With Water-jet Means Patents (Class 4/492)
  • Patent number: 11885148
    Abstract: A pool aerator for pools with water recirculation circuit includes a hemispherical body and an atmospheric air intake pipe. The body of the aerator includes a rounded plastic object, having in the middle area a cylindrical portion, and at one end with a connecting means to the pool nozzle. The middle portion of the aerator body continues with a hemispherical dome. A Venturi tube made in the form of two intersected frustoconical spaces is positioned in the hemispherical dome. One of the intersected frustoconical spaces functions as an inlet and the other for mixing and discharging water mixed with air. The two axes of the intersected frustoconical spaces form an angle (?) between 10 and 20 degrees. The mixing hole communicates with a vertical cylindrical hole, in which the intake pipe is inserted by sliding, until the inner wall of the frustoconical hole is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Inventor: Octavian Paul Chivulescu
  • Patent number: 11759386
    Abstract: A massage nozzle includes a nozzle housing and a nozzle core detachably attached in the nozzle housing. The nozzle housing is split-type and includes a cover mounted in a hole of a wall of a hot tub, a nozzle seat and a fastener. The cover includes an end ring and a side wall extending from the end ring. The side wall is conformed with the hole. The nozzle seat includes an inlet and a spray end which has a surface conformed with the side wall. The nozzle seat passes through and detachably connects with the cover. The outer circumferential surface of the spray end contacts with an inner surface of the side wall. The fastener is detachably sleeved on the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle seat and cooperates with the cover to fix the nozzle seat to the hot tub. The installation is convenient and the cost is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Guangzhou Rising Dragon Recreation Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xuewen Liu, Huaibin Zhao
  • Patent number: 11702854
    Abstract: A spa having a rotomolded unibody shell defining a basin, an upper edge surrounding the basin, a peripheral wall, a cavity between the basin and the peripheral wall. The peripheral wall having at least one opening leading to the cavity. The spa including a frame, decoupled from the spa shell, in the form of a plurality of individual components introducible into the cavity within the shell via the opening in the shell, and assemblable to one another inside the shell. The frame including side beams and couplers in continuous abutment with the upper edge of the shell, offering a superior structure and support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: JÉRÔME FOY DESIGN INDUSTRIEL INC.
    Inventors: Jérôme Foy, Gaston Ouellet, Charles Goulet
  • Patent number: 11701674
    Abstract: A nozzle of a spray gun includes an outer part connected to the spray gun. The outer part includes a neck portion formed therein. A neck hole is formed through the neck portion. Multiple paths are defined through the neck portion. The neck portion divides the inner space of the outer part into a first room and a second room. A tube extends through the neck hole and the tube. A swing member is located in the first room and connected to the rear end of the tube. An inner part is located in the second room and connected to the front end of the tube. High pressure fluid is introduced into the first room to swing the swing member. The tube and the inner part swing with the swing member. The high pressure fluid enters into the second room via the paths and spray out from the outer part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Hui Bao Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan Pao Chen
  • Patent number: 11653630
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid moving devices (gas, liquid, or combination thereof). For example, particular devices of the present invention include drying devices, pumps, engines, motors, fans, and diffusers. Devices of the present invention also include display of mechanical movements for ornamental and practical purposes such as clock, model, or toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Inventor: Craig William Lundin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11534775
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a shower device for creating at least one water jet pattern with a structural assembly, with a nozzle assembly and with a lighting assembly. It is proposed that the structural assembly provides an exit opening for the emergence of the water discharged by the nozzle assembly and has an outer edge region running about the edge of the exit opening, that the exit opening during the shower operation is only partly occupied with emerging water at any given time, that the nozzle assembly is arranged distributed along at least a portion of the edge of the exit opening at the edge region and that the path of the water discharged by the nozzle assembly during the shower operation runs each time from the edge region in the direction of the exit opening and then through the exit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Dornbracht AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Michael Neumayr
  • Patent number: 11149455
    Abstract: An adjustable support for a provided swimming machine includes a movable assembly and a fixed assembly for adjusting the height of the provided swimming machine. The movable assembly is fixedly mounted to the provided swimming machine. The fixed assembly is attached to a pool wall of a provided swimming pool and selectively coupled to the movable assembly. One of the movable assembly or the fixed assembly includes a plurality of engaging portions, and the other of the movable assembly or the fixed assembly includes a limiting member that mates with at least one of the plurality of engaging portions. The movable assembly is switchable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The limiting member fixedly engages at least one of the plurality of engaging portions in the locked position. The limiting member is disengaged from the at least one of the plurality of engaging portion in the unlocked position, thereby providing for the movable assembly to move vertically relative to the fixed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Wenhau Hu, Qinliang Tan
  • Patent number: 11020315
    Abstract: A water jet assembly includes a faceplate with at least one opening, a housing constructed to cooperate with the faceplate, and a mover disposed within a chamber of the housing. The mover is configured to move between a first position adjacent the at least one opening of the face plate and a second position offset from the faceplate to provide a variable volume within the chamber. The water jet assembly also includes an exciter connected to the housing and configured to transition the mover between the first position and the second position to increase and decrease the volume to move fluid into and out of the chamber via the at least one opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Brooks Stevens, Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Konstantakis, Roberto Berritta, Ryan M. Damm, Steven M. Lippincott, Brian W Hubbard
  • Patent number: 10767355
    Abstract: A wall-mounted shower head holding structure includes a suction cup assembly capable of holding a shower head. The suction cup assembly includes a suction cup body and a retractable mechanism. The suction cup body can be retractably held to a front end of a wall-mounted main body through the retractable mechanism. When in use, the shower head is attached to and held at the front end of the suction cup assembly. It is quite convenient for use, and does not affect the use of the shower head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: PURITY (XIAMEN) SANITARY WARE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xiwen Yang, Jiayuan Huang, Xingchuan Ling, Guozhong Wu, Weisheng Wu, Jinlong Wu
  • Patent number: 10596439
    Abstract: An improved swim spa is described which has a tank having a head end and a foot end filled with water. A forward current is created by pumping equipment which directs the forward current from a head end of the tank, past a swimmer in the water to a foot end of the tank. The pumping equipment may be attached to a removable wall insert to which may be removed to allow easy repair and maintenance. The forward current allows the swimmer to swim in place. The width of the forward current is chosen to be at least twice its depth. A diverter at the foot end of the tank has a curved surface for redirecting the forward current toward the sidewalls and then back toward the head wall in a horizontal plane and downward and back toward the head wall in a vertical plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Inventor: David R. Livingston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10449434
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water flow control device for swimming training that includes a swimming training device and a main water inlet pipe and a main water outlet pipe. The swimming training device includes at least a swimming pump. The main water inlet pipe and the main water outlet pipe are connected with the swimming pump. The water inlet of the main water inlet pipe is communicated with a swimming pool and a water outlet of the main water outlet pipe is connected with a jet nozzle. A filter device includes at least a filter pump, a filter sterilization device. A filter water inlet pipe and a filter water outlet pipe are connected with the filter pump. The filter water inlet pipe is communicated with the swimming pool through the filter sterilization device and the filter water outlet pipe communicated with the main water inlet pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Shuiyong Huang, Wenhua Hu
  • Patent number: 10274122
    Abstract: A plumbing access cover, including: a circular base with a circular access opening and a first set of threads around the perimeter of the base; a faceplate comprising a second set of threads to interlock with the threads on the base, wherein the circular access opening is 3 to 7 inches in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Adam Danielson
  • Patent number: 10087644
    Abstract: A sprayer configured to provide an air-water mixture to a pool or spa. The sprayer includes an outlet module for spraying an air-water mixture into a water cavity of the pool, a suction module for suctioning ambient air into the outlet module, and a connecting pipe that connects the outlet module and the suction module. The sprayer may be concealed within an inflatable chamber of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Intex Marketing Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Yaw Yuan Hsu
  • Patent number: 9683560
    Abstract: A shallow fluid extractor is configured to remove a low level of a fluid from a designated area. The shallow fluid extractor includes a vacuum pump assembly further including an electrical power source connected to a vacuum and a pump. A pipe pick up assembly is configured within the designated area and connected to the vacuum pump assembly. When the low level of the fluid is reached the vacuum draws the fluid through the pipe pick up assembly into the vacuum pump assembly which is then pumped away by the vacuum pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Rau
  • Patent number: 9377147
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for improved multi-jet manifolds for spas, spa accessories and plumbing components are provided. A spa manifold with a first elongated pipe structure with a plurality of arms, a plurality of pipe segments sized to fit one or more of the first pipe arms, and a second elongated pipe structure with a plurality of arms is provided. A plurality of housing pipe segments attached to the remainder of the manifold is also provided, with the housing segments sized to house a jet and/or other spa accessories. A system for providing water and/or air to a grouping of jets and/or spa accessories through at least one manifold is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: B&S PLASTICS INC.
    Inventors: Brooks Hilton, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr., Par Dannas
  • Patent number: 9038208
    Abstract: A swimming pool with a circulating water flow includes a plurality of side walls adjacent a swimming compartment, one of the side walls including an outlet, at least one inlet positioned at each lateral side of the outlet, and a plenum arrangement on a side of the one wall opposite the swimming compartment. The plenum arrangement is in communication with each inlet and the outlet. A water propulsion device is positioned within the plenum arrangement and effects a pair of circuitous water flow paths within the swimming compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Master Spas, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Ferriss, Adam C. Riley
  • Patent number: 8984677
    Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool includes an insert and a piston having a nozzle. The piston is carried in the insert for reciprocal movement between a lowered position and a raised position in which the piston is in one of a plurality of indexed orientations and the nozzle is above the insert. The piston rotates to an adjacent indexed orientation in response to reciprocation of the piston between the raised and lowered positions in response to the cyclical application of water through the insert. Upper and lower engagement assemblies prevent rotational movement of the piston in the raised and lowered positions. The upper engagement assembly includes upper teeth, lower teeth, and channels formed in the upper teeth which guide the lower teeth through the upper teeth as the piston moves from the lowered position to the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pool Patch LLC
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Publication number: 20150074895
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a substantially laminar flow of water in a swim spa is includes providing a basin holding a fluid. The method includes circulating water from the basin through at least one laminar flow swim spa jet, creating a substantially laminar flow of the fluid directed from one end of the swim spa. Each of the at least one laminar flow swim spa jet comprises a plurality of parallel, cylindrical tubes that reduce turbulence from the fluid as the fluid passes through the plurality of parallel, cylindrical tubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: LMI IP, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Harder
  • Publication number: 20150059077
    Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool includes a floor and a number of walls defining a pool interior configured to receive water. A drawing board is integrally formed or otherwise coupled to the pool and includes a selectively inflatable frame configured to securely hold a drawing surface configured to enable a user of the pool to draw or write on the drawing board while playing in the pool. A drawing utensil may be provided with the drawing board such as a water soluble crayon. A water sprayer assembly may be integrally formed with or coupled to the pool and include a port connectable to a water source and configured to deliver water from the water source to a sprayer element configured to spray water into the pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp.
    Inventor: Jiachen Zhu
  • Patent number: 8905625
    Abstract: The high flow water return fitting of the present invention is designed to connect directly to the end of a water return pipe in a swimming pool, spa, or the like. Water return fittings have been available for many years and have the primary purpose of returning filtered water back into a swimming pool, spa, or the like. However, the water return fitting of the present invention does not only return water into the swimming pool, it also substantially increases the water outflow so that a greater area of water in the pool can be circulated or agitated. The present invention has a uniquely curved nozzle with a flat flange. Both the curvature of the nozzle and the flat flange promote the accumulation of water within the nozzle so as to build up pressure that then pushes the water out a small outlet hole at a greater rate than does a conventional water return fitting. The outflow from the nozzle then creates a low pressure condition within a mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Infusion Pool Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Warren Hartmann, Reza Afshar, Michael Steffen
  • Publication number: 20140331398
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pool jet fitting configured to direct flow of water in a closed loop pool pumping filtration system. The pool jet fitting may include a housing and a valve positioned in the housing. The housing may include a housing body that defines a bore that extends through the housing body. The valve may be positioned in the bore of the housing and may be configured to receive water flow from a water pump. The valve may define an adjustable opening having a dimension capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension and a second dimension to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water received from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Sean Walsh, James Patrick Mulhern
  • Publication number: 20140157507
    Abstract: A low gravity fed water system includes a housing having an inlet opening, a portion of the inlet opening disposed above the waterline and a portion of the inlet opening disposed below the waterline. The housing has an outlet opening disposed in the housing below the waterline in fluid communication with the plurality of jets. The housing has a vent opening disposed in the housing below the waterline. An upwardly-extending conduct is connectable at a first end to the vent opening, and has a second end disposed above the waterline in ambient air away from an inside surface of the housing and away from an inside surface of the tub. In the event of a blockage of the inlet opening, air is drawn into the housing via the conduit inhibiting a suction being drawn on the inlet opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Wesley O. Cox
  • Patent number: 8689370
    Abstract: A jet for a spa or bathing system that has a water flow modifier, where the water flow modifier is controlled independently from the flow rate of water through the jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen M. Fleischer
  • Patent number: 8671472
    Abstract: An air control and aromatherapy module for a jetted tub comprising an air control member having a body portion defining an intake opening, a scent container defining a scent opening, and a housing having a body portion. The scent container is positioned within the body portion of the air control member. The air control member and the scent container are at least partially disposed within the body portion of the housing. The air control member and the housing define a central passageway and the scent opening of the scent container is in fluid communication with the central passageway. A method of providing aromatherapy to a jetted tub is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: David M. Groner, Devin J. Callihan, Brian A. Milford
  • Patent number: 8646759
    Abstract: A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. One method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, to a fluid chamber connected a fitting; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid. Another method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, into an air entrapment chamber; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Jason International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cunningham, Eric Jackson, Remo C. Jacuzzi
  • Patent number: 8590071
    Abstract: A device for use in a swimming pool structure, the swimming pool structure including a circulation system having a piping assembly and a pump for cyclically communicating water through the piping assembly. The device includes an insert coupled in fluid communication to the piping assembly, a piston carried within the insert for reciprocal movement between a lowered position and a raised position in which the piston is above the insert, a nozzle in the piston is unobstructed, and the piston is in one of a plurality of indexed orientations. The piston rotates to an adjacent indexed orientation in response to reciprocation between the raised and lowered positions in response to the cyclical application of water through the chamber. Upper and lower engagement assemblies prevent rotational movement of the piston with respect to the insert in the raised and lowered positions of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pool Patch LLC
    Inventor: Thomas V. Lopez
  • Patent number: 8579266
    Abstract: A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. A micro bubble generating apparatus may include a housing body having a first fluid passage for a pressurized mixture of a liquid and a dissolved gas in a direction towards a fluid flow. An orifice member can be releasably engaged with the housing body and the orifice member may have a second fluid passage being disposed therein; and the second fluid passage being disposed at an angle with respect to the first fluid passage for generating a plurality of micro bubbles from the mixture; and an opening in the housing body for releasing the plurality of micro bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Jason International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Cunningham, Eric Jackson, Remo C. Jacuzzi
  • Patent number: 8533874
    Abstract: A pool cleaning system, method of designing a pool cleaning system and method of making a pool cleaning system comprising origin cleaning heads, transition cleaning heads and debris capture zones. Transition heads comprising net water flow vectors may be positioned to establish net water flow in the direction of one or more debris capture zones. Transition heads may comprise incrementally rotating pool cleaning head assemblies or a recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly configured to establish the net water flow. Cleaning head structure may comprise a slidably rotatable reverser between upper and lower portions of a cam assembly, the slidably rotatable reverser adjustable between first and second positions such that an incrementally rotating stem slidably mounted to the cam assembly incrementally rotates clockwise when the reverser is in its first position and counter clockwise when the reverser is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Publication number: 20130185863
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a pool jet fitting can include a housing and a redirector coupled to the housing. The housing can include a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body along a first direction. The bore is configured to receive a water flow. The redirector is disposed within the bore of the housing. The redirector can define an opening through which the water flow moves. The redirector can include an actuator that is configured to automatically move the opening from a first configuration to a second configuration upon application of heat to the water flow by a heater. The water flow through the opening has a first trajectory when the opening is in the first configuration and a second trajectory when the opening is in the second configuration. The second trajectory is different than the first trajectory relative to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: James Mulhern, Sean Walsh
  • Patent number: 8458825
    Abstract: A jet assembly has internals rotatably and releaseably fit to a jet body, such as that for a spa. The internals have a barrel housing, a rotor and a barrel inlet. The internals as screwed into the jet body. A first threaded portion outside the barrel threadably engages second threaded portion inside the jet body wherein the internals have delimited rotation therein to align and misalign the barrel inlet from a body inlet on the jet body to control flow on and off respectively. The threaded portion within the jet body can be a locking ring affixed therein by fasteners or integral with the jet body. Rotation can be delimited by a projection on the barrel and a cooperating annular delimiting surface on the locking ring, such as circumferentially-spaced detents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Guangzhou Rising Dragon Electronics & Plastics Technology Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xue Wen Peng, John Keirstead, Kerry Harbarenko, Joe Hoover, Xue Wen Liu
  • Patent number: 8406932
    Abstract: An embodiment of a spa control system includes a heater, a pump for circulating water through the pump, one or more sensors for monitoring temperature, and an electronic controller coupled to the heater, pump and sensor(s) for controlling the heater and pump based on the rate of change in temperature at the sensor(s). A method of controlling a heater in a spa with a spa control system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrell P. Hollaway
  • Publication number: 20130061383
    Abstract: The high flow water return fitting of the present invention is designed to connect directly to the end of a water return pipe in a swimming pool, spa, or the like. Water return fittings have been available for many years and have the primary purpose of returning filtered water back into a swimming pool, spa, or the like. However, the water return fitting of the present invention does not only return water into the swimming pool, it also substantially increases the water outflow so that a greater area of water in the pool can be circulated or agitated. The present invention has a uniquely curved nozzle with a flat flange. Both the curvature of the nozzle and the flat flange promote the accumulation of water within the nozzle so as to build up pressure that then pushes the water out a small outlet hole at a greater rate than does a conventional water return fitting. The outflow from the nozzle then creates a low pressure condition within a mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Warren Hartmann, Reza Afshar, Michael Steffen
  • Patent number: 8392027
    Abstract: A spa control system that measures the flow of water through the heater and accurately reports water temperature in the spa using only one solid-state sensor in the heater. The rate of flow is determined by energizing the pump, with the heater still de-energized, and observing the rate in which the moving water cools the inside of the heater. If there is no circulation of water through the heater, the temperature of the sensor will continue to rise from the energy applied when the heater was briefly energized. This rise will be quite significant and a clear indication of a flow problem. If the flow is found to be adequate, the heater will be energized for a normal period of time. The sensor is now carefully monitored for a sudden increase in temperature, which would indicate loss of a normal flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerrell P. Hollaway
  • Publication number: 20130031711
    Abstract: Disclosed is a pool jet fitting configured to direct flow of water in a closed loop pool pumping filtration system. The pool jet fitting may include a housing, and a valve positioned in the housing. The housing may include a housing body that defines a bore that extends through the housing body. The housing body may include a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount. The valve may be positioned in the bore of the housing and may be configured to receive water flow from a water pump. The valve may define an adjustable opening having a dimension capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension and a second dimension to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water received from the pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Sean Walsh, James Patrick Mulhern
  • Patent number: 8250682
    Abstract: A pool and spa plumbing adapter to relocate existing directional water flow plumbing fittings to new positions to accommodate new surfacing overlaid on the existing pool or spa surface. The adapter provides for a threaded engagement with existing plumbing and has a shoulder portion providing a visual cue for proper rotational translation of the adapter into the existing plumbing fitting to accommodate the new surface layer. A sealing ring can be provided extending above the shoulder portion to prevent fluid passage between the new surface and the adapter and to prevent rotation of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventors: Olaf W. Mjelde, Wade H. Arens, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8214935
    Abstract: Pop-up fountain embodiments are provided which successfully combine aesthetics, utility and ease of installation and are thus especially suited for installation into spas, hot tubs, pools and the like. Different embodiments include a fountain body and a fountain valve which is slidingly received in the body. The valve terminates in a cap which substantially fills an aperture of the body when the valve is in a quiescent position. Applied water pressure forces the valve into an energized position where the form of the valve directs water laterally in an aesthetically-pleasing pattern. The valve preferably includes a deflector which is arranged below the cap and configured to control and enhance the lateral deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymundo Colin
  • Publication number: 20120131741
    Abstract: Combinable and interchangeable water features used on a standard universal mounting system to create the desired color, style, jet, directional flow, filter, light, return fittings, or other water feature for a pool or spa. Some water features include removably attached and rotatable male receptor and female receiver connections to create a variety of water effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: California Pools
    Inventors: Vanz Mark Steimle, Gary Minor
  • Publication number: 20120124732
    Abstract: A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base has a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by a plurality of air passages that includes a first air passage that has a plurality of small bubble openings, and a second air passage that has a plurality of large bubble openings. The small bubble openings eject bubbles that are smaller in size than the bubbles ejected from the large bubble openings. The spa pool assembly can also include a bubble controller that controls the ejection of bubbles from the small bubble openings and the large bubble openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: IDEAL TIME CONSULTANTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Vincent W.S. Lau
  • Patent number: 8108955
    Abstract: A motor with nozzle for a massage bathtub includes a cover, a silica gel ring, a water separator, at least one vent silica gel, at least one removable nozzle, a butterfly bolt, a propeller, a seat, and a motor. The seat is installed by an air inflow pipe, and air outlets and lamp holes are formed therein. A center axle of the motor is scaled from water and a connecting hole is formed on an end of the center axle. The butterfly bolt is screwed to the connecting hole to fix the propeller. The water separator is installed above the propeller and the vent silica gel and the removable nozzle are installed to the water separator. The cover is covered onto the seat of a motor body through the silica gel ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Egis Bathware Development Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Li-Fu Yu
  • Patent number: 8095998
    Abstract: A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base has a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by at least one air passage. A hose delivers air from outside the pool to the air passage, with the hose extending partially inside the enclosing wall and having a U-shaped section extending outside the enclosing wall at a vertical level that is higher than the top of the enclosing wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ideal Time Consultants Limited
    Inventor: Vincent W. S. Lau
  • Patent number: 8092410
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet includes a jet body having an open upstream end and an open downstream end and defining a flow path between the open upstream end and open downstream end, a flapper disposed within the flow path, the flapper having upstream flapper and downstream flapper ends and rotatably connected to the jet body at the upstream flapper end to rotatably oscillate about the upstream flapper end when a stream of water is introduced from upstream to downstream through the flow path and a head spoiler formed on the downstream flapper end to reduce the frequency of oscillation of the flapper wherein a stream of water pulsating effect is felt by a user of the jet apparatus adjacent the open downstream end as the flapper rotatably oscillates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymundo Colin
  • Patent number: 8056155
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 8042200
    Abstract: The wave-generating apparatus in accordance with the invention has a pool (11) having a deeper area (12) surrounding a substantially central area (13); a pool edge (15) bounding the pool; a body (16) having a wave-generating shaped surface (22) located within the pool adjacent the pool edge and moveable along the pool edge relative thereto to generate a wave (17) in the water in the pool, and impeller means (18) generating a current in the water in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Liquid Time Pty, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gregory Mark Webber
  • Patent number: 7979924
    Abstract: Methods of cleaning a swimming pool using a swimming pool cleaning head. A first method may include intermittently raising a nozzle head under water and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise. A second method may include rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: GSG Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Goettl
  • Patent number: 7971286
    Abstract: A modular occupant bench unit for use in a swimming pool formed from a plurality of contiguous modular wall panels joined end-to-end to define a pool enclosure having a vertical perimeter wall includes a vertical wall having opposite ends adapted to be joined with contiguous wall panels and being substantially coplanar with the vertical walls of the wall panels and an elongate bench protruding from the vertical wall between the top and bottom thereof into the pool substantially beyond the plane formed by the vertical wall of the pool, the upper side of the bench defining an occupant seating area and the underside being spaced from the floor of the pool. A plurality of hydrotherapy jets are spaced apart along the vertical wall above the upper side of said bench and below the water line of the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Fox Pool Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Dillen, II, Robert E. Seitz
  • Publication number: 20110004993
    Abstract: A swimming pool designed for stationary swimming uses Venturi-based eductor jets to generate a forceful water flow augmented by entrained pool water drawn from within the pool enclosure. The eductor jets use the kinetic energy of the inlet flow to entrain the low-pressure pool water, completely mix the two, and then discharge the mixture as an augmented outlet flow. The energy from the motive inlet flow is transferred to the entrained pool water via the Venturi effect. As the motive inlet water passes through a tapered nozzle in the eductor jet, kinetic energy increases and pressure decreases. This produces a Venturi effect which draws surrounding pool water into the Venturi orifice of the eductor jet. Consequently, the volume of the outlet flow from the eductor jets is 3 to 5 times the volume of the inlet flow. A larger and more powerful stream of water is thereby discharged into the pool enclosure and provides optimal resistance for in-place swimming in an energy-efficient manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: Hans Frei
  • Publication number: 20100269251
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for generating a current used during swim-in-place exercise. Current-generating apparatus can comprise a discharge device having at least 20 spaced-apart, fluid discharge openings comprising a plurality of perimeter openings, where the area defined by the perimeter openings is in the range of from about 0.5 to about 20 square feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Robert DeMotts
  • Publication number: 20100058528
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a current in a pool, the apparatus including: a) a shell including an upwardly extending intake chamber in fluid communication with the pool, the intake chamber having a liquid intake zone located in a lower end of the intake chamber; b) an axial pump having an upstream suction-side and a downstream discharge-side, the pump located at an upper end of the intake chamber, the pump having a guide means arranged to direct liquid to flow longitudinally in the discharge-side channel substantially without swirling, the guide means being located downstream of the pumping element; and c) drive means adapted to drive the drive shaft, wherein driving the drive shaft produces a discharge of liquid through the discharge-side outlet, to create a current in the pool for a swimmer to swim against.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Clarey
  • Publication number: 20090293188
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy apparatus used with a pool includes a hydrotherapy jet having an inlet and an outlet through which a pressurized water jet is expelled. A mounting structure immerses the hydrotherapy jet into water in the pool and is adjustable for moving the hydrotherapy jet into different positions to direct a water jet against different parts of the body of a person in the pool. A floating recliner supports a user of almost any size in a seated or reclining position while at least partially immersed in the water in the pool. A water circulation system pumps water in the pool into the inlet and out the outlet of the hydrotherapy jet to provide the pressurized water jet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Wirchak
  • Publication number: 20090133187
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wakeboard-only artificial pool system. The system includes an artificial pool. A model boat is installed at a front position in the artificial pool and is rotatably coupled at a lower end and both sides thereof to support members such that an inclination of the model boat can be adjusted and the adjusted angle can be maintained, while the model boat is supported during wakeboarding. A high-speed injection means produces a wake under the lower portion of the model boat as if water were colliding with the front of the operating model boat, and sprays water on the lower end of a bow of the model boat at high speed, thus creating a current on the surface of the artificial pool so as to help a user float on water. A circulation means circulates water fed into and discharged from the artificial pool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Jung-Han Kim, Jung-Sik Lee