Abstract:
A method of modifying a bath to accept a heater ( 30 ) using a fitting and pipe section assembly ( 10 ) is provided. The method includes cutting the assembly ( 10 ) along first and second indicia ( 17 A and  17 B) disposed at the ends of a pipe section ( 12 ) and removing a center segment ( 16 ) of the pipe section ( 12 ), leaving first and second end fittings ( 18 A and  18 B) with a gap therebetween. The method further includes inserting the heater within the gap without displacement of the fittings and securing the heater in fluid communication with the fittings with a fastening assembly. A method of forming a fitting and pipe section assembly to permit the mounting of a heater in fluid communication with tubing of a bath is also provided. A method of modifying a segment of tubing of a jetted bath to accept a heater is further provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application is a Divisional Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/805,673, filed Mar. 12, 2001 now abandoned, priority from the filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120 and 121, and the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to methods for installing heaters for jetted baths, spas, above ground pools and the like, and particularly to methods for installing heaters in fitting and pipe sections that may be pre-installed to assist in the subsequent installation of a heater to the jetted bath. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Jetted baths include tubing that circulates water from the bath, through a pump, and back into the bath through jets. Jetted baths may be provided with a heater in the tubing circuit, that acts to maintain bath-water temperature after filling. Often it is advantageous or necessary to install these devices after the initial construction of the jetted bath (or other personal soaking reservoir), or after home installation of the jetted bath. Post-construction installation of these devices enables a limited number of product variations to be produced by a manufacturer, which can be modified later to meet the particular needs of an end user. This has the advantage of limiting manufacturing and purchase costs. 
   However, at present, post-construction installation typically will depend on a skilled plumber to cut or open the tubing of a jetted bath and affix a device in fluid flow communication with the jetted bath. This is often expensive and inconvenient for the end user. Thus, there exists a need for a method for post-construction installation of a heater within a jetted bath that does not require a skilled plumber. Further, there exists a need for a method of post-construction installation of a heater that insures that the heater is placed and attached in a predetermined location and manner. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method of modifying a jetted bath to accept a close fit heater device using a fitting and pipe section assembly adapted to be installed in a segment of tubing of the jetted bath is provided. The method includes cutting a fitting and pipe section assembly along a first indicia disposed at a first end of a center segment of a fitting and pipe section assembly. The method further includes removing the center segment from the fitting and pipe section assembly and defining a gap between a first end fitting and a second end fitting of the fitting and pipe section assembly. The method still further includes inserting a close fit heater device in the gap. The method still further yet includes securing the close fit heater device in fluid communication with the first and second end fittings with a fastening assembly. 
   In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming a fitting and pipe section assembly to permit the mounting of a close fit heater device in fluid communication with a segment of tubing of a jetted bath is provided. The method includes forming a first end fitting on a first end of a pipe section and a second end fitting is formed on a second end of the pipe section. The method further includes forming a first indicia between the first end fitting and the second end fitting to guide cutting of the pipe section. The method further still includes forming a second indicia between the first end fitting and the second end fitting to guide the cutting of the pipe section. 
   In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, a method of modifying a segment of tubing of a jetted bath to accept a close fit heater device is provided. The method includes forming a first end fitting is formed on a first end of a pipe section and a second end fitting is formed on a second end of the pipe section. The method further includes coupling the first and second end fittings in fluid communication with a segment of tubing of a jetted bath. The method still further includes forming a first cutting guide between the first end fitting and the first end fitting and the first end of the pipe section to guide the post installation cutting and removal of a center segment of the pipe section. The method still further yet includes forming a second cutting guide between the first end fitting and the second end fitting to guide the post installation cutting and removal of the center segment. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a fitting and pipe section according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a fitting and pipe section connected to a tubing segment; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of a fitting and pipe section where the center segment has been removed; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a fitting and pipe section where the center segment has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a split nut fastening assembly; 
       FIG. 6  is a cut away view of a fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a fitting and pipe assembly where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly; 
       FIG. 8  is an exploded view of a fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a close fit device and a union nut fastening assembly; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of a transverse pipe branch of a T shaped fitting and pipe assembly; 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a T shaped close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly; 
       FIG. 12  is a cut away view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a T shaped close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly; and 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a T shaped fitting and pipe section where the pipe section has been removed and replaced with a T shaped close fit device and a split nut fastening assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   A first embodiment of a fitting and pipe section assembly  10  constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . The fitting and pipe section assembly  10  is suitable for installation in an existing tubing network into which water is drawn, treated, and then reintroduced into a jetted bath. The fitting and pipe section assembly  10  makes it possible to modify previously constructed and/or installed jetted baths to accept a “water treatment device,” which is intended herein to mean a heater for raising or maintaining bath-water temperature. 
   The fitting and pipe section assembly  10  includes a pipe section  12  and first and second fittings  18 A and  18 B, and is marked with first and second indicia  17 A and  17 B. The pipe section  12  has a center segment  16  disposed between inlet and outlet end portions  14 A and  14 B respectively. The first and second fittings  18 A and  18 B are disposed on the inlet and outlet portions  14 A and  14 B of the pipe section  12  respectively. The first and second indicia  17 A and  17 B on the pipe section  12  define the center segment  16  of the pipe section  12 , and guide post-installation cutting of the pipe section  12  at predetermined points. In one embodiment, the fitting and pipe section  10  is a unitary/intergrally formed body. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the fitting and pipe section assembly  10  is capable of being installed in tubing  20 A and  20 B of a jetted bath. The inlet and outlet end portions  14 A and  14 B may be coupled in fluid flow communication to an inlet and an outlet of the tubing  20 A and  20 B respectively. The fitting and pipe section assembly  10  may be coupled to the tubing  20 A and  20 B by adhesive, corresponding grooves and threads, or other known methods. Although  FIG. 2  shows tubing  20  secured inside of the fitting and pipe section assembly  10 , it will be understood that the fitting and pipe section assembly  10  could also be sized so that tubing  20  could be secured on the outer surface of the fitting and pipe section assembly  10 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , the pipe section  12  may be cut along the first and second indicia  17 A and  17 B. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the indicia  17 A and  17 B may be annular grooves in the pipe section  12 . These annular grooves act as both a visual guide for where to cut the pipe section  12 , but also act to physically guide and center a cutting device. The cutting device may be a blade, cable saw, or any similar device. In a preferred embodiment, the cutting device is a cable saw, which is automatically centered within the groove during cutting. Further, the fitting and pipe section assembly  10  may include the cutting device assembled therewith, such as a cable saw threaded through a polymeric tubing with its ends connected by swaging, wire, or polymeric tie. Once the cutting device has fully cut pipe section  12  along both the first and second indicia  17 A and  17 B, the center segment  16  may be removed laterally from the pipe section  12 , without any longitudinal or lateral displacement of the remaining inlet and outlet portions  14 A and  14 B. Thus the annular grooves ensure that there is proper spacing for inserting the close fit device  30  (see  FIG. 4 ), and that the inlet and outlet portions  14 A and  14 B have been cut straight and plumb. The removal of center segment  16  leaves the inlet and outlet portions  14 A and  14 B, including the first and second fittings  18 A and  18 B, connected to tubing  20 A and  20 B. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3-6 , once the center segment  16  is removed, the resulting gap has an exact longitudinal dimension to accept a close fit device  30 , and outer seals  49 A and  49 B, between the inlet and outlet portions  14 A and  14 B of the fitting and pipe section assembly  10 . In one embodiment, the indicia  17 A and  17 B are not placed flush with the fittings  18 A and  18 B, and are instead positioned a select distance along pipe section  12  away from the fittings  18 A and  18 B. This results in fitting lips  19 A and  19 B being formed when the center segment  16  is removed. The fitting lips are preferably the same width as the outer seals  49 A and  49 B, and assist in retaining the outer seal  49 A and  49 B in place against the fittings  18 A and  18 B. Alternatively outer seals  49 A and  49 B may include raised portions which can be inserted into corresponding recesses in the vertical faces of fittings  18 A and  18 B to hold outer seals  49 A and  49 B in place. 
   It will be understood that the term “close fit device”  30  as used herein includes a heater device for use in fluid flow communication with a jetted bath, that has a predetermined length which is received between stationary inlets and outlets separated by substantially the same predetermined distance as the length of the device, including outer seals  49 A and  49 B if necessary, such that it may be installed and/or removed without displacement of the inlet and outlet. Thus, a close fit device  30  may include but is not limited to a heater that includes split nuts as in the embodiment described above. Alternately, the close fit device  30  may include a different fastening assembly construction that allows close fit installation, such as a heater housing utilizing a two piece split nut assembly secured by nuts and bolts or screws that may be slid back sufficiently on the heater body for installation and removal, or a two piece nut and split retaining ring assembly such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,743 issued to Rochelle, or a split thread nut assembly such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,901 issued to Rochelle, disclosures of both of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference, or other well known constructions. The close fit device  30  for use with the present invention includes a main body  32 , and inlet and outlet  34 A and  34 B for fluid flow communication with the jetted bath tubing  20 A and  20 B located at either ends of main body  32 . The close fit device  30  also includes flanges  36 A and  36 B located respectively at the inlet and outlet ends  34 A and  34 B of close fit device  30 . 
   Further still, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that non-close fit devices are also suitable for, use with the present invention, such as devices adjustable in length or form to permit insertion of the device between two stationary inlets and outlets. For instance, the present invention is suitable for use with flexible piping, such as PVC piping, wherein the flexible piping is flexible enough to allow the flexible piping with attached end fittings to be inserted between the two stationary inlets and outlets without sliding back the end fittings back upon the flexible piping. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4–6 , the close fit device  30  may be removably secured to the first and second fittings  18 A and  18 B by a first and second fastening assembly  40 A and  40 B. In one embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4–6 , fastening assembly  40 A includes a two piece split nut  41 A and a nut cover  46 A. The fastening assembly  40 A preferably also includes an outer seal  49 A. The split nut  41 A includes locking pins  42 A, locking apertures  43 , locking tabs  44 A, and split nut lip  45 A. The locking pins  42 A and locking apertures  43  are located along the surfaces dividing the two pieces of split nut  41 A. The two pieces of split nut  41 A may be removably secured together by locking pins  42 A engaging locking apertures  43 . The locking tabs  44 A are raised projections located on the outer surface of split nut  41 A. The nut cover  46 A includes locking tab channels  47 A, that engage the corresponding locking tabs  44 A of split nut  41 A. Thus the locking tab channels  47 A hold the split nut in place when the fastening assembly  40 A is assembled. Fastening assembly  40 B is a mirror image of fastening assembly  40 A. 
   To removably seal the close fit device  30  in fluid flow communication with the tubing  20  of the jetted bath, the first and second nut covers  46 A and  46 B are slidably placed about tubing  20 A and  20 B respectively. The first and second outer seals  49 A and  49 B may be positioned between the fittings  18 A and  18 B respectively and close fit device  30 . Once the close fit device  30  is placed between the pipe inlet and outlet ends  14 A and  14 B, the first and second split nuts  41 A and  41 B may be slidably secured about the close fit device  30  connecting the two pieces of the split nuts  41 A and  41 B by inserting locking pins  42 A and  42 B into and engaging locking apertures  43 . Split nuts  41 A and  41 B rotatably engage the first and second fittings  18 A and  18 B respectively. The split nut lips  45 A and  45 B (see  FIG. 5 ) likewise engage the close fit flanges  36 A and  36 B respectively, thus securing the close fit device to the fittings  18 A and  18 B. The nut covers  46 A and  46 B may now be slid so that the locking tab channels  47 A and  47 B engage the corresponding locking tabs  44 A and  44 B thus preventing the locking pins  42 A and  42 B from disengaging locking apertures  43 . If the split nuts  41 A and  41 B are not tightly secured about fittings  18 A and  18 B, then the nut covers  46 A and  46 B and the split nuts  41 A and  41 B may be additionally rotated to tighten the connection between the fittings  18 A and  18 B and the close fit device  30 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the fitting and pipe section  10  is shown with a close fit device  30  fully installed and in fluid flow communication with the tubing  20 A and  20 B of a jetted bath. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , it will be understood that the fastening assembly  40 A and  40 B not limited to those embodiments described herein, but also encompasses any fastener or fastener assembly capable of securing the close fit device  30  to fittings  18 A and  18 B. Referring to  FIG. 8 , an alternative embodiment of the fastening assembly  140 A is shown. The alternative fastening assembly  140 A includes a split nut retainer  81 A, union nut  86 A and the outer seal  49 A. When used to secure the close fit device  30  in fluid flow with the tubing  20 A and  20 B of the jetted bath, union nut  86 A is slid about the close fit device before the close fit device is inserted between the fittings  18 A and  18 B. Next, the two pieces of split nut retainer  81 A can be slidably and removably secured about close fit device  30  between the flange  36 A and the union nut  86 A. The union nut  86 A rotatably engages the fitting  18 A and the outer edge of the split nut retainer  81 A. The inner edge of the split nut retainer also engages the close fit device flange  36 A, allowing union nut  86 A to secure the close fit device  30  to the fitting  18 A. In another embodiment, a union nut could be slidably secured on the main body  32  of the close fit device  30  by placing the union nut about the main body  32  prior to formation of flanges  36 A and  36 B, and securing the union nut with the subsequent formation of flanges  36 A and  36 B. Alternatively, split nuts whose halves can be secured together, for example by either screws or nut and bolt pairs connecting the halves, could also be used as fastening assembly  140 A or  140 B. 
   In a second embodiment of the present invention a “T” shaped fitting and pipe section assembly  50  constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The fitting and pipe section assembly  50  includes a “T” junction with a transverse aperture  54  in the pipe section  12  between the inlet and outlet  14 A and  14 B. A transverse pipe branch  52  defining a port extends perpendicular to the pipe section  12  and is connected in fluid flow communication with the transverse aperture  54 . The transverse pipe branch  52  includes a transverse flange  56 . 
   In the second embodiment the fitting and pipe section  50  is further capable of being installed with a transverse segment of tubing  22  of a jetted bath. The fitting and pipe section  50  may be removably secured to the transverse tubing segment  22  by transverse fastening assembly  60 . In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 9 , fastening assembly  60  includes a union nut  64 . The fastening assembly  60  preferably also includes an inner seal, such as the inner seal  78  depicted in  FIG. 11 . The union nut  64  can be slidably retained about the transverse pipe branch  52  by the transverse flange  56 . Tubing  22  includes a transverse fitting  24  located at the end of tubing  22 . The union nut  64  may removably engage the fitting and pipe section  50  to the tubing  22  by rotatably sealing fitting  24  to the transverse pipe branch  52 . Additionally an inner seal may be provided that is captured between the fitting  24  and the transverse pipe branch  52 . 
   It will be understood that alternative elements may be provided for removably engaging the pipe branch  52  to the tubing  22  without departing from the present invention. For example, in another embodiment, the transverse pipe branch  52  could be provided with a fitting and the transverse tubing segment  22  could be provided with a nut to removably engage the transverse pipe branch  52 . Additionally, the union nut  64  could be replaced with a fastening assembly similar to those described above, including split nut  41 A and nut cover  46 A (see  FIG. 4 ), or a split nut retainer  81 A and union nut  86 A (see  FIG. 8 ). 
   The center segment  16  may be removed in a similar manner to that provided in the first embodiment. However, if the transverse pipe branch is connected to the center segment  16  of pipe section  12 , then the nut  56  must be rotatably disengaged from transverse tube fitting  24  for complete removal of center segment  16 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 11-12 , once the center segment is removed, the T shaped fitting and pipe section assembly  50  may accept a T shaped close fit device  70  between the inlet and outlet portions  14 A and  14 B. The T shaped close fit device  70  for use with the present invention includes a transverse aperture  74  between the inlet and outlet  34 A and  34 B. A transverse pipe branch  72  defining a port extends perpendicular to the close fit device main body  32  and is connected in fluid flow communication with the transverse aperture  74 . The transverse pipe branch  72  includes a transverse flange  76 . The close fit device  70  may be removably secured to the transverse tubing segment  22  by close fit transverse fastening assembly  77 . In one embodiment fastening assembly  77  includes a union nut  79 . The fastening assembly  77  preferably also includes an inner seal  78 . The union nut  79  can be slidably retained about the transverse pipe branch  72  by the-transverse flange  76 . The union nut  79  may removably engage the close fit device  70  to the tubing  22 A and  22 B by rotatably sealing fitting  24  to the transverse pipe branch  72 . Additionally an inner seal  78  may be provided that is captured between the fitting  24  and the transverse pipe branch  72 . Installation is completed with the fitting and pipe section  50  being secured to the close fit device  70  in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Referring to  FIG. 13 , the T shaped fitting and pipe section  50  is shown with a T shaped close fit device  70  fully installed and in fluid flow communication with the tubing  20 A and  20 Bof a jetted bath. 
   In the second embodiment described above, the transverse pipe branch  52  and close fit transverse pipe branch  72  are shown as being centered along the fitting and pipe assembly  50  and close fit device  70  respectively. In another embodiment, transverse pipe branch  52  and close fit transverse pipe branch  72  may be positioned off center. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , in another embodiment, the center segment  16  may be removably attached to the inlet and outlet portions  14 A and  14 B of pipe section  12 . In this alternative embodiment indicia  17 A and  17 B are not included, because cutting the fitting and pipe section  10  would be unnecessary. In this embodiment, the center segment could include flanges at its outlet and inlet ends, and could be removably attached to fittings  18 A and  18 B by fastening assembly  40 A and  40 B (see  FIG. 4 ). 
   In an alternative embodiment, the indicia  17 A and  17 B may include visual guides, including but not limited to paint. This is not preferred, since it is advantageous to physically guide the cutting device to assist in ensuring an acceptable cut. 
   While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.