U.S. patent application number 11/001357 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for integrated water feature.
Invention is credited to Tyler Graham, Timothy P. Pflueger, Angelo Vito JR. Pugliese, Victor Lee Walker.
Application Number | 20060112481 11/001357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36565942 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060112481 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Victor Lee ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Integrated water feature
Abstract
An apparatus for producing a water feature in a spa/pool/hot-tub
("spa") is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flume developer
having internal dimensions that generate a water pressure from a
water flow received from a water source associated with the spa.
The flume developer further includes a head assembly having one or
more apertures through which the water feature is produced based on
the water pressure. The flume developer further includes a flange
configured to abut against an outer surface of the spa. The flume
developer is interchangeable in a water feature device body
connected to the water source. A light source can be provided to
illuminate the water feature.
Inventors: |
Walker; Victor Lee;
(Murrieta, CA) ; Pflueger; Timothy P.; (Escondido,
CA) ; Pugliese; Angelo Vito JR.; (Vista, CA) ;
Graham; Tyler; (La Jolla, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON, PC
P.O. BOX 1022
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55440-1022
US
|
Family ID: |
36565942 |
Appl. No.: |
11/001357 |
Filed: |
November 30, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/541.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21W 2121/02 20130101;
F21W 2131/401 20130101; B05B 17/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/541.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/00 20060101
A47K003/00; A47K 3/10 20060101 A47K003/10 |
Claims
1. A device for providing a water feature integrated with a spa
shell, the device comprising: an inlet configured to connect to a
water outlet associated with the spa shell; a channel for receiving
a water flow from the inlet, the channel being sized and shaped to
produce a water pressure from the water flow; and an
interchangeable flume developer connected with the channel, the
flume developer including one or more apertures sized and
positioned to produce the water feature from the water
pressure.
2. The device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a cap
configured to attach to a top surface of the spa shell to secure
the flume developer in position.
3. The device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a
bottom nut configured to attach to a bottom surface of the spa
shell to securely position the channel.
4. The device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a body
section configured to hold the channel and flume developer.
5. The device in accordance with claim 4, wherein the body section
includes a T-section tube having the inlet and an outlet to the
channel.
6. The device in accordance with claim 5, wherein the body section
includes a flange that abuts a top surface of the spa shell to
position the flume developer.
7. The device in accordance with claim 1, further comprising an
illumination source for illuminating the water flow and water
feature.
8. A water feature system, comprising: a spa shell; a water feature
device attached to the spa shell, the water feature device
including: a body section having an inlet, the inlet connected to a
water outlet associated with the spa shell; a channel within the
body section for receiving a water flow from the inlet; and an
interchangeable flume developer connected with the channel within
the body section, the flume developer having a flume outlet to
produce a water feature from the water flow.
9. The system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the flume outlet
includes a pattern of one or more apertures sized and positioned to
produce the water feature.
10. The system in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a cap
configured to attach to a top surface of the spa shell to secure
the body section in position.
11. The system in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a
bottom nut configured to attach to a bottom surface of the spa
shell to secure the body section in position.
12. An apparatus for producing a water feature in a spa, the
apparatus comprising: a flume developer having internal dimensions
to generate a water pressure from a water flow received from a
water source associated with the spa, the flume developer further
including a head assembly having one or more apertures through
which the water feature is produced based on the water pressure,
the flume developer further including a flange configured to abut
against an outer surface of the spa; and a cap configured to secure
the flange against the outer surface of the spa.
13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 12, further comprising a
light source for illuminating the flume developer.
14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13, further comprising a
light source for illuminating the water feature.
15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13, wherein the flume
developer is at least partly formed of a translucent material.
16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 12, wherein the one or
more apertures include an elongated aperture for producing a
wall-shaped flow of water for the water feature.
17. An apparatus in accordance with claim 12, wherein at least one
of the one or more apertures is aligned at an angle to produce an
angled water feature.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Water features such as fountains and waterfalls have become
popular in landscapes, both for their aesthetics and ability to
improve property values. Some water feature products can be easily
added to an existing landscape design. For example, a landscape can
include a spa/hot tub/pool (referred to generally herein as "spa")
that provides a water feature.
[0002] Conventional spa-based water features operate using pumps
and controls built into the spa. These water features come in a
variety of shapes, sizes, costs and complexities, but are typically
pre-built into the design of a spa and have a fixed water flow for
producing a predictable look and sound. Once installed, typical
water features cannot be changed or modified.
[0003] Presently, to achieve a different look and/or sound from a
spa-based water feature, an existing water feature must be removed
and another unique feature provided in its place. Such a limitation
in existing spa-based water features creates a large number of
parts and processes to control and service, and limits a user's
choices in the style and aesthetics of the water feature.
SUMMARY
[0004] An apparatus for producing a water feature in spa is
described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a flume
developer having internal dimensions that generate a water pressure
from a water flow received from a water source associated with the
spa. The flume developer further includes a head assembly having
one or more apertures through which the water feature is produced
based on the water pressure. The flume developer further includes a
flange configured to abut against an outer surface of the spa. The
flume developer is interchangeable in a water feature device body
connected to the water source. A light source can be provided to
illuminate the water feature.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment, a device for
providing a water feature integrated with a spa shell includes an
inlet configured to connect to a water outlet associated with the
spa shell. The inlet is connected to a channel for receiving a
water flow from the water outlet, the channel being sized and
shaped to produce a water pressure from the water flow. The device
further includes an interchangeable flume developer connected with
the channel. The flume developer includes one or more apertures
sized and positioned to produce a desired water feature from the
water pressure.
[0006] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] These and other aspects will now be described in detail with
reference to the following drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a spa with a water feature system.
[0009] FIGS. 2A-C show various views of a multi-body water feature
device in accordance with one embodiment.
[0010] FIGS. 3A-C show various views of a uni-body water feature
device in accordance with an alternative embodiment.
[0011] FIGS. 4A-C show cross-sectional and top views of various
embodiments of a flume developer.
[0012] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] A water feature device and system are disclosed, in which
the visual and auditory effects of the water feature can be
dynamically controlled. FIG. 1 illustrates a spa 100 having a spa
shell 102 integrated with a water feature system 104. The water
feature system 104 produces a water feature 106, depicted in FIG. 1
as a spout or stream of water much like a fountain. The water
feature system 104 is configured for being controlled to
dynamically produce a number of variable water features 106 for a
variety of visual and auditory effects.
[0014] FIGS. 2A-C show respective exploded perspective, exploded
front and assembled views of a multi-body water feature device 200
in accordance with an embodiment. The multi-body implementation
allows for flexibility in manufacturing and installation in a spa.
The water feature device 200 includes a flume developer 202 having
one or more apertures for producing a flume or flow of water that
exits the device 200. The device 200 calms water and removes
turbulence as the water enters the flume developer 202, producing a
laminar flow of water for a consistently-shaped but dynamically
controlled water feature design. Any water feature and design
thereof can be illuminated by the water feature device 200.
[0015] The flume developer 202 is an interchangeable piece that is
specifically shaped and formed and includes a flume outlet to
produce a unique water feature. For example, the flume developer
202 can have a number of apertures that are sized to produce a
specific size and shape of a water feature component. The flume
developer 202 can be made of a translucent material to allow light
from a light assembly in the water feature device 200 to mix with
the shaped water feature design. The designs can be quickly changed
to a user's preferences or desires.
[0016] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the flume developer 202
includes one or more rotating parts that creates a shaped water
design that moves or appears to "dance." The flume developer 202
includes a channel 203 that feeds water to the one or more
apertures in the flume developer 202. The channel 203 can be
conical, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, or may be hemispherical,
cylindrical, or any other shape. The channel 203 is configured to
optimize the water pressure and flow to the apertures of the flume
developer 202, aid in the creation of laminar flow to ensure
consistent operating pressures within the flume developer 202, and
help create the specific desired water feature design. The channel
203 is provided within a body section 209 that can include an
attachment mechanism, such as grooves, to which a cap 204 and
flange 206 can be attached for securing the flume developer 202 and
channel 203 in place.
[0017] The water feature device 200 is held in place and sealed to
a spa shell 207 by the cap 204, which also holds the flume
developer 202 to the rest of the water feature body 201. The cap
204 is interchangeable and can include large finger grooves and
texture to allow ease of installation and removal of the cap 204.
An O-ring 206 seals the flume developer 202 to the rest of the
water feature body 201 and the cap 204 and/or underside of the spa
shell 207. The O-ring 206 is compressed between the cap 204 and the
water feature body 201.
[0018] A bottom nut 208 tightens the water feature body 201 against
a chosen surface, such as the interior surface of the spa shell
207. The bottom nut 208 applies compression against a gasket 205
and the spa shell 207. The bottom nut 208 is connected to a
T-section 214 of tubing, having an inlet connected to a water
source and an outlet connected to the body section 209 or channel
203. The multi-body implementation allows for connecting the
T-section 214 to a wide range of sizes of spa pumps or jets, which
permits a greater variety of flume developer designs.
[0019] The water feature device 200 may be provided with a light
source to illuminate water in the device 200 and the water feature
produced thereby. The illumination source can include a light
attachment 210 having a light source such as a band of light
emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light types. The illumination
source can also include a lens 212. Either the lens 212 or the
light attachment 210 can form the bottom of the water feature
device 200, and therefore can be provided with an attachment
mechanism such as threading for being screwed onto the T-section
214. The light attachment 210 can include controls for adjusting
the lighting intensity and/or color, to produce any type of
lighting pattern or intensity.
[0020] FIGS. 3A-C show respective exploded perspective, exploded
front and assembled views of a uni-body implementation of a water
feature device 300 in accordance with an alternative embodiment.
The uni-body implementation of the water feature device 300
includes many similar components as the multi-body implementation,
although the body section and T-section are integrated in a unified
body section 302. The body section 302 is secured in place by a
gasket 304 that fits onto a tinnerman 306, which in turn secures
the device 300 to the top surface of the spa shell 307 when a
bottom nut 308 is tightened against the bottom of the bottom
surface of the spa shell.
[0021] A light assembly 312 can be attached directly to the body
section 302. The light assembly 312 may include a light source and
guiding implements such as lenses, mirrors, etc. The light assembly
312 can be attached to the body section 302 by threading, although
other mechanisms for attaching the light assembly may also be used,
such as snapping the light assembly 312 in place, glue, or other
means.
[0022] A water feature device in accordance with embodiments
described herein can include a water pumping or water-impelling
source. In one exemplary embodiment, an energy efficient, silent
magnetic-drive, high volume pump is used, which minimizes
interfering noise and costs. In another exemplary embodiment, a
metering assembly can be used that tunes the hydraulic output of
the pump to the proscribed flows and pressures dictated by the
individual flume developers. The metering assembly allows for a
large variation of flume developers, whereby input hydraulic
pressures can be matched and balanced to the individual flume
developer output and desired water feature production.
[0023] FIGS. 4A-C show cross-sectional and top views of several
exemplary embodiments of a flume developer. In FIG. 4A, a flume
developer 400 includes a conical channel 401 leading to a number of
apertures 403 provided in a head assembly 405 mounted on a flange
407. The flange 407 is configured to abut against the spa shell.
The apertures 403 can be formed at an angle or vertical through the
head assembly 405. The hydraulic pressure in the channel 401 can
produce a long, narrow flume of water out of each aperture 403. As
described above, the head assembly 405 may be rotatably mounted on
the flange 407.
[0024] FIG. 4B shows an another embodiment of a flume developer
402, in which a channel 411 is shaped as a flattened cone, leading
to an elongated aperture 413 provided on a head assembly 415. The
head assembly 415 is mounted on a flange 417, in various ways as
described above with respect to FIG. 4A. The aperture 413 is formed
to produce a flattened stream of water that can be angled to any
direction. FIG. 4C shows yet another alternative flume developer
404 having a shortened, cylindrical channel 421, and a head
assembly 425 having a number of large, circular apertures 423. The
flume developer 404 is configured to produce a low pressure flow to
create a soft, cascading flow of water and a "babbling brook"
sound. The apertures and channels of any flume developer can be
formed of any number of sizes and shapes to produce a particular
desired water feature.
[0025] The water feature device can be used while a spa is
occupied. To change a water feature design, a user can remove a
flume developer and install another in its place. This
interchangeability allows the user to personalize the spa by
changing the visual, audio and mood (total look and feel) of the
water feature.
[0026] The base platform and the modular design of the flume
developer allows for a large number of shaped water design
variations. The quality of the aesthetics offered by the water
feature device described herein, including a built-in lighting
system, allows the spa to become the center or focal point of a
landscape setting or design. Each unique flume developer can create
a different water design of variable height and intensity. The user
can select between various flume developers to suit their
personalities or needs.
[0027] The water feature device is a through-wall system that can
be easily mounted on the spa shell. The water feature body can be
easily installed in a spa using standard hole saws and
manufacturing processes. The small footprint of the water feature
device allows it to be easily adapted to existing spas as well as
new spa designs.
[0028] Although a few embodiments have been described in detail
above, other modifications are possible. Other embodiments may be
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *