Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMBINATION BATHTUB AND SPA
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to spas, and more particularly to a
tub assembly that can
be used as either a jetted bathtub or a recirculating spa.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Bathtubs have been known and used for centuries. Modern bathtubs may comprise
a molded
shell which forms a tub enclosure having a floor and an upstanding sidewall.
The shell is
typically constructed of fiberglass, plastic or a similar material, or a
composite of such materials.
Modern bathtubs are also provided with hot and cold water valves and supply
lines which are
attached to a supply nozzle or nozzles. In addition, a modern bathtub will
include a drain having
a drain valve that may be opened to remove water from the tub enclosure. A
jetted bathtub is
similar to a standard bathtub, but typically includes a pump and associated
plumbing which is
adapted to discharge water, usually mixed with air, into the enclosure through
a plurality of jet
nozzles that are mounted in the sidewalt of the tub enclosure.
A jetted bathtub assembly is described in U.S. Patent No. 3,297,025. This tub
assembly includes
a conventional water supply including a mixing faucet and a pair of water
supply lines with
associated valves, and a conventional tub drain and valve and an overflow
drain. The tub
assembly also includes a hydrotherapy system comprising a plurality of jet
nozzles which are
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adapted to inject a mixture of air and water into the tub enclosure. A water
manifold extends
around the outside of the tub enclosure and is in fluid communication with
each of the jet
nozzles, and a water inlet conduit extends through the wall of the tub
enclosure. A pump has an
inlet side to which the inlet conduit is attached and a discharge side to
which the water manifold
is attached. Air is provided to the jet nozzles through an air manifold which
utilizes as an intake
port the overflow drain conduit of the tub assembly. When water is contained
in the tub
enclosure, the pump can be activated to draw water from the enclosure through
the inlet conduit
to the pump and to discharge water through the jet nozzles into the enclosure.
Air under
atmospheric pressure is drawn into the air manifold by a low pressure area
created within the jet
nozzles when water is pumped therethrough, so that air is mixed with the water
passing through
the jet nozzles.
U.S. Patent No. 6,279,177 describes a jetted bathtub which includes a water
purging system to
supply air pressure to the jetted circulation system of the tub to purge any
standing water
remaining in the system when the pump is not operating. The purging system
includes an air
pump and an air manifold which is connected to one or more components of the
jetted circulation
system. The purging system also includes a controller and a heater which is
adapted to
substantially heat the air flowing through the air pump and the air manifold
so that warm, dry air
may be provided to the jetted circulation system. If the tub is full of water
when the purging
system is operated, actuation of the air pump will cause pressurized air to
aerate the water
flowing through the jet nozzles; however, if the tub is empty, actuation of
the air pump will
cause air to flow through the jetted circulation system, thereby forcing
substantially all of the
water remaining in the system out through the jet nozzles.
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U.S. Patent No. 6,357,060 describes a jetted bathtub similar to that of U.S.
Patent No. 6,279,177,
except that it includes an ozone generator that is pneumatically connected to
the air pump of the
water purging system. The improved purging system of this patent is adapted to
provide warm,
dry, ozone-treated air to the jetted circulation system.
U.S. Patent No. 6,395,167 describes a jetted bathtub having a combination
suction fixture and
disposable filter assembly. The circulation system for this tub is
conventional, except that the
suction fixture includes a perforated faceplate which is attached to a filter
housing. The filter
housing is adapted to receive a disposable filter for filtering material from
the water passing
through the circulation system.
Bathing appliances in the nature of spas have also become commercially
successful in recent
years. These spas are typically constructed as a molded shell to form a water
containment or tub
enclosure having a footwell or floor and an upstanding sidewall. Molded within
the enclosure
are a plurality of therapy stations which may include seats or platforms for
reclining. The shell is
typically constructed of fiberglass, plastic or a similar material, or a
composite of such materials.
One or more pumps are usually placed under the shell to draw water from the
enclosure and
discharge it, usually with air, into the enclosure through a plurality of
nozzles or jets of various
types. The jets are usually mounted through the shell in the sidewall, and
they are designed to
provide a comforting or therapeutic effect to a person occupying a therapy
station. Water lines
are provided between the various jets, pumps and water inlet ports, and are
usually comprised of
PVC piping and flexible tubing. Filters and heaters may also be provided in
the typical spa.
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U.S. Patent No. 5,526,538 describes a spa having both a low speed pump and a
high speed pump,
and a separate circulation system associated with each pump. The low speed
pump continuously
circulates water from the tub enclosure through a heater and back into the tub
enclosure, while
the high speed pump may be operated intermittently to discharge water drawn
from the tub
enclosure through the spa's jet nozzles. A one-way check valve keeps water
from being drawn
into the circulation system through jet nozzles mounted in the walls of the
tub enclosure during
operation of the low speed pump. However, when a user desires to employ the
jet nozzles, the
high speed pump can be activated to draw water out of the tub through a
skimmer and suction
fitting, and to discharge the water through the one-way check valve and back
into the tub through
the jet nozzles.
NOTES ON CONSTRUCTION
The use of the terms "a", "an", "the" and similar terms in the context of
describing the invention
are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or
clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising", "having", "including"
and "containing"
are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not
limited to,") unless
otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a
shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling
within the range, unless
otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
specification as if it
were individually recited herein. The terms "substantially", "generally" and
other words of
degree are relative modifiers intended to indicate permissible variation from
the characteristic so
modified. The use of such terms in describing a physical or functional
characteristic of the
=
invention is not intended to limit such characteristic to the absolute value
which the term
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modifies, but rather to provide an approximation of the value of such physical
or functional
characteristic.
The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein
is intended
merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on
the scope of the
invention unless otherwise claimed. Nothing in the specification should be
construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the
invention.
Various terms are specifically defined herein. These terms are to be given
their broadest possible
construction consistent with such definitions, as follows:
As used herein, the terms "jet", "jet nozzle" and "nozzle" refer to an orifice
or nozzle through
which water or water mixed with air may be pumped, discharged or dispensed.
As used herein, the term "bathtub" refers to a bathing appliance having a
fluid enclosure that is
adapted to contain a quantity of water, means for supplying water to the fluid
enclosure and a
drain for emptying the fluid enclosure of water. A "jetted bathtub" is a
bathtub that includes
one or more jets which are adapted to dispense water and/or a mixture of water
and air into the
fluid enclosure in order to produce a therapeutic effect. A "bathtub" is
typically employed to
hold a quantity of water for a single use and to drain the water from the
fluid enclosure after each
use.
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As used herein, the term "spa" refers to an appliance having a fluid enclosure
that is adapted to
contain a quantity of water and which includes at least one jet which is
adapted to dispense water
and/or a mixture of water and air into the fluid enclosure to produce a
therapeutic effect. A
"spa" typically includes a recirculation system by which water in the
enclosure is recirculated,
filtered and heated during use. A spa is typically employed to hold a quantity
of water for use on
multiple occasions. Consequently, a spa will usually include a removable cover
that may be
placed over the fluid enclosure to keep the water clean and to retain heat
therein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention comprises a combination bathtub and spa which may be operated as
a spa, as a
conventional bathtub or as a jetted bathtub. The combination includes a tub
enclosure that is
adapted to contain a quantity of water, a drain having a drain valve that may
be opened to drain
water from the tub enclosure or closed to retain water therein, means for
supplying water to the
tub enclosure and a lid that is adapted to removably cover the tub enclosure.
The combination
also includes a pump having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one jet
nozzle that is located in
the sidewall of the tub enclosure. A suction line provides a path for water
from the tub enclosure
to the inlet of the pump, and a discharge line provides a path for water from
the outlet of the
pump to the jet nozzle. A filter is provided to filter the water that flows
into the tub enclosure,
and a heater is provided for heating the water that flows into the tub
enclosure. A control valve
may be opened to allow water to flow through the filter or closed to stop the
flow of water
through the filter.
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The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth in the
examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the
description as
a whole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The presently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the
accompanying
drawings, in which:
=
Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention,
showing a combination
bathtub and spa utilizing a single pump.
Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the embodiment of the invention
illustrated in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
Figures 1 and 2.
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Figure 4 is a rear view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
Figures 1-3.
Figure 5 is a left side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
Figures 1-4.
Figure 6 is a right side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated
in Figures 1-5.
Figure 7 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention,
showing a
combination bathtub and spa utilizing a single pump.
Figure 8 is a top perspective view of a third embodiment of the invention,
showing a
combination bathtub and spa utilizing a single pump.
Figure 9 is a front view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a rear view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
Figures 8 and 9.
Figure 11 is a left side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated
in Figures 8-10.
Figure 12 is a right side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated
in Figures 8-11.
Figure 13 is a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the invention, showing
a combination
bathtub and spa utilizing a single pump.
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Figure 14 is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the invention,
showing a
combination bathtub and spa utilizing a pair of pumps.
Figure 15 is a right end view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated
in Figure 14.
Figure 16 is a left end view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
Figures 14 and 15.
Figure 17 is a front side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated
in Figures 14-16.
Figure 18 is a rear side view of the embodiment of the invention illustrated
in Figures 14-17.
Figure 19A is a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of the invention, showing
a combination
bathtub and spa utilizing a pair of pumps.
Figure 19B is a detailed view of the control panel for the embodiment of the
invention shown in
Figure 19A.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
Referring now to Figures 1-6, a first embodiment 20 of the invention is
illustrated. This
combination bathtub and spa comprises tub enclosure 22 that is adapted to
contain a quantity of
water and is supported by frame 24 and base 25. Tub enclosure 22 comprises tub
floor 26 (best
shown in Figure 1) and upstanding sidewall 28 which is integrally attached to
and surrounds the
floor. Combination 20 also includes supporting rim 30, which is disposed
around at least a
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portion of sidewall 28, and drain 32. Preferably, the supporting rim is
integrally attached to the
upstanding sidewall. Drain 32 includes a conventional drain valve (not shown)
that may be
opened to drain water from the tub enclosure, or closed to retain water
therein. Water is supplied
to the tub enclosure by means of cold water supply line 36 and hot water
supply line 38 (both of
which are shown in Figure 5), and the flow of water is directed through the
faucet portion of
combination faucet/overflow drain fixture 40 by cold water valve 42 and hot
water valve 44.
Each of valves 42 and 44 is connected to its associated supply line and is
operable by a user to
open to allow the flow of water through the supply line, or to close to stop
the flow of water
through the supply line. Combination 20 also includes overflow drain pipe 46
(best shown in
Figure 5) that connects the overflow inlet of combination faucet/overflow
drain fixture 40 and
drain 32. Combination 20 also includes tub enclosure lid 48, which is hinged
to supporting rim
30 along one side. In the alternative (not shown), a removable tub enclosure
lid may be
provided.
Combination bathtub and spa 20 is an embodiment of the invention which
utilizes a single pump.
Thus, as shown in Figures 1-4 and 6, combination 20 includes pump 50 which is
mounted for
convenience on pedestal 52. Pump 50 includes inlet 54 and outlet 56 (best
shown in Figures 2
and 3). Suction line 58 extends through the sidewall of tub enclosure 22 to
provide a path for
water from the tub enclosure to the inlet of the pump. Pump 50 is adapted to
selectively operate
at a low flow rate and at a high flow rate, as will be described in more
detail hereinafter.
Heater 60 (best shown in Figures 2, 3 and 6), having first end 62 and second
end 64, is mounted
to outlet 56 of pump 50. Combination 20 also includes a plurality of jet
nozzles 66 mounted in
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the sidewall of the tub enclosure (see Figure 1). Each jet nozzle is connected
by one or more jet
nozzle supply lines 68 to water manifold 70 (see Figures 2 and 6), and water
manifold 70 is
connected to a first control valve such as pressure-sensitive bypass valve 72
(best shown in
Figure 6). Preferably, bypass valve 72 is spring-loaded so that when the pump
is operated at a
low flow rate, the valve will remain closed, but when it is operated at a high
flow rate, the valve
will open. In the alternative, the first control valve may be a solenoid valve
or other user-
controllable valve known to those having ordinary skill in the art to which
the invention relates.
Valve 72 is connected by discharge line 73 to the second end of heater 60. Air
control valve 74
is mounted near the top of the tub enclosure and operatively attached to air
manifold 76 (shown
in Figure 4). This air control valve may be adapted to be operated manually by
a user to admit
air (when open) or to restrict the flow of air (when closed) through valve 74
and into air manifold
76, or it may be opened and closed by a switch. In either event, a plurality
of air lines 78 are
provided to connect the air manifold to each nozzle, so that by opening the
air control valve, air
may be mixed with water at each nozzle (in a manner known to those having
ordinary skill in the
art to which the invention relates) so that a mixture of air and water may be
injected into the tub
enclosure through each of the nozzles.
Combination 20 includes a sanitizer such as ozone generator 80, which is
adapted to sanitize
water flowing into the tub enclosure. As best shown in Figure 6, ozone
generator 80 is mounted
on a second pedestal (not shown for clarity) and is adapted to generate ozone,
which is then
injected into jet nozzle 83 (best shown in Figure 5) by ozone outlet line 84.
Combination 20 also
includes filter 86, which is connected to heater 60 and thereby to outlet 56
of pump 50 by filter
inlet line 88 (best shown in Figure 3). A second control valve such as
solenoid valve 90 is
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mounted within filter inlet line 88 and is adapted to be opened to allow the
flow of water through
line 88 or closed to stop such flow. Filter outlet line 92 (best shown in
Figure 5) extends from
the outlet of filter 86 to jet nozzle 83, thereby providing a path for
filtered water from the filter to
the tub enclosure.
A depth sensor 94 (shown schematically in Figure 5) is mounted through the
sidewall of the tub
enclosure and adapted to sense when the depth of water in the tub enclosure is
at least as high as,
or is below, a predetermined level. Preferred controller 98, which is mounted
in a convenient
location on base 25 and operatively connected to the various operating
components of
combination 20, includes a software component that functions as an automatic
switch to render
the pump operative when the level of water in the tub enclosure is at or above
the predetermined
level, and inoperative when the level of water in the tub enclosure is below
the predetermined
level.
An operator's control panel 100 (see Figure 1) is mounted in supporting rim 30
for easy access to
a user, either from within or outside of the tub enclosure. Adjacent to
control panel 100 is
control switch 102, which may be operated by a user to switch between a
bathtub mode and a spa
mode. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, control panel 100
includes a heater switch
that is operatively connected to the heater, which heater switch is operable
by a user to adjust the
temperature of the water flowing into the tub enclosure. As alluded to above,
controller 98 is
operatively connected (by means known to those having ordinary skill in the
art to which the
invention relates) to control switch 102 (shown in Figure 1), control panel
100, heater 60, a water
temperature sensor (not shown), pump 50, ozone generator 80, solenoid valve 90
and depth
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sensor 94. If air control valve 74 is adapted to be operated by a switch, the
switch will also be
connected to controller 98. Similarly, if the first control valve is user-
controllable (rather than
being an automatically actuated pressure-sensitive valve), it will also be
operatively connected to
controller 98.
A user may close drain 32 and manipulate valves 42 and 44 to allow the flow of
water from the
supply lines into the tub enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of combination
20, if depth
sensor 94 indicates that there is water in the enclosure at or above the
predetermined level,
controller 98 will automatically set the control switch to the spa mode, will
enable pump 50,
heater 60 and ozone generator 80 to operate, and will open valve 90 to allow
water to enter filter
86. In the spa mode, the controller will also cause the pump to operate at the
low-flow rate, will
cause the heater to operate at a low (or default) setting, and will cause the
ozone generator to
operate so that water in the enclosure remains heated, filtered and sanitized.
A user may adjust
the flow rate of pump 50 or the temperature of the water in the enclosure by
employing control
panel 100. Of course, the user may also reset control switch 102 to the
bathtub mode, if desired.
When combination 20 is operated in the spa mode, the controller will open
valve 90 so that water
may enter filter 86 and will render pump 50 operable, as mentioned above. Pump
50 may then
be operated by a user at either the low-flow rate or the high-flow rate, by
setting the flow rate on
control panel 100. With valve 90 remaining open, activating the pump at either
the low-flow rate
or the high-flow rate will cause water to flow out of discharge 56 of the
pump, through heater 60
and filter inlet line 88 and into filter 86. Filtered water will then pass out
of filter 86 through
filter outlet line 92 and into the tub enclosure through jet nozzle 83. If the
pump is operated at
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the low-flow rate, the pressure in discharge line 73 will not be high enough
to open control valve
72, and water will not flow into water manifold 70. However, if pump 50 is
operated at the high-
flow rate (or if the filter is clogged while the pump is operating at the low-
flow rate), even with
valve 90 open, the pressure in discharge line 73 will be high enough to open
valve 72, so that
water may also flow into water manifold 70 (as well as through filter 86). The
water may be
heated as it passes through heater 60, as controlled by the user from control
panel 100. From
manifold 70, water will be passed through various jet nozzle supply lines 68
and into the tub
enclosure through jet nozzles 66. A user may also open air control valve 74,
manually or by
means of control panel 100, causing air to be drawn through air manifold 76
and air lines 78 to
be mixed with water at each nozzle so that a mixture of air and water may be
injected into the tub
enclosure through each of the nozzles.
If depth sensor 94 indicates that the water level in the enclosure is below
the predetermined
level, controller 98 will lock the control switch in the bathtub mode setting,
will close valve 90,
and will disable pump 50, heater 60 and ozone generator 80 from operation. Of
course, if the
depth sensor subsequently indicates that the water level in the enclosure is
at or above the
predetermined level, controller 98 will set the control switch to the spa
mode.
If a user sets the control switch to the bathtub mode, controller 98 will
close valve 90 so that
water may not enter filter 86. With valve 90 remaining closed (and the water
level at or above
the predetermined level at which controller will permit pump 50 to operate),
activating the pump
at either the low-flow rate or the high-flow rate will cause pressure to
increase in the portion jet
flow circuit comprising discharge line 73, heater 60 and the portion of filter
inlet line 88 located
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upstream of valve 90 (i.e. to the right of valve 90 as shown in Figure 3).
This increase in
pressure will cause valve 72 to open (or to remain open). Water will then flow
out of discharge
56 of pump 50 into heater 60 and through discharge line 73, past valve 72 into
water manifold
70. The water may be heated as it passes through heater 60, as controlled by
the user from
control panel 100. From manifold 70, water will be passed through various jet
nozzle supply
lines 68 and into the tub enclosure through jet nozzles 66. A user may also
open air control
valve 74, manually or by means of control panel 100, causing air to be drawn
through air
manifold 76 and air lines 78 to be mixed with water at each nozzle so that a
mixture of air and
water may be injected into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles. When
a user finishes
bathing, drain valve 34 may be opened to drain the water from the tub
enclosure.
Figure 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention that is similar to
that shown in Figures
1-6, in that it comprises a combination bathtub and spa utilizing a single
pump. As shown in
Figure 7, combination bathtub and spa 120 comprises tub enclosure 122 that is
adapted to
contain a quantity of water and is supported by base 125. Like tub enclosure
22, tub enclosure
122 comprises tub floor 126 and upstanding sidewall 128 which is integrally
attached to and
surrounds the floor. Combination 120 also includes supporting rim 130, which
is disposed
around and integrally attached to the sidewall. Combination 120 also includes
drain 132 that is
mounted in the floor of the tub enclosure and a conventional drain valve (not
shown) that may be
opened to drain water from the tub enclosure, or closed to retain water
therein. Water is supplied
to the tub enclosure by means of cold and hot water supply lines (not shown),
and the flow of
water is directed through faucet 140 by cold water valve 142 and hot water
valve 144. Each of
valves 142 and 144 is connected to its associated supply line and is operable
by a user to open to
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allow the flow of water through the supply line, or to close to stop the flow
of water through the
supply line. Combination 120 also includes overflow drain inlet 145 and
overflow drain pipe
146 that connects the overflow inlet and drain 132. Combination 120 also
includes tub enclosure
lid 148, which is hinged to supporting rim 130 along one side.
Combination bathtub and spa 120 includes pump 150, which is mounted for
convenience on base
125 and which includes inlet 154 and outlet 156. Inlet line 155 is attached to
the pump inlet, and
first suction line 158 extends from first port 159 located in the sidewall of
tub enclosure 122 to
inlet line 155 to provide a path for water from the tub enclosure to pump
inlet 154. Pump 150,
like pump 50 of combination 20, is adapted to selectively operate at a low
flow rate and at a high
flow rate.
Combination 120 also includes filter 186 and second port 187, which is located
in the sidewall of
the tub enclosure. Second suction line 188 extends from second port 187 to
filter inlet 189 to
provide a path for water from the tub enclosure to filter 186. Filtered water
passes out of filter
186 through filter outlet 190 to inlet line 155. A control valve, such as
solenoid valve 192
(similar to valve 90 of embodiment 20) or another user-controlled valve, is
mounted within inlet
line 155 and is adapted to be opened to allow the flow of filtered water
through line 155 or
closed to stop such flow.
Heater 160 is mounted in inlet line 155 and is adapted to be activated to heat
the water therein.
Combination 120 also includes a plurality of jet nozzles 166 mounted in the
sidewall of the tub
enclosure. Each jet nozzle is connected by one or more jet nozzle supply lines
168 to water
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manifold 170, which is connected to outlet 156 of pump 150. Air control valve
174 is mounted
in supporting rim 130 and operatively attached to air manifold 176. A
plurality of air lines 178
are provided to connect the air manifold to each nozzle, so that by operating
the air control valve
in a conventional manner, air may be mixed with water at each nozzle so that a
mixture of air
and water may be injected into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles.
Combination 120 includes a sanitizer such as ozone generator 180, which is
adapted to sanitize
water flowing into the tub enclosure, similar to ozone generator 80 of
combination 20. Ozone
generator 180 is mounted on the outside of tub sidewall 128 and is adapted to
inject ozone into
jet nozzle supply line 168a. A depth sensor (not shown, but similar to depth
sensor 94 of
combination 20) is mounted through the sidewall of the tub enclosure and
adapted to sense when
the depth of water in the tub enclosure is at least as high as, or below, a
predetermined level.
Controller 198 (similar to controller 98 of combination 20) is operatively
attached to the depth
sensor and to pump 150, and is adapted to render the pump operative when the
level of water in
the tub enclosure is at or above the predetermined level, and inoperative when
the level of water
in the tub enclosure is below the predetermined level.
Controller 198 is mounted in a convenient location on base 125, and an
operator's control panel
200 is mounted in supporting rim 130 for easy access to a user, either from
within or outside of
the tub enclosure. Control panel 200 includes a control switch which may be
operated by a user
to switch between a bathtub mode and a spa mode, and a heater switch that is
operatively
connected to the heater. The heater switch is operable by a user to adjust the
temperature of the
water flowing into the tub enclosure. Controller 198 is operatively connected
(by means known
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to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention relates) to
control panel 200,
control valve 192, ozone generator 180, heater 160, a water temperature sensor
(not shown),
pump 150 and the depth sensor. If air control valve 174 is adapted to be
operated by a switch,
the switch will also be connected to controller 198.
A user may close drain 132 and manipulate valves 142 and 144 to allow the flow
of water from
the supply lines into the tub enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of
combination 120, if the
depth sensor indicates that there is water in the enclosure at or above the
predetermined level,
controller 198 will automatically set the control switch to the spa mode, will
enable pump 150,
heater 160 and ozone generator 180 to operate, and will open valve 192 to
allow water to enter
filter 186. In the spa mode, the controller will also cause the pump to
operate at the low-flow
rate, will cause the heater to operate at a low (or default) rate, and will
cause the ozone generator
to operate so that water in the enclosure remains heated, filtered and
sanitized. A user may
adjust the flow rate of pump 150 or the temperature of the water in the
enclosure by employing
control panel 200. Of course, the user may also reset the control switch to
the bathtub mode, if
desired.
When'combination 120 is operated in the spa mode, the controller will open
valve 192 so that
water may enter filter 186 and will render pump 150 operable, as mentioned
above. Pump 150
may then be operated by a user at either the low-flow rate or the high-flow
rate, by setting the
flow rate on control panel 200. With valve 192 remaining open, activating the
pump at either the
low-flow rate or the high-flow rate will cause water to flow out of the tub
enclosure
simultaneously through first port 159 and first suction line 158 into pump
inlet line 155 and
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through second port 187 and second suction line 188 into filter inlet 189.
Water flowing into
filter inlet 189 will enter filter 186. Filtered water will pass out of filter
186 through filter outlet
190 and into pump inlet line 155. The water may be heated as it passes through
heater 160, as
controlled by the user from control panel 200. The filtered (and optionally
heated) water will
pass out of pump outlet 156 and into water manifold 170. From manifold 170,
water will be
passed through various jet nozzle supply lines 168 and into the tub enclosure
through jet nozzles
166. A user may also open air control valve 174, manually or by means of
control panel 200,
causing air to be drawn through air manifold 176 and air lines 178 to be mixed
with water at
each nozzle so that a mixture of air and water may be injected into the tub
enclosure through
each of the nozzles.
If the depth sensor indicates that the water level in the enclosure is below
the predetermined
level, controller 198 will lock the control switch in the bathtub mode
setting, will close valve
192, and will disable pump 150, heater 160 and ozone generator 180 from
operation. Of course,
if the depth sensor subsequently indicates that the water level in the
enclosure is at or above the
predetermined level, controller 198 will set the control switch to the spa
mode.
If a user sets the control switch of embodiment 120 to the bathtub mode,
controller 198 will close
control valve 192 to prevent the flow of water through the filter. With valve
192 remaining
closed (and the water level at or above the predetermined level at which
controller will permit
pump 150 to operate), activating pump 150 at either the low-flow rate or the
high-flow rate will
cause water to flow from the tub enclosure through first port 159 and first
suction line 158 into
pump inlet line 155, past heater 160, into pump inlet 154, out pump outlet 156
and into water
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manifold 170. The water may be heated as it passes through heater 160, as
controlled by the user
from control panel 200. From manifold 170, water will be passed through
various jet nozzle
supply lines 168 and into the tub enclosure through jet nozzles 166. A user
may also open air
control valve 174, manually or by means of control panel 200, causing air to
be drawn through
air manifold 176 and air lines 178 to be mixed with water at each nozzle so
that a mixture of air
and water may be injected into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles.
When a user
finishes bathing, the drain valve may be opened to drain the water from the
tub enclosure
through drain 132.
Figures 8-12 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention that is similar to
embodiment 20 and
embodiment 120, in that it comprises a combination bathtub and spa utilizing a
single pump. As
shown therein, combination bathtub and spa 220 comprises tub enclosure 222
that is adapted to
contain a quantity of water and is supported by frame 224. Tub enclosure 222
comprises tub
floor 226 and upstanding sidewall 228 which is integrally attached to and
surrounds the floor.
Combination 220 also includes supporting rim 230, which is disposed around and
integrally
attached to the sidewall. Combination 220 also includes drain 232 that is
mounted in the floor of
the tub enclosure and a drain valve that may be opened to drain water from the
tub enclosure, or
closed to retain water therein. Water is supplied to the tub enclosure by
means of cold and hot
water supply lines (not shown), and the flow of water is directed through the
faucet portion of
combination faucet/overflow drain fixture 240 by cold water valve 242 and hot
water valve 244.
Each of valves 242 and 244 is connected to an associated supply line (not
shown) and is operable
by a user to open to allow the flow of water through the supply line, or to
close to stop the flow
of water through the supply line. Combination 220 also includes overflow drain
pipe 246 (best
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shown in Figure 11) that connects the overflow inlet of combination
faucet/overflow drain
fixture 240 and the drain. Combination 220 also includes tub enclosure lid
248, which is hinged
to supporting rim 230 along one side.
Combination bathtub and spa 220 includes pump 250, which is mounted for
convenience on
pedestal 252 and which includes inlet 254 and outlet 256. Suction line 258
(best shown in Figure
9) extends through sidewall 228 of the tub enclosure to provide a path for
water from the tub
enclosure to the inlet of the pump, and heater 260 is mounted in suction line
258. Pump 250 is
adapted to selectively operate at a low flow rate and at a high flow rate, in
a manner similar to
pump 50.
Combination 220 also includes a plurality of jet nozzles 266 mounted in
sidewall 228 of the tub
enclosure, each of which is connected by one or more jet nozzle supply lines
268 to water
manifold 270, and water manifold 270 is connected to a first control valve
such as pressure-
sensitive bypass valve 272. Preferably, bypass valve 272 is spring-loaded so
that when the pump
is operated at a low flow rate, the valve will remain closed, but when it is
operated at a high flow
rate, the valve will open. In the alternative, the first control valve may be
a solenoid valve or
other user-controllable valve known to those having ordinary skill in the art
to which the
invention relates. Air control valve 274 is mounted near the top of the tub
enclosure and
operatively attached to air manifold 276. This air control valve may be
adapted to be operated
manually by a user to admit air (when open) or to restrict the flow of air
(when closed) into the
air manifold, or it may be opened and closed by a switch. In either event, a
plurality of air lines
278 are provided to connect the air manifold to each nozzle, so that by
opening the air control
valve, air may be mixed with water at each nozzle (in a manner known to those
having ordinary
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skill in the art to which the invention relates) so that a mixture of air and
water may be injected
into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles.
Combination 220 includes a sanitizer such as ozone generator 280, which is
adapted to sanitize
water flowing into the tub enclosure. Ozone generator 280 is adapted to
generate ozone, which
is then injected into jet nozzle 283 through ozone outlet line 284.
Combination 220 also includes
filter 286, which is connected to a second control valve such as manual valve
290, which is
mounted to supporting rim 230. Control valve 290 is operatively connected to
the outlet of
pump 250 by pump discharge line 257 and control line 288. Control valve 290 is
also
operatively connected to filter inlet line 289. Valve 290 serves as a control
switch which may be
operated by a user to switch between a bathtub mode and a spa mode. As such,
valve 290 is
adapted to be opened to allow the flow of water through lines 288 and 289 and
into filter 286, or
closed to stop such flow. Filter outlet line 292 extends from the outlet of
filter 286 to jet nozzle
283, to which ozone outlet line 284 is also attached, thereby providing a path
for filtered water
from the filter to the tub enclosure.
A depth sensor (not shown but similar to depth sensor 94 of embodiment 20) is
mounted through
the sidewall of the tub enclosure and adapted to sense when the depth of water
in the tub
enclosure is at least as high as, or below, a predetermined level. Controller
298 is operatively
attached to the depth sensor and to pump 250, and is adapted to render the
pump operative when
the level of water in the tub enclosure is at or above the predetermined
level, and inoperative
when the level of water in the tub enclosure is below the predetermined level.
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Controller 298 is mounted in a convenient location within frame 224, and an
operator's control
panel 300 is mounted in supporting rim 230 for easy access to a user, either
from within or
outside of the tub enclosure. Control panel 300 includes a heater switch that
is operatively
connected to the heater, which heater switch is operable by a user to adjust
the temperature of the
water flowing into the tub enclosure. Controller 298 is operatively connected
(by means known
to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention relates) to
control panel 300, pump
250, heater 260, a temperature sensor for water in the enclosure (not shown),
ozone generator
280 and the depth sensor. If air control valve 274 is adapted to be operated
by a switch, the
switch will also be connected to controller 298.
A user may close drain 232 and manipulate valves 242 and 244 to allow the flow
of water from
the supply lines into the tub enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of
combination 220, if the
depth sensor indicates that there is water in the enclosure at or above the
predetermined level and
control valve 290 is open, controller 298 will enable pump 250, heater 260 and
ozone generator
280 to operate. In the spa mode, the controller will also cause the pump to
operate at the low-
flow rate, will cause the heater to operate at a low (or default) rate, and
will cause the ozone
generator to operate so that water in the enclosure remains heated, filtered
and sanitized. A user
may adjust the flow rate of pump 250 or the temperature of the water in the
enclosure by
employing control panel 300. Of course, the user may also close control valve
290, thereby
putting combination 220 in the bathtub mode, if desired.
When combination 220 is operated in the spa mode, open valve 290 will allow
water to enter
filter 286. Controller 298 will render pump 250 operable at either the low-
flow rate or the high-
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flow rate, and the user may select the flow rate on control panel 300. With
valve 290 remaining
open, activating the pump at either the low-flow rate or the high-flow rate
will cause water to
flow out of the pump, through discharge line 257, line 288, filter inlet line
289 and into filter
286. Filtered water will then pass out of filter 286 through filter outlet
line 292 and into the tub
enclosure through the associated jet nozzle. If the pump is operated at the
low-flow rate, the
pressure in the discharge line from the pump will not be high enough to open
control valve 272,
and water will not flow into water manifold 270. However, if pump 250 is
operated at the high-
flow rate, even with valve 290 open, the pressure in the pump discharge line
will be high enough
to open valve 272, so that water may also flow into water manifold 270 (as
well as through filter
286). From manifold 270, water will be passed through various jet nozzle
supply lines and into
the tub enclosure through the associated jet nozzles. A user may also open air
control valve 274,
manually or by means of control panel 300, causing air to be drawn through the
air manifold and
air lines to be mixed with water at each nozzle so that a mixture of air and
water may be injected
into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles.
If the depth sensor indicates that the water level in the enclosure is below
the predetermined
level, controller 298 will disable pump 250, heater 260 and ozone generator
280 from operating.
Of course, if the depth sensor subsequently indicates that the water level in
the enclosure is at or
above the predetermined level, controller 298 will enable the pump, heater and
ozone generator.
If a user closes valve 290 so that combination 220 is in the bathtub mode (and
the water level at
or above the predetermined level at which controller will permit pump 250 to
operate), activating
the pump at either the low-flow rate or the high-flow rate will cause pressure
to increase in the
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portion jet flow circuit comprising pump discharge line 257 and line 288. This
increase in
pressure will cause valve 272 to open (or to remain open). Water will then
flow out of pump 250
and past valve 272 into water manifold 270. From manifold 270, water will be
passed through
various jet nozzle supply lines and into the tub enclosure through the jet
nozzles. A user may
also open air control valve 274, manually or by means of control panel 300,
causing air to be
drawn through the air manifold and the air lines to be mixed with water at
each nozzle so that a
mixture of air and water may be injected into the tub enclosure through each
of the nozzles.
When a user finishes bathing, the drain valve may be opened to drain the water
from the tub
enclosure.
Figure 13 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the invention that is similar to
embodiments 20, 120
and 220, in that it comprises a combination bathtub and spa 320 utilizing a
single pump. As .
shown therein, drain 332 is mounted in the floor of tub enclosure 322, and
overflow drain 341 is
mounted in the sidewall adjacent to drain 332. Faucet 340 is provided for the
introduction of
water into the tub enclosure, as controlled by cold water valve 342 and hot
water valve 344. A
pair of suction ports 346 and 347 in the sidewall of the tub enclosure are
connected by suction
lines 348 and 349 respectively to inlet line 354 of pump 350, which is adapted
to selectively
operate at a low flow rate and at a high flow rate. A depth sensor (not shown
but similar to depth
sensor 94 of embodiment 20) is mounted through the sidewall of the tub
enclosure and adapted
to sense when the depth of water in the tub enclosure is at least as high as,
or below, a
predetermined level. Control valve 390 may be opened by a user, either
manually or electrically,
to enable operation of combination 320 in the spa mode, or it may be closed to
enable operation
of the combination in the bathtub mode.
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In a preferred embodiment of combination 320, if the depth sensor indicates
that there is water in
the enclosure at or above the predetermined level and control valve 390 is
open, controller 398
will enable pump 350, heater 360 and ozone generator 380 to operate. If the
depth sensor
indicates that the water level in the enclosure is below the predetermined
level, controller 398
will lock valve 390 in the bathtub mode (closed) setting and will disable pump
350, heater 360
and ozone generator 380 from operating. Of course, if the depth sensor
subsequently indicates
that the water level in the enclosure is at or above the predetermined level,
controller 398 will
permit the user to open control valve 390, thereby initiating the spa mode.
When there is sufficient water in the tub enclosure to enable operation in the
spa mode, the
opening of valve 390 and the actuation of pump 350 will cause water to flow
out of pump 350
through outlet line 356, into line 357, and through heater 360 and filter 386.
Ozone may be
generated by ozone generator 380 and injected into line 357 at 358. Filtered
(and optionally
heated and sanitized) water exits filter 386 through line 392 and is
introduced into the tub
enclosure through nozzle 383. Lines 357 and 392, heater 360, filter 386 and
ozone generator 380
together comprise a circulating flow circuit, as indicated by box 393 of
Figure 13.
Combination 320 also includes a jet flow circuit comprising line 359, water
manifold 370 and a
plurality of jet nozzles 366 mounted in the sidewall of the tub enclosure.
Each jet nozzle is
connected by a jet nozzle supply line 368 to water manifold 370. When the tub
enclosure
contains sufficient water for controller 398 to enable pump 350 to operate,
and the pump is
operated in either the bathtub mode or the spa mode, water will flow from pump
350 through line
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356 and into line 359, water manifold 370 and lines 368, and through jet
nozzles 366 into the tub
enclosure. A control valve such as a bypass valve (not shown, but similar to
bypass valve 72 or
bypass valve 272) may be mounted in line 359 and adapted to remain closed when
pump 350 is
operated at a low flow rate, or to remain open when the pump is operated at a
high flow rate. An
air control valve (not shown but similar to air control valve 74 of embodiment
20) may be
mounted near the top of the tub enclosure and operatively attached to an air
manifold (also not
shown, but similar to air manifold 76 of embodiment 20). Such air control
valve may be adapted
to be operated manually by a user to admit air (when open) or to restrict the
flow of air (when
closed) into the air manifold, or it may be opened and closed by a switch. In
either event, a
plurality of air lines (not shown) will be provided to connect the air
manifold to each nozzle, so
that by opening the air control valve, air may be mixed with water at each
nozzle (in a manner
known to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention
relates) so that a mixture of
air and water may be injected into the tub enclosure through each of the
nozzles.
Controller 398 is operatively connected to operator's control panel 400. The
control panel may
include a switch for operation of control valve 390, in order to provide for
operation of
combination 320 in either the bathtub mode or the spa mode. Control panel 400
also includes a
heater switch that is operatively connected to the heater, as well as a switch
which is operatively
connected to the ozone generator. Controller 398 is operatively connected (by
means known to
those having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention relates) to
control panel 400 and
pump 350, and may also be operatively connected to heater 360, ozone generator
380, control
valve 390, a depth sensor (not shown but similar to depth sensor 94 of
combination 20) and a
temperature sensor for water in the enclosure (also not shown). If combination
320 includes an
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air control valve that is adapted to be operated by a switch, such switch may
also be connected to
controller 398.
Figures 14-18 illustrate an embodiment of the invention comprising a
combination bathtub and
spa which utilizes a pair of pumps. As shown therein, combination 420
comprises tub enclosure
422 that is adapted to contain a quantity of water and is supported by frame
424 and base 425.
Tub enclosure 422 comprises a tub floor and an upstanding sidewall which is
integrally attached
to and surrounds the floor. Combination 420 also includes supporting rim 430,
which is
disposed around at least a portion of the sidewall, and drain 432. Preferably,
the supporting rim
is integrally attached to the upstanding sidewall. Drain 432 includes a
conventional drain valve
(not shown) that may be opened to drain water from the tub enclosure, or
closed to retain water
therein. Water is supplied to the tub enclosure by means of cold and hot water
supply lines (not
shown), and the flow of water is directed through the faucet portion of
combination
faucet/overflow drain fixture 440 by cold water valve 442 and hot water valve
444. Each of
valves 442 and 444 is connected to its associated supply line and is operable
by a user to open to
allow the flow of water through the supply line, or to close to stop the flow
of water through the
supply line. Combination 420 also includes overflow drain pipe 446 (best shown
in Figure 16)
that connects the overflow inlet of combination faucet/overflow drain fixture
440 and drain 432.
Combination 420 also includes tub enclosure lid 448, which is hinged in the
middle to fold upon
itself and hinged at one end to supporting rim 430.
Combination bathtub and spa 420 includes jet flow pump 450 and circulating
flow pump 453,
both of which are mounted for convenience on support 425. Pump 450 includes
inlet 451 and
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outlet 452 (best shown in Figure 15) and is adapted to supply water to the jet
flow circuit.
Suction line 454 extends through the sidewall of tub enclosure 422 to provide
a path for water
from the tub enclosure to the inlet of jet flow pump 450. Heater 460 (best
shown in Figure 15) is
mounted to outlet 452 of pump 450 and jet flow manifolds 461 and 462 are
mounted on opposite
ends of the heater. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), heater 460 may
be deleted and jet
flow manifolds 461 and 462 may be replaced by a single jet flow manifold. The
jet flow circuit
of combination 420 also includes a plurality of jet nozzles 466 mounted in the
sidewall of the tub
enclosure (see Figure 14). Each jet nozzle is connected by one or more jet
nozzle supply lines
468 (shown only in Figure 15, to avoid clutter in the other drawings) to water
manifold 461 or
water manifold 462.
Air control valve 474 is mounted near the top of the tub enclosure and
operatively attached to air
manifold 476 (shown in Figure 18). This air control valve may be adapted to be
operated
manually by a user to admit air (when open) or to restrict the flow of air
(when closed) into air
manifold 476, or it may be opened and closed by a switch. In either event, a
plurality of air lines
478 are provided to connect the air manifold to each nozzle, so that by
opening the air control
valve, air may be mixed with water at each nozzle (in a manner known to those
having ordinary
skill in the art to which the invention relates) so that a mixture of air and
water may be injected
into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles.
Circulating flow pump 453 has inlet 455 and outlet 456 and is adapted to
supply water to the
circulating flow circuit. Suction line 457 extends through the sidewall of tub
enclosure 422 to
provide a path for water from the tub enclosure to inlet 455 of the
circulating flow pump. The
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circulating flow circuit also includes filter 486, having filter inlet 487,
and filter inlet line 488,
which includes heater 463 and connects outlet 456 of circulating pump 452 and
filter inlet 487.
Heater 463 serves to heat the water passing out of outlet 456 of pump 453 on
its way to filter
486. Filter outlet line 492 (best shown in Figure 16) extends from outlet 493
of filter 486 to jet
=
nozzle 483 (shown in Figure 17), thereby providing a path for filtered water
from the filter to the
tub enclosure. Combination 420 also includes a sanitizer such as ozone
generator 480, which is
adapted to generate ozone and inject it into water flowing into the tub
enclosure. As best shown
in Figures 15 and 18, ozone outlet line 484 is attached to ozone generator 480
to provide a path
for ozone into nozzle 483.
A depth sensor (not shown but similar to depth sensor 94 of embodiment 20) may
be mounted
through the sidewall of the tub enclosure and adapted to sense when the depth
of water in the tub
enclosure is at least as high as, or below, a predetermined level. Controller
498 is operatively
attached to the depth sensor and to each of pumps 450 and 453 to render the
pumps operative
when the level of water in the tub enclosure is at or above the predetermined
level, and
inoperative when the level of water in the tub enclosure is below the
predetermined level.
Controller 498 is mounted on base 425, and an operator's control panel 500
(see Figure 14) is
mounted in supporting rim 430 for easy access to a user, either from within or
outside of the tub
enclosure. Control panel 500 includes a control switch which may be operated
by a user to
switch between a bathtub mode and a spa mode. As will be described in more
detail hereinafter,
control panel 500 includes a heater switch that is operatively connected to
the heaters, which
heater switch is operable by a user to adjust the temperature of the water
flowing into the tub
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enclosure. Controller 498 is operatively connected (by means known to those
having ordinary
skill in the art to which the invention relates) to control panel 500, pumps
450 and 453, heaters
460 and 463, a temperature sensor for water in the enclosure (not shown),
ozone generator 480
and the depth sensor. If air control valve 474 is adapted to be operated by a
switch, the switch
will also be connected to controller 498.
A user may close drain 432 and manipulate valves 442 and 444 to allow the flow
of water from
the supply lines into the tub enclosure. In a preferred embodiment of
combination 420, if the
depth sensor indicates that there is water in the enclosure at or above the
predetermined level,
controller 498 will set the control switch to the spa mode, and will enable
jet flow pump 450 to
operate and will cause circulating pump 453 to operate. The controller will
also cause heater 463
to operate at a low (or default) setting, and will also cause the ozone
generator to operate so that
water in the enclosure remains heated, filtered and sanitized. The temperature
of the water in the
enclosure may be adjusted by employing control panel 500. Of course, a user
may also reset the
control switch to the bathtub mode, if desired.
When combination 420 is operated in the spa mode, water will flow out of tub
enclosure 422
through suction line 457 into inlet 455 of pump 453 and out of outlet 456 of
the circulating flow
pump through filter inlet line 488, past heater 463 and into filter 486.
Filtered water will then
pass out of filter 486 through filter outlet line 492 and into the tub
enclosure through jet nozzle
483. If the jet pump is activated by a user, water will also flow out of pump
450 into heater 460
and through water manifolds 461 and 462. The water may be heated as it passes
through heater
460, as controlled by the user from control panel 500. From manifolds 461 and
462, water will
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be passed through various jet nozzle supply lines 468 and into the tub
enclosure through jet
nozzles 466. A user may also open air control valve 474, manually or by means
of control panel
500, causing air to be drawn through air manifold 476 and air lines 478 to be
mixed with water at
each nozzle so that a mixture of air and water may be injected into the tub
enclosure through
each of the nozzles.
If the depth sensor indicates that the water level in the enclosure is below
the predetermined
level, controller 498 will lock the control switch in the bathtub mode
setting, and will disable
pumps 450 and 453, heaters 460 and 463, and ozone generator 480 from
operation. Of course, if
the depth sensor subsequently indicates that the water level in the enclosure
is at or above the
predetermined level, controller 498 will set the control switch to the spa
mode.
If a user sets the control switch to the bathtub mode, controller 498 will
disable circulating flow
pump 453 and render jet flow pump 450 operable (if the level of water in the
enclosure is at or
above the predetermined level). Water will then flow out of pump 450, through
heater 460 and
water manifolds 461 and 462. The water may be heated as it passes through
heater 460, as
controlled by the user from control panel 500. From manifolds 461 and 462,
water will be
passed through various jet nozzle supply lines 468 and into the tub enclosure
through jet nozzles
466. A user may also open air control valve 474, manually or by means of
control panel 500,
causing air to be drawn through air manifold 476 and air lines 478 to be mixed
with water at
each nozzle so that a mixture of air and water may be injected into the tub
enclosure through
each of the nozzles. When a user finishes bathing, the drain valve may be
opened to drain the
water from the tub enclosure.
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Figures 19A and 19B illustrate another embodiment of the invention comprising
a combination
bathtub and spa which utilizes a pair of pumps. As shown therein, combination
520 comprises
tub enclosure 522 that comprises a tub floor and an upstanding sidewall which
is integrally
attached to and surrounds the floor. Combination 520 also includes supporting
rim 530, which is
disposed around at least a portion of the sidewall, drain 532 and overflow
drain 533. Preferably,
the supporting rim is integrally attached to the upstanding sidewall. Drain
532 includes a
conventional drain valve (not shown) that may be opened to drain water from
the tub enclosure,
or closed to retain water therein. Water is supplied to the tub enclosure by
means of cold and hot
water supply lines (not shown), and the flow of water is directed through
faucet 540 by cold
water valve 542 and hot water valve 544. Each of valves 542 and 544 is
connected to its
associated supply line and is operable by a user to open to allow the flow of
water through the
supply line, or to close to stop the flow of water through the supply line.
Combination bathtub
and spa 520 includes jet flow pump 550 and circulating flow pump 558.
Suction port 553 in the sidewall of the tub enclosure is connected by suction
line 554 to jet flow
pump 550 to provide a path for water from the tub enclosure to the inlet of
the pump. Outlet line
555 is provided to connect the outlet of pump 550 to water manifold 570. The
jet flow circuit of
combination 520 also includes a plurality of jet nozzles 566 mounted in the
sidewall of the tub
enclosure, each of which is connected by one or more jet nozzle supply lines
568 to water
manifold 570.
An air control valve similar to valve 474 of embodiment 420 may be provided
near the top of the
tub enclosure. Such air control valve will preferably be operatively attached
to an air manifold
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similar to air manifold 476, and the air control valve may be adapted to be
operated manually by
a user to admit air (when open) or to restrict the flow of air (when closed)
into the air manifold,
or it may be opened and closed by a switch. In either event, a plurality of
air lines will be
, provided to connect the air manifold to each jet nozzle 566, so that
by opening the air control
valve, air may be mixed with water at each nozzle (in a manner known to those
having ordinary
skill in the art to which the invention relates) so that a mixture of air and
water may be injected
into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles.
Suction port 556 is attached to suction line 557, which extends through the
sidewall of tub
enclosure 522 to provide a path for water from the tub enclosure to the inlet
of circulating flow
pump 558. Control valve 590 is mounted in suction line 557 and adapted to be
opened to allow
flow into and out of circulating flow pump 558, or closed to prevent such
flow. Heater 560 is
mounted in line 561 to heat the water therein. Line 561 connects the outlet of
pump 558 and the
inlet of filter 586. Filter outlet line 592 extends from the outlet of filter
586 to jet nozzle 583,
thereby providing a path for filtered water from the filter to the tub
enclosure. Combination 520
also includes a sanitizer such as ozone generator 580, which is adapted to
generate ozone and
inject it into water flowing through line 561.
A depth sensor (not shown but similar to depth sensor 94 of embodiment 20) may
be mounted
through the sidewall of the tub enclosure and adapted to sense when the depth
of water in the tub
enclosure is at least as high as, or below, a predetermined level. Controller
598 is operatively
attached to the depth sensor and to each of pumps 550 and 558 to render the
pumps operative
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when the level of water in the tub enclosure is at or above the predetermined
level, and
inoperative when the level of water in the tub enclosure is below the
predetermined level.
Controller 598 is also operatively connected to operator's control panel 600.
As shown in Figure
19B, control panel 600 includes temperature increase switch 602 and
temperature decrease
switch 604, both of which are operatively connected to the heater and to a
temperature sensor
(not shown), which is provided to measure the temperature of the water in tub
enclosure 522.
Switches 602 and 604 are operable by a user to adjust the temperature of the
water flowing into
the tub enclosure. The temperature sensor is also operatively attached to
controller 598 and to
display 606 of control panel 600, so that the temperature of the water in the
tub enclosure at any
time can be displayed to a user. Control panel 600 also includes light switch
608, spa mode
control switch 610 and bathtub mode control switch 612. The light switch is
operatively
connected to controller 598 and to a light (not shown), which may be employed
to illuminate
embodiment 520. The spa mode control switch and the bathtub mode control
switch are
operatively connected to controller 598 and to control valve 590. These
switches may be
activated alternatively to operate combination 520 in the spa mode (when
switch 610 is activated
and control valve 590 is open) or in the bathtub mode (when switch 612 is
activated and control
valve 590 is closed). Control panel 600 also includes jet pump switch 614,
which may be
activated to operate jet flow pump 550 in either the spa mode or the bathtub
mode. Controller
598 is operatively connected (by means known to those having ordinary skill in
the art to which
the invention relates) to control panel 600, pumps 550 and 558, heater 560,
ozone generator 580
and the depth sensor. If an air control valve is provided which is adapted to
be operated by a
switch, the switch will also be connected to controller 598.
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A user may close drain 532 and manipulate valves 542 and 544 to allow the flow
of water from
the supply lines into the tub enclosure. If the depth sensor of combination
520 indicates that
there is water in the enclosure at or above the predetermined level,
controller 598 will
automatically activate the spa mode switch 610. Of course, the user may reset
the system to the
bathtub mode, if desired, by pressing bathtub mode switch 612.
When combination 520 is operated in the spa mode, the controller will open
valve 590 and
operate circulating flow pump 558. In the spa mode, the controller will also
cause heater 560 to
operate at a low (or default) setting, and will cause the ozone generator to
operate so that water
in the enclosure remains heated, filtered and sanitized. Water will flow out
of tub enclosure 522
and into and out of pump 558, through line 561, heater 560 and into filter
586. Filtered water
will then pass out of filter 586 through filter outlet line 592 and into the
tub enclosure through jet
nozzle 583. Depending on the temperature of the water in the tub enclosure,
the water may be
heated as it passes through heater 560, as controlled by controller 598 and as
determined by user
manipulation of switches 602 and 604. In the spa mode, pump 550 may also be
operated to
cause water to flow through water manifold 570 and various jet nozzle supply
lines 568 and into
the tub enclosure through jet nozzles 566. A user may also open an air control
valve (if included
in this embodiment) to cause air to be drawn through an air manifold (not
shown) and air lines
(also not shown) to be mixed with water at each nozzle so that a mixture of
air and water may be
injected into the tub enclosure through each of the nozzles.
If the depth sensor indicates that the water level in the enclosure is below
the predetermined
level, controller 598 will lock the bathtub mode control switch in the "on"
setting, will close
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valve 590 and disable pumps 550 and 558, heater 560, and ozone generator 580
from operation.
Of course, if the depth sensor subsequently indicates that the water level in
the enclosure is at or
above the predetermined level, controller 598 will set the spa mode control
switch to the "on"
setting.
If a user sets switch 608 to the bathtub mode (and the level of water in the
tub enclosure is at or
above the predetermined level), controller 598 will close control valve 590
and disable
circulating flow pump 558, while enabling jet flow pump 550. The jet flow pump
may then be
operated by pressing switch 614 on control panel 600. Water will then flow out
of pump 550
into water manifold 570, and from manifold 570 through various jet nozzle
supply lines 568 and
into the tub enclosure through jet nozzles 566. A user may also open an air
control valve (if
combination 520 is equipped with such component) to cause air to be drawn
through an air
manifold (not shown) and air lines (also not shown) to be mixed with water at
each nozzle so that
a mixture of air and water may be injected into the tub enclosure through each
of the nozzles.
When a user finishes bathing, the drain valve may be opened to drain the water
from the tub
enclosure.
Although this description contains many specifics, these should not be
construed as limiting the
scope of the invention, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred
embodiments thereof, as well as the best mode contemplated by the inventors of
carrying out the
invention. The invention, as described herein, is susceptible to various
modifications and
adaptations, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art
to which the
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invention relates, and the same are intended to be comprehended within the
meaning and range
of equivalents of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:
38
