U.S. patent application number 10/928947 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for sanitation suction device.
Invention is credited to Mattson, Roy W. JR., Ogden, Paulette C., Ogden, Philip I..
Application Number | 20050044619 10/928947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34222651 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050044619 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mattson, Roy W. JR. ; et
al. |
March 3, 2005 |
Sanitation suction device
Abstract
A cover incorporating an antimicrobial dispenser and a filter
for a suction housing for a water vessel, whereby the antimicrobial
and the filter are replaceable without having to remove the cover
from the suction housing. Additionally, a flange suction body
assembly capable of receiving a replaceable filter. The present
invention also describes the method on how to promote and sale and
package, a suction sanitation device.
Inventors: |
Mattson, Roy W. JR.;
(Longmont, CO) ; Ogden, Paulette C.; (Longmont,
CO) ; Ogden, Philip I.; (Longmont, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Roy W. Mattson Jr.
1732 Spencer Street
Longmont
CO
80501
US
|
Family ID: |
34222651 |
Appl. No.: |
10/928947 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10928947 |
Aug 28, 2004 |
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10797837 |
Mar 10, 2004 |
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10797837 |
Mar 10, 2004 |
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10211497 |
Aug 2, 2002 |
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6760931 |
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60562323 |
Apr 15, 2004 |
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60571593 |
May 17, 2004 |
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60499585 |
Sep 3, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/541.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2033/0016 20130101;
A61H 2201/0176 20130101; A61H 33/6073 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/541.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 003/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system
and a water pump, the improvement comprising: a cover having water
flow through passages; said cover covering a below the waterline
suction housing; said cover having an opening to receive a
chemical; said cover having an opening to receive a replaceable
filter; a chemical chamber housing a chemical; said chemical
chamber attached to said cover; said chemical chamber having one or
more opening to release said chemical; wherein the chemical is
replenishable in said chemical chamber without having to remove
said cover from said suction housing; a filter; said filter
inserting into said opening to receive a replaceable filter; and
wherein the said filter is replaceable without having to remove
said cover from the said suction housing.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chemical chamber is
calibrated to release a chemical concentration after mixing with
water of 6 parts per million in a water vessel having a single bath
cycle of less than one hour in duration.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the chemical is Bromine.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the chemical is Chlorine.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chemical chamber releases
a metered dose of chemical.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, said cover retrofitable to a suction
housing.
7. A cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system
and a water pump, the improvement comprising: a cover having water
flow through passages; said cover covering a below the waterline
suction housing, whereby a tool is needed to remove said cover from
said suction housing; a water drainage opening in the lower portion
of said cover; said cover having an opening to receive a chemical;
said cover having an opening to receive a replaceable filter; a
chemical chamber housing a chemical; said chemical chamber attached
rearward of the front surface of said cover; said chemical chamber
having one or more opening to release said chemical; wherein the
chemical is replenishable in said chemical chamber from the front
side of said cover without having to remove said cover from said
suction housing; wherein said chemical inhibits a growth of a
microorganism in at least a segment of the water vessel between
water vessel pump activation and/or during water vessel pump
activation; a filter; said filter inserting into said opening to
receive a replaceable filter; and wherein the said filter is
replaceable without having to remove said cover from the said
suction housing.
8. A cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system
and a water pump, the improvement comprising: a cover having water
flow through passages; said cover covering a below the waterline
suction housing; said cover having an opening to receive a
chemical; said cover having an opening to receive a replaceable
filter; a chemical chamber housing a chemical; said chemical
chamber attached rearward of the front surface of said cover; said
chemical chamber having one opening to release said chemical;
wherein said chemical inhibits a growth of a microorganism in at
least a segment of the water vessel. a filter; said filter
inserting into said opening to receive a replaceable filter;
wherein the said filter is replaceable without having to remove
said cover from the said suction housing; and wherein the said
cover, said filter and said chemical chamber accommodates over
about 70 gallons per minute water flow pressure.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, a chemical holder having a chemical
release opening, wherein the chemical holder inserts into said
chemical chamber.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, said holder release opening has a
cover covering; cover being removable by a user.
11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said filter restricts the
water pressure out an output jet by less than 30%.
12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said cover, said filter
and said filter increases a vacuum on a suction line by less than
15 Hg.
13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said chemical is a sliver
metal or other metal or combination of metals that have
antimicrobial properties.
14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said cover after
attaching to said suction housing resists breakage when 15-foot
pounds impact the center of said cover.
15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said cover after
attaching to said suction housing will not dislodge from the said
suction housing when 15-foot pounds impact the center of said
cover.
Description
CROSS RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This non-provisional utility patent application is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/797,837
titled Antimicrobial Chemical Dispensing Faceplate filed Mar. 10,
2004. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/797,873 is a divisional
of parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/211,497 titled
Non-Electrical Sanitation Device, filed Aug. 2, 2002, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,760,931. Additionally, the present invention claims the
benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application 60/562,323 filed
Apr. 15, 2004 titled Method to Promote and Sale a Suction
Sanitation Device for a Whirlpool Bathtub, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 60/571,593 filed May 5, 2004 entitled Retrofit
Substance Dispenser for Whirlpool Bathtub Faceplate and Safety
packaging Methods, and U.S. Patent Provisional Application
60/499,585 filed Sep. 3, 2003 titled Retrofit Whirlpool Bathtub
Bacteria Inhibiting Sanitation Assembly.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to combining an antimicrobial
dispenser and a filter with a suction cover for a water vessel
having a closed loop piping system and a water pump, whereby the
antimicrobial in the dispenser and the filter is replaceable
without having to remove the cover for a suction housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Whirlpool-type baths have been employed to treat discomfort
resulting from strained muscles, joint ailments and the like. More
recently, such baths have been used increasingly as means of
relaxing from the daily stresses of modern life. A therapeutic
effect is derived from bubbling water and swirling jet streams that
create an invigorating hydro massage of the user's body.
[0004] To create the desired whirlpool motion and hydro massage
effect, a motorized water pump draws water through a suction
fitting in a receptacle, such as a bathtub. The user first fills
the bathtub. Then the user activates the closed loop whirlpool
system. The closed looped plumbing system is considered to be all
parts of a whirlpool bathtub that cannot be opened for cleaning.
Thus, the jets, pump, piping system, air controls, sanitation
suction device and the like and all components that cannot be
opened for cleaning from the inline closed looped plumbing system
of a whirlpool bath. The water travels through a piping system and
back out jet fittings. Jet fittings are typically employed to
inject water at a high velocity into a bathtub. Usually the jet
fittings are adapted to aspirate air so that the water discharged
into the receptacle is aerated to achieve the desired bubbling
effect. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,039 to Hibbard et al,
incorporated herein by reference.) Generally, whirlpool baths are
designed like a normal bathtub to be drained after each use.
However, debris in the form of dead skin, soap, hair and other
foreign material circulate throughout the closed loop plumbing
system. This debris does not completely drain and over time, it
accumulates in the closed loop plumbing system, especially a water
pumps impeller. Such debris has been reported by scientists to
cause a human health risk.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,167 to Mattson, Jr. et al. ("Mattson"),
which is incorporated herein by reference discloses the first below
the waterline suction filter invention for a water vessel having a
closed loop piping system and a water pump. U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,814
to Mattson, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference
discloses a suction filter also having a chemical cage that
augments the germ killing properties of a whirlpool bathtub. U.S.
Pat. No. 6,760,931 to Mattson, Jr. et al., which is incorporated
herein by reference discloses a non-electrical sanitation device
for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system. The
sanitation device has a chemical chamber and a removable filter.
Further incorporated herein by reference is Mattson's U.S. Patent
and Trademark Disclosure Document 536803 that discloses a faceplate
having a chemical chamber and a filter attached to the
faceplate.
[0006] The present invention provides for a cover that attaches to
a below the waterline suction housing for a water vessel having a
closed looped piping system and a water pump. The present invention
incorporates a filter and an antimicrobial dispenser whereby the
antimicrobial and the filter can be replaced or replenished without
having to remove the cover from a suction housing.
[0007] The term water vessel used herein means any vessel holding
water having a closed loop piping system and a water pump. The term
antimicrobial used herein means any chemical, substance or element
that has antimicrobial properties. This could include silver. The
term cover means faceplate or any cover having flow through water
passages.
[0008] Because there is so many whirlpool bathtubs are installed
without a suction sanitation device, the proper method of promoting
such a technology must be done in such a way not to hurt the
whirlpool bathtub industry, or cause a panic by people whom have
these systems without a suction sanitation device.
[0009] Until the Mattson sanitation inventions there were no
suction sanitation devices for a water vessel having a closed loop
piping system. Presently, there is no Mattson suction sanitation
system being sold or promoted and therefore, there is a need to
teach the proper and responsible method of promoting a suction
sanitation device and packaging of the device. It is desirable that
brochures and specification sheets be made showing the feature
functions and benefits of the technology. It is desirable that
other print media advertisements be developed and used. Radio and
television spots could be made and aired. Websites and other forms
of Internet media could to be utilized to sale the technology.
Billboards and direct mailing pieces could be used. Point of
purchase displays at home centers, retailers and wholesalers could
to be developed and used. Videos explaining the technology could be
used and many other forms of advertising could be used. However, in
all these forms of advertising, it is desirable that nothing should
be mentioned or inferred that one must use a sanitation suction
device for a whirlpool bathtub, and if they do not use one, that
they may be in risk of infection, or endangerment. Such claims in
advertising could provide for a panic in the marketplace among
whirlpool bathtub users not having a suction sanitation device,
damage the whirlpool bathtub industry and might create possible
legal lawsuits against those who use such claims to promote a
suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub. Therefore, all
forms of advertising and promotion should not have any claims made
about a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub that
could create public panic or damage the whirlpool bathtub
industry.
[0010] The use of bacteria testing in the promotion of a suction
sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub is also desirable. While
this is not mandatory to the present inventions business method of
selling a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub, such
test results should be made available to anyone that so requests
them. The tests results may be offered in complete or abbreviated
forms. But generally should show the results of the inhibiting of
bacteria in a whirlpool bathtub that uses a suction sanitation
system.
[0011] It is also desirable that any voluntary standards or
mandatory standards such as may be the case with Underwriters
Laboratories, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the
I.A.P.M.O and/or other organization seals (labels) showing that the
suction sanitation device has been listed by such organizations,
appears on the suction sanitation device. This could be done by a
label, having these seals and/or numbers affixed or impregnated
into a component or components of the suction sanitation device. It
is also desirable that these seals or numbers appear in some or all
printed point of purchase material such as brochures,
specification, installation manuals and the like.
[0012] There are various selling channels for a suction sanitation
device for a whirlpool bathtub. Whirlpool bathtub OEM or original
equipment manufacturers are entities that make whirlpool bathtubs.
A suction sanitation device could be sold as a finished product to
these entities to be incorporated into new whirlpool bathtubs.
These entities could also be sold a license to manufacture and make
a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub. They could
also make and sell a retrofitable suction sanitation device for
resale to the end user or others that have sold their whirlpool
bathtubs without providing a suction sanitation device. Wholesalers
and in particular plumbing wholesalers could be sold a suction
sanitation device that could be retrofitted to whirlpool bathtubs
they sell or have sold that are now in the field without one. The
suction sanitation device could be sold at a fix price, or a
quantity price or a discount from a suggested list price. Some of
these companies have what is referred to as city service counters.
They are counters that plumbers and other customers come to buy
their plumbing needs. For these city counters it is desirable that
a suction sanitation device be packaged in cellophane possibly with
a cardboard other material to allow print to be placed on it. This
way the customer could visually see what they are buying and read
from the package the benefits of using a suction sanitation
device.
[0013] Retailer's, such as home centers are another sells channel.
The packages of the suction sanitation device should be determined
for each retail operation. Home centers such as Home Depot may need
a box type packaging while a home center such as Loews may require
a see through packaging. Also various retailers may require point
of purchase material in the form of fact cards, rack cards, videos
and brochure racks. It is desirable that when selling a suction
sanitation device that inhibits bacteria growth in a whirlpool
bathtub to a home center, that the entity selling the home center
provides a no questions asked return policy. In other words, if a
customer buys a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub
from a home center that they will take it back or replace it at no
charge to the home center. It is also desirable that entities that
sell a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub offer
co-op advertising. However, for any such adverting it is desirable
that the entity has a policy to approve any advertising prior to
such advertising. This will help to ensure that all claims made
about the suction sanitation device are proper to limit
liability.
[0014] Consumer sales are also important. Infomercials are one
avenue to sell a suction sanitation device. It is important when
selling to the consumer that the price of the suction sanitation
device for a whirlpool bathtub is higher than the price sold to the
home center or the wholesaler. This will help to protect the
distribution-selling channel.
[0015] The ordering and sales process is similar to all sales
channels in that: An order is placed, the order is filled, and the
purchaser is either billed or pays at time of purchase.
[0016] The sales price or cost of the suction sanitation device is
important for user acceptance and should also be priced in a range
where the technology is affordable. If the selling price of such an
important technology were priced out of the reach of most users,
then the technology could be detrimental to the whirlpool bathtub
industry. Therefore, the selling price of a suction sanitation
device for a whirlpool bathtub should not exceed $75. This price
includes all components or any single component of a suction
sanitation device. A suction sanitation device could also have
replacement parts. Such parts could be but are not limited to a
chemical chamber, the chemical that is housed in the chemical
chamber a filter or a combination of a faceplate and chemical
chamber or a faceplate, chemical chamber and filter. These
replacement parts should not cost more than $10 each individually.
In other words, if just the faceplate is sold it should not cost
more than $10 a combination faceplate and chemical chamber should
not cost more than $20 each. As for a replacement chemical, the
chemical should not have a selling price exceeding $5. All prices
are reflected in present valve in 2004 United State Dollars.
[0017] It is desirable that liability disclaimers should also be
incorporated either on the suction sanitation device or in at least
one form of printed point of purchase material. It is desirable
that a suction sanitation device has an operations manual. It is
further desirable that this manual or a sticker indicating safe use
of the suction sanitation device is presented to the customer. It
is additionally desirable because the suction sanitation device
uses a chemical that safety instructions and emergency instructions
such as used with spa or pool chemical products should be available
to the customer.
[0018] It is desirable that the suction sanitation device is
packaged to be shipped without damage to its destination. It is
further desirable that the chemical or chemical inside the chemical
chamber or the entire suction sanitation device is sealed in a
water proof or air tight package. Such packaging could also
incorporate a child proof configuration.
[0019] It is desirable than the suction sanitation device or any of
the suction sanitation devices components weigh less than 3 pounds.
This reduces the cost of shipping.
[0020] The suction sanitation device could be shipped by any
vehicle using less than truck load, United Parcel Post type
carriers, United States Postal Service or hand delivery. Other
shipping methods could also be used, as the described shipping
methods are used as examples and not limitation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a
cover combining an antimicrobial dispenser in a water vessel having
a closed loop piping system and a water pump that inhibits bacteria
during whirlpool bathtub whereby the chemical is replenishable
without having to remove the cover from a suction housing.
[0022] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover
combining an antimicrobial dispensing and filter combination
apparatus in a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and
a pump that inhibits a growth of bacteria formation in at least a
segment of the water vessel's closed loop piping system during
and/or between water vessel activation.
[0023] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover
combining an antimicrobial dispenser and filter combination
apparatus in a water vessel having a closed loop piping system
whereby the antimicrobial and filter are replaceable without having
to remove the cover from a suction housing.
[0024] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover
having drainage openings in the lower portion thereof and combining
an antimicrobial dispenser and filter combination apparatus in a
water vessel having a closed loop piping system, whereby the
combination retains less than 61/2 ounces of water after drain down
of the water vessel.
[0025] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover
that resists breakage when covering a suction housing when the
center of the cover is impacted with 15-foot pounds.
[0026] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover
that resists hair entrapment.
[0027] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a
combination cover, antimicrobial dispenser and filter that
accommodates water flow exceeding 80 gallons per minute.
[0028] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a
combination cover, antimicrobial dispenser and filter that
accommodates a water flow exceeding 80 gallons per minute and does
not increase a vacuum of a suction line leading to a pump by less
than 15 Hg.
[0029] Another aspect of the current invention is providing a
combination cover, antimicrobial dispenser and filter where the
antimicrobial lasts for a polarity of bath cycles before needing
replacement.
[0030] Another aspect of the current invention is providing an
antimicrobial dispenser that releases about a metered dose of
antimicrobial for any given bath capacity or water flow.
[0031] Another aspect of the current invention is providing an
antimicrobial dispenser that releases an antimicrobial when only a
normal bath is taken and a water pump is not activated.
[0032] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of selling a suction sanitation device limiting liability
exposure.
[0033] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of selling a suction sanitation device that limits and/or
prevents panic in the marketplace.
[0034] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of selling a suction sanitation device that incorporates
presenting testing reports in full or abbreviated form available to
the customer.
[0035] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of promoting a suction sanitation device having at least one
seal or number by Underwriters Laboratory, I.A.P.M.O or other such
testing companies on a component of the suction sanitation
device.
[0036] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of promoting a suction sanitation device is prices it to be
affordable to most purchasers of whirlpool bathtubs.
[0037] Other aspects of this invention will appear from the
following description and appended claims, reference being made to
the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification
wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in
the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of suction assembly having a
chemical chamber and removable filter.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a chemical chamber.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a front view of inventive cover assembly on a
water vessel.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a side view of a filter and chemical chamber
attached to a cover.
[0042] Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present
invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited in its application to the details of the particular
arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other
embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose
of description and not of limitation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] Referring first to FIG. 1. Suction assembly 1 has housing 2
having shank 19. Shank 19 has threads 13. Threads 13 fit through an
opening cut into a tub opening (not shown). Nut 4 having inner
threads (threads not shown) screws onto threads 13 securing housing
2 to a tub. The way housing 2 secures to a tub is shown by way of
example and not limitation as there is other ways housing 2 could
secure to a tub. Rib support 14 extends from housing 2 and adds
support to cover 3 when cover 3 covers rib 14. This support allows
for cover 3 to pass a 15 foot-pound impact to the center of cover 3
without cover 3 breaking. Rib support 14 is shown by way of example
and not limitation, as there are other ways to add supports so the
cover passes a 15 foot-pound impact test. Cover nut 15 secures
cover 3 to flange 2. There are numerous ways or attachment means
that could be used to secure cover 3 to flange 2 and all ways would
fall into the scope of the present invention. One embodiment of the
current invention uses a screw 15 to secure the cover to flange 2.
This method of attachment requires a tool to remove the cover 3
from the housing 2. Housing 2 is shown by way of illustration and
not limitation. Housing 2 could be of any configuration. Cover 3
could also have a snap on arrangement or any other attachment
arrangement where a tool is not needed to remove the cover from
housing 2. Cover 3 could have any shape or dimension however one
embodiment has a cover having a surface area of less than about 20
square inches. The cover has drainage openings 11 to allow water in
suction assembly 1 to drain back into a tub (not shown). One
embodiment of the current invention allows water retention of less
than 4 ounces of water in suction assembly 1 when a water vessel
(not shown) is drained of water. One embodiment of the current
invention allows less than trace amounts of water to be retained in
suction assembly 1 when a water vessel is drained of water. Cover 3
has openings 16 where water is drawn through openings 16 and 11
into and through housing 2. These openings are of sufficient size
to permit water flow of over 70 gallons per minute to flow through
cover 3 yet preventing hair entrapments in cover 3. Cover 3 also
prevents body entrapment. One embodiment of the current invention
has enough openings sized in the right configuration to have no
suction on the cover when water having flow and pressure of over
about 70 gallons per minute passes through cover 3. Cover 3 has
filter receiving opening 2A. Opening 2A is shown by way of example
and not limitation as opening 2A could be anywhere on cover 3.
Filter 5 inserts into opening 2A of cover 3. This provides that
water-entering cover 3 passes through filter 5. Filter 5 is
designed to accommodate water flows exceeding 70 gallons per
minute. Chemical chamber 8 sides or attaches to chemical chamber
opening 7 in cover 3. Chemical chamber 8 can be replaceable or is
non-removable from chamber opening 7. A chemical (not shown)
inserts into chemical chamber 8. The chemical can be any substance,
chemical or element that has antimicrobial properties. Cap 12
covers chemical chamber 8. Flange 2 also has filter receiving
opening 2B. Chemical chamber 8 could also be attached and be
removable from the front side of cover 3. There is no restriction
to where chemical chamber 8 or filter 5 can be placed on or
adjacent to cover 3. Ornamental cap 6 has barbs 20 that insert into
cover openings 19A (not shown) on cover 3.
[0044] Referring next to FIG. 2, chemical chamber 8 has an opening
8A. As water passes by opening 8 water impacts a chemical (not
shown) in chemical chamber 8, wherein a portion of chemical
releases from chemical chamber 8. Opening 8A can be calibrated by
increasing the opening or decreasing the opening to release about a
metered dose of antimicrobial for any given water flow or tub
capacity. Chamber 8 is shown by way of example and not limitation
as chemical chamber 8 could be in different sizes and
configurations. Also chemical chamber 8 could have more than one
opening and the opening or openings could be in various locations.
Chemical chamber 8 could also be located anywhere on cover 3 and
even have a member (not shown) to attach chemical chamber 8 to the
front side of cover 3 or anywhere adjacent to cover 3.
Antimicrobial holder 20 has cap 21 and release opening 22. An
antimicrobial (not shown) fits into antimicrobial hold 20. Tape or
some other form of cover (not shown) covers release-opening 22. The
tape prevents a user in coming into contact with the antimicrobial.
Antimicrobial holder 20 insets into chemical chamber 8. Just before
insertion the tape would be removed from release opening 22. This
provides a safe way to transport and chemical without the chemical
coming in contact with a user.
[0045] Referring next to FIG. 3, cover 3 has drain openings 11.
Cover 3 is also shown on water vessel tub 9. Filter 5 has filter
media 17. Filter media 17 provides less than 30% restriction to
output jets (not shown) on a water vessel (not shown). In order
words the filter restricts output jet pressure only slightly.
Filter 5 inserts into opening 2A. Chemical chamber 8 inserts into
chemical receiving opening 7. Cap 12 covers chemical chamber 8.
Treaded attachment member 15 (not shown) screws into treaded
attachment member opening 18 and into flange threaded attachment
member (not shown) to secure cover 3 to housing 2. Cover openings
19A receives barbs 20 of ornamental cap 6. The present invention
could also use cavitation features found in Mattson prior art to
prevent a water vessel system (not shown) from operating if the
chemical in the chemical chamber is exhausted or the filter is
absent. Additionally, the current invention could use features
found Mattson prior art to alert a user when it is time to
replenish a chemical in the chemical chamber or when to replace the
filter. The amount of antimicrobial released is such that the
antimicrobial inhibits a growth of bacteria in at least a segment
of a water vessel between and/or during water vessel usage. Filter
media 17 can be located anywhere on cover 3 or adjacent to cover 3.
Filter media 17 is shown by way of illustration and not limitation
as filter media 17 could have any configuration. The antimicrobial
(not shown) housed in chemical chamber 8 could be any chemical,
antimicrobial, element or substance that has antimicrobial
properties. This also includes silver and other metals that have
antimicrobial properties. When such metal or metals are used it is
preferred that some low voltage supply, batteries or direct AC or
DC (not shown) contacts the metal to release the metals
antimicrobial properties. When Bromine or Chlorine is used as the
chemical it is preferable that the chemical chamber is calibrated
to deliver less than about 6 parts per million concentration after
mixing with water in a water vessel for a bath cycle lasting less
than about one hour in duration.
[0046] Referring next to FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of cover 30.
Cover 30 is shown by way of example and not limitation and could be
any suction cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping
system and a water pump. Cover 30 has drainage openings 22 and
water flow through opening 23, both openings 22 and 23 water flows
through in direction WF. Support 32 holds chemical chamber 31 to
cover 30. Chemical chamber 31 has chemical release opening 39. The
shape of chemical chamber 31 is shown by way of example and not
limitation as chemical chamber 31 could have any shape and be any
size and have or more chemical release openings. Support 32 is also
shown by way of example and not limitation as chemical chamber 31
could attach in different ways to a suction cover. Chemical 33
slides into chemical chamber 31. Chemical 31 is shown by way of
example and not limitation as chemical 33 could be any shape or
size or could even be a liquid. Spring 34 keeps chemical 33 against
opening 39 as water erodes chemical 33. Cap 35 covers chemical
chamber 31. Filter 86 is shown as a cross section view and filter
86 is attached to cover 30. Water flows through cover 30 in
direction WF and passed chemical chamber 31 and then through filter
86 and then water enters a closed loop piping system (not shown) of
a water vessel (not shown). Filter 86 could also be attached to the
front surface of cover 30 where filter 86 preferably would cover
openings 22 and 23. Chemical chamber 31 could also be attached to
the front surface of cover 30. Both filter 86 and chemical chamber
31 could be removable from cover 30.
* * * * *