US20020125715A1 - Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters - Google Patents
Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters Download PDFInfo
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- US20020125715A1 US20020125715A1 US09/805,673 US80567301A US2002125715A1 US 20020125715 A1 US20020125715 A1 US 20020125715A1 US 80567301 A US80567301 A US 80567301A US 2002125715 A1 US2002125715 A1 US 2002125715A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pipe section
- fitting
- assembly
- inlet
- close fit
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L19/00—Joints in which sealing surfaces are pressed together by means of a member, e.g. a swivel nut, screwed on or into one of the joint parts
- F16L19/02—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member
- F16L19/0231—Pipe ends provided with collars or flanges, integral with the pipe or not, pressed together by a screwed member with specially adapted means for positioning the threaded member behind the collar
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- 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
- A61H33/02—Bathing devices for use with gas-containing liquid, or liquid in which gas is led or generated, e.g. carbon dioxide baths
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- 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
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- 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
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49428—Gas and water specific plumbing component making
-
- 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
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49716—Converting
-
- 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
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49718—Repairing
Abstract
A fitting and pipe section assembly 10 that is capable of being installed in tubing 20A and 20B of a jetted bath to render the tubing 20A and 20B adaptable to accept a close fit fluid flow device 30. The fitting and pipe section assembly 10 includes a pipe section 12, first and second fittings 18A and 18B, and first and second indicia 17A and 17B. The pipe section 12 has a center segment 16 between inlet and outlet end portions 14A and 14B. The inlet and outlet portions 14A and 14B may be placed in fluid flow communication with an inlet and an outlet of the tubing 20A and 20B. The first and second fittings 18A and 18B are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section 14A and 14B. The first and second indicia 17A and 17B on the pipe section 12 define the center segment 16 of the pipe section 12 and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section 12 at predetermined points. The center segment 16 of the pipe section 12 may be selectively removed leaving the inlet and outlet portions 14Aand 14B including the first and second fittings 18A and 18B. The fitting and pipe section assembly 10 may accept the close fit device 30 between the inlet and outlet portions 14Aand 14B of the fitting and pipe section assembly 10.
Description
- The present invention relates to heaters for jetted baths, spas above ground pools and the like, and particularly to fitting and pipe sections that may be pre-installed to assist in subsequent modification of the jetted bath.
- Jetted baths includes tubing that circulates water from the bath, through a pump, and back into the bath through jets. Jetted baths may be provided with a heater in the tubing circuit, that acts to maintain bath-water temperature after filling. Often it is advantageous or necessary to install these devices after the initial construction of the jetted bath (or other personal soaking reservoir), or after home installation of the jetted bath. Post-construction installation of these devices enables a limited number of product variations to be produced by a manufacturer, which can be modified later to meet the particular needs of an end user. This has the advantage of limiting manufacturing and purchase cost.
- However, at present post-construction installation typically will depend on a skilled plumber to cut or open the tubing of a jetted bath and affix a device in fluid flow communication with the jetted bath. This is often expensive and inconvenient for the end user.
- The present invention provides a fitting and pipe section assembly that is capable of being installed in tubing of a jetted bath to render the tubing adaptable to accept a close fit fluid flow device, such as a heater. The fitting and pipe section assembly includes a pipe section, first and second fittings, and first and second indicia. The pipe section has a center segment between inlet and outlet end portions. The inlet and outlet portions may be placed in fluid flow communication with an inlet and an outlet of the tubing. The first and second fittings are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section. The first and second indicia on the pipe section define the center segment of the pipe section and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section at predetermined points. The center segment of the pipe section may be selectively removed leaving the inlet and outlet portions including the first and second fittings. The fitting and pipe section assembly may accept the close fit device between the inlet and outlet portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly.
- In the first embodiment, the pipe section has groves provided at predetermined points for cutting, and has means for attaching to the close fit device insert once the cut center pipe segment is removed.
- In a further aspect of the present invention, a method of modifying an installed jetted bath to accept a close fit device using a fitting and pipe section assembly that is installed in a segment of tubing of a jetted bath is provided. The method includes cutting the assembly along first and second indicia defined at first and second ends of a pipe section of the fitting and pipe section assembly. The cut pipe section is then removed from the fitting and pipe section assembly creating a gap between the first and second end portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly. A close fit device is then inserted in the fitting and pipe section assembly gap without either longitudinal or lateral displacement of the first and second end portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly. The close fit device is then secured in fluid flow communication with the first and second end portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly.
- In the second embodiment of the invention, the pipe section has an additional T connection extending ninety degrees from the pipe tubing. The extra connection is not cut when removed, but rather unscrewed from the bath tubing, and the close fit device will have a corresponding extra connection for attaching to the bath tubing.
- The present invention thus provides a fitting and pipe section assembly that can be pre-installed in a jetted bath or other personal soaking reservoir, which facilitates post-production or post-installation modification of the jetted bath. The present invention provides indicia which indicate where the pipe section should be cut so that a pre-sized close fit device can be inserted with a minimum gap of space between the remaining pipe section and the close fit device. These indicia eliminate any need to measure and mark the pipe section for cutting out a segment for insertion of a device. Further, where the indicia are physical groves, the indicia ensure exact cuts by guiding the cutting device.
- The present invention further provides fittings at either end of the assembly. These fittings eliminate the need to modify the tubing of the jetted bath to secure a device in fluid flow communication with the tubing of the jetted bath. These fittings also eliminate any need for the close fit device to be provided with means for fastening to the smooth surface of the tubing of the jetted bath. Thus, the fittings eliminate the need to use an adhesive to secure a post-production device in the tubing of the product, thereby increasing the ease of product alteration and the integrity of the altered product. All these features increase the ease in which an end user of a jetted bath may modify the jetted bath.
- Additionally, the present invention provides the ability for a manufacturer to designate the locations where post-production devices may be inserted into fluid flow communication with the tubing. This allows the manufacturer to ensure that later inserted devices will not have an adverse effect on the fluid flow characteristics in the tubing and will not unduly restrict any pumping device. The ability of manufacturer's to designate the location of later added devices and thus ensuring the fluid flow characteristics also assists in the manufacturer's ability receive certification from regulatory agencies for products that are intended to be modified after initial production.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a side view of a fitting and pipe section according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of a fitting and pipe section connected to a tubing segment;
- FIG. 3 is a side view of a fitting and pipe section where the center segment has been removed;
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a fitting and pipe section where the center segment has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a split nut fastening assembly;
- FIG. 6 is a cut away view of a fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly;
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fitting and pipe assembly where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a union nut fastening assembly;
- FIG. 9 is a side view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section according to the present invention;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of a transverse pipe branch of a T shaped fitting and pipe assembly;
- FIG. 11 is an exploded view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a T shaped close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly;
- FIG. 12 is a cut away view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a T shaped close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly; and
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a T shaped close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly.
- A first embodiment of a fitting and
pipe section assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. The fitting andpipe section assembly 10 is suitable for installation in an existing tubing network into which water is drawn, treated, and then reintroduced into a jetted bath. The fitting andpipe assembly 10 makes it possible to modify previously constructed and/or installed jetted baths to accept a “water treatment device,” which is intended herein to mean a heater for raising or maintaining bath-water temperature. - The fitting and
pipe section assembly 10 includes apipe section 12 and first andsecond fittings second indicia pipe section 12 has acenter segment 16 between inlet andoutlet end portions second fittings outlet portions pipe section 12 respectively. The first andsecond indicia pipe section 12 define thecenter segment 16 of thepipe section 12, and guide post-installation cutting of thepipe section 12 at predetermined points. In one embodiment, the fitting andpipe section 10 is a unitary body. - Referring to FIG. 2, the fitting and
pipe section assembly 10 is capable of being installed intubing outlet end portions tubing pipe section assembly 10 may be coupled to thetubing pipe section assembly 10, it will be understood that the fitting andpipe section assembly 10 could also be sized so that tubing 20 could be secured on the outer surface of the fitting andpipe section assembly 10. - Referring to FIG. 3, the
pipe section 12 may be cut along the first andsecond indicia indicia pipe section 12. These annular grooves act as both visual guide for where to cut thepipe section 12, but also act to physically guide and center a cutting device. The cutting device may be a blade, cable saw, or any similar device. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting device is a cable saw, which is automatically centered within the groove during cutting. Further, the fitting andpipe section assembly 10 may include the cutting device assembled therewith, such as a cable saw threaded through a polymeric tubing with its ends connected by swaging, wire, or polymeric tie. Once the cutting device has fully cutpipe section 12 along both the first andsecond indicia center segment 16 may be removed laterally from thepipe section 12, without any longitudinal or lateral displacement of the remaining inlet andoutlet portions fit device 30, and that the inlet andoutlet portions center segment 16 leaves the inlet andoutlet portions second fittings tubing - Referring to FIG. 4-6, once the
center segment 16 is removed, the resulting gap has an exact longitudinal dimension to accept a closefit device 30, andouter seals outlet portions pipe section assembly 10. In one embodiment, theindicia fittings fittings fitting lips center segment 16 is removed. The fitting lips are preferably the same width as theouter seals outer seals fittings outer seals outer seals - It will be understood that the term “close fit device”30 as used herein includes a heater device for use in fluid flow communication with a jetted bath, that has a predetermined length which is received between stationary inlets and outlets separated by substantially the same predetermined distance as the length of the device, including
outer seals fit device 30 may include but is not limited to a heater that includes split nuts as in the embodiment decried herein or that alternately includes a differing fastening assembly construction that allows close fit installation, such as a heater housing two piece split and screwed nuts that may be slid back sufficiently on the heater body for installation and removal, or a two piece nut and split retaining ring assembly such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,743 to Rochelle, or other constructions. The closefit device 30 for use with the present invention includes amain body 32, and inlet andoutlet bath tubing main body 32. The closefit device 30 also includesflanges fit device 30. - Referring to FIG. 5, the close
fit device 30 may be removably secured to the fitting andpipe section 10 by a first andsecond fastening assembly 40A and 40B. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-6,fastening assembly 40A includes a two piece splitnut 41A and anut cover 46A. Thefastening assembly 40A preferably also includes anouter seal 49A. Thesplit nut 41A includes locking pins 42A, locking apertures 43A, locking tabs 44A, and split nut lip 45A. The locking pins s42A and locking apertures 43A are located along the surfaces dividing the two pieces ofsplit nut 41A. The two pieces ofsplit nut 41A may be removably secured together by locking pins 42A engaging locking apertures 43A. The locking tabs 44A are raised projections located on the outer surface ofsplit nut 44. Thenut cover 46A includes locking tab channels 47A, that engage the corresponding locking tabs 44A ofsplit nut 41A. Thus the locking tab channels 47A hold the split nut in place when thefastening assembly 40A is assembled. Fastening assembly 40B is a mirror image offastening assembly 40A. - To removably seal the close
fit device 30 in fluid flow communication with the tubing 20 of the jetted bath, the first and second nut covers 46A and 46B are slidably placed abouttubing outer seals fittings fit device 30. Once the closefit device 30 is placed between the pipe inlet and outlet ends 14A and 14B, the first andsecond split nuts fit device 30 connecting the two pieces of thesplit nuts 41Anad 41B by inserting locking pins 42A and 42B into and engaging locking apertures 43A and 43B respectively.Split nuts second fittings fit flanges 36A and 26B respectively, thus securing the close fit device to the fitting andpipe section 10. The nut covers 46A and 46B may now be slid so that the locking tab channels 47A and 47B engage the corresponding locking tabs 44A and 44B thus preventing the locking pins 42A and 42B from disengaging locking apertures 43A and 43B respectively. If thesplit nuts fittings split nuts pipe section 10 and the closefit device 30. - Referring to FIG. 7, the fitting and
pipe section 10 is shown with a closefit device 30 fully installed and in fluid flow communication with the tubing 20 of a jetted bath. - It will be understood that the fastening assembly40 is not limited to those embodiments described herein, but also encompasses any fastener or fastener assembly capable of securing the close fit device to
fittings split nut retainer 81A,union nut 86 A and theouter seal 49A. When used to secure the closefit device 30 in fluid flow with the tubing 20 of the jetted bath,union nut 86A is slid about the close fit device before the close fit device is inserted between the ends of the fitting andpipe section 10. Next, the two pieces ofsplit nut retainer 81A can be slidably and removably secured about closefit device 30 between theflange 36A and theunion nut 86A. Theunion nut 86A rotatably engages the fitting 18A and the outer edge of thesplit nut retainer 81A. The inner edge of the split nut retainer also engages the closefit device flange 36A, allowingunion nut 86A to secure the closefit device 30 to the fitting andpipe section 10. In another embodiment, a union nut could be slidably secured on the on themain body 32 of the closefit device 30 by placing the union nut about themain body 32 prior to formation offlanges flanges - In a second embodiment of the present invention a “T” shaped fitting and
pipe section assembly 50 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 9. The fitting andpipe section assembly 50 includes a “T” junction with atransverse aperture 54 in thepipe section 12 between the inlet andoutlet transverse pipe branch 52 defining a port extends perpendicular to thepipe section 12 and is connected in fluid flow communication with thetransverse aperture 54. Thetransverse pipe branch 52 includes atransverse flange 56. - In the second embodiment the fitting and
pipe section 50 is further capable of being installed with a transverse segment oftubing 22 of a jetted bath. The fitting andpipe section 50 may be removably secured to thetransverse tubing segment 22 bytransverse fastening assembly 60. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 9,fastening assembly 60 includes aunion nut 64. Thefastening assembly 60 preferably also includes an inner seal 62. Theunion nut 64 can be slidably retained about thetransverse pipe branch 52 by thetransverse flange 56.Tubing 22 includes atransverse fitting 24 located at the end oftubing 22. Theunion nut 64 may removably engage the fitting andpipe section 50 to thetubing 22 by rotatably sealing fitting 24 to thetransverse pipe branch 52. Additionally an inner seal 62 may be provided that is captured between the fitting 24 and thetransverse pipe branch 52. - It will be understood that alternative elements may be provided for removably engaging the
pipe branch 52 to thetubing 22 without departing from the present invention. For example, in another embodiment, thetransverse pipe branch 52 could be provided with a fitting and thetransverse tubing segment 22 could be provided with a nut to removably engage thetransverse pipe branch 52. Additionally, theunion nut 64 could be replaced with a fastening assembly similar to those described above, includingsplit nut 41 and nut cover 46 or a split nut retainer 81 and union nut 86. - The
center segment 16 may be removed in a similar manner to that provided in the first embodiment. However, if the transverse pipe branch is connected to thecenter segment 16 ofpipe section 12, then thenut 56 must be rotatably disengaged from transverse tube fitting 24 for complete removal ofcenter segment 16. - Referring to FIG. 11-12, once the
center segment 16 is removed, the T shaped fitting andpipe section assembly 50 may accept a T shaped closefit device 70 between the inlet andoutlet portions fit device 70 for use with the present invention includes atransverse aperture 74 between the inlet andoutlet transverse pipe branch 72 defining a port extends perpendicular to the close fit devicemain body 32 and is connected in fluid flow communication with thetransverse aperture 74. Thetransverse pipe branch 72 includes a transverse flange 76. The closefit device 70 may be removably secured to thetransverse tubing segment 22 by close fit transverse fastening assembly 77. In one embodiment fastening assembly 77 includes aunion nut 79. The fastening assembly 77 preferably also includes an inner seal 78. Theunion nut 79 can be slidably retained about thetransverse pipe branch 72 by the transverse flange 76. Theunion nut 79 may removably engage the closefit device 70 to thetubing 22 by rotatably sealing fitting 24 to thetransverse pipe branch 72. Additionally an inner seal 78 may be provided that is captured between the fitting 24 and thetransverse pipe branch 72. Installation is completed with the fitting andpipe section 50 being secured to the closefit device 70 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. - Referring to FIG. 13, the T shaped fitting and
pipe section 50 is shown with a T shaped closefit device 70 fully installed and in fluid flow communication with thetubing - In the second embodiment described above, the
transverse pipe branch 52 and close fittransverse pipe branch 72 are shown as being centered along the fitting andpipe assembly 50 and closefit device 70 respectively. In another embodiment,transverse pipe branch 52 and close fittransverse pipe branch 72 may be positioned off center. - In another embodiment, the
center segment 16 may be removably attached to the inlet andoutlet portions pipe section 12. In thisalternative embodiment indicia pipe section 10 would be unnecessary. In this embodiment, the center segment could include flanges at its outlet and inlet ends, and could be removably attached tofittings assembly 40A and 40B. - In an alternative embodiment, the
indicia - While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (23)
1. A fitting and pipe section assembly that is capable of being installed in tubing of a jetted bath to render the tubing adaptable to accept a close fit heater device, comprising:
a pipe section having a center segment between inlet and outlet end portions for fluid flow coupling to an inlet and an outlet of the tubing;
first and second fittings disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section;
wherein the center segment of the pipe section may be selectively removed leaving the inlet and outlet portions including the first and second fittings; and
wherein the fitting and pipe section assembly may accept the close fit device between the inlet and outlet portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly.
2. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 1 , wherein the pipe section includes first and second indicia on the pipe section that guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section at predetermined points and removal of the center segment so that the fitting and pipe section assembly may accept a close fit device between the remaining portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly.
3. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fitting and pipe section assembly is a unitary body.
4. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 1 , wherein the close fit device may be removably secured to the fittings by the fastening assembly.
5. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 4 , wherein the fastening assembly comprises a union nut and a split nut retainer.
6. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 4 , wherein the close fit device has an inlet and an outlet with flanges positioned at the inlet and outlet; wherein the fastening assembly comprises an outer seal which may be positioned between the fitting and the flange, a split nut which may be placed over the flange and the fastening structure and tightened by rotating the split nut, and a nut cover which may be slid over the tightened split nut.
7. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 1 , wherein the close fit device is selected from the group consisting of a heater, ozone generator, chemical dispenser, fragrance dispenser, filter, pump, valve, flow meter, or water softener.
8. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 1 , wherein the fitting and pipe section is further capable of being installed with a transverse tubing segment of a jetted bath, wherein the fitting and pipe section assembly further comprises a “T” junction; wherein the pipe section includes an inlet and outlet at the longitudinal ends of the pipe section and an aperture there between; and wherein a transverse pipe branch defining a port extends perpendicular to the pipe section from the aperture.
9. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 8 , wherein the transverse pipe branch may be removably fastened to a transverse tubing segment of the jetted bath.
10. A fitting and pipe section assembly that is capable of being installed in tubing of a jetted bath to render the tubing adaptable to accept a close fit heater device, comprising:
a pipe section having a center segment between inlet and outlet end portions for fluid flow coupling to an inlet and an outlet of the tubing;
first and second fittings disposed on the inlet and outlet portions of the pipe section;
wherein the pipe section includes first and second indicia on the pipe section that guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section at predetermined points;
wherein the center segment of the pipe section may be selectively removed from the pipe section by cutting at the first and second indicia, leaving the inlet and outlet portions including the first and second fittings; and
wherein the fitting and pipe section assembly may accept the close fit device between the inlet and outlet portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly.
11. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 10 , wherein the close fit device may be secured to the fittings by a first and second fastening assembly.
12. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 10 , wherein the fitting and pipe section assembly is a unitary body.
13. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 11 , wherein the close fit device may be removably secured to the first and second fittings by the first and second fastening assembly.
14. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 13 , wherein the fastening assembly comprises a union nut and a split nut retainer.
15. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 13 , wherein the close fit device has an inlet and an outlet with flanges positioned at the inlet and outlet; wherein the fastening assembly comprises an outer seal which may be positioned between the fitting and the flange, a split nut which may be placed over the flange and the fastening structure and tightened by rotating the split nut, and a nut cover which may be slid over the tightened split nut.
16. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 10 , wherein the close fit device is selected from the group consisting of a heater, ozone generator, chemical dispenser, fragrance dispenser, filter, pump, valve, flow meter, or water softener.
17. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 10 , wherein the fitting and pipe section is further capable of being installed with a transverse tubing segment of a jetted bath, wherein the fitting and pipe section assembly further comprises a “T” junction; wherein the pipe section includes an inlet and outlet at the longitudinal ends of the pipe section and an aperture there between; and wherein a transverse pipe branch defining a port extends perpendicular to the pipe section from the aperture.
18. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 17 , wherein the transverse pipe branch may be removably fastened to the transverse tubing segment of the jetted bath.
19. The fitting and pipe section assembly of claim 17 , wherein the first and second indicia comprise annular grooves.
20. A method of modifying an installed jetted bath to accept a close fit heater device using a fitting and pipe section assembly that is installed in a segment of tubing of a jetted bath, which comprises:
cutting the assembly along first and second indicia defined at first and second ends of a pipe section of the fitting and pipe section assembly;
removing the cut pipe section from the fitting and pipe section assembly creating a gap between the first and second end portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly;
inserting a close fit device in the fitting and pipe section assembly gap without displacement of the first and second end portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly; and
securing the close fit device in fluid flow communication with the first and second end portions of the fitting and pipe section assembly.
21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the fastening assembly comprises a split nut portion and a nut cover portion, and where the method further comprises the steps of sliding the nut cover portion of the fastening assembly over the first and second ends prior to inserting the close fit device; securing the close fit device to the fitting with the split nut; and retaining the split nut by sliding the nut cover over the split nut.
22. The method of claim 20 , further comprising the steps of inserting an outer seal against the fastening assembly prior to the insertion of the close fit heater device, so that upon insertion of the close fit device the outer seal is between the close fit device and the fastening assembly.
23. A fitting and pipe section assembly and interchangeable heater device for mounting in fluid flow communication in tubing of a jetted bath, comprising:
a fitting and pipe section assembly including a pipe section having a center segment between inlet and outlet end portions, each of the end portions carrying a first close fit fitting, the inlet and outlet end portions being adapted to be coupled in fluid flow communication to an inlet and outlet of the tubing to install the assembly in the tubing; and
a heater device having a tubular body defining an inlet end and an outlet end, each of the inlet and outlet ends carrying a second close fit fitting, wherein the center segment installed assembly can be selectively laterally removed from between the inlet and outlet end portions and the fluid flow device can then be laterally inserted in place of the center segment between the inlet and outlet end portions of the installed assembly, with the second close fit fittings of the device engaging the first close fit fittings of the assembly without displacement of the installed inlet and outlet end portions of tubing.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/805,673 US20020125715A1 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2001-03-12 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US10/076,865 US6899357B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2002-02-14 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US10/634,615 US7076874B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2003-08-04 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US11/205,281 US7316423B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2005-08-15 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/805,673 US20020125715A1 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2001-03-12 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
Related Child Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/076,865 Continuation-In-Part US6899357B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2002-02-14 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US10/634,615 Division US7076874B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2003-08-04 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US11/205,281 Continuation US7316423B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2005-08-15 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20020125715A1 true US20020125715A1 (en) | 2002-09-12 |
Family
ID=25192194
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/805,673 Abandoned US20020125715A1 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2001-03-12 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US10/634,615 Expired - Lifetime US7076874B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2003-08-04 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US11/205,281 Expired - Fee Related US7316423B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2005-08-15 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/634,615 Expired - Lifetime US7076874B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2003-08-04 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
US11/205,281 Expired - Fee Related US7316423B2 (en) | 2001-03-12 | 2005-08-15 | Fitting and pipe section for jetted bath heaters |
Country Status (1)
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US (3) | US20020125715A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7111873B1 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2006-09-26 | Gregory Coogle | Slide coupling fitting for connecting conduits |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8182212B2 (en) * | 2006-09-29 | 2012-05-22 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Pump housing coupling |
WO2008124475A1 (en) | 2007-04-03 | 2008-10-16 | Global Heating Solutions, Inc. | Spa having heat pump system |
BR112014004110B1 (en) * | 2011-08-22 | 2020-03-17 | Victaulic Company | EXPANSION BOARD |
US9079128B2 (en) | 2011-12-09 | 2015-07-14 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Strainer basket and related methods of use |
WO2017080570A1 (en) * | 2015-11-09 | 2017-05-18 | Wärtsilä Sweden Ab | A method of preparing a lip-type shaft seal for, a method of installing a lip-type shaft seal on a shaft of an underwater application and a lip-type shaft seal therefor |
CN105312833B (en) * | 2015-12-01 | 2017-07-07 | 哈尔滨红光锅炉总厂有限责任公司 | A kind of method for changing tower shell ring |
US10718337B2 (en) | 2016-09-22 | 2020-07-21 | Hayward Industries, Inc. | Self-priming dedicated water feature pump |
US20180323590A1 (en) * | 2017-05-03 | 2018-11-08 | Loren P. Cassidy | Electrical Conduit with Alignment Marks |
US11365827B2 (en) * | 2019-02-06 | 2022-06-21 | Eric Hainzer | Toilet tank valve |
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2001
- 2001-03-12 US US09/805,673 patent/US20020125715A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2003
- 2003-08-04 US US10/634,615 patent/US7076874B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2005
- 2005-08-15 US US11/205,281 patent/US7316423B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US3480299A (en) * | 1968-09-11 | 1969-11-25 | Harold P Henderson | Pipe nipple |
US3908208A (en) * | 1973-05-10 | 1975-09-30 | John C Mcilroy | Quick release safety trap |
US4453749A (en) * | 1982-06-14 | 1984-06-12 | Mckinnon Robert M | Cut off nipples |
US5033775A (en) * | 1986-03-20 | 1991-07-23 | Caoutchouc Manufacture Et Plastiques | Connecting or branching device for flexible hoses |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7111873B1 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2006-09-26 | Gregory Coogle | Slide coupling fitting for connecting conduits |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20060131871A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
US20040036274A1 (en) | 2004-02-26 |
US7076874B2 (en) | 2006-07-18 |
US7316423B2 (en) | 2008-01-08 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ALPHA-WESTERN CORPORATION DBA AQUATEMP PRODUCTS CO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ROCHELLE, GARY P.;REEL/FRAME:011609/0930 Effective date: 20010308 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GLOBAL HEATING SOLUTIONS, INC., MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AQUATEMP PRODUCTS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:019605/0266 Effective date: 20070724 |