Portable spa

A spa pool assembly has a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base having a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by at least one air passage. The spa pool assembly also has a plurality of jet nozzle assemblies, with each jet nozzle assembly removably coupled to the interior surface of the wall. A hose delivers air from outside the pool to the air passage. In addition, each jet nozzle assembly can be separate and independent from any of the other jet nozzle assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to portable pools, and in particular, to a portable spa pool that can be conveniently moved from one location to another, and which can be conveniently and quickly installed and disassembled.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Spa pools have become increasingly popular as people have come to recognize and enjoy the relaxing and healthy benefits accorded by a good invigorating soak in a spa pool or tub. Most conventional spa pools are provided in the form of a spa tub in a bathroom or a health club, or in the form of an outdoor spa. Each of these spa pools has a jet nozzle system having a plurality of nozzles that must be powered by a pump and its associated plumbing (e.g., tubing that connects the nozzles). Some spa pools are also provided with a heater that works in conjunction with the pump to heat the water that is re-circulated in the spa pool.

Unfortunately, in order to move a conventional spa pool to a different location, the entire spa pool and its accompanying jet nozzle system, pump, plumbing and heater must be completely dis-assembled and moved. Such dis-assembly can be quite complex, and often requires the expertise of a plumber. Even if a normal user is able to accomplish the dis-assembly on his or her own, such dis-assembly is very time-consuming and difficult, and any subsequent re-assembly will be equally time-consuming and challenging. In other words, conventional spa pools tend to stay fixed in their original locations, and are unlikely to be moved to a different location.

Such lack of portability is a significant drawback, since nowadays people are more mobile and often enjoy travelling and moving about. It would be desirable if they could also enjoy the luxury and benefit of the spa pool at different locales while not experiencing the inconveniences and difficulties associated with having to assemble and dis-assemble a conventional spa pool. This would encourage and promote increased use of spa pools.

To meet this demand, attempts have been made to provide portable spa pools that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Unfortunately, the plumbing systems for these portable spa pools can still be rather complex. For example, the nozzles need to be fluidly connected to each other (and to a pump) by tubing so that water can be circulated through these nozzles during use. Unfortunately, connecting a plurality of nozzles together can be a rather complicated task, and if not done correctly, can result in leaks and possible malfunction of the plumbing system.

Thus, there remains a need for a portable spa pool that overcomes the problems associated with the conventional spa pools, which can be installed and disassembled for storage in a quick and convenient manner, and which can be packed and moved about conveniently.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a portable spa pool which can be installed and dis-assembled for storage in a quick and convenient manner, and which can be packed and moved about conveniently.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide a portable spa pool that has a simple construction that minimizes potential leakage.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide a portable spa pool having separate modular jet nozzle assemblies, with each jet nozzle capable of being controlled separately from the others.

The objectives of the present invention are accomplished by providing a spa pool assembly having a pool having an enclosing wall and a base that together defines an interior. The base having a plurality of inflatable sections that are divided by at least one air passage. The spa pool assembly also has a plurality of jet nozzle assemblies, with each jet nozzle assembly removably coupled to the interior surface of the wall. A hose delivers air from outside the pool to the air passage. In addition, each jet nozzle assembly can be separate and independent from any of the other jet nozzle assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. In certain instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and mechanisms are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

The present invention provides a spa pool that can be easily and quickly assembled and dis-assembled without the need for any special tools. The spa pool of the present invention provides separate jet nozzle assemblies so that each jet nozzle assembly can be quickly and easily installed by the user. In addition, providing separate jet nozzle assemblies allows the user to control each of them separately, so that the user can customize and vary the jet sprays emitted from these separate jet nozzles. The spa pool of the present invention also provides a simple water circulation system that is easy to install and which minimizes potential leak points. Other benefits and features will be described in connection with the spa pool hereinbelow.

Referring toFIGS. 1-5B, the present invention provides a portable spa pool assembly20that has a pool22, a liner24, a plurality of jet nozzle assemblies26and a water circulation control unit28. The pool22, the jet nozzle assembly26and the control unit28are each separate from each other and can be modular units that are replaceable or changeable without the need to replace or change the other units.

The pool22has an enclosing side wall30that defines the interior32of the pool22. The side wall30can be provided in three separate sections, a first or lower surrounding inflatable air chamber34, a second or intermediate surrounding inflatable air chamber36, and a third or upper surrounding inflatable air chamber38. In addition, a bottom wall46can be connected to the lower air chamber34. The air chambers34,36and38are inflatable to define the shape of the pool22when fully inflated, and can be made from a material that is water-impervious and which is capable of tolerating heat and cold. Non-limiting examples of the material can include PVC, rubber, nylon, PU lamination, and polyethylene. The material also acts as a water-containing layer of material that protects against water leakage, and to protect the pool22itself from puncture or other damage. In one embdiment of the present invention, the air chambers34,36and38are made of a heat and chlorine resistant polyvinylchloride (PVC) material. In one embodiment, the pool22can be manufactured by heat sealing the three chambers34,36,38and the bottom wall46. The air chambers34,36,38have valves40,42,44, respectively, through which air can be introduced to inflate the chambers34,36,38. The bottom wall46can be inflatable and made from the same material as the chambers34,36,38, or can be merely a sheet of material that is water-impervious and which is capable of tolerating heat and cold.

Alternatively, the pool22need not be inflatable. For example, it is also possible to provide the pool22, its side wall30and its bottom wall46in a solid piece of foam or other solid material that is molded to the configuration shown inFIGS. 1-2.

Each jet nozzle assembly26has a housing50that contains the plumbing system (e.g., a motor and a pump), and which is a separate housing that can be removably coupled to the side wall30of the pool22. A jet nozzle52is provided on the housing50, with a tubing54connecting the nozzle52to a bubble control device56. Each jet nozzle52can be any conventional jet nozzle that is currently available and used for conventional spa pools. For example, two types of jet nozzles52can be used, a water flow adjustable nozzle and a non-adjustable nozzle. The jet nozzles52can also be one-directional, or multi-directional that are adjustable by the user to massage different areas of the user's back. An electrical wiring58extends from the housing50to an electrical power plug60, so that power can be delivered from an external power source (e.g., a power socket in the wall) via the plug60and the wiring58to power a motor (not shown) inside the housing50. A water inlet62is provided in the housing50to allow water from the interior of the pool22to be delivered into the housing50by a pump (not shown) housed in the housing50, which subsequently delivers the water to the nozzle52to be ejected by the nozzle52. Even though the motor and the pump of the jet nozzle assembly26are not shown, they can be constructed according to motors and pumps that are well-known in the spa art for pumping water to be ejected through a nozzle.

The water circulation control unit28can include a filter pump (not shown) and a heater (not shown) that are housed inside a housing70. The filter pump and heater are all well-known in the art, and the assembly of a filter pump and a heater together into a modular component has already been done for conventional spa systems, and one non-limiting example is the PS-1 System marketed by Spa Builders System Group. The heater can be automatically activated by a water pressure sensor (built into the heater) which turns on the heater when water begins to travel through it. The heater can also be provided with an automatic maximum temperature cut-off if the water reaches a pre-selected maximum temperature (e.g., 104 degrees Fahrenheit). The heater is optional and can be omitted.

A water intake tubing72extends from the housing70and is adapted to deliver water from the interior of the pool22to the control unit28. A water outlet tubing74extends from the housing70and is adapted to deliver water from the control unit28back to the interior of the pool22. As best shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the tubings72and74extend through openings76and78respectively, in the liner24, and through ports80and82, respectively, in the side wall30(e.g., in the air chamber34). An electrical wiring84extends from the housing70to an electrical plug86, so that power can be delivered from an external power source (e.g., a power socket in the wall) via the plug86and the wiring84to power a motor (not shown) inside the housing70.

The control unit28functions to draw water (using the filter pump) via the intake tubing72into the housing70where the water is filtered by the filter pump and heated by the heater. The processed water is then returned to the interior of the pool22via the outlet tubing74. Thus, the water inside the pool22can be constantly recirculated and processed to keep it clean and heated to the desired temperature.

Each tubing54,72,74can be made from the same material, such as PVC, and can have weaved nylon reinforcements laminated into the hose itself. The tubings54,72,74should preferably be able to withstand high water pressure and heat.

The bubble control device56is illustrated in greater detail inFIGS. 4 and 5. The bubble control device56includes a rounded container94and a generally U-shaped cover96that is adapted to be fitted inside the container94. A plurality of internal threads98are provided on the inner wall of the container94, and are adapted to threadably engage a plurality of external threads100that are provided on the outer wall of the cover96. The tubing54is connected to an opening102provided at the center of the bottom of the container94. A central tube104extends upwardly into the interior of the cover96from the center of the bottom of the cover96, and has a bore106that communicates the interior of the cover96with the interior of the container94. In addition, the bore106is aligned with the opening102. A cap108is adjustably coupled to the tube104to control the amount of air that is allowed to flow from the environment to the nozzle52. Specifically, the cap108has internal threads110that are adapted to threadably engage external threads114provided on the tube104. In addition, one or more air openings116are provided in the wall of the cap108, so that air from the environment can flow through the openings116into the bore106, and then through the opening102and the tubing54to the nozzle52. Thus, turning the cap108with respect to the tube104will cause the cap108to travel along the threads110,114to go up or down along the tube104. Depending on the extent to which the cap108is turned, some of the openings116will be opened or closed, thereby varying the amount of air that can flow from the environment to the nozzle52.

To assemble the spa pool assembly20, the pool22is inflated by partially inflating the air chambers34,36,38. Each jet nozzle assembly26is then installed in the following manner. The housing50for each jet nozzle assembly26is inserted into a cavity88that is provided in the side wall30(e.g., the air chamber36), and which opens into the interior of the pool22. The wiring58for each jet nozzle assembly26is extended through an opening90in the side wall30to the exterior of the pool22, and the plug60is plugged into a power socket. In addition, the tubing54of the bubble control device56is extended through the interior of the side wall30to an opening92provided in the top of the side wall30(e.g., at the top of the air chamber38). The container94is then positioned in the opening92, and the tubing54is coupled to the opening102. The cover96and its cap108are then secured over the container94. The jet nozzle assemblies26are now ready for use. The cap108for each bubble control device56can be adjusted to adjust the jet spray for each corresponding nozzle52.

Next, the user completes the inflation of the air chambers34,36,38, and then uses the liner24to completely cover the pool22. The liner24can completely cover all the surfaces of the pool22, including the interior and the exterior surfaces of the pool22. The liner24can be provided with a zipper, buttons, or other similar mechanism (not shown) to zip up the liner24when the liner24has completely surrounded the pool22. The liner24can be provided with openings88a,40a,42a,44athat are aligned with (and correspond with) the cavities88and the valves40,42,44, respectively, in the pool22.

The user then installs the control unit28by extending the tubings72and74through the openings76and78respectively, in the liner24, and through the ports80and82, respectively. The tubings72and74are then connected to the housing70, and the plug86is plugged into a power socket. The control unit28is now ready for use.

Optionally, pillow bladders (not shown) can be inflated and inserted into pillow chambers120provided at the top of the liner24. These pillow bladders120function as head pillows for the occupants of the spa pool assembly20.

Water can be filled into the interior of the pool22to the required water level (preferably above the level of the nozzles52), and the pumps in the jet nozzle assemblies26and the control unit28primed by drawing water from the pool22into the respective pumps. Once the pumps have been primed, the pump is ready to begin recirculating water. The spa pool assembly20is now ready for use.

Thus, as described above, the spa pool assembly20can be assembled very quickly and conveniently. No tubing is needed to connect the nozzles52, since each jet nozzle assembly26operates as a stand-alone unit that is separate from the other jet nozzle units26. As a result, the construction and assembly of the spa pool assembly20is greatly simplified.

During use, the user can adjust each jet nozzle52separately by controlling the bubble control device56. In particular, the user can adjust the cap108on the cover96in the manner described above to control the amount of bubbles being ejected by the corresponding nozzle52. Since the cap108essentially controls the amount of air present inside the container94, adjusting the cap108to decrease the space inside the container94will result in a weaker jet of bubbles being ejected by the corresponding nozzle52(because there is less air), and adjusting the cap108to increase the space inside the container94will result in a stronger jet of bubbles being ejected by the corresponding nozzle52(because there is more air). Thus, the user can vary the strength of each different nozzle52by adjusting each separate bubble control device56.

In addition, the use of a single water intake tubing72and a single water outlet tubing74minimizes the number of openings in the pool22, thereby reducing the likelihood of leakage and other defects.

To dis-assemble the spa pool assembly20, the user turns off the respective motors, and disconnects all the components by reversing the steps described above. The jet nozzle assemblies26are then separately removed from the pool22. The air chambers34,36,38are then deflated and all the components can be packed for storage or transportation. A carrying case (not shown) can be provided for storing the different components: the jet nozzle assemblies26, the control unit28, the tubings72,74, the bubble control devices56, the pool22, and the liner24.

The modularity of the different units22,24,26,28,56,72,74also provides several important benefits. First, the modularity allows for convenient replacement of defective units without the need to replace non-defective units. Second, the modularity increases the convenience of assembly, dis-assembly, servicing and maintenance of the spa pool assembly20. Third, the assembly and disassembly of the spa pool assembly20does not require the use of special tools, thereby allowing the spa pool assembly20to be conveniently moved about for use in many different locations.

FIGS. 6-8illustrate some modifications that can be made to the jet nozzle assemblies26and the control unit28described above. First, each jet nozzle assembly26acan be the same as the jet nozzle assembly26described above, except that each nozzle52acan be provided in a tubular configuration with external threads122that are adapted to receive a threaded nut124. Thus, each tubular nozzle52acan extend through an opening88ain the liner24, and the nut124can be threadably secured to the nozzle52afrom inside the spa pool20, so as to secure the nozzle52ato the location of the opening88a.

Second, the control unit28acan be the same as the control unit28described above, except that individual control switches130can also be provided to allow the user to separately control the individual jet nozzle assemblies26a. In addition, power receptacles132are provided in the housing70a, each adapted to receive a power plug60of a separate jet nozzle assembly26a. Thus, by turning on selected switches130and turning off selected switches130, the user can control which jet nozzle assemblies26aare turned on or off, while also being able to adjust the strength of the jet of water at each nozzle52avia the corresponding bubble control device56.

As a further alternative, as best shown inFIG. 7, an ozonator140can be coupled to the tubing74via a separate line142. The ozonator140functions to generate ozone to sanitize the spa pool20.

FIGS. 9-13illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. The spa pool20binFIGS. 9-13can be the same as the spa pool20inFIGS. 1-5except for the differences noted below, so the same numeral designations will be used to designate the same elements inFIGS. 1-5andFIGS. 9-13, except that a “b” or a “c” is added to the corresponding elements inFIGS. 9-13.

The pool22bis provided with a multi-sectional base or bottom wall46bthat has a plurality of different sections200that are divided by passages202. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 9-13, there are four sections200that are divided by two perpendicular passages202that intersect each other. In addition, there is a circumferential passage204that extends around the edge of the base46band separates the sections202from the bottom chamber34b. The passages202and204communicate with each other, and are essentially embodied in the form of grooves that are formed between the chamber34band the sections200. Each section200can be inflated separately via valves208, which can be single or multi-valves.

As shown inFIG. 11, an air hose206has a first end that is connected to an air bubble generator210at the exterior of the pool22band extends via a manifold212(seeFIG. 13) in the liner24binto the pool22bto its second end which fluidly communicates with the passage204. The liner24bhas a meshed material220in its base216that is aligned with the passage204, and the liner24bfurther includes holes205that are aligned with the passages202. Air is introduced via the air hose206to the passages202and204, circulates through the passages202,204, and then exits through the meshed material220and the holes205provided on the base216to the interior of the pool22b.

The passages202and204allow for circulated air to be propelled from additional sources towards the people sitting in the pool22b. In particular, the air bubbles from the passages202,204provide a massage function from the bottom.

In addition, the pool22bincludes a drain port222that is aligned with the drain opening224in the liner24b. Water from the interior of the pool22bcan be drained via the drain port222and the drain opening224. A cover25can be placed over the top of the pool22band the liner24b.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, each jet nozzle assembly26and the control unit28can be powered by batteries, so that the wirings58and84can be omitted.