of the sidewall, and the panel can be located within a recess area of the sidewall. The panel can be formed of a translucent material, and the panel can be located at a waterline area to indicate a recommended level to fill the spa with water. The panel can include a logo, a design, or an inscription.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/632,512, filed on Dec. 1, 2004, entitled “Spa Lighting System,” by Victor Lee Walker, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Lighting can be an important part of spa design. For example, one feature that is currently being marketed in the spa/hot tub/pool (referred to generically herein as “spa”) industry is a lighted enhancement. Some spas provide at least one incandescent light as a standard add-on part, inside of the product design, for enhanced function, safety and aesthetic reasons. Some spas may include light control panels or some bartop controls, such as valves. Still, other spas may include fiber optic light systems to create large displays of light along the bartop.

These lighted enhancements to spas can be combined with water features such as jets or waterfalls. The lighted enhancements may also be used for other reasons, such as for accent or functional lighting, and/or for marketing or promotional lighting effects. For example, sometimes the lighting can be used for product branding and identifying a particular brand of spa.

The spa lights can be functional, as well as aesthetically pleasing, and can add value to the product design. For example, some lights can be used to create different settings or “moods” inside of the spa. The spa lighting may be controlled by a control panel, in which the light may be controlled manually with a manual switch or automatically with a microprocessor. Spas, by nature, can also create a very intimate setting because of their size, close seating arrangement, warm water temperature and aeration, and their predominantly nighttime use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides methods, structures, and apparatus that implement techniques for a spa lighting system.

In one general aspect, the techniques feature an apparatus that includes a panel attached to a spa, a light source to illuminate the panel, and an air vent connected to the spa to allow moisture to evaporate from behind the panel. One end of the air vent is connected to an atmosphere outside of the spa.

Advantageous implementations can include one or more of the following features. The panel can be a translucent panel. The light source can be positioned behind the panel to illuminate light into an area that is at least partially inside of the spa, such as spa seating area. The panel can be of a certain color, and may be an acrylic tile panel. The light source can include a light-emitting diode (LED), an optical fiber, and/or an incandescent light. The panel can be flush mounted inside of a spa sidewall, and the panel can be located within a recess of a spa wall. The panel may have a water-tight connection with the spa sidewall such that water from the inside of a spa seating area is prevented from reaching an area behind the panel. The panel can include a logo, design, and/or an inscription. The air vent can have a second end that is connected with an area behind the plate where the moisture is likely to form.

In another general aspect, a method for removing moisture includes attaching a translucent plate to a waterline area at a spa seating area, in which the translucent plate is configured for illumination. The method includes attaching an opening of a first end of an air vent tube to an area behind the translucent plate where moisture is likely to form, and attaching an opening of a second end of the air vent tube to an outside atmosphere of the spa.

Advantageous implementations of the method can include one or more of the following features. The waterline area can be positioned at an area to indicate a recommended level to fill the spa with water. The attaching may involve flush mounting the plate in a sidewall of the spa, and the plate can be mounted at a recess area of a spa shell. The flush mounting can involve a watertight seal around the plate to prevent water from inside of the spa seating area from leaking behind the plate.

The method may involve positioning the plate to form a first air space between the back of the plate and the sidewall of the spa, creating at least one hole in the side wall of the spa at the first air space, creating a second air space behind the sidewall of the spa at the at least one hole, in which the second air space encapsulates the at least one hole, and attaching the opening of the first end of the air vent tube to the second air space. The method may also involve surrounding a length of the air vent tube with foam insulation. The one or more holes can have a diameter and a position such that the one or more holes are not visible to a spa user inside of the spa seating area. The plate can be illuminated with a light source, in which the light source can be a light-emitting diode (LED), an incandescent light, and/or an optical fiber. The plate can be illuminated with a low light intensity to illuminate an area in proximity with the inside of the spa seating area. The method may involve engraving a design, an image, a text inscription, and/or a logo on the plate.

In another general aspect, a system includes a panel attached approximately at a waterline area at a spa seating area, a light source connected to the panel to illuminate the panel, and an air vent tube connected at an area behind the panel to allow moisture to evaporate from behind the panel to an atmosphere outside of the spa.

Advantageous implementations of the system can include the following features. The system may also include a recess area located at a sidewall of the spa for flush mounting of the panel, in which the area behind the panel includes a first air space between the backside of the plate and the sidewall of the spa. The system may have at least one hole in the sidewall of the spa at the first air space, and a second air space behind the sidewall of the spa at the at least one hole. The second air space may encapsulate the hole, in which the opening of the first end of an air vent tube is connected to the second air space.

The techniques described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages. For example, the spa lighting system can be used to indicate to a spa user a level that the spa should be filled with water. The spa lighting system can be used to create a mood or ambiance in the spa. The lighted panel can be engraved with a logo or design to indicate a company or spa branding. Similarly, the lighted panel can be engraved and personalized with a design or text inscription from the spa user. In some implementations, an acrylic plate can be used to provide the benefits of durability and translucence, as well as being easy to clean and maintain. The spa lighting system can employ air venting to remove any water vapor, such as moisture or condensation, from behind the lighted panel to prevent mold, mildew, structural damage, electrical damage, and/or operational damage from occurring to the spa, lighted panel, and/or control panel of the spa. The exemplary moisture removal method can also help the light from the lighted panel from becoming obscured, dimmed, or blocked from moisture, and can allow uniform light distribution.

The details of one or more embodiments of the spa lighting disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings, claims, and the description below. Other features and advantages of the spa lighting disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a view of an exemplary spa lighting system.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of the exemplary spa lighting system.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of the exemplary spa lighting system.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the exemplary spa lighting system.

FIG. 5A illustrates the exemplary spa lighting system partially submerged in water in a spa.

FIG. 5B illustrates the exemplary spa lighting system partially submerged in water in a spa.

FIG. 6 illustrates the exemplary spa lighting system partially submerged in water in a spa and the lighting effects on the water.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary tile-line logo having a venting tube for moisture removal.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary tile-line logo having a venting tube for moisture removal.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings may indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A lighting system for a spa is described and illustrated herein. FIGS. 1-4 show an exemplary implementation of a spa lighting system 100. FIG. 1 shows a view of an exemplary spa lighting system 100. FIG. 2 shows a front view of the exemplary spa lighting system 100. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the exemplary spa lighting system 100, and FIG. 4 shows a side view of the exemplary spa lighting system 100.

The spa lighting system 100, also referred to herein as a “tile-line logo,” includes a structure that can be fixably attached (i.e., fixated, attached, glued, sealed, fastened, or mounted) to a spa. The spa lighting system 100 may be located anywhere in the spa, but may be generally in the area of the water line of the spa and/or near the top of a seating area. The spa seating area can generally refer to anywhere seating is available for the spa. In some implementations, the spa lighting system 100 may be located in a center seating area of the spa. The spa lighting system 100 can include an engraved design or logo 115 to indicate a product, a company brand, or a personalized spa-user inscription. The spa lighting system 100 can include one or more illumination devices, such as lights, LEDs, and/or fiber optics, to illuminate the system 100, the water around the system 100, and/or the surrounding spa area. In addition to providing illumination, the light from the illumination device in the spa lighting system 100 can be used to set a mood or ambiance in the spa.

In one exemplary implementation, the spa lighting system 100 can create a soft, candle-like glow (i.e., a low luminescence) at a recommended water level in the spa. In some implementations, the spa lighting system 100 may include an acrylic plate, such as an acrylic plate of a size no greater than ten inches in length, to give the spa user an indicator for a recommended water level inside of the spa. Use of the acrylic plate provides the advantages of being durable, easy to clean and maintain, and translucent. The acrylic plate may be made of one or more colors, such as a blue tint color. Alternatively, the light source illuminating the plate may emit one or more colors. Because the spa lighting system 100 may be positioned at a waterline in the spa, the user can know to how much water should be used to fill the spa. For example, the user will know to fill the spa up to an area around the location of the spa lighting system 100.

In one exemplary implementation, the spa lighting system 100 is illuminated using one or more light-emitting diode (LED) lights that are under the operation of a control system for the spa. FIG. 3 shows that the LEDs can be mounted inside an opening 110 of the spa lighting system 100 to project light towards the front side of the lighted panel 115. Conventional spas may not promote the use of lights as mood lighting because, inter alia, mood-setting lights are not offered, controls are not often offered for the mood-setting lights, and/or because the conventional spas do not have controls to distinguish between the mood-setting lights and the other types of lights in the spa. In an exemplary implementation, the lights of the spa lighting system 100 can be turned on with all of the other lights inside of the spa, or can be turned on by separately to create a very romantic “mood setting” light. The ability to turn on just the lighted panel can create a romantic setting or “mood” inside of the spa.

LED lights can be used in the system 100 to provide the advantages of long bulb life and minimal heat dissipation. In some implementations, multiple LED lights can cycle through shades or tints of a single color, or a range of different colors to help to create a number of different mood settings in the spa. The lighted panel 115 may emit an intimate, soft glow from the LED lights. In some implementations, the lighted panel 115 can emit just enough light for users of the spa to see one another.

The lighted panel 115 of the system 100 is engraved with a logo. In other implementations, the lighted panel 115 can be engraved with a company name, design, or a personalized inscription. The engraving of the lighted panel 115 can be generated by milling the lighted panel 115. To maximize the lighting effect of the system, a beveled bit can be used for the milling. The lighting enhancements at or around the lighted panel 115 can be formed into a desired shape, and can provide a warm aesthetic appeal.

The lighted panel 115 can promote the branding of the spa or company, while providing a useful feature for the end customer. When the lighted panel 115 is lit, particularly at night, the light emitting through the panel 115 creates a dramatic image of a logo, or any other type of graphic or text, in both the water and in the acrylic

In another exemplary implementation, the spa lighting system 100 includes a panel mounted in a recess located at the water line of the spa. The water line may refer to a depth, or range of depths, at which the spa is recommended to be filled with water for the most effective and efficient use of the spa. Typically, spas may include a line of block tiles at the water line. FIG. 5A shows an exemplary implementation in which the system 100 is installed at the same level as the other block tiles of the spa 550. When the spa is filled with water, the system 100 can be positioned partially under water, as shown in FIG. 5B.

In accordance with one exemplary implementation, a lighted panel 115 is formed of 0.25″ acrylic material that has been computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) cut into a company logo and name. Any thickness of any at least partially-translucent material can be used. The lighted panel 115 is then bent to form two wings (as shown in FIG. 4), in which the LED lights are placed within the wings. The lighted panel 115 can use two embedded “3-in-1” red-green-blue (RGB) LEDs, and can be connected with the spa's light system. The “3-in-1” red-green-blue (RGB) LEDs refer to LEDs that have three different light intensity settings. The “3-in-1” LEDs may or may not be controlled separately from other types of lights in the spa. The lights in the lighted panel 115 can be energized with a power source, such as a low-voltage DC power source.

When the lights are turned on, as shown in the exemplary implementation of FIG. 6, the lighted panel 115 can create an illuminated image 650 that reflects in the water of the spa. The milling of the logo in the lighted panel 115 is done with a beveled bit to maximize the LED or fiber optic lighting effects. In some implementations, the lighted panel 115 can have a color wheel and/or several solid colors. The acrylic of the lighted panel 115, or other translucent material, can be tinted with one or more colors color, such as a slight blue color. The light tint can provide the system 100 with a dry or non-powered appearance.

In some implementations, the spa lighting system 100 can be positioned in a wall inside of the spa that is directly opposite an upper control panel of the spa. This spa lighting system 100 position provides the benefit of being in the center of the spa to help with the distribution of light, as well as prominently displaying the branding of the spa.

A conventional spa lighting system may incorporate a logo or text on the spa control panel. Typically, logos or control panels in the post-manufacturing market are susceptible for condensation or moisture to accumulate under or behind the logo and/or the control panel. As a result of this condensation or water accumulation, mold, mildew, structural damage, electrical damage, and operational damage can occur to the logo, control panel, and/or the spa itself. Moreover, light from the control panel can be obscured, dimmed, or blocked from the condensation. The water vapor may also interfere with the aesthetics of the spa and lighting system.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary spa lighting system 700 having a venting configuration for condensation/moisture removal. The spa lighting system 700 can be configured for moisture to be removed behind and/or around the spa lighting system 700. The spa shell 730 is configured to include the lighted panel 710 (or logo) in a small recess to project light inside the spa seating area. The lighted panel 710 can be an acrylic, translucent plate. The spa shell 730 behind the lighted panel 710 has one or more vent hole openings 720 to allow air to circulate between the space behind the acrylic tile line 710 and the air pocket 740 inside of the spa walls. The air pocket 740 is connected to a vent tube 750, in which the vent tube is connected to the outer wall of the spa (outer spa wall not shown). The vent tube 750 allows air to circulate between the air pocket 740 and the atmosphere outside of the spa. With an air space behind the lighted panel 710, venting holes 720 in the spa shell 730 to allow air to pass between the air space and the air pocket 740, a venting tube 750 through spa insulation to allow air to pass between the air pocket 740 and the atmosphere outside the spa, water vapor and condensation are dissipated through evaporation and air circulation.

In some implementations, the lighted panel 710 is mounted inside of the spa wall such the surface of the inner spa shell 730 and the lighted panel 710 are flush mounted and are in the same plane. A watertight seal is formed between the lighted panel 710 and the spa shell 730 to prevent water from inside of the spa from leaking behind or under the lighted panel and/or behind or under the spa shell 730. In some implementations, a lighted panel is applied to the top surface of the spa shell, in addition to or instead of the sidewall of spa. The ability to reduce and eliminate the accumulation of water vapor or moisture from behind the logo can allow for better lighting consistency and uniform light distribution.

FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary spa lighting system 800 having a venting means for condensation/moisture removal. In FIG. 8, an air space 810 behind the spa shell is provided with a rigid air pocket material 860. The air pocket material 860 can be a material that is easily shapeable, such as a foam core or cardboard. The air space 810 encapsulates the venting holes 830 that are drilled in the recess of the spa shell. In some implementations, the venting holes 830 can been sized and placed such that the holes are not visible, yet are of sufficient size and number to allow for adequate venting of the moisture in the design. Moisture, water vapor, and/or condensation can evaporate from behind the lighted panel 820 via air circulation using the air from the air vent tube 870 in the foam insulation 850 to the external environment of the spa.

One of the beneficial features of the system is the flexibility to personalize the design of the logo or inscription on the lighted panel. Any design, picture, inscription, or phrase on the lighted panel can be computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) milled and illuminated. As a result, the spa customer can order a spa and have a phrase, such as a sports or school team, or their family name milled. This design flexibility can allow the spa customer to customize their spa to give it a personal and custom appearance.

Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. Other embodiments may be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a panel attached to a spa;

a light source to illuminate the panel; and

an air vent connected to the spa to allow moisture to evaporate from behind the panel, wherein one end of the air vent is connected to an atmosphere outside of the spa.

2. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a translucent panel.

3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the light source is positioned behind the panel to illuminate light into a spa seating area.

4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a color, and wherein the panel comprises an acrylic tile panel.

5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the light source comprises any of a light-emitting diode (LED), an optical fiber, or an incandescent light.

6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the panel is flush mounted inside of a spa sidewall, and wherein the panel is located within a recess of a spa wall.

7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein the panel comprises a water-tight connection with the spa wall such that water from the inside of a spa seating area is prevented from reaching an area behind the panel.

8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the panel comprises any of a logo, design, or an inscription.

9. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the air vent comprises a second end that is connected with an area behind the plate where the moisture is likely to form.

10. A method for removing moisture, the method comprising:

attaching a translucent plate to a waterline area at a spa seating area, wherein the translucent plate is configured for illumination;

attaching an opening of a first end of an air vent tube to an area behind the translucent plate where moisture is likely to form; and

attaching an opening of a second end of the air vent tube to an outside atmosphere of the spa.

11. The method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the waterline area is positioned at an area to indicate a recommended level to fill the spa with water.

12. The method in accordance with claim 10, wherein the attaching comprises flush mounting the plate in a sidewall of the spa, and wherein in the plate is mounted at a recess area of a spa shell.

13. The method in accordance with claim 11, wherein the flush mounting comprises a watertight seal around the plate to prevent water from inside of the spa seating area from leaking behind the plate.

14. The method in accordance with claim 10, further comprising:

positioning the plate to form a first air space between the back of the plate and the sidewall of the spa;

creating at least one hole in the side wall of the spa at the first air space;

creating a second air space behind the sidewall of the spa at the at least one hole, wherein the second air space encapsulates the at least one hole; and

attaching the opening of the first end of the air vent tube to the second air space.

15. The method in accordance with claim 14, further comprising surrounding a length of the air vent tube with foam insulation, and wherein the at least one hole comprises a diameter and a position such that the at least one hole is not visible to a spa user inside of the spa seating area.

16. The method in accordance with claim 10, further comprising illuminating the plate with a light source, wherein the light source comprises any of a light-emitting diode (LED), an incandescent light, or an optical fiber.

17. The method in accordance with claim 10, further comprising illuminating the plate with a low light intensity to illuminate an area in proximity with the inside of the spa seating area.

18. The method in accordance with claim 10, further comprising engraving any of a design, an image, a text inscription, or a logo on the plate.

19. A system comprising:

a panel attached approximately at a waterline area at a spa seating area;

a light source connected to the panel to illuminate the panel; and

an air vent tube connected at an area behind the panel to allow moisture to evaporate from behind the panel to an atmosphere outside of the spa.

20. The system in accordance with claim 19, further comprising:

a recess area located at a sidewall of the spa for flush mounting of the panel, wherein the area behind the panel comprises a first air space between the backside of the plate and the sidewall of the spa;

at least one hole in the sidewall of the spa at the first air space; and

a second air space behind the sidewall of the spa at the at least one hole, wherein the second air space encapsulates the at least one hole, wherein the opening of the first end of an air vent tube is connected to the second air space.