Patent Publication Number: US-11659963-B2

Title: Reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation with a single pump for multiple functions

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/195,529 filed Nov. 19, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Walk-in bathtubs provide easier ingress and egress through a water-tight, hinged door, and provide a seat for the bather. In walk-in bathtubs, there are multiple types of therapies and functions which can be provided, such as a whirlpool system with bath jets, a micro nano bubbles system with small jets, an air system, lights, heating pads, and a rapid water discharge system. 
     In the current walk-in baths on the market, the whirlpool, micro nano bubbles and rapid water discharge systems each require a separate pump. This is a two-fold problem as the pumps are expensive and there is very limited real estate underneath the bathtub to fit the components, plumbing and the electronics to operate the tub. The available space is generally confined to a compartment below the seat. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention meets the need in the art by providing a reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation including two or more types of discharge ports for discharging water. The reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation comprises a single motorized pump having an input connected to a suction port of a walk-in tub bathing installation, and an output port delivering pressurized water. A pipe system connects the outlet port of the single motorized pump to two or more types of discharge ports, and includes one or more valves to configure water flow paths between the output port and the two or more types of discharge ports to selectively direct the pressurized water to one or more of the types of discharge ports. A first type of the two or more discharge ports comprises (a) a one or more bath jets for performing a bath jetting function discharging pressurized water into the water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation and (b) a one or more jets for performing a micro bubble jet function while discharging pressurized water into the water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation. A second type of the discharge ports comprises a drain discharge port for discharging pressurized water from a water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation to a sanitary drain for rapid draining. One of the one or more valves for selecting a first position for supplying pressurized water to the first type of discharge ports and a second position for supplying pressurized water to the second type of discharge ports. Another one of the one or more valves for selecting (a) a first position for supplying pressurized water to the one or more bath jets for performing the bath jetting function discharging pressurized water into the water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation and (b) a second position for supplying pressurized water to the one or more small jets for performing the micro bubble jet function while discharging pressurized water into the water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation, wherein the water distribution system selectively enables the walk-in tub bathing installation to perform the at least two different functions using the single pump. 
     In another aspect, the present invention comprises a reconfigurable water distribution system for a walk-in tub bathing installation including two or more types of discharge ports for discharging water. The reconfigurable water distribution system comprises a single motorized pump having an input connected to a suction port of a walk-in tub bathing installation, and an output port delivering pressurized water to a pipe system connecting the outlet port through a first valve to two or more types of discharge ports. A first type of the two or more discharge ports comprises discharging pressurized water into the water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation through (a) a one or more bath jets for performing a bath jetting function and (b) a one or more bubble jets for performing a micro bubble jet function. A second type of the two or more discharge ports comprises a drain discharge port for discharging pressurized water from a water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation to a sanitary drain for rapid draining. The first valve operable for selecting a first position for supplying pressurized water to the first type of the two or more discharge ports and a second position for supplying pressurized water to the second type of the two or more discharge ports. A second valve having a first position and a second position for selecting when the first valve is in the first position supplying pressurized water into the water reservoir of the walk-in bath tub installation to (a) the one or more bath jets for performing the bath jetting function discharging pressurized water and (b) to the one or more jets for performing the micro bubble jet function. The water distribution system selectively enables the walk-in tub bathing installation to perform the at least two different functions using the single pump. 
     Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Features and advantages of the disclosure will readily be appreciated by persons skilled in the art from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawing wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a partially broken-away, diagrammatic isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a walk-in tub installation. 
         FIG.  2    is a diagrammatic end view of the tub installation of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a partially broken-away, diagrammatic side view of the tub installation of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a water distribution system employing a single pump to operate three functions in a walk-in tub installation. 
         FIG.  5    is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an alternate exemplary embodiment of a water distribution system employing a single pump to operate three functions in a walk-in tub installation. 
         FIG.  6    is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a water distribution system employing a single pump to operate three functions in a walk-in tub installation. 
         FIG.  7    is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating yet another exemplary embodiment of a water distribution system employing a single pump to operate three functions in a walk-in tub installation. 
         FIG.  8    is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a water distribution system employing a single pump to operate two functions in a walk-in tub installation. 
         FIG.  9    is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a second exemplary embodiment of a water distribution system employing a single pump to operate two functions in a walk-in tub installation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description and in the several figures of the drawing, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The figures are not to scale, and relative feature sizes may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes. 
     A walk-in tub installation is shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . The installation includes a tub structure  10  which includes a water reservoir defined by the tub structure, and a door  14  which swings on hinges from a water-tight closed position (shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   ), and an open position which allows the user ready egress into and from the water reservoir. Typically, the tub structure  10  defines a seat platform  16  for the user to sit while bathing with the door closed, and water filling the reservoir to a comfortable level for the user. Manual valve elements (not shown in  FIGS.  1 - 3   ) allow the user to control the filling of the bathing water into the tub reservoir. 
     The tub structure  10  defines an open space  20  under and behind the seat  16 , into which the tub installation pump, control and water pipes are installed. This space can be quite limited in volume, with the installation equipment mounted to a platform  22 . The equipment includes a motor driven pump  30 , and an electronic controller unit  24 . A user interface control panel  42  is positioned for ready access by the user, to control operation of the tub functions. 
     The tub installation includes a network of water jets  32 , through which water is pumped by the pump under pressure to provide a therapeutic effect for the user. A recirculating water flow path is provided, with the pump drawing bathing water from the reservoir through a suction fitting  34 , and direct pressurized water from the pump to the water jets  32 . This is a first function provided by the installation. 
     Another function which may be implemented in an exemplary embodiment is a rapid water discharge function, activated by the user once finished bathing, to actively pump water out from the reservoir into the drain, to speed up the tub drain process so that the user when finished bathing, may open the door  14  without water escaping through the door opening. This function may be implemented by use of the pump  30  as well, without requiring a separate pump dedicated to the rapid water discharge function. 
     Another function which may be implemented in an exemplary embodiment is a micro-nano bubble (MNB) function, in which water and entrained air is forced through a small jet or a network of small jets, typically known as MNB jets, positioned in the tub walls. This function delivers air-entrained water to the small jets, creating a milk-water effect. This MNB function may be implemented in an exemplary embodiment without requiring a separate pump dedicated to this function. In this embodiment, air is entrained in the water at the pump. 
     In accordance with aspects of the invention, two or more functions can be realized in a bathing installation, such as a walk-in tub, with a reconfigurable water distribution system including a pipe network, a single pump and one or more valves, typically motorized valves controlled by the controller  24 , in accordance with user commands entered on a control panel mounted on the tub structure. The valves are typically controlled by signals from the controller  24 . Several embodiments are described below, with respect to  FIGS.  4 - 9   . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates in schematic form a walk-in tub installation employing a reconfigurable water distribution system  50  which provides three functions, a water jet function, an MNB function and a rapid water discharge, with a single pump  30 . In this embodiment, the functions may be performed one at a time, with the function selected by the setting of three valves  64 - 1 ,  64 - 2  and  64 - 3  arranged in the pipe network. The pipe network in this embodiment includes several sections. Pipe section  60 - 1  connects between the suction fitting in the tub wall to the suction port of the pump  30 , and allows water to be drawn from the reservoir for pumping from the suction port through the pump. Pipe section  60 - 2  connects to a T fitting  62 - 1 , with the T port connected to pipe section  60 - 4 , and the through port connected to pipe section  60 - 3 . The pipe section  60 - 4  is connected to a port of a two-port motorized valve  64 - 1 ; the other port of the valve is connected to pipe manifold section  60 - 8 , which is connected to the MNB jets  36 . The valve  64 - 1  in this embodiment is an on-off valve, so that in the off position, no water or air flows through the valve, and in the on position, water and air flow is permitted to the jets  36 . If there is a single MNB jet, the section  60 - 8  will be connected directly to the MNB jet; if there is a plurality of MNB jets, section  60 - 8  can be a pipe manifold with a separate output for each MNB jet. 
     The system  50  further includes a second T fitting  62 - 2 , with an inline port connected to the pipe section  60 - 3 , a T port connected to pipe section  60 - 6 , and the opposite inline port connected to pipe section  60 - 4 , whose opposite end is connected through an elbow fitting to an input port of a motorized valve  64 - 3 . The opposite end of pipe section  60 - 6  is connected to an input port of another motorized valve  64 - 2 . The output port of valve  64 - 2  is connected to a pipe manifold  60 - 7 , which serves the array of bath jets  32 , or, in the case of a single bath jet, directly to the bath jet. The output port of valve  64 - 3  is connected to pipe section  60 - 5 , whose terminal end is connected to a drain  38  for the tub. Typically, the drain connection will be to an overflow connection for the tub, so that water can be discharged whether the tub drain stopper is in place or not, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,549,678, for an accelerated tub drain for a walk-in tub installation, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference. 
     The reconfigurable system  50  is configured to provide three functions, the MNB jet function, the water jet function, or the fast water discharge function, with a single pump. For the MNB function, the valve  64 - 1  is set to the on position, and valves  64 - 2  and  64 - 3  are set to the off position. With the pump operating, the entire pump discharge is sent to the MNB jets, and no water is sent to the jets  32  or to the drain. For the jet function, valves  64 - 1  and  64 - 3  are closed, and valve  64 - 2  is opened, sending all water to the bath jets  32  while the pump is operating. For the fast water discharge function, valves  64 - 1  and  64 - 2  are closed and valve  64 - 3  is opened, sending all water from the pump to the drain  38  while the pump is operating. 
     The pipe sections may be rigid pipe sections, flexible pipe sections or a combination of rigid and flexible. The valves are connected to the controller  40 , which supplies control signals to the valves. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an alternate embodiment of a tub system configured for three function usage with a single pump, using a reconfigurable water distribution system  60 , using only two valves  64 - 2  and  64 - 3 . The system  60  is similar to system  50  ( FIG.  4   ), except that the valve  62 - 1  is omitted, and the MNB pipe manifold  60 - 8 ′ is connected directly to the T port of T fitting  62 - 1 . In this embodiment, the MNB function is always active when the pump  30  is running. With valves  64 - 2  and  64 - 3  in the closed position, all water from the pump is sent to the pipe manifold  60 - 8 ′. For the bath jet function, valve  64 - 2  is put to the open position, and valve  62 - 3  to the closed position. In this configuration, some water is sent to the MNB jets, but most will be sent to the bath jets  32 . For the fast water discharge function, valve  64 - 2  is put to the closed position, and valve  64 - 3  is opened. In this configuration, some water is sent to the MNB jets, but most will be sent to the drain  38 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates another embodiment of a tub system with a reconfigurable water distribution system  70 , configured to operate three functions with a single pump  30 . The system  70  is similar to system  60  of  FIG.  5   , except that motorized valve  64 - 2  is moved and placed in the pipe section  60 - 4 ′, valve  64 - 3  is replaced with a diverter valve  64 - 3 ′, and pipe manifold section  60 - 7  is replaced with pipe manifold section  60 - 7 ′ connected one output port of the valve  64 - 3 ′, the other output connected through pipe section  60 - 5  to the drain  38 . The diverter valve  64 - 3 ′ has two settings, one in which the input port is connected to the output port connected to the bath jet manifold pipe section  60 - 7 ′, and a second setting in which the input port is connected to the output port connected to the pipe section  60 - 5 . In this embodiment, the MNB jet function is always active when the pump is opened. For an MNB function only, the motorized valve  64 - 2  is closed, so that all water from the pump is directed to the MNB jets  36 . The bath jet function is selected by placing valve  64 - 2  in the open position, and setting the diverter valve to direct flow to the bath jets. Some water flows to the MNB jets, but most will flow to the bath jets. For the rapid water discharge function, valve  64 - 2  is opened, and the diverter valve is set to direct water to the port connected to the pipe section  60 - 5 . Again, some water will flow to the MNB jets, but most will flow to the drain for discharge. 
       FIG.  7    shows in schematic form another embodiment of a tub system with a reconfigurable water distribution system. The system  80  uses two motorized open/close valves  64 - 1  and  64 - 2 , and a motorized diverter valve  64 - 3 ′. The water distribution system is similar to that of system  70  ( FIG.  6   ), except that the valve  64 - 1  is placed between the T fitting  62 - 1  and the pipe manifold section  60 - 8 . This allows the path to the MNB jets to be closed when the system  80  is in the bath jets function mode or in the rapid water discharge mode. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a tub installation with a reconfigurable water distribution system  90 , in which the tub does not include MNB jets. The system  90  provides two functions or mode of operation, a bath jet mode and a rapid water discharge mode, using a single pump  30 , using a single diverter valve. In this embodiment, the pump pressure port is connected to pipe section  60 - 9 , which runs to the input port of the diverter valve  64 .- 3 ′. One output port of the valve is connected to pipe manifold section  60 - 7 ′, which is connected to the bath jets  32 . The other output port of the diverter valve is connected to the drain by pip section  60 - 5 . The two modes of operation are selected by the position of the diverter valve  64 - 3 ′, to thus provide either a bath jet mode or a rapid water discharge mode when the pump is operating. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates a tub installation with a reconfigurable water distribution system  100 , in which the tub does not include MNB jets. The system  100  provides two functions or mode of operation, a bath jet mode and a rapid water discharge mode, using a single pump  30 , using two motorized open/close valves. The system  100  is similar to system  50  ( FIG.  4   ), except that the valve  64 - 1  and T fitting  62 - 1  are omitted. Pipe section  60 - 2 ′ connects the pump output directly to the T fitting  62 - 2 . To select the bath jets mode, valve  64 - 2  is opened, and valve  64 - 3  is closed, sending the entire output of the pump to the bath jets. To select the rapid water discharge mode, valve  64 - 2  is closed, and valve  64 - 3  is opened, sending the entire output of the pump to the drain. If both valves are opened, water will be distributed between the bath jets and the drain. Alternatively, the valve  64 - 2  may be connected to the drain fitting, and valve  64 - 3  connected to the bath jets, in any of the foregoing embodiments. 
     Although the foregoing has been a description and illustration of specific embodiments of the subject matter, various modifications and changes thereto can be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.