EP2040661A2

EP2040661A2 - Spa basin with impeller enclosure

Info

Publication number: EP2040661A2
Application number: EP07799554A
Authority: EP
Inventors: James Patterson; Matthew Kopp; Yin Qian; Norman R. Fugate; Edward Wellner
Original assignee: European Touch Holdings Inc
Current assignee: European Touch Holdings Inc
Priority date: 2006-07-14
Filing date: 2007-07-13
Publication date: 2009-04-01
Also published as: US20080184481A1; WO2008008942A2; WO2008008942A3

Abstract

A pedicure spa (10), including a fluid retaining basin (12) including a plurality of channels (62, 64, 66) defined in a lower portion of the basin. There is also provided an impeller (14) having an integral baffle disk (54), the impeller operatively coupled to the basin and an enclosure (20) removably coupled to the basin. The enclosure includes an upper region (27) and a lower region (29), and defines a plurality of orifices (49) in the upper region and the lower region, with the enclosure configured to enclose the impeller and direct fluid flow through the plurality of channels (62, 64, 66) towards a foot region (15) of the basin (12) defined between a wall (13) of the basin and the lower region of the enclosure.

Description

SPA BASIN WITH IMPELLER ENCLOSURE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/831,071, filed July 14, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of spa devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a basin and enclosure for an impeller to provide a massaging effect in a pedicure spa.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is generally known to provide for a spa device, such as pedicure spas, health spas, whirlpools, jet stream exercisers, foot spas, etc. Such known spa devices are typically used in commercial and recreational settings for hydrotherapy, massage, stimulation, pedicure, and bathing purposes. However, such spa devices have several disadvantages including being difficult to thoroughly clean, requiring complicated maintenance schedules.

[0004] Water quality can become a problem in systems that use circulating water that comes into contact with the human body where the spa is not thoroughly cleaned. Several actions have been taken in an attempt to overcome this difficulty, including the addition of chemicals (e.g., bleach) into the water to help control bacteria growth. Despite such efforts, however, water quality is sometimes still difficult to maintain. For example, bacteria can develop simple defense mechanisms to counter chemical attacks such as forming a protective outer coating that acts as a barrier against harsh chemical treatments. The destruction of the outer coating is generally difficult with chemicals alone. Often times, chemicals are only effective in destroying the outer coating when used for extended periods of time, sometimes hours. Therefore, the preferred method of eliminating bacteria from systems is through mechanical means such as abrasion (e.g., removal with a rag and a chemical cleanser that has anti-bacterial capabilities). Furthermore, many spa devices have intricate and elaborate systems of pipes that move water from a pump, through a filtering system, and ultimately to one or more nozzles (e.g., openings) that deliver water back to a basin for re-circulation. In the case of a pedicure basin, the process of cleaning after each pedicure involves draining the water from the system, spraying the basin with some type of anti-bacterial cleanser, circulating the water for a period of time, rinsing and then refilling with fresh water. Because there are pipes and fittings, it is often difficult to mechanically scrub every component that comes into contact with water. In addition, after a system is drained, some water may remain within the piping system, usually in cracks and crevices or low spots in the pumping system. For example, the pump itself is usually a sealed unit that may be difficult to completely drain. It is within these areas that the bacteria tend to grow the outer coating as a defensive mechanism against attack from anti-bacterial chemicals, especially when the pedicure system is not used for extended periods (e.g., overnight, weekends, etc.). Consequently, water quality may be diminished in conventional piped systems that are not effectively cleaned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] One embodiment of the invention relates to a pedicure spa, including a fluid retaining basin including a plurality of channels defined in a lower portion of the basin. There is also provided an impeller operatively coupled to the basin and an enclosure removably coupled to the basin. The enclosure includes an upper region and a lower region, and defines a plurality of orifices in the upper region and the lower region , with the enclosure configured to enclose the impeller and direct fluid flow through the plurality of channels towards a foot region of the basin defined between a wall of the basin and the lower region of the enclosure.

[0006] There is further provided an enclosure included in a pedicure spa having a fluid retaining basin. The enclosure comprises a cylindrical impeller housing having a closed end proximate an upper region and an open end proximate a lower region. There is also provided an impeller having a plurality of blades and including a baffle disk coupled to the impeller with the baffle disk including an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the outer edge is higher than the inner edge and the inner edge defines a central opening, wherein fluid is funneled to impeller blades. There is also provided a plurality of orifices defined in the upper region and the lower region, with the impeller housing enclosing the impeller and directs fluid flow through channels defined in the bottom of the basin towards a foot region of the basin defined between a wall of the basin and the lower region of the impeller housing.

[0007] There is further provided a fluid basin in a pedicure spa, including a walled structure including a bottom portion. A drain is defined in the bottom portion. A plurality of channels are defined in the bottom portion. The fluid basin includes an impeller with a baffle disk integral with the impeller and positioned on top of the impeller and configured to funnel fluid to the impeller. The impeller is disposed in the impeller enclosure and directs fluid flow through the plurality of channels towards a foot region of the basin defined between a wall of the basin and a lower region of the enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a spa including an enclosure for an impeller according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the spa in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a partial top plan view of the spa in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section of the spa in FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-section of the spa in FIG. 1 taken along line 5-5 showing channels provided in the basin that direct streams of water towards the feet of a user.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an impeller and baffle disk for the spa in FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-section of the impeller and baffle disk of FIG. 6 taken along line

7-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, an enclosure for an impeller for a pedicure spa 10 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, a spa 10 includes a fluid-retaining basin 12 that is configured for use in foot massages, pedicures and other activities related to the feet, including bathing, soaking, stimulating, etc. It should be understood that other spa uses, for example a full body spa or a bath tub can employ the impeller enclosure system.

[0016] Basin 12 includes upright walls 13 and is configured to retain fluid (e.g., water) for use with various cleaning and/or massage activities. A foot region 15 is defined between the walls 13 of the basin 12 and the enclosure 20. Basin 12 further includes a bottom or lower region 16. Spa 10 also includes an impeller 14 operatively coupled to basin 12, and a motor 17 located external to basin 12 for rotating the impeller 14. An impeller coupling assembly 18 secures the impeller 14 to the motor 17 while providing a water tight seal to prevent water from leaking from the basin 12. Impeller coupling assembly 18 includes a keyed shaft 23 that is received within a keyed opening 52 of impeller 14.

[0017] Referring now to FIGS. 2-7, in one exemplary embodiment, enclosure 20 is configured to substantially enclose impeller 14 and separate impeller 14 from the interior of basin 12. Enclosure 20 includes a lock plate 22 and a cylindrical impeller housing 24. As explained further below, fluid is pulled into enclosure 20 by the action of impeller 14 and expelled from enclosure 20 wherein the massage effect is created.

[0018] Lock plate 22 is a generally flat member that is coupled between impeller housing 24 and basin 12. Lock plate 22 is an annular body with a central opening 30, a plurality of apertures 32 and an outer circumference edge 34. Lock plate 22 may also provide a sealing function and may be formed from any material that is suitable for substantially sealing the space between impeller housing 24 and basin 12 (e.g., silicone, polychloroprene rubber, etc). Central opening 30 receives a shaft from the motor 17. Apertures 32 may be provided circumferentially in lock plate 22 to receive a fastening member, for example a screw, used to couple lock plate 22 to basin 12. Outer circumference edge 34 includes one or more generally evenly spaced coupling features, shown as tabs 38 (e.g., protrusions, projections, extensions, flaps, etc.). Tabs 38 are configured to engage features in impeller housing 24 to couple lock plate 22 to impeller housing 24.

[0019] Impeller housing 24 is a generally thin-walled member with an inner diameter approximately equal the outer diameter of lock plate 22. Impeller housing 24 has an open end 40 and a closed end 42 opposite open end 40. Open end 40 has a plurality of L-shaped key slots 44 spaced approximately equal to the spacing of tabs 38 on lock plate 22. Impeller housing 24 is coupled to lock plate 22 by sliding impeller housing 24 over lock plate 22, fitting tabs 38 into the vertical portions of key slots 44. Impeller housing 24 is then rotated slightly, sliding tabs 38 into the horizontal portions of key slots 44, substantially trapping tabs 38 in key slots 44 and compressing lock plate 22 between impeller housing 24 and basin 12.

[0020] Impeller housing 24 also includes one or more orifices 49 about the periphery of impeller housing 24 proximate open end 40. Orifices 49 are openings (e.g., apertures, holes, outlets etc.) that allow fluid to be expelled from the enclosure 20 by impeller 14. Impeller housing 24 also includes one or more arcuate slots 47 evenly spaced about the periphery of impeller housing 24 proximate closed end 42. Arcuate slots 47 are openings (e.g., apertures, holes, inlets etc.) that allow fluid to be drawn into enclosure 20 by impeller 14. Impeller housing 24 may be composed of various materials including plastic, metal, or some combination of plastic and metal.

[0021] Impeller 14 includes a multitude of blades 50 that extend outward from a central portion with a keyed opening 52 that engages keyed shaft 23 of upper impeller shaft 21. As impeller 14 rotates, blades 50 directs fluid out of orifices 49. A baffle disk 54 is coupled to the top of impeller 14. Baffle disk 54 is an annular body with an outer edge 56 and an inner edge 58 where outer edge 56 is higher than inner edge 58. The profile of baffle disk 54 between outer edge 56 and inner edge 58 may be generally linear or may be concave. Inner edge 58 defines a central opening 60 through which a fluid may flow. According to one exemplary embodiment, outer edge 56 extends to the end of each blade 50 of impeller 14. According to other exemplary embodiments, outer edge 56 may extend beyond the ends of blades 50 or may lie somewhere along the length of the blades 50. According to one exemplary embodiment, baffle disk 54 is integrally formed with impeller 14. According to other exemplary embodiments, baffle disk 54 may be formed separately from impeller 14 and mechanically coupled to impeller 14.

[0022] Enclosure 20 defines an upper region 27 and a lower region 29. Enclosure 20 directs fluid flow towards the foot region 15 which in one exemplary embodiment is defined between a wall 13 of basin 12 and lower region 29 of enclosure 20. Upper region 27 and lower region 29 of enclosure 20 are separated by baffle disk 54. The circular opening 60 in the baffle disk 54 provides fluid communication between upper region 27 and lower region 29 of enclosure 20 and provides a funneling effect of the fluid from upper region 27 to lower region 29. This provides enhanced flow from impeller 14 to orifices 49 in the impeller housing 24.

[0023] According to other exemplary embodiments, the fluid pressure may be raised or lowered by changing the shape or number of either orifices 49 or arcuate slots 47.

[0024] Orifices 49 are aligned with depressed regions or channels 62, 64, and 66 (e.g., canals, slots, passages) provided in basin 12. In an exemplary embodiment, channels 62, 64, and 66 are open passages having a curved radius at an end portion, such that the fluid that exits orifices 49 is directed along the channel and then upward at the terminal end of the channel. According to an exemplary embodiment, orifices 49 are offset from the centerlines of the corresponding channels 62, 64, and 66 by an angle of approximately 6 degrees, as shown in FIG. 1. The offset compensates for the force applied to the fluid exiting orifices 49 by impeller 14 that causes the stream to be angled slightly, urging the fluid flow into the channel. According to an exemplary embodiment, the spa 10 includes two front channels 62, two middle channels 64, and two rear channels 66. The front channels 62 are configured to direct fluid flow towards the ball of the user's feet. The middle channels 64 are configured to direct fluid flow towards the arches of the user's feet. The rear channels 66 are configured to direct fluid flow towards the heels of the user's feet. According to an exemplary embodiment, the angle between the front channels 62 and the middle channels 64 is between 16.5 degrees and 20.5 degrees. According to a preferred embodiment, the angle between the front channels 62 and the middle channels 64 is 18.5 degrees. According to an exemplary embodiment, the angle between the middle channels 64 and the rear channels 66 is between 25.5 degrees and 29.5 degrees. According to a preferred embodiment, the angle between the middle channels 64 and the rear channels 66 is 27.5 degrees.

[0025] The open channels 62, 64, and 66 provide an easy way to clean the surfaces of the channels 62, 64, and 66. However, it is also possible for the fluid to be directed from orifices 49 to closed tubes in other configurations. Channels 62, 64, and 66 extend below foot region 15 of the basin 12 such that a user places his or her feet in the foot region 15 above the channels 62, 64, and 66. The fluid is then directed upwardly under a user feet providing a cleaning and massaging action.

[0026] Impeller housing 24 includes an outwardly extending finger 70 that houses a magnet 72. Magnet 72 is held within finger 70 by a retaining plate 74. According to an exemplary embodiment, plate 74 is ultra-sonically welded to the underside of finger 70. Other methods of welding such as vibration weld, chemical weld, heat stake weld, or the like, can also be performed. According to other exemplary embodiments, plate 74 may be otherwise coupled to finger 70. When impeller housing 24 is coupled to lock plate 22, magnet 72 interfaces with a switch (not shown) coupled to the underside of basin 12 and allows motor 17 to operate and to turn impeller 14. If impeller housing 24 is removed, magnet 72 is moved away from the switch, disengaging the switch and preventing motor 17 from activating. In this way, magnet 72 provides an interlock measure that allows impeller 14 to turn only if impeller housing 24 is locked in place.

[0027] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally defined as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components or the two components and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0028] The present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, however workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted a single particular element may also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

[0029] It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the system as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a certain number of embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, the pitch of the blades of impeller 14 may be changed to change the direction of fluid flow from the bottom to top of the impeller housing. The pitch of the blades could also be configured to increase the pressure of the fluid flow if this is desired. Additionally, the blades of the impeller could be arranged such that the water flowed into the impeller housing through orifices 49 and exited through slots 47. It is also contemplated that slots 47 could be located on the lower region of impeller housing 20 and orifices 49 could be located on the upper region of impeller housing 20. Impeller as used herein covers both an impeller and propeller. Further, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the assemblies may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connectors or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment or attachment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present subject matter.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A pedicure spa, comprising: a fluid retaining basin including a plurality of channels defined in a lower portion of the basin; an impeller operatively coupled to the basin; and an enclosure removably coupled to the basin, the enclosure including an upper region and a lower region, and defining a plurality of orifices in the upper region and the lower region , with the enclosure configured to enclose the impeller and direct fluid flow through the plurality of channels towards a foot region of the basin defined between a wall of the basin and the lower region of the enclosure.

2. The pedicure spa of claim 1 , wherein the channels are open to the basin interior.

3. The pedicure spa of claim 1 , wherein the channels extend radially from a center portion of the lower portion of the basin, with each channel orientated at an angle other than 90° to an adjacent channel.

4. The pedicure spa of claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is a cylindrical impeller housing having a closed end proximate the upper region and an open end proximate the lower region.

5. The pedicure spa of claim 4, including a lock plate coupled to the basin, with the lock plate defining a tab on the lock plate circumference edge, and the enclosure defines a key slot proximate the open end and configured to engage the tab, wherein the enclosure is secured to the basin.

6. The pedicure spa of claim 1, including a baffle disk coupled to the impeller and configured to funnel fluid to the impeller.

7. The pedicure spa of claim 6, wherein the baffle disk is integral with the impeller and positioned on top of the impeller.

8. The pedicure spa of claim 1 , wherein the impeller and enclosure are configured to direct fluid flow from the basin into the upper region of the enclosure and from the lower region of the enclosure back into the basin.

9. The pedicure spa of claim 1 , wherein the orifices are one of circular holes and elongated slots.

10. The pedicure spa of claim 9, wherein the orifices are configured to produce a predetermined fluid pressure in the basin.

11. The pedicure spa of claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is composed of material from a group consisting of metal, plastic, and a combination of metal and plastic.

12. The pedicure spa of claim 1 , wherein the orifices are defined in a side wall of the enclosure.

13. An enclosure included in a pedicure spa having a fluid retaining basin, the enclosure comprising: a cylindrical impeller housing having a closed end proximate an upper region and an open end proximate a lower region; an impeller having a plurality of blades and including a baffle disk coupled to the impeller with the baffle disk including an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the outer edge is higher than the inner edge and the inner edge defines a central opening, wherein fluid is funneled to impeller blades; and a plurality of orifices defined in the upper region and the lower region, with the impeller housing enclosing the impeller and directs fluid flow through channels defined in the bottom of the basin towards a foot region of the basin defined between a wall of the basin and the lower region of the impeller housing.

14. The enclosure of claim 13, including a lock plate coupled to the basin, with the lock plate defining a tab on the gasket circumference edge, and the impeller housing defines a key slot proximate the open end and configured to engage the tab, wherein the impeller housing is secured to the basin.

15. The enclosure of claim 13, wherein the baffle disk is integral with the impeller and positioned on top of the impeller.

16. The enclosure of claim 15, wherein the outer edge of the baffle disk extends to the end of each blade of the impeller.

17. The enclosure of claim 13, wherein the impeller and enclosure are configured to direct fluid flow from the basin into the upper region of the enclosure and from the lower region of the enclosure back into the basin.

18. The enclosure of claim 13, wherein the orifices are one of circular holes and elongated slots.

19. The enclosure of claim 18, wherein the orifices are configured to produce a predetermined fluid pressure in the basin.

20. The enclosure of claim 13, wherein the enclosure is composed of material from a group consisting of metal, plastic, and a combination of metal and plastic.

21. The enclosure of claim 13, wherein the orifices are defined in a side wall of the enclosure.

22. The pedicure spa of claim 13, wherein the channels are open to the basin interior.

23. The pedicure spa of claim 13, wherein the channels extend radially from a center portion of the lower portion of the basin, with each channel orientated at an angle other than 90° to an adjacent channel.

24. A fluid basin in a pedicure spa, comprising: a walled structure including a bottom portion; a drain defined in the bottom portion; and a plurality of channels defined in the bottom portion.

25. The fluid basin of claim 24, including an impeller enclosure coupled to the bottom portion and in fluid communication with each of the channels.

26. The fluid basin of claim 24 including an impeller with a baffle disk integral with the impeller and positioned on top of the impeller and configured to funnel fluid to the impeller, wherein the impeller is disposed in the impeller enclosure and directs fluid flow through the plurality of channels towards a foot region of the basin defined between a wall of the basin and a lower region of the enclosure.

27. The fluid basin of claim 24, wherein the channels are open to the basin interior.

28. The fluid basin of claim 24, wherein the channels extend radially from a center portion of the lower portion of the basin, with each channel orientated at an angle other than 90° to an adjacent channel.

29. The fluid basin of claim 26, wherein the impeller includes a plurality of blades and wherein the baffle disk includes an outer edge and an inner edge, wherein the outer edge is higher than the inner edge and the inner edge defines a central opening to funnel fluid to the impeller blades.

30. The fluid basin of claim 29, wherein the outer edge of the baffle disk extends to the end of each blade of the impeller.