U.S. patent application number 11/930803 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-01 for spa system.
Invention is credited to Paul Kantor, Thomas M. Kneeshaw, Rodney J. Wood.
Application Number | 20080098509 11/930803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39328385 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080098509 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kantor; Paul ; et
al. |
May 1, 2008 |
Spa System
Abstract
A spa system includes a reservoir having a side wall and a
bottom defiling a spa cavity. The side all defines an upper portion
heaving an upwardly-opening cavity. The upper portion of the side
wall further includes a channel from the cavity providing drainage
of fluid from the cavity. A fluid circulation system includes a
powered pump and a plurality conduits connected to fluid
outlets/jets in the spa cavity. The side wall includes at least one
upwardly-opening channel above a waterline in the spa cavity. A
light is positioned in the channel to provide indirect lighting for
users of the spa system. The channel has an open portion configured
to drain fluid splashed into the channel back into the spa
cavity.
Inventors: |
Kantor; Paul; (South Haven,
MI) ; Kneeshaw; Thomas M.; (Grand Rapids, MI)
; Wood; Rodney J.; (Grandville, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP
695 KENMOOR, S.E., P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
39328385 |
Appl. No.: |
11/930803 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60855579 |
Oct 31, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/541.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 2033/0083 20130101;
A61H 33/6068 20130101; A61H 33/60 20130101; A61H 33/0087 20130101;
A61H 33/601 20130101; A61H 2201/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/541.1 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/022 20060101
A47K003/022 |
Claims
1. A spa system, comprising: a reservoir defining a generally
upright side wall having inner and outer surfaces and a bottom
portion closing off a bottom of the reservoir, the side wall and
the bottom defining an upwardly-opening spa cavity configured to
retain fluid and receive one or more users; a fluid circulation
system including a powered pump and a plurality of fluid outlets in
the spa cavity of the reservoir, and a plurality fluid conduits
fluidly connecting the powered pump to the fluid outlets; the side
wall including at least one upwardly opening channel above a
waterline in the spa cavity, the channel having an open portion
configured to drain fluid from the channel into the cavity; and a
light positioned in the channel to provide lighting for users of
the spa system.
2. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the side wall defines an
upper edge, and the channel is positioned adjacent the upper edge
of the side wall.
3. The spa system of claim 2, wherein: the inner Surface of the
side wall includes a step-like portion with an upwardly facing
surface that forms the channel.
4. The spa system of claim 3, wherein: the channel includes a
central portion and opposite end portions, wherein the central
portion is higher than the opposite end portions such that water
drains from the central portion to the opposite end portions.
5. The spa system of claim 4, wherein: the light is positioned in
the central portion of the channel.
6. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the channel includes a base
surface and side surfaces having a generally U-shaped
cross-sectional profile.
7. The spa system of claim 6, wherein: the light is mounted to the
base surface and faces upwardly.
8. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the light defines a
light-transmitting outer surface; a side wall of the channel
extends upwardly adjacent the light and defines an upper edge,
wherein the upper edge is above the light-transmitting outer
surface of the light.
9. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the side wall has four
straight portions defining a generally quadrilateral shape in plan
view, and wherein: each straight portion includes at least one
upwardly-opening channel and a light positioned in each
channel.
10. The spa system of claim 1, wherein: the side wall defines an
upwardly facing surface having at least one upwardly opening
beverage-retaining cavity having a lower surface, the lower surface
having an upwardly extending portion, and including: at least one
light in the cavity proximate the upwardly extending portion of the
lower surface.
11. The spa system of claim 10, wherein: the light defines an outer
surface, and the upwardly extending portion of the lower surface is
above the outer surface of the light.
12. The spa system of claim 10, wherein: the beverage-retaining
cavity has side walls having a generally cylindrical inner
surface.
13. The spa system of claim 12, wherein: the side wall includes at
least one upwardly-opening channel therethrough to the spa cavity
to provide drainage for the beverage-retaining channel.
14. A spa system, comprising: a reservoir defining a generally
upright side wall having inner and outer surfaces and a bottom
portion closing off a bottom of the reservoir, the side wall and
the bottom defining an upwardly-opening spa cavity configured to
retain fluid and receive one or more users; the side wall defines
an upper portion having an upwardly-opening cavity and a channel
from the cavity and providing drainage of fluid from the cavity;
and a fluid circulation system including a powered pump and a
plurality of fluid outlets in the spa cavity of the reservoir, and
a plurality fluid conduits fluidly connecting the powered pump to
the fluid outlets; an audio speaker positioned in the cavity.
15. The spa system of claim 14, wherein: the audio speaker
comprises a first audio speaker; the side wall has a generally
quadrilateral shape in plan view and includes four corners, each
including an upwardly-opening cavity and a drainage channel; and
including: an audio speaker positioned in each of the
upwardly-opening cavities.
16. The spa system of claim 15, wherein: the upwardly-opening
cavity defines a bottom surface, and the channels define lower
surfaces that are below the bottom surfaces of the upwardly-opening
cavities.
17. The spa system of claim 15, wherein: at least one of the
channels extends from the upwardly-opening cavity to the outer
surface of the side wall of the reservoir to drain fluid out of the
spa system.
18. The spa system of claim 15, wherein: each corner includes two
drainage channels extending from the upwardly-opening cavities to
the outer surface of the side wall of the reservoir.
19. A method of making a spa system, comprising: providing a
plurality of spa tubs, each having a side wall with an upper edge
having an upwardly-opening cavity and a drainage channel extending
from the cavity, each upwardly-opening cavity having a bottom
surface having an upwardly extending portion; providing a plurality
of audio speakers; mounting audio speakers in some of the
upwardly-opening cavities.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/855,579, filed on Oct. 31, 2006, entitled SPA
SYSTEM, the entire contents of which are incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Spas/hot tubs have been increasingly popular in recent years
due to the relaxing and invigorating affect of spas. Spas typically
include a tub-like structure configured to retain water and support
one or more users in a seated or semi-reclined position. A
plurality of jets provide a relaxing massage-type experience for
the user. In addition to the pumps and jets and related components
that provide for water movement, attempts have been made to include
additional features such as sound systems and the like in spas to
enhance the user's experience. However, the range of additional
features has been somewhat limited.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] One aspect of the present invention is a spa system
including a reservoir defining a generally upright side wall having
inner and outer surfaces and a bottom portion closing off a bottom
of the reservoir. The side wall and the bottom define an
upwardly-opening spa cavity configured to retain fluid and to
receive one or more users. The side wall defines an upper portion
having an upwardly-opening cavity and a channel from the cavity
providing drainage. The spa system further includes a fluid
circulation system including a powered pump and a plurality of
fluid outlets/jets in the spa cavity of the reservoir. A plurality
of fluid conduits connect the powered pump to the fluid outlets.
The side wall of the reservoir includes at least one
upwardly-opening channel above a waterline in the spa cavity. The
channel has an open portion that drains fluid splashed into the
channel back into the cavity. An upwardly-facing light is
positioned in the channel to provide indirect lighting for users of
the spa system.
[0004] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a partially schematic isometric view of a spa
according to one aspect of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the
spa of FIG. 1;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the spa taken along the
line III-III; FIG. 2;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, isometric view of a portion of the
spa of FIG. 1; and
[0009] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged isometric view of a portion
of the spa of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0010] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations and step
sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is
also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following
specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the
claims expressly state otherwise.
[0011] With reference to FIG. 1, a spa system 1 according to one
aspect of the present invention includes a primary structure 2
having an outer side wall 3 having a generally quadrilateral shape
in plan view. An inner side wall 4 forms a reservoir 5 that retains
fluid such as water 6. A plurality of water jets 7 are positioned
in the seat areas 8 formed by inner side wall 4. A pump 9, heater
10, filter 11, and tubing system 12 provide pressurized water to
the jets 7 and recirculate the water 6 in a known manner. The water
jets 7, pump 9, heater 10, filter 11 and tubing system 12 are
conventional spa system components, such that these features will
not be described in detail herein. Also, the primary structure 2
has a polymer or fiber-reinforced construction of a type that is
generally known to those skilled in the art.
[0012] The spa system 1 also includes a plurality of speakers 13
that are operably connected to a receiver/CD player 14. Each
speaker 13 is mounted in a recessed area 15 at a corner 16 of the
primary structure 2, and one or more lights 18 are mounted in the
recessed areas 15 adjacent speakers 13. A plurality of recessed
drink holders 17 are located in the upper portion 19 of primary
structure 2. As discussed in more detail below, each recessed drink
holder 17 includes a light 18 and drain features to prevent
retention of water in the drink holders 17. The speakers 13 and
receiver/CD player 14 are preferably marine-type components having
reduced susceptibility to water and moisture damage.
[0013] Inner side wall 4 includes a plurality of concave surfaces
25 forming a generally upright portion of the seat areas 8.
Vertical ridge surfaces 26 are formed between the concave surfaces
25. A plurality of upwardly opening grooves or channels 30 extend
along upper portions 31 of primary structure 2. One or more
upwardly-facing lights 18 are positioned in each groove or channel
30.
[0014] With further reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each groove or
channel 30 includes a base surface 32, and inner and outer side
surfaces 33 and 34, respectively. Inner side surfaces 33 is formed
by a raised ridge 29, and outer side surface 34 is formed on the
side of an outer wall section 27 having a generally horizontal
upper surface 23 and an outer surface 24. The primary structure 2
forms a cavity 28 for routing of wires 40 to lights 18. The
upwardly facing base surface 32 is a convex curved surface having a
high center portion 35 and lower end portions 36 and 37. The light
18 is mounted at the higher center portion 35. The groove or
channel 30 acts as a drain, and water that is splashed into groove
or channel 30 drains away from the high center portion 35 towards
the lower ends 36 and 37, and out the ends 38 and 39 into the
reservoir 5 of primary structure 2. The height of the raised ridge
29 diminishes at the lower ends 36 and 37 of groove or channel 30,
and blends into the face surface 32 of groove or channel 30 at the
ends 38 and 39, such that water flows freely from the ends 38 and
39 into reservoir 5.
[0015] The lights 18 are mounted in the base surface 32 of grooves
or channels 30, and face upwardly. The raised ridge 29
substantially blocks the lights 18 from a direct line of sight to a
seated user, thereby providing an indirect lighting effect. Also,
light from the lights 18 illuminates the outer side surface 34, and
thereby provides additional indirect lighting. Lights 18 are
mounted in apertures 41 in base surface 32, and a waterproof
fitting 42 or the like prevents entry of water into the cavity 28.
With further reference to FIG. 4, speakers 13 are mounted in
recessed areas 15 at corners 16 of primary structure 2. Recessed
area 15 includes a curved side wall surface 45 having a corner 46.
A light 18 is mounted in the side wall surface 45 at corner 46, and
faces outwardly away from the reservoir 5. Thus, light 18 at corner
16 is substantially blocked from direct view by a seated user by
the raised ridge 47 formed between the corner 46 of side wall 45
and concave surface 25. An outer ridge 50 is formed between side
wall surface 51 and outer surface 52 of primary structure 2 at
corner 16. U-shaped drains 53 are formed between side walls 45 and
end portions 54 of side wall surface 51. The base surface 55 of
U-shaped drains 53 is preferably lower than bottom surface 56 of
recessed area 15 to thereby drain water out of recessed area 15 and
away from speaker 13. Upper surface 57 of outer ridge 50 is
preferably at about the same height as upper surface 23 to provide
a pleasing appearance, and also provide a generally flat upper
surface for use by occupants of the spa system 1.
[0016] With further reference to FIG. 5, a cavity 60 with side
walls 61 forms a recessed drink holder 17. Side wall 61 has a
generally circular shape in plan view, and includes a radiused
upper edge 62 that smoothly blends into upper surface 23 of primary
structure 2. Ridges 64 and 65 extend upwardly from base surface 63
of cavity 60 and support a glass, can or the like above light 18.
Ridge 64 is preferably in the form of a step having an upper
surface 66 that extends horizontally from the side surface 61, and
a generally vertical side surface 67 extending between the upper
surface 66 and base surface 63. Ridge 65 includes a generally
vertical concave inner surface 68, and a convex outer surface 69
and a generally flat upper surface 70. Grooves or openings 58 and
59 are formed between the ridges 64 and 65 to provide drainage for
water away from the light 18. A light 18 is mounted in the face
surface 63 proximate the center of cavity 60. A channel 71 extends
between the cavity 60 and reservoir 5. Base surface 72 of channel
71 is preferably the same height or lower than the base surface 63
of cavity 60, such that water drains from cavity 60 into reservoir
5.
[0017] In use, a can, bottle, glass, or other such beverage
container may be positioned in the drink holder 17, with the drink
being supported on the ridges 64 and 65. The drink is held in place
by the side surfaces 61 of cavity 60. The raised ridges 64 and 65
provide a stable support surface for the drink, and hold the drink
container in a position wherein the lower surface of the drink
container is positioned above the light 18. Also, it will be
apparent that light 18 provides indirect lighting for users when a
drink container is not positioned in the drink holder. Also, the
grooves 58 and 59 between the ridges 64 and 65 along with the
channel 71 provide for drainage for water that is splashed into the
cavity 60 of drink holder 17 back into reservoir 5. Still further,
with reference back to FIG. 1, drink holders 17 may be positioned
in upper surface 23 of primary structure 2 in an area directly
adjacent generally vertical ridges 73 adjacent concave surfaces 25
forming seating areas 8.
[0018] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the speakers 13 are an
optional feature of spa system 1. The recessed area 15 at corners
16 may include a pair of raised ridges that are substantially
similar to the ridges 64 and 65 of drink holder 17. Thus, if spa
system 1 is configured without speakers 13, recessed area 15 forms
a drink holder having a shape that is substantially similar to the
drink holder 17.
[0019] The spa system 1 of the present invention includes a
plurality of lights providing additional visual interest to users
of the spa system 1. A plurality of drains are configured to drain
water away from the lights and speakers, while simultaneously
providing an indirect lighting effect adjacent the lights. The
drains for the lights blend smoothly into the seating areas of the
spa, thereby contributing to the aesthetic appeal of the spa system
1.
[0020] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *