U.S. patent application number 11/397955 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for spa including thermoelectric module for providing cooling of beverages.
Invention is credited to Timothy P. Pflueger.
Application Number | 20070226891 11/397955 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38556711 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070226891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pflueger; Timothy P. |
October 4, 2007 |
Spa including thermoelectric module for providing cooling of
beverages
Abstract
The present invention provides a spa comprising a spa wall, a
bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a cup holder
disposed in the bar top region and a thermoelectric module for
cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the
cup holder remains cool, wherein the thermoelectric module is in
thermal contact with the bar top region
Inventors: |
Pflueger; Timothy P.;
(Escondido, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHEPPARD, MULLIN, RICHTER & HAMPTON LLP
333 SOUTH HOPE STREET
48TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90071-1448
US
|
Family ID: |
38556711 |
Appl. No.: |
11/397955 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/541.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2201/0242 20130101;
A61H 2201/0285 20130101; A61H 2201/0207 20130101; A61H 2201/0214
20130101; F25B 21/02 20130101; F25D 2331/809 20130101; A61H
2201/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/541.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/10 20060101
A47K003/10; A47K 3/00 20060101 A47K003/00 |
Claims
1. A spa, comprising: a spa wall; a bar top region disposed on top
of the spa wall; a cup holder disposed within the bar top region;
and a thermoelectric module for cooling the bar top region so that
a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool.
2. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module is in
thermal contact with the bar top region.
3. The spa of claim 2, wherein the thermoelectric module is
contoured to substantially match a contour of the spa wall.
4. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module also
provides heating for the bar top region so that a beverage disposed
within the cup holder remains hot.
5. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises
a Peltier device.
6. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module comprises:
a thermally conductive plate for contacting the bar top region; a
thermally conductive block for housing an electrical switch; and a
Peltier device in thermal communication with the thermally
conductive block and the thermally conductive plate.
7. The spa of claim 6, wherein the electrical switch is designed to
switch the Peltier device between a cooling device and a heating
device by reversing the current in the device.
8. The spa of claim 1, wherein: the thermoelectric module is
employed to cool a water bladder containing water; and the cooled
water is delivered to a localized region of the spa.
9. The spa of claim 8, wherein the localized region comprises the
bar top region.
10. The spa of claim 8, wherein the thermoelectric module includes
a thermally conductive plate in thermal communication with the
water bladder.
11. The spa of claim 8, wherein the thermoelectric module includes
an external coil in thermal communication with the water within the
water bladder.
12. The spa of claim 8, further comprising a pump for moving the
cooled water through a hose to the localized area.
13. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module includes
an external coil that is in thermal communication with the cup
holder.
14. The spa of claim 1, wherein the thermoelectric module includes
a thermoelectric plate that is in thermal communication with the
cup holder.
15. A spa, comprising: a spa wall; a bar top region disposed on top
of the spa wall; a plurality of cup holders integral with the bar
top region; and a plurality of thermoelectric modules for cooling
the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within the cup
holder remains cool.
16. The spa of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of spa
areas, wherein one cup holder is provided for each spa area.
17. The spa of claim 15, wherein the bar top region and integral
cup holders comprise a thermally conductive material.
18. The spa of claim 17, wherein the thermally conductive material
comprises Aluminum.
19. The spa of claim 15, wherein each thermoelectric module
comprises: a thermally conductive plate for contacting the bar top
region; a thermally conductive block for housing an electrical
switch; and a Peltier device in thermal communication with the
thermally conductive block and the thermally conductive plate.
20. The spa of claim 15, wherein the bar top region is continuous
such that the entire bar top region is cooled simultaneously.
21. The spa of claim 15, wherein: the bar top region is divided
into a plurality of sections; and each section may be selectively
and independently cooled.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention broadly relates to spas, hot tubs and pools
(hereinafter "spas"), and more particularly to a spa including a
thermoelectric module for providing cooling of beverages.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Spas characteristically employ hot water, air jets and/or
water jets as a therapeutic medium. The use of heat presents a
problem for some spa users in which excess pressure is placed on
the operation of the heart and total vascular system. Some spa
users require warmth for therapy but cannot withstand the heat over
their entire body. Typical ways for preventing overheating include
putting only a particular body area in the spa at a given time, and
repeatedly going into and out of the spa. However, most spa users
do not want to put only an arm or leg in the spa at a time.
Additionally, exposure to temperature extremes when repeatedly
going into and out of the spa can result in overstressing the
immune system.
[0003] Another way to prevent overheating while in a hot spa is by
drinking a cool beverage. However, when a cooled beverage is
brought into a hot environment, the heat from the spa tends to
quickly raise the temperature of the cool beverage to approach the
temperature within the spa. Conventional thermally insulating cup
holders may be used to increase the time that a beverage stays
cool. However, such thermally insulating cup holders only delay the
inevitable increase in beverage temperature.
[0004] In view of the above, there exists a need for a spa
featuring the ability to lower the temperature of a bar top region
having one or more cup holders for cooling beverages disposed in
the cup holders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a spa featuring the ability to lower the
temperature of a bar top region having one or more cup holders for
cooling beverages disposed in the cup holders.
[0006] The present invention provides a spa including a
thermoelectric module for cooling or heating a specific area on a
spa bar top. For example, the bar top may feature one or more cup
holders that are cooled or heated using the thermoelectric modules.
The thermoelectric device preferably comprises a Peltier device for
either cooling or heating the bar top including the cup holders.
The Peltier device may be in direct contact with the bar top or may
be thermally connected to the bar top via an external coil that is
in contact with the bar top. Advantageously, the thermoelectric
module of the invention allows a user to enjoy a cooled beverage
while in a hot spa. Alternatively, the thermoelectric module may be
employed to heat the bar top to allow a user to enjoy a heated
beverage, for example while in a cool spa.
[0007] One aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a spa
wall, a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a cup
holder disposed in the bar top region and a thermoelectric module
for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within
the cup holder remains cool, wherein the thermoelectric module is
in thermal contact with the bar top region. The thermoelectric
module may be contoured to substantially match a contour of the spa
wall. According to some embodiments, the thermoelectric module also
provides heating for the bar top region so that a beverage disposed
within the cup holder remains hot.
[0008] According to a preferred implementation of the invention,
the thermoelectric module comprises a thermally conductive plate
for contacting the bar top region, a thermally conductive block for
housing an electrical switch and a Peltier device in thermal
communication with the thermally conductive block and the thermally
conductive plate. The electrical switch is designed to switch the
Peltier device between a cooling device and a heating device by
reversing the current in the device.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising a
spa wall, a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a cup
holder disposed in the bar top region and a thermoelectric module
for cooling the bar top region so that a beverage disposed within
the cup holder remains cool, wherein the thermoelectric module is
employed to cool a water bladder containing water and the cooled
water is delivered to the bar top region. The thermoelectric module
may include a thermally conductive plate in thermal communication
with the water bladder. Alternatively, the thermally conductive
plate may be in contact with a bottom plate of the beverage housing
for direct transfer of heat. According to other embodiments, the
thermoelectric module may include an external coil in thermal
communication with the water within the water bladder. As a further
alternative, the external coil may be wrapped around the beverage
housing. A pump may be employed for moving the cooled water through
a hose to the bar top region.
[0010] A further aspect of the invention involves a spa comprising
a spa wall, a bar top region disposed on top of the spa wall, a
plurality of cup holders integral with the bar top region and a
plurality of thermoelectric modules for cooling the bar top region
so that a beverage disposed within the cup holder remains cool. The
spa further comprises a plurality of spa areas, wherein one cup
holder is provided for each spa area. According to a preferred
implementation, the bar top region is substantially circular and
the plurality of thermoelectric modules are disposed around an
outer circumference of the bar top region. According to the some
embodiments of the invention, the bar top region is continuous such
that the entire bar top region is cooled simultaneously. According
to other embodiments the bar top region is divided into a plurality
of sections, wherein each section is selectively and independently
cooled.
[0011] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be appreciated from review of the following detailed
description of the invention, along with the accompanying figures
in which like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a
thermoelectric module for cooling or heating an object;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a preferred
thermoelectric module for cooling or heating a localized area of a
spa, in accordance with the principles of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view of a preferred spa including
thermoelectric modules for providing localized cooling and/or
heating of a bar top region, in accordance with the principles of
the invention;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the preferred spa of FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a thermoelectric module being
used to cool a water bladder so that the cooled water may be
delivered to the bar top region of a spa, in accordance with the
principles of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of an alternative spa including
thermoelectric modules for providing localized cooling and/or
heating of the bar top region, in accordance with the principles of
the invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of an external coil that is in
thermal communication with a cup holder of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of an external cool in thermal
communication with a bottom surface of a cup holder of the present
invention; and
[0020] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a thermoelectric plate in
thermal communication with a bottom surface of a cup holder of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be
described in detail by way of example with reference to the
attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred
embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars,
rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used
herein, the "present invention" refers to any one of the
embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents.
Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the "present
invention" throughout this document does not mean that all claimed
embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s).
[0022] Peltier devices are small solid-state devices that function
as both heaters and coolers. Such devices are from a family of
solid-state devices known as thermoelectric modules. A typical unit
is a few millimeters thick by a few millimeters to a few
centimeters square that comprises a sandwich formed by two ceramic
plates with an array of small Bismuth Telluride Bi.sub.2Te.sub.3
cubes ("couples") in between. When a DC current is applied, heat is
moved from one side of the Peltier device to the other, whereby the
heat may be removed with a heatsink. The "cold" side is commonly
used to cool electronic devices such as microprocessors or
photodetectors. When the current is reversed, the device makes an
excellent heater.
[0023] Thermoelectric modules employ appropriately doped
semiconductor materials (e.g., Bismuth Telluride) that have been
suitably doped to provide individual blocks or elements having
distinct "N" and "P" characteristics. Other suitable thermoelectric
materials include Lead Telluride (PbTe), Silicon Germanium (SiGe),
and Bismuth-Antimony (Bi--Sb) alloys. Bismuth Telluride-based
thermoelectric modules are designed primarily for cooling or
combined cooling and heating applications, wherein electrical power
creates a temperature difference across the module. Since
thermoelectric modules are solid-state components, they have no
moving parts to wear out, and are considered to be highly reliable
components.
[0024] Thermoelectric modules such as Peltier devices are not meant
to serve larger applications such as room air conditioners. Rather,
they are best suited for smaller cooling applications, although
they may be suitable for applications as large as portable
picnic-type coolers. Peltier devices may be stacked to achieve
lower temperatures. In certain applications, Peltier devices are
not very efficient and can draw amps of power. However, this
disadvantage is more than offset by a number of Peltier device
advantages, including, but not limited to: (1) having no moving
parts; (2) having no Freon refrigerant; (3) producing substantially
no noise; (4) producing substantially no vibration; (5) having a
very small size; (6) having a relatively long life; and (7) being
capable of precision temperature control.
[0025] FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is a schematic representation of a
thermoelectric module 102 comprising a Peltier device that may be
employed to cool or heat an object 104. The thermoelectric module
102 includes a plurality of semiconductor pellets 106, wherein
adjacent pellets 106 are of opposite semiconductor type. In other
words, every other pellet 106a is P-type semiconductor material,
while the intervening pellets 106b are N-type semiconductor
material. Adjacent pellets 106 are connected by electrically
conductive members 108 to form a series circuit, the ends of which
are connected to the terminals of a DC voltage source 110. The
electrically conductive members 108 contact electrically insulating
substrate panel 112, which contacts the object 104 to be cooled.
Similarly, the electrically conductive members 108 contact an
electrically insulating substrate panel 114, which contacts a heat
sink 116. A ventilation device such as a fan can be utilized to
remove heat from the heat sink 116.
[0026] When current from the DC voltage source 110 flows from one
of the conductive strips 108 into a P-type pellet 106a or from an
N-type pellet 106b into one of the conductive strips 108, heat is
given off into the surroundings. When current from the DC voltage
source 110 flows from one of the P-type pellets 106a into one of
the conductive strips 108 or from one of the conductive strips 108
into an N-type pellet 106b, heat is absorbed from the surroundings.
Thus, the thermoelectric module 102 absorbs heat from its
surroundings through a first substrate panel 112 and releases heat
to its surroundings through a second substrate panel 114.
[0027] Since the first substrate panel 112 of the Peltier device
102 is contacting a localized area of the object 104, the
semiconductor pellets 106 absorb heat from the object 104, thereby
cooling the object 104. Likewise, since the second substrate panel
114 is contacting the heat sink 116, the semiconductor pellets 106
transfer heat to the heat sink. As depicted in FIG. 1, the current
flows in a clockwise path from the positive terminal of the voltage
source 110, through the Peltier device 102, and to the negative
terminal of the voltage source 110. If the voltage source 110 is
reversed so that the current flows in a counterclockwise path, heat
would be absorbed through the second substrate panel 114 and
released through the first substrate panel 112, thereby heating the
localized area of the object 104.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, a preferred thermoelectric module 140
for cooling or heating a localized area of a spa comprises a
thermally conductive plate 144 for contacting the spa, an
insulating material 148 having a cutout 152, a thermally conductive
block 156 for housing an electrical switch 158, a Peltier device
162 in thermal communication with the block 156 and plate 144, an
insulating gasket 166 dimensioned to fit within the cutout 152, a
heatsink 170 and a ventilation device 174. By way of example, the
thermally conductive plate 144 may comprise a 3 mm Aluminum plate
that may be pre-cut to any shape and size. A suitable material for
the insulating material 148 comprises polystyrene foam. The Peltier
device 162 may comprise any conventional solid-state Peltier device
that preferably functions as both a localized cooler and heater for
a spa. The electrical switch 158 is provided for switching the
Peltier device 162 between a cooling device and a heating device by
reversing the current within the device.
[0029] With further reference to FIG. 2, the thermally conductive
block 156 includes threaded apertures (not shown) for receiving
threaded screws 186 for attachment of the plate 144 to one side of
the block 156. The Peltier device 162 is disposed on the opposite
side of the block 156, and is connected to a DC voltage source via
wires 190. A heatsink compound 192 may be applied to both sides of
thermally conductive block, as well as to an inner surface 196 of
the thermally conductive plate 144. The insulating gasket 166
includes a cutout 194 dimensioned to receive the Peltier device
162. A suitable material for the insulating gasket 166 comprises
high density foam. The heatsink 170 and ventilation device 174 are
attached to the thermally conductive block 156 by way of threaded
screws 198 that are received by corresponding threaded apertures
202 within the block 156. The ventilation device 174 may comprise a
12V fan including a finger guard 206 that is attached to the
ventilation device 174 and heatsink 170 by way of fasteners
210.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the present invention, a spa 220 includes spa areas
224a, 224b, 224c, 224d for a plurality of spa users, a spa wall
226, and a bar top region 228 on top of the spa wall 226 having cup
holders 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d disposed therein. In the illustrated
embodiment, one cup holder 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d is provided for
each spa area 224a, 224b, 224c, 224d such that a spa user may enjoy
a cooled (or heated) beverage while relaxing or receiving treatment
in the spa 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the spa wall 226 and
bar top region 228 are depicted as being circular. However, as
would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the spa
wall 226 and bar top region 228 may comprise any other shape (e.g.,
square, rectangular, etc.) without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[0031] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, one or more
thermoelectric modules 140, such as described with respect to FIG.
2, are employed to provide cooling or heating of the bar top region
228 such that the cup holders 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d may cool or
heat beverages during normal spa usage. The bar top region 228 and
integral cup holders 232a, 232b, 232c, 232d preferably comprise a
thermally conductive material such as Aluminum. Of course, the bar
top region and integral cup holders may comprise other thermally
conductive materials without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0032] As depicted in FIG. 3, the bar top region 228 a plurality of
thermoelectric modules 140 are disposed around the outer
circumference of the bar top region 228. The thermoelectric modules
140 are preferably attached to the bar top region 228 such that the
thermally conductive plate 144 (see FIG. 2) is substantially in
contact with the outer circumference of the bar top region 228 such
that heat may be conducted therebetween. The thermally conductive
plate may be contoured to substantially match the contour of the
bar top region 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the bar top
region 228 is continuous such that the entire region may be either
cooled or heated depending upon the requirements of the spa users.
Alternatively, the bar top region may be divided into a plurality
of sections, wherein each section may be selectively and
independently cooled or heated depending upon the requirements of
individual spa users. For example, a spa user located in spa area
224b may want a cold beverage, while a spa user located in spa area
224d may want a heated beverage. In this case, the bar top region
228 may be employed to cool a beverage within cup holder 232b and
heat a beverage within cup holder 232d. The other cup holders 232a,
232c may be cooled, heated, or maintained at room temperature.
Although the spa
[0033] In accordance with the invention, a spa that features
thermoelectric modules for cooling or heating cup holders disposed
within a bar top region advantageously allows spa users to
selectively cool or heat their beverages. Since spas typically
employ hot water or air, the thermoelectric modules may be used to
cool the bar top region to allow the spa users to enjoy a cold
beverage to provide an internal cooling effect. For spas that
feature cold water, the current within the thermoelectric module
may be reversed to heat the bar top region to allow the spa users
to enjoy a hot beverage to provide an internal heating effect.
Preferably, the thermoelectric modules described herein are highly
energy efficient, virtually silent, and experience substantially no
condensation in the operable temperature range.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in accordance with an
alternative embodiment of the present invention, a thermoelectric
module 140 may be employed to cool or heat a water bladder 240, so
that the cooled or heated water may be delivered to the bar top
region 242 of a spa 244. In this embodiment, the bar top region 242
is hollow such that the cooled or heated water in the water bladder
240 may be pumped into the bar top region 242 for cooling or
heating beverages within the cup holders 252a, 252b, 252c, 252d.
Suitable materials for the water bladder 240 include poly vinyl
carbonate (PVC) and polyurethane (PU). The thermoelectric module
140 may be attached to the water bladder 240 using an adhesive such
as glue. As described above with respect to FIG. 2, the
thermoelectric module 140 comprises a thermally conductive plate
144 for contacting the water bladder 240, a Peltier device 162 in
thermal communication with the plate 144, a heatsink 170 and a
ventilation device 174.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the thermoelectric module 140
is attached to the water bladder 240 such that the thermally
conductive plate 144 is in contact with the water bladder 240. In
operation, the thermally conductive plate 144 is employed to either
cool or heat water (or other fluid) within the water bladder 240.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the
thermoelectric module 140 may include an external coil instead of
the thermally conductive plate 144 that is in thermal communication
with the Peltier device 162, wherein the external coil is provided
in direct contact with the water or other fluid within the water
bladder 240. Once the fluid within the water bladder 240 reaches a
desired temperature, the water may be transferred using a pump 250
to move fluid through a hose 254 and into the bar top region 242 on
top of the spa wall 246. An additional hose 262 is provided for
returning the fluid to the water bladder 240.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 6, the spa 244 comprises a plurality of
spa areas 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d, wherein each spa area is provided
with an associated cup holder 252a, 252b, 252c, 252d in thermal
communication with the cooled or heated bar top region 242. More
particularly, the thermoelectric module 140 is employed for cooling
or heating the water bladder 240 for providing cooled or heated
water to be pumped into the bar top region 242. In this manner, a
spa user located in one of spa areas 260a, 260b, 260c, 260d may
enjoy a cooled or heated beverage while relaxing or receiving
therapeutic treatment within the spa 244.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 7, according to an alternative embodiment
of the invention, the thermoelectric module includes an external
coil 272 that is in thermal communication with a cup holder 252
within the spa for cooling (or heating) a beverage disposed within
the cup holder 252. In particular, the external coil 272 may be
wrapped around the cup holder 252 as depicted in the illustrated
embodiment. Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the external
cool 272 may be disposed underneath the cup holder 252 such that
the external coil is in thermal communication with a bottom surface
274 of the cup holder 252. Referring to FIG. 9, as a further
alternative, the thermoelectric plate 144 of the thermoelectric
module may be disposed underneath the cup holder 252 in thermal
communication with the bottom surface 274 of the cup holder
252.
[0038] Thus, it is seen that a spa including a thermoelectric
module for providing cooling and heating of beverages is provided.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention
can be practiced by other than the various embodiments and
preferred embodiments, which are presented in this description for
purposes of illustration and not of limitation, and the present
invention is limited only by the claims that follow. It is noted
that equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this
description may practice the invention as well.
* * * * *