EP1737411A4 - Self draining fitting for a whirlpool bath - Google Patents
Self draining fitting for a whirlpool bathInfo
- Publication number
- EP1737411A4 EP1737411A4 EP05706471A EP05706471A EP1737411A4 EP 1737411 A4 EP1737411 A4 EP 1737411A4 EP 05706471 A EP05706471 A EP 05706471A EP 05706471 A EP05706471 A EP 05706471A EP 1737411 A4 EP1737411 A4 EP 1737411A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fitting
- axis
- recited
- whirlpool bath
- defines
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
- A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
- A61H33/6021—Nozzles
- A61H33/6063—Specifically adapted for fitting in bathtub walls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H2033/0008—Arrangement for cleaning the installation before or after use
- A61H2033/0033—Arrangement for cleaning the installation before or after use by draining-off pumps, nozzles, waterlines by gravity
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a whirlpool tub fitting, and more particularly to a fitting that minimizes water retention within a whirlpool bath system.
- Whirlpool baths are used for recreational and medicinal purposes in homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals.
- Conventional whirlpool baths pump water from the interior of the bathtub through a water circulation, system of generally inaccessible piping located on the outside of the bath. Water is intaked through a suction fitting within the bath, communicated through the exterior piping, and forced back into the interior of the bath through jets positioned therein.
- conventional whirlpool baths may not completely drain the exterior piping after use and may retain a least some quantity of water therein.
- the whirlpool tub fitting assembly includes a cover, a threaded nut, a threaded fitting, and an offset elbow.
- Each fitting assembly is located in a respective aperture in the tub wall and the threaded nut is threaded onto corresponding fitting threads to retain the threaded fitting in the tub wall.
- the cover is attached to the fitting to cover a conduit formed within the threaded fitting.
- the conduit includes an internal diameter that receives the offset elbow, which is bonded therein. Water circulation system piping is then bonded to the offset elbow.
- the threaded fitting defines a first axis, which is generally perpendicular to the tub wall.
- the threaded fitting defines axis A.
- the conduit formed within the fitting defines a second axis B, which is transverse to the first axis A.
- the inner diameter defined by the conduit defines axis B.
- the conduit defines a threaded fitting draft angle of approximately 15 degrees relative axis A.
- the fitting draft angle is approximately 15 degrees, any water within the piping will drain into the tub rather than being retained therein.
- the present invention therefore provides a whirlpool bath water circulation system that minimizes water retention therein.
- Figure 1A is a general top view of a whirlpool tub for use with the present invention
- Figure IB is a general side view of a whirlpool tub for use with the present invention
- Figure 2 is an exploded view of a suction assembly
- Figure 3 is an assembled view of a fitting assembly
- Figure 4 is a sectional view of a threaded fitting
- Figure 5 is a front view of a threaded fitting assembly.
- FIG. 1A and IB illustrates a whirlpool bathtub assembly 10.
- the whirlpool bathtub assembly 10 includes a water circulation system 12, which communicates water from a suction assembly 14 located within the tub 16 through a multiple of jets 18 also located within the tub 16.
- a pump 20 circulates the water through piping 22 (illustrated somewhat schematically) located external of the tub 16. It should be understood that various water circulation system piping arrangements will benefit from the present invention.
- the piping 22 is connected to the suction assembly 14 and each of the jets 18 through a threaded fitting 24, which is preferably located through an aperture 28 formed into a tub wall 26 which forms the interior of the tub 16.
- the tub wall 26 defines a tub wall draft angle in which the tub wall 26 is sloped inward toward the bottom of the tub 16.
- the tub draft angle is typically approximately 3-5 degrees.
- the suction assembly 14 is illustrated in an exploded view.
- the suction assembly 14 includes a suction cover 30, a threaded nut 32, the fitting 24, and an offset elbow 34. It should be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit from the instant invention.
- each threaded fitting 24 is located in respective aperture 28 in the tub wall 26 and the threaded nut 32 is threaded onto corresponding fitting threads 35 to retain the fitting 24 in the tub wall 26 ( Figure 3).
- the suction cover 30 is attached to the fitting 24 to cover a conduit 36 formed within the threaded fitting 24.
- the conduit 36 defines an inner diameter 38 which receives an outer diameter section 40 of the offset elbow 34.
- the piping 22 ( Figure 1) is then mounted into the offset elbow 34. It should be understood that attachment such as heat staking, snap fit, adhesives and the like will also benefit from the present invention.
- the threaded fitting 24 defines a first axis A, which is generally perpendicular to the tub wall 26. Axis A is defined by the fitting threads 35.
- the conduit. 36 formed within the threaded fitting 24 defines a second axis B, which is transverse to the first axis A.
- the second axis B preferably defines a fitting draft angle of approximately 15 degrees relative axis A. As the tub wall 26 is angled at approximately 3-5 degrees and the fitting draft angle is approximately 15 degrees, any water within the piping 22 ( Figure 1) will drain into the tub rather than being retained therein.
- An opening 42 from the conduit 36 is preferably located offset within the face of the threaded fitting 24.
- the opening 42 is located below the center of the threaded fitting 24 when viewed facing toward the tub wall 26.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Percussion Or Vibration Massage (AREA)
- Housings, Intake/Discharge, And Installation Of Fluid Heaters (AREA)
Abstract
A whirlpool tub fitting assembly includes a suction cover, a threaded nut, a threaded fitting, and an offset elbow. The fitting assembly is located in a respective aperture in the tub wall. The threaded fitting defines a conduit fitting draft angle of approximately 15 degrees. As tub walls are typically angled at approximately 3-5 degrees and the fitting draft angle is approximately 15 degrees, water within the piping will drain into the tub rather than being retained within the elbow.
Description
SELF DRAINING FITTING FOR A WHIRLPOOL BATH
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a whirlpool tub fitting, and more particularly to a fitting that minimizes water retention within a whirlpool bath system. Whirlpool baths are used for recreational and medicinal purposes in homes, rehabilitation centers, and hospitals. Conventional whirlpool baths pump water from the interior of the bathtub through a water circulation, system of generally inaccessible piping located on the outside of the bath. Water is intaked through a suction fitting within the bath, communicated through the exterior piping, and forced back into the interior of the bath through jets positioned therein. Disadvantageously, conventional whirlpool baths may not completely drain the exterior piping after use and may retain a least some quantity of water therein. Failure to completely drain the exterior piping may create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi found in bath residue. To mitigate such lack of complete drainage, many manufacturers recommend that the whirlpools be regularly drained and cleaned. However, no conventional whirlpool bath circulation system can be fully drained. Complete cleaning of the water circulation system is typically achieved only with specialized equipment that will heat, convey, and concentrate special cleaning solutions throughout the water circulation system piping. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a whirlpool bath water circulation system that minimizes water retention therein. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The whirlpool tub fitting assembly according to the present invention includes a cover, a threaded nut, a threaded fitting, and an offset elbow. Each fitting assembly is located in a respective aperture in the tub wall and the threaded nut is threaded onto corresponding fitting threads to retain the threaded fitting in the tub wall. The cover is attached to the fitting to cover a conduit formed within the threaded fitting. The conduit includes an internal diameter that receives the offset
elbow, which is bonded therein. Water circulation system piping is then bonded to the offset elbow. The threaded fitting defines a first axis, which is generally perpendicular to the tub wall. The threaded fitting defines axis A. The conduit formed within the fitting defines a second axis B, which is transverse to the first axis A. The inner diameter defined by the conduit defines axis B. The conduit defines a threaded fitting draft angle of approximately 15 degrees relative axis A. As the tub wall is angled at approximately 3-5 degrees and the fitting draft angle is approximately 15 degrees, any water within the piping will drain into the tub rather than being retained therein. The present invention therefore provides a whirlpool bath water circulation system that minimizes water retention therein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the currently preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows: Figure 1A is a general top view of a whirlpool tub for use with the present invention; Figure IB is a general side view of a whirlpool tub for use with the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a suction assembly; Figure 3 is an assembled view of a fitting assembly; Figure 4 is a sectional view of a threaded fitting; and Figure 5 is a front view of a threaded fitting assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Figures 1A and IB illustrates a whirlpool bathtub assembly 10. It should be understood that although a particular tub is illustrated, "Whirlpool bathtub" is intended to encompass all types of tubs, whirlpools, Jacuzzis, and other containers in which it is necessary to circulate a fluid. The whirlpool bathtub assembly 10
includes a water circulation system 12, which communicates water from a suction assembly 14 located within the tub 16 through a multiple of jets 18 also located within the tub 16. A pump 20 circulates the water through piping 22 (illustrated somewhat schematically) located external of the tub 16. It should be understood that various water circulation system piping arrangements will benefit from the present invention. The piping 22 is connected to the suction assembly 14 and each of the jets 18 through a threaded fitting 24, which is preferably located through an aperture 28 formed into a tub wall 26 which forms the interior of the tub 16. The tub wall 26 defines a tub wall draft angle in which the tub wall 26 is sloped inward toward the bottom of the tub 16. The tub draft angle is typically approximately 3-5 degrees. Referring to Figure 2, the suction assembly 14 is illustrated in an exploded view. The suction assembly 14 includes a suction cover 30, a threaded nut 32, the fitting 24, and an offset elbow 34. It should be understood that although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will benefit from the instant invention. It should be understood that the water jet 18 as well as other components will likewise benefit from the threaded fitting 24 of the present invention. Each threaded fitting 24 is located in respective aperture 28 in the tub wall 26 and the threaded nut 32 is threaded onto corresponding fitting threads 35 to retain the fitting 24 in the tub wall 26 (Figure 3). The suction cover 30 is attached to the fitting 24 to cover a conduit 36 formed within the threaded fitting 24. The conduit 36 defines an inner diameter 38 which receives an outer diameter section 40 of the offset elbow 34. The piping 22 (Figure 1) is then mounted into the offset elbow 34. It should be understood that attachment such as heat staking, snap fit, adhesives and the like will also benefit from the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the threaded fitting 24 defines a first axis A, which is generally perpendicular to the tub wall 26. Axis A is defined by the fitting threads 35. The conduit. 36 formed within the threaded fitting 24 defines a second axis B, which is transverse to the first axis A. The second axis B preferably defines a fitting draft angle of approximately 15 degrees relative axis A. As the tub wall 26 is angled at approximately 3-5
degrees and the fitting draft angle is approximately 15 degrees, any water within the piping 22 (Figure 1) will drain into the tub rather than being retained therein. An opening 42 from the conduit 36 is preferably located offset within the face of the threaded fitting 24. That is, the opening 42 is located below the center of the threaded fitting 24 when viewed facing toward the tub wall 26. The foregoing description is exemplary rather than defined by the limitations within. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The preferred embodiments of this invention have been disclosed, however, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described. For that reason the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
Claims
1. A fitting assembly for mounting within a wall of a whirlpool bath comprising: a threaded fitting which defines a first axis, said threaded fitting comprising a conduit which defines a second axis, said second axis transverse said first axis.
2. The fitting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said conduit defines an opening offset from a center of a face of said threaded fitting.
3. The fitting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said second axis defines an angle of approximately 15 degrees relative said first axis.
• 4. The fitting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said fitting assembly comprises a suction fitting.
5. The fitting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said fitting assembly comprises a water jet.
6. The fitting assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein said conduit comprises an inner diameter defined about said second axis.
7. The fitting assembly as recited in claim 6, further comprising an offset elbow receivable within said inner diameter.
8. A whirlpool bath comprising: a whirlpool bath wall defining a, all draft angle; and a threaded fitting receivable within said whirlpool bath wall, said threaded fitting defines a first axis generally perpendicular to said whirlpool bath wall and a conduit which defines a second axis angled relative said first axis at a fitting draft angle greater than said wall draft angle.
9. The whirlpool bath as recited in claim 8, wherein said conduit comprises an inner diameter defined about said second axis.
10. The whirlpool bath as recited in claim 9, further comprising a retainer engageable with said threaded fitting to retain said threaded fitting to said whirlpool bath wall.
11. The whirlpool bath as recited in claim 10, further comprising an offset elbow receivable within said inner diameter.
12. The whirlpool bath as recited in claim 11, further comprising a water circulation system in communication with said offset elbow.
13. The whirlpool bath as recited in claim 8, further comprising a water circulation system in communication with said conduit to intake water therethrough.
14. The whirlpool bath as recited in claim 8, further comprising a water circulation system in communication with said conduit to jet water therethrough.
15. The whirlpool bath as recited in claim 8, wherein said second axis defines an acute angle relative said whirlpool bath wall.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/831,377 US20050235409A1 (en) | 2004-04-23 | 2004-04-23 | Self draining fitting for a whirlpool bath |
PCT/CA2005/000159 WO2005102246A1 (en) | 2004-04-23 | 2005-02-09 | Self draining fitting for a whirlpool bath |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1737411A1 EP1737411A1 (en) | 2007-01-03 |
EP1737411A4 true EP1737411A4 (en) | 2009-05-13 |
Family
ID=35134897
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP05706471A Withdrawn EP1737411A4 (en) | 2004-04-23 | 2005-02-09 | Self draining fitting for a whirlpool bath |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050235409A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1737411A4 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2468588A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005102246A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7967009B2 (en) * | 2005-06-24 | 2011-06-28 | Vkr Holding A/S | Solar collector |
US8453275B2 (en) * | 2009-03-05 | 2013-06-04 | May Manufacturing LLC | Combination bathtub and spa |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4542854A (en) * | 1983-10-27 | 1985-09-24 | Mathis Cleo D | Whirlpool jets |
DE3607788A1 (en) * | 1985-04-26 | 1986-12-04 | Günter 6074 Rödermark Schüssler | WATER BASIN WITH AIR SPRAYER |
DE8710819U1 (en) * | 1987-08-07 | 1987-10-08 | Buderus Bau- und Abwassertechnik GmbH, 6330 Wetzlar | Bathtub |
DE9003413U1 (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1990-07-05 | Ucosan B.V., Roden | Whirlpool tub with water jet nozzle |
EP0445504A1 (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1991-09-11 | Ucosan B.V. | Whirlpool tub provided with a water jet nozzle |
GB2327373A (en) * | 1997-07-19 | 1999-01-27 | Aquajet International Limited | Improvements in and relating to nozzles for baths |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4853987A (en) * | 1987-09-14 | 1989-08-08 | Jaworski William R | Unitized hydrotherapy jet and pump assembly |
DE3800400C2 (en) * | 1988-01-09 | 1995-02-09 | Kaldewei Franz Gmbh & Co | Whirlpool bath |
DE4129217C2 (en) * | 1991-09-03 | 1994-12-08 | Kaldewei Franz Gmbh & Co | Whirlpool bath with facilities for generating water or water / air jets |
US5414878A (en) * | 1993-11-03 | 1995-05-16 | Sanijet Corporation | Sanitary whirlpool jet apparatus |
US6052844A (en) * | 1997-02-05 | 2000-04-25 | Faiso Limited | Whirlpool bath assembly |
DE60107124T2 (en) * | 2000-01-13 | 2005-11-10 | Faiso Ltd., Tallaght | Venturi jet unit |
-
2004
- 2004-04-23 US US10/831,377 patent/US20050235409A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-05-26 CA CA002468588A patent/CA2468588A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2005
- 2005-02-09 WO PCT/CA2005/000159 patent/WO2005102246A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-02-09 EP EP05706471A patent/EP1737411A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4542854A (en) * | 1983-10-27 | 1985-09-24 | Mathis Cleo D | Whirlpool jets |
DE3607788A1 (en) * | 1985-04-26 | 1986-12-04 | Günter 6074 Rödermark Schüssler | WATER BASIN WITH AIR SPRAYER |
DE8710819U1 (en) * | 1987-08-07 | 1987-10-08 | Buderus Bau- und Abwassertechnik GmbH, 6330 Wetzlar | Bathtub |
DE9003413U1 (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1990-07-05 | Ucosan B.V., Roden | Whirlpool tub with water jet nozzle |
EP0445504A1 (en) * | 1990-02-19 | 1991-09-11 | Ucosan B.V. | Whirlpool tub provided with a water jet nozzle |
GB2327373A (en) * | 1997-07-19 | 1999-01-27 | Aquajet International Limited | Improvements in and relating to nozzles for baths |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of WO2005102246A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20050235409A1 (en) | 2005-10-27 |
CA2468588A1 (en) | 2005-10-23 |
EP1737411A1 (en) | 2007-01-03 |
WO2005102246A1 (en) | 2005-11-03 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20060830 |
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AK | Designated contracting states |
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DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20090415 |
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STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
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18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20090715 |