US20160083970A1 - Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings - Google Patents
Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings Download PDFInfo
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- US20160083970A1 US20160083970A1 US14/959,870 US201514959870A US2016083970A1 US 20160083970 A1 US20160083970 A1 US 20160083970A1 US 201514959870 A US201514959870 A US 201514959870A US 2016083970 A1 US2016083970 A1 US 2016083970A1
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- pool
- dimension
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
- E04H4/1209—Treatment of water for swimming pools
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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
- A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
- A61H33/6021—Nozzles
- A61H33/6052—Having flow regulating means
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
- E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
- E04H4/169—Pool nozzles
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- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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Abstract
Disclosed is a pool jet fitting configured to direct flow of water in a closed loop pool pumping filtration system. The pool jet fitting may include a housing, and a valve positioned in the housing. The housing may include a housing body that defines a bore that extends through the housing body. The housing body may include a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount. The valve may be positioned in the bore of the housing and may be configured to receive water flow from a water pump. The valve may define an adjustable opening having a dimension capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension and a second dimension to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water received from the pump.
Description
- The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/197,426 filed Aug. 3, 2011, entitled POOL FILTER SYSTEMS INCLUDING POOL JET FITTINGS, now allowed, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference into the present disclosure for all purposes.
- Swimming pools include pool filter systems that circulate the pool water so as to remove debris, and to prevent algae outbreaks and pH swings. Typically pool filter systems include a pool pump that draws the pool water from the pool through a drain/filter and back to the pool through a plurality of returns. Many returns take the form of jet fittings, each having a rotatable eyeball that directs the return flow of the pool water toward the surface of the pool. Such an orientation creates surface agitation to thereby force the debris to the filter, and to create an audible sound that is desired by the pool owner.
- Pool pumps typically are operated several hours of the day at high speeds, and consume a large amount of energy. The energy consumption involved during such usage can account for a major portion of a home owner's energy costs. To address this problem, variable speed water pumps have been introduced that can operate at low speeds. When operating at low speeds, however, the desired effect of the surface agitation is lost.
- In one embodiment a pool jet fitting may be configured to direct flow of water in a closed loop pool pumping filtration system. The pool jet fitting may include a housing, and a valve positioned in the housing. The housing may include a housing body that defines a bore that extends through the housing body. The housing body may include a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount. The valve may be positioned in the bore of the housing and may be configured to receive water flow from a water pump. The valve may define an adjustable opening having a dimension capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension and a second dimension to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water received from the pump.
- In another embodiment the pool jet fitting may include a housing and a valve positioned in the housing. The housing may include a housing body that defines a bore that extends through the housing body. The housing body may be configured to mate with a preexisting wall mount, and the bore may be configured to receive water flow from a variable flow water pump that is capable of pumping the water flow at different flow rates. The valve may be positioned in the bore of the housing, and may define an adjustable opening that is configured to maintain an outflow velocity of the water that agitates the surface of a pool as the flow rate of the water flow from the variable speed water pump changes.
- In another embodiment, the pool jet fitting includes a housing and a valve. The housing includes a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body. The housing body includes a coupler that is configured to mate with a coupler of a wall mount so as to releasably couple the housing to the wall mount. The bore is configured to receive water flow from a water pump. The valve is positioned in the bore of the housing. The valve has at least one slit that defines at least two flexible members that are configured to flex outwardly so as to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water received from the water pump.
- In another embodiment a pool filter system may be configured to promote surface agitation of a pool. The pool filter system may include a variable speed water pump, a plurality of pool jet fittings, a pool drain, and piping. The water pump may be configured to pump water at least at a first flow rate and a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate. The variable speed water pump may have a pump inlet and a pump outlet. Each one of the plurality of pool jet fittings may include a valve that defines an adjustable opening that automatically adjusts in response to a change in pump output from the second flow rate to the first flow rate to facilitate an outflow velocity of the water from the pool jet fitting to promote surface agitation of a pool. The piping may connect the pool drain to the pump inlet and may connect the pump outlet to the pool jet fittings.
- The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the pool filter systems and pool jet fittings of the present application, there is shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
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FIG. 1A is a schematic of a pool filter system including a pump, and a plurality of pool jet fittings that are configured to receive water from the pump and direct the water into the pool so as to agitate the surface of the pool; -
FIG. 1B is a schematic showing the flow of water through the pool filter system shown inFIG. 1A ; -
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a pool jet fitting constructed in accordance with an embodiment, the pool jet fitting coupled to a wall mount that is typically mounted in a wall of a pool; -
FIG. 2B is a perspective exploded view of the pool jet fitting and wall mount shown inFIG. 1 , the pool jet fitting including a valve, a housing, a rotatable insert, and a cap; -
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the wall mount shown inFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of the wall mount shown inFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 3C is a side elevation view of the wall mount shown inFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the housing shown inFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 4B is a front elevation view of the housing shown inFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 4C is a side elevation view of the housing shown inFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the valve shown inFIG. 2A , the valve including a valve body and a plurality of flexible member extending from the valve body; -
FIG. 5B is a front elevation view of the valve shown inFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 5C is a side elevation view of the valve shown inFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 5D is a rear elevation view of the valve shown inFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of one of the plurality of flexible members of the valve shown inFIG. 5A ; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the valve shown inFIG. 5A in an expanded position; -
FIG. 7B is a front elevation view of the valve shown inFIG. 7A ; -
FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the rotatable insert shown inFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 8B is a front elevation view of the rotatable insert shown inFIG. 8A ; -
FIG. 8C is a side elevation view of the rotatable insert shown inFIG. 8A ; -
FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the cap shown inFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of the cap shown inFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 9C is a side elevation view of the cap shown inFIG. 9A ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a valve in accordance with another embodiment, the valve including a plurality of extendable sections, each extendable section being coupled to a pair of adjacent members; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic of a valve in accordance with another embodiment, the valve including a valve body and a plurality of members that are configured to rotate and lift when the pool jet fitting receives a high velocity of water flow from the water pump; and -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a valve in accordance with another embodiment, the valve including a valve body having at least two slots that define at least four flexible portions. - Referring to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , apool filter system 10 is configured to filter water of apool 12 in an efficient and economical manner while at the same time maintaining the desired surface agitation of thepool 12. Thepool filter system 10 includes a plurality ofpool jet fittings 14 mounted to at least one, such as four walls of thepool 12, apool drain 18 mounted to a floor of thepool 12, apool filter 22 disposed along an upper portion of one of the walls of thepool 12, and awater pump 28 that is configured to receive water from thepool filter 22 and/or thepool drain 18, and subsequently return the water to thepool 12 through thepool jet fittings 14. As shown inFIG. 1A , thepool filter system 10 further includes piping 32 that operatively connects each of thepool jet fittings 14, thepool drain 18, and thepool filter 22 to thewater pump 28. - The
pool filter system 10 may be configured to filter water for any pool configuration as desired. For example, thepool filter system 10 may filter water through apool 12 that is substantially square shaped as illustrated or through an alternatively shaped pool, such as a kidney shaped pool. Thepool filter system 10 may be configured to filter or otherwise pump water through apool 12 that is configured as a swimming pool as illustrated, or any other pool as desired, such as a hot tub or a Jacuzzi bathtub. Thepool filter system 10 may include any number ofpool jet fittings 14. For example, while the illustrated embodiment of thepool filter system 10 includes tenpool jet fittings 14, it should be understood that thepool filter system 10 may include a single pool jet fitting 14 up to any number ofpool jet fittings 14 depending on the size of thepool 12. - The
water pump 28 may be a variable speed water pump that is configured to pump the water at least at a first flow rate and at a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate. By having multiple flow rates, thewater pump 28 may be set to operate at a lower speed (i.e. lower flow rate) and therefore reduce energy use as compared to a single speed water pump that always operates at a high speed. For example, the water pump may operate at a first flow rate of about 20 gallons/minute and at a second flow rate of about 130 gallons/minute. It should be understood, however, that thewater pump 28 may be configured to pump water at any desired flow rate(s). As shown inFIG. 1A , thewater pump 28 includes apump inlet 40 and apump outlet 44. Thepump inlet 40 is connected to thepool drain 18 and to thepool filter 22 by piping 32 a, and thepump outlet 44 is connected to thepool jet fittings 14 by piping 32 b. Thepump 28 may be supplied with or otherwise suck in water from thepool 12 through thepool drain 18 and thepool filter 22, and then return or otherwise pump the water back to thepool 12 through thepool jet fittings 14. Therefore, thepool filter system 10 may be considered a closed loop pool pumping filtration system. - As shown in
FIG. 1B , thepool jet fittings 14 may be mounted to the wall of thepool 12, proximate to, but below the surface of the water. As shown, thepool jet fittings 14 may be configured such that the flow of water through thepool jet fittings 14 is directed to the pool surface to thereby agitate the pool surface. The agitation of the pool surface not only directs any debris found on the pool surface toward thepool filter 22, but it also creates a sound that is often times desired. For example, such a sound may indicate that thepool filter system 10 is operating, and/or may be relaxing. - Now referring to
FIGS. 2A and 2B , each pool jet fitting 14 is configured to be releasably coupled to a respective wall mount 50 that is mounted to a wall of thepool 12. The pool jet fitting 14, and thewall mount 50 together define a pooljet fitting assembly 54. As shown inFIG. 2A , theassembly 54 defines a distal end D, a proximal end P, and a center axis C that extends along a longitudinal direction L between the proximal end P and the distal end D. The pool jet fitting 14 is configured to self-adjust so as to maintain adequate surface agitation of the pool whether thewater pump 28 is operating at high speeds or at low speeds. As shown inFIG. 2B , each pool jet fitting 14 includes ahousing 60 that is configured to couple to thewall mount 50, arotatable insert 64 disposed in thehousing 60, and avalve 68 mounted within therotatable insert 64. Therotatable insert 64 is configured to rotate relative to thehousing 60 so as to direct the flow of water from the pool jet fitting 14 toward the pool surface. Thevalve 68 is configured to automatically adjust in response to a change in pump output from the second flow rate to the first flow rate to facilitate an outflow velocity of the water from the pool jet fitting 14 that promotes surface agitation of thepool 12. As shown inFIG. 2B , the pool jet fitting 14 further includes acap 72 that is coupled to the distal end of thehousing 60 to thereby retain therotatable insert 64 and thevalve 68 within thehousing 60. - Referring to
FIGS. 3A-3C , thewall mount 50 may be a pre-existing or standard wall mount already attached to the wall of thepool 12. Therefore, the pool jet fitting 14 may be sized and configured to be coupled to awall mount 50 of a pre-existing pool. It should be understood, however, that thewall mount 50 may be a standard wall mount to be used in a newly built pool or a new wall mount that is different than the current standard wall mounts. As shown inFIG. 3A , thewall mount 50 includes awall mount body 80 that defines atubular portion 84 and ashoulder 88 that extends radially outward from a distal end of thetubular portion 84. Thewall mount body 80 further defines abore 92 that extends through thewall mount body 80 from the proximal end to the distal end of thebody 80. Thebore 92 is configured to receive water from thewater pump 28. - The
tubular portion 84 is configured to be glued or otherwise affixed within a bore defined by the wall of thepool 12. As shown inFIG. 3C , thetubular portion 84 has a length D1 that is defined between the proximal end of thetubular portion 84 and an inner surface of theshoulder 88. The length D1 of thetubular portion 84 is between about 1.25 inches and about 1.75 inches, and typically is about 1.5 inches for standard wall mounts 50. When thewall mount 50 is affixed to the pool wall, thetubular portion 84 will extend into the wall until an inner surface of theshoulder 88 abuts the surface of the pool wall. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3C , thewall mount 50 further includes a coupler, such asinternal threads 96 that extend out from aninner surface 100 of thebore 92 of thewall mount body 80 proximate to a distal end of thewall mount 50. Thethreads 96 are configured to engage threads of thehousing 60 so as to releasably couple thehousing 60 to thewall mount 50. It should be understood, however, that thewall mount 50 is not limited tothreads 96, and that thewall mount 50 may include any coupler that is capable of releasably coupling thehousing 60 to thewall mount 50. - As shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B , thewall mount 50 further includes alip 104 that extends out from theinner surface 100 of thebore 92 proximal to thethreads 96. Thelip 104 is configured to act as a stop and prevent over insertion of thehousing 60 when thehousing 60 is inserted into thebore 92 and coupled to thewall mount 50. - Referring to
FIGS. 4A-4C , thehousing 60 includes atubular body 120 that defines abore 124 that extends longitudinally through thebody 120. Thetubular body 120 is configured to be releasably coupled to thewall mount 50 such that when coupled, thebore 124 of thehousing 60 is in line with or otherwise coaxial with thebore 92 of thewall mount 50. Therefore, like thewall mount 50, thehousing 60 is configured to receive the water from thewater pump 28. As shown inFIGS. 4B and 4C , thehousing 60 is configured to have a longitudinal length H1 that is between about 0.875 inches and about 1.125 inches, and an outer diameter HD that is between about 1.75 inches and about 2 inches. Typically, a standard housing is configured to have a length H1 of about 1 inch, and a diameter HD of about 1.875 inches. As shown, thetubular body 120 defines a first coupler, such asexternal threads 128 that extend out from anexternal surface 132 of thebody 120 proximate to the proximal end of thehousing 60. Thethreads 128 are configured to engage theinternal threads 96 of thewall mount 50 to thereby releasably couple thehousing 60 to thewall mount 50. In particular thehousing 60 is threaded into thebore 92 of thewall mount 50 until the proximal end of thehousing 60 abuts thelip 104 within thebore 92. At this point, thehousing 60 will be fully coupled to thewall mount 50. - The
tubular body 120 further defines a second coupler, such asexternal threads 140 that extend out from theexternal surface 132 of thebody 120 proximate to the distal end of thehousing 60. Thethreads 140 are configured to engage threads of thecap 72 so as to releasably affix thecap 72 to the distal end of thehousing 60. It should be understood, however, that thehousing 60 is not limited tothreads housing 60 may include any coupler that is capable of releasably coupling thehousing 60 to thewall mount 50 and thecap 72 to thehousing 60. - As shown in
FIGS. 4A and 4B , thehousing 60 further includes alip 144 that extends out from aninner surface 142 of thebore 124 proximate to the proximal end of thehousing 60. Thelip 144 is configured to act as a stop and prevent over insertion of therotatable insert 64 and thevalve 68 when therotatable insert 64 and thevalve 68 are placed within thebore 124 of thehousing 60. Moreover, when thecap 72 is coupled to theexternal threads 140 of thehousing 60 therotatable insert 64 and thevalve 68 will be locked or otherwise held within thebore 124 of thehousing 60 between thecap 72 and thelip 144. - Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 5A-5D, the
valve 68 is configured to be positioned within thebore 124 of thehousing 60, and defines anadjustable opening 160 that defines a dimension DV capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension and a second dimension to facilitate an outflow velocity of the water received from thewater pump 28 that agitates the surface of the pool. For example, theadjustable opening 160 is configured to automatically adjust so as to maintain an outflow velocity of the water that agitates the surface of the pool as the flow rate of the water flow from thewater pump 28 changes. The dimension DV of theadjustable opening 160 may be capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension that is about 0.187 inches, and a second dimension that is about 1 inch. It could also be said that theadjustable opening 160 may be capable of automatically adjusting between a first area that is about 0.027 in2, and a second area that is about 0.785 in2. It should be understood, however, that the first and second dimensions may be any dimension as desired, and the first and second areas may be any area as desired. Moreover, while the dimension DV is illustrated as a diameter, it should be understood that the dimension DV may alternatively be a width, or a height. - As shown in
FIG. 5A , thevalve 68 includes avalve body 164, and a plurality ofmembers 168 that extend distally from thevalve body 164. As shown inFIGS. 5B-5D , thevalve body 164 defines amember support portion 172, ashoulder 176 that extends radially outward from a proximal end of themember support portion 172, and abore 180 that extends longitudinally through thebody 164. As shown, themember support portion 172 angles toward the center axis of thevalve 68 as themember support portion 172 extends distally. Therefore, thebore 180 includes a diameter that decreases as thebore 180 extends distally through thevalve body 164. Thebore 180 of thevalve 68 is configured to receive the water flow from thewater pump 28 as it flows through thewall mount 50 and thehousing 60, and directs the water flow toward theadjustable opening 160 that in the illustrated embodiment is defined by themembers 168. - As shown in
FIG. 5D , theshoulder portion 172 which extends radially outward from a proximal end of themember support portion 172 is substantially planar and is configured to be disposed within thebore 124 of thehousing 60. In some embodiments, theshoulder portion 172 may be configured to abut against thelip 144 of thehousing 60 when thevalve 68 is fully inserted within thebore 124 of thehousing 60. - As shown in
FIGS. 5A-5C , eachmember 168 lies flush against themember support portion 172 such that themembers 168 together define a substantially cone shaped structure. That is, as themembers 168 extend distally they extend toward the center axis of thevalve 68. Themembers 168 and thevalve body 164 may be formed or otherwise molded as a single unit or themembers 168 may be coupled to thevalve body 164 withfixation elements 182 as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, eachmember 168 is coupled to thevalve body 164 by twofixation elements 182 that define screws. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , eachmember 168 is configured to flex outwardly and includes acoupling portion 184 and a flexingportion 188 that extends distally from thecoupling portion 184. Eachmember 168 is substantially triangular in shape and defines adistal end 192 and aproximal end 196 that is wider than thedistal end 192. As shown, thedistal end 192 of themember 168 is substantially flat. Therefore, together, the distal ends 192 of all of themembers 168 define theadjustable opening 160, which in the illustrated embodiment is circular. Eachmember 168 further definesouter sides 198 that converge toward each other as they extend distally and terminate at thedistal end 192. Themembers 168 may be made of any material as desired. For example, themembers 168 may be made of a plastic material. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , eachcoupling portion 184 defines a pair ofholes 210 that extend through thecoupling portion 184. Theholes 210 are configured to receive thefixation elements 182 so as to couple themember 168 to themember support portion 172 of thevalve body 164. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , eachmember 168 further includes ahinge 200 that connects the flexingportion 188 to thecoupling portion 184. Thehinge 200 is a weakenedportion 202 defined between a pair ofslits 204 that allows the flexingportion 188 to flex relative to thecoupling portion 184. As shown, the flexingportion 188, thecoupling portion 184, and thehinge 200 are integrally formed as a single unit. It should be understood, however, that thehinge 200, thecoupling portion 184, and the flexingportion 188 may each define separate units that are combined to form themember 168. It should also be understood, that thehinge 200 may be any portion of themember 168 that allows the flexingportion 188 to flex relative to thecoupling portion 184. - Referring now to
FIGS. 7A and 7B , eachmember 168 is configured to flex, such that when the flow rate of the water from thewater pump 28 increases, themembers 168 flex outwardly to thereby increase the dimension of theadjustable opening 160. That is, each flexingportion 188 pivots about arespective hinge 200 so as to widen theadjustable opening 160 from a first or initial dimension as shown inFIG. 5B , to a second or expanded dimension as shown inFIG. 7B . Because thevalve 68 includes anadjustable opening 160, thevalve 68 is configured to maintain a predetermined outflow velocity of water through the pool jet fitting 14 as the flow rate of the water flow from thewater pump 28 changes. The predetermined outflow velocity may correspond to a range of velocities having a minimum velocity at which the water flow is visible or otherwise agitates the surface of the pool. For example, the predetermined outflow velocity may have a minimum velocity of 15 ft/s. It should be understood, however, that the predetermined outflow velocity may be any velocity as desired, and may include any minimum velocity as desired. Moreover, the predetermined outflow velocity may depend on a variety of factors, such as the piping, the pump, and the position of the pool jet fitting assemblies. - Referring now to
FIGS. 8A-8C , therotatable insert 64 includes aninsert body 250 that defines apassage 254 that extends longitudinally through thebody 250. Theinsert body 250 is substantially cylindrical and defines anouter surface 257 that curves radially inward as thebody 250 extends distally. Therefore, thepassage 254 may define a proximal diameter IP between about 1.375 inches and about 1.625 inches, and a distal diameter ID between about 1 inch and about 1.25 inches. Astandard insert 64 may define a proximal diameter IP of about 1.5 inches, and a distal diameter ID of about 1.125 inches. It should be understood, however, that theinsert 64 may include any proximal diameter IP and distal diameter ID as desired. - The
insert 64 is configured to be disposed within thebore 124 of thehousing 60. Theinsert 64 is configured to be disposed within thebore 124 of thehousing 60 such that theinsert 64 is capable of rotating relative to thehousing 60. Therefore, when the pool jet fitting 14 is coupled to thewall mount 50, theinsert 64 can be rotated so as to position the insert such that thepassage 254 of theinsert 64 is directed or otherwise extending towards the pool surface. Water flow from thewater pump 28 will then be directed to the surface of the pool to create the desired agitation. - The
passage 254 of theinsert 64 may be sized to receive thevalve 68 such that thevalve 68 rotates along with therotatable insert 64, when therotatable insert 64 is rotated. Therefore, theadjustable opening 160 of thevalve 68 can face the surface of thepool 12 when theinsert 64 is rotated to face the surface of thepool 12. - Referring to FIGS. 1A and 9A-9C, the
cap 72 is configured to be coupled to thehousing 60 to thereby hold theinsert 64 and thevalve 68 within thehousing 60. Thecap 72 includes a substantiallycylindrical cap body 252 that defines abore 256 that extends longitudinally through thebody 252. Thecap 72 further includes a coupler, such asinternal threads 258 that extend out from aninternal surface 262 of thebore 256. Thethreads 258 are configured to engage thethreads 140 of thehousing 60 to thereby releasably affix thecap 72 to the distal end of thehousing 60 and retain theinsert 64 and thevalve 68 within thehousing 60. It should be understood, however, that thecap 72 is not limited tothreads 258, and that thecap 72 may include any coupler that is capable of releasably coupling thecap 72 to thehousing 60. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 9A , thecap 72bore 256 extends through thecap body 252 and terminates at anopening 270 defined by a distal end of thecap body 252. Theopening 270 includes a diameter that is less than the diameter of thebore 256. As shown inFIG. 2A , a portion of therotatable insert 64 extends through theopening 270 when thecap 72 is coupled to thehousing 60. Therefore, theinsert 64 may be rotated while the pool jet fitting 14 is completely assembly and coupled to thewall mount 50. - In operation the pool jet fitting 14 will capable of maintaining a desired surface agitation whether the
water pump 28 is operating at high speeds or at low speeds. For example, when thewater pump 28 is operating at high speeds the water flow from the pump will be at a high velocity. As the high velocity water flow passes through thevalve 68, themembers 168 will flex outward thereby increasing the diameter and thus the area of theadjustable opening 160 of thevalve 68. When thewater pump 28 is changed from operating at high speeds to operating at low speeds the water flow from thepump 28 will decrease to a lower velocity as compared to when the pump is operating at high speeds. As the low velocity water flow passes through thevalve 68, themembers 168 will return to their non-flexed state thereby decreasing the diameter and thus the area of theadjustable opening 160 of thevalve 68. Because theopening 160 has a smaller diameter when thepump 28 is operating at low speeds, the outflow velocity of the water will be increased to thereby maintain an outflow velocity that agitates the surface of the pool. Therefore, the pool jet fitting 14 will maintain a substantially similar outflow velocity, or at least maintain an outflow velocity within a specified range that agitates the surface of the pool whether thepump 28 is operating at high speeds or at low speeds. - In another embodiment, and in reference to
FIG. 10 , thevalve 68 may include a plurality ofextendable sections 284, each extendable section being coupled to a pair ofadjacent members 168. Theextendable sections 284 are configured to expand as themembers 168 flex outwardly to thereby cover any gaps formed betweenadjacent members 168 when themembers 168 have fully flexed. By covering the gaps, the outflow velocity of the water through thevalve 68 may be more easily controlled. That is, when thevalve 68 includes theextendable sections 284, the water flow only exits theadjustable opening 160 whether the members are flexed or not. Theextendable sections 284 may be made from any material capable of expanding. For example, theextendable sections 284 may be made from a rubber, a cloth-like material, or even be structured like an accordion. - As shown, the
extendable sections 284 are coupled to theouter sides 198 of themembers 168. It should be understood, however, that theextendable sections 284 may be coupled to any part of themembers 168. For example, theextendable members 284 may each define a sleeve that is coupled to themembers 168 by being wrapped around themembers 168. Moreover, theextendable sections 284 may be separate components from themembers 168 or themembers 168 and theextendable sections 284 may be integrally formed. - In another embodiment, and in reference to
FIG. 11 , the pool jet fitting 14 may include avalve 368 having avalve body 372 and a plurality ofmembers 376 that are rotatably coupled to thevalve body 372. Themembers 376 are configured to flex and rotate relative to thevalve body 372 as the water flow from the water pump increases in velocity. Thevalve body 372 is substantially cylindrical and defines abore 380 that extends longitudinally through thebody 372. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , eachmember 376 is substantially curved and includes acoupling portion 392, and a flexingportion 394 that extends distally from thecoupling portion 392. Thecoupling portion 392 is coupled to thebody 372 with a fixation element, such as apeg 396 such that thatmember 376 is capable of rotating about thepeg 396. Themembers 376 are coupled to thebody 372 such that themembers 376 surround thebore 380. The flexingportion 394 defines a curvedinner surface 398. As shown, the curvedinner surfaces 398 of themembers 376 together define anadjustable opening 400 through which the water flow may pass. - As shown in
FIG. 11 , eachmember 376 further includes a hinge that couples the flexingportion 394 to thecoupling portion 392. As water flow through thevalve 368 increases, themembers 376 will rotate about theirpegs 396 and their flexingportions 394 will flex outwardly. As themembers 376 rotate and the flexingportions 394 flex, a dimension (i.e. diameter) of theadjustable opening 400 will increase. Therefore, similar to thevalve 68 shown inFIGS. 5A-5D , thevalve 368 is capable of maintaining the outflow velocity of the pool jet fitting 14 whether thewater pump 28 is operating at high speeds or at low speeds. - In another embodiment and in reference to
FIG. 12 , the pool jet fitting 14 may include avalve 468 having avalve body 472 that is capable of being positioned in the bore of the housing. Thevalve 468 includes at least one, such as twoslits 476 that define at least two, such as fourflexible members 480. In the illustrated embodiment, thevalve 468 includes two slits that are in a cross-like configuration and define four wedge shapedflexible members 480, though it should be understood that any configuration may be desired. For example, theslits 476 may define a T-shaped, or Y-shaped configuration. As with thevalve 68, theflexible members 480 are configured to flex outwardly as water flows through thevalve 468. As the water flow to thevalve 468 increases, theflexible members 480 flex outwardly so as to facilitate the predetermined outflow velocity of the water received from the water pump. - It should be understood that while the
pool filter system 10 has been described as utilizing a variablespeed water pump 28, it should be understood that thepool filter system 10 may utilize a singlespeed water pump 28. For example, because in certain cases the piping used to operatively couple thepool jet fittings 14 to thewater pump 28 vary with respect to each pool jet fitting 14, the amount of or flow of water from thewater pump 28 may vary with respect to each pool jet fitting 14. Therefore, by using thepool jet fittings 14 that include valves with adjustable openings, the outflow velocity from each pool jet fitting 14 may be substantially similar or at least within a desired range. Moreover, it should be understood that every pool jet fitting of thesystem 10 does not have to be a pool jet fitting 14 having an adjustable opening. Therefore, thepool filter system 10 may include somepool jet fittings 14 having an adjustable opening, and at least one non-adjustable pool jet fitting having a fixed opening. - The foregoing description is provided for the purpose of explanation and is not to be construed as limiting the invention. While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments or preferred methods, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Furthermore, although the invention has been described herein with reference to particular structure, methods, and embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein, as the invention extends to all structures, methods and uses that are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the relevant art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may effect numerous modifications to the invention as described herein, and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, any features of one described embodiment can be applicable to the other embodiments described herein.
Claims (16)
1. A valve configured for a pool jet fitting that is configured to direct a flow of water into a pool, the valve comprising:
a valve body including an input end, an output end spaced from the input end in a first direction, a plurality of flexible members that converge toward a central axis, and an adjustable opening, each flexible member including a proximal end and a distal end opposed to the proximal end, each distal end being spaced apart from the central axis along a second direction that is perpendicular to the central axis so as to define the adjustable opening, the adjustable opening having a first dimension that extends from a first distal end of the plurality of flexible members to a second distal end of the plurality of flexible members along the second direction, and through the central axis, and an entirety of the adjustable opening being unobstructed,
wherein the valve is configured such that a force applied to the plurality of flexible members along the first direction causes the adjustable opening to transition between the first dimension and a second dimension that is greater than the first dimension.
2. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein the first dimension is centered about the central axis and is capable of automatically increasing from a nonzero first dimension to a second dimension that is greater than the first.
3. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein the flexible members include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, wherein the plurality of flexible members are configured to flex in response to the force applied to the inner surface, wherein the force is the impingement of the flow of water when the valve is disposed on the pool fitting and water is flowing through the pool jet fitting.
4. The valve according to claim 1 , where application of the force causes the plurality of flexible members to flex outwardly away from the central axis to thereby increase the first dimension of the adjustable opening to the second dimension.
5. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein the valve further includes a plurality of extendable sections, each extendable section being coupled to a respective pair of adjacent members of the plurality of flexible members.
6. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein each flexible member is wedge shaped.
7. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein the valve body includes a plurality of slits, wherein an adjacent pair of the plurality of slits define a respective one of the plurality of flexible members.
8. The valve according to claim 1 , wherein the first dimension is about 0.25 inches and the second dimension is about 1.25 inches.
9. A pool jet fitting configured to direct flow of water, the pool jet fitting comprising:
a valve defining an adjustable opening configured to permit the flow of water to pass therethrough, the adjustable opening defining a dimension that is centered along a central axis and is unobstructed along an entirety of the dimension so that water is flowable therethrough, and the adjustable opening is capable of automatically adjusting between a first dimension and a second dimension so as to facilitate a predetermined outflow velocity of the water from the valve, wherein the adjustable opening is unobstructed in the first dimension and the second dimension so as to permit the flow of water to pass therethrough.
10. The pool jet fitting according to claim 9 , wherein the flexible members include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface, wherein the plurality of flexible members are configured to flex in response to the impingement of the flow of water on the inner surface of the flexible members when the valve is disposed on the pool jet fitting and water is flowing through the pool jet fitting.
11. The pool jet fitting according to claim 9 , wherein each of the plurality flexible members are configured to flex away from the central axis to thereby increase the first dimension of the adjustable opening.
12. The pool jet fitting according to claim 9 , wherein the first dimension is about 0.25 inches and the second dimension is about 1.25 inches.
13. The pool jet fitting according to claim 9 , wherein the predetermined outflow velocity is a range of velocities.
14. The pool jet fitting according to claim 9 , further comprising a housing including a housing body and a bore that extends through the housing body, wherein the valve is aligned the bore along the central axis, the housing body including a coupler that is configured to be releasably coupled to a wall mount, the bore configured to receive a flow of water from a water pump when the housing is coupled to the wall mount and the water pump pumps the water flow.
15. The pool jet fitting according to claim 14 , wherein the dimension of the adjustable opening is capable of automatically adjusting in response to a change in the output of the water pump.
16. The pool jet fitting according to claim 14 , wherein (i) the water pump is a variable flow water pump that is capable of pumping the water at different flow rates, and (ii) the predetermined outflow velocity is maintained within a predetermined range of velocities as the flow rate of the variable flow water pump changes.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/959,870 US20160083970A1 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2015-12-04 | Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/197,426 US9267299B2 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2011-08-03 | Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings |
US14/959,870 US20160083970A1 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2015-12-04 | Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings |
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US13/197,426 Continuation US9267299B2 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2011-08-03 | Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings |
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US20160083970A1 true US20160083970A1 (en) | 2016-03-24 |
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US13/197,426 Active - Reinstated 2033-05-15 US9267299B2 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2011-08-03 | Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings |
US14/959,870 Abandoned US20160083970A1 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2015-12-04 | Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings |
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US13/197,426 Active - Reinstated 2033-05-15 US9267299B2 (en) | 2011-08-03 | 2011-08-03 | Pool filter systems including pool jet fittings |
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Cited By (1)
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US9844488B2 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2017-12-19 | Infusion Pool Products, Inc. | High flow water return fitting for swimming pools and spas |
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AU2013212352A1 (en) * | 2012-01-23 | 2014-08-21 | Eco-Blu Pool Components Llc | Automatically adjusting pool jet fitting |
US20150271987A1 (en) * | 2014-02-07 | 2015-10-01 | Bryan Foster | Seeding composition with dispensing apparatus |
US9979182B2 (en) | 2014-02-24 | 2018-05-22 | Intex Marketing Ltd. | Wave-making mechanism |
US9573038B1 (en) * | 2015-10-08 | 2017-02-21 | Waterway Plastics | Variable speed swim spa system |
CN107338976A (en) | 2017-01-11 | 2017-11-10 | 明达实业(厦门)有限公司 | Endless track flows pond |
USD857179S1 (en) * | 2017-05-04 | 2019-08-20 | Dawn Marie Thompson | Pool surface return extension fitting |
USD851220S1 (en) * | 2017-05-04 | 2019-06-11 | Dawn Marie Thompson | Pool return fitting |
CN206928712U (en) | 2017-06-22 | 2018-01-26 | 明达实业(厦门)有限公司 | River generator suspension frame installing structure |
CA184218S (en) * | 2018-10-17 | 2020-01-02 | Groupe Vif Inc | Water modules for above-ground swimming pools |
CN211383723U (en) | 2019-11-01 | 2020-09-01 | 明达实业(厦门)有限公司 | Suspension structure of swimming machine |
US20240052664A1 (en) * | 2022-08-11 | 2024-02-15 | John Michael Green | Methods, systems, apparatuses, and devices for facilitating cleaning of a pool |
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US7237619B2 (en) * | 2003-07-23 | 2007-07-03 | Mehr Ralph R | Automatic fire sprinkler having a variable orifice |
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US3895646A (en) * | 1973-11-30 | 1975-07-22 | Manuel G Howat | Self-regulating vane type valve for controlling fluid flow |
US4188673A (en) | 1978-10-11 | 1980-02-19 | Carter Heard L | Rotatable pop-up water delivery head for pool cleaning systems |
US4393526A (en) | 1981-11-23 | 1983-07-19 | Miller Paul B | Pool cleaning apparatus |
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IT1249269B (en) * | 1991-05-24 | 1995-02-21 | Sea Di Filipponi A E C S N C | JET FOR WHIRLPOOL |
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US8905625B2 (en) | 2009-07-08 | 2014-12-09 | Infusion Pool Products, Inc. | High flow water return fitting for swimming pools and spas |
US8322908B1 (en) | 2009-07-08 | 2012-12-04 | Warren Hartmann | Pool fitting with venturi |
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2011
- 2011-08-03 US US13/197,426 patent/US9267299B2/en active Active - Reinstated
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2015
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US7237619B2 (en) * | 2003-07-23 | 2007-07-03 | Mehr Ralph R | Automatic fire sprinkler having a variable orifice |
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US9844488B2 (en) * | 2014-11-12 | 2017-12-19 | Infusion Pool Products, Inc. | High flow water return fitting for swimming pools and spas |
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US9267299B2 (en) | 2016-02-23 |
US20130031711A1 (en) | 2013-02-07 |
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