Means For Agitating Or Circulating Water In A Tub Patents (Class 4/541.1)
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Patent number: 7290298Abstract: A massage pad for a bath includes a cushion having multiple protrusions formed at a top side of the cushion. Multiple suction cups are formed at a bottom side of the cushion. A joint is formed on the cushion. Multiple conduits are communicated with the joint and each has multiple apertures defined through a top surface of the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Inventor: Li-Ying Lin
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Patent number: 7218746Abstract: A spa speaker system is disclosed having a housing with a speaker mounted within it. The housing is movably mounted to a track with the housing extendible and retractable from the top of the track. A spring is arranged to urge the housing to extend from the top of the track. A latching mechanism is operable to hold the housing in its retracted position and is thereafter operable to release the housing. The housing extends from the track when the housing is released by the latching mechanism. A system for providing audio to a reservoir of water is also disclosed. The system comprises a reservoir shell capable of holding water and at least one speaker system according to the invention mounted to said reservoir shell above the water line. Each of the speaker systems is independently extendible from the shell.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.Inventors: Darrell Schmidt, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr., Michael D. Holtsnider, Raymond Colin, Stephen L. Samuels
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Patent number: 7203977Abstract: A fill and drain hydromassage water vessel having an acrylic surface, resin and fiberglass backing and antimicrobial in components of the water vessel system. The antimicrobial reduces bacteria in the water vessel system.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Jr., Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden
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Patent number: 7194774Abstract: A plenum chamber mounted to the underside of a filter cover of a portable spa provides a source of constant water flow for a waterfall. The plenum chamber is fed by a line from a water flow system of the portable spa. The plenum chamber has a shaped exit that causes a predetermined waterfall effect. A light source located at the shaped exit lights up the waterfall. Another light source is located in the filter housing to create backdrop lighting for the waterfall. The light sources are preferably fiber optic or arrays.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing CorporationInventor: Neil Bergstrom
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Patent number: 7191998Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting an electric water pump adjacent the exterior wall of a bathtub or the like. The pump is fitted with mounting brackets having hooks and a separate mounting stand is provided to received those hooks and thus secure the pump at a desired location. The stand comprises an integral bottom plate and vertical plate preferably at right angles to one another. The vertical plate has numerous hook hanger slots located virtually from the bottom to the top of the plate and provided in numerous columns and rows to receive the hooks on the pump mounting plates. On the illustrated embodiment of the vertical plate there are 90 such hook hanger slots distributed in two spaced sections. A first section receives two hooks from one of the pump mounting brackets and a second section receives two hooks from another of the pump mounting brackets.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Inventors: Philip E. Chalberg, Patrick B. Healy
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Patent number: 7178178Abstract: A peripheral device for a spa makes use of inductance for power and/or control. In an embodiment, a peripheral device includes a magnetic field source positioned in a region on an externally facing side of a spa shell and configured to generate a first magnetic field. The peripheral device includes a peripheral module, such as a light or other feature. The module includes an inductor configured to generate a second magnetic field based on the first magnetic field, a converter configured to convert the second magnetic field into a current, and a peripheral feature configured to be powered by the current.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Dimension One SpasInventor: Brent Mark Hutchings
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Patent number: 7168107Abstract: A spa apparatus and method for cleaning the same are disclosed. The spa apparatus includes a basin for retaining fluid, a removable foot rest plate positioned within the basin, an impeller coupled to the basin, and a motor drivably coupled to the impeller.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: European Touch Holdings, Inc.Inventor: David J. Gruenwald
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Patent number: 7146659Abstract: A fill and drain jetted hydromassage whirlpool bathtub having a tub made of acrylic, resin and fiberglass. The whirlpool bathtub having a water system with drain down water features and components made of a material having an antimicrobial therein. Bacteria reduction occurs in the water vessel system where the antimicrobial is therein. The non-porous acrylic surface, the drain down features and the antimicrobial surfaces provide an economic sanitation level for hydromassage jetted whirlpool bathtub.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Jr., Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden
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Patent number: 7112768Abstract: A temperature control system for a bathing unit that includes a water holding receptacle and a heating module. The temperature control system comprises a plurality of actuators associated to the heating module and a temperature regulation device in communication with the actuators. The plurality of actuators are adapted for acquiring a first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a non-heating state and a second set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a heating state. The temperature regulation device is operative for controlling the plurality of actuators to cause the heating module to acquire either one of the heating state or the non-heating state and for selecting a configuration from the first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire the non-heating state. Alternatively, the temperature control system includes a solid state device associated with the heating module.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: 9090-3493 Quebec Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard, Benoit Laflamme
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Patent number: 7108202Abstract: The structure of swirl generator for liquid includes a motor with a head affixed to a swirl generator. The bearing seat of the swirl generator forms a fixation section, allowing the swirl extension to be affixed to the inside of the bearing seat easier and quicker, and installing the water guide cover at the opening of the bearing seat. Therefore, the swirl generator structure has advantages of easy assembly and decomposition for repair.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Inventor: Hong-Jun Chang
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Patent number: 7089608Abstract: A spa comprised of a fluid enclosure having a floor and an upstanding sidewall includes a therapy station within the enclosure. The therapy station includes an upright seat to accommodate a single person and includes a plurality of fluid jets in the footwell and sidewall of the enclosure at various targeted hydrotherapy locations. Pressurized water is provided to the hydrotherapy locations by a pair of fluid pumps. Each jet at the hydrotherapy locations is provided with a variable flow controller adapted to control the water flow out of the jet. Each hydrotherapy location is also provided with a variable flow controller adapted to control the flow of air into the jet. Each hydrotherapy location is also provided with a directional flow controller. Each jet discharges water flow at one horsepower or more to provide intense hydrotherapy selectably directed to multiple portions of the body simultaneously or individually.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2005Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Inventor: Charles Gilbert Erb
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Patent number: 7082625Abstract: A spa includes a housing having a tub for holding water, and a retractable entertainment unit having a display. The housing includes an upper portion having a seal surface extending around the tub. The entertainment unit is reasonably retractable through an opening in the upper surface and movable between a) a retracted position wherein the display is hidden from view and a top of the entertainment unit is disposed below and laterally outward from the seal surface, and b) an extended position wherein the top is raised above the seal surface and the display is visible.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Saratoga Spa & Bath, Inc.Inventor: Wesley O. Cox
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Patent number: 7076814Abstract: An assembly for rapidly filing bathtubs, whirlpools, spas, washing machine drums and the like includes a basin, water storage tank(s) (such as hot and cold water storage tanks), and a system for controlling the filling of the basin from the tank(s). When it is desired to supply water to the basin, this is expedited by placing the tank(s) above the basin, using connecting piping with extra large area, using a pressure pump, and/or providing extra large delivery ports. The tank(s) are dedicated to the assembly, and preferably are closely adjacent thereto. Controls are provided to avoid excess weight gathering adjacent the basin.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Michael H. Ostrowski, Jeffrey L. Mueller, James R. Lewis, Stanley P. Kaymen, John H. Schott
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Patent number: 7060180Abstract: Retrofit apparatus for retrofitting an ozone generator to a spa, hot tub or similar facility is disclosed. Here, a fitting is threaded into an air inlet of a spa or hot tub, and covers provided for the water outlets to generally prevent outgassing. In another embodiment, an ozone-providing plug is provided to one water outlet of a spa or hot tub, with the air and other outlets being blocked. In addition, different configurations of ozone generator are disclosed. Particularly, one type ozone generator includes an inverted U-shaped apparatus so that heat from the ozone generator induces a chimney effect so as to cause the ozonated air to rise through a chimney and then settle into a selected area. Another ozone generator creates a low rate of airflow by “ion wind” in order to propel ozonated air into a system of piping in the absence of water flowing therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Ronald L. Barnes
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Patent number: 7055186Abstract: A combination spa and electronic entertainment system is disclosed. The spa includes a tub with an upper edge from which horizontal surfaces extend. The surfaces have apertures through which water-tight housings may be raised and lowered. The housings hold components of the entertainment system and have tops larger in size than the apertures to form sealing areas engageable with the horizontal surfaces surrounding the apertures for sealing the apertures and the water-tight housings. A moving mechanism is provided to raise and lower the housings. The mechanism has a platform supported on a carriage movable vertically along a support column. A motor raises and lowers the platforms through a cable and pulley system. A motion limiting device having a pivoting arm which engages sensors communicating with the motor through a control system shuts the motor off in response to predetermined upper and lower limits of cable tension.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Master Spas, Inc.Inventors: Robert Lauter, Terry M. Valmassoi, Samuel K. Badiac, Elmer C. Herbert
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Patent number: 7020910Abstract: A portable spa comprises a reservoir for holding water and an outer wall spaced outwardly from the reservoir. The spa includes an equipment bay located between the reservoir and the outer wall that is accessible from an opening at a top portion of the spa. A cover over the opening to the equipment bay is removable from the top portion of the spa to permit access to the equipment bay. The equipment bay contains substantially all of the equipment necessary for operation of the spa and can be conveniently accessed free of any obstructions around the side of the spa. The spa can be installed either above ground in the manner of a portable spa, or it can be installed directly in the ground in the manner of a permanent in-ground spa. Reinforcing means comprising an internal support framework supports the spa against the lateral external forces generated as a result of in-ground installation.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Inventor: Tim P. Horwood
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Patent number: 7013503Abstract: A tactile therapy system for use in a spa, hot tub, or pool. The tactile therapy system is based, at least in part, on the hand or foot maps specified in the reflexology art. The system thus includes a pattern of protrusions configured in accordance with reflexology hand map or foot map on which an individual may apply his or her hands or feet. The reflexology-based tactile therapy system may optionally be combined with hydrotherapy, by placing hydrotherapy jets among the pattern of protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2005Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Dimension One SpasInventor: Victor Lee Walker
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Patent number: 7000264Abstract: Systems and techniques to increase storage space for added features in a spa using a modular spa design. A spa structure includes a compartment defining a location that receives a device to be used in conjunction with a spa, and a surface coupled with the compartment and matching a shape of a skirt of the spa. The surface can form a section of the skirt of the spa when attached to the spa. The skirt section can be attached to the spa by being raised under a lip of the spa and can be secured with battens and screws. The skirt section can form exterior steps providing access to the spa and can have a sinusoidal shape. The skirt section can include an integrated lifting mechanism that serves as a support when in a nested position.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Dimension One SpasInventors: David R. Podue, Victor Lee Walker, James Donald McClure, Jr., Angelo Vito Pugliese, Jr.
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Patent number: 6978495Abstract: A portable spa comprises a reservoir for holding water and an outer wall spaced outwardly from the reservoir. The spa includes an equipment bay located between the reservoir and the outer wall that is accessible from an opening at a top portion of the spa. A cover over the opening to the equipment bay is removable from the top portion of the spa to permit access to the equipment bay. The equipment bay contains substantially all of the equipment necessary for operation of the spa and can be conveniently accessed free of any obstructions around the side of the spa. The spa can be installed either above ground in the manner of a portable spa, or it can be installed directly in the ground in the manner of a permanent in-ground spa. Reinforcing means comprising an internal support framework supports the spa against the lateral external forces generated as a result of in-ground installation.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Inventors: Tim P. Horwood, Keith W. Lovell, John E. Pope
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Patent number: 6971125Abstract: A method to make a whirlpool bathtub where bacteria growth is inhibited or bacteria is reduced, after tub drain down and between electrical system activation.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2005Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Jr., Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden
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Patent number: 6968581Abstract: A air selection control valve and assembly capable of controlling the flow of air into a water conduit to accelerate, decelerate, or pulse the rate of water flowing in combination with a hot tub spa assembly is described. The control of the air inlet is controlled to control the pulsing of water. An innovative multi-way control valve system can be controlled by as few as a single solenoid for pulsing some or all of the jets of a standard hot tub spa.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Inventor: Steven E. Christensen
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Patent number: 6965815Abstract: An improved spa control system is disclosed. The invention describes a spa control system which calculates the time required to heat the water in the spa system to a desired temperature. From that information, the heating rate of the spa system can be determined, and the heating element of the spa system can be activated at the proper time to raise the temperature of the water to a selected temperature by a desired time. The spa system also monitors information which might show errors in the operation of the spa system such as a blockage in the flow of water over the heating element in the spa system.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Bilboa Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Michael E. Tompkins, Michael J. Green
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Patent number: 6957451Abstract: A hydrotherapy spa includes an interior having an interior surface, a plurality of ports, and at least one flow control device. The interior surface is configured to receive a person. The plurality of ports include a first port configured to discharge fluid toward the first portion of the person and a second port configured to discharge fluid toward a second portion of the person to provide hydrotherapy to the person when the person is received on the interior surface. The at least one flow control device is configured for fluid communication with a fluid source and the device includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe includes a plurality of inlets, and the second pipe includes a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the plurality of ports. The first pipe and/or the second pipe are moveable, one relative to the other, among a plurality of positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: Saratoga Spa & Bath, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Brennan, W. John Gardenier, John V. Maiuccoro
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Patent number: 6944893Abstract: A device and method to inhibit bacteria in a whirlpool bathtub and its closed looped plumbing system between each whirlpool bathtub drain down as well as during each whirlpool bathtub use. In addition to combining a high flow antimicrobial chamber with a suction device, the present invention incorporates safety features.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Jr., Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden
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Patent number: 6904625Abstract: Systems and techniques to increase storage space for added features in a spa using a modular spa design. A spa structure includes a compartment defining a location that receives a device to be used in conjunction with a spa, and a surface coupled with the compartment and matching a shape of a skirt of the spa. The surface can form a section of the skirt of the spa when attached to the spa. The skirt section can be attached to the spa by being raised under a lip of the spa and can be secured with battens and screws. The skirt section can form exterior steps providing access to the spa and can have a sinusoidal shape. The skirt section can include an integrated lifting mechanism that serves as a support when in a nested position.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: Dimension One SpasInventors: David R. Podue, Victor Lee Walker, James Donald McClure, Jr., Angelo Vito Pugliese, Jr.
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Patent number: 6889916Abstract: A rotating spa jet has a body and a nozzle. The body has an upstream end, a downstream end and a flow path defined between the upstream end and the downstream end. The nozzle is disposed within the flow path proximate to the downstream end of the body. The nozzle is rotatable about a pin and is not supported in any way by ball bearings.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: California Acrylic IndustriesInventors: Casey Loyd, Pedro Vargas, Alberto Olivo
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Patent number: 6880182Abstract: A spa apparatus and method for cleaning the same. The spa apparatus includes a basin for retaining fluid, a removable foot rest plate positioned within the basin, an impeller coupled to the basin, and a motor drivably coupled to the impeller.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: European Touch Holdings, Inc.Inventor: David J. Gruenwald
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Patent number: 6877171Abstract: A blow-off nozzle type bathtub with illumination according to the present invention comprises a cap having a plurality of nozzles for blowing off a fluid and for irradiating an illumination light in a head portion and having an inside thereof formed in a hollow shape, a fluid supply member having a distal end opening portion thereof connected to the hollow inside of the cap and a proximal end opening portion thereof connected to a fluid supply source which is subjected to a drive control, a light guide member which has an end surface of a distal end portion thereof directed to said hollow inside of said cap and an end surface of a proximal end portion thereof directed to an illumination light source which is subjected to a drive control, and a fixing member for fixing and supporting the fluid supply member and the light guide member on a bottom wall of a bathtub vessel on a plurality of nozzles which are formed in the bottom wall of the bathtub vessel as through holes.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventor: Hideo Shimizu
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Patent number: 6874175Abstract: The present invention provides a control panel for controlling operational settings of a spa. The control panel includes a first portion having a first user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the operational setting of the spa, and a second portion joined to the first portion and having a second user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the same operational setting of the spa as the first user input device. The first user input device is included within a first user interface positioned such as to facilitate its use by a user situated within the spa. The second user input device is included within a second user interface positioned such as to facilitate use by a user situated outside the spa.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: 9090-3493 Quebec Inc.Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard
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Patent number: 6875961Abstract: Apparatus for controlling heating of a liquid or liquid stream including electrical equipment operated in conjunction with such heating; a device or devices for monitoring the voltage level of electrical power supplied to such equipment; and a control or controls for controlling such electrical power supplied to that equipment, to decrease power delivery in response to a predetermined decrease in voltage level of power supply to the equipment.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Thornbury Investments, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey W. Collins
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Patent number: 6868563Abstract: System and techniques to movably attach speakers to a spa. A system includes a spa, and a speaker coupled with an exterior surface of the spa in proximity to a location where a spa cover resides when on the spa, the speaker being useable in connection with the spa cover without interference between the spa cover and the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Dimension One SpasInventors: Brent Mark Hutchings, Angelo Vito Pugliese, Jr.
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Patent number: 6860437Abstract: A jet barrel adapted for use in a spa jet housing having a rotor rotatably supported on a spindle pin aligned along a longitudinal axis in the bore of the jet barrel. The spindle pin is supported at upstream and downstream pivot points. An offset nozzle extends from a conical base of the rotor, an inlet to the rotor being aligned with an outlet from the jet barrel's bore. As water exits the jet barrel bore into the rotor, the rotor and spindle pin are caused to co-rotate. Hard water deposits, sufficient to prevent rotation do not readily build around the pivot points.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Blue Falls Manufacturing Ltd.Inventors: Darcy S. Amendt, M. Peter Van't Hoff
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Patent number: 6859954Abstract: An alcove whirlpool seat of the present invention includes a seat member, a seat back, and arm portions on opposite sides of the seat back. The seat back and at least part of the arm portions substantially define a whirlpool area and the arm portions define an open span through which the legs of a user extend when he is seated in the alcove whirlpool seat. At least one jet nozzle is used to direct a stream within the whirlpool area. The at least one jet nozzle, the seat back, and the arm portions together create a whirlpool within the whirlpool area. Exemplary alcove whirlpool seats may be an angled-arm embodiment or a horseshoe embodiment. An alcove whirlpool seat spa system has an interior spa area. One or more whirlpool areas are defined by one or more alcove whirlpool seats within the interior spa area. Within the interior spa area (and outside the whirlpool area) is a spa water flow. The whirlpool flow within the whirlpool area is substantially separate from spa water flow.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Marquis Corp.Inventors: Sam Collins, Loren Brooks, Corey Warner
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Patent number: 6859953Abstract: A air selection control valve and assembly capable of controlling the flow of air into a water conduit to accelerate, decelerate, or pulse the rate of water flowing in combination with a hot tub spa assembly is described. This invention makes use of the control of the air inlet to control the pulsing of water. This invention also describes an innovative multi-way control valve system that can be controlled by as few as a single solenoid for pulsing some or all of the jets of a standard hot tub spa.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Inventor: Steven E. Christensen
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Patent number: 6857139Abstract: A tactile therapy system for use in a spa, hot tub, or pool. The tactile therapy system is based, at least in part, on the hand or foot maps specified in the reflexology art. The system thus includes a pattern of protrusions configured in accordance with reflexology hand map or foot map on which an individual may apply his or her hands or feet. The reflexology-based tactile therapy system may optionally be combined with hydrotherapy, by placing hydrotherapy jets among the pattern of protrusions.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2002Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Dimension One SpasInventor: Victor Lee Walker
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Patent number: 6836908Abstract: A water circulation device comprising a hood consists of several water inlet holes and a larger water outlet hole; a water outlet plate with a passing hole in on the center; a revolving plate consists of several protruding stripes surrounding the center and an axis hole is on the center; a container consists of a containing chamber with a chamber hole is on the center for the revolving plate the water outlet plate to be installed inside and is covered by the hood, the containing chamber connects to a back base installed on the inner wall of the water tank, an external motor connects to an axis hole and bring said revolving plate turning, water comes in from the water inlet holes and is ejected from the water outlet hole more stronger.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Inventor: Pao-Cheng Chang
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Publication number: 20040255375Abstract: A system for remotely controlling jet pump, lighting, and air blower settings in a spa or hot tub through an integrated audio system. A wireless remote control sends signals to the integrated audio system, where the signals are interpreted, and communicated to the spa through an interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2004Publication date: December 23, 2004Inventor: Stephen J. Scarlata
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Patent number: 6829789Abstract: A massaging tub includes a tub body, a spraying pipe, a water outlet pipe, a water pump, a circulation pipe, and a washing device. The washing device includes a connecting pipe, and a switch valve. Thus, the clean water can flow into the spraying pipe by operation of the switch valve to flush the dirt contained in the spraying pipe, so that the spraying pipe is kept clean constantly. In addition, the spraying pipe is substantially arc-shaped and is bent downward, so that the dirt contained in the spraying pipe can be flushed outward rapidly and completely.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Inventor: Ching-Yao Liang
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Publication number: 20040244103Abstract: The present invention provides a control panel for controlling operational settings of a spa. The control panel includes a first portion having a first user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the operational setting of the spa, and a second portion joined to the first portion and having a second user input device for enabling a user to enter a signal indicative of a desired change in the same operational setting of the spa as the first user input device. The first user input device is included within a first user interface positioned such as to facilitate its use by a user situated within the spa. The second user input device is included within a second user interface positioned such as to facilitate use by a user situated outside the spa.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Benoit Laflamme, Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard
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Publication number: 20040221381Abstract: A whirlpool bath has a combination suction fixture and filter in the form of a porous faceplate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Paulette C. Ogden
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Publication number: 20040216225Abstract: The present invention discloses a whirlpool bath or air bubbler tub having an access opening in the sidewall or deck of the bathtub, a removable command pad or plate that fastens in or over the access opening on the bathside of the opening and when removed provides service access to system components behind the bathtub and associated with backside of tub. An alternate embodiment of the present invention is a method of access to service components of a whirlpool bath or air bubbler tub system comprising the steps of unfastening a removable command pad or plate on the bathside surface of the tub that covers and seals an access opening in the sidewall or deck of the bathtub, removing the command pad or plate from the access opening, accessing one or more system components associated with the backside of the bath tub and fastening the command pad/plate back in place over the access opening to reseal the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: John William Booth, Michael C. Dinsdale
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Patent number: 6807689Abstract: A kit for converting a whirlpool bathtub (12) into a conventional bathtub for the purpose of eliminating the potential for bacterial exposure to the user of the whirlpool bath by sealing the various ports is provided. The kit is comprised of O-rings (32), a test plug (23) that is expanded within the pump inlet pipe (30) and cover (34). Also O-rings (32) and covers (40) are used in replacement of the original jest (20), air switch (24), and air inlet (22).Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Inventors: James Andrew Royko, Mary Alice Royko
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Publication number: 20040205887Abstract: A variable speed electrical motor has windings and a rotor disposed within a motor housing. The motor is capable of operating at one of a plurality of discrete operating speeds. The electrical circuitry for each speed includes both a start winding for only that speed and a start capacitor for only that speed. In an optional embodiment, a switch for varying the speed of the rotor is disposed at a location external of the motor housing. The variable speed electric motor is ideal for use in a water recreational combination, such as a spa, hot tub or recirculating bath tub.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Casey Loyd, Pedro Vargas
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Publication number: 20040205888Abstract: A system to sanitize water in a whirlpool bathtub, spa, swimming pool, and other water vessels comprising incorporating an antimicrobial agent in some or all segments of the piping of the closed loop water system and/or the air piping.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden
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Publication number: 20040205889Abstract: A spa includes a housing having a tub for holding water, and a retractable entertainment unit having a display. The housing includes an upper portion having a seal surface extending around the tub. The entertainment unit is releasably retractable through an opening in the upper surface and movable between a) a retracted position wherein the display is hidden from view and a top of the entertainment unit is disposed below and laterally outward from the seal surface, and b) an extended position wherein the top is raised above the seal surface and the display is visible.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2004Inventor: Wesley O. Cox
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Patent number: 6804841Abstract: An array of water jets that does not utilize hoses between the water supply inlet and each individual jet and provides a multiple-jet experience for in-ground spa users. The array of jets include a water-containing structure having at least a front and back panel that define an interior cavity into which water flows and becomes pressurized. The front panel has a plurality of water outlets disposed thereon while, preferably, the back panel has a water or a water and air inlets. Accordingly, water (and air) flow hoselessly from the inlet(s) to the plurality of water outlets such that a water-jet effect is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2003Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Inventor: Jack Williams
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Publication number: 20040199991Abstract: A foot massage system for a tub, comprising a fluid injection system for creating a flow of fluid. Outlets are interconnected to the fluid injection system so as to receive the flow of fluid. The outlets are adapted to be secured through a tub wall so as to inject the fluid in the liquid of the tub to create a turbulence in the liquid of the tub. A foot support is adapted to be secured in the tub, for receiving at least one foot of a person seated in the tub. The foot support is positioned relative to the outlet such that the fluid exiting the outlet creates a massaging effect on the foot received in the foot support.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventor: Dominique Ciechanowski
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Patent number: 6802087Abstract: Systems and techniques to facilitate lifting and access to compartments, such as spa compartments that contain spa features. A structure includes a base, risers rotatably coupled with an underside of the base, a support frame rotatably coupled with the risers, rollers rotatably coupled with the support frame, and one or more lever-arms rotatably coupled with at least one of the risers, the one or more lever-arms supporting the base when the support frame is in a nested position, and the one or more lever-arms providing leverage during transition from the nested position to an actuated position of the support frame, said transition causing the base to lower and be movable on the rollers.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Dimension One SpasInventors: David R. Podue, Angelo Vito Pugliese, Jr.
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Publication number: 20040194202Abstract: An array of water jets that does not utilize hoses between the water supply inlet and each individual jet and provides a multiple-jet experience for in-ground spa users. The array of jets include a water-containing structure having at least a front and back panel that define an interior cavity into which water flows and becomes pressurized. The front panel has a plurality of water outlets disposed thereon while, preferably, the back panel has a water or a water and air inlets. Accordingly, water (and air) flow hoselessly from the inlet(s) to the plurality of water outlets such that a water-jet effect is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventor: Jack Williams
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Publication number: 20040168248Abstract: A system to sanitize water in a whirlpool bathtub, spa, swimming pool, and other water vessels comprising improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,167 and incorporating an antimicrobial chemical dispenser.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2004Publication date: September 2, 2004Inventors: Roy W. Mattson, Paulette C. Ogden, Philip I. Ogden