Jet Detail Patents (Class 4/541.6)
  • Patent number: 7832029
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet for providing a pulsating water stream comprises a jet body, and a water inlet to allow a stream of water into the body. A water outlet allows the stream to exit the body and a movable ball within the body causes said stream of water to pulsate as it exits the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Holtsnider
  • Patent number: 7818829
    Abstract: A jet for a shower cubicle which is suitable for being applied to a side wall of the shower cubicle is described as having an end body for supplying water to the shower cubicle having a through channel for the water. The jet also includes at least one supply duct to supply pressurised water to the through channel and out a nozzle having an ejection hole to produce a water spray inside the cubicle. for the water communicating with the through channel of the end body. The nozzle is removable from the end body, allowing it to be replaced when the end body is fixed to the wall of the cubicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ideal Standard International BVBA
    Inventor: Alessandro Moretto
  • Patent number: 7818826
    Abstract: A laminar flow jet is disclosed that provides a non-turbulent smooth stream of water. The jet is structured to remove turbulence from the moving water. As the water flows through the jet, a screen component and a nozzle component cooperate to slow the water flow and provide a uniform flow direction. The jet is also structured so that the laminar stream may be lighted from within the jet. The body of the jet is designed to receive an elongated and transparent probe carrying a lighting apparatus such as a fiber optic cable. The laminar flow jet is designed to be mounted to a structure such as a spa, pool or tub wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrell Schmidt, Francisco Hinojosa, Jr., Jose Cervantes
  • Patent number: 7802325
    Abstract: Hartford loop manifold assembly installed in operable communication with an air control assembly in a whirlpool bathing system. The manifold assembly includes a tubular manifold housing having a coupling member in intussusceptible relation therewith. The manifold housing has an elongate body and an elongate wall coextensive with an upper body proximate extent and a lower body distal extent thereof. The elongate wall includes an internal manifold wall delineating a reception lumen that accommodates insertion of the coupling member therein. The internal manifold wall is disposed by a predetermined distance from an external manifold wall in parallel therewith to define a flow area therebetween. The external manifold wall has at least one outlet depending generally normally therefrom. Each outlet has a lumen defined therethrough for unoccluded fluid communication between each manifold flow area and at least one conduit detachably coupled to each outlet extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: AS IP Holdco, LLC
    Inventors: James Reinhart, Kipley Roydon Marks
  • Patent number: 7784119
    Abstract: A hydromassage bathtub includes a bathtub including a sidewall, a deck, and an access opening in one of the sidewall and the deck. A fixture is secured to an outside surface of the bathtub proximate the access opening, and a removable plate configured to cover the access opening. A system component such as a control box is removably mounted on the fixture at a position whereby, upon removal of the plate, the system component can be removed from the fixture by accessing it through the access opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Sanijet
    Inventors: John Booth, Michael C. Dinsdale
  • Patent number: 7761938
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an integral flush-mounted waterspout, specifically for tubs is herein disclosed. The water spout is flush-mounted, contoured and angled appropriately to contain the discharge of water and subsequent drippage within the tub. No extended spigot or spout would be evident. The advantage of such a system, besides that of home fashion, is the elimination of injury to a person entering or exiting a tub. The flush-mounted waterspout could be alternatively embodied for sinks, showers and similar fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Peters
  • Patent number: 7743437
    Abstract: Jet aerator apparatus and method. The apparatus can include a jet body including a passageway, water conduits, and an air conduit. The jet aerator can include an exit nozzle received in the passageway. The exit nozzle can include lock clips, locking tabs, and stabilizing tabs. The jet aerator can include a jet head coupled to the exit nozzle by the lock clips. The jet head can include a locking rib. The jet aerator can include a jet cover coupled to the exit nozzle. The jet cover can include slots to receive the locking tabs, stepped portions to receive the stabilizing tabs, and lock grooves to receive the locking rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: G-G Distribution and Development Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Arturo Reynoso
  • Publication number: 20100095449
    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 sealed 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: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Li-Fu Yu
  • Patent number: 7681258
    Abstract: A device for anchoring accessories to a surface of a tub has a fluid injection jet. The device comprises a connector adapted to be connected to an accessory. An anchor is interconnected to the connector, and is adapted to be connected to the fluid injection jet. A fluid passage is formed in the device so as to enable fluid to be injected therethrough and into the tub when the anchor is connected to the fluid injection jet. A method of anchoring accessories is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: C.G. Air Systèmes Inc.
    Inventors: Dominique Ciechanowski, Miguel Castellote
  • Publication number: 20100050336
    Abstract: A spa comprises a water enclosure for holding a quantity of water. The water enclosure has two or more zones. Each of the zones has a plurality of jets. There is a control pad for each of the zones configured to control the water temperature and water pressure coming out of the plurality of jets in each zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Shawn Davis
  • Patent number: 7665158
    Abstract: An air jet of an air massage system used with a bathtub having a wall defining opposite visible and hidden surfaces and defining a number of openings through the bathtub wall. The air jet comprises a hollow body having opposed inlet and outlet ends and a unidirectional flow device disposed therebetween. The outlet end is mounted directly to the hidden surface of the bathtub wall opposite one of the openings. The inlet end is connected to a source of pressurized air. The unidirectional flow device allows pressurized air therethrough only in a direction from the inlet to the outlet end and then through the opening in the bathtub wall, thereby preventing water in the bathtub from conveying through the air jet when the source of pressurized air is not in use. The outlet end comprises a flange provided on a downstream side thereof with recesses for receiving an adhesive for securing the flange to the hidden surface of the bathtub wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: C.G. Air Systemes Inc.
    Inventor: Miguel Castellote
  • Patent number: 7644452
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet comprising a jet body having a water inlet and an air inlet to allow water and air to flow into the jet body from water and air conduits, respectively. A diffuser is housed within that jet body and is rotatable within the jet body to control the amount of water flowing into the jet body. The water and air inlets are rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the jet body to align the water and air inlets with the water and air conduits, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymundo Colin
  • Publication number: 20090288247
    Abstract: The present invention is for a modular spa system design that is easy to disassemble for cleaning and eliminates water lines and the need for using cleaning chemicals. The invention comprises of at least one enclosure molded into the sidewall of the basin shell that forms a bathing tub. Each enclosure has an inside recessed surface and contoured side walls. A water supply and distribution channel system is molded into the inside surface of each enclosure and a detachable partition plate designed to fit the enclosure side walls is placed into the enclosure. Each partition plate contains at least one water jet threaded into the partition such that the jets are in direct communication with the channel system. Embodiments for introducing air into the water are also disclosed. A circulating pump takes the water feed from the tub and circulates it through the channel and the jets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Nhien Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090276952
    Abstract: An electrical power generating water jet for a spa, pool, or the like, having a stationary housing as a stator and at least one water jet as a rotor for generating electrical power when a pressurized fluid imparts movement of the jet relative to the stationary housing so as to generate an electrical charge during rotation of the jet to power an electrical circuit, such as a light source or an acoustic device. The electrical circuit may be carried in a user replaceable module, so as to change a defective light source, or to vary the display pattern or colors of the light source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Timothy R. Wooten
  • Publication number: 20090249539
    Abstract: A plumbing apparatus and method for pools, spas and the like is provided. In one embodiment, a jet assembly may be provided, with the assembly comprising a jet body and one or more inside/outside fittings extending from the body. The one or more fittings are substantially hollow. At least one water supply hose is provided, with the hose sized to fit snugly inside the one or more hollow fittings or sized to fit snugly around the exterior of the one or more fittings. A plumbing system may also be provided, with the system comprising a manifold with a main body and a plurality of inside/outside fittings extending from the body. A plurality of spa accessories is also provided, with each of the accessories comprising at least one inside/outside fitting. Further, a plurality of supply hoses is provided, with one end of each hose sized to fit snugly inside or around the exterior of the manifold fittings, and the other end of each hose sized to fit snugly inside or around the exterior of the spa accessory fittings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Holtsnider
  • Patent number: 7574756
    Abstract: An apparatus for re-circulating a fluid contained within a hydrotherapeutic receptacle without the need for piping to a motor. The apparatus includes a jet housing having a portion thereof engageable with such receptacle. A nozzle device is located at one end of the housing to provide an entrance for such fluid to be suctioned into the housing and an exit for such suctioned fluid to be expelled from the housing. A control device is located adjacent the nozzle device to control fluid flow of such fluid suctioned into the housing and fluid flow of such fluid expelled from the housing. An expulsion unit is located adjacent the control device to expel such fluid from the housing back into such receptacle. A power source is connected to the expulsion unit to enable it to expel such fluid from the housing at a predetermined pressure into such receptacle at a predetermined rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Vu Tran
  • Publication number: 20090193574
    Abstract: Devices and systems for improved massaging hydrotherapy in spas are provided. These devices and systems provide many improvements for massaging hydrotherapy, some of which include customizable jets and systems of lower cost and complexity. A hydrotherapy jet for providing a pulsating water stream comprises a jet body is provided. The jet further comprises a water inlet to allow a stream of water into the body. A water outlet allows the stream to exit the body and a movable ball within the body causes the stream of water to pulsate as it exits the body. Additionally, systems for providing a hydrotherapy jet to a reservoir of water are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Holtsnider
  • Publication number: 20090139020
    Abstract: A neck jet pillow for a spa or whirlpool tub removably mountable. The pillow has a soft membrane area occupying a central portion thereof, a first mounting member fixedly mountable onto a fluid jet, a second mounting member fixedly attached to the pillow and slidably and removably mountable onto the first mounting member, and a hole in the second mounting member coinciding with the membrane area whereby the jet can direct a fluid stream onto the backside of the membrane area. The first and second mounting members, when mounted together and onto the pillow and jet, define a water-tight cavity there between having a jet inlet and a discharge opening whereby spent fluid from the jet is discharged downward into the tub or spa. The mounting members may be sliding members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Michael Faulstich
  • Publication number: 20090133188
    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: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Zhongshan Rising Dragon Plastics Manufactuting Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Xue Wen PENG, John KEIRSTEAD, Kerry HARBARENKO, Joe HOOVER, Xue Wen LIU
  • Publication number: 20090126099
    Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet is disclosed which has a jet body with a water inlet to allow water to flow into it. An eyeball with one or more outlets is mounted to the body to allow water to flow out of the body through the outlets. The flow of water through the outlets causes the eyeball to rotate. A retaining pin is mounted within the jet body to hold the eyeball to the body, with the eyeball rotating around said pin. A system for providing a hydrotherapy jet to a reservoir of water is also disclosed and includes a reservoir shell capable of holding water with a plurality of hydrotherapy jets according to the invention that are mounted around the reservoir shell. A water pump system circulates water from the reservoir to said jets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Holtsnider
  • Publication number: 20090094736
    Abstract: A jet for use in a whirlpool tub or spa according to a first aspect of the invention includes a motor assembly including an electric motor disposed inside a motor housing, which motor housing includes a frontwardly facing, water-tight recess. Suitable means are provided for mounting the motor assembly in a hole in a tub wall. A centrifugal pump assembly used in the jet includes a rotor-impeller having a rear, magnetically attractable rotor disposable in the recess of the motor assembly and a front set of blades. A cover having water inlet and outlet openings is removably securable over the rotor-impeller. A sensor system is provided which can be connected to the motor to shut off the motor when the cover is removed from the centrifugal pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: John William Booth, Michael C. Dinsdale
  • Publication number: 20090038069
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for hydrotherapeutic stimulation having a handle with housing with exterior engagement surfaces for contacting a user's lower body. An air-water stream generator, coupled to a water inlet and an air inlet, positioned in housing and a pump means imparts an increase in pressure and flow of water within housing to outlet nozzle. An electrical source is electrically connected to the pump means within the housing. An air-water stream outlet nozzle located within the fore portion of the housing and connected to air-water stream generator for transmission of air-water stream onto user's lower body positioned fore of air-water stream outlet nozzle. Either distended portion or attachment at fore portion of housing, upon insertion in an anal or a vaginal orifice in the user fixes the position of housing in relation to user's lower body thereby allowing handle further control of air-water stream outlet nozzle and stimulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: David Heilman
  • Patent number: 7472431
    Abstract: A multiple nozzle moving jet structure for a spa, attached to flexible tubes encased in an articulated sleeve exhausts pressurized water into the spa in a vertical whipping motion, in reaction to the water exhaust. The multiple nozzle structure utilizes one air supply tube to aerate water streams of the multiple nozzle structure. The combination of the multiple nozzle structure with the articulated sleeves on the flexible tubes, confines movement of the nozzle structure in one plane, eliminating the requirement for a guide body to confine direction of nozzle movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher Larsen
  • Publication number: 20080276363
    Abstract: A spray nozzle structure for use in a massage bathtub comprises a housing including a sleeve member having a receiving compartment formed therein and a hollow L-shaped rod member extended upwardly therefrom; a fixing seat constructed in the form of a ring and fitted in the opening of the sleeve member of the housing; a motor including a rotary shaft with which an impeller is combined, and disposed in the receiving compartment; a guiding collar engaged in a retaining recess of the fixing seat; a cover member containing an inlet affixed at the center of the outer surface thereof, about which two opposite openings are formed, each having an air duct affixed at the side thereof and having a guiding piece selectively mounted on the outer side thereof, thereby obtaining a handing function and a proper water flowing angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: JACK CHEN
  • Patent number: 7434277
    Abstract: A fluid flow system for a hydrotherapy tub includes a body adapted for mounting to the hydrotherapy tub. The body includes a water chamber adapted for fluid communication with a water source, an air chamber adapted for fluid communication with an air source, and a plurality of outlets in fluid communication with the water chamber and the air chamber. The plurality of outlets is configured to transmit water from the water chamber and air from the air chamber to an interior of the hydrotherapy tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Saratoga Spa & Bath, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Brennan, W. John Gardenier
  • Publication number: 20080235863
    Abstract: A jetted bathtub includes: a bathtub; a suction port opening in a wall of the bathtub and allowing water stored in the bathtub to be sucked therein; a pressurizer configured to suck water from the suction port, and pressurize and discharge the water; and a jet nozzle having a single tube held on the wall below a rim of the bathtub, the jet nozzle being configured to eject water introduced into the tube so that the water is ejected into the bathtub with its ejection direction being varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Kitaura, Katsushi Uryu, Hirotomo Suyama, Hidetaka Miyahara, Makoto Hatakeyama
  • Publication number: 20080209627
    Abstract: A manifold device for a multi-jet pool fixture includes a central chamber having a jet interface surface. An inlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows fluid to flow into the central chamber and out a plurality of openings disposed in the jet interface surface. An outlet in fluid communication with the central chamber allows water to flow out of the central chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Brent Geddes, Scott A. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080196153
    Abstract: A jet face for a jet has a plurality of detents configured to aid gripping the face for rotational operation. The jet face can also include a mounting coupling to accept a removable element. The removable element can be configured as a ring-shaped element, and the coupling a groove sized to accept the element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Victor L. Walker
  • Publication number: 20080189846
    Abstract: A valve system for a spa includes a jet manifold which is coupled to all of the water jets associated with a seat in the spa and which is coupled to an individual water pump for the seat. A T-fitting is interposed between the manifold and the pump. A conduit is coupled from the T-fitting to a valve which is coupled to a suction fitting in the bottom of the spa. When the valve is opened, water is diverted from the manifold thereby reducing the volume of water supplied to the jets and thus reducing the pressure of the water streams at the associated seat without affecting the water pressure at other seats. A spa according to the invention includes a plurality of seats, each associated with a group of water jets, each group of jets being coupled to a valve system with an associated pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: W. John Gardenier
  • Publication number: 20080189847
    Abstract: In the upper part and the lower part of a micro-nano bubble generation section 34 in a micro-nano bubble bathtub 1, two kinds of micro-nano bubbles different in a size distribution are generated by first and second micro-nano bubble generators (submerged pump-type micro-nano bubble generator 2 and spiral flow-type micro-nano bubble generator 10) of two kinds, so that bathtub water containing micro-nano bubbles in a wide size distribution can be produced in a large amount. Some of the water containing micro-nano bubbles generated in the lower part is thrown into the first micro-nano bubble generator (spiral flow-type micro-nano bubble generator 10) in the upper part, so that the spiral flow-type micro-nano bubble generator 10 can generate micro-nano bubbles in a smaller size. Therefore, in this bathtub, micro-nano bubbles abundant in size and large in amount can be produced economically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Yamasaki, Kazuyuki Sakata, Kazumi Chuhjoh, Masaki Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20080148471
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable spa comprising a shell with an arrangement of seats, and a water pulsation system associated with one of the seats. The pulsation system includes a pump that supplies water to a primary manifold that has a plurality of discharge ports. A secondary manifold assembly is connected to each discharge port, and has both a valve and a plurality of discharge ports. A grouping of jets is associated with each secondary manifold assembly. Each jet grouping includes a plurality of jets wherein each jet is connected to the respective discharge port of the secondary manifold assembly. A module has a plurality of programmed operating modes that control the operation of the valves in the secondary manifold assembly for sequenced distribution of water from the jets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventor: Bradford Thomas Tatum
  • Publication number: 20080127407
    Abstract: A component for hydrotherapy equipment with an overmolded gasket seal to provide a high degree of sealing and compression uniformity to the component housing as well as to the outer shell of the hydrotherapy equipment, the resulting seal reducing gapping between the overmolded gasket and the component as well as the equipment's shell, thus improving water resistance and enhancing the performance of the component and extending the life of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventor: Russ Wooten
  • Publication number: 20080086809
    Abstract: Overmolded jets for hydrotherapy equipment components providing enhanced gripping capabilities and ease of manipulation for the occupant of the hydrotherapy equipment in underwater or wet conditions such that the ergonomics of hydrotherapy equipment jets are enhanced and improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventor: Russ Wooten
  • Patent number: 7334274
    Abstract: A swirling bathing tub includes a bathing tub, a water ejecting device mounted on an inner side face of the bathing tub and having at least one water outlet defined in the casing and a water inlet for connection with a water source, a water pump mounted inside the casing and having a water inflow pipe in communication with the water inlet and a water outflow pipe corresponding to the at least one water outlet, a baffle rotatably mounted inside the casing and having at least one through hole corresponding to the at least one water outlet so that water flowing through the water outflow pipe of the pump is able to selectively flow to the bathing tub to create a soothing massaging effect to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Publication number: 20080010738
    Abstract: The present invention provides a Hartford loop manifold assembly installed in operable communication with an air control assembly in a whirlpool bathing system. The manifold assembly includes a tubular manifold housing having a coupling member in intussusceptible relation therewith. The manifold housing has an elongate body and an elongate wall coextensive with an upper body proximate extent and a lower body distal extent thereof. The elongate wall includes an internal manifold wall delineating a reception lumen that accommodates insertion of the coupling member therein. The internal manifold wall is disposed by a predetermined distance from an external manifold wall in parallel therewith to define a flow area therebetween. The external manifold wall has at least one outlet depending generally normally therefrom. Each outlet has a lumen defined therethrough for unoccluded fluid communication between each manifold flow area and at least one conduit detachably coupled to each outlet extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: James Reinhart, Kipley Roydon Marks
  • Publication number: 20070289056
    Abstract: Jet aerator apparatus and method. The apparatus can include a jet body including a passageway, water conduits, and an air conduit. The jet aerator can include an exit nozzle received in the passageway. The exit nozzle can include lock clips, locking tabs, and stabilizing tabs. The jet aerator can include a jet head coupled to the exit nozzle by the lock clips. The jet head can include a locking rib. The jet aerator can include a jet cover coupled to the exit nozzle. The jet cover can include slots to receive the locking tabs, stepped portions to receive the stabilizing tabs, and lock grooves to receive the locking rib.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Arturo Reynoso
  • Patent number: 7246760
    Abstract: A swivel mount for a spray head configured to be at least partially recessed within a mounting surface of a wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Garry Marty, Gerald McNerney, Russell D. Hester, Keith Berning
  • Patent number: 7150051
    Abstract: A device for generating a massage stream in a sanitary tub has an accommodation device that can be attached to an opening in the tub body of the sanitary tub, for accommodating an electric motor having a drive shaft, a propeller having a hub attached to the drive shaft and vanes arranged radially about the hub. There is a rosette arranged on the accommodation device, positioned within the sanitary tub, having edge-side inflow openings, as well as a central outlet opening. The propeller draws water located in the sanitary tub in through the inflow openings, and subsequently transports it back into the sanitary tub, through a guide element arranged in the outlet opening, which can be pivoted relative to the hub axis. The guide element is configured as a guide vane ring and has a ring-shaped bearing shell at the outer end of the guide vanes. The shell moves between a glide surface of the accommodation device that is configured as a sphere surface segment, and a concave contact surface of the rosette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Franz Kaldewei GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Dirk Schlief
  • Patent number: 7143456
    Abstract: A device for a sanitary tub, for producing a massage stream of air and water has an accommodation device that can be attached at an opening in the tub body of the sanitary tub, for accommodating an electric motor having a drive shaft. A propeller having a hub is attached to the drive shaft, and blades are arranged radially around the hub. A collar is arranged on the accommodation device, positioned within the sanitary tub, having edge-side inflow openings as well as a center outlet opening. The propeller draws in water located in the sanitary tub, through the inflow openings, and subsequently transports it back into the sanitary tub through the outlet opening. The accommodation device has a flow channel for feeding in air, which exits through the outlet opening, through an air channel arranged in the hub and with the stream of water transported by the propeller. Fan vanes for transporting air are arranged within the air channel of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Franz Kaldewei GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernd Woeste
  • Patent number: 7127751
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for mounting micro jets on whirlpool bath surfaces. Micro jets are mounted in the bottom of cups. The cup containing the micro jet is mounted in an opening performed in the whirlpool bath shell. The proposed method is specially interesting for jets located on surfaces where fluid flows are obstructed such as the surface where a person's back rests when someone lies in a whirlpool bath. This method allows manufacturers to install micro jets those whirlpool bath surfaces without having a recessed part. Moreover, it allows to modify easily the fluid jet pattern depending on the consumer's needs. The present invention also concerns recessed micro jets for whirlpool baths and method for mounting the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Maax Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas Lebrun, Steve Donnelly, Bernard Lebrun
  • Patent number: 7111334
    Abstract: A spraying head assembly for a massaging tub includes a motor, a housing, a cap, and a cover. Thus, the spraying head assembly is assembled easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating a user mounting the spraying head assembly. In addition, the spraying head assembly can be detached easily by manually rotating and removing the cover and the cap, thereby facilitating maintenance of the spraying head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Jack Ya Jyue Chen
  • Patent number: 7108202
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Hong-Jun Chang
  • Patent number: 7089608
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Inventor: Charles Gilbert Erb
  • Patent number: 7043775
    Abstract: A pulsating hydrotherapy jet is disclosed which has a jet body with a water inlet to allow water to flow into the body. The jet body discharges the water through a discharge member in more than one concentric pattern. A cap mounted on the body to receive the circular water patterns is also disclosed. The cap has a number of openings that form more than one concentric opening ring. Each of the opening rings align with a respective one of the circular water patterns to provide the sensation of a number of circular patterns of multiple pulsating jets. A system for providing a hydrotherapy jet to a reservoir of water is also disclosed. The system includes a reservoir shell capable of holding water with a number of hydrotherapy jets according to the invention that are mounted around the reservoir shell. A water pump system circulates water from the reservoir to the jets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: B & S Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Holtsnider, Raymundo Colin
  • Patent number: 6991182
    Abstract: A spraying head assembly for a massaging tub includes a housing, a cover, a water outlet valve seat, a water outlet valve cover, a vortex rotor, a bushing, a nozzle, an impulse rotor, and a motor. Thus, the water is pressurized by rotation of the helical blades of the vortex rotor and the helical plates of the water outlet valve seat to produce a strong water beam that is injected outward from the nozzle, thereby enhancing the massaging effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Jack Ya Jyue Chen
  • Patent number: 6973681
    Abstract: A spa jet mounting assembly and method of installing and utilizing the same. An outer housing with an interior threaded chamber is connected to water and air pipes outside a bath. An inner housing, with an external threaded section is inserted through a passageway in the bath, and threadedly fastened within the threaded chamber of the outer housing. The bath surface and one or more gaskets are secured between flanges of the inner and outer housings. The inner housing includes one or more ports to drain water from the assembly. The opening in the bath can be sealed with an o-ring or by forming a seal via silicone injection. With the injection technique, silicone is injected into the inlet port of the outer housing, air is released through the outlet port of the outer housing, and a seal is formed around the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Pentair Pool Products
    Inventors: Tokunbo Ayeni, Jack Buck, Mike Kulick
  • Patent number: 6904626
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluidic spa tub nozzle having a fluidic oscillator with diverging sidewalls and a cooperating mode-change member for changing the mode from an oscillatory swept jet mode to a straight jet mode and positions thereinbetween. The fluidic oscillator has an inertance loop formed by groove plates secured to the top and bottom walls of the fluidic oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Bowles Fluidics Corporation
    Inventors: Russell Hester, Steven Crockett, Jerry Wayne Thurber, Jr., Keith Schloer
  • Patent number: 6889916
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: California Acrylic Industries
    Inventors: Casey Loyd, Pedro Vargas, Alberto Olivo
  • Patent number: 6880182
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: European Touch Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Gruenwald
  • Patent number: 6860437
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Blue Falls Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Darcy S. Amendt, M. Peter Van't Hoff