CA1124954A - Connector assembly for whirlpool system - Google Patents
Connector assembly for whirlpool systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA1124954A CA1124954A CA378,490A CA378490A CA1124954A CA 1124954 A CA1124954 A CA 1124954A CA 378490 A CA378490 A CA 378490A CA 1124954 A CA1124954 A CA 1124954A
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- nozzle
- connector assembly
- assembly according
- channel
- tubing
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A connector assembly is provided herein for use in a whirlpool system which includes a water supply channel and an air supply channel.
The connector assembly includes a nozzle insertable into the water and air supply channels, the nozzle including a passageway extending therethrough, first providing means for providing fluid communication between said pas-sageway and the water supply channel, and second providing means, spaced from said first providing means, for providing fluid communication between the passageway and the air supply channel, the portion of the passageway between the first and second providing means including a venturi.
A connector assembly is provided herein for use in a whirlpool system which includes a water supply channel and an air supply channel.
The connector assembly includes a nozzle insertable into the water and air supply channels, the nozzle including a passageway extending therethrough, first providing means for providing fluid communication between said pas-sageway and the water supply channel, and second providing means, spaced from said first providing means, for providing fluid communication between the passageway and the air supply channel, the portion of the passageway between the first and second providing means including a venturi.
Description
3 ~Z4~35~
The present invention relates to a connector assembly for use in whirlpool systems and, more particularly, to such connector assembly for use in such systems which are adapted for use in conventional bathtub in-stallations.
This is a division of Canadian patent application Serial No. 332, 319, filed on July 23, 1979.
Recently, travelers, businessmen, skiers, golfers, tennis players and other sportsmen have become increasingly aware of the benefits of a whirlpool bath in which water is agitated to create an invigorating whirl-pool motion. The swirling waters of a whirlpool bath are believed by manyto calm frayed nerves, ease the pain of aching muscles, and soothe sore feet. In recognition of the increasing popularity of whirlpool baths, many motels, hotels, and inns are installing in-room whirlpool baths in an effort to gain a competitive edge. However, in order to be profitable, and therefore result in a true competitive edge, such whirlpool baths must be simple to install, operate,and service.
Some known whirlpool baths, such as the one disclosed in Jacuzzi U.S. Patent No. 3,571,820, include a number of jet assemblies spaced around the outer periphery of a bathtub for agitating water in the bathtub.
In these known whirlpool baths, water and air supply piping systems, in-cluding several pieces of pipe joined together by elbows and T-fittings, are used to supply each of the jet assemblies with water and air, respec-tively, i.e., separate air supply and water supply pipes. The installa-tion of the elbows and T-fittings increases construction time and costs, in terms of both materials and labor. The elbows and T-fittings also complicate repairs and replacement.
A
4~354 Everston U.S. Patent No. 3,263,678 discloses a therapeutic bathtub having a plurality of aspirating fit-tings designed specifically to diffuse finely divided air bubbles throughout the water in the bathtub. Thus, the aspirating fittings perform a function, i.e., the diffusion of finely divided bubbles, which is different than and may be performed in addition to the conventional function of providing agitated water to produce a whirlpool bath. Never-theless, the aspirator fittings are supplied water and air from a piping network in which several individual pieces of pipe are interconnected by elbows and T-fittings.
Efforts have been made to avoid the problems and disadvantages resulting from the use of elbows and T-fittings in whirlpool systems. For instance, in Mathis U.S. Patent No. 3,890,656, there is disclosed a whirlpool jet for bathtubs which purportedly eliminates the use of T-fittings by making all water and air pipe connections directly to a corresponding water jet outlet. However, because the water jet outlets described and claimed in the Mathis patent are actually T-fittings, which have been designed to perform a jetting function, the water jet outlets of each pair of adjacent outlets are connected by separate pieces of water and air supply pipes. The pro-vision of several pieces of pipe not only complicates installation, thereby increasing initial construction time and costs, but also complicates repairs and replacements resulting in increased maintenance cos-ts. Furthermore, inasmuch as the individual outlets are permanently cemented to the water and air supply pipes, the outlets are totally incapable of quick and easy on-site removal independently of the water and air supply pipes for inspection, cleaning and replacement purposes.
3~Z4~54 - Many of the aisadvantages and shortcomings of the whirlpool baths and other devices discussed above are overcome by the present inventiOn which in broad aspects thereof teaches new and improved connector or jet assemblies for use in a whirlpool system which normally includes a plurality of outlets spaced around the interior of a water receptacle, e.g. bathtub, a water supply channel connect ~ to a source of water, and an air supply channel connected to a source of air. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a connector assembly is provided for use in a whirlpool system, which includes a water supply channel and an air supply channel, comprising a nozzle insertable into the water and air supply channels, the nozzle in-cluding a passageway extending therethrough, first providing means for providing fluid communication between the passageway and the water supply channel, and second providing means, spaced from the first providing means, for providing fluid communication between the passageway and the air supply channel, the portion of the passageway between the first and second provid-ing means including a venturi.
In other words, by an aspect of this invention, each of the out-lets is connected to the air and water supply channels by a connector or jet - assembly which includes a nozzle adapted to extend into both of the channels, one end of the nozzle being connected to a respective one of the outlets. The nozzle includes a passageway, which extends through the nozzle from one end thereof to the other end, and a pair of inlet openings. One of the inlet openings communicates between the passageway and one of the channels to permit air to flow from the channel to an associated outlet.
The other inlet opening communicates between the passageway and the other channel to form a flow path for water from the channel to a corresponding outlet. Although both the water and the air can be supplied under pressure, the portion of the passageway between the inlet openings includes a venturi ~LZ4~5~
for enhancing the mixture of air and water and for speeding their flow through the passageway.
secause the nozzle is inserted into the channels, it can be in-stalled simply by providing an appropriate number of access openings to the channels, thereby permitting the channels to be formed in a single piece of dual channel tubing or a pair of individual continuous conduits.
If the other end of the passageway lies outside of the channels, it can be capped with a removable plug which when removed, provides quick and easy access to the interior of the nozzle for cleaning and inspection purposes without necessitating the removal of the nozzle or the dismantling of the entire whirlpool system.
sy one variant of this aspect of the invention, the nozzle extends completely through the water and air supply channels.
sy another variant, one end of the nozzle includes attaching means for removably attaching the nozzle to an outlet of the whirlpool system and the other end of the nozzle includes preventing means for preventing fluid flow through the other end of the nozzle, the preventing means being removably attached to the other end of the nozzle, whereby access may be had to the passageway of the nozzle for the purpose of inspecting and clean-ing the passageway.
By another variant, the connector further includes clamping means for removably clamping the nozzle to the water and air supply channels.
By a further variant, the water supply channel is one channel of a section of multiple channel tubing and the air supply channel is another channel of the multiple channel tubing.
By yet a further variant, the connector further includes first sealing means for sealing the water supply challllel from the air supply channel.
By a still further variant, the connector further includes clamping ~124954 means for removably clamping the nozzle to the multiple channel tubing.
By a variation thereof, the multiple channel tubing is dual channel tubing.
By another variation, one end of the nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in one of the channels of the dual channel tubing and the other end of the nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in the other channel of the dual channel tubing.
By yet a further variant, the connector further includes second sealing means for sealing both of the openings provided in the dual channel tubing.
By a variation thereof, the first and second sealing means include the clamping means.
By another variant, the attaching means attaches the nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system such that the nozzle is arranged vertically, whereby the first and second providing means are arranged one above the other.
By another variant, the attaching means attaches the nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system such that the nozzle is arranged horizontally, whereby the first and second providing means are arranged side by side.
By still another variant, the first providing means is a first radially extending opening in the nozzle and the second providing means is a second radially extending opening in the nozzle.
By a still further variant, one end of the nozzle extends outward-ly from one of the water and air supply channels and the other end of the nozzle communicates with the other of the water and air supply channels.
By a variation thereof, the end of the nozzle includes attaching means for removably attaching the nozzle to an outlet of the whirlpool system.
_ 5 _ .
~12;~954 By another variant, the multiple channel tubing is dual channel tubing and that dual channel tubing has an outer surface having a substanti-ally circular transverse cross-sectional shape, the dual channel tubing including a partition extending across the interior thereof to form the water and air supply channels, the nozzle extending through the dual channel tubing substantially perpendicular to the partition.
By a variation thereof, the partition extends generally diametri-cally across the interior of the dual channel tubing and the nozzle extends generally radially into the dual channel tubing.
By a further variation, the nozzle has a length selected such that the other end of the nozzle is positioned in an opening in the partition of the dual channel tubing.
By yet a further variation, the end of the nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in the outer surface of the dual channel tubing.
By yet another variation, the connector assembly further includes second sealing means for sealing the opening in the outer surface of the dual channel tubing.
By another variation, the first providing means is an axially ex-tending opening in the nozzle and the second providing means is a radiallyextending opening in the nozzle.
By yet another variant, the attaching means attaches the nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system sucy that the nozzle is arranged horizontally.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with the invention provided in the above identified parent application;
Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect - 5 a -4~54 of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle utilized in the eonnector assembly illustrated in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a partial elevational view of a second exemplary embodiment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with the in-vention provided in the above identified parent application;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodi-ment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodi-ment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodi-ment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a cross-seetional view of a fifth exemplary embodi-ment of a eonnector assembly constructed in accoraance with another aspeet of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a eross-seetional view of a sixth exemplary embodi-ment of a eonneetor assembly construeted in aeeordanee with another aspeet of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a whirlpool system construeted in aeeordanee with the invention provided in the above identified parent applieation; and Figure 11 is an exploded view of a elamp assembly useful in bend-ing dual ehannel tubing in aeeordance with a whirlpool system eonstrueted in accordance with the invention provided in the above identified parent application.
A 5 b -~Z4~}S4 The Overall System The whirlpool system shown in Figure 1 includes a number of outlets 10 which are spaced apart around the periphery of a bathtub 12. Each of the outlets 10 extends through a sidewall 14 of the bathtub 12 below a predeter-mined water level line and is connected to a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 16 by a connector assembly 18.
The loop of dual channel tubing 16 has a shape which generally matches the outer contour of the bathtub 12.
A pump 20, driven by a motor 22, receives water from the bathtub 12 through a return line 24, which com-municates with the interior of the bathtub 12 below its predetermined water level line. Water under pressure is supplied from the pump 20 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 16 through a flexible hose 26 and a saddle clamp type connector 28. Another saddle clamp type con-nector 30 is connected by a flexible hose 32 to an air port 34 located above the predetermined water level line of the bathtub 12, so that the port 34 will always be open to the atmosphere for supplying air to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 16 at atmospheric pressure.
Other exemplary embodiments of the whirlpool system of Figure 1 are illustrated in Figures 4 and 10. The various elements illustrated in Figures 4 and 10 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Figure 1 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodi-ments of Figures 4 and 10 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1, unless it is otherwise stated.
~Z4~54 Referring now to Figure 4, a pump 120 and a com-pressor 136 are driven by a double-ended motor 122, so that air at greater than atmospheric pressure can be supplied to one channel of dual channel tubing 116 through a supply line 138 and a saddle clamp type connector 130. Alter-natively, the pump 120 and the compressor 136 can be driven by a pair of separate motors. The pressure of the air can be regulated from inside the bathtub 112 by a conventional air pressure regulator 140 communicating with the supply line 138. Supplying air under pressure via the compressor 136, the supply line 138, and the regulator 140 eliminates the need for the flexible hose 32 and the port 34 of the embodiment of Figure 1.
The whirlpool system shown in Figure 10 includes dual channel tubing 216 and a number of connector assem-blies 218 removably mounted to the dual channel tubing 216, which therefore acts as a header. Because the dual channel tubing 216 is located at one end of a bathtub 212, the connector assemblies 218 are relatively remote from at least some outlets 210, each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the connector assemblies 218 by a flexible hose 242 or any other suitable conduit. The loca-tion of the dual channel tubing 216 can be changed depending upon the configuration of the overall whirlpool system.
A saddle clamp type connector 244 replaces the saddle clamp type connectors 28 and 30 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. More particularly, the saddle clamp type connector 244 has an upper clamp member 246, which connects a pump 220 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 216, and a lower clamp member 248, which connects an air port 234 to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 216.
~za~54 The Nozzle Type Connector Assembly Embodiments Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown dual channel tubing 310. It has a cylindrical shape, although any other suitable shape may be used, and a partition 312 extending across the interior of the tubing 310 to form an air channel 314 and a water channel 316.
Although the partition 312 is shown extending across a diameter of the dual channel tubing 310, the partition 312 may extend across any chord of the tubing 310.
At each location where a connector assembly 318 is to be inserted through the dual channel tubing 310, a pair of holes 320, 322 is provided, the hole 320 being formed in the top of the tubing 310 diametrically opposite the hole 322, which is formed in the bottom of the tubing 310. Another hole 324, having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the hole 320 but somewhat less than the diameter of the hole 3~.2, is formed in the par-tition 312 and aligned with the holes 320, 322, so that a nozzle 326 can be inserted therethrough.
The nozzle 326, which forms a part of a corres-ponding connector assembly 318, includes a small diameter portion 330, which extends through the holes 320, 324 and the water channel 316, and a large diameter portion 332, which extends through the hole 322 and into the air channel 314. An 0-ring 334 interposed between the partition 312 and a shoulder 336 formed at the juncture of the small diameter portion 330 and the large diameter portion 332 forms a fluid-tight seal between the air channel 314 and the water channel 316.
~L~Z4~54 A fluid passageway 338 (see Fig. 3) runs the length of the nozzle 326 and communicates with the air channel 314 and the water channel 316 through an air inlet opening 340 and a water inlet opening 342, respectively. To facilitate drainage of water from the dual channel tubing 310, the bottoms of the air inlet opening 340 and the water inlet opening 342 are at an elevation substantially no higher than the elevation of the bottoms of the air chan-nel 314 and the water channel 316, respectively. The por-tion of the passageway 338 between the air inlet opening 340 and the water inlet opening 342 includes a venturi 344 (see Fig. 3) designed to enhance the mixing of water and air in the passageway 338 and to speed the flow of water and air through the passageway 338.
The free end of the small diameter portion 330 extends upwardly through the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310 and is provided with an exter-nally threaded portion 346 designed to threadedly engage an internally threaded cap 348. By removing the cap 348, access may be had to the passageway 338 for the purposes of inspection and cleaning.
An 0-ring 350, disposed about the free end of the small diameter portion 330, seals the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 350 is held in sealing engagement against the top of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 352, slidably received on the free end of the small diameter portion 330 of the nozzle 326, and a lock nut 354, having an internally threaded portion (not shown) which threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 346 of the free end of the small diameter portion 330, for forcing the jaw member 352 into positive engage-ment with the 0-ring 350.
~lZ~354 The free end of the large diameter portion 332 of the nozzle 326 extends downwardly through the hole 322 in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. An externally threaded portion 356 provided on the free end of the large diameter portion 33~ threadedly engages an internally threaded portion (not shown) formed in the vertical end 358 of a relatively rigid elbow 360. The horizontal end 362 of the elbow 360 has in internally threaded portion 364 which threadedly engages an externally threaded portion 366 formed on a stem portion 368 of an outlet 370. Although the elbow 360 is shown as having a 90 bend, the bend can be more or less than 90 depending upon the designs and relative positions of the nozzle 326 and the outlet 370.
Moreover, the elbow 360 could be replaced by a flexible hose or any other suitable connecting device.
An 0-ring 372, disposed about the free end of the large diameter portion 332, seals the hole 322 formed in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 372 is held in sealing engagement against the bottom of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 374, which is slidably received on the free end of the large diameter portion 332 and forced into positive engagement with the 0-ring 372 by a lock nut 376 threadedly engaged on the free end of the large diameter portion 332.
A fluid-tight seal is also formed between the outlet 370 and a sidewall 382 of a bathtub 384 by an 0-ring 386, a gasket 388, and a lock nut 390. The 0-ring 386 is disposed about the stem portion 368 of the outlet 370 between the outlet 370 and the sidewall 382. The gasket 388 and the lock nut 390 are also disposed about the stem portion 392, but on the opposite side of the sidewall 382 from -the 0-ring 386. The lock nut 390 threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 366 of the stem portion 368 so as to force the 0-ring 386 and the gasket 388, both of which can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, into sealing engagement with the sidewall 382 of the bath-tub 384.
Referring now to Figures 6 and 9, there are shown two further embodiments of the exemplary connector assembly embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. The various elements illus-trated in Figures 6 and 9 which correspond to elementsdescribed above with respect to Figures 2 and 3 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the further embodiments operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, a horizontally extending nozzle 426 has a small diameter portion 430 which communicates with a water channel 416 but does not extend therethrough. The interior end of a passageway 438 extending through the nozzle 426 functions as a water inlet, thereby replacing the water inlet opening 432 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. An outlet 470 is adapted to threadedly engage a threaded portion 456 on the nozzle 426.
An 0-ring 472, jaw member 474, gasket 488, and lock nut 476 are positioned between a sidewall 482 of a bathtub 484 and the outer circumferential surface of a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 410 to form a water-tight seal for an opening in the side of the tubing 410. The lock nut 476 forces the 0-ring 472 into sealing engagement with the dual channel tubing 410. Another 0-ring 486 and a gasket 488 are 4~S4 forced into sealing engagement with the sidewall 482 of the bathtub 484 by the outlet 470. Although the direct con-nection of the nozzle 426 with the outlet 470 eliminates the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, it necessitates arranging the water channel 416 alongside an air channel 414, rather -than above it.
The embodiment of Figure 9 also includes a con-tinuous piece of dual channel tubing 510 having a water channel 516, which is arranged alongside an air channel 514. Because the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 is dispensed with, an outlet 580 is internally threaded so that it can threadedly engage an externally threaded portion 556 on the free end of a large diameter portion 532 of a nozzle 526. 0-rings 572, 586, jaw member 574, gasket 588, and lock nut 576 form a water-tight seal for an opening 522 in the side of the tubing 510 and an opening in a sidewall 582 of a bathtub 584.
The Saddle Clamp Type Connector Assembly Embodiments As shown in Figure 5, a saddle clamp 610 includes a pair of clamp members 612, 614. The saddle member 612 is positioned on the upper side of a piece of dual channel tubing 616, the saddle member 614 being positioned on the lower side of the tubing 616 substantially diametrically opposite the saddle member 612.
The saddle member 612 has holes 618 passing com-pletely therethrough. The holes 618 are aligned with blind bores 620 in the adjacent surface of the saddle member 614.
The holes 618 and the bores 620 are internally threaded so as to receive externally threaded bolts 622 which maintain the saddle members 612 and 614 clamped about the tubing 616. The bolts 622 also permit the position of the saddle members 612, 614 to be adjusted with respect to each other.
4~5~
The saddle member 614 includes a passageway 624 extending therethrough below the dual channel tubing 616. A
water inlet opening 626 communicates between a water chan-nel 628 of the tubing 616 and the passageway 624. The passageway 6~4 also communicates with an air channel 630 through an air inlet opening 632 in the saddle member 614.
The portion of the passageway 624 between the water inlet opening 626 and the air inlet opening 632 includes a venturi 634 for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of the water and air through the passageway 6~4. The end of the passageway 624 nearest the air inlet opening 632 is internally threaded so as to receive an externally threaded portion of an outlet (not shown) mounted in the sidewall of a water receptacle, such as a bathtub. A plug 636 has an externally threaded portion 638 which threadedly engages an internally threaded portion of the passageway 624 at the opposite end thereof. An 0-ring 640 is disposed about a shank portion 642 of the plug 636 to provide a water-tight seal.
The saddle member 612 has an internally threaded opening 644 which communicates at one end with the air channel 630 of the tubing 610. An externally threaded plug 646 is threadedly received in the opening 644, so that the air channel 630 may be selectively opened and closed to the atmosphere.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the connector assembly of Figure 5. The various elements illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Figure 5 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodiments of Figures 7 and 8 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 5, unless it is otherwise stated.
4S~5~
Referring to Figure 7, a water inlet opening 726 of a passageway 724 communicates with the interior of a water supply conduit 750. An air inlet opening 732 communi-cates between the passageway 724 and the interior of an air supply conduit 752.
As shown in Figure 8, a piece of dual channel tubing 816 is flanked on either side by saddle members 812, 814. The tubing 816 includes a partition 86- which extends across the interior thereof along a diameter or any other chord. An aperture 862 in the partition 860 permits a water channel 828 on one side of the partition 86- to communicate with an air channel 830 on the other side of the partition 860, the aperture 862 acting as a venturi for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of water and air out of the tubing 816 and through a passageway 824 provided in the saddle member 814.
A vertical opening 842 in the saddle member 814 connects the air channel 830 to the atmosphere. A plug 844 threadedly received in the opening 842 permits the selec-tive opening and closing of the air channel 830 to theatmosphere.
A horizontal internally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 communicates with a water channel 828 of the tubing 816. A plug 872 has an externally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 for permitting access to the water channel 828. An 0-ring 876 disposed about a shank portion 878 of the plug 872 forms a water-tight seal.
Method of Bending Dual Channel Tubing 3^ When a piece of dual channel tubing, like the dual channel tubing described above, is extruded in a single straight length of thermoplastic material, the tubing must be bent in order to match the contour of a l~Z4954 water receptacle, such as a bathtub. One especially advan-tageous method of bending such tubing involves using a Greenlee No. 850 PVC Bender which is filled with triethy-lene glycol. After the triethylene glycol is heated to about 230-260F., the dual channel tubing is inserted into the bath and maintained therein until the therrnoplastic material is sufficiently soft so as to render the tubing bendable. The tubing can then be bent, either in a direc-tion perpendicular to or parallel to the partition ex-tending across the interior of the tubing.
If difficulties are encountered in maintaining the original shape of the softened tubing, including the partition, during its cooling, the following procedure, which is described below with reference to Figure 11, may be followed. Referring to Figure 11, dual channel tubing 910 has a partition 912 which runs the length thereof. At predetermined locations, corresponding to the locations where a connector assembly will be attached to the tubing, three aligned holes 914, 916, 918 are formed in the tubing 910 prior to its softening. The holes 914, 916 are formed in opposite sides of the tubing 910, the other hole 918 being formed in the partition 912.
Either prior to, simultaneously with or imme-diately after the bending of the tubing 910 into a desired shape, a peg 920, which extends upwardly from a lower saddle member 922 of a saddle clamp 924, is inserted through the holes 914, 916, 918, and into a hole 926 in an upper saddle member 928 of the saddle clamp 924 to help maintain the original shape of the partition 912 as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the l~Z~954 tubing 910. The saddle members 922 and 928 are then clamped over the outer surface of the tubing to help maintain its original cross-sectional shape, thereby aiding in the sup-port of the softened partition 912.
The tubing 910 can be cooled at room temperature.
Alternatively, cooling of the tubing 910 can be expedited by passing a cool fluid, such as air or water, in and/or around the softened tubing 910.
It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifica-tions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention and defined in the appended claims.
The present invention relates to a connector assembly for use in whirlpool systems and, more particularly, to such connector assembly for use in such systems which are adapted for use in conventional bathtub in-stallations.
This is a division of Canadian patent application Serial No. 332, 319, filed on July 23, 1979.
Recently, travelers, businessmen, skiers, golfers, tennis players and other sportsmen have become increasingly aware of the benefits of a whirlpool bath in which water is agitated to create an invigorating whirl-pool motion. The swirling waters of a whirlpool bath are believed by manyto calm frayed nerves, ease the pain of aching muscles, and soothe sore feet. In recognition of the increasing popularity of whirlpool baths, many motels, hotels, and inns are installing in-room whirlpool baths in an effort to gain a competitive edge. However, in order to be profitable, and therefore result in a true competitive edge, such whirlpool baths must be simple to install, operate,and service.
Some known whirlpool baths, such as the one disclosed in Jacuzzi U.S. Patent No. 3,571,820, include a number of jet assemblies spaced around the outer periphery of a bathtub for agitating water in the bathtub.
In these known whirlpool baths, water and air supply piping systems, in-cluding several pieces of pipe joined together by elbows and T-fittings, are used to supply each of the jet assemblies with water and air, respec-tively, i.e., separate air supply and water supply pipes. The installa-tion of the elbows and T-fittings increases construction time and costs, in terms of both materials and labor. The elbows and T-fittings also complicate repairs and replacement.
A
4~354 Everston U.S. Patent No. 3,263,678 discloses a therapeutic bathtub having a plurality of aspirating fit-tings designed specifically to diffuse finely divided air bubbles throughout the water in the bathtub. Thus, the aspirating fittings perform a function, i.e., the diffusion of finely divided bubbles, which is different than and may be performed in addition to the conventional function of providing agitated water to produce a whirlpool bath. Never-theless, the aspirator fittings are supplied water and air from a piping network in which several individual pieces of pipe are interconnected by elbows and T-fittings.
Efforts have been made to avoid the problems and disadvantages resulting from the use of elbows and T-fittings in whirlpool systems. For instance, in Mathis U.S. Patent No. 3,890,656, there is disclosed a whirlpool jet for bathtubs which purportedly eliminates the use of T-fittings by making all water and air pipe connections directly to a corresponding water jet outlet. However, because the water jet outlets described and claimed in the Mathis patent are actually T-fittings, which have been designed to perform a jetting function, the water jet outlets of each pair of adjacent outlets are connected by separate pieces of water and air supply pipes. The pro-vision of several pieces of pipe not only complicates installation, thereby increasing initial construction time and costs, but also complicates repairs and replacements resulting in increased maintenance cos-ts. Furthermore, inasmuch as the individual outlets are permanently cemented to the water and air supply pipes, the outlets are totally incapable of quick and easy on-site removal independently of the water and air supply pipes for inspection, cleaning and replacement purposes.
3~Z4~54 - Many of the aisadvantages and shortcomings of the whirlpool baths and other devices discussed above are overcome by the present inventiOn which in broad aspects thereof teaches new and improved connector or jet assemblies for use in a whirlpool system which normally includes a plurality of outlets spaced around the interior of a water receptacle, e.g. bathtub, a water supply channel connect ~ to a source of water, and an air supply channel connected to a source of air. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a connector assembly is provided for use in a whirlpool system, which includes a water supply channel and an air supply channel, comprising a nozzle insertable into the water and air supply channels, the nozzle in-cluding a passageway extending therethrough, first providing means for providing fluid communication between the passageway and the water supply channel, and second providing means, spaced from the first providing means, for providing fluid communication between the passageway and the air supply channel, the portion of the passageway between the first and second provid-ing means including a venturi.
In other words, by an aspect of this invention, each of the out-lets is connected to the air and water supply channels by a connector or jet - assembly which includes a nozzle adapted to extend into both of the channels, one end of the nozzle being connected to a respective one of the outlets. The nozzle includes a passageway, which extends through the nozzle from one end thereof to the other end, and a pair of inlet openings. One of the inlet openings communicates between the passageway and one of the channels to permit air to flow from the channel to an associated outlet.
The other inlet opening communicates between the passageway and the other channel to form a flow path for water from the channel to a corresponding outlet. Although both the water and the air can be supplied under pressure, the portion of the passageway between the inlet openings includes a venturi ~LZ4~5~
for enhancing the mixture of air and water and for speeding their flow through the passageway.
secause the nozzle is inserted into the channels, it can be in-stalled simply by providing an appropriate number of access openings to the channels, thereby permitting the channels to be formed in a single piece of dual channel tubing or a pair of individual continuous conduits.
If the other end of the passageway lies outside of the channels, it can be capped with a removable plug which when removed, provides quick and easy access to the interior of the nozzle for cleaning and inspection purposes without necessitating the removal of the nozzle or the dismantling of the entire whirlpool system.
sy one variant of this aspect of the invention, the nozzle extends completely through the water and air supply channels.
sy another variant, one end of the nozzle includes attaching means for removably attaching the nozzle to an outlet of the whirlpool system and the other end of the nozzle includes preventing means for preventing fluid flow through the other end of the nozzle, the preventing means being removably attached to the other end of the nozzle, whereby access may be had to the passageway of the nozzle for the purpose of inspecting and clean-ing the passageway.
By another variant, the connector further includes clamping means for removably clamping the nozzle to the water and air supply channels.
By a further variant, the water supply channel is one channel of a section of multiple channel tubing and the air supply channel is another channel of the multiple channel tubing.
By yet a further variant, the connector further includes first sealing means for sealing the water supply challllel from the air supply channel.
By a still further variant, the connector further includes clamping ~124954 means for removably clamping the nozzle to the multiple channel tubing.
By a variation thereof, the multiple channel tubing is dual channel tubing.
By another variation, one end of the nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in one of the channels of the dual channel tubing and the other end of the nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in the other channel of the dual channel tubing.
By yet a further variant, the connector further includes second sealing means for sealing both of the openings provided in the dual channel tubing.
By a variation thereof, the first and second sealing means include the clamping means.
By another variant, the attaching means attaches the nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system such that the nozzle is arranged vertically, whereby the first and second providing means are arranged one above the other.
By another variant, the attaching means attaches the nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system such that the nozzle is arranged horizontally, whereby the first and second providing means are arranged side by side.
By still another variant, the first providing means is a first radially extending opening in the nozzle and the second providing means is a second radially extending opening in the nozzle.
By a still further variant, one end of the nozzle extends outward-ly from one of the water and air supply channels and the other end of the nozzle communicates with the other of the water and air supply channels.
By a variation thereof, the end of the nozzle includes attaching means for removably attaching the nozzle to an outlet of the whirlpool system.
_ 5 _ .
~12;~954 By another variant, the multiple channel tubing is dual channel tubing and that dual channel tubing has an outer surface having a substanti-ally circular transverse cross-sectional shape, the dual channel tubing including a partition extending across the interior thereof to form the water and air supply channels, the nozzle extending through the dual channel tubing substantially perpendicular to the partition.
By a variation thereof, the partition extends generally diametri-cally across the interior of the dual channel tubing and the nozzle extends generally radially into the dual channel tubing.
By a further variation, the nozzle has a length selected such that the other end of the nozzle is positioned in an opening in the partition of the dual channel tubing.
By yet a further variation, the end of the nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in the outer surface of the dual channel tubing.
By yet another variation, the connector assembly further includes second sealing means for sealing the opening in the outer surface of the dual channel tubing.
By another variation, the first providing means is an axially ex-tending opening in the nozzle and the second providing means is a radiallyextending opening in the nozzle.
By yet another variant, the attaching means attaches the nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system sucy that the nozzle is arranged horizontally.
In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with the invention provided in the above identified parent application;
Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with an aspect - 5 a -4~54 of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle utilized in the eonnector assembly illustrated in Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a partial elevational view of a second exemplary embodiment of a whirlpool system constructed in accordance with the in-vention provided in the above identified parent application;
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary embodi-ment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary embodi-ment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodi-ment of a connector assembly constructed in accordance with another aspect of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a cross-seetional view of a fifth exemplary embodi-ment of a eonnector assembly constructed in accoraance with another aspeet of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a eross-seetional view of a sixth exemplary embodi-ment of a eonneetor assembly construeted in aeeordanee with another aspeet of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a whirlpool system construeted in aeeordanee with the invention provided in the above identified parent applieation; and Figure 11 is an exploded view of a elamp assembly useful in bend-ing dual ehannel tubing in aeeordance with a whirlpool system eonstrueted in accordance with the invention provided in the above identified parent application.
A 5 b -~Z4~}S4 The Overall System The whirlpool system shown in Figure 1 includes a number of outlets 10 which are spaced apart around the periphery of a bathtub 12. Each of the outlets 10 extends through a sidewall 14 of the bathtub 12 below a predeter-mined water level line and is connected to a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 16 by a connector assembly 18.
The loop of dual channel tubing 16 has a shape which generally matches the outer contour of the bathtub 12.
A pump 20, driven by a motor 22, receives water from the bathtub 12 through a return line 24, which com-municates with the interior of the bathtub 12 below its predetermined water level line. Water under pressure is supplied from the pump 20 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 16 through a flexible hose 26 and a saddle clamp type connector 28. Another saddle clamp type con-nector 30 is connected by a flexible hose 32 to an air port 34 located above the predetermined water level line of the bathtub 12, so that the port 34 will always be open to the atmosphere for supplying air to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 16 at atmospheric pressure.
Other exemplary embodiments of the whirlpool system of Figure 1 are illustrated in Figures 4 and 10. The various elements illustrated in Figures 4 and 10 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Figure 1 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodi-ments of Figures 4 and 10 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 1, unless it is otherwise stated.
~Z4~54 Referring now to Figure 4, a pump 120 and a com-pressor 136 are driven by a double-ended motor 122, so that air at greater than atmospheric pressure can be supplied to one channel of dual channel tubing 116 through a supply line 138 and a saddle clamp type connector 130. Alter-natively, the pump 120 and the compressor 136 can be driven by a pair of separate motors. The pressure of the air can be regulated from inside the bathtub 112 by a conventional air pressure regulator 140 communicating with the supply line 138. Supplying air under pressure via the compressor 136, the supply line 138, and the regulator 140 eliminates the need for the flexible hose 32 and the port 34 of the embodiment of Figure 1.
The whirlpool system shown in Figure 10 includes dual channel tubing 216 and a number of connector assem-blies 218 removably mounted to the dual channel tubing 216, which therefore acts as a header. Because the dual channel tubing 216 is located at one end of a bathtub 212, the connector assemblies 218 are relatively remote from at least some outlets 210, each of which is connected to a corresponding one of the connector assemblies 218 by a flexible hose 242 or any other suitable conduit. The loca-tion of the dual channel tubing 216 can be changed depending upon the configuration of the overall whirlpool system.
A saddle clamp type connector 244 replaces the saddle clamp type connectors 28 and 30 of the embodiment shown in Figure 1. More particularly, the saddle clamp type connector 244 has an upper clamp member 246, which connects a pump 220 to one channel of the dual channel tubing 216, and a lower clamp member 248, which connects an air port 234 to the other channel of the dual channel tubing 216.
~za~54 The Nozzle Type Connector Assembly Embodiments Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown dual channel tubing 310. It has a cylindrical shape, although any other suitable shape may be used, and a partition 312 extending across the interior of the tubing 310 to form an air channel 314 and a water channel 316.
Although the partition 312 is shown extending across a diameter of the dual channel tubing 310, the partition 312 may extend across any chord of the tubing 310.
At each location where a connector assembly 318 is to be inserted through the dual channel tubing 310, a pair of holes 320, 322 is provided, the hole 320 being formed in the top of the tubing 310 diametrically opposite the hole 322, which is formed in the bottom of the tubing 310. Another hole 324, having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the hole 320 but somewhat less than the diameter of the hole 3~.2, is formed in the par-tition 312 and aligned with the holes 320, 322, so that a nozzle 326 can be inserted therethrough.
The nozzle 326, which forms a part of a corres-ponding connector assembly 318, includes a small diameter portion 330, which extends through the holes 320, 324 and the water channel 316, and a large diameter portion 332, which extends through the hole 322 and into the air channel 314. An 0-ring 334 interposed between the partition 312 and a shoulder 336 formed at the juncture of the small diameter portion 330 and the large diameter portion 332 forms a fluid-tight seal between the air channel 314 and the water channel 316.
~L~Z4~54 A fluid passageway 338 (see Fig. 3) runs the length of the nozzle 326 and communicates with the air channel 314 and the water channel 316 through an air inlet opening 340 and a water inlet opening 342, respectively. To facilitate drainage of water from the dual channel tubing 310, the bottoms of the air inlet opening 340 and the water inlet opening 342 are at an elevation substantially no higher than the elevation of the bottoms of the air chan-nel 314 and the water channel 316, respectively. The por-tion of the passageway 338 between the air inlet opening 340 and the water inlet opening 342 includes a venturi 344 (see Fig. 3) designed to enhance the mixing of water and air in the passageway 338 and to speed the flow of water and air through the passageway 338.
The free end of the small diameter portion 330 extends upwardly through the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310 and is provided with an exter-nally threaded portion 346 designed to threadedly engage an internally threaded cap 348. By removing the cap 348, access may be had to the passageway 338 for the purposes of inspection and cleaning.
An 0-ring 350, disposed about the free end of the small diameter portion 330, seals the hole 320 formed in the top of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 350 is held in sealing engagement against the top of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 352, slidably received on the free end of the small diameter portion 330 of the nozzle 326, and a lock nut 354, having an internally threaded portion (not shown) which threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 346 of the free end of the small diameter portion 330, for forcing the jaw member 352 into positive engage-ment with the 0-ring 350.
~lZ~354 The free end of the large diameter portion 332 of the nozzle 326 extends downwardly through the hole 322 in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. An externally threaded portion 356 provided on the free end of the large diameter portion 33~ threadedly engages an internally threaded portion (not shown) formed in the vertical end 358 of a relatively rigid elbow 360. The horizontal end 362 of the elbow 360 has in internally threaded portion 364 which threadedly engages an externally threaded portion 366 formed on a stem portion 368 of an outlet 370. Although the elbow 360 is shown as having a 90 bend, the bend can be more or less than 90 depending upon the designs and relative positions of the nozzle 326 and the outlet 370.
Moreover, the elbow 360 could be replaced by a flexible hose or any other suitable connecting device.
An 0-ring 372, disposed about the free end of the large diameter portion 332, seals the hole 322 formed in the bottom of the dual channel tubing 310. The 0-ring 372 is held in sealing engagement against the bottom of the tubing 310 by a jaw member 374, which is slidably received on the free end of the large diameter portion 332 and forced into positive engagement with the 0-ring 372 by a lock nut 376 threadedly engaged on the free end of the large diameter portion 332.
A fluid-tight seal is also formed between the outlet 370 and a sidewall 382 of a bathtub 384 by an 0-ring 386, a gasket 388, and a lock nut 390. The 0-ring 386 is disposed about the stem portion 368 of the outlet 370 between the outlet 370 and the sidewall 382. The gasket 388 and the lock nut 390 are also disposed about the stem portion 392, but on the opposite side of the sidewall 382 from -the 0-ring 386. The lock nut 390 threadedly engages the externally threaded portion 366 of the stem portion 368 so as to force the 0-ring 386 and the gasket 388, both of which can be made of rubber or any other suitable material, into sealing engagement with the sidewall 382 of the bath-tub 384.
Referring now to Figures 6 and 9, there are shown two further embodiments of the exemplary connector assembly embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. The various elements illus-trated in Figures 6 and 9 which correspond to elementsdescribed above with respect to Figures 2 and 3 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. Unless otherwise stated, the further embodiments operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3.
In the embodiment of Figure 6, a horizontally extending nozzle 426 has a small diameter portion 430 which communicates with a water channel 416 but does not extend therethrough. The interior end of a passageway 438 extending through the nozzle 426 functions as a water inlet, thereby replacing the water inlet opening 432 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. An outlet 470 is adapted to threadedly engage a threaded portion 456 on the nozzle 426.
An 0-ring 472, jaw member 474, gasket 488, and lock nut 476 are positioned between a sidewall 482 of a bathtub 484 and the outer circumferential surface of a continuous loop of dual channel tubing 410 to form a water-tight seal for an opening in the side of the tubing 410. The lock nut 476 forces the 0-ring 472 into sealing engagement with the dual channel tubing 410. Another 0-ring 486 and a gasket 488 are 4~S4 forced into sealing engagement with the sidewall 482 of the bathtub 484 by the outlet 470. Although the direct con-nection of the nozzle 426 with the outlet 470 eliminates the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3, it necessitates arranging the water channel 416 alongside an air channel 414, rather -than above it.
The embodiment of Figure 9 also includes a con-tinuous piece of dual channel tubing 510 having a water channel 516, which is arranged alongside an air channel 514. Because the elbow 360 of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3 is dispensed with, an outlet 580 is internally threaded so that it can threadedly engage an externally threaded portion 556 on the free end of a large diameter portion 532 of a nozzle 526. 0-rings 572, 586, jaw member 574, gasket 588, and lock nut 576 form a water-tight seal for an opening 522 in the side of the tubing 510 and an opening in a sidewall 582 of a bathtub 584.
The Saddle Clamp Type Connector Assembly Embodiments As shown in Figure 5, a saddle clamp 610 includes a pair of clamp members 612, 614. The saddle member 612 is positioned on the upper side of a piece of dual channel tubing 616, the saddle member 614 being positioned on the lower side of the tubing 616 substantially diametrically opposite the saddle member 612.
The saddle member 612 has holes 618 passing com-pletely therethrough. The holes 618 are aligned with blind bores 620 in the adjacent surface of the saddle member 614.
The holes 618 and the bores 620 are internally threaded so as to receive externally threaded bolts 622 which maintain the saddle members 612 and 614 clamped about the tubing 616. The bolts 622 also permit the position of the saddle members 612, 614 to be adjusted with respect to each other.
4~5~
The saddle member 614 includes a passageway 624 extending therethrough below the dual channel tubing 616. A
water inlet opening 626 communicates between a water chan-nel 628 of the tubing 616 and the passageway 624. The passageway 6~4 also communicates with an air channel 630 through an air inlet opening 632 in the saddle member 614.
The portion of the passageway 624 between the water inlet opening 626 and the air inlet opening 632 includes a venturi 634 for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of the water and air through the passageway 6~4. The end of the passageway 624 nearest the air inlet opening 632 is internally threaded so as to receive an externally threaded portion of an outlet (not shown) mounted in the sidewall of a water receptacle, such as a bathtub. A plug 636 has an externally threaded portion 638 which threadedly engages an internally threaded portion of the passageway 624 at the opposite end thereof. An 0-ring 640 is disposed about a shank portion 642 of the plug 636 to provide a water-tight seal.
The saddle member 612 has an internally threaded opening 644 which communicates at one end with the air channel 630 of the tubing 610. An externally threaded plug 646 is threadedly received in the opening 644, so that the air channel 630 may be selectively opened and closed to the atmosphere.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate further exemplary embodiments of the connector assembly of Figure 5. The various elements illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 which cor-respond to elements described above with respect to Figure 5 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100 and 200, respectively. The embodiments of Figures 7 and 8 operate in the same manner as the embodiment of Figure 5, unless it is otherwise stated.
4S~5~
Referring to Figure 7, a water inlet opening 726 of a passageway 724 communicates with the interior of a water supply conduit 750. An air inlet opening 732 communi-cates between the passageway 724 and the interior of an air supply conduit 752.
As shown in Figure 8, a piece of dual channel tubing 816 is flanked on either side by saddle members 812, 814. The tubing 816 includes a partition 86- which extends across the interior thereof along a diameter or any other chord. An aperture 862 in the partition 860 permits a water channel 828 on one side of the partition 86- to communicate with an air channel 830 on the other side of the partition 860, the aperture 862 acting as a venturi for enhancing the mixture of water and air and for speeding the flow of water and air out of the tubing 816 and through a passageway 824 provided in the saddle member 814.
A vertical opening 842 in the saddle member 814 connects the air channel 830 to the atmosphere. A plug 844 threadedly received in the opening 842 permits the selec-tive opening and closing of the air channel 830 to theatmosphere.
A horizontal internally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 communicates with a water channel 828 of the tubing 816. A plug 872 has an externally threaded opening 870 in the saddle member 812 for permitting access to the water channel 828. An 0-ring 876 disposed about a shank portion 878 of the plug 872 forms a water-tight seal.
Method of Bending Dual Channel Tubing 3^ When a piece of dual channel tubing, like the dual channel tubing described above, is extruded in a single straight length of thermoplastic material, the tubing must be bent in order to match the contour of a l~Z4954 water receptacle, such as a bathtub. One especially advan-tageous method of bending such tubing involves using a Greenlee No. 850 PVC Bender which is filled with triethy-lene glycol. After the triethylene glycol is heated to about 230-260F., the dual channel tubing is inserted into the bath and maintained therein until the therrnoplastic material is sufficiently soft so as to render the tubing bendable. The tubing can then be bent, either in a direc-tion perpendicular to or parallel to the partition ex-tending across the interior of the tubing.
If difficulties are encountered in maintaining the original shape of the softened tubing, including the partition, during its cooling, the following procedure, which is described below with reference to Figure 11, may be followed. Referring to Figure 11, dual channel tubing 910 has a partition 912 which runs the length thereof. At predetermined locations, corresponding to the locations where a connector assembly will be attached to the tubing, three aligned holes 914, 916, 918 are formed in the tubing 910 prior to its softening. The holes 914, 916 are formed in opposite sides of the tubing 910, the other hole 918 being formed in the partition 912.
Either prior to, simultaneously with or imme-diately after the bending of the tubing 910 into a desired shape, a peg 920, which extends upwardly from a lower saddle member 922 of a saddle clamp 924, is inserted through the holes 914, 916, 918, and into a hole 926 in an upper saddle member 928 of the saddle clamp 924 to help maintain the original shape of the partition 912 as well as its proper orientation with respect to the rest of the l~Z~954 tubing 910. The saddle members 922 and 928 are then clamped over the outer surface of the tubing to help maintain its original cross-sectional shape, thereby aiding in the sup-port of the softened partition 912.
The tubing 910 can be cooled at room temperature.
Alternatively, cooling of the tubing 910 can be expedited by passing a cool fluid, such as air or water, in and/or around the softened tubing 910.
It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifica-tions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the invention and defined in the appended claims.
Claims (29)
1. A connector assembly for use in a whirlpool system, which includes a water supply channel and an air supply channel, comprising a nozzle insertable into the water and air supply channels, said nozzle including a passageway extending therethrough, first providing means for providing fluid communication between said passageway and the water supply channel, and second providing means, spaced from said first providing means, for providing fluid communication between said passageway and the air supply channel, the portion of said passageway between said first and second providing means including a venturi.
2. A connector assembly according to Claim 1, wherein said nozzle extends completely through the water and air supply channels.
3. A connector assembly according to Claim 2, wherein one end of said nozzle includes attaching means for removably attaching said nozzle to an outlet of the whirl-pool system and the other end of said nozzle includes preventing means for preventing fluid flow through said other end of said nozzle, said preventing means being removably attached to said other end of said nozzle, whereby access may be had to said passageway of said nozzle for the purpose of inspecting and cleaning said passageway.
4. A connector assembly according to Claim 3, further comprising clamping means for removably clamping said nozzle to the water and air supply channels.
5. A connector assembly according to Claim 3, wherein the water supply channel is one channel of a section of multiple channel tubing and the air supply channel is another channel of the multiple channel tubing.
6. A connector assembly according to Claim 5, further comprising first sealing means for sealing the water supply channel from the air supply channel.
7. A connector assembly according to Claim 6, further comprising clamping means for removably clamping said nozzle to the multiple channel tubing.
8. A connector assembly according to Claim 7, wherein the multiple channel tubing is dual channel tubing.
9. A connector assembly according to Claim 8, wherein said one end of said nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in one of the channels of the dual channel tubing and said other end of said nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in the other channel of the dual channel tubing.
10. A connector assembly according to Claim 9, further comprising second sealing means for sealing both of the openings provided in the dual channel tubing.
11. A connector assembly according to Claim 10, wherein said first and second sealing means include said clamping means.
12. A connector assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said attaching means attaches said nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system such that said nozzle is arranged vertically, whereby said first and second pro-viding means are arranged one above the other.
13. A connector assembly according to Claim 3, wherein said attaching means attaches said nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system such that said nozzle is arranged horizontally, whereby said first and second pro-viding means are arranged side by side.
14. A connector assembly according to Claim 2, wherein said first providing means is a first radially extending opening in said nozzle and said second providing means is a second radially extending opening in said nozzle.
15. A connector assembly according to Claim 1, wherein one end of said nozzle extends outwardly from one of the water and air supply channels and the other end of said nozzle communicates with the other of the water and air supply channels.
16. A connector assembly according to Claim 15, wherein said one end of said nozzle includes attaching means for removably attaching said nozzle to an outlet of the whirlpool system.
17. A connector assembly according to Claim 16, further comprising clamping means for removably clamping said nozzle to the water and air supply channels.
18. A connector assembly according to Claim 16, wherein the water supply channel is one channel of a section of multiple channel tubing and the air supply channel is another channel of the multiple channel tubing.
19. A connector assembly according to Claim 18, further comprising first sealing means for sealing the water supply channel from the air supply channel.
20. A connector assembly according to Claim 19, further comprising clamping means for removably clamping said nozzle to the multiple channel tubing.
21. A connector assembly according to Claim 20, wherein the multiple channel tubing is dual channel tubing.
22. A connector assembly according to Claim 21, wherein the dual channel tubing has an outer surface having a substantially circular transverse cross-sectional shape, the dual channel tubing including a partition extending across the interior thereof to form the water and air supply channels, said nozzle extending through the dual channel tubing substantially perpendicular to the partition.
23. A connector assembly according to Claim 22, wherein the partition extends generally diametrically across the interior of the dual channel tubing and said nozzle extends generally radially into the dual channel tubing.
24. A connector assembly according to Claim 22, wherein said nozzle has a length selected such that said other end of said nozzle is positioned in an opening in the partition of the dual channel tubing.
25. A connector assembly according to Claim 24, wherein said one end of said nozzle is sized and shaped so as to extend through an opening provided in the outer surface of the dual channel tubing.
26. A connector assembly according to Claim 25, further comprising second sealing means for sealing the opening in the outer surface of the dual channel tubing.
27. A connector assembly according to Claim 26, wherein said first and second sealing means include said clamping means.
28. A connector assembly according to Claim 26, wherein said first providing means is an axially extending opening in said nozzle and said second providing means is a radially extending opening in said nozzle.
29. A connector assembly according to Claim 16, wherein said attaching means attaches said nozzle to the outlet of the whirlpool system such that said nozzle is arranged horizontally.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA378,490A CA1124954A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1981-05-27 | Connector assembly for whirlpool system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US5,377 | 1979-01-22 | ||
| US06/005,377 US4240166A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1979-01-22 | Whirlpool system |
| CA000332319A CA1118551A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1979-07-23 | Whirlpool system |
| CA378,490A CA1124954A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1981-05-27 | Connector assembly for whirlpool system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1124954A true CA1124954A (en) | 1982-06-08 |
Family
ID=27166341
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA378,490A Expired CA1124954A (en) | 1979-01-22 | 1981-05-27 | Connector assembly for whirlpool system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1124954A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-05-27 CA CA378,490A patent/CA1124954A/en not_active Expired
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| MKEX | Expiry |