US20070214563A1 - Jet Assembly - Google Patents
Jet Assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070214563A1 US20070214563A1 US11/737,449 US73744907A US2007214563A1 US 20070214563 A1 US20070214563 A1 US 20070214563A1 US 73744907 A US73744907 A US 73744907A US 2007214563 A1 US2007214563 A1 US 2007214563A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- jet assembly
- casing
- basin
- nozzle
- flow
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
- A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
- A61H33/6021—Nozzles
- A61H33/6063—Specifically adapted for fitting in bathtub walls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
- A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
- A61H33/02—Bathing devices for use with gas-containing liquid, or liquid in which gas is led or generated, e.g. carbon dioxide baths
- A61H33/028—Means for producing a flow of gas, e.g. blowers, compressors
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A61H2201/00—Characteristics of apparatus not provided for in the preceding codes
- A61H2201/12—Driving means
- A61H2201/1207—Driving means with electric or magnetic drive
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to water jets, and particularly to jet assemblies for use in a spa or tub.
- a prior art bath 1 is illustrated.
- a suction inlet motor 2 a plurality of tubes 3 , an inlet 4 , and a plurality of water outlets 5 are installed in the bath 1 .
- the motor 2 is actuated so that the suction inlet 4 will draw water into the motor 2 and force the water out of the motor through the tubes 3 to the outlets 5 .
- the water is transferred to the outlets 5 through the tubes 3 so as to be propelled into the bath 1 .
- the tubes 3 , inlet 4 and outlets 5 are never fully purged.
- the constant presence of water in the system facilitates the growth of bacteria, mold, and algae.
- the inlets 4 and outlets 5 are fixed so that they typically cannot be detached for cleaning.
- the tubes 3 also become difficult to clean, often requiring the use of bleach or cleaning agent added to the bath 1 and operation of the system for a period of time for cleaning. Failure to undertake the time-consuming and cumbersome process of forcing a cleaning solution through the prior art system, especially for systems used by many different people, can result in the spread of infectious bacteria and other disease, and results in a general unsanitary state of the bath.
- jet assembly includes a casing defining a fluid flow path.
- the casing is adapted to couple to a basin.
- An impeller is disposed in the flow path and adapted to generate a flow through the flow path.
- a motor is coupled to the casing and the impeller and adapted to rotate the impeller.
- a nozzle is in the flow path adapted to receive flow from the casing and direct the flow in at least two distinct divergent streams.
- a pedicure basin assembly in another aspect, includes a basin body adapted to hold a fluid. Only one jet assembly is coupled to the basin body. The jet assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the basin body and direct the fluid back into the basin body in at least two distinct divergent directions.
- the jet assembly can include a casing defining a fluid flow path and adapted to couple to a basin, an impeller can be disposed in the flow path and adapted to generate a flow through the flow path, and a motor coupled to the casing and the impeller and adapted to rotate the impeller.
- the jet assembly can also include an air intake disposed through the casing and adapted to introduce air into the flow path.
- the jet assembly can include an intake cover adapted to allow passage of fluid from the basin body into an interior of the jet assembly, and a nozzle adapted to direct fluid from the interior of the jet assembly in the at least two divergent streams.
- the intake cover can include a solid portion adjacent the nozzle and an apertured sidewall portion about a perimeter of the intake cover.
- the nozzle can include a V-shaped flow divider.
- the basin body can be adapted to receive the feet of a user and the jet assembly can be adapted to direct flow toward both of the user's feet concurrently.
- the pedicure basin can include a chair, and the jet assembly and can chair reside on opposite sides of the basin body.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art bath system.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative jet assembly in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the water jet assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the jet assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 5 and 5 A are a cross sectional view and a detail cross sectional view of a portion of the jet assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIGS. 6 and 6 A are a cross sectional view and a detail cross sectional view of another portion of the jet assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the water jet assembly of FIG. 2 that illustrates a mode of operation of a jet assembly.
- FIGS. 8 and 8 A are a cross sectional view and a detail cross sectional view of the nozzle of the jet assembly of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 9 is an illustrative bath system including a plurality of jet assemblies in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a partial view in cross section of a jet assembly including an air inlet.
- FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an illustrative water jet assembly that includes a water sensor in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a schematic of an illustrative water sensor for use with a water jet assembly in accordance with the invention.
- FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the water jet of FIG. 11 illustrating a water level that is insufficient to allow operation of the jet.
- FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the jet assembly of FIG. 2 including a multi-directional nozzle and alternate face plate configuration.
- FIG. 15 is a an illustrative pedicure bath system including a single jet assembly.
- an illustrative water jet assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the invention includes a motor 40 with a housing 41 , an intake cover 12 having a nozzle aperture 14 and one or more intake apertures 16 , and a locking ring 34 .
- a fastener 18 may also be included to secure the cover 12 to a casing 32 .
- the motor 40 provides rotational energy via a drive shaft 42 through the casing 32 to a cycling unit 20 .
- the intake apertures 16 may be sized such that debris such as dirt, foreign objects, hair, or other matter may not enter the casing 32 when the cover 12 is secured to the casing 32 .
- the cycling unit includes a mask 22 , a nozzle 24 movably secured within flanges 23 , an impeller 26 , and an impeller seat 28 .
- a casing assembly 30 may include the jet casing 32 , a locking ring 34 , and a sealing ring or O-ring 36 . Additionally, the casing 32 may be coupled to the motor housing 41 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the jet casing 32 includes a flange 39 that may be sized such that the body of the casing 32 may be inserted from the interior of a tub or basin 46 through a jet aperture 48 and the flange 39 seats against an interior surface 47 proximate to the jet aperture 48 of the basin 46 .
- the O-ring 36 and the locking ring 34 may be tightened against the exterior of the tub to hold the casing 32 in place to prevent leakage of fluids from within the basin 46 through the jet aperture 48 .
- various components such as the casing 32 , intake cover 12 , one or more components of the cycling unit 20 , and one or more components of the casing assembly 30 may be manufactured from suitable materials, such as polymers, copolymers, plastics, nylons, olefins, polybenzothiazole composite, metals, or other suitable materials having sufficient properties for jet assembly components.
- the locking ring 34 is threaded to mate with threads on the exterior of the body of the casing 32 .
- other configurations such as a J-latch may be used to secure the locking ring 34 to the casing 32 to hold the casing 32 in place.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show a cross-sectional view of the water jet assembly 10 .
- the motor 40 with drive shaft 42 is coupled to the jet casing 32 such that the drive shaft 42 operably engages a drive bushing 50 .
- the drive bushing 50 may be positioned such that it protrudes through a drive aperture 52 in the casing 32 .
- the drive bushing 50 has a drive receiver portion 54 adapted to receive the drive shaft 42 and an impeller receiver portion 56 .
- the impeller 26 includes an impeller shaft 58 adapted to be inserted into the impeller receiver portion 56 of the drive bushing 50 .
- FIG. 4 also shows fasteners 18 and 43 , which may be used to secure the intake cover 12 to the casing 32 .
- the fastener 18 may be a screw, bolt, or other suitable fastener that extends through the intake cover 12 and is secured into a screw tab 37 .
- a J-latch 43 may be utilized such at the latch may be rotated into a secured position opposite the intake cover 12 proximate to a J-latch tab 41 .
- the fasteners 18 and 43 may be hand manipulable.
- the fasteners 18 or 43 may be required to be manipulated by a tool, such as a screwdriver.
- the impeller 26 includes fins 25 when the impeller 26 is rotated.
- the fins 25 draw fluid axially across the impeller 26 through the flowpath 70 (see FIG. 7 ).
- the impeller 26 may include a shroud receiver 60 .
- the shroud receiver 60 is adapted to receive a shroud shaft 29 .
- the shroud 27 and shroud shaft 29 operate to maintain the position of the impeller 26 in the cycling assembly 20 during the operation of the jet assembly 10 . It should be understood that the shroud 27 is not necessary for the operation of the jet assembly 10 .
- the impeller shroud 27 may be received in an interior of the mask 22 to prevent wear on the impeller 26 through excessive movement within the cycling assembly 20 .
- the impeller seat 28 may be coupled to the mask 22 to lock the impeller 26 into position within the cycling assembly 20 .
- the impeller seat 28 may be coupled to the mask 22 by any suitable method, such as a J-latch, a rotational locking mechanism, or other suitable means.
- the impeller shroud 27 may be static with respect to the rotation of the impeller 26 .
- a bearing 62 may be installed at the shroud receiver 60 to bear against the impeller 26 .
- the bearing 62 may be manufactured of any suitable wear-resistant material that allows rotation of the impeller 26 with respect to the shroud 27 , such as nylon, graphite, metal, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composite or other suitable material to prevent wear of the shroud 27 , the impeller 26 , or both during operation of the water jet assembly 10 .
- suitable wear-resistant material such as nylon, graphite, metal, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composite or other suitable material to prevent wear of the shroud 27 , the impeller 26 , or both during operation of the water jet assembly 10 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of an implementation of the water jet 10 .
- the drive shaft 42 rotates and imparts rotation to the drive bushing 50 .
- the impeller shaft 58 inserted into the impeller receiver portion 56 of the drive bushing 50 , in turn rotates the impeller 26 .
- the rotation of the impeller 26 draws water, air, or other fluid or fluid mixture through the intake apertures 16 .
- the impeller seat 28 may be positioned such that fluid flow, illustrated by directional arrows 70 , may be drawn into the impeller 26 and thrust out of the nozzle 24 . This thrust through the nozzle 24 provides a concentrated stream of fluid out of the jet assembly 10 .
- the mask 22 and casing 32 define a fluid flow 70 through the jet assembly to that partitions fluid to drawn in at intake apertures 16 from fluid flow 70 thrust out of the impeller 26 and out nozzle 24 . Partitioning fluid in this manner reduces any turbulence that could occur by fluid moving in opposite directions interacting.
- the motor 40 may be reversed, so that the drive shaft 42 rotates in the opposite direction to that described above with respect to FIG. 7 . Accordingly, operation of the jet assembly 10 in this manner would draw fluid through the nozzle 24 and force the fluid out of the jet assembly 10 through the intake apertures 16 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates an implementation of the jet assembly 10 in which the nozzle 24 is movably coupled to the mask 22 by flanges 23 .
- the nozzle 24 includes a spherical portion adapted to fit into a substantially spherical cavity defined by the flanges 23 of the mask 22 .
- the nozzle 24 may protrude through the nozzle aperture 14 such that the nozzle 24 may be manipulated into alternative positions by hand.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation that includes a plurality of jet assemblies 10 installed in a basin 46 . It should be understood that any number of jet assemblies 10 might be installed in a basin 46 or similar container to provide fluid streams 70 within the basin. For example, in some situations a basin, for example a foot basin, may have only one jet assembly 10 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative implementation of a jet assembly 10 that includes an air intake 72 .
- the air intake 72 may provide an air stream 74 into the fluid 70 , and the fluid 70 mixes with the air stream 74 to provide a fluid/air mixture 76 that is propelled through the nozzle 24 .
- the air stream 74 may be forced through the air intake 72 by a compressor or other pressurized air source (not shown), or the air stream may be drawn through the air intake 72 through the creation of a vacuum by the velocity of the fluid 70 through the jet assembly 10 .
- the automatic shutoff system includes a plurality of sensors 102 , a sensing element 104 , a control element 106 , and a switch 108 .
- the sensors 102 may be connected to the sensing element 104 to detect the conductivity between the sensors 102 .
- the jet assembly 10 may be positioned in a basin such that when a fluid level 110 within the jet assembly 10 is sufficiently high, the fluid completes the circuit between sensors 102 , the sensing element 104 senses the completed circuit, and transmits a signal to the control element 106 that activates the switch 108 . Conversely, if the fluid level 110 is too low, the circuit between sensors 102 is not complete, the sensing element 104 does not transmit a signal to the control element 106 , and the control element 106 deactivates the switch 108 . When the switch is deactivated, the motor 40 is shut off, so that the jet assembly 10 does not operate with insufficient fluid levels.
- the sensing element 104 may be operable to detect the resistivity of the fluid between the sensors 102 , such that when the fluid level 110 is too low to contact all of the sensors 102 , the sensing element 104 provides a signal to the control element 106 , whereby the control element 106 deactivates the switch 108 to shut off power from the motor 40 .
- FIG. 14 illustrates an implementation of the jet assembly 10 including a multi-directional nozzle 80 configured to direct the fluid flow 70 in a plurality of distinct, divergent streams.
- the streams as distinct, it is meant to distinguish the divergent streams from the natural tendency of a flow to fan (substantially continuously) as it reacts against a body of fluid.
- the distinct streams may eventually merge, they are two separate, distinct streams, not a single steam that fans outward.
- the streams are divergent in that the streams are substantially centered about diverging trajectories.
- nozzle 80 defines an interior flow chamber 84 having a curvilinear V-shaped flow divider 86 affixed therein.
- the flow divider 86 is offset from an inlet 88 of the nozzle 80 and substantially bisects the flow chamber 84 into two divergent passages 90 and 92 .
- the fluid flow 70 entering the inlet 88 is divided between the two passages 90 and 92 by the flow divider 86 .
- the passages 90 and 92 are elongate in the direction of flow to guide the fluid flow 70 into a stream.
- the flow divider 86 can be configured to divide the flow chamber 84 into three or more passages. For example, a three sided pyramid-shaped flow divider can divide the flow among three passages, a four sided pyramid-shaped flow divider can divide the flow among four passages and so on. In the configuration of FIG.
- the fluid flow 70 is directed in two trajectories approximately 60° apart and in substantially the same plane.
- the nozzle 80 can direct flow at other trajectories in obtuse or acute angles (e.g. 15°, 30°, 45°, 90° or other angle) and/or in differing planes.
- other configurations of the flow divider 86 can be provided with substantially planar sides.
- a cross-sectional area of the passages 90 and 92 orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow, is substantially equal, so that flow is divided substantially equally between the divergent passages 90 and 92 .
- the outlets can have a smaller cross-sectional area than the passages 90 and 92 to increase the velocity of fluid from the jet assembly 10 .
- the cross-sectional area defined in the passages 90 and 92 may be substantially circular, oval, rectangular, square or other shape.
- the nozzle 80 has a spherical portion adapted to fit into a substantially spherical cavity defined by flanges 23 .
- the nozzle 80 can be manipulated into various alternate positions to direct the fluid flow from the jet assembly 10 in different directions.
- FIG. 14 also depicts and alternate configuration of intake cover 82 .
- the intake cover 82 includes an inwardly sloping frusto-conical front face 98 having an inner diameter that receives the nozzle 80 .
- a perimeter sidewall 78 extends from front face 98 to receive the casing 32 .
- the intake cover 82 can be secured to the casing 32 with a fastener and/or a J-latch as described above (not specifically shown) and/or may thread, snap lock and/or otherwise attach to the casing 32 .
- the front face 98 of the intake cover 82 adjacent the nozzle 80 is solid (unapertured), and the intake cover 82 includes a plurality of apertures 16 about the sidewall 78 .
- the apertures communicate fluid flow 70 into the interior of casing 32 .
- the fluid flow 70 into the interior casing 32 does not cross and is not disrupted by the divergent fluid flow 70 out of the nozzle 80 .
- one or more apertures can be provided on the front face 98 .
- the casing 32 depicted in FIG. 14 is similar to the casing described above, in that it is formed as a single piece of material and has no leak paths from the basin to the exterior of the casing between the flange 39 and drive aperture 52 .
- the alternate intake cover 82 can be used with any of the other configurations of the jet assembly 10 described herein.
- the intake cover 82 can be used with nozzle 24 .
- the nozzle 80 can be used with any of the other configurations of the jet assembly 10 described herein.
- the nozzle 80 can be substituted for nozzle 24 .
- the intake cover 82 and/or nozzle 24 can be configured to retrofit existing jet assemblies 10 , for example to upgrade the jet assembly 10 .
- FIG. 15 shows the jet assembly 10 with a multi-directional nozzle 80 and alternate intake cover 82 in a pedicure basin assembly 146 .
- the pedicure basin assembly 146 includes a chair 148 in which a user of the pedicure basin sits and a well 150 into which the user may place their feet (location of feet represented by dashed lines 152 ).
- the well 150 contains the water in which the user's feet will be bathed.
- the pedicure basin assembly 146 of FIG. 15 includes only a single jet aperture 48 and only a single jet assembly 10 residing therein. However, because of the multi-directional nozzle 80 , the jet assembly 10 can direct fluid flow 70 to impinge on both of the users feet (about dashed lines 152 ) concurrently.
- the pedicure basin assembly 146 can contain two or more jet apertures 48 with jet assemblies 10 residing therein.
- the pedicure basin assembly 146 can be provided with two jet assemblies 10 , one configured to jet from the front of the user and another configured to jet from the rear of the user.
- the jet assembly 10 is depicted in FIG. 15 as jetting from the front of the user (i.e., the chair 148 and jet assembly 10 reside on the opposite sides of basin assembly 146 ), the jet assembly 10 can be provided to jet from any direction about the pedicure basin assembly 146 .
- the jet assembly with or without multi-directional nozzle 80 and/or alternate intake cover 82 can be provided in different types of basins, tubs, bowls, sinks, fountains or other fluid receptacles.
Abstract
A jet assembly includes a casing defining a fluid flow path. The casing is adapted to couple to a basin. An impeller is disposed in the flow path and adapted to generate a flow through the flow path. A motor is coupled to the casing and the impeller and adapted to rotate the impeller. A nozzle is in the flow path adapted to receive flow from the casing and direct the flow in at least two distinct, divergent streams.
Description
- The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/958,930, filed Oct. 10, 2004, which claims foreign priority benefits under 35 U.S.C. §119 of Taiwanese patent application number 093105126 filed Feb. 27, 2004 and Taiwanese patent application number 093111340 filed Apr. 23, 2004.
- The present disclosure relates to water jets, and particularly to jet assemblies for use in a spa or tub.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , aprior art bath 1 is illustrated. In the prior art, asuction inlet motor 2, a plurality oftubes 3, an inlet 4, and a plurality ofwater outlets 5 are installed in thebath 1. In use, themotor 2 is actuated so that the suction inlet 4 will draw water into themotor 2 and force the water out of the motor through thetubes 3 to theoutlets 5. The water is transferred to theoutlets 5 through thetubes 3 so as to be propelled into thebath 1. - Upon use of the prior art system, the
tubes 3, inlet 4 andoutlets 5 are never fully purged. The constant presence of water in the system facilitates the growth of bacteria, mold, and algae. Additionally, the inlets 4 andoutlets 5 are fixed so that they typically cannot be detached for cleaning. Thetubes 3 also become difficult to clean, often requiring the use of bleach or cleaning agent added to thebath 1 and operation of the system for a period of time for cleaning. Failure to undertake the time-consuming and cumbersome process of forcing a cleaning solution through the prior art system, especially for systems used by many different people, can result in the spread of infectious bacteria and other disease, and results in a general unsanitary state of the bath. - In one aspect, jet assembly includes a casing defining a fluid flow path. The casing is adapted to couple to a basin. An impeller is disposed in the flow path and adapted to generate a flow through the flow path. A motor is coupled to the casing and the impeller and adapted to rotate the impeller. A nozzle is in the flow path adapted to receive flow from the casing and direct the flow in at least two distinct divergent streams.
- In another aspect, a pedicure basin assembly includes a basin body adapted to hold a fluid. Only one jet assembly is coupled to the basin body. The jet assembly is adapted to receive fluid from the basin body and direct the fluid back into the basin body in at least two distinct divergent directions.
- Various of the aspects can include one or more of the following features. For example, the jet assembly can include a casing defining a fluid flow path and adapted to couple to a basin, an impeller can be disposed in the flow path and adapted to generate a flow through the flow path, and a motor coupled to the casing and the impeller and adapted to rotate the impeller. In some aspects the jet assembly can also include an air intake disposed through the casing and adapted to introduce air into the flow path. In some aspects the jet assembly can include an intake cover adapted to allow passage of fluid from the basin body into an interior of the jet assembly, and a nozzle adapted to direct fluid from the interior of the jet assembly in the at least two divergent streams. The intake cover can include a solid portion adjacent the nozzle and an apertured sidewall portion about a perimeter of the intake cover. The nozzle can include a V-shaped flow divider. The basin body can be adapted to receive the feet of a user and the jet assembly can be adapted to direct flow toward both of the user's feet concurrently. The pedicure basin can include a chair, and the jet assembly and can chair reside on opposite sides of the basin body.
- The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a prior art bath system. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an illustrative jet assembly in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the water jet assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the jet assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 5 and 5 A are a cross sectional view and a detail cross sectional view of a portion of the jet assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIGS. 6 and 6 A are a cross sectional view and a detail cross sectional view of another portion of the jet assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the water jet assembly ofFIG. 2 that illustrates a mode of operation of a jet assembly. -
FIGS. 8 and 8 A are a cross sectional view and a detail cross sectional view of the nozzle of the jet assembly ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 9 is an illustrative bath system including a plurality of jet assemblies in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 10 is a partial view in cross section of a jet assembly including an air inlet. -
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an illustrative water jet assembly that includes a water sensor in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 12 is a schematic of an illustrative water sensor for use with a water jet assembly in accordance with the invention. -
FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the water jet ofFIG. 11 illustrating a water level that is insufficient to allow operation of the jet. -
FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view of the jet assembly ofFIG. 2 including a multi-directional nozzle and alternate face plate configuration. -
FIG. 15 is a an illustrative pedicure bath system including a single jet assembly. - Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
- With reference to
FIGS. 2 and 3 , an illustrativewater jet assembly 10 constructed in accordance with the invention includes amotor 40 with ahousing 41, anintake cover 12 having anozzle aperture 14 and one ormore intake apertures 16, and alocking ring 34. Afastener 18 may also be included to secure thecover 12 to acasing 32. Themotor 40 provides rotational energy via adrive shaft 42 through thecasing 32 to acycling unit 20. Theintake apertures 16 may be sized such that debris such as dirt, foreign objects, hair, or other matter may not enter thecasing 32 when thecover 12 is secured to thecasing 32. - In the implementation shown, the cycling unit includes a
mask 22, anozzle 24 movably secured withinflanges 23, animpeller 26, and animpeller seat 28. Acasing assembly 30 may include thejet casing 32, alocking ring 34, and a sealing ring or O-ring 36. Additionally, thecasing 32 may be coupled to themotor housing 41. As shown inFIG. 4 , thejet casing 32 includes aflange 39 that may be sized such that the body of thecasing 32 may be inserted from the interior of a tub orbasin 46 through ajet aperture 48 and theflange 39 seats against aninterior surface 47 proximate to thejet aperture 48 of thebasin 46. Once the body of thecasing 32 is inserted through the interior of thebasin 46, the O-ring 36 and thelocking ring 34 may be tightened against the exterior of the tub to hold thecasing 32 in place to prevent leakage of fluids from within thebasin 46 through thejet aperture 48. It should be understood that various components, such as thecasing 32,intake cover 12, one or more components of thecycling unit 20, and one or more components of thecasing assembly 30 may be manufactured from suitable materials, such as polymers, copolymers, plastics, nylons, olefins, polybenzothiazole composite, metals, or other suitable materials having sufficient properties for jet assembly components. - In the implementation shown in
FIG. 4 , thelocking ring 34 is threaded to mate with threads on the exterior of the body of thecasing 32. In alternative implementations, other configurations such as a J-latch may be used to secure thelocking ring 34 to thecasing 32 to hold thecasing 32 in place. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show a cross-sectional view of thewater jet assembly 10. Themotor 40 withdrive shaft 42 is coupled to thejet casing 32 such that thedrive shaft 42 operably engages a drive bushing 50. Thedrive bushing 50 may be positioned such that it protrudes through adrive aperture 52 in thecasing 32. In the implementation shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , thedrive bushing 50 has adrive receiver portion 54 adapted to receive thedrive shaft 42 and animpeller receiver portion 56. Additionally, theimpeller 26 includes animpeller shaft 58 adapted to be inserted into theimpeller receiver portion 56 of thedrive bushing 50. -
FIG. 4 also showsfasteners intake cover 12 to thecasing 32. Thefastener 18 may be a screw, bolt, or other suitable fastener that extends through theintake cover 12 and is secured into ascrew tab 37. Alternatively or additionally, a J-latch 43 may be utilized such at the latch may be rotated into a secured position opposite theintake cover 12 proximate to a J-latch tab 41. Thefasteners fasteners - The
impeller 26 includesfins 25 when theimpeller 26 is rotated. Thefins 25 draw fluid axially across theimpeller 26 through the flowpath 70 (seeFIG. 7 ). As shown inFIGS. 3 and 6 , theimpeller 26 may include ashroud receiver 60. Theshroud receiver 60 is adapted to receive ashroud shaft 29. In operation, theshroud 27 andshroud shaft 29 operate to maintain the position of theimpeller 26 in thecycling assembly 20 during the operation of thejet assembly 10. It should be understood that theshroud 27 is not necessary for the operation of thejet assembly 10. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , however, theimpeller shroud 27 may be received in an interior of themask 22 to prevent wear on theimpeller 26 through excessive movement within thecycling assembly 20. Additionally, theimpeller seat 28 may be coupled to themask 22 to lock theimpeller 26 into position within thecycling assembly 20. Theimpeller seat 28 may be coupled to themask 22 by any suitable method, such as a J-latch, a rotational locking mechanism, or other suitable means. During operation of thewater jet 10, theimpeller shroud 27 may be static with respect to the rotation of theimpeller 26. Accordingly, abearing 62 may be installed at theshroud receiver 60 to bear against theimpeller 26. Thebearing 62 may be manufactured of any suitable wear-resistant material that allows rotation of theimpeller 26 with respect to theshroud 27, such as nylon, graphite, metal, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) composite or other suitable material to prevent wear of theshroud 27, theimpeller 26, or both during operation of thewater jet assembly 10. -
FIG. 7 illustrates the operation of an implementation of thewater jet 10. Upon activation of themotor 40, thedrive shaft 42 rotates and imparts rotation to thedrive bushing 50. Theimpeller shaft 58, inserted into theimpeller receiver portion 56 of thedrive bushing 50, in turn rotates theimpeller 26. The rotation of theimpeller 26 draws water, air, or other fluid or fluid mixture through theintake apertures 16. Theimpeller seat 28 may be positioned such that fluid flow, illustrated bydirectional arrows 70, may be drawn into theimpeller 26 and thrust out of thenozzle 24. This thrust through thenozzle 24 provides a concentrated stream of fluid out of thejet assembly 10. Themask 22 andcasing 32 define afluid flow 70 through the jet assembly to that partitions fluid to drawn in atintake apertures 16 fromfluid flow 70 thrust out of theimpeller 26 and outnozzle 24. Partitioning fluid in this manner reduces any turbulence that could occur by fluid moving in opposite directions interacting. - In an alternate implementation the
motor 40 may be reversed, so that thedrive shaft 42 rotates in the opposite direction to that described above with respect toFIG. 7 . Accordingly, operation of thejet assembly 10 in this manner would draw fluid through thenozzle 24 and force the fluid out of thejet assembly 10 through theintake apertures 16. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an implementation of thejet assembly 10 in which thenozzle 24 is movably coupled to themask 22 byflanges 23. In the implementation shown, thenozzle 24 includes a spherical portion adapted to fit into a substantially spherical cavity defined by theflanges 23 of themask 22. Thenozzle 24 may protrude through thenozzle aperture 14 such that thenozzle 24 may be manipulated into alternative positions by hand. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an implementation that includes a plurality ofjet assemblies 10 installed in abasin 46. It should be understood that any number ofjet assemblies 10 might be installed in abasin 46 or similar container to providefluid streams 70 within the basin. For example, in some situations a basin, for example a foot basin, may have only onejet assembly 10. -
FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative implementation of ajet assembly 10 that includes anair intake 72. During operation of thejet assembly 10, theair intake 72 may provide anair stream 74 into the fluid 70, and the fluid 70 mixes with theair stream 74 to provide a fluid/air mixture 76 that is propelled through thenozzle 24. Theair stream 74 may be forced through theair intake 72 by a compressor or other pressurized air source (not shown), or the air stream may be drawn through theair intake 72 through the creation of a vacuum by the velocity of the fluid 70 through thejet assembly 10. - Referring to
FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, another implementation includes anautomatic shutoff system 100. The automatic shutoff system includes a plurality ofsensors 102, asensing element 104, acontrol element 106, and aswitch 108. Thesensors 102 may be connected to thesensing element 104 to detect the conductivity between thesensors 102. - As best seen in
FIG. 13 , thejet assembly 10 may be positioned in a basin such that when afluid level 110 within thejet assembly 10 is sufficiently high, the fluid completes the circuit betweensensors 102, thesensing element 104 senses the completed circuit, and transmits a signal to thecontrol element 106 that activates theswitch 108. Conversely, if thefluid level 110 is too low, the circuit betweensensors 102 is not complete, thesensing element 104 does not transmit a signal to thecontrol element 106, and thecontrol element 106 deactivates theswitch 108. When the switch is deactivated, themotor 40 is shut off, so that thejet assembly 10 does not operate with insufficient fluid levels. Alternatively, thesensing element 104 may be operable to detect the resistivity of the fluid between thesensors 102, such that when thefluid level 110 is too low to contact all of thesensors 102, thesensing element 104 provides a signal to thecontrol element 106, whereby thecontrol element 106 deactivates theswitch 108 to shut off power from themotor 40. -
FIG. 14 illustrates an implementation of thejet assembly 10 including amulti-directional nozzle 80 configured to direct thefluid flow 70 in a plurality of distinct, divergent streams. By referring to the streams as distinct, it is meant to distinguish the divergent streams from the natural tendency of a flow to fan (substantially continuously) as it reacts against a body of fluid. In other words, although the distinct streams may eventually merge, they are two separate, distinct streams, not a single steam that fans outward. The streams are divergent in that the streams are substantially centered about diverging trajectories. In the implementation shown,nozzle 80 defines aninterior flow chamber 84 having a curvilinear V-shapedflow divider 86 affixed therein. Theflow divider 86 is offset from aninlet 88 of thenozzle 80 and substantially bisects theflow chamber 84 into twodivergent passages 90 and 92. Thefluid flow 70 entering theinlet 88 is divided between the twopassages 90 and 92 by theflow divider 86. Thepassages 90 and 92 are elongate in the direction of flow to guide thefluid flow 70 into a stream. In other configurations, theflow divider 86 can be configured to divide theflow chamber 84 into three or more passages. For example, a three sided pyramid-shaped flow divider can divide the flow among three passages, a four sided pyramid-shaped flow divider can divide the flow among four passages and so on. In the configuration ofFIG. 14 , thefluid flow 70 is directed in two trajectories approximately 60° apart and in substantially the same plane. In other configurations, thenozzle 80 can direct flow at other trajectories in obtuse or acute angles (e.g. 15°, 30°, 45°, 90° or other angle) and/or in differing planes. Also, although depicted with curvilinear sides, other configurations of the flow divider 86 (or flow dividers of other configurations), can be provided with substantially planar sides. In the implementation shown, a cross-sectional area of thepassages 90 and 92, orthogonal to the direction of fluid flow, is substantially equal, so that flow is divided substantially equally between thedivergent passages 90 and 92. A portion of thenozzle 80 adjacent thepassages 90 and 92, respectively, flares open to defineoutlets passages 90 and 92. In other instances, the outlets can have a smaller cross-sectional area than thepassages 90 and 92 to increase the velocity of fluid from thejet assembly 10. Also, the cross-sectional area defined in thepassages 90 and 92 may be substantially circular, oval, rectangular, square or other shape. - Also, similar to that described above, the
nozzle 80 has a spherical portion adapted to fit into a substantially spherical cavity defined byflanges 23. Thenozzle 80 can be manipulated into various alternate positions to direct the fluid flow from thejet assembly 10 in different directions. -
FIG. 14 also depicts and alternate configuration ofintake cover 82. Theintake cover 82 includes an inwardly sloping frusto-conical front face 98 having an inner diameter that receives thenozzle 80. Aperimeter sidewall 78 extends fromfront face 98 to receive thecasing 32. The intake cover 82 can be secured to thecasing 32 with a fastener and/or a J-latch as described above (not specifically shown) and/or may thread, snap lock and/or otherwise attach to thecasing 32. Thefront face 98 of theintake cover 82 adjacent thenozzle 80 is solid (unapertured), and theintake cover 82 includes a plurality ofapertures 16 about thesidewall 78. The apertures communicatefluid flow 70 into the interior ofcasing 32. By omittingapertures 16 on thefront face 98, thefluid flow 70 into theinterior casing 32 does not cross and is not disrupted by thedivergent fluid flow 70 out of thenozzle 80. In other instances, one or more apertures can be provided on thefront face 98. Of note, thecasing 32 depicted inFIG. 14 is similar to the casing described above, in that it is formed as a single piece of material and has no leak paths from the basin to the exterior of the casing between theflange 39 and driveaperture 52. - Although shown with the
nozzle 80, it should be appreciated that thealternate intake cover 82 can be used with any of the other configurations of thejet assembly 10 described herein. For example, theintake cover 82 can be used withnozzle 24. Likewise, thenozzle 80 can be used with any of the other configurations of thejet assembly 10 described herein. For example, thenozzle 80 can be substituted fornozzle 24. Moreover, theintake cover 82 and/ornozzle 24 can be configured to retrofit existingjet assemblies 10, for example to upgrade thejet assembly 10. -
FIG. 15 shows thejet assembly 10 with amulti-directional nozzle 80 andalternate intake cover 82 in apedicure basin assembly 146. Thepedicure basin assembly 146 includes achair 148 in which a user of the pedicure basin sits and a well 150 into which the user may place their feet (location of feet represented by dashed lines 152). The well 150 contains the water in which the user's feet will be bathed. Thepedicure basin assembly 146 ofFIG. 15 includes only asingle jet aperture 48 and only asingle jet assembly 10 residing therein. However, because of themulti-directional nozzle 80, thejet assembly 10 can directfluid flow 70 to impinge on both of the users feet (about dashed lines 152) concurrently. In other configurations, thepedicure basin assembly 146 can contain two ormore jet apertures 48 withjet assemblies 10 residing therein. For example, in certain instances, thepedicure basin assembly 146 can be provided with twojet assemblies 10, one configured to jet from the front of the user and another configured to jet from the rear of the user. Also, although thejet assembly 10 is depicted inFIG. 15 as jetting from the front of the user (i.e., thechair 148 andjet assembly 10 reside on the opposite sides of basin assembly 146), thejet assembly 10 can be provided to jet from any direction about thepedicure basin assembly 146. In certain instances, the jet assembly with or withoutmulti-directional nozzle 80 and/oralternate intake cover 82 can be provided in different types of basins, tubs, bowls, sinks, fountains or other fluid receptacles. - Though the subject matter contained above describes implementations of a jet assembly in detail, it should be understood that various modifications, substitutions, and/or additions might be made to various implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims (16)
1. A pedicure basin assembly, comprising:
a basin body adapted to hold a fluid; and
only one jet assembly coupled to the basin body, the jet assembly adapted to receive fluid from the basin body and direct the fluid back into the basin body in at least two distinct divergent streams.
2. The pedicure basin of claim 1 , wherein the jet assembly comprises:
a casing defining a fluid flow path, the casing adapted to couple to a basin;
an impeller disposed in the flow path and adapted to generate a flow through the flow path; and
a motor coupled to the casing and the impeller and adapted to rotate the impeller.
3. The pedicure basin of claim 2 , further comprising an air intake disposed through the casing, the air intake adapted to introduce air into the flow path.
4. The pedicure basin of claim 1 , wherein the jet assembly comprises:
an intake cover adapted to allow passage of fluid from the basin body into an interior of the jet assembly; and
a nozzle adapted to direct fluid from the interior of the jet assembly in the at least two divergent streams.
5. The pedicure basin of claim 4 , wherein the intake cover comprises a solid portion adjacent the nozzle and an apertured sidewall portion about a perimeter of the intake cover.
6. The pedicure basin of claim 4 , wherein the nozzle comprises a V-shaped flow divider.
7. The pedicure basin of claim 1 wherein the basin body is adapted to receive the feet of a user and the jet assembly is adapted to direct flow toward both of the user's feet concurrently.
8. The pedicure basin of claim 1 further comprising a chair, and wherein the jet assembly and chair reside on opposite sides of the basin body.
9. A jet assembly comprising:
a casing defining a fluid flow path, the casing adapted to couple to a basin;
an impeller disposed in the flow path and adapted to generate a flow through the flow path;
a motor coupled to the casing and the impeller and adapted to rotate the impeller; and
a nozzle in the flow path adapted to receive flow from the casing and direct the flow in at least two divergent streams.
10. The jet assembly of claim 8 , further comprising an air intake disposed through the casing, the air intake adapted to introduce air into the flow path.
11. The jet assembly of claim 8 , further comprising an intake cover adapted to allow passage of fluid from the basin body into an interior of the jet assembly, the intake cover having a solid portion adjacent the nozzle and an apertured sidewall portion about a perimeter of the intake cover.
12. The jet assembly of claim 10 , wherein the solid portion is frusto-conical.
13. The jet assembly of claim 8 , wherein the nozzle comprises a V-shaped flow divider.
14. The jet assembly of claim 8 , wherein the nozzle is adapted to direct the flow in at least two divergent streams in substantially the same plane.
15. The jet assembly of claim 8 , wherein the nozzle is adapted to divide the flow from the casing substantially equally between the divergent streams.
16. The jet assembly of claim 8 , wherein the nozzle has a substantially spherical portion that is received in a spherical receptacle carried by the casing.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/737,449 US20070214563A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2007-04-19 | Jet Assembly |
TW097114299A TW200911190A (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2008-04-18 | Jet assembly |
CNA200810109233XA CN101288564A (en) | 2007-04-19 | 2008-04-21 | Spout device |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TW093105126 | 2004-02-27 | ||
TW93105126A TWI236903B (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-02-27 | Piping-free and easily cleaned water jet structure |
TW093111340 | 2004-04-23 | ||
TW093111340A TWI246588B (en) | 2004-04-23 | 2004-04-23 | Water level automatic sensing device of hydrotherapy massage bathtub |
US10/958,930 US20050177935A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-10-04 | Jet assembly |
US11/737,449 US20070214563A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2007-04-19 | Jet Assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/958,930 Continuation-In-Part US20050177935A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-10-04 | Jet assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070214563A1 true US20070214563A1 (en) | 2007-09-20 |
Family
ID=40039853
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/737,449 Abandoned US20070214563A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2007-04-19 | Jet Assembly |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070214563A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101288564A (en) |
TW (1) | TW200911190A (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080086810A1 (en) * | 2004-02-27 | 2008-04-17 | Beauty Mall Ltd., A Limited Partnership Of Texas | Jet Assembly |
EP2135594A1 (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2009-12-23 | Shang Neng Wu | Water jetting apparatus with magnetic driven structure |
USRE46655E1 (en) | 2005-12-20 | 2018-01-02 | Lexor, Inc. | Water jet mechanism for whirlpool effect in pedicures or other applications |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080086810A1 (en) * | 2004-02-27 | 2008-04-17 | Beauty Mall Ltd., A Limited Partnership Of Texas | Jet Assembly |
USRE46655E1 (en) | 2005-12-20 | 2018-01-02 | Lexor, Inc. | Water jet mechanism for whirlpool effect in pedicures or other applications |
EP2135594A1 (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2009-12-23 | Shang Neng Wu | Water jetting apparatus with magnetic driven structure |
JP2010001888A (en) * | 2008-06-20 | 2010-01-07 | Shang Neng Wu | Magnetic force transmission structure of water flow injection device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101288564A (en) | 2008-10-22 |
TW200911190A (en) | 2009-03-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BEAUTY MALL LTD., TEXAS Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LE, THANH VAN;REEL/FRAME:019400/0652 Effective date: 20070423 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |