AU2010202868A1

AU2010202868A1 - Spa, Swim Spa or the like with Multi-functional Auxiliary Accommodation Module

Info

Publication number: AU2010202868A1
Application number: AU2010202868A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Graham Ritchie
Original assignee: WANGRA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: SpA Tech International Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-07-07
Filing date: 2010-07-07
Publication date: 2011-01-27
Anticipated expiration: 2030-07-07
Also published as: AU2010202868B2

Description

ORIGINAL Australia Patents Act 1990 Complete Specification for the Invention Entitled SPA, SWIM SPA OR THE LIKE WITH MULTI-FUNCTIONAL AUXILIARY ACCOMMODATION MODULE The invention is described in the following statement: 2 SPA, SWIM SPA OR THE LIKE WITH MULTI-FUNCTIONAL AUXILIARY ACCOMMODATION MODULE 5 This invention relates generally to multi-functional auxiliary accommodation modules added to spas, swim spas and the like. In particular, it relates to the integration of such auxiliary accommodation modules into spas, swim spas and the like and methods of manufacture necessary to achieve this. 10 In spas, swim spas and the like, the incorporation of auxiliary accommodation modules is known. An example is that taught by Weir in US 5,228,148 in which a modular seat unit is incorporated into the perimeter wall of a swimming pool by substituting it for one or more modular wall panels. The unit is installed at the shallow end of a 15 conventional swimming pool with the seat cavities immersed. The unit is provided with a console accessible to the seat occupant to locate controls such as for water flow, securing means for a shelter umbrella and heated water or air jets discharging into the seats and supplied from a remote source. The seat module optionally incorporates a stair portion with a 20 conventional safety railing made integral with it or fixed to the upper deck surface of the spa, swim spa or the like adjacent to it. In US 5,333,322, Weir also teaches the use of a modular seat unit devised to be lowered into and secured to the perimeter wall at the shallow end of a swimming pool. The preformed seating module is devised to include hydrotherapy water or 25 air jets to produce pressurized, therapeutic water turbulence and includes 3 conveniently accessible means for controlling the water flow to the seat cavity and a beverage holder. An adapter is integrated into the module to hold the pole of an umbrella to shelter the seat's occupants from the sun's rays. The modular seat unit optionally takes the form of a single, self 5 supporting shell, or of discrete seats supported from side rails fixed to the horizontal pool deck. In US 7,000,264, Podue et al teach the use of an auxiliary module serving as a separate exterior compartment for a spa. The module is shaped to match the shape of the external surface of a spa and can be superimposed on and fixed to a spa skirt section or used as a 10 replacement for the skirt section. The module can function as an entry point to other compartments integrated into the spa between the skirt of the spa and the spa shell or may incorporate a set of steps used to access the spa. The module includes a compartment defining a location that receives one or more devices to be used in conjunction with the spa. Such 15 devices include an entertainment system and a cooler. A lighting system and radio receiver and speakers are optionally incorporated into the module. Provision is made to install the module using an integrated lifting mechanism. Only those of the prior art inventions described offering seating 20 can be said to provide accommodation and other activities of a recreational nature are clearly impossible in them. The object of the present invention is to provide integrally moulded auxiliary accommodation modules forming extensions of spas, swim spas or the like, said modules being made in a range of 4 configurations to accommodate a variety of recreational activities. According to the present invention, a spa, swim spa or the like is made with an integral auxiliary accommodation module. Said spa and said module are preferably made in the form of a single piece moulding, 5 the floor of said spa, swim spa or the like resting upon a strong base frame and the base of said module being supported by a plurality of auxiliary frame members fixed to said base frame. Said spa, swim spa or the like and said module are supported around the edges by a circumferential beam supported from said base frame by vertical frame members. Said spa, 10 swim spa or the like and said module are enclosed by suitable skirt panels which enclose pumps, electrical control apparatus, filters and the like located beneath said spa and module and associated with the operation of said spa. Said module is made in a number of configurations to permit a variety of recreational activities and is fitted with additional provisions 15 such as spa controls, low and high voltage electrical power outlets, lighting, entertainment system, drinks cabinet, refrigerator with optional icemaker, mist spray, cold water fountain, coffee maker, sunscreen dispenser and the like. Said module is optionally furnished with one or more permanent or fold-down seats with fixed or removable cushions, 20 removable or adjustable curtains and/or windbreaks, one or more permanent or fold-down tables and an umbrella or canopy. Preferably, the floor of said module is provided with suitable drainage provisions and, for safety purposes, the entrance to said module is closed by an automatically closing, self-latching gate. Throughout this specification, wherever the 5 term spa is used, it should be taken to denote any spa, swim spa, swimming pool or the like into which an auxiliary accommodation module in accordance with the present invention is optionally incorporated. The various aspects of the present invention will be more readily 5 understood by reference to the following description of preferred embodiments given in relation to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a medial, longitudinal cross-sectional view of a composite mould for the forming of the shell of a typical embodiment of said spa and module; 10 Figure 2 is a partially cut-away, isometric view of said spa and one embodiment of said module showing the entrance to said module; Figure 3 is a view from the underside of the supporting structure of a typical embodiment of said spa and module; 15 Figure 4 is a side elevation of the supporting structure depicted at Figure 3; Figure 5 is an end elevation of the supporting structure depicted at Figure 3; Figure 6 is an isometric view of the supporting structure 20 depicted at Figure 3; Figure 7 is a plan view of an embodiment of said module adapted for use as a paddle pool; Figure 8 is a side view of the embodiment of said module depicted at Figure 7; 6 Figure 9 is a plan view of an embodiment of said module adapted to accommodate a sunbed, massage table, exercise machine or the like; Figure 10 is a plan view of an embodiment of said module 5 adapted for use as a toilet area and shower. It should be noted that the figures are to different scales and the structural arrangements depicted in Figures 6 and 7 are transposed end-for-end compared with the spa and module arrangement depicted at Fig 2 With reference to Figure 1, in the preferred embodiment, said spa 10 and said module are combined in a single piece moulding. Module moulding 2 and spa moulding 3 are fixed to supporting frame 1, said mouldings being separated by junction moulding 4. Said junction moulding provides a smooth transition between said module moulding and said spa moulding and is accurately indexed to both by complementary 15 dowels and bores or other suitable indexing provisions. In the preferred embodiment, said module moulding is separable from said spa moulding, permitting said spa mould to be used independently. Also in the preferred embodiment, the shell of said module is moulded in a single piece with the shell of said spa by drape moulding in a suitable durable thermoplastic 20 polymer material. The process of forming sheet thermoplastic polymer material by drape moulding is well known in the art and requires no elucidation. Following removal of said single-piece moulding from said moulds, several layers of chopped-strand, glass-fibre reinforcement material in a suitable liquid, thermosetting resin is sprayed onto the -7 exterior to provide stiffening and strength. When the resin of the sprayed layers has cured, the edges of said single-piece moulding are trimmed and it is ready for installation. With reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, said single-piece 5 moulding is installed in a supporting frame comprising lower ring frame 5 and upper ring frame 6 joined by vertical members 7. In the preferred embodiment, said lower and upper ring frames are made separately and said vertical members are provided at each end with saddle fittings (not shown) which engage said lower and upper ring frames and are fixed to 10 them with suitable fastenings. Said lower ring frame is strengthened by two or more intermediate, parallel, longitudinal members 8 and a plurality of transverse members 9, all of which are welded to said ring frame. Said longitudinal members extend along the full length of said lower ring frame and said transverse members are welded to them. Short longitudinal 15 strengthening members 10 are provided extending between the ends of said lower ring frame and said transverse members closest to them. Said longitudinal strengthening members are positioned laterally of said longitudinal members and are welded to said lower ring frame and said transverse members. 20 In the region of spa moulding 11, a plurality of angled uprights 12 are fixed to said lower ring frame and have fixed to their upper ends longitudinally arranged locating bars 13. Said locating bars bear against the sides of and locate said spa moulding. To support the mass of water contained in said spa, the floor (not shown) of said spa is supported upon 8 transverse members 9 and upon longitudinal members 8 which, in turn, bear upon the supporting surface. Said transverse members are provided at suitable spacings to support the load. The peripheral edges of said single-piece moulding are supported upon and located by upper ring frame 5 6. Where the floor 15 of a particular configuration of said module is positioned well above said supporting surface, transversely arranged, auxiliary supporting frames 16, 17, 18 are provided, supported, respectively, from said longitudinal members by vertical struts 19, 20, 21 of suitable length. In the preferred embodiment, suitable load spreading 10 members (not shown) are provided between the abutting upper surfaces of said auxiliary supporting frames and lower surface of said module floor. A suitable settable resin is introduced between said abutting surfaces and said load spreading members to bond them together and thereby prevent their independent movement and drumming during subsequent use. In the 15 preferred embodiment, said load spreading members take the form of suitable plywood panels or the like having a thickness in the range 10 to 30 millimetres. Where appropriate, a suitable break is provided in upper ring frame 6 to accommodate an entrance way to said module (as depicted in Figures 2, 9 and 10) said entrance way incorporating steps 22, 23. 20 Lower ring frame 5 passes beneath lowest step 23 and strong vertical members (not shown) are provided fixed to said lower and upper ring frames to stiffen the sides of said entrance way. A self-closing door or gate 24 (as depicted in Figures 9 and 10) having an automatic, child-proof latch is provided to prevent the entry of unsupervised children who might 9 be at risk of drowning. A safety fence generally of the type described in relation to Figure 7 is optionally incorporated between said module and said spa. Sun shade means generally of the type described in relation to Figures 7 and 8 are also optionally incorporated into the configuration of 5 said module depicted in Figure 2. Said spa and said module are enclosed by suitable skirt panels 21 which enclose pumps, electrical control apparatus, filters and the like located beneath said spa and module and associated with their operation. As appropriate, said skirt panels are either permanently fixed to various structural members or, where detachability is 10 required, attached by suitable quick-release attachment means. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), said supporting frame is made in two parts; a first part supporting said spa and a second part supporting said module. In this embodiment, said supporting frame parts are assembled from and generally comprise the same components as said 15 unitary supporting frame and, following their separate assembly, are fixed together using suitable fastenings to create a single unit. This embodiment permits a standard supporting frame intended for use with said spa to be adapted for use with said combined spa and module. With further reference to Figure 2, said module is adapted for use 20 by persons relaxing and/or supervising occupants of said spa. A bench type seat 25 is provided at one end and a narrower seat (not shown) is provided in recess 26 formed between the side of said module and entrance way reveal panel 27. Said module is optionally equipped to permit a variety of recreational activities and is fitted with additional 10 provisions (not shown) such as separate controls for spa functions, weatherproof low or high voltage electrical power outlets, elevated or low level lighting, television unit, entertainment system, games system, speaker system, drinks/cocktail cabinet, refrigerator with optional 5 icemaker, mist spray, cold water fountain, coffee maker, sunscreen dispenser, mirror, general storage provisions and the like. Said module is optionally furnished with one or more permanent or fold-down seats with fixed or removable cushions, removable or adjustable curtains and/or windbreaks and/or privacy screens, one or more permanent or fold-down 10 tables and provisions to support a removable umbrella or canopy. Where appropriate, the floor of said module is provided with suitable drainage and anti-slip provisions. With reference to Figures 7 and 8, said module is adapted for use as a children's paddle pool. Access to said paddle pool is by way of ladder 15 28 and rungs 29, the top of said ladder being formed into suitable handrails 30. Suitable filling, drainage and water treatment means (not shown) are provided. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), said children's paddle pool is provided with water or air jets and is operable as a mini spa. Seats 25, 31 are provided at each end. Arched rails 32 20 extending across the full width of said module are fixed to upper surfaces 14, 36. Sun shade means 33 stiffened by suitable thin, stiffly flexible rods 35 are supported on rings 34 which slide on said arched rails, said sun shade means being positionable as required. To prevent entry of security of unattended children who might be at risk of drowning, a stiff, light 11 sheet of metal, polymer material or the like (not shown) is hooked over the uppermost said ladder rung and locked by suitable locking means to the lower ladder, thereby preventing use of the ladder. Safety fence 37 fixed to upper surface 36 and incorporating a plurality of closely spaced, 5 vertically arranged rods or wires (not shown) prevents child access to said spa from said module. The configuration of said module described in relation to Figures 7, 8 is similarly equipped to permit a variety of recreational activities and is fitted with any of the additional provisions (not shown) described in relation to the configuration depicted in Figure 2. 10 With reference to Figure 9, said module is adapted to provide a large, flat floor to accommodate a sunbed, massage table, exercise machine or the like. Entry is via an entrance way incorporating steps 22, 23. Cabinet 39, removably or permanently fixed to surface 36, optionally accommodates any of the additional provisions (not shown) described in 15 relation to the configuration depicted in Figure 2. The door 40 of said cabinet preferably opens downwardly against suitable braces and does alternative duty as a table. Bench-type seat 41 is optionally provided between the side of said module and entrance way reveal panel 27. The entrance way surface 38 of said reveal panel optionally supports lighting 20 switches which are conveniently placed to be actuated before entering said module. A self-closing door or gate 24 having an automatic, child-proof latch is provided to prevent the entry of unattended children who might be at risk of drowning. The configuration of said module described in relation to Figure 9 is similarly equipped to permit a variety of recreational 12 activities and is fitted with any of the additional provisions (not shown) described in relation to the configuration depicted in Figure 2. A safety fence and sun shade means, generally of the type depicted in Figures 7 and 8, are also optionally incorporated into the configuration of said module 5 depicted in Figure 9. With reference to Figure 10, said module is adapted for use as a toilet area and shower. Part of the floor 15 of said module is lowered to create a wet area 48 which accommodates shower recess 45 enclosed at the side by side shower screens 46. Shower head 47 is supported from 10 rear shower screen 49. Entry is via an entrance way incorporating steps 22, 23. Cabinet 42, removably or permanently fixed to surface 36, optionally accommodates any of the additional provisions (not shown) described in relation to the configuration depicted in Figure 2. The door 43 of said cabinet preferably opens downwardly against suitable braces 15 and does alternative duty as a table. Bench-type seat 44 is optionally provided between the side of said module and entrance way reveal panel 27. The entrance way surface 38 of said reveal panel optionally supports lighting switches which are conveniently placed to be actuated before entering said module. A self-closing door or gate 24 having an automatic, 20 child-proof latch is provided to prevent the entry of unsupervised children who might be at risk of drowning. The configuration of said module depicted in Figure 10 is similarly equipped to permit a variety of recreational activities and is fitted with any of the additional provisions (not shown) described in relation to the configuration depicted in Figure 2.

13 A safety fence and sun shade means, generally of the type as depicted in Figures 7 and 8, are also optionally incorporated into the configuration of said module depicted in Figure 10. Except where impractical, any feature of one configuration of said 5 spa and module described herein should be taken as being able to be combined with any other feature. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), separate, suitable, removable covers are provided for said spa and said module. Where said module is of a configuration containing water, said cover preferably 10 incorporates suitable insulation to prevent heat loss. 15 20

Claims

1. A combination of a spa, swim spa or the like with an auxiliary accommodation module; said spa, swim spa and the like and said accommodation module comprising a single-piece moulding or 5 two discrete mouldings supported in a common supporting frame; said accommodation module being made in a plurality of configurations and equipped to accommodate a plurality of recreational activities; a security gate preventing unsupervised child entry of said accommodation module and safety fencing 10 preventing access to said spa, swim spa or the like from said accommodation module.

2. The combination of Claim I in which said supporting frame comprises lower and upper ring frames joined by a plurality of vertical members, said lower ring frame resting upon a supporting 15 surface with its ends and sides being joined by a plurality of longitudinal and transverse members; the water-filled mass of said spa, swim spa or the like being supported upon said longitudinal and transverse members and the peripheral edges of said moulding or mouldings being supported upon and located by said upper ring 20 frame; the raised floor of said auxiliary accommodation module being supported upon auxiliary supporting frames fixed to the upper ends of vertical struts supported from said longitudinal and transverse members and the moulding of said spa, swim spa or the like being located by longitudinally arranged locating bars 15 supported on angled uprights fixed to said lower ring frame.

3. The combination of Claim 2 in which all said component parts of said supporting frame are permanently joined.

4. The combination of Claim 2 in which said lower and upper ring 5 frames are made separately and joined by said vertical members, said vertical members having saddle fittings at each end which engage said ring frames and are fixed to them with suitable fastenings.

5. The combination of Claim 2 in which said supporting frame is 10 made in two parts with a first part supporting said spa, swim spa or the like joined to a second part supporting said auxiliary accommodation module.

6. The combination of Claim I in which said two discrete mouldings are joined by a junction moulding indexed to both and which 15 provides a smooth transition between said mouldings.

7. The combination of Claims 1 and 2 in which load spreading members are provided between the abutting surfaces of said auxiliary accommodation moulding and said auxiliary supporting frames. 20

8. The combination of Claim 7 in which said load spreading members take the form of plywood panels bonded to said abutting surfaces with a settable resin to prevent independent movement and drumming.

9. The combination of Claims I and 2 in which a break is provided in 16 said upper ring frame to accommodate an entrance way to said auxiliary accommodation module, strong vertical members being fixed to said lower and upper ring frames on either side of said break to stiffen the sides of said entrance way. 5

10. The combination of Claim 9 in which said entrance way incorporates steps up to said auxiliary accommodation module and a self-closing door or gate having an automatic, child-proof latch to prevent unsupervised child entry to said module.

11. The combination of Claim I in which said safety fencing between 10 said spa, swim spa or the like and said auxiliary accommodation module incorporates a plurality of closely-spaced, vertically arranged rods or wires.

12. The combination of Claims I and 2 in which pumps, electrical control apparatus, filters and the like are accommodated in space 15 beneath said spa, swim spa or the like and beneath said auxiliary accommodation module.

13. The combination of Claims I and 2 in which said spa, swim spa or the like and said auxiliary accommodation module are enclosed by skirt panels either permanently fixed to said supporting frame or 20 removably fixed by means of quick-release attachment means.

14. The combination of Claim 1 in which fixed or fold-down tables; fixed or fold-down seats; fixed or removable cushions; fixed and/or removable and/or adjustable curtains, windbreaks or privacy screens; a canopy; or support provisions for an umbrella or 17 the like are provided in said auxiliary accommodation module.

15. The combination of Claim I in which duplicated controls for functions of said spa, swim spa or the like are provided in said auxiliary accommodation module. 5

16. The combination of Claim I in which weatherproof high or low voltage power outlets are provided in said auxiliary accommodation module.

17. The combination of Claim 1 in which elevated or low level lighting means are provided in said auxiliary accommodation 10 module.

18. The combination of Claim 1 in which entertainment systems, such as television unit, games system, music system or the like are provided in said auxiliary accommodation module.

19. The combination of Claim 1 in which a drinks or cocktail cabinet, 15 refrigerator, mist spray, cold water fountain, coffee maker, sunscreen dispenser, mirror, general storage means and the like are provided in said auxiliary accommodation module.

20. The combination of Claim I in which said auxiliary accommodation module is adapted for use as a children's paddle 20 pool.

21. The combination of Claim 20 in which said children's paddle pool is provided with water or air jets and is operable as a mini spa.

22. The combination of Claim 1 in which access to said auxiliary accommodation module is by way of a ladder, the upper part of 18 which is formed into hand rails.

23. The combination of Claim 22 in which access to said ladder is denied to unsupervised children by a sheet of light, stiff material hooked over the top ladder rung and locked into position to cover 5 the lower ladder rungs.

24. The combination of Claim 14 in which said canopy takes the form of arched rails extending fully across said auxiliary accommodation module and sun shade means stiffened by stiffly flexible rods and slidingly supported on said rails on rings fixed to 10 said means.

25. The combination of Claim I in which said auxiliary accommodation module is made with a flat floor of sufficient area to accommodate a sun bed, massage table, exercise machine or the like. 15

26. The combination of Claim I in which said auxiliary accommodation module is provided with one or more storage cabinets, the doors of which opens downwardly against braces to perform alternative duty as tables.

27. The combination of Claim 10 in which the side panel of said 20 entrance way supports conveniently located light switches.

28. The combination of Claim 1 in which said auxiliary accommodation module is adapted for use as a toilet area and shower.

29. The combination of Claim 28 in which part of the floor of said 19 auxiliary accommodation module is lowered to create a wet area accommodating a shower recess enclosed by shower screens and a shower head supported from one said screen.

30. The combination of Claim I in which, when said auxiliary 5 accommodation module contains a body of water, an insulated cover is provided to minimise heat loss when said module is not in use.

31. The combination of Claims 20 and 29 in which water filling, drainage and treatment means are incorporated into said auxiliary 10 accommodation module.

32. The combination of any of Claims I to 31 in which any feasible combination of claimed features is employed. 15 20