U.S. patent application number 11/025730 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-02 for waterfall waterjet with spa sidewall mount.
Invention is credited to H. Charles Li, Robert D. Moore.
Application Number | 20060021128 11/025730 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35730471 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060021128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Li; H. Charles ; et
al. |
February 2, 2006 |
Waterfall waterjet with spa sidewall mount
Abstract
A device for producing a waterfall comprising a waterfall
waterjet with at least one chamber, at least one primary outlet, at
least one debris outlet, a water source fluidly connected to the
waterfall waterjet, a means of opening and closing the debris
outlet, and a means of anchoring the waterfall waterjet to a
spa.
Inventors: |
Li; H. Charles; (Peachtree
City, GA) ; Moore; Robert D.; (Tyrone, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAURENCE P. COLTON
1201 WEST PEACHTREE STREET, NW
14TH FLOOR
ATLANTA
GA
30309-3488
US
|
Family ID: |
35730471 |
Appl. No.: |
11/025730 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10899945 |
Jul 27, 2004 |
|
|
|
11025730 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
4/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/14 20130101; E04H
4/148 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/507 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Claims
1. A device for producing an artificial waterfall comprising: a) a
waterfall waterjet including at least one chamber; b) at least one
inlet for water into the waterfall waterjet; c) at least one
primary outlet having an opening to pass water out of the waterfall
waterjet; and d) at least one attachment means for attaching the
device to a sidewall of a spa, wherein the device is attached to
the sidewall of the spa via the inlet and the attachment means.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is
structured such that only the inlet and the attachment means are
located on a dry side of the spa, with the remainder of the device
being located within the spa.
3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inlet and the
attachment means are round and are installed through round holes
cut in the sidewall of the spa.
4. The device as claimed in claim 3, further comprising fastening
means for fixing the device to the sidewall of the spa.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment means
is a threaded post and the fastening means is a threaded nut that
screws onto the threaded post.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising two
attachment means located on opposite sides of the inlet.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more baffles
are positioned in the at least one chamber.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
chamber transiently collects the water and transfers the water
through one or more baffles positioned in the at least one chamber
to a second chamber, and the second chamber channels the water to
and through the primary outlet.
9. The device as claimed in claim 1, further including a means of
illuminating the waterfall.
10. A device for producing an artificial waterfall in an artificial
water structure, comprising: a) a waterfall waterjet comprising a
first chamber, a second chamber, a water inlet into the first
chamber, a distribution slot fluidly connecting the first chamber
to the second chamber, a divider separating the first chamber and
the second chamber from each other, and at least one primary
outlet; b) a water source fluidly connected to the waterfall
waterjet for allowing water to flow from the water source through
the water inlet into the waterfall waterjet; c) means for fastening
the waterfall waterjet to the water structure; and d) at least one
debris outlet having at least one opening to pass water and debris
out of the waterfall waterjet, wherein the device is structured
such that only the inlet and the means for fastening are located on
a dry side of the spa, with the remainder of the device being
located within the spa.
11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means for
fastening cooperates with at least one attachment means for
attaching the device to a sidewall of a spa.
12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inlet and the
attachment means are round and are installed through round holes
cut in the sidewall of the spa.
13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the attachment means
is a threaded post and the means for fastening is a threaded nut
that screws onto the threaded post.
14. The device as claimed in claim 13, further comprising two
attachment means located on opposite sides of the inlet and two
means for fastening.
15. The device as claimed in claim 14, 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 waterfall waterjet so as to create
a more uniform waterfall.
16. The device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the primary outlet
extends lengthwise across the majority of a length of the waterfall
waterjet.
17. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein the means of opening
and closing the at least one debris outlet is movable back and
forth from a first closed position wherein water and debris are
prevented from passing out of the at least one debris outlet to a
second open position wherein water and debris are allowed to pass
out of the at least one debris outlet.
18. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the means of opening
and closing the at least one debris outlet is selected from the
group consisting of variable apertures, rotating dials, pivoting
bars, pivoting levers, sliding bars, sliding levers, and plugs.
19. The device as claimed in claim 18, wherein there are two debris
outlets.
20. The device as claimed in claim 19, wherein the means of opening
and closing the at least one debris outlet is a sliding bar.
Description
[0001] This patent application is a continuation application based
on and claiming priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/899,945 having a filing date of 27 Jul. 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field.
[0003] 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 further
relates to a more cost efficient design and installation system for
waterfall devices in spas, swimming pools, tubs, and the like, that
include an alternate flowpath for the water through the device, or
an alternate outlet for water from the device, so that debris and
sediment trapped inside the device may be removed from the
device.
[0004] 2. Prior Art.
[0005] Few applications derive more benefit from the addition of
waterfalls or fountains than artificial bodies of water such as
spas, swimming pools, and tubs. 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. As such, users and owners of
artificial bodies of water often desire the addition of waterfalls
or fountains.
[0006] Many 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
they 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 the waterfall device does not
become plugged with debris. As such, prior art waterfall devices
tend to be relatively costly, difficult to install, and/or
impossible to maintain.
[0007] A typical problem experienced by conventional waterfall
devices is that debris and sediment become trapped. Such entrapment
typically occurs in one of two fashions: (1) debris including small
particles of wood, plastic, metal and other particles, often from
the original installation or from the water source, become trapped
behind the screens, baffles or other waterfall parts; or (2) when
the water flow encounters obstructions in the flow, sediment falls
out of the waterflow onto the bottom of the waterfall waterjet.
This debris can build up inside and affect the operation of the
waterfall device.
[0008] 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 with a minimum of
manufacturing and installation costs. There is also a 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 device
that has a means for removing debris that may become trapped in the
waterfall apparatus. It is to these needs and others that the
present invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Briefly described, the present invention is a waterfall
waterjet that produces a waterfall into a spa, swimming pool, tub,
reservoir, or the like, and that incorporates an alternate flowpath
for the water through the device, or an alternate outlet, so that
debris trapped inside the device can be flushed out. The device
also provides a means for filling such a reservoir with water. For
simplicity, spas, swimming pools, tubs or the like, and all such
reservoirs and artificial bodies of water, together or separately
will be referred to as spas or a spa. The invention generally is a
device 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. In the invention, water from a water source
flows into the device and is discharged through a waterfall
slot/primary outlet into the spa. Because the device can be placed
above the surface of the water in the spa on the upper edge of the
spa wall, the waterfall can be a smooth flow of falling water
extending from the device to the surface of the water in the
spa.
[0010] The waterfall waterjet of the present invention generally
comprises an round inlet, a flow/outlet selector, baffles to remove
turbulence and debris from the water, a primary outlet, and a
debris-removing outlet. In its simplest form, the device may
comprise a waterfall waterjet (including the inlet, outlet, and
optional baffles/dividers) and a flow/outlet selector to choose
between two or more flow paths/outlets. When the device is in the
assembled condition, that is when the various components are
installed in the spa, the device appears as a generally continuous
shaped structure with the waterfall slot/primary outlet in the
center of the waterfall waterjet.
[0011] In one embodiment, the device comprises a first chamber and
a second chamber, separated by the baffles/dividers through which
water flows. The baffles primarily remove turbulence from the water
and secondarily can function as a screen to prevent debris from
becoming lodged in other parts of the device or being ejected into
the spa. The configuration of the baffles is variable, and they can
have one or more distribution slots for allowing the passage of
water between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first
chamber preferably is a manifold structure intended for evenly
distributing the water entering the device within the first
chamber, and the second chamber preferably is structured for
channeling the water through the primary outlet. Preferably, the
baffles divide the interior of the device such that only the second
chamber has direct access to the primary outlet. The baffles can be
a single slot or a series of smaller slots or holes running
approximately the length of the device. Further, the device will
function even if there are no baffles, though it is likely that the
waterfall will exhibit more turbulence.
[0012] The flow of water through the device occurs through regular
fluid dynamics. The water may be recirculated as in most spa
settings or the water may be provided from a separate water source
such as a municipal water supply. Irrespective of the water source,
the water flows through an inlet channel into the first chamber
(typically elongated), past the baffles (if present), and into the
second chamber, where the water passes out through the primary
outlet into the spa.
[0013] The waterfall waterjet can be anchored to the wall or edge
of a spa using any appropriate means as long as water is fed into,
and water can flow out of, the device. More particularly, the
device may be structured to have securing ends for securing the
device to the spa wall. In this preferred embodiment, the device
can be installed with a minimum of disturbance to the surrounding
spa. It is further advantageous that the inlet and the attachment
means are round so that a standard drill can be used to fix the
device to the spa sidewall. Due to the configuration of the device
with only the inlet and fastening means located on the dry side of
the spa sidewall, potentially only a round inlet and preferably
round fasteners require cuts to be made in the spa sidewall as
opposed to typical waterfall devices which require complex cuts and
accompanying high costs of installation. The present invention is
therefore also much less costly to install than other waterfall
devices.
[0014] In accordance with the present invention, the device can
have at least two flowpaths/outlets, one of which may be dedicated
to removing debris from the waterfall waterjet. In "normal"
operation, the device produces an aesthetically pleasing waterfall.
In contrast, when the device is in the "debris removing" operation,
either the water's flow path through the device is changed such
that debris can be carried out of the device, or an alternate
outlet is opened that allows water to carry the debris and sediment
out of the device.
[0015] The present invention includes one or more outlets whose
purpose is to allow internally trapped debris to be removed without
disassembling the device. Such outlets preferably are located
proximal to the lateral ends of the first chamber. Debris
frequently collects at these locations because of the tendency for
low flow conditions. A preferred mechanism of opening such outlets
includes a bar that can slide to open and close the debris outlets
and a control lever that can move the bar. When the control lever
is in a first position, the debris outlets are covered and there is
no flow through them. When the control lever is in a second
position, the debris outlets are opened, which permits flow
therethrough. In operation and use, the present invention provides
an aesthetically pleasant waterfall into a spa, a means for filling
the spa with water, and the ability to remove trapped debris from
the device.
[0016] The device is also capable of producing an illuminated
waterfall when the device includes an optional light source. The
light source can be either independent from or constructed
integrally with the device in order to transmit as much light as
possible to the waterfall. For example, the light source can be
located on the means for attaching the device to the spa wall or
within the device. Further, it is preferred that that at least a
portion of the device is made of a transparent material.
[0017] The device can be used on almost any artificial water body.
While the device is described in connection with a spa, it is
understood that the device can be used on spas, swimming pools,
tubs, and the like. For example, the device can be placed on the
edge of a swimming pool so to provide a waterfall. One of ordinary
skill in the art can modify the device without undue
experimentation so that it can be placed on almost any artificial
water body.
[0018] 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
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention attached to a spa wall and producing a
waterfall.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG.
1.
[0021] FIG. 3A is a sectional top view of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 3B is a sectional top view of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1
showing the components of the waterfall waterjet.
[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a sectional side view of the invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 8 is a view of an alternate method of closing the
debris outlets of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 9 is a top view of the invention including an optional
light source to produce an illuminated waterfall.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Illustrative embodiments of a waterfall waterjet 16
according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 7.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present
invention for producing a waterfall into the water of a spa. FIG. 2
is a front view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3A is a
sectional top view of the invention with the debris outlets closed.
FIG. 3B is a sectional top view of the invention with the debris
outlets opened. FIG. 4 is an exploded view of illustrative
components of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
5 is an exploded side view of the invention. FIG. 6 is a sectional
side view of the invention showing the inflow of water into the
invention. FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the invention showing the
relative placement of a slide bar for opening and closing the
debris outlets. FIG. 8 is a view of an alternate method of closing
the debris outlets of the present invention showing a "water gun
plug". FIG. 9 illustrates an optional embodiment of the present
invention showing a light source for creating an illuminated
waterfall.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 1, one illustrative embodiment of the
present invention is a waterfall waterjet 16 that can provide an
aesthetically pleasing and decorative waterfall 20 into a spa 10.
In this embodiment, waterfall waterjet 16 can be installed on
sidewall 12 of spa 10. As disclosed in more detail herein, to
generate the waterfall 20, water from a water source (not shown)
flows into waterfall waterjet 16 and is discharged through
waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 into spa 10 where it meets the
water 14 of the spa 10. The water from the source (not shown) may
be a municipal water source or recirculated water 14 from the spa
10. As waterfall waterjet 16 can be placed above the surface of the
water of spa 10 on, for example, the upper edge of sidewall 12 of
spa 10, the waterfall waterjet 16 can function to fill spa 10 with
water 14 (i.e., non-recirculating).
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustrative front view is shown
of an embodiment of waterfall waterjet 16 that preferably comprises
a body cover 22 (shown elongated) and a flow/outlet selector 26.
Waterfall waterjet 16 may further include a cap/cover 24, which may
be manufactured separately from body cover 22 and flow/outlet
selector 26. Body cover 22 is a generally hollow half-cylindrical
structure. Flow/outlet selector 26 is utilized to select between
two or more flow paths/outlets as further discussed below.
Waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 is located lengthwise along body
cover 22 and provides an exit for water to flow from the hollow
interior of waterfall waterjet 16. Cap/cover 24 can be inserted
into waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 to form the shape of the
waterfall. This illustrative multi-component configuration is for
ease of manufacturing and installation, and configurations having
more or fewer components are within the scope and spirit of this
invention.
[0032] Referring now to FIG. 3A, the internal structure of
waterfall waterjet 16 is shown in more detail. Waterfall waterjet
16 is preferably divided into first chamber 30 and second chamber
32 by baffles/divider 34, such that only second chamber 32 has
access to waterfall slot/primary outlet 18. Each chamber 30, 32
preferably runs the horizontal length of waterfall waterjet 16.
First chamber 30 is for initially receiving water 36 from the water
source via inlet 38 and evenly distributing water within waterfall
waterjet 16. Second chamber 32 is for receiving water from first
chamber 30 and channeling water through waterfall slot/primary
outlet 18 to waterfall 20. It is thus preferred that water flowing
into waterfall waterjet 16 first flows into first chamber 30 within
which the water is generally evenly distributed, then flows through
holes in baffles/divider 34 into second chamber 32, and then exits
through waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 to form waterfall 20.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3A, debris 100 may become trapped behind
the baffles/divider 34 on back surface 40. In addition, it is
common for sediment 102 to settle out of the water flow in regions
of relatively lower fluid flow, such regions are generally
designated by reference number 42 and are typically located at the
lateral ends of the waterfall waterjet 16. In order to remove such
debris 100 and sediment 102, waterfall waterjet 16 is preferably
configured with one or more debris outlets 44 (shown in dashed
lines) at or proximal to these locations. It is within the scope of
the invention to configure any number of such debris outlets 44 as
desired and to further include a system for a user to open and
close debris outlets 44.
[0034] A representative system for allowing a user to open and
close debris outlets 44 is shown in FIG. 3A, in which bar 46 may
extend between the one or more debris outlets 44 and flow/outlet
selector 26 (see FIG. 7). Bar 46 includes holes 48 which correspond
to the location of debris outlets 44. In the "normal" operating
mode illustrated in FIG. 3A, holes 48 of bar 46 do not align with
debris outlets 44. In this instance, very little to no flow could
occur through debris outlets 44; almost all to all of the water
flow out of waterfall waterjet 16 would have to occur through
waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2).
[0035] FIG. 3B illustrates the waterfall waterjet 16 when debris
outlets 44 have been opened by way of sliding bar 46 via
flow/outlet selector 26 (see FIG. 7). This may be termed the
"debris removing" operation. In this position, holes 48 align with
debris outlets 44 creating an opening between first chamber 30 and
the outside. As discussed in more detail below, this opening allows
water, and any debris 100 and/or sediment 102 carried by water to
flow out of the waterfall waterjet 16 without passing through
baffles/divider 34 or waterfall slot/primary outlet 18.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 4, preferred components of waterfall
waterjet 16 are shown in more detail, including flow/outlet
selector 26, base 54, bar 46, body cover 22, and cap/cover 24. A
representative procedure for installing waterfall waterjet 16 onto
spa sidewall 12 could involve inserting cap/cover 24 into waterfall
slot/primary outlet 18 on body cover 22 (see FIG. 2); inserting bar
46 into first chamber 30 of base 54 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) such
that a bar first surface 58 of bar 46 fits against a cradle
interior bottom surface of base 54 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6);
placing body cover 22 over the cradle on base 54 (more
particularly, a cavity 56 on the back side of body cover 22 is
mated to the cradle of base 43 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6); and
attaching flow/outlet selector 26 to bar 46 such that selector
first surface 66 can be inserted through an access port 68 in base
54 and attached to bar 46 at, for instance, attachment point 70
(shown in dashed lines). In this assembled condition, body cover
holes 62 (through body cover wall 64) should be in alignment with
debris outlets 44 of base 54 (as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B).
Further, selector bottom surface 72 of flow/outlet selector 26 may
either be contiguous with, or on top of base bottom surface 74 in
order to present an aesthetically pleasing appearance to waterfall
waterjet 16.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded cross-sectional side
view of an illustrative embodiment of waterfall waterjet 16 is
shown in more detail, with base 54, bar 46, baffles/divider 34,
body cover 22, and cap/cover 24 being used as the example. Base 54
is a generally hollow conduit comprising inlet 38 through which
water can flow. Preferred aspects of base 54 include inlet 38,
cradle 76 and base bottom flange surface 79. Bar 46 may be inserted
into cradle 76 such that bar first surface 58 is in contact with
cradle interior bottom surface 84. Cradle 76 also receives
baffles/divider 34. Cradle 76 can mate with cavity 56 of body cover
22 such that cradle exterior top surface 78 mates with body cover
cavity interior top surface 80 and cradle interior bottom surface
82 mates with cavity interior bottom surface 60. Selector first
surface 66 of flow/outlet selector 26 is inserted through access
port 68 in base 54 such that selector first surface 66 preferably
comes into fixed relation with bar first surface 58 so that when
the flow/outlet selector 26 is moved, debris outlets 44 are opened
or closed. Finally cap/cover 24 may be inserted into a
corresponding opening in body cover 22, such as waterfall
slot/primary outlet 18.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, the assembled waterfall waterjet 16
is shown in more detail. Water 36 first flows into inlet 38 and
then into first chamber 30. The water then flows around or through
baffles/divider 34. Baffles/divider 34 may be configured with any
number of holes 35 and slats to allow for a more smooth and even
distribution of water within waterfall waterjet 16 in general and
into second chamber 32 more specifically, and to reduce turbulence,
and thus to waterfall slot/primary outlet 18. Because of the nature
of water flow, second chamber 32 will readily fill with water. To
help evenly distribute water within second chamber 32, a series of
perforations can be used on baffles/divider 34 rather than a single
distributing slot so as to interrupt the flow of water from first
chamber 30 to second chamber 32, thus causing water to fill first
chamber 30 relatively evenly, with the water then being forced
through baffles/divider 34 into second chamber 32. By allowing for
the more even distribution of water from first chamber 30 to second
chamber 32, waterfall waterjet 16 can distribute water through
waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 more effectively. As such, it is
possible to generate a more even flow to second chamber 32 and thus
a more even waterfall 20 from waterfall waterjet 16. Representative
heights of such openings in baffles/divider 34 are designated by H1
and H2 and they may be set to adjust the volume of water flow into
the second chamber 32, or to control the exit velocity of the water
out of the waterfall waterjet 16.
[0039] FIG. 6 also illustrates the fit between cradle 76 and cavity
56. Debris outlet channel 86 also is designated in this
illustration and it is the channel through which water, sediment
and debris flows when the waterfall waterjet 16 is in the "debris
removing" operation. Though not shown in this figure, it is
understood that base 54 is attached to spa sidewall 12 through a
pre-existing hole in spa sidewall 12 using the attachment means
discussed above.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 7, a bottom view of waterfall waterjet
16 is shown. Access port 70 has a first end 88 and a second end 90.
In "normal" operation, flow/outlet selector 26 is situated at the
first end 88 of access port 70 and there is little to no flow
through debris outlets 44. Specifically, portions of bar 46 cover
debris outlets 44, preferably in a watertight fashion. In the
"debris removing" operation, flow/outlet selector 26 may be
situated at the second end 90 (by sliding, for example) of access
port 70 and debris outlets 44 are opened permitting water and
debris to flow through. Specifically, by sliding flow/outlet
selector 26 from first end 88 to second end 90, bar 46, which is
attached to flow/outlet selector 26, is moved such that holes 48
align with debris outlets 44. As a result, water is not forced
through baffles/divider 34, but may "wash" across the back
(upstream) side 40 of baffles/divider 34 and dislodge debris 100.
Dislodge debris 100 and sediment 102 then may flow with water
through debris outlets 44.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate system for closing off the
debris outlets 44 consisting of a stopper mechanism 92. Stopper
mechanism 92 may include a conical section 94, connection means 96
and an anchor means 98. This system can be utilized by inserting
anchor means 98 into the debris outlet 44 and pushing the conical
section 94 into the debris outlet 44 to close it off. When it
becomes necessary to remove debris 100 and/or sediment 102 from
waterfall waterjet 16, a user simply pulls the conical section 94
out of debris outlet 44 and water and debris 100 and/or sediment
102 are then able to flow out of the waterfall waterjet 16.
[0042] Other mechanisms can be used to open and close debris outlet
44. For example, variable apertures, rotating dials, pivoting bars
or levers, and the like all can be configured proximal to debris
outlets 44. Each of these alternative means, as well as others, are
known in the art, and it is contemplated that each of these
alternative means, as well as others, can be used as the means for
opening and closing debris outlet.
[0043] In operation and use, waterfall waterjet 16 provides an
aesthetically pleasant waterfall 20 into a spa 10. As waterfall
waterjet 16 preferably is located above the water surface of spa 10
on, for example, sidewall 12 of spa 10, waterfall 20 can provide a
smooth flow of falling water extending from waterfall waterjet 16
to the water surface of spa 10. For aesthetic reasons waterfall 20
can be substantially smooth over its width and over its length as
it flows into the water of spa 10. More particularly, waterfall 20
from waterfall waterjet 16 preferably is free of bubbles and
ripples and flows as a generally continuous sheet of water. The
preferred dual chambered structure of the waterfall waterjet 16
helps accomplish this.
[0044] Waterfall waterjet 16 is attached to spa sidewall 12 via
inlet 38 and one or more attachment means, such as threaded
connecting posts 50, which fit through cooperating and similarly
sized holes in spa sidewall 12 and have respective nuts/fasteners
52 that screw onto posts 50 so as to hold waterfall waterjet 16
securely and tightly onto spa sidewall 12. A hose or other water
supply means (not shown) also can be attached to inlet 38 for
providing water to waterfall waterjet 16. Posts 50 can be any size
or shape and are shown alternatively as a small diameter tube in
FIG. 7 and a larger diameter tube in FIG. 9. Posts 50 also can be a
simple bolt or rod or a type of clip, depending on the type of
installation or the desire of the installer.
[0045] Preferably, connections between base 54, bar 46, body cover
22, and cap/cover 24 are as watertight as possible. If the
connections between the various components of waterfall waterjet 16
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 waterjet 16, particularly between bar first
surface 58 and cradle interior bottom surface 84. Methods for
ensuring a watertight connection between parts or plumbing parts
are known by one of ordinary skill in the art. Further, the various
components of waterfall waterjet 16 may be attached by any
appropriate means, including gluing and sonic welding.
[0046] As waterfall waterjets typically are unitary devices with
the individual parts having been glued, welded or otherwise adhered
together, access to the interior of the waterfall waterjet often is
impossible. Therefore, the debris outlets 44 of the present
invention allow for the cleaning of waterfall waterjets that
otherwise may not have been able to be cleaned. Prior art waterfall
waterjets can become clogged with debris 100 and/or sediment 102
and, if a unitary device without debris outlets 44 or a non-unitary
device (that is, a device with component parts that can be
separated form each other) with inadequate access to the interior
of the device becomes clogged with debris 100 and/or sediment 102,
such a device likely would have to be removed from the spa,
discarded and replaced with another device. This is avoided by the
present invention.
[0047] It is understood that shape of waterfall 20 can be modified
by the configuration of waterfall slot/primary outlet 18. For
example, if waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 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/primary outlet
18, or waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 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/primary outlet 18 so that
waterfall waterjet 16 will produce a waterfall 20 of a desired
shape. Cap/cover 24 generally is provided to shape the waterfall 20
into any of a variety of shapes, such as for example a single
sheet-like waterfall, a split waterfall, or a multi-stream
waterfall. Cap/cover 24 generally is glued, welded, or otherwise
adhered to body cover 22 to avoid inadvertent removal, such as by
falling off or by being ejected by water pressure, and inadvertent
noise, such as by rattling caused by water pressure. Alternatively,
cap/cover 24 can be removable so as to provide a waterfall waterjet
16 with interchangeable waterfalls 20.
[0048] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the present
invention in which one or more illumination devices 104 may be
inserted into the one or more posts 50 of waterfall waterjet 16 to
generate an illuminated waterfall 20. In order to accommodate
illumination devices 104, posts 50 can be configured in any
appropriate size, shape, number, and location. In addition, one or
more waterfall waterjet 16 components are preferably constructed of
a transparent material so that light emitted from illumination
devices 104 may be more effectively transmitted to waterfall 20. In
particular, it is preferred that at least cap/cover 24 and/or
baffles/divider 34 is constructed of a transparent material in
order to increase the amount of light transmitted to waterfall 20
and/or through waterfall slot/primary outlet 18. The internal
surfaces of waterfall waterjet 16 can be coated with a reflective
material to increase the amount of light directed to waterfall 20.
Further, waterproof light sources, such as, for example, sealed
diodes, can be incorporated into waterfall waterjet 16 structure or
extend into the interior of waterfall waterjet 16.
[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, baffles/divider 34 may
include, or be comprised of, a light emitting device to more
effectively transmit light to the water stream at a point close to
waterfall slot/primary outlet 18 in order to provide increased
transmission of light to the waterfall 20. It is also acceptable if
receiving water 36 is situated at a proximal end of waterfall
waterjet 16, such as through posts 50, and an illumination device
104 is positioned more centrally, such as at inlet 38. For example,
one or more of posts 50 could serve as the water inlet while inlet
38 could serve as an attachment post.
[0050] Waterfall waterjet 16 can be manufactured from relatively
inexpensive materials. For example, waterfall waterjet 16 can be
formed of plastics, metal, or other materials. Preferably,
waterfall waterjet 16 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. Alternatively, for more elegant or
expensive installations, waterfall waterjet can be made of more
elegant or expensive materials, such as gold, silver, pewter,
crystal, and the like.
[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.
* * * * *