U.S. patent application number 10/693043 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-28 for waterfall handle.
Invention is credited to Li, H. Charles, Wiley, Brian.
Application Number | 20050086733 10/693043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34522278 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050086733 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Li, H. Charles ; et
al. |
April 28, 2005 |
Waterfall handle
Abstract
A multi-functional device for serving as a handle and for
producing a waterfall comprising an elongated member with a
waterfall slot, a first end piece that is connected to a water
source and is fluidly connected to the elongated member, and a
second end piece that helps anchor the elongated member to the
spa.
Inventors: |
Li, H. Charles; (Peachtree
City, GA) ; Wiley, Brian; (Clearwater, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TECHNOPROP COLTON, L.L.C.
P O BOX 567685
ATLANTA
GA
311567685
|
Family ID: |
34522278 |
Appl. No.: |
10/693043 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/14 20130101; B05B
17/085 20130101; B05B 1/044 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/507 |
International
Class: |
E04H 004/00 |
Claims
1. A device for producing an artificial waterfall comprising: a. an
elongated member comprising a first interior chamber, a second
interior chamber, a feed water inlet into the first interior
chamber, a distribution slot fluidly connecting the first interior
chamber to the second interior chamber, and a waterfall slot; and
b. a first end piece fluidly connected to a water source and
fluidly connected to the elongated member for allowing feed water
to flow from the water source through the feed water inlet into the
elongated member, wherein the first end piece and a second end
piece anchor the elongated member to a supporting structure wherein
the first interior chamber transiently collects the feed water and
transfers the water through the distributing slot to the second
interior chamber, and the second interior chamber channels the
water to and through the waterfall slot, wherein the first end
piece comprises a channel therethrough for fluidly connecting the
water source to the first interior chamber through the feed water
inlet, and wherein the first end piece and the second end piece are
structured to hold the elongated member at a distance from the
supporting structure so that the device functions as a handle for a
user of the water structure
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first chamber and
the second chamber are separated from each other by a divider and
wherein the distribution slot delineates a passageway through the
divider allowing fluid communication between the first chamber and
the second chamber.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waterfall is
produced from water flowing from the waterfall slot.
4. (canceled).
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting
structure is an artificial body of water.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the supporting
structure is selected from the group consisting of spas, swimming
pools, tubs and showers, and the water source is a water filtering
system used with the supporting structure.
7. (canceled).
8. (canceled).
9. A device for producing an artificial waterfall in an artificial
water structure, comprising: a. an elongated member comprising a
first interior chamber, a second interior chamber, a feed water
inlet into the first interior chamber, a distribution slot fluidly
connection the first interior chamber to the second interior
chamber, a divider separating the first chamber and the second
chamber from each other, and a waterfall slot; b. a first end piece
fluidly connected to a water source and fluidly connected to the
elongated member for allowing feed water to flow from the water
source through the feed water inlet into the elongated member and
that anchors the elongated member to the water structure; and c. a
second end piece that anchors the elongated member to the water
structure, wherein the distribution slot delineates a passageway
through the divider allowing fluid communication between the first
chamber and the second chamber, the first end piece and the second
end piece are attached to opposite ends of the elongated member,
and the waterfall is generated from the water flowing to the water
structure, and wherein the elongated member is rotatable within the
first end piece and the second end piece and the rotation of the
elongated member varies the direction of the waterfall. whereby
passage of the water from the first chamber to the second chamber
through the divider more evenly distributes the water within the
elongated member so as to create a more uniform waterfall.
10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the elongated member,
the first end piece, and second end piece form a continuous
structure.
11. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the water entering
the elongated member exits exclusively out of the waterfall
slot.
12. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first chamber
transiently collects the water and transfers the water through the
distributing slot to the second chamber, and the second chamber
channels the water to and through the waterfall slot.
13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the waterfall has a
sheet-like shape.
14. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the supporting
structure is an artificial body of water.
15. The device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the supporting
structure is selected from the group consisting of spas, swimming
pools, tubs and showers, and the water source is a water filtering
system used with the supporting structure
16. (canceled).
17. A device for producing an artificial waterfall in an artificial
water structure, comprising: a. an elongated member comprising a
first interior chamber, a second interior chamber, a feed water
inlet into the first interior chamber, a distribution slot fluidly
connection the first interior chamber to the second interior
chamber, a divider separating the first chamber and the second
chamber from each other, and a waterfall slot; b. a first end piece
fluidly connected to a water source and fluidly connected to the
elongated member for allowing feed water to flow from the water
source through the feed water inlet into the elongated member and
that anchors the elongated member to the water structure; and c. a
second end piece that anchors the elongated member to the water
structure, wherein the distribution slot delineates a passageway
through the divider allowing fluid communication between the first
chamber and he second chamber, the first end piece and the second
end piece are attached to opposite ends of the elongated member,
and the waterfall is generated from the water flowing to the water
structure, wherein the first end piece comprises a channel
therethrough for fluidly connecting the water source to the first
chamber through the feed water inlet and wherein the first end
piece and the second end piece are structured to hold the elongated
member at a distance from the supporting structure so that the
device functions as a handle for a user of the water structure,
whereby passage of the water from the first chamber to the second
chamber through the divider more evenly distributes the water
within the elongated member so as to create a more uniform
waterfall.
18. (canceled).
19. A device for producing an artificial waterfall in an artificial
water structure, comprising: a. an elongated member comprising a
first interior chamber, a second interior chamber, a feed water
inlet into the first interior chamber, a distribution slot fluidly
connection the first interior chamber to the second interior
chamber, a divider separating the first chamber and the second
chamber from each other, and a waterfall slot; b. a first end piece
fluidly connected to a water source and fluidly connected to the
elongated member for allowing feed water to flow from the water
source through the feed water inlet into the elongated member and
that anchors the elongated member to the water structure; and c. a
second end piece that anchors the elongated member to the water
structure, wherein the first end piece and the second end piece are
structured to hold the elongated member at a distance from the
supporting structure so that the device functions as a handle for a
user of the water structure.
20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first end piece
is connected to a source of water, the first end piece and the
second end piece are attached to opposite ends of the elongated
member through attachment means, and at least the first end piece
has an internal structure to channel the water flow from the source
of water into the first chamber.
21. The device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the divider and the
distribution slot cooperate whereby passage of the water from the
first chamber to the second chamber through the divider more evenly
distributes the water within the elongated member so as to create a
more uniform waterfall, and the device further functions as a
handle for a water structure.
22. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the waterfall slot
extends lengthwise across the majority of the length of the
elongated member.
23. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the water entering
the elongated member exits exclusively out of the waterfall
slot.
24. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the elongated member
is rotatable within the first end piece and the second end piece
and the rotation of the elongated member varies the direction of
the waterfall.
25. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first end piece
comprises a channel therethrough for fluidly connecting the water
source to the first chamber through the feed water inlet.
26. The device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the first chamber
transiently collects the water and transfers the water through the
distributing slot to the second chamber, and the second chamber
channels the water to and through the waterfall slot.
27. The device as claimed in claim 21, further comprising a
plurality of distribution slots through the divider.
28. The device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the second end piece
is fluidly connected to a water source and Is fluidly connected to
the elongated member for allowing feed water to flow from the water
source through a second feed water inlet into the elongated
member.
29. The device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the second end piece
comprises a channel therethrough for fluidly connecting the water
source to the first chamber through the second feed water
inlet.
30. The device as claimed in claim 21 in combination with a spa.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention generally is in the field of devices
for generating waterfalls, and more particularly is in the field of
devices for generating aesthetically pleasing waterfalls in spas,
swimming pools, tubs and the like. The present invention also
relates to the field of decorating and improving the aesthetics of
spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like. The present invention
further relates to the field of handles or devices for aiding users
entering and exiting and moving around spas, swimming pools, tubs,
and the like.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Few applications derive more benefit from the addition of
waterfalls or fountains than artificial bodies of water such as
spas, swimming pools, tubs, or the like. The popularity of
waterfalls and fountains in such structures is probably associated
with the numerous aesthetic and practical applications that make
waterfalls desirable. More specifically, the addition of a
waterfall or fountain to an artificial body of water can provide a
substantial decorative effect or can provide a relaxing background
sound, generated from the water flow, particularly heard when the
pool is not in use. As such, users and owners of artificial bodies
of water have always desired the addition of waterfalls or
fountain.
[0005] Existing waterfall devices are generally custom-made for
each particular artificial body of water. That is, such devices
must be sized and configured to fit a specific water structure.
Often, these waterfall devices must be integrated into the
circulation and filtration system with additional materials and
involve an array of plumbing and molding techniques. In some cases,
such waterfall devices must have an independent filtering system
and cleaning system so that waterfall device does not become
plugged with debris. As such, prior art waterfall devices tend to
be relatively costly and difficult to install.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a device that allows for
the addition of a waterfall to an artificial body of water, such as
a spa, swimming pool, tub or the like. There is also need for such
a device to be able to be integrated into a spa, swimming pool, tub
or the like without excessively disrupting or interfering with the
existing filtering system. There is a further need for a combined
device serving multiple purposes such as an aesthetically pleasing
ornamental addition to, a means for filling with water, and/or a
means for entering, exiting or moving around a spa, swimming pool,
tub or the like. It is to these needs and others that the present
invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Briefly described, the present invention is a device that
produces a waterfall into, is a means for filling with water,
and/or is a means for entering, exiting or moving around a spa,
swimming pool, tub or the like. For simplicity, spas, swimming
pools, tubs or the like, and all such artificial bodies of water,
together or separately will be referred to as spas or a spa. The
invention can be mounted appropriately on the edge of a spa and in
one embodiment, the present invention is a waterfall handle that
can be installed on the edge of a spa to provide for the addition
of an aesthetically pleasing and decorative waterfall that flows
into a spa and to provide a convenient handle for persons entering
and exiting the spa. In this embodiment, water from a water source
flows into the waterfall handle and is discharged through a
waterfall slot into the spa. As the waterfall handle can be placed
above the surface of the water in the spa on, for example, the
upper edge of the spa wall, the waterfall can be a smooth flow of
falling water extending from the waterfall handle to the surface of
the water in the spa.
[0008] The waterfall handle of the present invention comprises an
elongated member with a waterfall slot that is flanked by a first
end piece and a second end piece. The elongated member has ends
that cooperate with and secure the elongated member within
accepting ends of the first end piece and a second end piece. When
assembled, that is when the first end piece and the second end
piece are connected to the elongated member, waterfall handle
appears as a generally continuous shaped structure with the
waterfall slot in the center of the waterfall handle. One or both
of the first end piece and the second end piece comprises a channel
through which water flows from a water source to the elongated
member.
[0009] In one embodiment, the elongated member comprises a first
chamber and a second chamber separated by a divider. The divider
has a distributing slot for allowing the passage of water between
the first chamber and the second chamber. The first chamber is
structured and intended for evenly distributing the water entering
the elongated member within the first chamber and the second
chamber is structured for channeling the water through the
waterfall slot. Preferably, the divider divides the elongated
member such that only the first chamber has direct access to the
waterfall slot. The divider can be a single slot or a series of
smaller slots or holes running approximately the length of the
elongated member.
[0010] The flow of water through the waterfall handle occurs
through regular fluid dynamics. Water from a water source such as a
municipal water supply flows through a channel within and through
one of the end pieces, into the elongated member, and out through
the waterfall slot into the spa. More particularly, the water from
the water source enters and flows through the first end piece into
the elongated member. Within the elongated member, the water flows
into the first chamber and is distributed more evenly within the
first chamber. The water flows through the slot, slots or holed in
the divider into the second chamber and ultimately through the
waterfall slot into the spa.
[0011] The waterfall handle can be anchored to the wall or edge of
a spa using the first and second end pieces. More particularly, the
first and second end pieces are structured to have securing ends
for securing the elongated member between the first and second end
pieces and attaching ends for attaching to the spa wall. Thus, when
the first and second end pieces are securely connected to the spa
wall, as the end pieces are connected to the elongated member, the
elongated member and the entire device thereby is secured to the
spa wall. One or both, but preferably only one, of the end pieces
also is connected to a water source. In one embodiment, the first
end piece is anchored to the spa wall and is connected to a water
supply and the second end piece is anchored to the wall.
[0012] In operation and use, the present invention provides an
aesthetically pleasant waterfall into a spa, a means for filling
the spa with water, and a convenient handle for users of the spa to
enter or exit or move around in the spa. One advantage of the
waterfall handle is that it can serve multiple functions and
therefore take the place of two or more prior devices. For example,
the waterfall handle can serve as a handle to allow a person in the
spa to grip thus replacing known handles, as an aesthetically
pleasing waterfall thus replacing known waterfalls, and/or as a
means for filling the spa thus replacing known spouts and taps.
Thus, the present invention can economically serve two or more
needs.
[0013] Another advantage of the waterfall handle is that the
direction of the waterfall can be adjusted with respect to the
surface of the water in the spa. In one embodiment, the elongated
member can be rotated within the first and second end pieces. As
the elongated member comprises the waterfall slot, a user can
rotate the elongated member to control the direction of flow of
water therefrom. For example, if a user wants the waterfall to flow
directly downward, the user can rotate the elongated member so that
the flow of water from the waterfall slot can flow directly
downward. For another example, if the user wants the waterfall to
flow in the forward direction, the user can rotate the elongated
member so that the waterfall slot faces forward (or horizontally)
and so the flow of water from the waterfall slot is forward (and
then of course downwards due to gravity). Thus, the ability of the
elongated member to be rotated provides a user with the ability to
control aspects of the waterfall produced by the waterfall
handle.
[0014] The waterfall device can be used on almost any artificial
water body. While the waterfall handle is described in connection
with a spa, it is understood that the waterfall handle can be used
on spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like. For example, the
waterfall handle can be placed on the edge of a swimming pool so to
provide a waterfall and a handle on the swimming pool. One of
ordinary skill in the art can modify the waterfall handle without
undue experimentation so that it can be placed on almost any
artificial water body.
[0015] These features, and other features and advantages of the
present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description
of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the
appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like
components throughout the several views.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention attached to a spa wall and producing a
waterfall.
[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
showing the components of the device.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of the elongated member of
the invention.
[0019] FIGS. 4A is a first end view of the elongated member of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0020] FIGS. 4B is a second end view of the elongated member of the
embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side view of an end piece of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
showing the general flow of water through the invention.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of the elongated member of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 showing the flow of water through
the chambers.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a sectional end view of the elongated member of
the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 showing the flow of water through
the chambers.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1 as placed on a typical spa.
[0026] FIG. 10A is a top view of a second embodiment of the
invention.
[0027] FIG. 10B is a top view of a third embodiment of the
invention.
[0028] FIG. 10C is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the
invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0029] Illustrative embodiments of a waterfall handle 10 according
to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 10. FIG. 1 is
a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention for
producing a waterfall into the water of a spa and for acting as a
handle for ease of entering, exiting or moving about the spa. FIG.
2 is an exploded view of the three major components of the
embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a sectional
side view of the elongated member of the invention with ghost lines
showing some of the internal features and the dual chambers of the
elongated member. FIGS. 4A and 4B are end views of the elongated
member, with FIG. 4A showing a port allowing water to flow into the
elongated member and FIG. 4B showing a solid end wall. FIG. 5 is a
side view of an end piece of the invention with ghost lines showing
a conduit through which water flows.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a top view of the embodiment of the invention
shown in FIG. 1 with ghost lines showing the general internal
structure of the components of the invention, the general flow of
water through the device, and how the device is attached to a spa
wall. FIG. 7 is a sectional side view of the elongated member of
the invention showing the flow of water through the chambers. FIG.
8 is a sectional end view of the elongated member of the invention
showing the flow of water in the elongated member. FIG. 9 is a
perspective view of the invention as placed on a typical spa.
[0031] FIG. 10A is a top view of a second embodiment of the present
invention comprising a single component. FIG. 10B is a top view of
a third embodiment of the present invention comprising two
components. FIG. 10C is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the
present invention comprising four components. These additional
embodiments are included to illustrate the versatility of the
invention and the variety of manners in which it can be
manufactured and assembled.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, one illustrative embodiment of the
present invention is a waterfall handle 10 that can provide both an
aesthetically pleasing and decorative waterfall 20 into a spa 22
and a convenient handle within spa 22. In this embodiment,
waterfall handle 10 can be installed on sidewall 24 of spa 22. As
disclosed in more detail herein, to generate the waterfall, water
from a water source (not shown) flows into waterfall handle 10 and
is discharged through waterfall slot 40 into spa 22. As waterfall
handle 10 can be placed above the surface of the water of spa 22
on, for example, the upper edge of sidewall 24 of spa 22, the
waterfall handle 10 can be gripped by a typical user of spa 22. As
such, this embodiment can serve at least two functions. A third
function is to fill spa 22 with water.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustrative embodiment of
waterfall handle 10 comprises three components, namely, elongated
member 12, which comprises waterfall slot 40, flanked by first end
piece 30 and second end piece 32. Elongated member 12 is a
generally hollow and generally cylindrical structure having a
central portion 102 of a first diameter and cooperating ends 14,16
of a second smaller diameter. More specifically, cooperating ends
14, 16 are structured for securing elongated member 12 within
accepting ends 36, 38 of first end piece 30 and second end piece
32, respectively, such that when elongated member 12 and end pieces
30, 32 are assembled a generally smooth outer surface is presented.
Thus, when assembled, that is when first end piece 30 and second
end piece 32 are connected to elongated member 12 at the accepting
ends 36, 38, waterfall handle 10 appears as a generally continuous
shaped structure. Waterfall slot 40 is located lengthwise along
central portion 102 and provides an exit for water to flow from the
hollow interior of elongated member 12. This illustrative
three-component configuration is for ease of manufacturing and
installation, and as shown in FIG. 10 configurations having more or
fewer components are within the scope and spirit of this
invention.
[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 8 the internal and external
structure of elongated member 12 is shown in more detail. Elongated
member 12 is divided into first chamber 18 and second chamber 19 by
divider 42. Each chamber preferably runs the length of elongated
member 12 between cooperating ends 14, 16 and consists of
approximately half of the internal volume of elongated member 12.
First chamber 18 is for initially receiving water from the water
source and evenly distributing water within elongated member 12.
Second chamber 19 is for receiving water from first chamber 18 and
channeling water through waterfall slot 40. Divider 42 has at least
one distributing slot 44 for allowing the passage of water between
first chamber 18 and second chamber 19. As shown, divider 42
divides elongated member 12 such that only second chamber 19 has
access to waterfall slot 40. Thus, as disclosed in more detail
herein, water flowing into elongated member 12 first flows into
first chamber 18 within which water is generally evenly
distributed, then flows through distributing slot 44 into second
chamber 19, and then exits through waterfall slot 40 to form
waterfall 20. As shown in FIG. 3, cooperating ends 14, 16 have a
diameter less than elongated member. Typically, the reduction in
diameter is equal to the thickness of the external wall 104 of
elongated member 12. Further, as disclosed in connection with FIG.
5 herein, the outside diameter of cooperating ends 14,16 is
approximately equal to the inside diameter of accepting ends 36, 38
of end pieces 30, 32. Although elongated member 12 is shown as a
cylinder for this illustrative example, elongated member 12 can
have any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval,
ellipsoidal, square, triangular and any other geometric shape
selected for aesthetic and other purposes. Further, elongated
member 12 can be manufactured in various lengths depending on the
size of handle needed or desired, or the size of waterfall 40
desired.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the ends of elongated
member 12 are shown in more detail. In the present illustrative
embodiment, first cooperating end 14 is distinct from second
cooperating end 16. More particularly, as shown in FIG. 4A first
cooperating end 14 is partially blocked off by first wall 13, while
as shown in FIG. 4B second cooperating end 16 is entirely blocked
off by second wall 15. Aperture 48 provides access to the interior
of first chamber 18. The configuration of first cooperating end 14
allows water to flow from first end piece 30 through aperture 48
into first chamber 18 but not from first end piece into second
chamber 19 or from second chamber 19 into first end piece 30. The
configuration of second cooperating end 16 prevents water from
exiting elongated member 12 through second cooperating end 16.
Thus, water is introduced into elongated member 12 only through a
single end piece, namely, first end piece 30 in this example.
[0036] Alternatively, as disclosed in more detail below, as second
end piece 32 generally is a mirror image of first end piece 30,
second end piece 32 can be used to introduce water to elongated
member 12 if elongated member is rotated 180.degree. normal to its
axis such that first cooperating end 14 cooperates with second end
piece 32. Additionally, both cooperating ends 30, 32 can have the
configuration shown in FIG. 4A and water can be introduced into
first chamber 18 from both end pieces 30, 32.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, an illustrative embodiment of end
pieces 30, 32 is shown in more detail, with first end piece 30
being used as the example. First end piece 30 is a generally hollow
curved or elbow-shaped conduit comprising channel 34 through which
water can flow. Channel 34 cooperates with aperture 48 in elongated
member 12 to facilitate the flow of water from the water source,
through first end piece 30 into first chamber 18 of elongated
member 12. One end of first end piece 30 is accepting end 36, which
cooperates with first cooperating end 14 of elongated member 12.
Preferably, cooperating end 14 fits snugly within accepting end 36.
Another end of first end piece opposite accepting end 36 comprises
attachment means 110. As shown, attachment means is a threaded
connecting tube 112 that fits through a cooperating and similarly
sized hole in the spa sidewall 24. Nut 114 screws onto threaded
connecting tube 112 so as to hold first end piece 30 securely and
tightly onto spa sidewall 24. A hose or other water supply means
(not shown) also can be attached to threaded connecting tube 112
for providing water to the device 10.
[0038] Second end piece 32 generally is a mirror image of first end
piece 30. Thus, second cooperating end 16 fits snugly within
accepting end 38. Second end piece 32 also comprises attachment
means 110 for securing second end piece 32 to spa sidewall 24.
However, if water is being provided to the device 10 through first
end piece 30, there is no need to attach a hose or other water
supply means (not shown) to threaded connecting tube 112 of second
end piece 32. However, in a configuration in which both cooperating
ends 14, 16 comprise aperture 48, either channel 34 through second
end piece 32 should be blocked to prevent water from exiting
elongated member 12 through second end piece, or a second hose or
other water supply means (not shown) should be attached to threaded
connecting tube 112 of second end piece 32.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the assembled device 10 is
shown in more detail. First end piece 30 is attached to spa
sidewall 24 through a pre-existing hole in spa sidewall 24 using
attachment means 110. First cooperating end 14 of elongated member
12 is inserted into attachment end 36. Attachment end 38 of second
end piece 32 is placed over second cooperating end 16 of elongated
member 12. Second end piece 32 then is attached to spa sidewall 24
through a pre-existing hole in spa sidewall 24 using attachment
means 110. Of course, this order can be reversed and second end
piece 32 can be attached to spa sidewall 24 first.
[0040] Water (as shown by arrows W) flows from water source (not
shown) through channel 34 of first end piece 30 into first chamber
18 of elongated member 12 parallel to its axis A. Distributing slot
44 along chamber divider 42 allows for a more smooth and even
distribution of water within elongated member 12 in general and
into second chamber 19 in specific, and thus to waterfall slot 40.
Because of the nature of water flow, second chamber 19 will readily
fill with water. To help evenly distribute water, a series of
perforations can be used on divider 42 rather than a single
distributing slot 44. By allowing for the even distribution of
water from first chamber 18 to second chamber 19, waterfall handle
10 can distribute water through waterfall slot 40 more effectively.
As such, it is possible to generate a more even flow to second
chamber 19 and thus a more even waterfall 20 from waterfall device
10.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 9, waterfall handle 10 attaches on the
sidewall 24 of a typical spa 22. Waterfall handle 10 can be placed
on spa 22 so that first end piece 30 is secured to spa 22 and
connected to a water source and second end piece 32 is secured to
spa 22, so that second end piece 32 is secured to spa 22 and
connected to a water source and first end piece 30 is secured to
spa 22, or that both end pieces 30, 32 are secured to spa and
connected to a water source, depending on the selected
configuration. Preferably, waterfall handle 10 is anchored on spa
22 so that it can withstand an amount of force placed thereupon by
a person. One of ordinary skill in the art can construct ways of
installing waterfall handle 10 on spa 22 so to obtain a desired
stability.
[0042] Referring now to FIG. 10, additional embodiments of the
device 10 are shown. For example, FIG. 10A illustrates that a
single component configuration 200 can be molded out of plastic
having a central elongated portion 202 and two end portions 204,
206 having generally the same configuration as the three-component
configuration shown when assembled. For another example, FIG. 10B
illustrates that a two-component configuration 220 can be
manufactured having a first section 222 comprising an elongated
portion 224 and an end piece 226 for attaching to a spa sidewall
although a three-component configuration is shown. For another
example, FIG. 10C illustrates that a four-component configuration
260 can be manufactured having a central elongated portion 262 and
two end portions 264, 266, in which the central elongated portion
262 is split into two separate portions corresponding to the first
chamber portion 268 and the second chamber portion 280, which, when
assembled, has generally the same configuration as the
three-component configuration shown.
[0043] In operation and use, waterfall handle 10 provides an
aesthetically pleasant waterfall 20 into a spa 22 and provides a
convenient handle for users of the spa 22 to use while entering,
exiting or moving around in the spa 22. As waterfall handle 10
preferably is located above the water surface of spa 22 on, for
example, sidewall 24 of spa 22, waterfall 20 can provide a smooth
flow of falling water extending from waterfall handle 10 to the
water surface of spa 22.
[0044] One advantage of the waterfall handle is that it can serve
as a both a handle and as a waterfall. More particularly, the
waterfall handle serves as a handle to allows a person in the spa
to grip and waterfall handle serves to provide an aesthetically
pleasing waterfall. As the same time, the waterfall handle can be
placed to allow for a person to enjoy the handle and to enjoy the
waterfall produced therefrom. Thus, such the present invention can
serve at least two needs.
[0045] For aesthetic reasons waterfall 20 can be substantially
smooth over its width and over its length as it flows into the
water of spa 22. More particularly, waterfall 20 from waterfall
handle 10 preferably is free of bubbles and ripples and flows as a
generally continuous sheet of water. The dual chambered structure
of the invention 10 helps accomplish this.
[0046] Elongated member 12 can be rotatable between end pieces 30,
32. The rotatability of the elongated member 12 within end pieces
30, 32 allows a user to control the relative direction of waterfall
20. For example, if the user desires that waterfall 20 flow
directly downward, the user can rotate elongated member 12 so that
water flows from waterfall slot 40 directly downward.
Alternatively, if the user desires that the waterfall 20 flow
forward, the user can rotate elongated member 12 so that waterfall
slot 40 faces foreword, and thus water flows in a forward-downward
fashion.
[0047] Preferably, connections between waterfall member 12 and end
pieces 30, 32 are as watertight as possible. If the connection
between end pieces 30, 32 and elongated member 12 are not
watertight, water may escape though the connections. In some cases,
it may be optimal to use fillers, sealants, o-rings or the
equivalent to help ensure watertight connection between the parts
of waterfall handle 10. Methods for ensuring a watertight
connection between parts or plumbing parts are known by one of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0048] The waterfall handle 10 can be used on almost any artificial
water body. While waterfall handle 10 is described in connection
with a spa 22, it is understood that waterfall handle 10 could be
used on spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like. For example,
waterfall handle 10 can be placed on the edge of a swimming pool so
to provide a waterfall and a handle on the swimming pool. One of
ordinary skill in the art can modify waterfall device 10 so that it
can be placed on any artificial water body.
[0049] It is understood that shape of waterfall 20 can be modified
by the configuration of waterfall slot 40. For example, if
waterfall slot 40 is a regular uninterrupted slit, a relatively
smooth waterfall 20 over its length and width can be generated.
Alternatively, if divisions or interruptions are introduced into
the waterfall slot 40, or waterfall slot 40 has a non-linear shape,
waterfall 20 can have a sprinkler type shape or a scalloped shape,
which is not a smooth shaped waterfall. One of ordinary skill in
the art can modify waterfall slot 40 so that waterfall handle 10
will produce a waterfall 20 of a desired shape.
[0050] Waterfall handle 10 can be manufactured from relatively
inexpensive materials. For example, waterfall handle 10 can be
formed of plastics, metal, or other materials. Preferably,
waterfall handle 10 can be molded or forged from a plastic material
as such material will not rust from the exposure to water,
particularly chlorinated water. Such plastics, metals, and other
materials are known in the art.
[0051] The foregoing detailed description of the preferred
embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for
illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be
exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The
embodiments were selected and described to best explain the
principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can
be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
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