Baths – closets – sinks – and spittoons – Tubs – Means for agitating or circulating water in a tub
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-13
2001-01-23
Recla, Henry J. (Department: 3751)
Baths, closets, sinks, and spittoons
Tubs
Means for agitating or circulating water in a tub
C004S545000, C004S549000, C034S202000, C219S385000, C219S521000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06175970
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates broadly to spa tubs. More particularly, this invention relates to enclosures which surround a hydrotherapy spa tub.
2. State of the Art
Spa tubs are generally relatively deep rotationally-molded, blow-molded or vacuum-formed tubs provided with an external decorative enclosure surrounding the tub. The tubs are provided with a number of fixtures including water jet fixtures which are operated by a water pump and/or air jet fixtures which are operated by an air blower. The water pump and/or the air blower are housed between the tub and the enclosure.
The appeal of hot tubs and spas is primarily due to the hydrotherapy and bubbling action provided by water jet fixture and/or air jet fixtures recessed into the tub wall which provide a massaging action. In addition, unlike a bath tub which may be fitted with the fixtures but must be filled and emptied with each use, a spa tub is intended to retain the water provided therein over many uses, and preferably continually maintains the water at a heated temperature, e.g., 98 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. This is accomplished by providing a water jacket around the water pump which utilizes heat generated by the water pump to heat the water and/or by utilizing a separate water heater element. Therefore, the spa tub is always ready for immediate use. Further, because the water is always warm, spa tubs may be used indoors and outdoors throughout the year.
One problem, particularly with the outdoor use of the spa tub, is that upon emerging from the tub, the air temperature and therefore the towels left outside the tub are substantially colder than the water temperature. Therefore, the soothing relaxation provided by the spa tub is abruptly countered with the discomfort of the relatively cold towels for drying oneself upon leaving the tub.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system to warm towels in the enclosure about a spa tub.
It is another object of the invention to provide a towel warming system which includes a cabinet in the enclosure.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a towel warming system which requires no dedicated heating element.
It is an additional object of the invention to provide a towel warming system which utilizes convection heat cogenerated by one or more of the water pump which operates hydrotherapy fixtures, an air blower which provides air to air jet fixtures, a water heater, and the heated water within the spa tub, hereinafter collectively ‘the cogenerated heat’ of the spa tub system.
In accord with these objects, which will be discussed in detail below, a spa enclosure of a spa tub system is provided with a towel storage device having at least one towel bar or towel hook and which is movable at least partially into and out of the enclosure between open and closed positions. The towel storage device is provided with one or more vent openings such that when the storage device is in a closed position, the vent openings permit the cogenerated heat existing within the enclosure to enter the storage device by convection, to heat towels provided on the bars or hooks, and then exit the towel storage device. No additional dedicated heating element is provided to heat the towels.
According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the storage device is a cabinet hinged at a lower portion to the enclosure and pivotable about the hinge between open and closed positions. The front and sides of the cabinet are preferably insulated to retain heat within the cabinet, and likewise, the enclosure may be at least partially insulated, e.g., with a foam, to retain heat.
According to another embodiment, particularly applicable where the space between the enclosure and the spa tub is at least partially filled with insulative foam, one or more openings in the cabinet are coupled to or provided adjacent first ends of one or more sections of tubing. The tubing extends through the insulative foam and has a second end provided adjacent to or coupled to the water pump, the air blower, and/or the water heater to carry heated exhaust air from the water pump, the air blower, and/or the water heater through the tubing to the cabinet.
According to a further embodiment, the storage cabinet is stationary but includes hinged doors which provide access to the interior of the cabinet and towel bar and/or towel hooks located therein.
A supply of towels may be kept in the cabinet or towels may be placed in the cabinet just prior to entering the spa tub. In either case, after using the spa tub, the towels will be warm and comforting to the user.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided figures.
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Gallagher Thomas A
Gordon David P.
Jacobson David S.
Precision Design Concepts Ltd.
Prunner Kathleen J.
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