WO2019148377A1

WO2019148377A1 - Accessories and features for a pool or spa

Info

Publication number: WO2019148377A1
Application number: PCT/CN2018/074774
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shuiyong HUANG; Haijun Wang; Xueshi ZHANG
Original assignee: Bestway Inflatables & Material Corp.
Priority date: 2018-01-31
Filing date: 2018-01-31
Publication date: 2019-08-08

Abstract

A chemical dispenser system for use in a pool or spa (10) is disclosed. The pool or spa (10) has an internal piping (16) and a pump (18). The internal piping (16) of the pool or spa (10) includes an outlet pipe (15) having an outlet (17), wherein the outlet (17) is positioned adjacent to an inner wall (12) of the pool or spa (10). A chemical dispenser (50) is configured to be coupled to the outlet (17) and has a water dispersion section (52), a chemical containment section (54), a coupling ring (56), and a cap (58). The water dispersion section (52) has a plurality of outlet ports (72). The chemical containment section (54) is coupled to the water dispersion section (52) and has a plurality of slits (78). The slits (78) allow the chemicals that are disposed within the chemical containment section (54) to interact with the water (34) in the pool or spa (10).

Description

ACCESSORIES AND FEATURES FOR A POOL OR SPA

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to accessories and features for a pool or spa. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a chemical dispenser and winterization feature for a pool or spa.

BACKGROUND

Making a spa easy to maintain increases the use of the spa and desirability of ownership. However, an owner of a spa may lack the required knowledge about spa maintenance or usage. For example, the use of a spa during the winter months may be desirable, but if the owner is concerned about the water freezing within the spa, then the owner may shy away from using the spa during this time. Additionally, the owner may lack the knowledge of how to maintain the proper chemical levels within a spa. For example, an owner may try and use a floating chemical dispenser to maintain the chlorine level. However, the use of a floating chemical dispenser may be undesirable when an owner is using a small spa because the floating chemical dispenser may bump into the owner. To avoid this, the owner may remove the floating chemical dispenser during their use, but upon finishing the owner will more likely than not forget to place the floating chemical dispenser back into the spa. This in turn creates inconsistent chemical levels, which may cause the pump or the walls of the spa to degrade or require replacement of all of the water in the spa.

As an alternative to using a floating chemical dispenser, some spa owners use an external chemical dispenser. However, chemicals contained within the external chemical dispenser are only introduced into the spa when the pump is functioning. This in turn may cause inconsistent chemical levels, if the pump is not operated on a regular basis. These inconsistent chemical levels may in turn cause the pump or the walls of the spa to degrade or may require replacement of all of the water in the spa.

To avoid the above issues, some owners have placed the chemicals in the skimmer basket. However, placing the chemicals in this location will cause water with an extremely high chemical concentration to be drawn into the pump. This causes the pump to rapidly degrade. Accordingly, there is an unmet need for accessories and features that make a spa easy to use and maintain. These features may include a winterization feature that helps prevent the water from freezing in the spa or providing recommendations to the user in order to properly modify the chemical levels of the water in the spa. In addition, these accessories may include a chemical dispenser system that does not require regular operation of the pump, will not bump into users when they are using the spa, and will not introduce water with a high chemical concentration directly into the pump.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present disclosure describe a chemical dispenser system for use in an above ground spa or pool. An above ground spa or pool has internal piping and a pump. The internal piping of the spa includes an outlet pipe having an outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned adjacent to an inner wall of the above ground spa or pool. The chemical dispenser is configured to be coupled to the outlet and has a water dispersion section, a chemical containment section, a coupling ring, and a cap. The water dispersion section has a plurality of outlet ports, which allow the water to flow from the outlet pipe into the spa without flowing through the chemical containment section. The chemical containment section is coupled to the water dispersion section and has a plurality of slits therethrough. The slits therethrough allow the chemicals that are disposed within the chemical containment section to interact with the water in the spa or pool. The coupling ring is coupled to the chemical containment section and has a receiver that is configured to receive the cap’s projection.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure describe a chemical dispenser for use in a spa or pool. The chemical dispenser has a water dispersion section, a chemical containment section, a coupling ring, and a cap. The water dispersion section has a plurality of outlet ports, which allow the water to flow from the outlet pipe into the spa without flowing through the chemical containment section. The chemical containment section is coupled to the water dispersion section and has a plurality of slits therethrough. The slits therethrough allow the chemicals that are disposed within the chemical containment section to interact with the water in the spa or pool. The coupling ring is coupled to the chemical containment section and has a receiver that is configured to receive the cap’s projection. Finally, when the chemical dispenser is in the use position, it is positioned completely underwater and adjacent to an inner wall of the spa or pool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an above ground spa and a pump, wherein a section of the outer wall of the above ground spa is removed to show the internal piping;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the above ground spa taken along line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart describing one embodiment of the winterization feature for a pool or spa; and

FIG. 4 is a chemical dispenser accessory for a pool or spa.

FIGS. 5A-5D are alternative embodiments of the bottom of the chemical dispenser accessory shown in figure 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this disclosure includes a number of details and embodiments in many different forms, there are, as shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, particular embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems, and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed concepts to the embodiments illustrated.

Figure 1 shows an above ground spa 10 with a partially removed exterior wall 14. The above ground spa 10 may be formed from various materials and/or may have various shapes and sizes. One exemplary spa 10 may have a circular shape, a diameter of approximately 70 inches, and formed from inflatable plastic. Alternatively, the spa 10 may have other shapes (e.g., an ellipse shape, a rectangular shape, a squire shape, a polygonal shape, an irregular shape) or other sizes (e.g., 32 –92 inches) . Other examples of above ground spas 10 are described in CN 202005676U and CN 206233650U, both of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. Other examples of a spa 10 may include the spas contained within Bestway’s SaluSpaTM product line. Further, an above ground pool may be used instead of an above ground spa 10. Examples of such pools are described in U.S. Patent Applications 14/663,345, 14/793,667, 15/008,125, 15/282,818, all of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

The partially removed exterior wall 14 of the spa 10 shows the internal piping 16 of the spa 10. The internal piping 16 facilitates the circulation of water 34 between the spa 10 and the pump 18. In addition, the internal piping 16 may also allow for the injection of air into the water 34. Specifically, the internal piping 16 has an outlet pipe 15 that connects the pump’s water outlet 26 to a first set of jet outlets 20 and the screen 32. The first set of jet outlets 20 are distributed around the perimeter of the spa’s inner wall 12 and are permanently coupled thereto. Preferably, in the first set of jet outlets 20, there are at least four outlets. As shown in figure 2, the outlet pipe 15 has an outlet 17 that is positioned adjacent to the inner wall 12 of the spa 10. The screen 32, while in use, is removably connected to the outlet 17 of the outlet pipe 15 by a threaded connection 31. This placement positions the screen 32, in the use position, adjacent to the inner wall 12 of the spa 10. The threaded connection 31 may be replaced in other embodiments by other coupling means, such as a quarter-turn connector, bayonet style connector, a pin and socket, or other similar types of connectors. The screen 32 permits water to flow from the pump 18 into the spa 10, while helping to ensure that no large objects can be forced into the outlet pipe 15. In some embodiments, a chemical dispenser 50 is removably connected to the screen 32. The chemical dispenser 50 and its advantages will be discussed in greater detail below.

The internal piping 16 has an inlet pipe 19 that connects the pump’s water inlet 24 to a debris filter 29. In the use position, the debris filter 29 is positioned adjacent to the inner wall 12 of the spa 10. Like the screen 32, the debris filter 29 is removably connected to the inlet pipe 19 by a threaded connection. The debris filter permits water 34 to flow from the spa 10 into the pump 18, while helping to ensure that no large objects are sucked into the pump 18. In some embodiments, a water purifying filter 30 is removably connected to the debris filter 29. The water purifying filter 30 further ensures that no large objects are sucked into the pump 18 and also helps clean the water 34 prior to its entrance into the pump 18. An example of this water purifying filter 30 is described in CN 202289680U, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. The internal piping 16 also connects the pump’s air outlet 22 to a second set of jet outlets 28. The second set of jet outlets 28 allows for the pump 18 to inject air into the water to provide a soothing effect. The second set of jet outlets 28 also may have a screen to help ensure that no objects can be forced into the openings in the internal piping 16. The second set of jet outlets 28 and its screen may be either permanently or removably connected to the inner wall 12 of the spa 10.

The pump 18 may have multiple features, which may include the ability to inflate the spa 10, change the water temperature of the spa 10, alter the strength of the air that is injected into the water 34 through the second set of jet outlets 28, or pump the water 34 out of the spa 10. These features may be controlled locally by the user using a control panel 36. Specifically, the control panel 36 may be disposed on top of the pump 18 and substantially waterproof. One example of a control panel is described in U.S. Patent Application 15/474,750, which is fully incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the described features may be remotely controlled by a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. One example of this is described in U.S. Patent Application 15/220,296, which is fully incorporated herein by reference.

The pump 18 may also include a winterization feature. The functionality of this feature is described in the flow chart shown in figure 3. Principally, this feature allows the user to program the pump 18 to circulate the water 34, heat and circulate the water 34, or shut off the pump 18, if the water temperature in the spa 10 drops below certain temperature thresholds. Specifically, step 300 describes that the user can set a first temperature threshold (e.g., 50°Fahrenheit) , a second threshold temperature (e.g., 42° Fahrenheit) , and a third threshold temperature (e.g., 39° Fahrenheit) . Step 302 describes that if the temperature of the water 34 drops below a first temperature threshold (e.g., 50° Fahrenheit) , then the pump 18 periodically (e.g., every fifteen minutes) circulates the water 34 (step 304) from inside the spa 10, through the inlet pipe 19, through the pump 18, through at least the outlet pipe 15, and back into the spa 10. Step 306 describes that if the temperature of the water 34 drops below a second temperature threshold (e.g., 42° Fahrenheit) , then the pump 18 heats and circulates the water 34 through the same path as described above in step 304. The spa 10 continues to heat and circulate the water 34 until the water temperature is above the first temperature threshold (e.g., 50° Fahrenheit) . Step 310 describes that if the temperature of the water 34 drops below a third temperature threshold (e.g., 39° Fahrenheit) , then the pump 18 pumps all of the water out of its internal piping. After all of the water is removed from the internal piping, the pump shuts off and displays an error message (e.g., “EO3” ) on the control panel 36. Once this occurs, the user will have to either remove all the water from the spa 10 or wait until the water rises above the second temperature threshold (e.g., 42° Fahrenheit) prior to being able to turn on the pump 18. It should be understood that the user or the factor may set the temperature thresholds and that these thresholds may be ± 25° Fahrenheit from each of the temperatures described above.

In an embodiment, this winterization functionality may send an alert to the remote mobile phone application, described in U.S. Patent Application 15/220,296, to provide notice to the user that the water temperature has dropped below either the first, second, or third threshold temperature and that the pump 18 is performing either step 304, step 308, or step 312. It should also be understood that the user may program the mobile phone application to only alert the mobile device, if one of the temperature thresholds is met. For example, the user may only want to receive notifications if the temperature of the water 34 drops below the third threshold (e.g., 39° Fahrenheit) . The pump 18 may also use the remote mobile phone application, described in U.S. Patent Application 15/220, 296, to download weather forecast to predict when the temperature of the water 34 will drop below one of the temperature thresholds. Once the pump 18 has determined that it is likely (e.g., greater than 50%chance) that the temperature of the water 24 will drop below a temperature threshold, this information can be sent to the remote mobile phone. Specifically, the mobile phone can inform the user of the likelihood of the temperature drop and suggest certain preemptive measurements (e.g., drain the spa, cover the spa, etc. ) to help ensure that the temperature of the water 34 does not reach the temperature thresholds.

Alternatively, the winterization feature may only have one temperature threshold. In this embodiment, the pump 18 will heat and circulate the water 34 until the water temperature is above a predetermined temperature (e.g., a preset number of degrees above the threshold temperature) . For example, the user may select 35° Fahrenheit as the threshold temperature. If the water temperature drops below 35° Fahrenheit, then the pump 18 heats and circulates the water 34 until the water temperature is five degrees above the threshold temperature. This winterization feature helps ensure that the water 34 in the spa 10 and the water 34 in the internal piping 16 do not freeze.

The pump 18 may also include a chemical testing feature. Specifically, a chemical sensor may be placed in the water path between the water inlet 24 and the water outlet 26. This chemical sensor may test the water’s chlorine or bromide level, the ph level, the alkalinity level, the calcium hardness level, cyanuric acid level, the stabilizer/conditioner level, or other similar water tests. The chemical sensor then analyzes this data and compares the chemical levels against preprogramed acceptable ranges (e.g., ph level is set between 7.2 and 7.6) . If the chemical sensor determines that at least one of the chemical levels is not within the preprogramed acceptable range, then a notification is sent to the mobile device or the control panel 36 to inform the user of this information. Along with this notification, the mobile device or the control panel 36, may make recommendations of how the user may be able to fix the non-acceptable chemical level. Alternatively, if the sensor determines that all of the chemical levels are within acceptable ranges, then no notification is sent to the mobile device or the control panel 36.

As shown in figures 2 and 4, the spa 10 may include a chemical dispenser 50. When in the use position, the chemical dispenser 50 is completely submerged in the water 34. In some embodiments the chemical dispenser 50 is removably coupled to the screen 32, which places the chemical dispenser 50 adjacent to the water purifying filter 30. This placement of the chemical dispenser 50 may be preferable over other locations because this location increases the usable space of the spa 10 and it allows for rapid release of the chemicals into the water 34. This location may also be preferable because it places the chemical dispenser 50 in the outwardly directed water flow, which helps ensure that highly concentrated chemical water is not directly introduced into the pump 18. Also, unlike a traditional floating chlorine tablet dispenser, the chemical dispenser 50 that is described in this application is fully submerged and is removably coupled to the outlet pipe 15, which places the chemical dispenser 50 adjacent to the inner wall 12 of the spa 10. In other embodiments, the chemical dispenser 50 may be located in another section of the spa 10. For example, the chemical dispenser 50 may be positioned adjacent to the water purifying filter 30 in the horizontal direction instead of the vertical direction.

The chemical dispenser 50 is comprised of a water dispersion section 52, a chemical containment section 54, a coupling ring 56, and a cap 58. The water dispersion section 52 is removably coupled to the screen 32 by a coupling mechanism 60. As shown in figure 4, the coupling mechanism 60 includes a projection 62 and a groove 64. The groove 64 has a vertical component 66, a horizontal component 68, and a locking mechanism 70. Specifically, to couple the chemical dispenser 50 to the screen 32, a user applies an inwardly directed force that is substantially parallel to the major axis 51 of the chemical dispenser 50 to insert the projection 62 into the vertical component 66 of the groove 64. Then, once the projection has reached the bottom of the vertical component 66 of the groove 64, the user applies a clockwise rotational force on the chemical dispenser 50 to rotate the projection 62 in the horizontal component 68 of the groove 64. The user continues to rotate the chemical dispenser 50 until the projection 62 passes the locking mechanism 70. Once this occurs, the chemical dispenser 50 is coupled to the screen 32. Overall, the coupling of the chemical dispenser 50 to the screen 32 requires the user to rotate the chemical dispenser 50 less than one rotation, preferably less than a half of a rotation, and, more preferably less than a quarter of a rotation.

To disconnect the chemical dispenser 50, the user applies a counter-clockwise rotational force on the chemical dispenser 50. This force must be great enough to outwardly deform the water dispersion section 54 to allow for the projection 62 to overcome the locking mechanism 70. Once the projection has reached the end of the horizontal component 68 of the groove 64, the user must apply an outwardly directed force, which is substantially parallel to the major axis 51, on the chemical dispenser 50. This force removes the projection 62 from the vertical component 66 of the groove 64. In alternative embodiments, the coupling mechanism 60 may be replaced with the following types of connectors, which include a bayonet style connector, a pin and socket, a friction connector, or a magnetic coupler.

The water dispersion section 52 of the chemical dispenser 50 contains multiple outlet ports 72, which are cutouts that extend completely through the water dispersion section 52 of the chemical dispenser 50. Preferably, the water dispersion section 52 has at least three substantially large outlet ports 72. The outlet ports 72 permit the water 34 to flow from the pump’s water outlet 26, through the outlet pipe 15, through the outlet 17, through the screen 32, and into the spa 10, without being required to flow through the chemical containment section 54. This configuration may be preferable because it does not require the water 34 to flow over the chemicals contained within the chemical containment section 54, which may dissolve the chemicals in a more rapid fashion than desired. Additionally, this water flow will create an envelope around the chemical dispenser 50, which will help ensure that water having a high chemical concentration is not directly introduced into the water purifying filter 30 or the pump 18.

The chemical containment section 54 is coupled to the water dispersion section 52. Preferably, these components are plastic and formed by an injection molding process. The chemical containment section 54 of the chemical dispenser 50 is designed to hold chemicals. One example of a chemical that a user may place within the chemical containment section 54 is a chlorine tablet. In one embodiment, the chemical containment section 54 is designed to hold approximately 8 one-inch tablets or 3 three inch tablets. In alternative embodiments, the chemical containment section 54 can hold more (e.g., 12 one-inch tablets) or less (e.g., 3 one-inch tablets) .

The chemical containment section 54 has a bottom section 73. Preferably, at least one piece of the bottom section is forms a part of the chemical containment section 54 by an injection molding process. As described below, the bottom section 73 may have various configurations. One configuration is where the bottom section 73 is solid 74, shown in figure 5A. In this embodiment, the chemicals that are disposed within the chemical containment section 54 are protected from the water flow by the solid bottom 74. This embodiment may be preferred, if the user uses one-inch chlorine tablets. Alternatively, the bottom section 73 may be perforated 75, as shown in figure 5B. In this embodiment, the chemicals that are disposed within the chemical containment section 54 are not only in contact with the water 34, but also they are directly in the water flow path. This embodiment may be preferred, if the user uses three-inch chlorine tablets or bromine tablets.

In a further embodiment, the bottom section 73 may be comprised of at least two

perforated sections

75 and 76, as shown in figure 5C. These two

perforated sections

75, 76 may be placed on top of each other and a type of ratcheting system is placed between them, as shown in figure 5D. This ratcheting system allows the user to rotate the inner most section 76 in comparison to the outer most section 75. The ratcheting system can perform two tasks. One of which is lock the two perforated sections into place to ensure that they do not move when the chemical dispenser 50 is in use. The second task that the ratcheting system can perform, is it can provide insight to the user on the flow rate through the chemical containment section. Specifically, the first position may have the largest flow rate, while the second position has a lower flow rate, the third position has an even lower flow rate, and so on until the flow rate at the last position has a zero flow rate (i.e., is a solid bottom as shown in figure 5A) . Overall, this embodiment permits the user to select the amount of water that is permitted to flow directly through the bottom of the chemical containment section 54. This in turn allows the user to select the desired flow rate through the chemical containment section 54, which affects the rate that the chemicals dissolve within the spa 10. For example, a user may desire to have a high chemical dissolving rate when the spa 10 is first filled with water to ensure that the water has a proper level of chlorine. Then after this level is reached, the user may desire to reduce the chemical dissolving rate.

Described below is one example of how the control panel 36 or application that is integrated into the mobile device may make recommendations of how the user may be able to fix non-acceptable chemical levels. For example, if the chemical sensor detects that the chlorine level is too high, the pump 18 may recommend to the user to increase the position of the ratchet on the bottom 73 of the chemical containment section 54 by a preset number of positions (e.g., move the ratchet four positions) . Alternatively, the control panel 36 or the mobile phone may request that the user enter the ratchet position and then may provide a recommendation based on this inputted value and the measured chemical level. These recommendations make the maintenance of the spa easier, which improves the desirability of spa ownership.

The chemical containment section 54 also has multiple slits 78 formed through the sidewall 80. If these slits 78 are used in connection with the solid bottom 74, shown in figure 5A, then the water 34 within the spa 10 can only interact with the chemicals contained within the chemical containment section 54 through these slits 78. This limited interaction between the water 34 and the chemicals will help ensure that the chemicals do not dissolved too fast. Alternatively, if these slits 78 are used in connection with a perforated bottom 75, then water 34 can flow from the screen 32, through the perforated bottom 75, and out through the slits 78. This embodiment allows for a larger interaction between the water and the chemicals, which in turn allows for a higher chemical dissolving rate. This higher chemical dissolving rate may be preferable, if the user uses three-inch chlorine tablets or bromine tablets.

In an alternative embodiment, a cylinder (not shown) may be disposed inside the sidewalls 80. Like the embodiment discussed above that has two perforated

bottom sections

75 and 76, this cylinder can be rotated and locked into place. The cylinder may have multiple slits therethrough, like the chemical containment section 54. The user can rotate the cylinder within the chemical containment section 54 to select the desired number of slits 78 that allow water to pass therethrough. For example, the user may place the cylinder in a first position, where none of the slits 78 allow water to flow therethrough. Additionally, the user may place the cylinder in a second position, where only one slit 78 allows water to flow therethrough. The number of positions that the cylinder may be placed therein may be equal one more than the total number of slits 78 contained within the chemical containment section 52. Similar to the embodiment of the chemical containment section 52 having at least two perforated bottom sections, this embodiment allows the user to control the flow rate through the chemical containment section 54, which affects the rate that the chemicals dissolve within the spa 10. It should be recognized that other methods (e.g., using a slider disposed on the sidewall 80 to cover up a selected number of slits 78) of restricting the number of open slits 78 may be utilized.

The chemical dispenser 50 also has a coupling ring 56 that is coupled to the chemical containment section 54. Preferably, these components are plastic and formed by an injection molding process. Additionally, the chemical dispenser 50 has a cap 58, which is also preferably plastic and formed by an injection molding process. The coupling ring 56 and a cap 58 contain a coupling mechanism 82. In the embodiment shown in figure 4, the coupling mechanism 82 includes a projection 86 and a receiver 88. The receiver 88 has a vertical component and a hole therethrough 84. Specifically, to couple the cap 58 to the coupling ring 56, a user first applies a inwardly directed force that is substantially parallel to the major axis 51 of the chemical dispenser 50 to insert the projection 86 into the vertical component of the receiver 88. Then, once the projection 86 has reached the bottom of the vertical component of the receiver 88, the user applies a clockwise rotational force on the cap 58 to rotate the projection 86 into the hole 84. Once this occurs, the cap 58 is coupled to the coupling ring 56. Overall, the coupling of the cap 58 to the coupling ring 56 requires the user to rotate the cap 58 less than one rotation, preferably less than a half of a rotation, and, more preferably less than an eighth of a rotation. To disconnect the cap 58, the user first applies a counter-clockwise rotational force on the cap 58 and next the user applies an outwardly directed force that is substantially parallel to the major axis 51 of the chemical dispenser 50 to remove the projection 86 from the vertical component of the receiver 88. In alternative embodiments, the coupling mechanism 82 may be replaced with the following types of connectors, which include a bayonet style connector, a pin and socket, a friction connection, or a magnetic coupler. Further in alternative embodiments, the hole 84 may be replaced by a feature that is similar to the locking mechanism 70.

While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings. Other implementations are also contemplated.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

Accordingly, there is an unmet need for accessories and features that make a spa easy to use and maintain. These features may include a winterization feature that helps prevent the water from freezing in the spa or providing recommendations to the user in order to properly modify the chemical levels of the water in the spa. In addition, these accessories may include a chemical dispenser system that does not require regular operation of the pump, will not bump into users when they are using the spa, and will not introduce water with a high chemical concentration directly into the pump.

It is to be understood that all described elements and features in this disclosure can be formed of any number of materials including, but not limited to, polymers, rubbers, foams, ceramics, metals, metal alloys or any other material known to those skilled in the art. In particular, materials may be plastic, vinyl, coated fabric, and/or another suitable material or combination of materials. Valve (s) disposed on these components may be formed from extruded plastic, machined aluminum, another metal alloy, and/or another materials or combination of materials suitable for manufacturing valve (s) for inflatables.

While some implementations have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the disclosure; and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.

Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the invention. The word exemplary is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. To the extent that the term include, have, or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprise as comprise is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Relational terms such as first and second and the like may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

Phrases such as an aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, an implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, an embodiment, the embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, one or more embodiments, a configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, the disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations thereof and alike are for convenience and do not imply that a disclosure relating to such phrase (s) is essential to the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to such phrase (s) may apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. A disclosure relating to such phrase (s) may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as an aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to other foregoing phrases.

The disclosed systems and methods are well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular implementations disclosed above are illustrative only, as the teachings of the present disclosure may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular illustrative implementations disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described in terms of “comprising, ” “containing, ” or “including” various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also “consist essentially of” or “consist of” the various components and steps. All numbers and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range are specifically disclosed. In particular, every range of values (of the form, “from about a to about b, ” or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b, ” or, equivalently, “from approximately a-b” ) disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles “a” or “an, ” as used in the claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this specification should be adopted.

A phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, with the terms “and” or “or” to separate any of the items, modifies the list as a whole, rather than each member of the list. The phrase “at least one of” does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” refers to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and/or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

In one aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being directly coupled. In another aspect, a term coupled or the like may refer to being indirectly coupled. Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, and the like refer to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, such a term may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various implementations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of the applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “said” and similar references in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. An element proceeded by “a, ” “an, ” “the, ” or “said” does not, without further constraints, preclude the existence of additional same elements. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as” ) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Numerous modifications to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the disclosure. It should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

A chemical dispenser system for use in an above ground spa or pool, comprising:

an above ground spa or pool having internal piping and a pump, said internal piping includes an outlet pipe having an outlet, wherein the outlet is positioned adjacent to an inner wall of the above ground spa or pool; and

a chemical dispenser configured to be coupled to the outlet, said chemical dispenser having:

a water dispersion section, said water dispersion section having a plurality of outlet ports;

a chemical containment section coupled to the water dispersion section, said chemical containment section having a plurality of slits therethrough;

a coupling ring connected to the chemical containment section, said coupling ring having a receiver; and

a cap, said cap having a projection, wherein the projection of the cap is configured to be received by the receiver of the coupling ring.
The chemical dispenser system of claim 1, wherein the chemical containment section has a bottom that is configured to allow water to flow from the outlet pipe through the plurality of slits formed in the chemical containment section.
The chemical dispenser system of claim 2, wherein the chemical containment section has a first bottom section and a second bottom section, the second bottom section can be rotated in comparison to the first bottom section, said rotation allows a user to alter the water flow from the outlet pipe through the plurality of slits formed in the chemical containment section.
The chemical dispenser system of claim 1, wherein the chemical containment section has a cylinder disposed therein, the cylinder can be rotated inside of the chemical containment section, said rotation is configured to alter the water flow in and out of the slits formed in the chemical containment section.
The chemical dispenser system of claim 1, wherein a screen is coupled between the water dispersion section of the chemical dispenser and the outlet of the outlet pipe.
The chemical dispenser system of claim 5, wherein the water dispersion section of the chemical dispenser is coupled to the screen by a coupling mechanism, said coupling mechanism is comprised of a projection formed in the water dispersion section and a groove formed in the screen.
The chemical dispenser system of claim 6, wherein the chemical dispenser is coupled to the screen by first applying a force on the chemical dispenser that is substantially parallel to the major axis of the chemical dispenser and second applying a clockwise rotational force on the chemical dispenser.
A chemical dispenser for use in a spa or pool, comprising:

a water dispersion section having a plurality of outlet ports;

a chemical containment section coupled to the water dispersion section and having a plurality of slits therethrough;

a coupling ring connected to the chemical containment section and having a receiver;

a cap having a projection, wherein the projection of the cap is configured to be received by the receiver of the coupling ring; and

wherein in the use position, the chemical dispenser is positioned completely underwater and adjacent to an inner wall of the spa or pool.
The chemical dispenser of claim 8, wherein, in the use position, the water dispersion section is coupled to an outlet pipe having an outlet that is positioned adjacent to the inner wall of the spa or pool, said pipe is configured to permit water to flow from a pump into the spa or pool.
The chemical dispenser of claim 9, wherein the chemical containment section has a bottom that is configured to allow water to flow from the outlet pipe through the plurality of slits formed in the chemical containment section.
The chemical dispenser of claim 9, wherein the chemical containment section has a first bottom section and a second bottom section, the second bottom section can be rotated in comparison to the first bottom section, said rotation allows a user to alter the water flow from the outlet pipe through the plurality of slits formed in the chemical containment section.
The chemical dispenser of claim 8, wherein the chemical containment section has a cylinder disposed therein, the cylinder can be rotated inside of the chemical containment section, said rotation is configured to alter the water flow in and out of the slits formed in the chemical containment section.
The chemical dispenser of claim 8, wherein, in the use position, a screen is positioned between the water dispersion section and the outlet pipe.
The chemical dispenser of claim 8, wherein the spa or pool is an inflatable above ground spa.