Patent ID: 6085791
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: A61H,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A close-off valve for use in a fluid circulation system for a hydromassage tub, the circulation system including a piping circuit for delivering liquid to the tub in a normal state and for circulating liquid in the piping circuit in a closed-off state, the system also including a control fluid pressure source, the tub including one or more hydromassage orifices through which liquid is introduced into the tub, said valve comprising:a coupling body having an interior which defines a coupling chamber and having at least three coupling portions including:a tub coupling portion for connection to one of the hydromassage orifices, said tub coupling portion having a tub delivery aperture,a control coupling portion disposed axially opposite said tub coupling portion, andat least one piping coupling portion for connection to the piping circuit; anda piston cylinder means disposed on said control coupling portion including:a cylinder body disposed on said control coupling portion for connection with the control fluid pressure source and being provided with a restricted passageway for communication with the atmosphere; anda piston movably disposed within said cylinder body, said piston including a stem having a distal end which extends out of said cylinder body and into said coupling chamber, the distal end of said stem including a plug, the proximal end of said stem being fully enclosed within said cylinder body,wherein said piston cylinder means allows fluid flow through said at least one piping coupling portion and through said tub coupling portion into the hydromassage tub in a normal state, andwherein said piston is adapted to seal off fluid flow through said tub delivery aperture in response to the control fluid pressure source in a closed-off state;whereby liquid is capable of being delivered to the tub through said valve in a normal state and liquid is prevented from being delivered to the tub in a closed-off state, said valve being remotely actuated without requiring manual intervention, or the introduction of electrical controls, in the vicinity of said valve.