CA1287697C - Solid chlorine dispenser for spas - Google Patents
Solid chlorine dispenser for spasInfo
- Publication number
- CA1287697C CA1287697C CA 515807 CA515807A CA1287697C CA 1287697 C CA1287697 C CA 1287697C CA 515807 CA515807 CA 515807 CA 515807 A CA515807 A CA 515807A CA 1287697 C CA1287697 C CA 1287697C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sleeve
- container
- dispenser
- water
- solid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 title abstract description 28
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 title abstract description 28
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title abstract description 27
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 30
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000006261 foam material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- KZBUYRJDOAKODT-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine Chemical compound ClCl KZBUYRJDOAKODT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000007667 floating Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 5
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- 238000005660 chlorination reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 4
- GDTBXPJZTBHREO-UHFFFAOYSA-N bromine Substances BrBr GDTBXPJZTBHREO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- -1 bromine ions Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 229910052794 bromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- WKBOTKDWSSQWDR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Bromine atom Chemical compound [Br] WKBOTKDWSSQWDR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000026030 halogenation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005658 halogenation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007654 immersion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241000195493 Cryptophyta Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940000425 combination drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005336 cracking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000001475 halogen functional group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- PNDPGZBMCMUPRI-UHFFFAOYSA-N iodine Chemical compound II PNDPGZBMCMUPRI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000005923 long-lasting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005789 organism growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002984 plastic foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011343 solid material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002195 soluble material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000000391 vinyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])=C([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 229920002554 vinyl polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
- C02F1/685—Devices for dosing the additives
- C02F1/688—Devices in which the water progressively dissolves a solid compound
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F21/00—Dissolving
- B01F21/20—Dissolving using flow mixing
- B01F21/22—Dissolving using flow mixing using additional holders in conduits, containers or pools for keeping the solid material in place, e.g. supports or receptacles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
- B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
- B01F33/50—Movable or transportable mixing devices or plants
- B01F33/503—Floating mixing devices
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/42—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/4891—With holder for solid, flaky or pulverized material to be dissolved or entrained
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
SOLID CHLORINE DISPENSER FOR SPAS
Abstract of the Disclosure A chlorine dispenser for spas includes a tubular-container disposed within a sleeve having one closed end.
The container and sleeve form a chamber for receiving the solid chlorine source. The sleeve contains apertures for providing access by water to the solid chlorine source.
The sleeve is axially movable along the container, and a locknut engages the container to secure a given position of the sleeve. The container is attached to a foam-filled float, which ensures positive buoyancy of the dispenser in water. The sleeve is ballasted to ensure that the dispenser is vertically disposed in the water.
Abstract of the Disclosure A chlorine dispenser for spas includes a tubular-container disposed within a sleeve having one closed end.
The container and sleeve form a chamber for receiving the solid chlorine source. The sleeve contains apertures for providing access by water to the solid chlorine source.
The sleeve is axially movable along the container, and a locknut engages the container to secure a given position of the sleeve. The container is attached to a foam-filled float, which ensures positive buoyancy of the dispenser in water. The sleeve is ballasted to ensure that the dispenser is vertically disposed in the water.
Description
` ~ 2a7~97 . R14 :16931 :CKS 1-- SOLID CE3LORINE DISPENSER E'OR SPAS
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a device for dispensing a soluble solid source of chlorine or other halogen in a spa, S hot tub or swimming pool.
sackground of the Invention .
Unless controlled, the water in swim~ning pools, spas, hot tubs, and the like can become contaminated with algae and similar organisms. The contaminant growth is ~ usually controlled by the addition of chlorine to ~he water. The amount of chlorine required to maintain the water in a substantially organism-free state depends on the size of the pool or spa, the climatic conditions, the temperature of the water, and the extent of use of the pool 15 or spa. The hot water found in spas and hot tubs necessitates the frequent addition of chlorine, because the material added rapidly loses effectiveness. A device that can be placed in the water to dispense chlorine in controlled amounts relieves the spa owner of the necessity of re~ularly monitoring and maintaining the chlorine content of the water.
Chlorine dispensing devices exist far swimming poois. One such device, among many, is the Rainbow Plastics Model 330 floating dispenser for solid chlorine.
~his dispenser resembles an inverted hollow truncated cone.
The interior serves as a receptacle into which granular pellets of water-soluble chlorine material are placed.
Around the circumference of the receptacle adjacent to the bottom there are apertures consisting of elongated vertical slots~ The slots cooperate with a similarly slotted sleeve a.ound the exterior of the container. The sleeve can be adjusted so that the slots are fully closed, fully opel)ed, 3~
`` ~2~7~9~
Rl~: 16931 :CKS --2--or in between. The top of the receptacle is closable by a 'lid. The walls of the container are hollow and are filled with closed-cell plastic foam. The cavity in which the foam is located is hermetically sealed. When ~illed with a soluble solid source of chlorine or bromine ions and floated in a swimming pool, the pool water contacts the, source material in the receptacle to dissolve the source material, thereby releasing the active constituent of the material into the water. The rate at which such solution and release occurs is regulated by the extent to which the apertures in the receptacle are opened or closed by the position of the adjustment sleeve on the exterior of the receptacle. ,This dispenser is not conveniently usable in a spa because the effective size of the apertures cannot be regulated precisely enough to prevent the dispenser ~rom over-chlorinating the spa,water whichr by reason of its te~perature, acts more rapidly on the source ma'terial than the usually cooler water in a swimming pool. Also, this dispenser has a relatively large capacity for containing, the source material so that, even when its apertures are very nearly closed, substantial quantities of source material are wetted and dissolved.
Other prior art products include cumbersome floating structures, each receiving a non-openable replaceable 25 cartridge that contains the slowly soluble source of chlorine or other halogen. The exterior of the cartridge contains ribs which cooperatè with the slots in the large float to hold the cartridge in a selected position vertically relative to the float. The containers are molded with bumps axially spaced along the container adjacent to the bottom end and a single bump adjacent to the top end. The user cuts off on~ or more bottam bumps to ~ 16931:CKS -3-define the extent to which water communicates with the inside o~ the container, and cuts off the top bump to provide air communication to the inside of the container.
The container is then placed into the large float and the resultin~ assembly is placed in the pool. water then ~ills the cartridge to the waterline of the flo-ating assembly;
the vertical position o~ the cartridge in the float determines the extent to which the cartridge contents are wetted.
There are several practical difficulties with these last products. They are quite largQ and so do not fit well into a spa or hot tub. Their size makes them cumbersome to remove from the spa when the spa is to b'e used. They are aesthetically unappealing. They cannot reliably be adjusted to provide the precise solution rates 'needed for - efficient chlorination ('halogenation) of spas and hot tubs .
~because of the crude and imprecise manner in which communication of water to the interior of the cartridge is provided. They are essentially floating packages of ~ halo~en source material designed by major source material manufacturers whose purpose is to market source material;
the user cannot change source material without changing the entire dispenser; the user cannot use any source material he wishes.
In a dispenser for spas, it is important that the rate of solution of the source material be precisely controllable over a range commensurate with the lower chlorination requirements of spas as compared to swimming pools. The dispenser should not be too bulky so as not to create an obstruction in the spa. The dispenser should enable the user to select, as he chooses, ~rom among many co~mercially available source materials. ~inally, the J ~ i97 R14:16931:CKS -4-dispenser should be made of a material resistant to damase from prolonged exposure to sunlight and chemicals.
Summary of the Inventiorl This invention provides a floating device for dispensing into a body of water a solution of desired nature created by the action of water on a suitable solid material in the device. The dispenser device is well suited for dispensing biologically active halogen into a spa or hot tub with a degree of precision not achievable with devices heretofore available. The dispenser is compact, aesthetically attractive, long lasting, easily fillable and precisely adjustable, and is effective and ef~icient. The dispenser can be used wlth soluble source matqrial of diverse manufacture, thus giving the user freedom to select the source material he deems best for his needs. The dispenser is especially useful with source materials provided in tabletor stick form.
Generally speaking, the dispenser of this invention comprises a tubular body for receiving a quantity of the solid to be dissolved. The body has a closed end and an open end and is adapted to be vertically disposed in the water with its open end down. A sleeve has an open end in which the open end of the body is disposable and axially movable. The sleeve has a closed end and apertures through its walls adjacent the- closed end. Means are provided for securing the sleeve in a desired location axially of the body within a range of such locations. Also, means are provided for causing the combination of the body, the sleeve, and contents of the body and sleeve to have positive buoyancy in water and to float with the body in a vertical attitude.
R14:16931:CKS -5~
To use the dispens~r, the sleeve is r~oved from the body, which is then inverted and loaded with a solid source of chlorine or other product. The sleeve is then threaaed onto the body and fixed at the desired position. The dispenser is turned so that a ballasted end of the sleeve points downward and is dropped into the spa. An air pocket forms inside the body and water thus rises inside the body only to the extent permitted by the degree of immersion, not to the waterline at which the dispenser then floats.
Consequently, the portion of the soluble solid in contact with water at any time depends on the degree of closure of - the slots, which in turn determines how much of the source material will be below the trapped air bubble in the body.
The adjustable effective size of the slots determine$ the rate at which water can circulate past the source material to act upon it and to dissolve the material so as to release the desired biologically active ions of chlorine o~
other halogen. Thus, the rate at which the solid dissolves can be precisely controlled.
As used herein, unless the sense of the usage indicates otherwise, the term "chlorine" re~ers to any suitable halogen (chlorine, bromine, iodine, or fluarine), and "chlorinate" or "chlorination" also means "halogenate"
or "halogenation," respectively.
.
.
`` ~ 2~76~7 R14:16931:CKS -6-Detailed Description of the Drawinqs . . _ . . _ FIC.1 is a perspective drawing of the assembled dispenser;
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the dispenser in a disassembled state; and FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-section of the assembled dispenser shown in FI~. 1. ~
~ 4'J3~ 7 R14:16~31:C~S -7-Detailed Description . .
FIGS. 1 and 2 ~how a presently preEerred solid chlorine dispenser 6. The chlorine source or other soluble solid 11 (see FIG. 3) is contained within a chamber ~
defined ~y a tubular body or contain~r 10 disposed within a sleeve 12. The container has an open lower end 8 and a closed upper end 9. It includes external threads 14 around its circum~erence along its entire length.
Sleeve 12 has a closed lower end 13, which is fitted with a cap 16. As can be seen in FIG.3, the cap cooperates with the extreme lower end of the sleeve to define a cavity in which is housed a lead disk 18 which serves as ballast for the dispenser. Adjacent to an open upper end 15 the sleeve defines internal threads 20. The internal threads on the sleeve cooperate with external threads 14 on the container. The position of the sleeve axially on the container can thus be precisely controlled.
The exterior of the container includes numerically designated gradations or other suitable indicia 22 to assist the user in determining the correct position of the sleeve on the container.
A locknut 24 is threaded onto the container. The locknut cooperates with the external threads on the container and with the open end of the sleeve to secure the axially adjusted position of the sleeve on the container.
Although a nut is preferred, other means for securing a given position of the sleeve on the container may be employed.
The walls of the sleeve define two sets of elongated slots or apertures 26, located diametrically opposite to each other. The slots extend along the sleeve ~rom its closed lower end to adjacent its internally threaded upper 7~i97 R14~16931:CKS -8-end. The slots allow water to comlnunicate between the int~rior and exterior of the sleeve. The slots can be fully opened or fully closed or anywhere in between; the degree of closure is regulated by the position of the sleeve on the container and secured by the position of the locknut.
The closed end of container 10 is attached to ~
hollow pancake-shaped float 28 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the container. FIG. 3 shows that the float is filled with a foam-like material 30. The foam-like material ensures that the dispenser has positive buoyancy in water and does not sink. -Closed-cell~ foam - rather than sponge-like foam is a preferred filling.
The foam-filled float and the ballasted sleeve cooperate to ensure that the container and sleeve combina-tion remains vertically disposed below water level. The device thus has spar-type geometry. If the device was not ballasted, it could float horizontally, and the access of water to the chamber formed by the sleeve and the container could not be precisely controlled.
To use the dispenser, the user disassembles the container and sleeve, inverts the container and loads it with solid chlorine granules, sticks or tablets. The sleeve is then threaded onto the container and axially adjusted at the desired position on the stem. The dispenser is turned upright, i.e., the float is above the container and sleeve combination and is placed in the spa or hot tub. Because the lower end o~ the sleeve is ballasted, the product floats in a fully upright position with only the pancake-type float visible.
The chamber formed by the container and sleeve has no opening to the atmosphere at its upper end; the only ' ~.2~3769~7 , R14 :16931 :CKS -9-opening ;s at the lower end. Consequently, when the dispenser is immersed in water, an air pocket forms at the upper end of the con~ainer. For the air pocket to form, it is important that the device be dropped into the water in an upright position. water rises inside the container only to the extent permitted by the degree of immersion of the dispenser. The air pocket ensures that only the bottom portion of the soluble material inside the dispenser is in contact with the water in thè spa; after the material dissolves, the remaining material also becomes accessible to contact with water. The amount of material accessible to the water and there~ore the rate at which it dissolves depends on the degree o~ closure of the apertures~ The high degree of adjustability of the size of the apertures-thus enables the user to exert a very precise control overthe amount of chlorine source material that is in contact with the water, and therefore over the rate at which the source material dissolves.
It is contemplated that the dispenser will be primarily used by owners of small spas, hot tubs, or jac~z-zis. However, the dispenser could also ,be used to chlori-nate a small swimming pool. Since more chlorine is neces-sary to chlorinate a pool than a spa, the sleeve and the container would be filled with the solid chlorine source to the greatest extent possible and the dispenser would ~e assembled with the container only slightly threaded onto the sleeve. The user then would immerse the product in a swimming pool in an inverted state so that there would be no air bubbles trapped inside the dispenser. After the user releases the dispenser, it floats in an upright state.
Since there are no air bubbles insi~e the dispenser, all the chlorine source material would be ~etted, and would 37~i9'7 R 1 4 : 1 6 9 3 1 : C K S - 1 0 -dissolve faster to meet the greater chlorination require-ments of a swimming pool.
Chlorine granules, sticks or tablets are presently the most commonly used means of controlling organism growth in spas and hot tubs. However, the dispenser can also be used with any other suitable-solid. For instance, bromine sticks can be used to brominate the pool or spa.
In the preferred embodiment, the dispenser is injection-molded of a rigid polyethylene materials.
However, other injection-moldable resins such as polypro-pylene or vinyl may also be suitable. Polyethylene is quite chemically-resistant and thus resists cracking due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and chlorinated water.
Manufacturing processes other than injection molding may be used to define the dispenser.
Workers skilled in the art to which this inventian pertains will recognize that the foregoing description, presented with reference to the presently prefer~ed embodiment of the invention, is illustrative and not exh~ustive of all forms which apparatus embodying the invention may take. Thus, the following claims are to be construed and interpreted consistent with the illustrative nature of the preceding description.
Field of the Invention This invention relates to a device for dispensing a soluble solid source of chlorine or other halogen in a spa, S hot tub or swimming pool.
sackground of the Invention .
Unless controlled, the water in swim~ning pools, spas, hot tubs, and the like can become contaminated with algae and similar organisms. The contaminant growth is ~ usually controlled by the addition of chlorine to ~he water. The amount of chlorine required to maintain the water in a substantially organism-free state depends on the size of the pool or spa, the climatic conditions, the temperature of the water, and the extent of use of the pool 15 or spa. The hot water found in spas and hot tubs necessitates the frequent addition of chlorine, because the material added rapidly loses effectiveness. A device that can be placed in the water to dispense chlorine in controlled amounts relieves the spa owner of the necessity of re~ularly monitoring and maintaining the chlorine content of the water.
Chlorine dispensing devices exist far swimming poois. One such device, among many, is the Rainbow Plastics Model 330 floating dispenser for solid chlorine.
~his dispenser resembles an inverted hollow truncated cone.
The interior serves as a receptacle into which granular pellets of water-soluble chlorine material are placed.
Around the circumference of the receptacle adjacent to the bottom there are apertures consisting of elongated vertical slots~ The slots cooperate with a similarly slotted sleeve a.ound the exterior of the container. The sleeve can be adjusted so that the slots are fully closed, fully opel)ed, 3~
`` ~2~7~9~
Rl~: 16931 :CKS --2--or in between. The top of the receptacle is closable by a 'lid. The walls of the container are hollow and are filled with closed-cell plastic foam. The cavity in which the foam is located is hermetically sealed. When ~illed with a soluble solid source of chlorine or bromine ions and floated in a swimming pool, the pool water contacts the, source material in the receptacle to dissolve the source material, thereby releasing the active constituent of the material into the water. The rate at which such solution and release occurs is regulated by the extent to which the apertures in the receptacle are opened or closed by the position of the adjustment sleeve on the exterior of the receptacle. ,This dispenser is not conveniently usable in a spa because the effective size of the apertures cannot be regulated precisely enough to prevent the dispenser ~rom over-chlorinating the spa,water whichr by reason of its te~perature, acts more rapidly on the source ma'terial than the usually cooler water in a swimming pool. Also, this dispenser has a relatively large capacity for containing, the source material so that, even when its apertures are very nearly closed, substantial quantities of source material are wetted and dissolved.
Other prior art products include cumbersome floating structures, each receiving a non-openable replaceable 25 cartridge that contains the slowly soluble source of chlorine or other halogen. The exterior of the cartridge contains ribs which cooperatè with the slots in the large float to hold the cartridge in a selected position vertically relative to the float. The containers are molded with bumps axially spaced along the container adjacent to the bottom end and a single bump adjacent to the top end. The user cuts off on~ or more bottam bumps to ~ 16931:CKS -3-define the extent to which water communicates with the inside o~ the container, and cuts off the top bump to provide air communication to the inside of the container.
The container is then placed into the large float and the resultin~ assembly is placed in the pool. water then ~ills the cartridge to the waterline of the flo-ating assembly;
the vertical position o~ the cartridge in the float determines the extent to which the cartridge contents are wetted.
There are several practical difficulties with these last products. They are quite largQ and so do not fit well into a spa or hot tub. Their size makes them cumbersome to remove from the spa when the spa is to b'e used. They are aesthetically unappealing. They cannot reliably be adjusted to provide the precise solution rates 'needed for - efficient chlorination ('halogenation) of spas and hot tubs .
~because of the crude and imprecise manner in which communication of water to the interior of the cartridge is provided. They are essentially floating packages of ~ halo~en source material designed by major source material manufacturers whose purpose is to market source material;
the user cannot change source material without changing the entire dispenser; the user cannot use any source material he wishes.
In a dispenser for spas, it is important that the rate of solution of the source material be precisely controllable over a range commensurate with the lower chlorination requirements of spas as compared to swimming pools. The dispenser should not be too bulky so as not to create an obstruction in the spa. The dispenser should enable the user to select, as he chooses, ~rom among many co~mercially available source materials. ~inally, the J ~ i97 R14:16931:CKS -4-dispenser should be made of a material resistant to damase from prolonged exposure to sunlight and chemicals.
Summary of the Inventiorl This invention provides a floating device for dispensing into a body of water a solution of desired nature created by the action of water on a suitable solid material in the device. The dispenser device is well suited for dispensing biologically active halogen into a spa or hot tub with a degree of precision not achievable with devices heretofore available. The dispenser is compact, aesthetically attractive, long lasting, easily fillable and precisely adjustable, and is effective and ef~icient. The dispenser can be used wlth soluble source matqrial of diverse manufacture, thus giving the user freedom to select the source material he deems best for his needs. The dispenser is especially useful with source materials provided in tabletor stick form.
Generally speaking, the dispenser of this invention comprises a tubular body for receiving a quantity of the solid to be dissolved. The body has a closed end and an open end and is adapted to be vertically disposed in the water with its open end down. A sleeve has an open end in which the open end of the body is disposable and axially movable. The sleeve has a closed end and apertures through its walls adjacent the- closed end. Means are provided for securing the sleeve in a desired location axially of the body within a range of such locations. Also, means are provided for causing the combination of the body, the sleeve, and contents of the body and sleeve to have positive buoyancy in water and to float with the body in a vertical attitude.
R14:16931:CKS -5~
To use the dispens~r, the sleeve is r~oved from the body, which is then inverted and loaded with a solid source of chlorine or other product. The sleeve is then threaaed onto the body and fixed at the desired position. The dispenser is turned so that a ballasted end of the sleeve points downward and is dropped into the spa. An air pocket forms inside the body and water thus rises inside the body only to the extent permitted by the degree of immersion, not to the waterline at which the dispenser then floats.
Consequently, the portion of the soluble solid in contact with water at any time depends on the degree of closure of - the slots, which in turn determines how much of the source material will be below the trapped air bubble in the body.
The adjustable effective size of the slots determine$ the rate at which water can circulate past the source material to act upon it and to dissolve the material so as to release the desired biologically active ions of chlorine o~
other halogen. Thus, the rate at which the solid dissolves can be precisely controlled.
As used herein, unless the sense of the usage indicates otherwise, the term "chlorine" re~ers to any suitable halogen (chlorine, bromine, iodine, or fluarine), and "chlorinate" or "chlorination" also means "halogenate"
or "halogenation," respectively.
.
.
`` ~ 2~76~7 R14:16931:CKS -6-Detailed Description of the Drawinqs . . _ . . _ FIC.1 is a perspective drawing of the assembled dispenser;
FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of the dispenser in a disassembled state; and FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-section of the assembled dispenser shown in FI~. 1. ~
~ 4'J3~ 7 R14:16~31:C~S -7-Detailed Description . .
FIGS. 1 and 2 ~how a presently preEerred solid chlorine dispenser 6. The chlorine source or other soluble solid 11 (see FIG. 3) is contained within a chamber ~
defined ~y a tubular body or contain~r 10 disposed within a sleeve 12. The container has an open lower end 8 and a closed upper end 9. It includes external threads 14 around its circum~erence along its entire length.
Sleeve 12 has a closed lower end 13, which is fitted with a cap 16. As can be seen in FIG.3, the cap cooperates with the extreme lower end of the sleeve to define a cavity in which is housed a lead disk 18 which serves as ballast for the dispenser. Adjacent to an open upper end 15 the sleeve defines internal threads 20. The internal threads on the sleeve cooperate with external threads 14 on the container. The position of the sleeve axially on the container can thus be precisely controlled.
The exterior of the container includes numerically designated gradations or other suitable indicia 22 to assist the user in determining the correct position of the sleeve on the container.
A locknut 24 is threaded onto the container. The locknut cooperates with the external threads on the container and with the open end of the sleeve to secure the axially adjusted position of the sleeve on the container.
Although a nut is preferred, other means for securing a given position of the sleeve on the container may be employed.
The walls of the sleeve define two sets of elongated slots or apertures 26, located diametrically opposite to each other. The slots extend along the sleeve ~rom its closed lower end to adjacent its internally threaded upper 7~i97 R14~16931:CKS -8-end. The slots allow water to comlnunicate between the int~rior and exterior of the sleeve. The slots can be fully opened or fully closed or anywhere in between; the degree of closure is regulated by the position of the sleeve on the container and secured by the position of the locknut.
The closed end of container 10 is attached to ~
hollow pancake-shaped float 28 having a diameter greater than the diameter of the container. FIG. 3 shows that the float is filled with a foam-like material 30. The foam-like material ensures that the dispenser has positive buoyancy in water and does not sink. -Closed-cell~ foam - rather than sponge-like foam is a preferred filling.
The foam-filled float and the ballasted sleeve cooperate to ensure that the container and sleeve combina-tion remains vertically disposed below water level. The device thus has spar-type geometry. If the device was not ballasted, it could float horizontally, and the access of water to the chamber formed by the sleeve and the container could not be precisely controlled.
To use the dispenser, the user disassembles the container and sleeve, inverts the container and loads it with solid chlorine granules, sticks or tablets. The sleeve is then threaded onto the container and axially adjusted at the desired position on the stem. The dispenser is turned upright, i.e., the float is above the container and sleeve combination and is placed in the spa or hot tub. Because the lower end o~ the sleeve is ballasted, the product floats in a fully upright position with only the pancake-type float visible.
The chamber formed by the container and sleeve has no opening to the atmosphere at its upper end; the only ' ~.2~3769~7 , R14 :16931 :CKS -9-opening ;s at the lower end. Consequently, when the dispenser is immersed in water, an air pocket forms at the upper end of the con~ainer. For the air pocket to form, it is important that the device be dropped into the water in an upright position. water rises inside the container only to the extent permitted by the degree of immersion of the dispenser. The air pocket ensures that only the bottom portion of the soluble material inside the dispenser is in contact with the water in thè spa; after the material dissolves, the remaining material also becomes accessible to contact with water. The amount of material accessible to the water and there~ore the rate at which it dissolves depends on the degree o~ closure of the apertures~ The high degree of adjustability of the size of the apertures-thus enables the user to exert a very precise control overthe amount of chlorine source material that is in contact with the water, and therefore over the rate at which the source material dissolves.
It is contemplated that the dispenser will be primarily used by owners of small spas, hot tubs, or jac~z-zis. However, the dispenser could also ,be used to chlori-nate a small swimming pool. Since more chlorine is neces-sary to chlorinate a pool than a spa, the sleeve and the container would be filled with the solid chlorine source to the greatest extent possible and the dispenser would ~e assembled with the container only slightly threaded onto the sleeve. The user then would immerse the product in a swimming pool in an inverted state so that there would be no air bubbles trapped inside the dispenser. After the user releases the dispenser, it floats in an upright state.
Since there are no air bubbles insi~e the dispenser, all the chlorine source material would be ~etted, and would 37~i9'7 R 1 4 : 1 6 9 3 1 : C K S - 1 0 -dissolve faster to meet the greater chlorination require-ments of a swimming pool.
Chlorine granules, sticks or tablets are presently the most commonly used means of controlling organism growth in spas and hot tubs. However, the dispenser can also be used with any other suitable-solid. For instance, bromine sticks can be used to brominate the pool or spa.
In the preferred embodiment, the dispenser is injection-molded of a rigid polyethylene materials.
However, other injection-moldable resins such as polypro-pylene or vinyl may also be suitable. Polyethylene is quite chemically-resistant and thus resists cracking due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and chlorinated water.
Manufacturing processes other than injection molding may be used to define the dispenser.
Workers skilled in the art to which this inventian pertains will recognize that the foregoing description, presented with reference to the presently prefer~ed embodiment of the invention, is illustrative and not exh~ustive of all forms which apparatus embodying the invention may take. Thus, the following claims are to be construed and interpreted consistent with the illustrative nature of the preceding description.
Claims (3)
1. A reusable device for dispensing a solution derived from a solid into a body of water, comprising:
a tubular container having a closed end and an open end;
a sleeve having one closed end and one open end threadable at the open end thereof onto the open end of the container so that the sleeve and the container define a chamber of variable length for receiving the solid;
apertures in the walls of the sleeve proximately adjacent to the closed end of the sleeve where the degree of closure of the apertures is variable from a fully closed position to a fully open position dependent upon the location of the sleeve axially on the container;
a float member larger in diameter than the container filled with foam attached to the container at the closed end thereof;
ballast contained within the sleeve adjacent the closed end thereof;
the float member, ballast and structure and material of the container and sleeve being co-operatively defined to cause the device to float erect, with the sleeve closed end down, irrespective of the quantity of solid in the chamber and irrespective of the presence or absence of air in the chamber above the open end of the container; and a nut co-operable between the container and the sleeve for securing the sleeve in a desired location on the container.
a tubular container having a closed end and an open end;
a sleeve having one closed end and one open end threadable at the open end thereof onto the open end of the container so that the sleeve and the container define a chamber of variable length for receiving the solid;
apertures in the walls of the sleeve proximately adjacent to the closed end of the sleeve where the degree of closure of the apertures is variable from a fully closed position to a fully open position dependent upon the location of the sleeve axially on the container;
a float member larger in diameter than the container filled with foam attached to the container at the closed end thereof;
ballast contained within the sleeve adjacent the closed end thereof;
the float member, ballast and structure and material of the container and sleeve being co-operatively defined to cause the device to float erect, with the sleeve closed end down, irrespective of the quantity of solid in the chamber and irrespective of the presence or absence of air in the chamber above the open end of the container; and a nut co-operable between the container and the sleeve for securing the sleeve in a desired location on the container.
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the float member is hollow and is filled with closed-cell foam material.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1, further compris-ing indicia on the sleeve for indicating the position of the sleeve on the container.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/803,635 US4630634A (en) | 1985-12-02 | 1985-12-02 | Solid chlorine dispenser for spas |
| US803,635 | 1985-12-02 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1287697C true CA1287697C (en) | 1991-08-13 |
Family
ID=25187073
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 515807 Expired - Lifetime CA1287697C (en) | 1985-12-02 | 1986-08-12 | Solid chlorine dispenser for spas |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4630634A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1287697C (en) |
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-
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- 1985-12-02 US US06/803,635 patent/US4630634A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4630634A (en) | 1986-12-23 |
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| MKLA | Lapsed |