1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to improvements in portable spas, and more particularly, pertains to new and improved waterfall features for portable spas.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In the field of portable spas, it has been the practice to continually improve the spa experience by, not only increasing the number and variety of massaging jets available in the spa, but by also providing additional distractions that go beyond physical sensory stimulation to include audio stimulation, such as providing music to further enhance the spa experience. The present invention goes beyond providing stimulation for the sensory perceptions of touch and sound by providing visual distractions in the form of waterfalls flowing into the main body of water of the portable spa.
An elongated spout forms the output of a plenum chamber that is filled with water flow into an input orifice that is greater in cross-section than the output spout. An elongated light source mounted near the mouth of the spout lights up the ribbon-shaped water flow from the spout. The plenum chamber is formed to buffer the input flow so as to maintain a constant output flow. The elongated spout is located on or at the top rim of the spa so that a ribbon of water falls into the spa from the top of the spa.
The exact nature of the present invention, as well as its objects and many advantages, will become readily apparent from consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein:
Reference will now be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the intention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the important aspects of the present invention.
It is contemplated that a light source will light up the ribbon of water flow 18 in a variety of colors as desired. When the waterfall 18 hits the main body of water 22, light 19 carried by the waterfall is reflected in all directions.
The main components of the waterfall structure are shown in
The inlet part of plenum chamber 23 is a separate inlet structure 29 that has a pipe connector 37 connected to a bottom plate 38 having an orifice 39. The bottom plate 38 is sized to fit within the bottom opening of plenum chamber 23. The water inlet 29 fits into and is permanently fastened to the walls 2426 of the plenum chamber 23. The orifice 39 is chosen so that it is larger in cross-section than the opening of spout 13.
Bottom plate 38 has a wall 31 around the perimeter. The walls slide into the inside of the plenum chamber 23. The longer sides of bottom plate 38 have a pair of extended walls 33 with grooves 35 at their upper perimeter. A plate 27 is dimensioned to fit within grooves 35. This places plate 27 some distance from and over the orifice 39 in bottom plate 38. The plate 27 is a baffle that acts to buffer and deflect water surges entering the plenum chamber 23 through orifice 39, causing the water to flow around baffle plate 27 over the lower side walls 31 into the remaining spaces of plenum chamber 23.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
5249744 | Ruthenberg | Oct 1993 | A |
6210568 | Harder | Apr 2001 | B1 |
6367100 | Koren et al. | Apr 2002 | B2 |
6375342 | Koren et al. | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6450418 | Simpson et al. | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6484952 | Koren | Nov 2002 | B2 |
6595675 | Dongo | Jul 2003 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20050223490 A1 | Oct 2005 | US |