Multiple slot fluid flow

Details Multiple slot fluid flow Multiple slot fluid flow

1999-12-16

2001-02-06

Recla, Henry J (Department: 3751)

Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons

Tubs

Means for agitating or circulating water in a tub

C004S541100, C004S541300

Reexamination Certificate

active

06182303

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates, in general, to hydrotherapy tubs and, in particular, to fluid flow devices usable for creating fluid flow in hydrotherapy tubs.
BACKGROUND ART
Hydrotherapy tubs, spa assemblies and like systems have enjoyed increased popularity in recent years. In the majority of such systems, a contained space is at least partially filled with a fluid, such as water, which continuously is circulated throughout the contained space. A fluid directing structure is provided to include one or more jet streams of water directed into the interior of the contained space to create a certain amount of water turbulence.
In a conventional spa assembly or system, the tub or pool like structure is generally formed of rigid material and permanently mounted or fixed either in ground or above ground at a specific location. Fixed plumbing in the form of rigid material conduits, pumps, heating structures, etc. are then mounted at this given location in communication with the interior of the rigid material tub or pool to create the desired treatment of water being circulated. Hydrotherapy tubs generally have a number of fluid flow outlets or nozzles. Each flow nozzle usually jets water or a water-air froth into the tub. Enhanced hydrotherapy typically results from strategic positioning of these fluid flow nozzles at various locations in the tub. The one or more flow nozzles located throughout the tub generally direct streams of water to specific locations of the user which aids in hydrotherapy of that location.
Some fluid flow nozzles have the user controlled ability to direct a single jet stream of water into multiple positions, by rotating or pivoting the fluid flow nozzle. However, providing hydrotherapy to multiple areas at the same time, is limited by the number and placement of the fluid flow nozzles. In general these nozzles have been placed in specific locations by the manufacturer and cannot be relocated without significant work and expense. Therefore, if a user wishes to provide hydrotherapy to two or more locations at the same time, there may be difficultly due to nozzle placement.
Thus, a need exists for enhanced strategic directioning of the fluid flow paths thereby enabling a user to direct fluid, from a single outlet, to more than one location at the same time.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages are provided through an improved hydrotherapy-tub multiple slot fluid-flow device. A hydrotherapy-tub fluid flow device, comprises a body adapted for mounting on an inner surface of a hydrotherapy tub and attachable to first and second fluid supply conduits, the body may have a first inlet for flow of a fluid from a first fluid supply conduit, a second inlet for flow of a fluid from a second fluid supply conduit, and a first outlet for discharge of the first fluid in a first direction; and a second outlet for discharge of the second fluid in a second direction, with the second direction being different from the first direction.
A fluid flow device of this type has a number of advantages. A removable nozzle or nozzles may be fastened to the body about the outlet(s). The nozzles are advantageous for selectively directing fluid flow from the device, thereby aiding in enhanced hydrotherapy. The nozzles allow fluid to be directed from a single device, simultaneously, in different directions. This allows a user to perform hydrotherapy on different body parts at the same time, or on different locations of the same body part at the same time.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the structures and techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4520514 (1985-06-01), Johnson
patent: 4764999 (1988-08-01), Rushing
patent: 4896384 (1990-01-01), Dijkhuizen
patent: 4953240 (1990-09-01), Gardenier
patent: 5065942 (1991-11-01), Shannon
patent: 5682625 (1997-11-01), Leaverton et al.

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