U.S. patent application number 16/782115 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-20 for extendable jet assembly and liquid circulation system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Sundance Spas, Inc.. Invention is credited to Carl Arsin, Mark Knight.
Application Number | 20200260916 16/782115 |
Document ID | 20200260916 / US20200260916 |
Family ID | 1000004672895 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-20 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200260916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arsin; Carl ; et
al. |
August 20, 2020 |
Extendable Jet Assembly and Liquid Circulation System
Abstract
An extendable jet assembly for a liquid-filled container
includes a housing configured to be positioned in an opening in a
wall of the container. The housing includes a proximal end
configured to be connected to a liquid conduit, a distal end
connected to the opening in the wall, and a sidewall extending
therebetween. The jet assembly also includes an extendable jet at
least partially mounted in the housing defining a liquid channel
extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof. The jet
includes a valve at least partially disposed in the liquid channel
of the jet. When the valve is open, the jet is configured to
transition from a retracted position to an extended position. When
the valve is closed the jet is configured to transition from the
extended position to the retracted position.
Inventors: |
Arsin; Carl; (La Crescenta,
CA) ; Knight; Mark; (Venice, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sundance Spas, Inc. |
Chino |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004672895 |
Appl. No.: |
16/782115 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62805420 |
Feb 14, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 3/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 3/10 20060101
A47K003/10 |
Claims
1. An extendable jet assembly for a liquid-filled container,
comprising: a housing configured to be positioned in an opening in
a wall of the container, the housing comprising a proximal end
configured to be connected to a liquid conduit, a distal end
connected to the opening in the wall, and a sidewall extending
therebetween; and an extendable jet at least partially mounted in
the housing defining a liquid channel extending between a proximal
end and a distal end thereof, the jet comprising a valve at least
partially disposed in the liquid channel, wherein, when the valve
is open, the jet is configured to transition from a retracted
position to an extended position, and when the valve is closed, the
jet is configured to transition from the extended position to the
retracted position.
2. The extendable jet assembly of claim 1, wherein a force applied
to the jet in a first direction causes the valve to open and the
jet to transition from the retracted position to the extended
position, and a force applied to the jet in a second direction
causes the valve to close and the jet to transition from the
extended position to the retracted position.
3. The extendable jet assembly of claim 2, wherein the force in the
first direction is provided by a pressurized liquid stream directed
to the jet from the liquid conduit, and wherein the force in the
second direction comprises a suction force applied to the jet
through the liquid conduit.
4. The extendable jet assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve
comprises a check valve which automatically opens when pressurized
liquid is present in the liquid channel and automatically closes
when a suction force is present in the liquid channel.
5. The extendable jet assembly of claim 1, wherein the extendable
jet comprises a diffuser for expelling liquid from the liquid
channel into the container and an inflow tube connected to the
diffuser and extending from the diffuser into the liquid
conduit.
6. The extendable jet assembly of claim 5, wherein, when the jet is
in the retracted position, at least a portion of the diffuser is
engaged within the housing and, when the jet is in the extended
position, at least a portion of the inflow tube engages the
housing.
7. The extendable jet assembly of claim 5, wherein the valve is
connected to a proximal end of the inflow tube.
8. The extendable jet assembly of claim 7, wherein liquid from the
liquid conduit passes through the valve prior to entering the
jet.
9. The extendable jet assembly of claim 7, wherein the valve
comprises an outer housing configured to engage a retainer
connected to the housing of the jet assembly to maintain the jet in
the extended position.
10. The extendable jet assembly of claim 5, wherein the housing
comprises a retainer at the proximal end of the housing, configured
to engage a portion of the diffuser to retain the jet in the
retracted position, and to engage a flange on the inflow tube to
retain at least a proximal end of the inflow tube within the
housing when the jet is in the extended position.
11. The extendable jet assembly of claim 10, wherein the diffuser
of the jet comprises an adapter comprising a radially extending
flange, and wherein the retainer of the housing comprises an
annular sleeve positioned in the housing comprising at least one
radially inwardly directed protrusion extending into the liquid
channel configured to engage the flange when the jet is in the
retracted position.
12. The extendable jet assembly of claim 11, wherein the retainer
further comprises a wiper seal extending radially inwardly from the
sleeve into the liquid channel configured to seal at least a
portion of the inflow tube of the jet, as the jet transitions
between the retracted position and the extended position.
13. The extendable jet assembly of claim 5, wherein, in the
retracted position, at least a proximal end of the inflow tube of
the jet is disposed within the liquid conduit.
14. The extendable jet assembly of claim 1, wherein the housing
further comprises an annular gasket and retaining ring connected
between an outer surface of the housing and the wall of the
container for mounting the housing within the opening in the wall
of the container.
15. A liquid circulation system for a liquid-filled container, the
system comprising: at least one pump configured to produce a
pressurized fluid stream through one or more liquid conduits; at
least one extendable jet assembly in fluid communication with the
at least one pump through at least one of the one or more liquid
conduits for expelling the pressurized fluid stream into the
liquid-filled container; and at least one diverter valve in fluid
communication with the at least one pump and the at least one jet
assembly, wherein the at least one diverter valve is transitionable
between at least the following positions: a first position, in
which a suction force generated by the at least one pump is exerted
on the at least one extendable jet assembly through the one or more
liquid conduits to cause the at least one jet assembly to be in a
retracted position; a second position, in which the stream of
pressurized liquid produced by the at least one pump is exerted on
the jet assembly through the one or more liquid conduits, wherein
the stream of pressurized liquid causes the at least one jet
assembly to be in an extended position; and a third position in
which a portion of the pressurized liquid stream generated by the
at least one pump passes through the jet, and wherein the jet
remains in one of the extended position or the retracted
position.
16. The liquid circulation system of claim 15, wherein the at least
one jet assembly comprises: a housing configured to be positioned
in an opening in a wall of the container, the housing comprising a
proximal end configured to be connected to the one or more liquid
conduits, a distal end connected to the opening in the wall, and a
sidewall extending therebetween; and an extendable jet at least
partially mounted in the housing defining a liquid channel
extending between a proximal end and a distal end thereof, the jet
comprising a valve at least partially disposed in the liquid
channel, wherein, when the valve is open, the jet assembly is
configured to transition from the retracted position to the
extended position, and when the valve is closed, the jet is
configured to transition from the extended position to the
retracted position.
17. The liquid circulation system of claim 15, further comprising
at least one suction outlet for drawing fluid from the
liquid-filled container to the pump, and wherein the one or more
conduits comprising: at least one return conduit connected between
the suction outlet and the pump for providing liquid from the
liquid-filled container to the pump; at least one supply conduit
extending between the pump and the diverter valve; at least one jet
conduit extended between the diverter valve and the jet assembly
for providing one of a suction force or pressurized liquid to the
jet assembly; and at least one discharge conduit connected between
the diverter valve and the pump for returning a portion of liquid
to the pump which does not pass to the at least one jet
assembly.
18. The liquid circulation system of claim 15, further comprising
at least one conventional jet in fluid communication with the pump
through the one or more conduits for providing pressurized fluid
into the liquid-filled container through the conventional jet.
19. The liquid circulation system of claim 15, wherein the diverter
valve comprises an actuator knob configured to allow a user to
adjust a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the at least one jet
assembly.
20. A vessel comprising: a container configured to contain a liquid
comprising at least one opening in a wall of the container; and the
liquid circulation system of claim 15, wherein the at least one
extendable jet assembly of the liquid circulation system is mounted
within and at least partially extends through the opening of the
container, such that pressurized liquid produced by the at least
one pump is expelled into the container through the jet
assembly.
21. The vessel of claim 20, wherein the vessel is a spa.
22. The vessel of claim 21, wherein the spa comprises a cabinet
comprising a bottom, upwardly projecting sides, and an open top,
wherein the container comprises a shell at least partially mounted
within the cabinet, and wherein at least portions of the pump, one
or more conduits, and diverter valve are disposed within the
cabinet, and in fluid communication with liquid contained in the
spa shell.
23. A method of operating an extendable jet assembly of a liquid
circulation system, the method comprising: with an extendable jet
of the jet assembly in a retracted position, moving a diverter
valve of the liquid circulation system from a first position, in
which pressurized liquid produced by a pump of the liquid
circulation system bypasses the jet assembly and returns to the
pump, to a second position, in which substantially all pressurized
liquid passing through the diverter valve passes to the jet
assembly, wherein moving the diverter valve from the first position
to the second position causes a diffuser of the extendable jet to
disengage from a housing of the jet assembly and to transition from
the retracted position to an extended position.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein the housing of the extendable
jet assembly is configured to be positioned in an opening in a wall
of a spa, the housing comprising a proximal end configured to be
connected to a liquid conduit of the liquid circulation system, a
distal end connected to the opening in the wall, and a sidewall
extending therebetween, wherein the extendable jet of the jet
assembly is at least partially mounted in the housing and defines a
liquid channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end
thereof, the extendable jet comprising a valve at least partially
disposed in the liquid channel, and wherein, when the valve is
open, the jet is configured to transition from the retracted
position to the extended position, and when the valve is closed,
the jet is configured to transition from the extended position to
the retracted position.
25. The method of claim 23, further comprising, with the extendable
jet of the jet assembly in the extended position, moving the
diverter valve from the second position to the first position,
thereby producing a suction force in a liquid conduit extending
between the diverter valve and the jet assembly sufficient to cause
the extendable jet to transition from the extended position to the
retracted position.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising, with the extendable
jet in either the extended position or the retracted position,
moving the diverter valve to a third position, thereby causing a
portion of pressurized liquid produced by the pump to pass through
the diverter valve to the jet assembly and a portion of the
pressurized liquid produced by the pump to pass through the
diverter valve to bypass the jet assembly and return to the
pump.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein moving the diverter valve from
the first position to the third position increases an amount of
pressurized liquid provided to the jet assembly, thereby increasing
a force with which the pressurized liquid is expelled from the jet
assembly.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein moving the diverter valve from
the second position to the third position decreases an amount of
pressurized liquid provided to the jet assembly, thereby reducing a
force with which the pressurized liquid is expelled from the jet
assembly.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/805,420, filed Feb. 14,
2019, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] This disclosure is directed to jet assemblies for use with
liquid-filled containers and vessels for providing a stream of
pressurized liquid into the container or vessel and, in particular,
to a jet configured to transition between a retracted or fixed
position and an extended position, in which the liquid stream from
the jet can be directed at localized areas of a user's body.
Description of Related Art
[0003] Recreational and therapeutic liquid-filled containers and
vessels, such as spas, pools, bathtubs, baths, hot tubs, roman
tubs, whirlpools, and hydrotherapeutic tubs, often include one or
more jets or nozzles for expelling a pressurized liquid stream into
the container or vessel. The jet(s) can be connected to a liquid
circulation system including a suction outlet for drawing fluid
from the container into the circulation system, and a pump for
producing the stream of pressurized liquid. The jet(s) can have a
variety of designs configured to produce different patterns or
intensities of water streams. Some jets include adjustable nozzles
for changing a direction or intensity of the liquid stream expelled
from the jet. Some jets are designed to extend from a sidewall of
the container to give greater freedom of movement and
directionality for the jet.
[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,131,212 discloses a spa jet
system including an extendable and retractable air/water jet. The
jet includes a housing and water ports joined together by a conduit
and two-way valve. The two-way valve selectively directs water
either through the first water port or through the second water
port. The jet also includes a piston slidably disposed within the
housing configured to move through the housing to transition the
jet between the retracted and extended positions. The piston moves
through the housing based on whether the water enters the housing
through the first water port or the second water port.
[0005] In operation, when the valve is positioned to direct the
water flow through the first water port, the water pressure causes
the piston to fully retract into the housing. When the piston is
retracted, the jet functions as a conventional fixed jet. When a
user turns the valve to provide water flow through the second water
port, the pressurized flow fills the housing causing the piston to
move through the housing to extend the jet.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,450 discloses a jet that extends
manually and retracts automatically. The jet includes a flexible
hose connected at one end to an outlet conduit and nozzle, and at
an opposite end to a fluid source. The hose is received within a
bore of the jet and is configured to slide through the bore as the
nozzle is extended from the jet. In order to extend the jet, a user
grasps the nozzle and pulls it outwardly from the housing, causing
the hose to uncoil and slide through the bore. To retract the
nozzle, the user releases the nozzle allowing the hose to retract
into the bore due to a force of a compression spring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] There is a need for new jet assemblies for liquid-filled
containers and vessels configured to effectively provide
concentrated and intensified massaging action for localized areas
of a user's body. In particular, in some examples, the jet assembly
is extendable and retractable. In an extended position, the device
can be used as a handheld massaging device. According to another
objective, the invention is directed to a jet assembly including a
jet that can be extended and retracted by a 3-way valve. Further,
desirably, the jet assembly is easy to install and can be connected
to an existing water pump and fluid circulation system.
[0008] According to an aspect of the disclosure, an extendable jet
assembly for a liquid-filled container includes a housing
configured to be positioned in an opening in a wall of the
container. The housing includes a proximal end configured to be
connected to a liquid conduit, a distal end connected to the
opening in the wall, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The jet
assembly also includes an extendable jet at least partially mounted
in the housing defining a liquid channel extending between a
proximal end and a distal end thereof. The jet includes a valve at
least partially disposed in the liquid channel of the jet. When the
valve is open, the jet is configured to transition from a retracted
position to an extended position. When the valve is closed, the jet
is configured to transition from the extended position to the
retracted position.
[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a liquid
circulation system for a liquid-filled container includes at least
one pump configured to produce a pressurized fluid stream through
one or more liquid conduits. The system further includes at least
one extendable jet assembly in fluid communication with the at
least one pump through at least one of the one or more liquid
conduits for expelling the pressurized fluid stream into the
liquid-filled container. The system further includes at least one
diverter valve in fluid communication with the at least one pump
and the at least one jet assembly. The at least one diverter valve
is transitionable between at least the following positions: a first
position, in which a suction force generated by the at least one
pump is exerted on the at least one extendable jet assembly through
the one or more conduits to cause the at least one jet assembly to
be in a retracted position; a second position, in which the stream
of pressurized liquid produced by the at least one pump is exerted
on the jet assembly through the one or more conduits, wherein the
stream of pressurized liquid causes the at least one jet assembly
to be in an extended position; and a third position in which a
portion of the pressurized liquid stream generated by the at least
one pump passes through the jet, and wherein the jet remains in one
of the extended position or the retracted position.
[0010] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a vessel
includes a container configured to contain a liquid comprising at
least one opening in a wall of the container. The vessel also
includes the above described liquid circulation system. The at
least one extendable jet assembly of the liquid circulation system
is mounted within and at least partially extends through the
opening of the container, such that pressurized liquid produced by
the at least one pump is expelled into the container through the
jet assembly.
[0011] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of
operating an extendable jet assembly of a liquid circulation system
includes with an extendable jet of the jet assembly in a retracted
position, moving a diverter valve of the liquid circulation system
from a first position, in which pressurized liquid produced by a
pump of the liquid circulation system bypasses the jet assembly and
returns to the pump, to a second position, in which substantially
all pressurized liquid passing through the diverter valve passes to
the jet assembly. Moving the diverter valve from the first position
to the second position causes a diffuser of the extendable jet to
disengage from a housing of the jet assembly and to transition from
the retracted position to an extended position.
[0012] Examples of the present invention will now be described in
the following numbered clauses:
[0013] Clause 1: An extendable jet assembly for a liquid-filled
container, comprising: a housing configured to be positioned in an
opening in a wall of the container, the housing comprising a
proximal end configured to be connected to a liquid conduit, a
distal end connected to the opening in the wall, and a sidewall
extending therebetween; and an extendable jet at least partially
mounted in the housing defining a liquid channel extending between
a proximal end and a distal end thereof, the jet comprising a valve
at least partially disposed in the liquid channel, wherein, when
the valve is open, the jet is configured to transition from a
retracted position to an extended position, and when the valve is
closed, the jet is configured to transition from the extended
position to the retracted position.
[0014] Clause 2: The extendable jet assembly of clause 1, wherein a
force applied to the jet in a first direction causes the valve to
open and the jet to transition from the retracted position to the
extended position, and a force applied to the jet in a second
direction causes the valve to close and the jet to transition from
the extended position to the retracted position.
[0015] Clause 3: The extendable jet of clause 2, wherein the force
in the first direction is provided by a pressurized liquid stream
directed to the jet from the liquid conduit, and wherein the force
in the second direction comprises a suction force applied to the
jet through the liquid conduit.
[0016] Clause 4: The extendable jet of any of clauses 1-3, wherein
the valve comprises a check valve which automatically opens when
pressurized liquid is present in the liquid channel and
automatically closes when a suction force is present in the liquid
channel.
[0017] Clause 5: The extendable jet assembly of any of clauses 1-4,
wherein the extendable jet comprises a diffuser for expelling
liquid from the liquid channel into the container and an inflow
tube connected to the diffuser and extending from the diffuser into
the liquid conduit.
[0018] Clause 6: The extendable jet of clause 5, wherein, when the
jet is in the retracted position, at least a portion of the
diffuser is engaged within the housing and, when the jet is in the
extended position, at least a portion of the inflow tube engages
the housing.
[0019] Clause 7: The extendable jet assembly of clause 5 or clause
6, wherein the valve is connected to a proximal end of the inflow
tube.
[0020] Clause 8: The extendable jet assembly of clause 7, wherein
liquid from the liquid conduit passes through the valve prior to
entering the jet.
[0021] Clause 9: The extendable jet assembly of clause 7 or clause
8, wherein the valve comprises an outer housing configured to
engage a retainer connected to the housing of the jet assembly to
maintain the jet in the extended position.
[0022] Clause 10: The extendable jet assembly of any of clauses
5-9, wherein the housing comprises a retainer at the proximal end
of the housing, configured to engage a portion of the diffuser to
retain the jet in the retracted position, and to engage a flange on
the elongated tube to retain at least a proximal end of the
elongated tube within the housing when the jet is in the extended
position.
[0023] Clause 11: The extendable jet assembly of clause 10, wherein
the diffuser of the jet comprises an adapter comprising a radially
extending flange, and wherein the retainer of the housing comprises
an annular sleeve positioned in the housing comprising at least one
radially inwardly directed protrusion extending into the liquid
channel configured to engage the flange when the jet is in the
retracted position.
[0024] Clause 12: The extendable jet assembly of clause 11, wherein
the retainer further comprises a wiper seal extending radially
inwardly from the sleeve into the liquid channel configured to seal
at least a portion of the inflow tube of the jet, as the jet
transitions between the retracted position and the extended
position.
[0025] Clause 13: The extendable jet assembly of any of clauses
5-12, wherein, in the retracted position, at least a proximal end
of the inflow tube of the jet is disposed within the liquid
conduit.
[0026] Clause 14: The extendable jet assembly of any of clauses
1-13, wherein the housing further comprises an annular gasket and
retaining ring connected between an outer surface of the housing
and the wall of the enclosure for mounting the housing within the
opening in the wall of the container.
[0027] Clause 15: A liquid circulation system for a liquid-filled
container, the system comprising: at least one pump configured to
produce a pressurized fluid stream through one or more liquid
conduits; at least one extendable jet assembly in fluid
communication with the at least one pump through at least one of
the one or more liquid conduits for expelling the pressurized fluid
stream into the liquid-filled container; and at least one diverter
valve in fluid communication with the at least one pump and the at
least one jet assembly, wherein the at least one diverter valve is
transitionable between at least the following positions: a first
position, in which a suction force generated by the at least one
pump is exerted on the at least one extendable jet assembly through
the one or more conduits to cause the at least one jet assembly to
be in a retracted position; a second position, in which the stream
of pressurized liquid produced by the at least one pump is exerted
on the jet assembly through the one or more conduits, wherein the
stream of pressurized liquid causes the at least one jet assembly
to be in an extended position; and a third position in which a
portion of the pressurized liquid stream generated by the at least
one pump passes through the jet, and wherein the jet remains in one
of the extended position or the retracted position.
[0028] Clause 16: The liquid circulation system of clause 15,
wherein the at least one jet assembly comprises: a housing
configured to be positioned in an opening in a wall of the
container, the housing comprising a proximal end configured to be
connected to the one or more liquid conduits, a distal end
connected to the opening in the wall, and a sidewall extending
therebetween; and an extendable jet at least partially mounted in
the housing defining a liquid channel extending between a proximal
end and a distal end thereof, the jet comprising a valve at least
partially disposed in the liquid channel, wherein, when the valve
is open, the jet assembly is configured to transition from the
retracted position to the extended position, and when the valve is
closed, the jet is configured to transition from the extended
position to the retracted position.
[0029] Clause 17: The liquid circulation system of clause 15 or
clause 16, further comprising at least one suction outlet for
drawing fluid from the liquid-filled container to the pump, and
wherein the one or more conduits comprising: at least one return
conduit connected between the suction outlet and the pump for
providing liquid from the liquid-filled container to the pump; at
least one supply conduit extending between the pump and the
diverter valve; at least one jet conduit extended between the
diverter valve and the jet assembly for providing one of a suction
force or pressurized liquid to the jet assembly; and at least one
discharge conduit connected between the diverter valve and the pump
for returning a portion of liquid to the pump which does not pass
to the at least one jet assembly.
[0030] Clause 18: The liquid circulation system of any of clauses
15-17, further comprising at least one conventional jet in fluid
communication with the pump through the one or more conduits for
providing pressurized fluid into the liquid-filled container
through the conventional jet.
[0031] Clause 19: The liquid circulation system of any of clauses
15-18, wherein the diverter valve comprises an actuator knob
configured to allow a user to adjust a rate of flow of liquid
supplied to the at least one jet assembly.
[0032] Clause 20: A vessel comprising: a container configured to
contain a liquid comprising at least one opening in a wall of the
container; and the liquid circulation system of any of clauses
15-19, wherein the at least one extendable jet assembly of the
liquid circulation system is mounted within and at least partially
extends through the opening of the container, such that pressurized
liquid produced by the at least one pump is expelled into the
container through the jet assembly.
[0033] Clause 21: The vessel of clause 20, wherein the vessel is a
spa.
[0034] Clause 22: The vessel of clause 21, wherein the spa
comprises a cabinet comprising a bottom, upwardly projecting sides,
and an open top, wherein the container comprises a shell at least
partially mounted within the cabinet, and wherein at least portions
of the pump, one or more conduits, and diverter valve are disposed
within the cabinet, and in fluid communication with liquid
contained in the spa shell.
[0035] Clause 23: A method of operating an extendable jet assembly
of a liquid circulation system, the method comprising with an
extendable jet of the jet assembly in a retracted position, moving
a diverter valve of the liquid circulation system from a first
position, in which pressurized liquid produced by a pump of the
liquid circulation system bypasses the jet assembly and returns to
the pump, to a second position, in which substantially all
pressurized liquid passing through the diverter valve passes to the
jet assembly, wherein moving the diverter valve from the first
position to the second position causes a diffuser of the extendable
jet to disengage from a housing of the jet assembly and to
transition from the retracted position to an extended position.
[0036] Clause 24: The method of clause 23, wherein the housing of
the jet assembly is configured to be positioned in an opening in a
wall of a spa, the housing comprising a proximal end configured to
be connected to a liquid conduit of the liquid circulation system,
a distal end connected to the opening in the wall, and a sidewall
extending therebetween, wherein the extendable jet of the jet
assembly is at least partially mounted in the housing and defines a
liquid channel extending between a proximal end and a distal end
thereof, the extendable jet comprising a valve at least partially
disposed in the liquid channel, and wherein, when the valve is
open, the jet is configured to transition from the retracted
position to the extended position, and when the valve is closed,
the jet is configured to transition from the extended position to
the retracted position.
[0037] Clause 25: The method of clause 23 or clause 24, further
comprising, with the extendable jet of the jet assembly in the
extended position, moving the diverter valve from the second
position to the first position, thereby producing a suction force
in a liquid conduit extending between the diverter valve and the
jet assembly sufficient to cause the extendable jet to transition
from the extended position to the retracted position.
[0038] Clause 26: The method of any of clauses 23 to 25, further
comprising, with the extendable jet in either the extended position
or the retracted position, moving the diverter valve to a third
position, thereby causing a portion of pressurized liquid produced
by the pump to pass through the diverter valve to the jet assembly
and a portion of the pressurized liquid produced by the pump to
pass through the diverter valve to bypass the jet assembly and
return to the pump.
[0039] Clause 27: The method of clause 26, wherein moving the
diverter valve from the first position to the third position
increases an amount of pressurized liquid provided to the jet
assembly, thereby increasing a force with which the pressurized
liquid is expelled from the jet assembly.
[0040] Clause 28: The method of clause 26, wherein moving the
diverter valve from the second position to the third position
decrease an amount of pressurized liquid provided to the jet
assembly, thereby reducing a force with which the pressurized
liquid is expelled from the jet assembly.
[0041] These and other features and characteristics of the present
invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the
related elements of structures and the combination of parts and
economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon
consideration of the following description and the appended claims
with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a
part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals
designate corresponding parts in the various figures. As used in
the specification and the claims, the singular form of "a", "an",
and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly
dictates otherwise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a rearwardly directed perspective view of an
extendable jet assembly and fluid line mounted to a sidewall of a
spa, according to an aspect of the disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a frontwardly directed perspective view of the jet
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the jet assembly of FIG.
1 in an extended position;
[0045] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the jet assembly of FIG.
1 in a partially retracted position;
[0046] FIG. 5 is a rearwardly directed perspective view of another
example of an extendable jet assembly and fluid line mounted to a
sidewall of a spa, according to an aspect of the disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a frontwardly directed perspective view of the jet
assembly of FIG. 5;
[0048] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the jet assembly of
FIG. 5 in an extended position;
[0049] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the jet assembly of
FIG. 5 in a partially retracted position;
[0050] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the jet assembly of
FIG. 5 in a retracted position;
[0051] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fluid circulation system
including an extendable jet assembly in an extended position,
according to an aspect of the disclosure; and
[0052] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of a portion of a spa
including the fluid circulation system of FIG. 8, according to an
aspect of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0053] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms
"upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top",
"bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal," and derivatives thereof shall
relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures.
The term "proximal" as used herein refers to a portion of an object
that is connected to another object or to a portion of the object
or element located nearest to an actuating mechanism, such as a
pump. For example, a proximal end of the spa jet refers to an end
of the jet connected to the spa wall and/or inserted through the
spa wall into a space between the spa shell and cabinet. The term
"distal" refers to a portion of the object opposite the proximal
portion of the object. For example, the "distal" end of a jet or
nozzle refers to the portion of the jet or nozzle that extends away
from the wall and into the liquid-filled container or vessel.
However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to
the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the
following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the
invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not
to be considered as limiting.
[0054] The present disclosure is directed to jet assemblies for use
with liquid-filled containers, enclosures, reservoirs, vessels, or
basins. The contemplated "container" is primarily referred to in
this description of the invention as a "spa." As discussed
previously, the "container" can also include other water-containing
vessels, such as pools, bathtubs, baths, hot tubs, roman tubs,
whirlpools, and hydrotherapeutic tubs. The jet assemblies disclosed
herein can also be used with other systems and devices for
providing a pressurized fluid stream, such as shower heads, steam
baths, steamers, facets, sinks, and similar devices. Further, the
jet assemblies described herein are generally described as
providing a pressurized liquid stream. The jet assemblies disclosed
herein may also be configured to provide different fluid streams.
For example, the jet assemblies and circulation systems disclosed
herein may be adapted to provide a pressurized stream of hot air,
steam, water, and combinations thereof.
Jet Assemblies
[0055] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, an extendable jet assembly 10
for a liquid-filled container, enclosure, reservoir, basin, or
vessel, such as a spa, tub, bath, and/or shower, includes a housing
12 configured to be positioned in an opening 14 in a wall 16 of the
container. The housing 12 includes a proximal end 18 configured to
be connected to a liquid conduit 20, such as a tube or pipe. For
example, the liquid conduit 20 can be configured to provide a
pressurized liquid stream or flow to the jet assembly 10. The
housing 12 also includes a distal end 22 extending through the
opening 14 of the wall 16 and a sidewall 24 extending between the
proximal end 18 and the distal end 22. The housing 12 is a
generally hollow structure having an interior space 26 extending
between the proximal end 18 and the distal end 22 thereof. The
housing 12 can be formed from any sufficiently strong, rigid
material configured to withstand temperature and pressure produced
by commercially available spas and hot tubs. The housing 12 can be
any suitable shape sufficient to fit within the opening 14 of the
wall 16 and for connecting to the liquid conduit 20. For example,
the housing 12 can be a tapered or conical shape having a wider
diameter distal end 22 and a narrower diameter proximal end 18
configured to correspond to a diameter of the liquid conduit
20.
[0056] The jet assembly 10 also includes connectors or fasteners
for mounting the housing 12 in the opening 14 of the wall 16 to
provide a leak-proof seal between the housing 12 and the wall 16.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the distal end 22 of the
housing 12 can include an outwardly flared portion 28 configured to
contact an outer surface of the wall 16. The outwardly flared
portion 28 can be retained against the wall 16 by, for example, a
gasket 30 and a retaining ring 32 positioned on an opposite side of
the wall 16 from the flared portion 28 of the housing 12. In some
examples, the housing 12 can include a threaded outer surface 34
for installing the gasket 30 and the retaining ring 32 against the
wall 16 to hold the jet assembly 10 in place against the wall
16.
[0057] The jet assembly 10 also includes an extendable jet 36 at
least partially mounted in the housing 12 and configured to
transition from a retracted position (shown in FIG. 2), in which at
least a portion of the extendable jet 36 is engaged within the
housing 12, to an extended position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). The
extendable jet 36 defines a liquid channel 38 extending between a
proximal end 40 and a distal end 42 thereof for conducting
pressurized liquid from the liquid conduit 20 into the container.
The extendable jet 36 can include an elongated inflow tube 44 for
providing the pressurized liquid from the liquid conduit 20 and/or
housing 12 into the extendable jet 36. The inflow tube 44 is
generally a narrow tube sized to fit within both the housing 12 and
the liquid conduit 20. For example, the inflow tube 44 can have an
outer diameter D1, which is less than an inner diameter D2 of the
liquid conduit 20 and housing 12. A length L1 of the inflow tube 44
generally determines how far the extendable jet 36 can be extended
from the jet housing 12. Accordingly, the length L1 can be selected
to permit a user to move the extendable jet 36 away from the wall
16 far enough to direct the stream of pressurized liquid to
different areas of the user's body for localized massaging and
therapy. The length L1 could also be selected based on the size of
the liquid-filled container, such as the spa or tub, the number of
other jets in the spa or hot tub, or the arrangement of seats in
the spa or hot tub. For example, the length L1 can be from about 48
inches to about 60 inches. In some examples, the inflow tube 44 is
formed from a flexible material, such as rubber, or a polymer
material, such as polyethylene, vinyl, polyvinyl chloride (e.g.,
flexible PVC), and/or nylon, to provide greater freedom of movement
of the extended jet 36.
[0058] The extendable jet 36 also includes a diffuser 46 connected
to a distal end 48 of the inflow tube 44 for expelling the
pressurized liquid from the extendable jet 36 and into the
container. The diffuser 46 can be a hollow structure having a
proximal end 50 connected to the inflow tube 44, a distal end 52
for expelling the liquid stream into the container, and a sidewall
54 extending therebetween. The sidewall 54 of the diffuser 46 is
generally shaped to be received within the interior space 26 of the
housing 12. For example, the sidewall 54 of the diffuser 46 can be
tapered and conical to match a slope of the sidewall 24 of the
housing 12. The distal end 52 of the diffuser 46 can include an end
plate or cap 56 for imparting different flow characteristics to the
liquid stream. For example, the cap 56 can include holes 58
positioned to direct portions of the pressurized liquid stream in
different directions. Passing the liquid stream through the holes
58 can, for example, separate the pressurized liquid stream, so
that pressurized liquid is provided over a larger target area with
reduced force.
[0059] In the retracted position (shown in FIG. 2), the diffuser 46
of the extendable jet 36 engages the housing 12, causing the
extendable jet 36 to function as a conventional fixed jet. As the
extendable jet 36 transitions from the retracted position to the
extended position, the proximal end 50 of the inflow tube 44 passes
through a portion of the liquid conduit 20 and into the housing 12
of the jet assembly 10. In the extended position (shown in FIG. 3),
the housing 12 engages at least a portion of the inflow tube 44 and
at least a portion of the diffuser 46 extends from the housing 12
and into the liquid-filled container. In the extended position,
extendable jet 36 can be manipulated in different directions to
direct the liquid stream to selected areas of the body. For
example, the user can grasp a gripping portion 60 on the outer
surface of the sidewall 54 of the diffuser 46. Since the inflow
tube 44 is flexible, the user is free to move the diffuser 46 in
any direction to adjust directionality of flow from the diffuser
46.
[0060] In some examples, the jet assembly 10 is configured to
extend and/or retract due to liquid pressure or suction in the
liquid conduit 20. For example, when substantial pressure is
present in the liquid conduit 20, the pressure can overcome the
engagement between the diffuser 46 and the housing 12, thereby
causing the extendable jet 36 to transition from the retracted
position to the extended position. Similarly, when a suction force
is provided through the liquid conduit 20, the force can cause the
inflow tube 44 to disengage from the housing 12, thereby causing
the extendable jet 36 to move from the extended position to the
retracted position.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in some examples, the housing 12
further includes a retainer 62. The retainer 62 can be, for
example, an annular sleeve 64 including a flat seat portion 67
positioned in the proximal end 18 of the housing 12. The retainer
62 can be seated against the sidewall 24 of the housing 12, such
that an outer surface of the retainer 62 contacts an inner surface
of the housing sidewall 24. The retainer 62 can include one or more
inwardly directed protrusions 66 for engaging portions of the
extendable jet 36 to maintain the extendable jet 36 in the extended
or retracted position.
[0062] For example, the retainer 62 can be configured to engage a
portion of the diffuser 46 to retain the extendable jet 36 in the
retracted position and to engage a portion of the inflow tube 44 to
retain at least a proximal end of the extendable jet 36 within the
housing 12 when the extendable jet 36 is in the extended position.
To facilitate such engagement, the inflow tube 44 of the extendable
jet 36 can include a radially extending flange 68 and/or stopper 70
positioned around or adjacent to a proximal end 72 of the inflow
tube 44 configured to contact and engage the protrusion(s) 66 of
the retainer 62 when the extendable jet 36 is extended. The flange
68 and/or stopper 70 can also be configured to contact and/or seal
against an inner surface of the liquid conduit 20 to stabilize the
extendable jet 36, as it transitions between positions. The flange
68 and stopper 70 can be formed from any suitable material. The
material can be flexible, allowing the flange 68 and/or stopper 70
to deform slightly when moving through the liquid conduit 20 or
over the protrusion 66 of the retainer 62. For example, the flange
68 and/or stopper 70 can be formed from an elastomeric material,
such as natural rubber, butadiene, polyisoprene, butyl rubber,
and/or silicone rubber (e.g., liquid silicone rubber
materials).
[0063] In some examples, the diffuser 46 of the extendable jet 36
also includes a locking mechanism or structure configured to be
received by and to engage the retainer 62. For example, the
diffuser 46 can include a raised protrusion or adapter 74, such as
a radially extending flange, collar, ridge, ring, or protrusion,
positioned near to the proximal end 50 of the diffuser 46. The
adapter 74 can be configured to engage the corresponding protrusion
66 of the retainer 62 when the extendable jet 36 is in the
retracted position to retain the extendable jet 36 in place. In
some examples, the engagement between the adapter 74 and protrusion
66 is sufficient to maintain the extendable jet 36 in the retracted
position when a low level of pressurized liquid is provided through
the liquid conduit 20. The adapter 74 can be configured to be
released from the retainer 62 when a force of the pressurized
liquid flowing through the liquid conduit 20 exceeds a selected
level. Alternatively, a user can manually disconnect the jet 36
from the housing 12 by gripping the jet 36 and pulling with
sufficient force to overcome the engagement between the adapter 74
and the housing 12.
[0064] In some examples, the extendable jet 36 further includes a
valve 76 disposed in the liquid channel 38 of the extendable jet 36
configured to restrict liquid flow through the liquid channel 38.
For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve 76 can be
positioned in the diffuser 46 of the extendable jet 36 near the
proximal end 50 thereof. The valve 76 can be configured such that,
when the valve 76 is open, the extendable jet 36 is configured to
transition from the retracted position to the extended position.
When the valve 76 is closed, the extendable jet 36 can be
configured to transition from the extended position to the
retracted position. The valve 76 can be a one-way valve, such as a
diaphragm valve, which permits liquid flow through the valve 76 in
one direction. The valve 76 closes to prevent liquid from flowing
through the valve 76 in the opposite direction.
[0065] In some examples, the valve 76 can be a check valve
configured to permit liquid flow through the diffuser 46 and/or
inflow tube 44 in one direction (e.g., in a distal direction, as
shown by arrow A1) and to prevent fluid flow through the diffuser
46 and/or inflow tube 44 in an opposite direction (e.g., in a
proximal direction as shown by arrow A2). The check valve can
include an annular body 78 defining a central opening 80 and a
movable member, such as a piston 82, extending through the body 78.
A seal or seat 84 is connected to the piston 82 and is configured
to cover the central opening 80 to seal the opening 80, when the
valve 76 is in the closed position. When the valve 76 is open, the
piston 82 extends through the central opening 80, thereby
separating the seal or seat 84 from the central opening 80 to
permit liquid to flow through the valve 76 in the distal direction
(shown by arrow A1). For example, the valve 76 can be configured to
automatically open when pressurized liquid from the liquid conduit
20 exerts a sufficient force on the piston 82 and/or seat 84. The
valve 76 can be configured to automatically close when a suction
force in the liquid conduit 20 is applied to the piston 82 and/or
seat 84. The valve 76 may also close in response to fluid pressure
exerted on the piston 82 and/or seat 84 from liquid in the
liquid-filled container, which can push the seat 84 to the closed
position.
[0066] The jet assembly 10 can operate in the following manner. The
jet assembly 10 can be initially provided in a retracted position
(shown in FIG. 2). When a pressurized liquid stream of sufficient
force is present in the liquid conduit 20, the valve 76 moves to an
open position. In addition to causing the valve 76 to open, the
pressurized liquid exerts a force against the extendable jet 36
sufficient to overcome the engagement between the extendable jet 36
and housing 12. Once the engagement between the housing 12 and jet
36 is overcome, the jet 36 moves from the retracted position to an
extended position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). The jet assembly 10 is
shown between the retracted position and the extended position in
FIG. 4. In the extended position, a user can grip the outer surface
of the diffuser 46 and move the diffuser 46 to direct pressurized
liquid towards different selected areas of the user's body. In the
extended position, as discussed previously, the valve 76 is open
and the inflow tube 44 is engaged to the retainer 62 of the housing
12 to maintain the extendable jet 36 in the extended position. The
engagement between the inflow tube 44 and retainer 62 also prevents
the user from pulling the extendable jet 36 entirely out of the
housing 12.
[0067] Another example of an extendable jet assembly 110 is shown
in FIGS. 5-7C. As in previous examples, the jet assembly 110
includes the housing 112 and the extendable jet 136 positioned
within and/or mounted to the housing 112. The jet 136 includes an
elongated inflow tube 144 and a diffuser 146 connected to a distal
end 148 of the inflow tube 144 for expelling pressurized liquid
from the jet 136 and into a liquid-filled container. The jet 136 is
configured to transition from a retracted position (shown in FIGS.
6 and 7C), in which at least a portion of the diffuser 146 is
engaged within the housing 112, to an extended position (shown in
FIGS. 5 and 7A), in which the housing 112 engages at least a
portion of the inflow tube 144 and at least a portion of the
diffuser 146 extends from the housing 112 and into the
liquid-filled container.
[0068] Also, as in previous examples, the jet assembly 110 includes
a valve 176. The valve 176 can be a check valve configured to
automatically open when pressurized liquid is present in the liquid
conduit 120 to permit fluid flow from the liquid conduit 120
through the jet 136 and into the liquid-filled container. The valve
176 can be configured to automatically close when a suction force
or negative pressure is present in the liquid conduit 120 to
prevent liquid from flowing through the valve 176 in the opposite
direction. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, unlike in previous examples,
the valve 176 is connected to a proximal end 172 of the inflow tube
144 rather than within the diffuser 146. The check valve 176
includes a body or housing 186 having a distal end 188 connected to
the inflow tube 144 and a free or open proximal end 190. A movable
valve member, such as a piston (not shown), is positioned inside
the body or housing 186 of the valve 176 and configured to move
from a closed position, in which liquid flow through the valve 176
is restricted, to an open position, in which liquid flow through
the valve 176 and the jet 136 from a proximal end 140 to a distal
end 142 thereof is permitted. As shown in FIG. 7A, the body or
housing 186 of the valve 176 is sized to be received by and to
engage a retainer 162 positioned in an interior space 126 of the
housing 112. As discussed above, the retainer 162 can be an annular
sleeve 164 positioned such that an outer surface of the sleeve
contacts an inner surface of a sidewall 124 of the housing 112. The
annular sleeve 164 can include one or more radially inwardly
directed protrusions 166 extending from an inner surface of the
sleeve 164, which engage the valve housing 186 to maintain the
valve 176 and jet 136 in the extended position (shown in FIG.
7A).
[0069] In some examples, the retainer 162 can further include a
wiper seal 192 extending radially inwardly from an inner surface of
the sleeve 164. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the wiper seal 192 can be
sized to seal an outer surface of the inflow tube 144 to restrict
liquid flow from the liquid-filled container into the liquid
conduit 120. In order to provide a sufficient seal, the wiper seal
192 can be formed from a flexible and resilient material, such as
an elastomeric material, which deforms slightly when the inflow
tube 144 passes through the wiper seal 192, thereby providing a
suitable seal between the wiper seal 192 and the inflow tube 144.
The wiper seal 192 is desirably sufficiently deformable so that the
inflow tube 144 can pass through the wiper seal 192 in either
direction. The wiper seal 192 can be configured to provide
self-cleaning for the jet 136 by removing any objects attached to
the inflow tube 144 as the inflow tube 144 extends and retracts
through the wiper seal 192.
[0070] The jet assembly 110 shown in FIGS. 5-7C functions in a
similar manner to previously described examples. For example, the
jet assembly 110 can be initially provided in a retracted position,
as shown in FIG. 7C. When a pressurized liquid stream is present in
the liquid conduit 120, the valve 176 moves to an open position
and, as pressure increases, exerts a force against the jet 136
sufficient to overcome the engagement between the jet 136 and the
housing 112. Once the engagement between the jet 136 and the
housing 112 is overcome, the jet 136 moves from the retracted
position (shown in FIG. 7C) to the extended position (shown in FIG.
7A). The jet assembly 110 is shown between the retracted position
and the extended position in FIG. 7B. As discussed previously, in
the extended position, a user can grip the outer surface of the
diffuser 146 and can move the diffuser 146 to direct pressurized
liquid towards different selected areas of the user's body. In the
extended position, as discussed previously, the valve 176 is open
and the inflow tube 144 is engaged to the retainer 162 of the
housing 112 to maintain the jet 136 in the extended position.
Liquid Circulation System
[0071] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the extendable jet(s) 36, 136
described herein can be used with a liquid circulation system 210,
such as a liquid circulation system for a liquid-filled container,
such as a spa, hot tub, or bathtub. For example, FIG. 9 shows the
liquid circulation system 210 installed in a spa 310. The liquid
circulation system 210 can be an existing liquid circulation system
for a spa retrofit to include the extendable jet(s) 36, 136 as
described herein. In other examples, a spa and liquid circulation
system can be specifically designed to include one or more of the
exemplary extendable jet assemblies 10, 110 described herein.
[0072] In some examples, the liquid circulation system 210 includes
a liquid circulation pump 212 configured to provide a stream of
pressurized liquid to one or more jet assemblies 10, at least one
diverter valve 214 for controlling liquid flow to the one or more
jet assemblies 10, and one or more conduits 216, 218, 220, 226 for
connecting the liquid-filled container (e.g., the spa shell 320),
pump 212, diverter valve(s) 214, and jet assembly(s) 10, 110.
[0073] The system 210 can further include at least one suction port
or outlet 222 extending through a wall of the liquid-filled
container for drawing liquid from the container to the pump 212.
For example, the suction outlet 222 can be a hollow opening
connected to the pump through the conduits 216, 218, 220, 226. In
some examples, the suction outlet 222 can also include an end plate
224 or cover plate for filtering solid objects from the liquid
being drawn into the liquid circulation system 210 through the
outlet 222. The system 210 can further include at least one
conventional fixed valve (not shown) extending through the wall of
the liquid-filled container and in fluid communication with the
circulation pump 210 for providing additional streams of fluid into
the spa shell 320.
[0074] The one or more conduits 216, 218, 220, 226 can include, for
example, an aspiration or return conduit 216 adapted to conduct
liquid from the container (e.g., from the spa shell 320) to the
pump 212. The one or more conduits 216, 218, 220, 226 can also
include a supply conduit 218 in fluid communication with and
positioned downstream of the circulation pump 212 for delivering
pressurized liquid from the circulation pump 210 to the diverter
valve 214. The one or more conduits 216, 218, 220, 226 can also
include a jet assembly conduit 220 (referred to previously as the
liquid conduit 20, 120) extending between the jet assembly 10, 110
and the diverter valve 214, which provides either pressurized
liquid from the supply conduit 218 to the jet assembly 10, 110 or a
suction force from the return conduit 216 to the jet assembly 10,
110. The one or more conduits 216, 218, 220, 226 can further
include a discharge conduit 226 connected between the diverter
valve 214 and the return conduit 216. The discharge conduit 226 is
configured to divert a portion of the pressurized liquid directed
from the pump 212 towards the diverter valve 214 and jet assembly
10, 110 back to the circulation pump 212. Accordingly, the
discharge conduit 226 functions to bypass pressurized liquid from
the circulation pump 212 when the diverter valve 214 is actuated in
a less than fully open position, which is useful for providing a
lower flow rate of pressurized liquid through the jet assembly 10,
110.
[0075] In some examples, the diverter valve 214 is a three-way
valve adapted to change a rate of flow of liquid supplied to the
jet assembly 10, 110. Adjusting the flow rate or force of the
pressurized liquid can also control extension and retraction of the
jet 36, 136 of the jet assembly 10, 110. The diverter valve 214 can
be any suitable three-way, manually operated diverter valve which
diverts water between the jet assembly 10, 110 and the discharge
conduit 226 to control liquid flow through the jet assembly 10,
110. In some examples, the diverter valve 214 can include a hollow
valve body 228 with an inlet port 230, a first outlet port 232, and
a second outlet port 234. The inlet port 230 is in fluid
communication with the circulation pump 212 through the supply
conduit 218, the first outlet port 232 is in fluid communication
with the jet assembly 10, 110 through the jet conduit 220, and the
second outlet port 234 is in fluid communication with the discharge
conduit 226. The diverter valve 214 further includes a plunger (not
shown) disposed within the valve body 228. The plunger is
operatively coupled to a plunger actuation mechanism, which is, in
turn, coupled to a rotating actuator knob 236. The actuator knob
236 may be positioned at any convenient location on the
liquid-filled container, such as on an upper edge of the container
or at any other convenient location, thereby allowing a user to
adjust the rate of flow of water supplied to the jet assembly 10,
110. The plunger may further include a seal, such as an o-ring (not
shown), adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal between the plunger
and the second outlet port 234 and/or a fluid-tight seal between
the plunger and the first outlet port 232.
[0076] The actuator knob 236 may be adjustable to an infinite
number of positions or may have a predetermined number of
positions. For example, the knob 236 may have three positions. The
knob 236 can be moved between the three positions by rotating the
knob 236 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the
actuator knob 236 is in a first or clockwise position, the plunger
actuation mechanism forces the plunger into a first position where
a fluid-tight seal is created between the o-ring of the plunger and
the first outlet port 232. In this configuration, none of the
liquid passing through the liquid circulation pump 212 passes
through the first outlet port 232 to the jet conduit 220 and jet
assembly 10, 110. Instead, all of the pressurized liquid from the
liquid circulation pump 212 passes through the second outlet port
234 to the discharge conduit 226. When the actuator knob 236 is in
this first or clockwise position, the jet assembly 10, 110 remains
in the retracted position since no fluid pressure is present in the
liquid conduit 220 to force the jet 36, 136 to the extended
position. Also, the valve 76 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) of the
extendable jet 36 or valve 176 (shown in FIGS. 7A-7C) of the
extendable jet 136 is closed. While a user may manually extend the
extendable jet 36, 136 by, for example, gripping the jet 36, 136
and pulling it away from the housing 12, 112 this action is not
recommended, since no pressurized fluid comes out of the jet 36,
136 when the knob 236 is in the first or clockwise position.
However, the jet 36, 136 can be configured such that manually
pulling or forcing out the jet 36, 136, while not recommended, does
not damage the system 210.
[0077] When a user adjusts the actuator knob 236 of the diverter
valve 214 from the first or clockwise position to a second or
counterclockwise position, the plunger seals the second outlet port
234, thereby forcing all of the liquid passing through the liquid
circulation pump 212 and supply conduit 218 to pass through the
first outlet port 232 to the jet conduit 220 and jet assembly 10,
110. For example, adjusting the knob 236 could require the user to
rotate the knob 236 by 180 degrees in the counterclockwise
direction, which moves the knob 236 from the first or clockwise
position to the second or counterclockwise position. In this second
or counterclockwise position, the pressurized liquid exerts
substantial force on the jet assembly 10, 110. In particular, the
force is exerted against the valve 76, 176 of the extendable jet
36, 136 causing the extendable jet 36, 136 to open to permit fluid
flow through the extendable jet 36, 136. Force of the pressurized
liquid may also be exerted on proximal portions of the extendable
jet 36, 136, such as the flange 68 and/or the stopper 70 (shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4). The substantial force can be sufficient to overcome
the engagement between the extendable jet 36, 136 and jet assembly
housing 12, 112, thereby causing the extendable jet 36, 136 to
extend from the housing 12, 112 (e.g., to transition from the
retracted position to the extended position).
[0078] The knob 236 and valve 214 can be configured such that the
jet 36, 136 only retracts or extends when the knob 236 is in one of
two positions, namely the first or clockwise position or the second
or counterclockwise position. When a user positions actuator knob
236 in a third position (e.g., for a knob 236 with three separate
positions) or in any of the infinite number of positions between
the first position and the second position (e.g., for a rotatable
knob assembly), the plunger actuation mechanism forces the plunger
into a position where neither the first outlet port 232 nor the
second outlet port 234 is sealed. In this configuration, a portion
of the liquid provided from the pump 212 through the supply conduit
218 passes through the first outlet port 232 to the jet conduit 220
and through the jet assembly 10, 110 and a portion of the liquid
passes through the second outlet port 234 to the discharge conduit
226. When in this third or middle position, the jet assembly 10,
110 can be configured to remain in a current position and neither
to extend nor retract therefrom. For example, if the jet assembly
10, 110 is in the retracted position, then moving the actuator knob
236 to the third or middle position causes the jet assembly 10, 110
to act as a conventional fixed jet, in which the extendable jet 36,
136 remains engaged within the housing 12, 112 of the jet assembly
10. For example, the portion of liquid passing to the jet assembly
10, 110 can open the valve 76, 176 of the extendable jet 36, 136 so
that the pressurized liquid is expelled from the extendable jet 36,
136 into the container (e.g., into the spa shell 320). However, the
liquid pressure does not overcome the engagement between the
extendable jet 36, 136 and jet assembly housing 12, 112, meaning
that the jet assembly 10, 110 remains in the retracted position.
When the extendable jet 36, 136 is in the extended position, moving
the actuator knob 236 from the second position to the third
position reduces an intensity or force of liquid expelled from the
extendable jet 36, 136 compared to when the actuator knob 236 is in
the second position. However, moving the actuator knob 236 to the
third position does not cause the extendable jet 36, 136 to retract
into the housing 12, 112.
[0079] In some examples, moving the actuator knob 236 from the
second position or from the third position to the first position
causes the extendable jet 36, 136 to retract into the jet housing
12, 112. For example, moving the actuator knob 236 from the second
position to the first position begins to close the first outlet
port 232 and to open the second outlet port 234. As the second
outlet port 234 opens, an increasing portion of the pressurized
liquid passing through the diverter valve 214 is diverted to the
discharge conduit 226 and a reduced portion of the pressurized
fluid passes through the first outlet port 232 into the jet conduit
220. As a result of the reduction in pressurized fluid provided to
the jet conduit 220, a liquid pressure in the jet conduit 220
decreases causing the valve 76, 176 of the extendable jet 36, 136
to close. Eventually, due to opening of the second outlet port 234,
the pressure in the diverter valve 214 and discharge conduit 216
exceeds the pressure in the jet conduit 220. It is believed that
this pressure difference between the jet conduit 220 and diverter
valve 214 causes fluid in the jet conduit 220 to be drawn back
through the jet conduit 220 towards the diverter valve 214 and
discharge conduit 216, thereby creating a Venturi effect or suction
force. This created suction force can also be sufficient to cause
the extendable jet 36, 136 to retract into the housing 12, 112.
Alternatively, a user may manually retract the extendable jet 36,
136 into the housing 12, 112 by pushing the extendable jet 36, 136
into the housing 12, 112 with sufficient force to disengage the
portion of the inflow tube 44 (shown in FIGS. 1-4) or inflow tube
144 (shown in FIGS. 5-7C) from the housing 12, 112.
[0080] Once in the fully retracted position, the extendable jet 36,
136 engages the jet assembly housing 12, 112, thereby retaining the
extendable jet 36, 136 in the retracted position. Once the
extendable jet 36, 136 is engaged in the retracted position, the
user can move the actuator knob 236 to the third position, thereby
causing the jet assembly 10, 110 to function as a fixed jet.
However, this example is not to be construed as limiting the
present invention, as an actuator knob with any suitable number of
positions has been envisioned.
[0081] In some examples, the liquid circulation system 210 further
includes a high-flow heater and a flow switch positioned upstream
from diverter valve and downstream from the circulation pump. In
some examples, the heater and/or flow switch could also be enclosed
in a housing of the pump 212. The high-flow heater heats the
pressurized liquid from the circulation pump 212, thereby allowing
heated water to be provided to the jet assembly(s) 10, 110. The
flow switch can be provided to sense water flow and provide an
electrical interlock which shuts down the heater upon loss of flow
through the circulation system 210. An ozone injector (not shown)
can also be provided in fluid communication with the flow switch
and the liquid circulation system 210. The ozone injector supplies
ozone to the liquid for disinfection and cleaning purposes.
[0082] FIG. 9 shows the fluid circulation system 210 installed in
the spa 310. The spa 310 can be a conventional spa or hot tub, as
is known in the art, including, for example, a cabinet 312 having a
bottom 314, upwardly projecting sides 316, and an open top 318. The
spa 310 also includes a container, such as the shell 320,
configured to contain the liquid. As discussed previously, the
fluid circulation systems 210 disclosed herein can also be used
with other water-containing vessels, such as pools, bathtubs,
baths, hot tubs, roman tubs, whirlpools, and hydrotherapeutic
tubs.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 9, the liquid circulation system 210
includes conduits 216, 218, 220, 226 for circulating liquid between
the liquid-filled shell 320 and elements of the system 210, such as
the pump 212. The conduits 216, 218, 220, 226 and other elements of
the liquid circulation system 210 are disposed in spaces between
the cabinet 212 and the shell 320. Electromechanical devices, such
as the pump 212 and/or heater, can also be disposed between the
shell 320 and the cabinet 312. The shell 320 includes a circular
opening 322 sized to receive the housing 12, 112 of the jet
assembly 10, 110. The shell 320 also includes an opening 324 for
the suction outlet 222, for drawing liquid from the shell 320 into
the circulation system 210. The cabinet 312 and shell 320 can be
any common size, as is known in the art. For example, a
conventional spa 310 can be about 6 ft wide, 6 ft long, and about 4
ft high. However, spas of any size can be adapted to include the
liquid circulation system 210 and extendable jet(s) 36, 136,
described herein.
[0084] Although the invention has been described in detail for the
purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be
the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be
understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the
invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the
contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent
arrangements. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the present
invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more
features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more
features of any other embodiment.
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