Patent Publication Number: US-8978174-B2

Title: Water jet housing with internal sleeve for limiting water and/or air flow

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present invention is directed generally to water jet components for use in spa and hydrotherapy equipment. The present invention is directed more specifically to water jet having an internal structural element that allows the water flow and/or air flow to be limited or turned on and off by twisting or rotating the internal structural element. 
     2. Related Art 
     Artificial water structures, such as conventional spas, hot tubs, whirlpool baths, swimming pools and the like, hereinafter referred to and defined as hydrotherapy equipment or tubs, comprise various components and features, such as jet. Jets inject water together with air, if desired, using venturi nozzles or jets, against the bodies of occupants usually partially immersed therein. Such jets allow the occupant to control the water or aerated water input to the hydrotherapy equipment or tub. 
     By way of example, typical hydrotherapy equipment with jets mounted thereon or therethrough are constructed as a molded shell to form a water containment or fluid enclosure having a footwell or floor and an upstanding sidewall. Molded within the enclosure are a plurality of therapy stations which may include seats or platforms for reclining. The shell typically is constructed of fiberglass, plastic or a similar material, or a composite of such materials, forming a tub. One or more pumps usually are placed under the shell (the dry-side) to draw water from the enclosure tub and discharge it, usually with air, into the enclosure tub (the wet-side) through a plurality of jets of various types, including venturi-type jets such as water jet aerators. The jets usually are mounted through the shell in either or both of the floor and sidewall. Typically, jets mounted through the sidewall are located below the water line of the hydrotherapy equipment. 
     Water jet aerators can be used in these artificial water structures to provide jets of aerated water to provide a massaging and therapeutic action. The massaging and therapeutic action usually is provided by water jet aerators that are recessed into the walls of the artificial water structures. Several water jet aerators are usually spaced about the perimeter of an artificial water structure. In some water jet aerators, the nozzles may be rotated to achieve a desired flow. The nozzle is often a swivel type nozzle, which allows the direction of the flow to be adjusted by the user of the artificial water structure for maximum massaging or therapeutic action. 
     As already mentioned, one type of water jet aerator that is in common use in artificial water structures uses the venturi process. The venturi process involves mixing a stream of pressurized water with ambient air. This venturi type action occurs in an aeration chamber, with the air being drawn into a low pressure chamber from a passageway that is connected to the ambient atmosphere. The low pressure is created by the flow of water through the low-pressure chamber. The mixture of pressurized water and air thereby provides an aerated jet of water, which then is discharged through a nozzle into the water contained in the artificial water structure. 
     These venturi-type water jet aerators often are adjustable and may include a flow control system for manually adjusting the flow of air or water, or a combination of the air and water. For example, a first type of control system for a water jet aerator operates by manipulating the water flow and maintaining a steady, constant air flow through the aerator. A second type of control system adjusts both the air flow and the water flow simultaneously and proportionally. A third type of flow control system allows for independent adjustment of both the airflow and the water flow. 
     For the most part, water jet aerators are manufactured with a sealed single part body into which different nozzles can be inserted. The single part body is mounted on the spa in an orientation selected by the installer, or at random if the installer has no desired or instructed orientation. The flow of water or air through the nozzle often can be adjusted by some means on the nozzle. For example, the nozzle may include some type of valve or shut-off that, when actuated, decreases or stops the flow of water and/or air through the nozzle. However, there are many different and popular types of nozzles that do not have such an adjustment means and therefore the flow of water and/or air through the nozzle cannot be adjusted or stopped. Also, many of the current water jet aerator housings do not allow for adjustment of the water and/or air flow into the housing component, or at a minimum do not allow for simple adjustment of the water and/or air flow into the housing component. 
     Accordingly, there is always a need for an improved water jet aerator system. For example, there is always a need for a water jet aerator that can accept nozzles and that can be adjusted simply and easily. Additionally, there is always a need for a water jet aerator that allows for simple adjustment of the water and/or air flow into the housing component. It is to these needs, among others, that the present invention is directed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, this invention is an improved water jet having a housing for mounting on the tub shell and a sleeve rotatably mounted within the housing that allows for adjusting the water and/or air flow into the housing. A removable nozzle can be inserted into the sleeve for directing the water flow, air flow, or aerated water flow into the tub. The sleeve preferably is attached to a face cover such that rotating the face cover causes the sleeve to rotate from a full on position to a full off position and back. Preferably, the invention allows a user to turn the water flow through the nozzle on and off by rotating the face cover approximately 90°. 
     The water jet of the present invention, like many water jets, comprises a nozzle, a face cover, a housing, an air conduit, and a water conduit. However, the present invention further comprises a rotatable sleeve that is inserted into and fits within the housing and into which the nozzle is inserted and fits. Also, the face cover, rather than being a separate piece that attaches to the housing as in conventional water jet aerator configurations, is a part of the sleeve such that the sleeve and the face cover are a unified structure. Further, an aeration chamber is located within the sleeve such that water and air entering the housing is directed into the sleeve, and more specifically is directed into the aeration chamber. 
     This invention is an improved water jet utilizing a two-part body design, in conjunction with a removable nozzle, that allows a user to control the air and/or water flow into the housing, and therefore into the sleeve and the nozzle. The housing preferably is a generally hollow structure having various sized cylindrical sections forming a generally continuous housing outer wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally continuous interior, an open end for accepting the sleeve and the nozzle, and a closed end typically opposite the open end. Generally proximal to the closed end, the housing has a water inlet port and an air inlet port allowing for water and air to be introduced to the interior of the housing. The housing also preferably has a flange and a threaded portion proximal to the open end for attaching the housing to a tub wall. The housing further preferably has a housing attachment means for rotatably attaching the sleeve within the housing, the housing attachment means preferably being located within the interior of the housing and attached to the inner surface of the housing outer wall. 
     The sleeve also preferably is a generally hollow structure having various sized cylindrical sections forming a generally continuous sleeve outer wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally continuous interior, a first open end for accepting the nozzle, and a second open end typically opposite the first open end and/or a water port for accepting a water flow from the water inlet port of the housing, specifically to the aeration chamber. Generally proximal to the second open end, the sleeve has at least one air port allowing for air to be introduced to the interior of the sleeve, specifically also to the aeration chamber. The sleeve also preferably has a face cover proximal to or at the first open end for gripping by the user so as to rotate the sleeve and for providing an aesthetically pleasing cover for the flange. The sleeve further preferably has a sleeve attachment means for cooperating with the housing attachment means, for rotatably attaching the sleeve within the housing, the sleeve attachment means preferably being located on the exterior of the sleeve and attached to the outer surface of the sleeve outer wall. The sleeve also has clips for holding the nozzle within the sleeve interior. 
     The housing is mounted through the tub shell in a more or less conventional manner. For example, the housing is placed through a hole in the tub shell such that the flange contacts the inner (wet side) surface of the tub shell. A threaded nut is placed over the housing from the outer side (dry side) and threaded onto the threaded portion of the housing. The nut is rotated about the threaded portion until it contacts the outer (dry side) surface of the tub shell, sandwiching the tub shell between the flange and the nut, thus securing the housing onto the tub shell. 
     The water flow to the aeration chamber preferably may be shut off by rotating the face cover, which thereby rotates the sleeve such that the water port rotates away from and therefore closes the water inlet port. The flow volume of water preferably also can be proportionally reduced by only partially rotating the face cover to a position where only a portion of the water inlet port is open, thus reducing the cross-section of the open area of the water inlet port cooperating with the water port. Similarly, the air flow to the aeration chamber preferably may be shut off by rotating the face cover, which thereby rotates the sleeve such that the air port rotates away from and therefore closes the air inlet port. The flow volume of air preferably also can be proportionally reduced by only partially rotating the face cover to a position where only a portion of the air inlet port is open, thus reducing the cross-section of the open area of the air inlet port cooperating with the air port. 
     As in conventional water jets, the aeration chamber creates an aerated water stream by the mixing of air and water, which have been introduced into the aeration chamber via the air inlet port and the water inlet port in the housing and the air port and the water port in the sleeve, and aligned with the aeration chamber. The aerated water stream then flows through the sleeve and then through the nozzle into the artificial water structure (for ease of this disclosure, all artificial water structures such as but not limited to spas, hot tubs, JACUZZI®, pools, fountains, ponds, and whirlpools will be referred to herein as a “spa” or “spas”). Preferably, the nozzle does not extend into the spa beyond the face cover and is accessible from the spa, namely from the front side of the aerator, if the user desires to change the nozzle. The nozzle has a fluid passage, which is in fluid communication with both the aeration chamber and the spa, to introduce aerated water into the spa. 
     These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. The figures and the detailed description which follow more particularly exemplify these and other embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are as follows. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side exploded view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side exploded view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side exploded sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a side exploded sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  in a setting allowing water to flow through the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 6  in a setting allowing water to flow through the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  in a setting preventing water from flowing through the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 8  in a setting preventing water from flowing through the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternative structure of the invention that allows air to flow through the invention when water is allowed to flow through the invention and prevents air from flowing through the invention when water is prevented from flowing through the invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternate structure of the invention that prevents air from flowing through the invention when water is allowed to flow through the invention and allows air to flow through the invention when water is prevented from flowing through the invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 10  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 13  is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 11  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  is an end view, partly in section, along line  14 - 14 ′ of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 15  is an end view, partly in section, along line  15 - 15 ′ of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of a housing attachment means. 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of a housing attachment means shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of a retainer suitable for use in the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view of a second embodiment of a housing attachment means. 
         FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of the second embodiment of a housing attachment means shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of a retainer suitable for use in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of a housing attachment means. 
         FIG. 23  is a side view of the third embodiment of a housing attachment means shown in  FIG. 22  with a sleeve insert. 
         FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment of a housing attachment means shown in  FIG. 22  with the sleeve insert. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention  10  showing sleeve  14  within housing  12 , but not showing a nozzle mounted within sleeve  14 . While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. It also will be understood that the hydrotherapy equipment described and illustrated herein is exemplary and, as defined herein, comprise spas, tubs, pools, showers, baths, ponds, Jacuzzis, and the like, each of which is within the scope of the present invention, and all of which are referred to as spas or tubs throughout the specification for simplicity. 
       FIG. 2  is a side exploded view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  showing sleeve  14  outside of housing  12 . Arrow A represents both the manner in which sleeve  14  is inserted into housing  12  and the axis of both housing  12  and sleeve  14 .  FIG. 3  is a side exploded view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 4  is a side exploded sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  is a side exploded sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 4 . Each of  FIGS. 2-5  show sleeve  14  in a position relative to, and to be inserted into, housing in the full on position, namely allowing water and air to flow into housing  12 , and then into sleeve  14 . Further, the configurations of the air ports on sleeve  14  in  FIGS. 2-5  allow air to flow through sleeve  14  when sleeve  14  is both in the full on and the full off position with respect to the water flow through sleeve  14 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  in a setting allowing water to flow through the invention  10 .  FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 6  in a setting allowing water to flow through the invention  10 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate sleeve  14  mounted within housing  12  in the full on position, namely allowing water and air to flow into housing  12 , and then into sleeve  14 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  also show an additional section through the wall of sleeve  14  to illustrate the connection means. 
       FIG. 8  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  in a setting preventing water from flowing through the invention  10 .  FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 8  in a setting preventing water from flowing through the invention  10 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate sleeve  14  mounted within housing  12  in the off position, namely preventing water from flowing into housing  12 .  FIGS. 8 and 9  also show an additional section through the wall of sleeve  14  to illustrate the connection means. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternative structure of the invention that allows air to flow through the invention when water is allowed to flow through the invention and prevents air from flowing through the invention when water is prevented from flowing through the invention. More specifically, when sleeve  14  is in the full on position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air also can flow through sleeve, and when sleeve  14  is in the full off position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air cannot flow through sleeve  14 .  FIG. 12  is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 10  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternate structure of the invention that prevents air from flowing through the invention when water is allowed to flow through the invention and allows air to flow through the invention when water is prevented from flowing through the invention. More specifically, when sleeve  14  is in the full on position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air cannot flow through sleeve, and when sleeve  14  is in the full off position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air can flow through sleeve  14 .  FIG. 13  is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 11  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 11 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are end views, partly in section, along line  14 - 14 ′ of  FIG. 6  and along line  15 - 15 ′ of  FIG. 7 , respectively, for better illustrating the means for attaching the sleeve to the housing. 
       FIGS. 16 through 24  are illustrative examples of housing attachment means suitable for use with the present invention.  FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view and  FIG. 17  is a bottom plan view of a first embodiment of a housing attachment means.  FIG. 18  is a top view of a retainer that can be used with the housing attachment means shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 .  FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view and  FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of a housing attachment means.  FIG. 21  is a top view of a retainer that can be used with the housing attachment means shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 .  FIG. 21  is a side view and  FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of a housing attachment means.  FIG. 18  is a top view of a retainer suitable for use in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 16  presenting more detail.  FIG. 21  is a top view of a retainer suitable for use in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 19  presenting more detail.  FIG. 22  is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of a housing attachment means.  FIG. 23  is a side view and  FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment of a housing attachment means shown in  FIG. 22  with a sleeve insert. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present invention  10  comprising, among other things, housing  12  with water inlet port  42  and air inlet port  44  integrally formed thereon. Water inlet port  42  admits water into housing  12  and air inlet port  44  admits air into housing  12 . This particular embodiment thus illustrates a venturi-type jet, wherein water and air are mixed to provide a therapeutic effect. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize other equivalent non-venturi-type hydrotherapy jets, each of which are within the scope of the present invention. 
     Housing  12  preferably is a generally hollow structure having various sized cylindrical sections  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  58  forming a generally continuous housing outer wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally continuous interior, open end  28  for accepting sleeve  14  and the nozzle (not shown), and closed end  22  typically opposite open end  28 . Cylindrical sections  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  58  correspond to generally similarly shaped chambers on sleeve  14 , and will be disclosed in more detail herein. Generally proximal to closed end  22 , housing  12  has water inlet port  42  and air inlet port  44  allowing for water and air to be introduced to the interior of the housing  12 . Housing  12  also preferably has flange  24  and threaded portion  58  proximal to open end  28  for attaching housing  12  to a tub wall. Housing  12  further preferably has a housing attachment means (see  FIGS. 4-9 ) for rotatably attaching sleeve  14  within housing  12 , housing attachment means preferably being located within the interior of housing  12  and attached to the inner surface of the housing outer wall. 
     Housing  12  is mounted through the tub shell in a more or less conventional manner. For example, housing  12  is placed through a hole in the tub shell such that flange  24  contacts the inner (wet side) surface of the tub shell. Housing  12  is secured to a spa shell via flange  24  (see  FIGS. 2-9 ) and screw threads  56  formed on threaded portion  58  adjacent outer flange  24 . A cooperatively threaded nut (not shown) cooperates in mating communication with screw threads  56  so that tightening the nut tightens housing  12  against the spa shell, with the spa shell being sandwiched between flange  24  and nut, with flange  24  being located within the spa tub (wet side) and the remainder of housing  12  being located outside of the spa tub (dry side). Nut is placed over housing  12  from the outer side (dry side) and threaded onto threaded portion  58  of housing  12 . Nut is rotated about threaded portion  58  until it contacts the outer (dry side) surface of the tub shell, sandwiching the tub shell between flange  24  and the nut, thus securing housing  12  onto the tub shell. 
     Housing  12  illustrated is exemplary, as a result, a variety of housing constructions are possible, including provision of a plurality of transitional interfaces as described above as well as variation in the sharpness or smoothness of the transitional interfaces. Those skilled in the art will recognize various equivalent housing constructions, each of which is within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention  10 , with sleeve  14  separated from housing  12 . Sleeve  14  has a structure and configuration generally analogous to housing  12 . Sleeve  14  also preferably is a generally hollow structure having various sized cylindrical sections  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 . Aeration section  32  comprises aeration chamber  40  and water port  50  and air ports  52 , which allow water and air, respectively, to flow from housing  12  into aeration chamber  40 , where air and water mix to produce aerated water. Water port  50  corresponds to and cooperates with water inlet port  42  and air ports  52  correspond to and cooperate with air inlet port  44 , as discussed in more detail herein. Spacers  66  extend radially outward from the exterior surface of aeration section  32  for centering and stabilizing aeration section  32 , and thus sleeve  14 , within cylindrical section  16 , and thus within housing  12  and to help ensure that air flowing through air inlet port  44  flows through air ports  52  into aeration chamber  40 . 
     Nozzle connection section  34  comprises clip  60  for securing nozzle into sleeve  14 . Nozzle has a connector that cooperates with clip  60  to secure nozzle within sleeve. Nozzle can be removed from sleeve  14  for replacement by removing sleeve  14  from housing  12 , and manipulating clip  60  so as to release nozzle. Nozzle housing section  36  is generally shaped so as to hold and protect nozzle, such as a nozzle having a typical eyeball configuration. For example, the curved end of nozzle housing section  36  proximal to nozzle connection section  34  can have the same general curvature as an eyeball nozzle. Attachment section  38  comprises sleeve attachment means  62  for cooperating with a first attachment means, namely housing attachment means  64  (see  FIGS. 4-9 ) to rotatably secure sleeve  14  within housing  12 . 
     Sections  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  form a generally continuous sleeve outer wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a generally continuous interior, first open end  46  for accepting the nozzle, and second open end  48  typically opposite the first open end  46  and/or a water port  50  for accepting a water flow from water inlet port  42  of housing  12 , specifically to the aeration chamber  32 . Generally proximal to second open end  48 , sleeve  14  comprises at least one air port  52  allowing for air to be introduced to the interior of sleeve  14 , specifically also to aeration chamber  32 . Sleeve  14  also preferably has a face cover  30  proximal to or at first open end  46  for gripping by the user so as to rotate sleeve  14  and for providing an aesthetically pleasing cover for flange  24 . Sleeve  14  further preferably comprises a second attachment means, namely sleeve attachment means  62  for cooperating with housing attachment means  64 , for rotatably attaching sleeve  14  within housing  12 , sleeve attachment means  62  preferably being located on the exterior of sleeve  14  and attached to the outer surface of the sleeve outer wall. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate cross-sectional views of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 .  FIGS. 4 and 5  are similar cross-sections, with  FIG. 5  being rotated axially about Arrow A approximately 90° relative to  FIG. 4 . The generally hollow structure of housing  12  can be seen in more detail, with the various sized cylindrical sections  16 ,  18 ,  20 ,  58  forming a generally continuous housing outer wall  70  having an inner surface  74  and an outer surface  76 , a generally continuous interior  78 , open end  28  for accepting sleeve  14  and the nozzle (not shown), and closed end  22  typically opposite open end  28 . The generally hollow structure of sleeve  14  also can be seen in more detail, with the various sized cylindrical sections  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  forming a generally continuous sleeve outer wall  72  having an inner surface  80  and an outer surface  82 , a generally continuous interior  84 , first open end  46  for accepting nozzle (not shown), and second open end  48  typically opposite first open end  46 . 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  also provide additional detail for the means for attaching sleeve  14  to housing  12 . Housing attachment means  64  is a generally toroidal structure located circumferentially about the inner wall of cylindrical section  58  (see  FIGS. 14 and 15 ) proximal to the junction with cylindrical section  20 . Housing attachment means  64  is securely attached to housing  14  by conventional means, such as screws, clips, adhesives, and/or the like. Sleeve attachment means  62  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) is a protrusion, preferably a generally rectangular cubic stud, extending outwardly from outer surface  82  of cylindrical section  36  proximal to cylindrical section, and which cooperates with housing attachment means  64 . More specifically, sleeve attachment means  64  is inserted into entrance slot  86 , forced by elastically biased retainer  88 , and twisted into retaining path  90 . The structure and operation of the means for attaching sleeve  14  to housing  12  will be disclosed in more detail in connection with the discussion of  FIGS. 14 and 15  herein. 
       FIG. 6  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  in a setting allowing water and air to flow through the invention  10 .  FIG. 7  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 6  also in a setting allowing water and air to flow through the invention  10 .  FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate sleeve  14  mounted within housing  12  in the full on position, namely allowing water to flow into housing  12  through water inlet port  42  and then into sleeve through water port  50  (Arrow W), and allowing air to flow into housing  12  through air inlet port  44  and then into sleeve  14  through air ports  52  (Arrow X). Air and water mix in aeration chamber  40  to form aerated water, which then travels through interior  84  of sleeve  14 , and particularly through a nozzle mounted within interior  84 . Aerated water then is jetted into the spa. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  also show an additional section through the wall of sleeve  14  to further illustrate the location of the housing attachment means  64  and the sleeve connection means  62 . As can be seen, housing attachment means  64  is attached to housing  12  and sleeve attachment means  62  is attached to sleeve  14  at locations where, when sleeve  14  is inserted into housing  12 , sleeve attachment means  62  can interact with housing attachment means  64  so as to rotatably secure sleeve  14  into housing  12 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  in a setting preventing water from flowing through the invention  10 , but allowing air to flow through the invention  10 .  FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of the embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 1  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 8  also in a setting preventing water from flowing through the invention  10 , but allowing air to flow through the invention  10 . Thus,  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate sleeve  14  mounted within housing  12  in the off position, namely preventing water from flowing into housing  12  (Arrow W), but allowing air to flow through the invention  10  (Arrow X). 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  also show an additional section through the wall of sleeve  14  to further illustrate the location of the housing attachment means  64  and the sleeve connection means  62 . 
       FIGS. 6-9  also show how face cover  30  preferably is structured or configured to extend over flange  24  for both aesthetic purposes, namely hiding flange  24  from view, and for practical purposes, namely preventing accidental attempted rotation of flange  24 , which could loosen housing  12  from spa tub wall. Further, face cover  30  preferably does not contact flange  24  so that face cover  30  can be rotated without interference from flange  24 . 
     The water flow to aeration chamber  40  may be shut off by rotating face cover  30 , which thereby rotates sleeve  14 . More particularly, the flow of water is cut off into sleeve  14 , and therefore into and through aeration chamber  40 , as the water port  50  is no longer aligned with the water inlet port  42 . Outer wall  72  at aeration section  32  effectively covers and closes inlet water port  42 . The flow of water also can be proportionally reduced by rotating sleeve  14  to various positions where only a portion of outer wall  72  is overlapping water inlet port  42 , thus reducing the cross-sectional area of water flow into sleeve  14 . 
     Similarly, the air flow to aeration chamber  40  preferably may be shut off by rotating face cover  30 , which thereby rotates sleeve  14  such that the air port  52  rotates away from and therefore closes air inlet port  44 . The flow volume of air preferably also can be proportionally reduced by only partially rotating face cover  30  to a position where only a portion of air inlet port  44  is open, thus reducing the cross-section of the open area of air inlet port  44  cooperating with air port  52  (see  FIGS. 10-13  for alternative embodiments). 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of an alternative structure of aeration section  32  that allows air to flow through the invention  10  when water is allowed to flow through the invention  10  and prevents air from flowing through the invention  10  when water is prevented from flowing through the invention  10 . More specifically, when sleeve  14  is in the full on position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air also can flow through sleeve  14 , and when sleeve  14  is in the full off position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air cannot flow through sleeve  14 . More specifically, while the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-9  comprises four air ports  52  generally evenly spaced about the circumference of aeration section  32 , the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  comprises one air port  52  generally in line with water port  50 . Thus, when sleeve  14  is rotated to a position where water port  50  is in line with water inlet port  42  such that water flows through water port  50 , air port  52  is in line with and cooperates with air inlet port  44  and allows air to flow through the invention  10 . Similarly, when sleeve  14  is rotated to a position where outer wall  72  blocks water inlet port  42 , such that water is prevented from flowing through water port  50 , air port  52  does not cooperate with air inlet port  44  and can prevent air from flowing through the invention  10 .  FIG. 12  is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 10  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternate structure of aeration section  32  that prevents air from flowing through the invention  10  when water is allowed to flow through the invention  10  and allows air to flow through the invention  10  when water is prevented from flowing through the invention  10 . More specifically, when sleeve  14  is in the full on position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air cannot flow through sleeve  14 , and when sleeve  14  is in the full off position relative to water flow through sleeve  14 , air can flow through sleeve  14 . More specifically, while the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2-9  comprises four air ports  52  generally evenly spaced about the circumference of aeration section  32 , the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  comprises one or two air ports  52  generally out of line with water port  50 . Thus, when sleeve  14  is rotated to a position where water port  50  is in line with water inlet port  42  such that water flows through water port  50 , air port  52  does not cooperate with air inlet port  44  and can prevent air from flowing through the invention  10 . Similarly, when sleeve  14  is rotated to a position where outer wall  72  blocks water inlet port  42 , such that water is prevented from flowing through water port  50 , air port  52  is in line with and cooperates with air inlet port  44  and allows air to flow through the invention  10 .  FIG. 13  is a side view of the alternate embodiment of the invention  10  shown in  FIG. 11  rotated axially 90° relative to  FIG. 11 . 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  are end views, with sleeve  14  partly in section, along line  14 - 14 ′ of  FIG. 6  and along line  15 - 15 ′ of  FIG. 7 , respectively, for better generally illustrating the means for attaching sleeve  14  to housing  12 . More specifically,  FIGS. 14 and 15  are end views of the invention from open end  28  of housing  12  and first open end  46  of sleeve  14 . Housing attachment means  64  is a generally toroidal shaped component secured within housing  12 , preferably about the circumference of cylindrical section  58  proximal to the junction with cylindrical section  20 . Shoulder  92  (see  FIGS. 4-9 ) provides a support or platform on which housing attachment means  64  rests. 
       FIGS. 16 through 21  are illustrative examples of housing attachment means  64  suitable for use with the present invention.  FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view and  FIG. 17  is a bottom plan view of a first embodiment of a housing attachment means  64 .  FIG. 18  is a bottom perspective view and  FIG. 19  is a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of a housing attachment means  64 .  FIG. 20  is a side view and  FIG. 21  is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of a housing attachment means  64 . 
     Generally, housing attachment means  64  comprises a first side or surface  94  facing open end  28 , a second side or surface  100  facing shoulder  92 , the second surface  100  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) being opposite the first surface  94 , an inner side or surface  96 , preferably an inner circumferential surface, facing housing interior  78 , and an outer side or surface  98 , preferably an outer circumferential surface, facing housing inner surface  74 . Entrance slot  86  is a notch formed into inner circumferential surface  96  and extending from first surface  94  towards or to second surface  100 . Entrance slot  86  has a width (in the direction between inner circumferential surface  96  and outer circumferential surface  98 ) sufficient to allow sleeve attachment means  62  to fit therein. Entrance slot  86  has a depth (in the direction between first surface  94  and second surface  100 ) at least far enough to allow sleeve attachment means  62  to be manipulated from entrance slot  86  to retaining path  90 . Entrance slot  86  can extend the entire distance between first surface  94  and second surface  100 . Retaining path  90  is an elongated notch formed into and extending along inner circumferential surface  96  from entrance slot  86  preferably at least 90° (¼ the circumference) along inner circumferential surface  96 . Retaining wall  102  separates retaining path  90  from first surface  94  so as to retain sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 . Preferably, there are two entrance slots  86 /retaining path  90  combinations diametrically opposed from each other on housing attachment means  64 . 
     Elastically or spring biased retainer  88  can be located at the juncture between entrance slot  86  and retaining path  90 . The purpose of retainer  88  is to removably retain sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , so as to removably retain sleeve  14  within housing  12 . Retainer  88  can be a flexible or elastic material, or a spring steel, attached to or in a recess formed in housing attachment means  64 , or can be a component spring-biased on or in a recess formed in housing attachment means  64 . In the locked or retaining position, retainer  88  extends radially inward from housing attachment means  64  so as to create a blocking dam at the juncture between retaining path  90  and entrance slot  86 . In the unlocked or releasing position, retainer  88  is pressed outward towards or into a recess formed in housing attachment means  64 . When in the locked or retaining position, and with sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , retainer  88  prevents sleeve attachment means  62  from exiting retaining path  90  without retainer  88  being pressed outwards into the unlocked or releasing position. 
     Sleeve attachment means  62  is a generally rectangular cubic stud extending radially outwardly from outer surface  82  of cylindrical section  36  proximal to cylindrical section, and which cooperates with housing attachment means  64 . 
       FIGS. 16 through 23  are more specific illustrative examples of housing attachment means  64  suitable for use with the present invention.  FIG. 16  is a bottom perspective view and  FIG. 17  is a bottom plan view of a first embodiment of a housing attachment means. In this first illustrative embodiment, housing attachment means  64  comprises first surface  94  facing open end  28 , second surface  100  facing shoulder  92 , second surface  100  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) being opposite first surface  94 , inner circumferential surface  96  facing housing interior  78 , and outer circumferential surface  98  facing housing inner surface  74 . Entrance slot  86  is a notch formed into inner circumferential surface  96  and extending from first surface  94  towards or to second surface  100 . Entrance slot  86  has a width (in the direction between inner circumferential surface  96  and outer circumferential surface  98 ) sufficient to allow sleeve attachment means  62  to fit therein. Entrance slot  86  has a depth (in the direction between first surface  94  and second surface  100 ) extending the entire distance between first surface  94  and second surface  100 . Retaining path  90  is an elongated notch formed into and extending along inner circumferential surface  96  from entrance slot  86  preferably at least 90° (¼ the circumference) along inner circumferential surface  96 . Retaining wall  102  separates retaining path  90  from first surface  94  so as to retain sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 . Preferably, there are two entrance slots  86 /retaining path  90  combinations diametrically opposed from each other on housing attachment means  64 . Housing attachment means  64  further comprises retainer channel  104  accessible from second surface  100 . Retainer channel  104  is configured to accept and retain retainer  88 . 
     Retainer  88  is contained within retainer channel  104 . In this embodiment, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 18 , retainer  88  is a generally circular component comprising dam  106 , flexure arm  110 , and support  112 . Retainer  88  is manufactured from an at least partially flexible or elastic material. Flexure arm  110  is a relatively thinner portion of support  112 , and is of a thickness reduced sufficiently so as to be flexible. Dam  106  is attached to support  112  via flexure arms  110  so as to allow dam  106  to flex within entrance slot  86 . Optional guide  108  is attached to a side of dam  106  opposite entrance slot  86  and is slidably retained within optional guide slot  114  so as to help ensure that dam  106  slides along a radial line relative to housing attachment means  64 . Support  112  is secured within retainer channel  104  so as to hold retainer  88  generally in the same position within housing attachment means  64 . 
     Dam  106  can be located at the juncture between entrance slot  86  and retaining path  90 . The purpose of retainer  88  in general and dam  106  in particular is to removably retain sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , so as to removably retain sleeve  14  within housing  12 . In the locked or retaining position, dam  106  extends radially inward from housing attachment means  64  so as to create a blocking dam at the juncture between retaining path  90  and entrance slot  86 . In the unlocked or releasing position, dam  106  is pressed outward towards or into retainer channel  104  formed in housing attachment means  64 . When in the locked or retaining position, and with sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , dam  106  prevents sleeve attachment means  62  from exiting retaining path  90  without dam  106  being pressed outwards into the unlocked or releasing position. 
       FIG. 19  is a bottom perspective view and  FIG. 20  is a bottom plan view of a second embodiment of a housing attachment means. In this second illustrative embodiment, housing attachment means  64  comprises first surface  94  facing open end  28 , second surface  100  facing shoulder  92 , second surface  100  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) being opposite first surface  94 , inner circumferential surface  96  facing housing interior  78 , and outer circumferential surface  98  facing housing inner surface  74 . Entrance slot  86  is a notch formed into inner circumferential surface  96  and extending from first surface  94  towards or to second surface  100 . Entrance slot  86  has a width (in the direction between inner circumferential surface  96  and outer circumferential surface  98 ) sufficient to allow sleeve attachment means  62  to fit therein. Entrance slot  86  has a depth (in the direction between first surface  94  and second surface  100 ) extending the entire distance between first surface  94  and second surface  100 . Retaining path  90  is an elongated notch formed into and extending along inner circumferential surface  96  from entrance slot  86  preferably at least 90° (¼ the circumference) along inner circumferential surface  96 . Retaining wall  102  separates retaining path  90  from first surface  94  so as to retain sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 . Preferably, there are two entrance slots  86 /retaining path  90  combinations diametrically opposed from each other on housing attachment means  64 . Housing attachment means  64  further comprises retainer channel  104  accessible from second surface  100 . Retainer channel  104  is configured to accept and retain retainer  88 . 
     Retainer  88  is contained within retainer channel  104 . In this embodiment, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 21 , retainer  88  is a spring clip component comprising dam  106  and flexure arm  110 . Retainer  88  is manufactured from an at least partially flexible or elastic material, and is generally U-shaped with dam  106  on one end of the U and flexure arm  110  comprising the remainder of retainer  88 . Retainer is placed within retainer channel  104  such that dam  106  can be located at the juncture between entrance slot  86  and retaining path  90 . The purpose of retainer  88  in general and dam  106  in particular is to removably retain sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , so as to removably retain sleeve  14  within housing  12 . In the locked or retaining position, dam  106  extends radially inward from housing attachment means  64  so as to create a blocking dam at the juncture between retaining path  90  and entrance slot  86 . In the unlocked or releasing position, dam  106  is pressed outward generally towards or into retainer channel  104  and more specifically towards the other end of the U-shaped retainer  88  structure, namely, the end  116  of flexure arm  110  opposite dam  106 . When in the locked or retaining position, and with sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , dam  106  prevents sleeve attachment means  62  from exiting retaining path  90  without dam  106  being pressed outwards into the unlocked or releasing position 
       FIG. 22  is a bottom perspective view of a third embodiment of a housing attachment means  46 .  FIG. 23  is a side view and  FIG. 24  is a bottom perspective view of the third embodiment of a housing attachment means  46  shown in  FIG. 22  with the sleeve  14  insert. In this third illustrative embodiment, housing attachment means  64  comprises an elongated cylindrical structure  120  when compared to the first and second embodiments, and is a unitary structure in that retainer  88  is not a separate component. This third embodiment also comprises first surface  94  facing open end  28 , second surface  100  facing shoulder  92 , second surface  100  (see  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) being opposite first surface  94 , inner circumferential surface  96  facing housing interior  78 , and outer circumferential surface  98  facing housing inner surface  74 . Entrance slot  86  is a notch formed into inner circumferential surface  96  and extending from first surface  94  towards or to second surface  100 . Entrance slot  86  has a width (in the direction between inner circumferential surface  96  and outer circumferential surface  98 ) sufficient to allow sleeve attachment means  62  to fit therein. Entrance slot  86  has a depth (in the direction between first surface  94  and second surface  100 ) extending the entire distance between first surface  94  and second surface  100 . Retaining path  90  extends circumferentially about the second surface  100  from entrance slot  86  preferably at least 90° (¼ the circumference) along second surface  100  to stop  118 . Preferably, there are two entrance slots  86 /retaining path  90  combinations diametrically opposed from each other on housing attachment means  64 . 
     Retainer  88  is formed from elongated cylindrical structure  120 . In this embodiment, retainer  88  is a spring clip component comprising dam  106  and flexure arm  110 . Retainer  88  extends from proximal to first surface  94  downwards towards second surface  100  and also slightly inwards towards housing interior  78 . Somewhat more specifically, retainer  88  is partly within the circumferential cylinder, generally corresponding to the volume between inner circumferential surface  96  and outer circumferential surface  98  that makes up elongated cylindrical structure  120 , and partly within housing interior  78  inwards of elongated cylindrical structure  120 . Retainer  88 , and thus housing attachment means, is manufactured from an at least partially flexible or elastic material. The end of retainer  88  proximal to second surface  100  constitutes dam  106 . In this embodiment, sleeve  14  is inserted into housing attachment means  64  such that sleeve attachment means  62  slide down along press against retainer  88 , thus forcing retainer  88  outwards. After sleeve attachment means  62  passes by dam  106 , retainer  88  snaps inwards against sleeve  14  outer surface thus retaining sleeve  14  within housing attachment means  64  in the locked or retaining position. Sleeve  14  then can be rotated such that sleeve attachment means  62  is rotated into retaining path  90 . Sleeve  14  thus can be rotated between dam  106  and stop  118 . 
     In the locked or retaining position, dam  106  extends radially inward from the remainder of elongated cylindrical structure  120  of housing attachment means  64  so as to create a blocking dam at the juncture between retaining path  90  and entrance slot  86 . In the unlocked or releasing position, dam  106  is pressed outward generally towards housing  12 . When in the locked or retaining position, and with sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , dam  106  prevents sleeve attachment means  62  from exiting retaining path  90  without dam  106  being pressed outwards into the unlocked or releasing position. 
     Housing attachment means  64  is attached to housing  12  and sleeve attachment means  62  is attached to sleeve  12  in cooperating positions such that when sleeve  14  is attached to housing  12  with sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90 , sleeve  14  can be rotated at least from a first position where water inlet port  42  and water port  50  align so as to allow water to flow through water inlet port  42  into and through water port  50  to aeration chamber  40  (the on position) to a second position where water inlet port  42  and water port  50  do not align so as to prevent water from flowing through water inlet port  42  into and through water port  50  to aeration chamber  40  (the off position), and back to the first position. 
     As disclosed, sleeve  14  and housing  14  form a two-part device that allows a user to turn on and off the water flow through a water jet simply and easily by rotating face cover  30  of sleeve  14 . In operation, housing  12  is secured to a spa tub wall through a previously drilled, cut or formed hole. Sleeve  14 , second open end  48  first, is inserted into housing  12  through housing open end  28 , aligning sleeve attachment means  62  with entrance slot  86 . Sleeve attachment means  62  is forced over retainer  88 , forcing retainer  88  from the locked position to the unlocked position, so as to align with retaining path  90 . Sleeve  14  then is rotated using face cover  30  so that sleeve attachment means  62  rotates into retaining path  90 . Retainer  88  returns to the locked position so as to maintain sleeve attachment means  62  within retaining path  90  and to rotatably retain sleeve  14  within housing  12 . Sleeve attachment means  64  is inserted into entrance slot  86 , forcing retainer  88  outwards into the unlocked or releasing position, and twisted into retaining path  90 , thus allowing retainer  88  to snap back inwards into the locked or retaining position. A nozzle can be inserted into sleeve  14  either before or after sleeve  14  is mounted within housing  12 . Nozzle is retained within sleeve  14  via clips  60 . 
     Sleeve  14  now can be rotated within housing  12  via face cover  30 . In a first position, water inlet port  42  and water port  50  align so as to allow water to flow through water inlet port  42  into and through water port  50  to aeration chamber  40  (the on position). In a second position, water inlet port  42  and water port  50  do not align so as to prevent water from flowing through water inlet port  42  into and through water port  50  to aeration chamber  40  (the off position). Sleeve  14  also can be rotated and left in intermediate positions between the first position and the second position so as to control the flow rate of water and/or air into the aeration chamber, and thus providing aerated water to the spa in flow rates varying in a range from full on to full off. 
     As in conventional water jets, aeration chamber  40  creates an aerated water stream by the mixing of air and water, which have been introduced into aeration chamber  40  via air inlet port  42  and water inlet port  44  in housing  12  and air port  52  and water port  50  in sleeve  14 , and aligned with aeration chamber  40 . The aerated water stream then flows through sleeve  14  and then through the nozzle into the artificial water structure (for ease of this disclosure, all artificial water structures such as but not limited to spas, hot tubs, JACUZZI®, pools, fountains, ponds, and whirlpools will be referred to herein as a “spa” or “spas”). Preferably, the nozzle does not extend into the spa beyond face cover  30  and is accessible from the spa, namely from the front side of the jet  10 , if the user desires to change the nozzle. The nozzle has a fluid passage, which is in fluid communication with both aeration chamber  40  and the spa, to introduce aerated water into the spa. 
     The foregoing detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the appended figures have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.