Patent Description:
Typically, hot tubs or the like have a filter well coupled to a recirculating water system that circulates water through the filter well, which contains a filter cartridge that removes debri from the water as the water flows through the filter cartridge. A weir gate or similar device separates the filter well from the area occupied by the hot tub users. Since the filter well, which contains a filter cartridge, is located outside of the main hot tub sitting area it becomes a convenient location for placing a dispenser therein so as not to interfere with the persons using the hot tub. Although a convenient location a dispensing cartridge placed therein should not prevent a normal flow of water through the filter media while retaining the ability to effectively deliver dispersant into the recirculating water. In addition the dispensing cartridge should be easily replaceable once the dispersant in the dispensing cartridge has been consumed.

The document <CIT> describes a hot tub as known from the prior art. The document <CIT> describes a swimming pool with a disinfectant dispenser in the filter well.

A filter well dispensing system including a filter well mountable dispenser holder securable within a hot tub filter well with the dispenser holder supporting at least one replaceable dispensing cartridge within a circulating flow of water that flows through the filter well with the dispenser holder and the at least one replaceable dispensing cartridge held in a spaced condition proximate a filter media by the dispenser holder to thereby release dispersants from the dispensing cartridges thereon into the circulating flow of water without preventing the circulating flow of water from flowing through a portion of filter media located proximate the dispenser holder.

<FIG> is a perspective view of a hot tub <NUM> with an underwater dispenser holder <NUM> located in a filter well <NUM>, which is an integral component of hot tub <NUM>. A weir gate <NUM> separates the filter well <NUM> from a seating area in water chamber 10a.

<FIG> is an isolated perspective view of the hot tub filter well <NUM> showing a filter well mountable dispenser holder <NUM> in an insert position above a top end of filter cartridge <NUM> and a top end of filter cartridge <NUM>. Dispenser holder <NUM> comprises a frictionally mountable dispensing dispenser holder that carries a first dispensing cartridge <NUM> and a second dispensing cartridge <NUM>, which are also shown located above the end mount upright filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>. In the insert position shown the dispenser holder <NUM> can be lowered onto and attached to a filter end cap 17a and to filter end cap17b with the two filter caps supporting the dispenser holder <NUM> and the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> in a proximate by spaced condtion from cylindrical filter media 17a and cylindrical filter media 18a. The maintaining of a spaced condition of the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> from the filter media 17a and 18a permits dispersant dispensing from dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> without blocking of the flow of circulating water through the cylindrical filter media 17a or the cylindrical filter media 18a. Thus, a feature of the invention is that the circulation of fluid through the filter media 17a and 18a proximate the dispenser holder and dispensing cartridges can be maintained when the dispenser holder and dispensing cartridges are mounted as shown since the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> as well as the portion of the dispenser holder <NUM> located proximate the filter media while located in the filter well are spaced from the filter media 17a and 18a so as not to block the flow of water into a portion of the filter media that is radially spaced from both the dispensing cartridges and the dispenser holder. The circulating water flowing through the filter media creates a stable flow condition proximate the area dispensing cartridges thereby eliminating instabilities that occur with free floating dispensers in a filter well. A further feature of the invention is that the dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> are after market devices that are compatible with the structures of an existing hot tub filter well and as such require no tools or modifications to the hot tub filter well thus making the dispenser holder and dispensing cartridges suitable for a consumer to attach or remove from the filter well without the use of special tools.

In operation of the hot tub <NUM> either with or without the dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> water flows radially inward through the cylindrical filter media 17a of the end mounted filter cartridge <NUM> and radial inward through an identical cylindrical filter media 18a in filter cartridge <NUM>. In this example the two filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> are located in a side by side position but spaced from each other to allow a circulating flow of water to flow radially into and through the cylindrical filter media 17a and the cylindrical filter media 18a to filter the water and remove contaminants such as debri or bacteria from the water. Once the contaminants are removed the filtered water discharges into the hot tub from a return passage located in the core or center of each of the filter cartridges.

<FIG> shows a filter retaining cap <NUM> engaging a filter end cap 17b to fixedly hold filter cartridge <NUM> in a flow filtering position within filter well <NUM> and, similarly, a filter retaining cap <NUM> engages a filter end cap 18b to fixedly hold filter cartridge <NUM> in a flow filtering position within the filter well <NUM>. <FIG> shows dispenser holder <NUM> supporting replaceable dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>, in the insert position where the dispenser holder <NUM> with the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> thereon can be hand inserted downward into an open or free space between adjacent filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> by grasping holder <NUM> with the fingers of one hand. As shown filter cartridge <NUM> includes an annular pleated filter media 17a and filter cartridges <NUM> includes an annular pleated filter media 18a which allows water entering the filter well to flow radially inward through filter media 17a and filter media 18a while preventing contaminants from flowing therethrough.

<FIG> is an isolated front view of filter well <NUM> showing dispenser holder <NUM> with dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> in a dispensing condition proximate the filter media 17a of filter cartridge <NUM> and proximate the filter media 18a of filter cartridge <NUM>. The filter cartridge <NUM> and filter cartridge <NUM> as well as the dispenser holder <NUM> and the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> are located below a water line <NUM> to enable dispersants in dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> to be released into the circulating flow of water in the hot tub as contaminants are removed from the water through the filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>. In this example an arcuate lip 13a on one side of housing of dispenser holder <NUM> engages top end cap 18b and a second arcuate lip 13b on the opposite side of housing of dispenser holder <NUM> engages top end cap 17b to support dispenser holder <NUM> thereon.

<FIG> is a top view showing dispenser holder <NUM>, which is vertically supported on filter end cap 17b by the first arcuate lip 13b that is part of dispenser holder <NUM> and vertically supported on filter end cap 18b by the second arcuate lip 13b, which is also a part of dispenser holder <NUM>. In this example the top surface of filter end cap 17b and the top surface of end cap 18b vertically support dispensing holder to <NUM> maintain the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the dispensing cartridge <NUM> in a spaced vertically fixed condtion proximate the filter media 17a and the filter media 18a. As described hereinafter the end cap 17b and end cap 18b frictionally engage latching members <NUM> and <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) to maintain the dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> in a stable and fixed dispensing condtion proximate filter cartridge <NUM> and filter cartridge <NUM>. A feature of the invention is that the dispensing cartridges are fixedly positioned in a more stable flow region of the circulating water stream proximate the filter media 17a and 18a. Consequently, since the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted in a more stable flow region proximate the filter media 17a and filter media 17b the flow past the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and dispensing cartridge <NUM> remains more uniform and less subject to water flow disturbances. Thus, a feature of the invention is that it virtually eliminates adverse effects one may experience with free floating or unsecured dispensers or for example secured dispensers that are attached to weir gates since such fixed devices are subject to water flow perturbations or water flow disturbances that may effect the dispensing rate of the dispensers.

<FIG> is a sectional view taken along lines <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> showing dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> located in a spaced condition between filter cartridge <NUM> and filter cartridge18. Dispensing cartridge <NUM> contains a dispersant <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> contains a dispersant <NUM>. <FIG> shows lateral arcuate spacing between filter cartridges <NUM> and dispensing cartridge <NUM> and <NUM> that forms a gap of width x between the exterior convex surface of pleated filter media 18b and concave side surface 14b of dispensing cartridge <NUM> and concave side surface 15b of dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Similarly, <FIG> shows the lateral arcuate spacing forms a first gap of width x between the exterior convex surface of filter media 17b and concave side surface 14a of dispensing cartridge <NUM> and a second gap of width x between a concave side surface 15b of dispensing cartridge <NUM> and a convex surface of filter media 18b. The width of the gap, which is denoted by x, is sufficient so that water can flow within the gap therebetween and through the portion of the filter media located proximate the dispensing holder <NUM> when the dispensing cartridges are mounted on holder <NUM>. As shown the dispenser holder <NUM> positioning allows the hot tub water circulation system to circulate the water past the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> that are fixedly mounted within a stable flow region of the filter well <NUM>. Thus, a feature of the fixed placement of dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> proximate the filter media, as shown in <FIG>, is that the dispensing cartridges are supported in the flow region proximate the filter media 17b and filter media 18b, a flow region that remains relatively stable since the circulating water exits from the filter well through the filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> before the filtered water is returned to the hot tub.

<FIG> is a perspective assembled view of the dispenser holder <NUM> with a first snap-in dispensing cartridge <NUM> attached to one side of dispenser holder <NUM> and a second snap-in dispensing cartridge <NUM> attached to an opposite side of dispenser holder <NUM> while <FIG> is an exploded view of the dispenser holder <NUM>, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and dispensing cartridge <NUM>. In the assembled condtion shown in <FIG> the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> together with dispenser holder <NUM> can be hand inserted as a unit into the space between filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of dispenser holder <NUM>, <FIG> is a front view of dispenser holder <NUM> with a top base 13d, <FIG> is a top view of dispenser holder <NUM> and <FIG> is a bottom view of dispenser holder <NUM> revealing cantilevered extensions forming Y-shaped yokes for snap-in engagement with dispensing cartridges. The drawings show dispenser holder <NUM> includes a first Y-shaped yoke 25a having a first resilient extension <NUM> with a dispensing cartridge engaging lip 26a at the cantilevered end of extension <NUM> and a second resilient extension <NUM> having a dispensing cartridge engaging lip 28a at the cantilevered end of extension <NUM>. In this example one or both of the extensions <NUM> and <NUM> are spreadable away from each other for snap-in engagement to a first top corner 14e and a second top corner 14f on triangular shaped dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

Similarly, dispenser holder <NUM> includes a second Y-shaped yoke <NUM> having a third resilient extension <NUM> having a dispensing cartridge engaging lip 27a at the cantilevered end of extension <NUM> and a fourth resilient extension <NUM> having a dispensing cartridge engaging lip 29a at the cantilevered end of extension <NUM>. In this example one or both of the extensions <NUM> and <NUM> are spreadable away from each other for snap-in engagement to a first top corner 15e and a second top corner 15f on triangular shaped dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

Located on a bottom end of dispensing cartridge <NUM> is a finger rotatable wheel <NUM> that can be rotated to increase or decrease an open port area for water to enter a dispersant chamber 14d in dispensing cartridge <NUM> and located on the top end of cartridge <NUM> is an air vent <NUM> that allows air to escape from the dispersant chamber therein so that water can enter through the open port area in the bottom of dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Similarly, located on the bottom end of dispensing cartridge <NUM> is a finger rotatable wheel <NUM> that can be hand rotated to increase or decrease an open port area for water to enter a dispersant chamber 15d in the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and located on the top end of cartridge <NUM> is an air vent <NUM> that allows air to escape from the dispersant chamber so that water can enter into the dispersant chamber in dispensing cartridge <NUM> through the open port area in the bottom of dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Thus, a feature of the invention is that the dispensing rate from each of the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> can be controlled independently of each other.

<FIG> shows dispenser holder <NUM> in top engagement with dispensing cartridge <NUM> through yolk extensions <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, <FIG> shows that dispenser holder <NUM> includes a U-shape rigid post <NUM> and a hook 31a for bottom end engagement to dispensing cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> shows an arrow that indicates an insertion path the lower portion of dispensing cartridge <NUM> follows as tubular housing14c thereon engages hook <NUM>1a to form a bottom locking engagement with post <NUM> as the top portion of dispensing cartridge <NUM> snaps into yolk extensions <NUM> and <NUM>. Post <NUM> includes a stop 31c to engage and support housing 14c. A feature of the invention is that the interior concave surface 31b of U-shape rigid post <NUM> forms a guide surface or channel to assist alignment when inserting the tubular housing 14c onto the tubular extension 31a, thus facilitating a positive and quick alignment of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> with the dispenser holder <NUM> as well as forming support for a lower end of dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

To attach dispensing cartridge <NUM> to dispenser holder <NUM> one first inserts the tubular housing <NUM> on dispensing cartridge <NUM> into engagement with hook 31a on cartridge <NUM>. Next, one tilts or pivots the top of dispensing cartridge <NUM> forward until it snaps into engagement with the yolk formed by yolk extensions <NUM> and <NUM>. Thus, in the example shown one obtains top securement of dispensing cartridge <NUM> to the dispenser holder <NUM> through coaction of the top yoke extension <NUM> and top yolk extension <NUM> and bottom securement of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> through engagement of the tubular housing 14c of dispensing cartridges <NUM> and hook 31a on post <NUM>. Similarly, dispensing cartridge <NUM> and U-shaped rigid post <NUM>, which contains an identical hook (<FIG>), can be brought into bottom locking engagement. Next, one tilts or pivots the top of dispensing cartridge <NUM> forward until it snaps into engagement with the yolk formed by yolk extensions <NUM> and <NUM> with the top locking engagement and bottom locking engagement allowing one to maintain a fixed relationship of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> with respect to the dispenser holder <NUM>. This feature allows one to grasp the dispenser holder <NUM> and bring the dispenser holder into frictionally engagement with top cap 17b of filter cartridge <NUM> and top cap 18b of filter cartridge <NUM>. The insertion of the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> and dispenser holder <NUM> into engagement with the end cap 18b automatically positions the dispenser holder <NUM> and the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> a spaced distance from the filter media as illustrated in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an isolated front view of dispenser holder <NUM> revealing a first U-shape rigid post <NUM> on one side of holder <NUM> and a second U-shape rigid post <NUM> on the opposite side of holder <NUM> with post <NUM> and post <NUM> cantilevered outward from below the base 13d of dispenser holder <NUM>. Located in a central top portion of dispenser holder <NUM> is a first resilient bifurcated latch extension <NUM> and a second resilient bifurcated latch extension <NUM> for resiliently and simultaneously engaging a filter cartridge top cap17b on filter <NUM> and a filter cartridge top cap 18b on filter <NUM> to hold the dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> in a dispensing position proximate the filter media 17a and the filter media 18a. A U-shaped finger grip 13a with an opening therethrough provides for finger engagement with dispenser holder <NUM> to allow a user to axially insert dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> thereon into locking engagement between filter cartridge <NUM> and filter cartridge <NUM> as well as to remove the dispenser holder <NUM> dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> when the dispensing cartridges are spent. In the example shown a dispensing cartridge <NUM> or <NUM> may be individually removed from the dispenser holder <NUM> while the dispenser holder remains attached to the filter caps since the dispensing cartridges can be latterly displaced away from the dispenser holder <NUM>. In addition the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> are each shown with a curved or concave face that follows the curved convex surface of the exterior of the filter cartridge to thereby provide a uniform flow distance between the filter media and the dispensing cartridge.

<FIG> is a top view of dispenser holder <NUM> without dispensing cartridges attached thereto. Extending from one side of holder <NUM> is a first U-shaped rigid post <NUM> that includes a hook 31a and stop 31c for engaging one end of a dispensing cartridge, which is located on one side of dispenser holder <NUM>. Extending from the opposite side of holder <NUM> is a second identical U-shaped rigid post <NUM> that, similarly, includes a hook 33a and stop 33c for engaging with a one end of a second dispensing cartridge. The combination of the hook 31a and stop 31c with yoke lip 26a and yoke lip 28a form a three-point attachment to hold a first dispensing cartridge <NUM> on dispenser holder <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Similarly, the combination of the hook 33a and stop 33c with yoke lip 27a and yoke lip 29a also form a three-point attachment to hold a second dispensing cartridge <NUM> on dispenser holder <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of dispenser holder <NUM> without dispensing cartridges attached thereto. Extending outward from the underside of dispenser holder <NUM> are a first resilient bifurcated latching member <NUM> and a second bifurcated resilient latching member <NUM> that can engage the filter end cap 17b and 18b to support the dispenser holder <NUM> thereon.

<FIG> and <FIG> show that the frictionally mountable dispenser holder <NUM> includes a base 13d having a first dispensing cartridge top support comprising a first Y-shaped yoke <NUM> and a second dispensing cartridge top support comprising a second Y-shaped yoke 25a with a finger grip 13c extending outward from a topside of base 13d. A first cartridge post <NUM> extends from a bottom side of base 13d with the first cartridge post having a cartridge support 33a thereon as shown in <FIG>. Similarly, a second cartridge post <NUM> extends from a bottom side of base 13d with the second cartridge post having a cartridge support 31a thereon, which is also shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows a detail of the resilient bifurcated latch <NUM> extending from the bottom side of base <NUM> that becomes a first filter cap engaging latch <NUM> through use of a first shoulder 42e on one side for engaging a first filter cartridge end cap on one of a set of side by side filter cartridges (i.e. <NUM>) and a second shoulder 42d on an opposite side for engaging a second filter cartridge end cap on the other of the set of side by side filter cartridges (i.e. <NUM>). As can be seen in <FIG> the shoulder 42e engages the underside 17c of lip 17b and the opposing shoulder 42d engages the underside 18c of lip 18b to frictional secure the dispenser holder <NUM> to filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>. Similarly, as shown in <FIG> extending outward from the bottom side of base <NUM> is a second filter cap engaging latch <NUM> with a first shoulder 40d on one side for engaging a filter cartridge end cap on one of the set of side by side filter cartridges (<NUM>) and a second shoulder 40e for engaging a filter cartridge lip on the other of the set of side by side filter cartridges (<NUM>). Thus as illustrated in <FIG> latch <NUM> engages both filter end cap 17b and filter end cap 18b and latch <NUM> also engages both filter end cap 17b and filter end cap18b to frictionally support the dispenser holder <NUM> proximate the filter cartridges <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a rotateable port adjustment wheel <NUM>, which is located at the bottom of dispensing cartridge <NUM> with a bottom cut away view showing a bottom end cap14b that forms part of dispensing cartridge <NUM>. In this example the rotatable wheel <NUM> rotates about pivot pin 14p to increase or decrease the water access area to the dispersant <NUM> (<FIG>) within compartment 14d of dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The rotatable wheel <NUM> includes various size openings therein with the wheel rotatable to allow more or less water to enter the dispensing cartridge while retaining disperant within the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Similarly, a rotatable wheel <NUM> rotates about an identical pivot pin to increase or decrease the water access area to the dispersant <NUM> (<FIG>) within compartment 15d of dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom view of dispensing cartridge <NUM> showing the tubular housing <NUM> and the elongated port 34b and elongated port 34e on rotatable wheel <NUM> that can be rotated to increase or decrease water access to disperant within dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

In this example the lower portion of dispersant compartment <NUM> attaches to a triangular top housing as shown in <FIG> through locking extension <NUM>, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d and 40e to form compartment <NUM> for holding dispersant therein.

<FIG> is a sectional inside view taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> shown in <FIG> to reveal a first set of four circular ports 14d and a second set of four circular ports 14e that have an extension there across to limit large water treatment particles from passing therethrough. A pin 14p is rotationally supported in the bottom of dispensing cartridge <NUM> with the pin 14p attached to rotateable wheel <NUM> shown in <FIG>. In the bottom view of dispensing cartridge shown in <FIG> the elongated water port 34a and elongated 34b are in alignment with a set of water ports 14d and 14e to permit water to access the dispersants <NUM> located in dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Thus a feature of the invention is the rate of release of dispersants from the dispensing cartridge can be independently changed to accommodate different bacterial loads on the hot tub.

<FIG> is a side view of dispenser holder <NUM> with the first post <NUM> having a tapered longitudinal reinforcing rib 31c extending lengthwise therealong and the second post <NUM> having a tapered longitudinal reinforcing rib 33c extending therealong. Cantileverly extending from one side of base 13b of dispenser holder <NUM> is the first resilient, bifurcated cap latch <NUM> and cantileverly extending from the opposite side of base 12b is the second resilient, bifurcated cap latch <NUM>. <FIG> shows an isolated perspective view of rib 31c in relation to a slot 42c in cap latch <NUM> prior to insertion of the dispenser holder <NUM> onto end cap 17a of filter cartridge <NUM> and end cap 18b of filter cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates how both resilient cap latch <NUM> and resilient cap latch <NUM> would bend or flex laterally outward during the process of inserting the dispenser holder <NUM> between adjacent filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates that during the insertion process slot 40c of bifurcated cap latch <NUM> straddles rib 31c to provide clearance for a terminal end of cap latch <NUM> to flex outward past filter cartridge lips. Similarly, an identical slot bifurcated on cap latch <NUM> straddles rib 33c to provide clearance for a terminal end of cap latch <NUM> to flex outward past filter cartridge end cap 17a and filter cartridge end cap 18a during the insertion of the dispenser holder <NUM> onto an under water position adjacent filter end caps on adjacent filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross sectional top view of dispenser holder <NUM> taken along lines <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> revealing the lateral position of the resilient cap latches <NUM> and <NUM> prior to the engagement with filter end cap 17b and filter end cap 18b. <FIG> is an isolated view revealing the vertical unflexed position of resilient cap latch <NUM> and filter end cap 17b and 18b prior to the cap latch <NUM> coming into contact with filter end cap lip 17b and filter end cap lip 18b. In this condtion the cap latch <NUM> remains in a normal non-flexed condtion as shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows an isolated view of the cap latch <NUM> located vertically above the end cap 17b and end cap 18b in the normal non-flexed condtion prior to engagement with the filter cartridge end caps 17b and 18b. Similarly, cap latch <NUM> is also located vertically above the end cap 17b and end cap 18b in the normal non-flexed condtion prior to engagement with the filter cartridge end caps 17b and 18b as the dispenser holder <NUM> is lowered into filter end cap engagement.

<FIG> shows the lateral position of the cap latch <NUM> and cap latch <NUM> during the process of simultaneously inserting the dispenser holder <NUM> into engagement with the filter end cap 17b and filter end cap 18b. In the position shown the cap latch <NUM> and the cap latch <NUM> have both been flexed laterally outward in order for the terminal end of cap latches <NUM> and <NUM> to pass over the end cap 17b and end cap 18b. <FIG> shows cap latch <NUM> in a flexed condtion as the cap latch <NUM> contacts filter end cap 17b and filter end cap 18b. Similarly, cap latch <NUM> contacts filter end cap 17b causing cap latch <NUM> to flex latterly outward so the terminal end of cap latch <NUM> can pass over the end cap 17b and end cap 18b for engagement with the underside 17c of the end cap <NUM> and the underside 18c of end cap <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the final step of the process of insertion the dispenser holder <NUM> on to adjacent filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>. In this step, resilient cap latches <NUM> and <NUM> flex back to their original orientation shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. That is, once the terminal end of cap latch <NUM> and the terminal end of cap latch <NUM> are forced past the end caps 17b and 18b the resiliency of the cap latches urges the cap latch <NUM> and cap latch <NUM> to return to the original orientation. As cap latch <NUM> returns toward a normal or original orientation a shoulder 42d on one side of cap latch <NUM> engages the underside 18c of filter end cap 18b and a shoulder 42e on the opposite of cap last <NUM> engages the under side 17c of filter end cap 17b to thereby restrain dispenser holder <NUM> from upward movement. Similarly, as cap latch <NUM> returns toward a normal or original orientation a shoulder 40e on one side of cap latch <NUM> engages the underside 18c of filter end cap 18b and a shoulder 40d on the opposite side of cap latch <NUM> engages the under side 17c of filter end cap 17b to thereby restrain dispenser holder <NUM> from upward movement.

Since the cap latches <NUM> and <NUM> are both resilient an upward force on dispenser holder <NUM> permits one to overcome the restraining engagement of cap latch <NUM> and <NUM> by pulling upward on dispenser holder <NUM> if one wants to remove the dispenser holder. Thus, a feature of the invention is that one can insert the dispenser holder <NUM> with dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> thereon from a position above filter cartridges (shown in <FIG>) into a disperant delivery position (shown in <FIG>) by lowering the dispenser holder <NUM> until both the cap latches <NUM> and <NUM> engage the filter cap lips 17b and 18b. Once the cap latches <NUM> and <NUM> engage the filter cap lips 17b and 18b the cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> on dispenser holder <NUM> remain in an operative dispensing condtion until the dispenser holder <NUM> is removed by pulling upward on dispenser holder <NUM> sufficiently to overpower the resistance provided by engagement of cap latches <NUM> and <NUM> with filter end caps 17b and 18b.

Thus, in the example of <FIG> the hot tub <NUM> contains a water chamber <NUM> and a body of recirculating water <NUM> with the hot tub including a filter well <NUM> having at least one cylindrical filter cartridge <NUM>, which is located below a water line <NUM> in the hot tub, with the cylindrical filter cartridge <NUM> having a filter media 17a for removing debris and bacteria from the recirculating water <NUM> as the recirculating water flows through the filter media. The dispenser holder <NUM>, which is located in filter well <NUM>, is supported on an end cap 17b of filter cartridge <NUM> and on end cap 18b of adj acent filter cartridge <NUM>. While the dispenser holder <NUM> is supported on the end cap of adjacent filter cartridges the dispenser holder could be supported on the end cap of a single filter cartridge. In this condition the hot tub system provides filtering without reduction of the filtering area and without modification of the hardware of the hot tub since the dispenser holder and the cartridge dispensers are both spaced from but proximate an exterior surface of the filter media to form a gap therebetween with the gap sufficient large so as to allow the recirculating water to flow into the gap and through the filter media proximate the dispenser holder. At least one or more dispensing cartridges, such as cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> are removably attached to the dispenser holder <NUM> with each of the dispensing cartridges containing a dispersant therein with the outlet (<FIG>) of the dispensing cartridge located below the water line <NUM> and spaced from the filter media to thereby deliver the dispersants therein into the recirculating water flowing through the filter media in the filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> without disrupting the performance of the hot tub recirculation system and without having a dispenser in the filter well that will from time to time interfere with the flow of recirculating water therethrough.

The underwater dispenser holder and the dispensing cartridges described and shown herein may include some or all of the following features including; a rigid base having a first filter engaging lip and a second filter engaging lip; a filter latch extending outward from said base; a first dispenser engaging base post including a pocket for inserting a dispenser lip therein; a dispenser latch; a resilient filter latch; a base post includes a ramp for guiding a dispenser into latching engagement therewith; a base having a lip having an arcuate shape engageable with a portion of a top edge of a filter cartridge; a filter latch comprising a set of cartridge engaging legs; a bottom end of either the first dispenser or the second dispenser including a set of internal extensions proximate a variable water inlet to inhibit particles from blocking the water inlet; a Y-shaped yoke having a pair of resilient lateral extensions for snappable engagement with a one end of a dispensing cartridge, a replaceable cartridge having a finger relief to assist in snapping the replaceable cartridge into or out of a dispenser holder; a dispensing cartridge with a set of elongated sidewalls with at least two of the set of elongated sidewalls having a concave arcuate surface; a bottom end of a dispensing cartridge including a rotatable disk for increasing or decreasing size of a water inlet on the bottom end of the cartridge; a hook thereon for engagement with a pocket on a dispensing cartridge; a dispensing cartridge having a first corner lip and a second corner lip for engagement to a top end of a filter well dispenser holder for securing a dispensing cartridge to the filter well dispenser holder; a dispensing cartridge and a dispenser holder comprising a plastic polymer; a dispensing cartridge attached to the filter cartridge with the dispensing cartridge located below the water line and spaced from the filter cartridge so as not to prevent circulation of hot tub water through the filter cartridge; a further dispensing cartridge attached to the filter cartridge with the further dispensing cartridge located below the water line and spaced from the filter cartridge so as not to prevent circulation of hot tub water through the filter cartridge; a dispensing cartridge and a further dispensing cartridge supported therein by a dispenser holder securable to and removal from an end cap of the filter cartridge and an end cap of a further filter cartridge with the filter cartridge and the further filter cartilage located in a spaced vertical condition proximate each other; a dispenser holder including a first set of resilient fingers engageable with a filter cartridge and a further filter cartridge and a second set of resilient fingers engageable with a filter cartridge and a further filter cartridge; a dispenser and dispenser holder contouring with the filter cartridge and a filter well to avoid interference with movement of a weir door in the filter well; a dispensing cartridge and a dispenser holder that do not extend vertically above a top end cap on a filter cartridge or a top end cap on a further filter cartridge; a dispenser holder including a first lip engageable with a top end cap of a first filter cartridge and a second lip engageable with a top end cap on a second filter cartridge to vertically support the dispenser holder thereon; and an axial length of the dispenser holder longer than an axial length of a dispensing cartridge thereon with the axial length of the dispensing cartridge less than an axial length of a filter cartridge.

The invention may include some or all of the steps of killing harmful organisms in a hot tub while removing debri from recirculating water including the steps of ;attaching a dispenser containing a dispersant to the filter cartridge with the dispenser spaced from the filter cartridge so as not to prevent a flow of recirculating water therethrough; and axially inserting a dispenser holder carrying a first replace able cartridge and a second replaceable cartridge in a space between a set of vertically extending filter cartridges.

Referring to <FIG> shows an isolated front view of a filter well <NUM> of a hot tub with a filter well underwater dispenser holder <NUM> located proximate a filter media <NUM> of a horizontal extending filter cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> is an isolated perspective view of the dispenser holder <NUM> of <FIG> is a sectional view taken along lines 16A-16A of <FIG> showing a dispenser holder back face 51a against the filter well back wall 50a. Dispenser holder <NUM> includes a first radial offset arm <NUM> engaged with a pipe <NUM> on one end of the filter cartridge <NUM> and, similarly, as shown in <FIG> a second radial offset arm <NUM> engaged with pipe <NUM> on an opposite end of cartridge <NUM> to support dispenser holder <NUM> thereon. In this example the dispenser holder back face 51a engagement with filter well wall 50a prevents rotation of the dispenser holder <NUM> while end pipe <NUM> and end pipe <NUM> (<FIG>) prevent lateral or downward displacement of dispenser holder <NUM>. <FIG> also show that dispenser holder <NUM> cantileverly supports the dispensing cartridge sockets <NUM> and <NUM> outward over the filter cartridge media <NUM> with the sockets spaced from the filter media a distance x so that water can flow between the bottom of the dispensing cartridges and through the filter cartridge media <NUM> proximate the filter cartridge sockets <NUM> and <NUM>,.

Filter cartridge <NUM> includes a first filter end cap <NUM> located at a first end 53a and a second filter end cap <NUM> located at a second end 53b of filter media <NUM>. It is noted that the terms horizontal extending, as used to describe filter cartridge <NUM>, may be defined as filter cartridge <NUM> supported within filter well <NUM> with a length of filter cartridge <NUM> extending from a first filter end cap <NUM> to a second filter end cap <NUM> with a central axis of the filter cartridge parallel or substantially parallel to a water line <NUM> in filter well <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when in use dispenser holder <NUM> is located below the water line <NUM> in filter well <NUM> with the dispenser holder <NUM> supported proximal the ends of filter cartridge <NUM>. Dispenser holder <NUM> is located proximate an exterior surface of the filter media <NUM> but spaced from the exterior surface of the filter media <NUM> at least a distance denoted by x which is sufficiently large so as to allow the recirculating water to flow through the filter media <NUM> proximate the dispenser holder <NUM> and dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM>.

Dispenser holder <NUM> may support one or more dispensing cartridges with each of the dispensing cartridges containing a dispersant therein, the embodiment of <FIG> show dispenser holder <NUM> supporting a first dispensing cartridge <NUM> and a second dispensing cartridge <NUM> with each of the dispensing cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> being removably attached to dispenser holder <NUM> and each containing a dispersant therein.

In regards to the dispersant, it is noted that the dispersant supported by first dispensing cartridge <NUM> may contain a sanitizing halogen such as chlorine and the dispersant supported by second dispensing cartridge <NUM> may contains a mineral. Examples of sanitizing halogens include but is not limited to chlorine, bromine, bromo-<NUM>-chloro-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylhydantoin ( BCDMH), <NUM>,<NUM>-dichloro-<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylhydantoin; (Dantachlor), dichloromethylethylhydantoin (DCDMH), and dichloromethylethylhydantoin (DCMEH) and a mixture of at least two of the aforementioned such as a mixture of DCDMH and DCMEH. Examples of the minerals include any ion yielding materials that can be used to treat water in hot tubs or spas to rid the hot tubs or spas water of unwanted organisms. One particularly well-suited dispersant mineral uses silver chloride as an ion yielding material.

<FIG> shows dispensing cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> cantileverly supported on a topside of dispenser holder <NUM> but below the water line <NUM> with an outlet of each of the dispensing cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> spaced from the filter media <NUM> to thereby deliver the dispersant therein into the recirculating water flowing through the filter media <NUM>. In some cases the filter cartridge may be above the waterline as long as the dispersing orifices of the dispensing cartridges are located below the water line.

Although dispenser holder <NUM> may support the dispensing cartridges <NUM>, <NUM> in a variety of ways, in the embodiment of <FIG>, dispenser holder <NUM> is shown including a split socket <NUM> for replaceably mounting dispensing cartridge <NUM> to dispenser holder <NUM> and a split socket <NUM> for replaceably mounting dispensing cartridge <NUM> to dispenser holder <NUM>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, filter well dispenser holder <NUM> comprises a rigid longitudinal base 51a including a first radial offset arm <NUM> located at one end of base 51a and a second radial offset arm <NUM> located at the opposite end of base 51a with offset radial arm <NUM> having a hub 59a for radial insertion onto an end member <NUM> proximate a first end cap <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM>, and a second offset radial arm <NUM> having a hub 60a that extends more than <NUM> degrees to form snap-in engagement with an end member <NUM> proximate a second end cap <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM>, similarly radial arm hub 59a may form snap-in engagement.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view showing one end of filter well dispenser holder <NUM> of <FIG> with hub 59a, which is located on a terminal end of offset radial arm <NUM>. In this example hub 59a is in engagement with a circular filter cartridge end pipe <NUM> that extends outward from a first end of filter cartridge <NUM>. The hub 59a of radially offset arm <NUM> may be secured to the annular end pipe <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM> through relative dimensional sizing of the annular end pipe <NUM> and the hub 59a to thereby maintain the dispenser holder <NUM> proximate the filter cartridge <NUM>, for example an interference entry fit between hub 59a and end pipe <NUM> that causes the hub 59a to secure itself to end pipe <NUM> in a snap-in engagement. A reference to <FIG> illustrates the snap-in feature with respect to a hub reducer <NUM>. Hub reducer <NUM> has a diametrical inside dimension D and a hub entry dimension D<NUM> that extends between end 63c and end 63d of hub <NUM>. In this example the diametrical dimension D, is smaller than Di as a result of hub <NUM> extending beyond <NUM> degrees. The extension of hub <NUM> beyond <NUM> degrees creates a return lip 63c and a return lip 63d on the ends of hub <NUM> with a smaller opening Di therebetween than the larger diameter D of the filter cartridge pipe <NUM>. Consequently, hub <NUM>, which is resilient, must yield or spread apart to allow lateral insertion of pipe <NUM> of diameter D between end 63c and 63d and into the hub <NUM>. Once pipe <NUM> is centrally located in hub <NUM> the hub <NUM> returns to the original condtion thus locking the hub <NUM> around the pipe <NUM> with ends 63c and 63d. Thus, a feature of the invention is having one or more hubs that extend beyond <NUM> degrees with the hub resiliently yielding for laterally insertion of a circular filter cartridge end pipe therein. Once an end pipe is within the hub the resiliency of the hub automatically returns the hub to its original size, i.e. a snap-in engagement. Although a snap-in feature is shown other methods may be used to secure the offset radial arms <NUM> and <NUM> of dispenser holder <NUM> to the end pipes on the filter cartridge <NUM> without departing from the scope of the invention.

<FIG> is a partial perspective view showing the second end of filter well dispenser holder 51with a hub 60a, which is located on a terminal end of offset radial arm <NUM>. In this example hub 60a is located in a snap-in engagement with end pipe <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM>.

Typically, the diameter of hub 59a and hub 60a on dispenser holder <NUM> are the same since most filter cartridges have the same diameter end pipe on both ends of the filter cartridge. However, in some filter cartridges the diameter of the end pipe on one end of the filter cartridge may be smaller than the diameter of the end pipe on the other end of the filter cartridge thus preventing attachment of dispenser holder <NUM> thereto. A feature of dispenser holder <NUM> is that the inside diameter of one or both of hub 59a and hub 60a can reduced by attaching the reducer <NUM> having an internal diameter D to either or both of the offset radial arms <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the reducer or end adapter <NUM> with a hub inlet diameter Di that is less than the hub internal diameter D. In this example end adapter <NUM> has resilient cantilevered extension 63a with an end of each of the resilient cantilevered extensions including a hook or head 63b for retention of the end adapter <NUM> on either offset radial arm <NUM> or offset radial arm <NUM>. <FIG> shows that radial arm <NUM> contains a set of elongated hub slots <NUM> proximate the hub 59a for receiving the resilient extensions 63a of reducer <NUM> to thereby form a smaller diameter hub for engagement with a smaller diameter pipe <NUM> on a filter cartridge. Similarly, radial arm <NUM> includes an identical set of hub slots (not shown). In this example, hub slots are located on both offset radial arms <NUM> and <NUM> so that the end adapter <NUM>, which contains a smaller diameter hub therein, may be mounted to either one of the radial arms <NUM> or <NUM> to reduce the diameter of the hub at the end of the radial arm so that the hub on the radial arm can be fitted to the end pipe on the filter cartridge <NUM>, preferably through a snap-in engagement.

<FIG> shows an example of on-the-go compensation for a smaller diameter pipe <NUM> on a filter cartridge. In this example the lateral extensions 63a on end adapter <NUM> have been inserted into slots located on radial arm proximate hub 60a thereby creating a reduced diameter hub that can be brought into supported engagement with pipe <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM>. In summary, the use of end adapter <NUM>, which is removably attachable to either of the off set radial arms <NUM> or <NUM> allows one to on-the-go change the hub size on one or both of the radial arms of dispenser holder <NUM> through snap-in securement. For example, end adapter <NUM> includes at least one locking protrusion 63a engageable with at least one corresponding adapter-receiving slot located on each of the arms <NUM> or <NUM> of the dispenser holder <NUM> to thereby secure the end adapter <NUM> to the radial offset arm.

<FIG> is front view showing another example of an end adapter <NUM> that can be locked to the radial offset arm <NUM> through partial rotation of end adapter <NUM>. In this example the central diameter D engages the end pipe <NUM> and the hub entry dimension Di of the end adapter can be the same, slightly larger or slightly smaller than end pipe <NUM> as the adapter <NUM> can be mechanically secured to end pipe <NUM> through partial rotation of end adapter <NUM> about pipe <NUM>. That is, one uses front finger grips <NUM> and 79a, to rotate end adapter <NUM> to reduce the hub entry dimension Di thereby preventing the end adapter <NUM> from being removed from end pipe <NUM>.

Extending radially outward from one side of end adapter <NUM> is a first latch 78a and extending radially outward from an opposite side of end adapter <NUM> is a second latch 78b, which is identical to latch 78a. Latch 78a, projects both radially and laterally outward from a front face of adapter <NUM> and includes a first beveled surface 78e and a second beveled surface 78c that joins to opposite edges of a flat top base 78d.

<FIG> is a side view of the end adapter of <FIG> showing latch 78a includes a lateral leg 78f that extends perpendicular from the backside of adapter <NUM> to enable mating of the end adapter latch 78a with a similar latch 80a on the offset radial arm <NUM>. Similarly, latch 78b includes a lateral leg (not shown) that extends perpendicular from the backside of adapter <NUM> to enable mating of latch 78b with a latch 81a on the offset radial arm <NUM>. In this example each of the latches have a flat top base and beveled edges that adjoin the flat top base.

<FIG> is a partial view of offset radial arm <NUM> having mating latches for engaging with the end adapter of <FIG> with the latches comprising a first mating latch 80a having a first beveled surface 80c and a second beveled surface 80e that join to opposite edges of a top base 80d located proximate an L-shaped opening 80f that extends through arm <NUM>. Arm <NUM> includes a second mating latch 81a having a first beveled surface 81b and a second beveled surface 81c that join to opposite edges of a flat top base 81d with second latch 81a located proximate an L-shaped opening 81f that extends through arm <NUM>.

In this example latch 78a and latch 78b are asymmetrical positioned on end adapter <NUM> and the mating latches 80a and 81a on arm <NUM> are also asymmetrically positioned so that the latches 78a and 78b on end adapter <NUM> can be inserted into proper position on only one face of radial arm <NUM>. During the insertion process latch 78b is extended through the L shaped opening 81f and latch 78a is extended thought the L-shaped opening 80d to bring the end adapter <NUM> into face-to-face engagement with the radial arm <NUM>.

Once latches 78a and 78b have been inserted into the L-shaped openings in radial arm <NUM> a partial rotation of end adapter <NUM> brings latch 78a into engagement with latch 80b and latch 78b into engagement with latch 81a. In this example as end adapter <NUM> is rotated counter clockwise the beveled surface 78e on latch 78a engages a beveled surface 80e on latch 80b. As rotation is continued the flat top 78d of latch 78a slides up beveled surface 80e and over flat surface 80e until the beveled surface 78c of latch <NUM> and beveled surface 80c of latch 80a are in face-to-face contact thereby providing resistance to counter rotation. Similarly, the beveled surfaces of latch 78b and latch 81a engage each other hold end adapter <NUM> in the rotated position on radial arm <NUM>. To release the end adapter from the hub <NUM> the end adapter <NUM> is rotated in the clockwise direction thereby reducing the circumferential engagement around pipe <NUM> sufficiently to thus allowing <NUM> and end adapter <NUM> to be lifted off pipe <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the front face of dispensing cartridge <NUM> and <FIG> shows the side face of dispensing cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of dispensing cartridge <NUM> , and <FIG> is a bottom view of dispensing cartridge <NUM> that is mountable to the filter well dispenser holder <NUM> of <FIG>. Dispensing cartridge <NUM> generally comprises an oval-shaped body with an elliptical shaped base 57a having a flat bottom 57b for twist-in installation of the dispensing cartridge into a socket in the dispenser holder <NUM>. <FIG> shows base 57a having a side-to-side width W (i.e. a major axis) and <FIG> shows the base 57a having a front-to-back width W<NUM> (i.e. a minor axis) with Wi less than W. In this example base 57a includes an inward canted face 57c for facilitating engagement with a socket on the dispenser holder <NUM>. In other embodiments the diameter of hubs 59a and 60a or adapter <NUM> may be sized to be slightly larger than, slightly smaller than, or similar to the matching hub diameter.

Dispensing cartridge <NUM> includes at least one vent hole and preferably a plurality of vent holes <NUM> located on a top end 57a of dispensing cartridge57, the vent holes <NUM> enabling air to escape from the dispensing cartridge to allow water to come into contact with a dispersant therein through ports located on the bottom of dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> shows dispensing cartridge <NUM> includes a rotatably adjustable dispensing dial <NUM> located proximal base 57b of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> for controlling the ingress and egress of dispersant through from the dispensing cartridge57. The dispensing cartridge of the present invention also includes the feature of at least one dispensing cartridge window <NUM> providing user viewing access to the rotatable dial <NUM>. In the embodiment of <FIG> and <FIG>, dispensing cartridge <NUM> is shown as having pair of diametrically opposing windows <NUM>, <NUM> located proximal the bottom end 57b of dispensing cartridge <NUM> providing user access to the rotatable dial <NUM>.

Another feature of dispensing cartridge <NUM> is that at least one circumferential latch pocket is located on an exterior surface of the dispensing cartridge with the pocket mateable with a radial protrusion located within a dispensing cartridge socket to rotationally and laterally secure the dispensing cartridge to the cartridge socket. <FIG> and <FIG> show a first circumferential latch pocket <NUM> located on one side of dispensing cartridge <NUM> and a second circumferential latch pocket <NUM> located on the opposite side of dispensing cartridge <NUM> while <FIG> shows a front view of latch pocket <NUM> having a first bevel sidewall <NUM> on one end of pocket <NUM> and a second beveled sidewall on the opposite end of latch pocket <NUM>. Similarly, latch pocket <NUM> includes a first bevel sidewall on one end of latch pocket <NUM> and a second beveled sidewall on the opposite end of latch pocket <NUM>. A feature of the invention is the beveled sidewalls <NUM> and <NUM> in latch pocket <NUM> provide limited resistance to twist removal of dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the dispensing cartridge supporting socket <NUM> since the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> (<FIG>) in the socket <NUM> can slide up the beveled sidewalls as a torque is applied to the dispensing cartridge.

<FIG> is a sectional view of a dispensing cartridge57 of <FIG> mountable in the dispenser holder of <FIG>. Referring to the outlet of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, <FIG> and <FIG> show the outlet of dispensing cartridge <NUM> as comprising two sets of adjustable output holes <NUM> of varying sizes for the dispensing of dispersant therethrough. The dispensing from output holes <NUM> is controlled by rotatably adjustable dispensing dial <NUM>. The size adjustable output holes <NUM> also includes stand-offs <NUM> extending partially into an interior <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to prevent material blockage of the output holes <NUM> with the stand-off <NUM> each having shapes and sizes that correspond to the specific sizes of the particular adjustable output holes <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view showing dispensing cartridge <NUM> about to be axially inserted into split socket <NUM> and <FIG> is a top view of a split socket <NUM> that cantileverly extends from dispensing holder <NUM>. Socket <NUM> comprises a first resilient arcuate extension 65e cantileverly extending from dispenser holder <NUM> with the extension 65e having a flat base 65a and an arcuate lip 65c to support and engage one side of a dispensing cartridge. Similarly, a second resilient arcuate extension 65f cantileverly extends from dispensing holder <NUM> with the second arcuate extension 65f also having a flat base 65b and an arcuate lip 65d to support and engage an opposite side of the dispensing cartridge with the extensions 65e and 65f coacting to support a dispensing cartridge therebetween. Located on arcuate extension 65e is a radial protrusion <NUM> having a first beveled end 73a and a second beveled end 73b for rotationally engaging one side of a dispensing cartridge. Similarly, located on arcuate extension 65f is a radial protrusion <NUM> having a first beveled end 74a and a second beveled end 74b for rotationally engaging an opposite side of the dispensing cartridge located therein.

<FIG> shows dispensing cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> as it is rotated into locking engagement with the dispenser holder <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> shows dispensing cartridge <NUM> of <FIG> rotated into locking engagement with the dispenser holder <NUM> of <FIG>. A further feature of the dispenser holder is that the may be axially inserted by aligning the radial protusion and the forcing the cartridge axially into the dispenser holder.

<FIG> show successive steps in attaching a dispensing cartridge <NUM> to a split socket on dispenser holder <NUM>, which comprises aligning the dispensing cartridge <NUM> with a split socket <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and rotating the dispensing cartridge into latching engagement with the socket as shown in <FIG>. More specifically, in the first step shown in <FIG> the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is positioned above socket <NUM> with the side face of cartridge <NUM> having latch pocket <NUM> thereon facing outward. Note, in this positioned the cartridge width Wi (<FIG>) is less than a relaxed width y of the side-to-side opening in socket <NUM>, which allows one to quickly align and insert the cartridge <NUM> into the socket <NUM> until the cartridge base 57a contacts socket flat base 65a and socket flat base 65b. Once the cartridge <NUM> contacts the flat base 65a and flat base 65b one rotates the cartridge <NUM> as shown by the arrow in in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a partial isolated top view showing the circumferential position of radial protrusion <NUM> with respect to latch pocket <NUM> during the second step. In this step the resilient extension 65e and 65f flex outward to allow rotation of cartridge <NUM>. A continued rotation of cartridge <NUM> which is shown in <FIG>, brings the radial protrusion <NUM> into engagement with latch <NUM> pocket through the resiliency of extension 65e and extension 65f. Similarly, radial protrusion <NUM> is brought into engagement with the latch pocket <NUM>, which also provides a resistance for further rotation as well as securing the dispensing cartridge <NUM> in operative dispensing position in socket <NUM>.

Thus the steps of securing a dispensing cartridge <NUM> to the dispenser holder <NUM> include axially inserting dispensing cartridge <NUM> into socket <NUM> of the dispenser holder <NUM> until the dispensing cartridge <NUM> engages dispensing cartridge socket <NUM>. Dispensing cartridge <NUM> is then rotated into locking engagement, which may be identified by the engagement of latch pocket <NUM> of filter cartridge <NUM> with a corresponding radial protrusion <NUM> and latch pocket <NUM> in engagement with radial protrusion <NUM>.

Although not shown, when dispensing cartridge <NUM> needs to be replaced, dispensing cartridge <NUM> may be removed from the socket <NUM> by reversing the process, i.e. twisting dispensing cartridge <NUM> to disengage latch pocket <NUM> and latch pocket <NUM> with the protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> in socket <NUM> and then axially lifting the dispensing cartridge <NUM> out of the socket <NUM>. Thus, a feature of the invention is the easy attachment and easy removal of a dispensing cartridge even though the dispensing cartridge is securely held in the socket <NUM>.

The present invention also includes a method of sanitizing a body of recirculating water comprising the steps (<NUM>) removing a top lid of a hot tub filter well <NUM> having a filter cartridge <NUM> located below a water line <NUM> in a horizontal condition with the filter cartridge <NUM> having a filter media <NUM> therein for removing debris and bacteria from a recirculating water as the recirculating water flows through the filter media <NUM>, (<NUM>) mounting a dispenser holder <NUM> within the filter well <NUM> with the dispenser holder <NUM> supported proximal a first end and a second end of the filter cartridge <NUM> and located proximate an exterior surface of the filter media <NUM> but spaced from the exterior surface of the filter media <NUM> so as to allow the recirculating water to flow through the filter media <NUM> proximate the dispenser holder <NUM>, (<NUM>) axially inserting at least one dispensing cartridge <NUM>, <NUM> containing a dispersant into a dispensing cartridge supporting socket <NUM>, <NUM> of the dispenser holder <NUM>, (<NUM>) rotating the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, <NUM> supported by the dispensing cartridge supporting socket <NUM>, <NUM> towards locking engagement, (<NUM>) engaging at least one latch pocket <NUM>, <NUM> of the filter cartridge <NUM> with a corresponding protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge supporting socket <NUM> to lock the dispensing cartridge57 to the dispensing cartridge supporting socket <NUM> and (<NUM>) covering the hot tub filter well <NUM> with the top lid.

The above method may also include the steps of (<NUM>) controlling the dispensing of the dispersant in the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and <NUM> in the presence of recirculating water by adjusting the size of an adjustable outlet of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and <NUM> located on the dispensing cartridge and (<NUM>) mounting the dispenser holder <NUM> to a filter cartridge mounting port <NUM> located proximal each of the ends of the filter cartridge <NUM> in a snap-in manner, and (<NUM>) removing the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and <NUM> from the respective dispenser supporting socket <NUM> and <NUM> by twisting the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and <NUM> to disengage the latch pocket <NUM> and <NUM> of the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> with the corresponding protrusion <NUM> and <NUM> of and then axially removing the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> from the dispenser supporting socket <NUM> and <NUM>.

Thus as shown and described herein, a feature of the invention is a hot tub having a water chamber containing a body of recirculating water with the hot tub including a filter well having a filter cartridge located below a water line in a horizontal condition with the filter cartridge having a filter media therein for removing debris and bacteria from the recirculating water as the recirculating water flows through the filter media; a dispenser holder located in the filter well with the dispenser holder supported proximal a first end and a second end of the filter cartridge and located proximate an exterior surface of the filter media but spaced from the exterior surface of the filter media so as to allow the recirculating water to flow through the filter media proximate the dispenser holder; and at least one dispensing cartridge removably attached to the dispenser holder with the dispensing cartridge containing a dispersant therein with an outlet of the dispensing cartridge located below the water line and spaced from the filter media to thereby deliver the dispersant therein into the recirculating water flowing through the filter media.

The dispenser holder of the invention contains numerous features were some or all of the following features may be used in a dispensing system including having: the dispenser holder support at least one dispensing cartridge between the filter cartridge and the water line; a pair of extensions located on opposing ends of the dispenser holder with each of the extensions having a mounting slot for securement to a corresponding filter cartridge mounting port in a snap-in manner; a set of filter cartridge mounting ports comprising a filter cartridge locating hub of the filter well and a male hub of the filter cartridge; mounting ports comprises a first mounting port and a second mounting port with the second mounting port having a smaller diameter than the first mounting port and including an end adapter releasable attachable to each of the mounting slot, the end adapter having at least one locking protrusion and each of the arms of the dispenser holder having at least one corresponding adapter receiving slot for engagement with the at least one locking protrusion to secure the end adapter to the mounting slot, the end adapter enabling the securement of the attached mounting slot to the second mounting port of the filter cartridge in a snap-in manner; an end adapter including at least one locking protrusion and each of the arms of the dispenser holder including at least one corresponding adapter-receiving slot for to secure the end adapter to the mounting slot; at least one dispenser supporting socket, the socket replaceably mounting the dispensing cartridge to the dispenser holder; dispensing cartridges located completely below the water line and spaced from the exterior surface of the filter media to thereby deliver a further dispersant into the recirculating water flowing through the filter media; dispensing cartridges each including at least one vent hole located on a top end of the cartridge, the vent hole enabling the dispensing of the dispersant therefrom; dispensing cartridges each including an oval-shaped body to allow for an insert and twist on installation to the dispensing cartridge socket of the dispenser holder; a rotatable dial located proximal a bottom end of the dispensing cartridge for controlling the ingress and egress of dispersant through the outlet of the dispensing cartridge; dispensing cartridges each including at least one window providing user access to the rotatable dial; dispensing cartridges each including a pair of diametrically opposing windows providing user access to the rotatable dial; dispensing cartridges each including at least one latch pocket located on an exterior surface of the dispensing cartridge and a dispensing cartridge supporting socket including at least one protrusion mateable with the corresponding latch pocket to secure the dispensing cartridge to the corresponding dispensing cartridge supporting socket; at least one dispensing cartridge having a pair of diametrically opposing latch pockets and the at least one alignment member comprises a pair of protrusions mateable with the latch pockets to secured the dispensing cartridge to the corresponding dispensing cartridge supporting socket; a pair of sloping or canted opposing side walls allowing for easy twist removal of the dispensing cartridge from the dispensing cartridge supporting socket in an opposite rotational directions; a plurality of outlet holes in the dispensing cartridge each including a standoff extending partially into an interior of the dispensing cartridge to prevent material blockage of the outlet holes; a sanitizing halogen and the further dispensing cartridge containing a mineral wherein the sanitizing halogens comprises one or combinations of chlorine, bromine, BCDMH, DCDMH, DCMEH, or Dantochlor; the sanitizing halogens comprise a mixture of DCDMH and DCMEH.

A further feature of the invention is a method of sanitizing a body of recirculating water by removing a top lid of a hot tub filter well having a filter cartridge located below a water line in a horizontal condition with the filter cartridge having a filter media therein for removing debris and bacteria from a recirculating water as the recirculating water flows through the filter media, mounting a dispenser holder within the filter well with the dispenser holder supported proximal a first end and a second end of the filter cartridge and located proximate an exterior surface of the filter media but spaced from the exterior surface of the filter media so as to allow the recirculating water to flow through the filter media proximate the dispenser holder; axially inserting at least one dispensing cartridge containing a dispersant into a dispensing cartridge-supporting socket of the dispenser holder; rotating the dispensing cartridge supported by the dispensing cartridge supporting socket towards locking engagement by engaging at least one latch pocket of the filter cartridge with a corresponding alignment member of the dispensing cartridge supporting socket to lock the dispensing cartridge to the dispensing cartridge supporting socket and covering the hot tub filter well with the top lid. The method may include some or all of the following steps: controlling the dispensing of the dispersant in the dispensing cartridge in the presence of recirculating water by adjusting the size of an adjustable outlet of the dispensing cartridge; mounting a dispenser holder within the filter well with the dispenser holder supported on a first end and a second end of the filter cartridge by mounting the dispenser holder to a filter cartridge mounting port located proximal each of the ends of the filter cartridge in a snap-in manner ; removing the dispensing cartridge from the dispensing cartridge supporting socket by twisting the dispensing cartridge to disengage the latch pocket of the filter cartridge with the corresponding alignment member of the dispensing cartridge supporting socket and then axially removing the dispensing cartridge from the dispensing cartridge supporting socket.

The invention may further include a hot tub having a water chamber containing a body of recirculating water with the hot tub including: a filter well having a filter cartridge located below a water line in a horizontal condition with the filter cartridge having a filter media therein for removing debris and bacteria from the recirculating water as the recirculating water flows through the filter media with a dispenser holder located in the filter well with the dispenser holder supported proximal a first end and a second end of the filter cartridge and located proximate an exterior surface of the filter media but spaced from the exterior surface of the filter media so as to allow the recirculating water to flow through the filter media proximate the dispenser holder; and a first dispensing cartridge and a second dispensing cartridge replaceably supported by a pair of corresponding dispensing cartridge supporting socket located on the dispenser holder with the dispensing cartridges supported between the filter cartridge and the water line, the dispensing cartridges each containing a dispersant therein with an outlet of the dispensing cartridges located below the water line and spaced from the filter media to thereby deliver the dispersant therein into the recirculating water flowing through the filter media. Other features which may be included are a pair of extensions located on opposing ends of the dispenser holder with each of the extensions having a mounting slot for securement to a corresponding filter cartridge mounting port located proximal each of the ends of the filter cartridge in a snap-in manner; the filter cartridge mounting ports comprising a filter cartridge locating hub of the filter well and a male hub of the filter cartridge; an end adapter releasably attachable mounting slots, the end adapter enabling the mounting slots to secure the male hub of the filter cartridge in a snap in manner; mounting ports comprises a first mounting port and a second mounting port with the second mounting port having a smaller diameter than the first mounting port and including an end adapter releasably attachable to each of the mounting slot, the end adapter having at least one locking protrusion and each of the arms of the dispenser holder having at least one corresponding adapter receiving slot for engagement with the at least one locking protrusion to secure the end adapter to the mounting slot, the end adapter enabling the securement of the attached mounting slot to the second mounting port of the filter cartridge in a snap on manner; the dispensing cartridges each including at least one vent hole located on a top end of the cartridge, the vent hole enabling the dispensing of the dispersant therein through the flow of water therethrough; the dispensing cartridges each including an oval-shaped body to allow for an insert and twist installation to the dispensing cartridge supporting socket of the dispenser holder; the dispensing cartridges each including a rotatable dial located proximal a bottom end of the cartridge for controlling the ingress and egress of dispersant through the outlet of the dispensing cartridge; the dispensing cartridges each including at least one window providing user access to the rotatable dial; the dispensing cartridges each including a pair of diametrically opposing windows providing user access to the rotatable dial; dispensing cartridges each including at least one latch pocket located on an exterior surface of the dispensing cartridge and the dispensing cartridge supporting socket including at least one alignment member mateable with the corresponding latch pocket to secure the dispensing cartridge to the corresponding dispensing cartridge supporting socket; at least one latch pocket comprising a pair of diametrically opposing latch pockets and the at least one alignment member comprises a pair of corresponding alignment members mateable with the latch pockets to secure the dispensing cartridge to the corresponding dispensing cartridge supporting socket; the latch member includes a pair of sloping opposing side walls allowing for easy twist removal of the dispensing cartridge from the dispensing cartridge supporting socket in opposite rotational directions; the outlet of the dispensing cartridge comprising a plurality of outlet holes with the plurality of outlet holes each including a standoff extending partially into an interior of the dispensing cartridge to prevent material blockage of the outlet holes.

The invention may further comprises a hot tub dispenser holder having an attachment member removably securable to at least one mounting port located proximal an end of a filter cartridge supported below a water line in a horizontal condition within a hot tub filter well, the attachment member supporting the dispenser holder proximate an exterior surface of a filter media of the filter cartridge but spaced from an exterior surface of the filter media so as to allow a recirculating water to flow through the filter media proximate the dispenser holder; and at least one dispensing cartridge supporting socket for removably supporting a dispensing cartridge containing a dispersant therein below the water line and spaced from the filter media; the attachment member comprises a pair of arms located on opposing ends of the dispenser holder with each of the arms having a mounting slot securable to a corresponding filter cartridge mounting port located proximal each of the ends of the filter cartridge in a snap-in manner; mounting slots on a pair of radial offset arms are securable to a filter cartridge-locating hub of a filter well and a male hub of a filter cartridge; a first mounting port and a second mounting port with the second mounting port having a smaller diameter than the first mounting port and including an end adapter releasably attachable to mounting slots, the end adapter having at least one locking protrusion and each of the arms of the dispenser holder having at least one corresponding adapter receiving slot for engagement with the at least one locking protrusion to secure the end adapter to the mounting slots, the end adapter enabling the securement of the attached mounting slots to the second mounting port of the filter cartridge in a snap on manner and the dispensing cartridge-supporting socket including at least one alignment member mateable with a latch pocket located on an exterior surface of the dispensing cartridge to secure the dispensing cartridge to the dispensing cartridge supporting socket.

<FIG> is an isolated front view of a hot tub filter well <NUM> that is an integral component of a hot tub. In this example the hot tub filter well <NUM> includes a first vertically positioned filter cartridge <NUM> with a vertical axis <NUM> having an end cap 101a located in a side by side relation to a second vertically positioned filter cartridge <NUM> with a vertical axis <NUM> having an end cap 102a, which may be used to rotate the filter into proper position. In this example a rigid dispenser holder <NUM> is proximate only one of the two side by side filter cartridges <NUM> and <NUM> with the dispensing cartridges located in vertical alignment and on stacked above each other with each other as opposed to the dispensing cartridges shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the underwater dispenser holder <NUM> that is attachable to the end cap 101a of filter cartridge <NUM> or the end cap 102a of filter cartridge <NUM> without modifications to the filter well or the filter cartridges therein and <FIG> is a top view of the cap mountable dispenser holder <NUM> on filter cartridge <NUM>. The dispenser holder <NUM>, which is shown in perspective in <FIG> and front view in.

<FIG>, comprises an L-shaped rigid base that includes an annular top base <NUM> that fits into latching engagement with the top and peripheral edge of filter cap 101a and an elongated side base <NUM> with the elongated side base <NUM> extending longitudinally proximate filter media 102a as shown in <FIG>. In this example the cap mountable dispenser holder <NUM> elongated side base <NUM> is cantileverly secured at a right angle to annular top base <NUM> to form a rigid one piece structure for holding a first replaceable dispensing cartridge <NUM> and a second replaceable dispensing cartridge <NUM> in a dispensing condition thereon. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> elongated side base <NUM> extends at a right angle from filter cap 101a when annular top base <NUM> is mounted on end cap 101a of filter cartridge <NUM> through latches 105a, 105b and 105c. <FIG> is an isolated view of a resilient L-shaped cap latch 105a that snaps over the edge of end cap 101a. A second L-shaped cap latch 105b and a third resilient L-shaped cap latch 105c also snap over the edge of the end cap with the three latches coacting to hold the dispenser holder <NUM> in a fixed position on filter cartridge <NUM>. While snap over latches are shown other methods of attaching the holder to the cartridge may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

<FIG> is a sectional view taken along lines <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> revealing the elongated side base103 spaced a distance x from an exterior surface of filter media, with the distance x sufficient so that water can flow into the region between the elongated side base <NUM> and the filter media, which is located radially inward from elongated base <NUM>. Thus, the cap mounted dispenser holder <NUM> is simiilar to dispenser holder <NUM> and dispenser holder <NUM> as it does not prevent water from flowing through the filter media <NUM> proximate base <NUM>, which could reduce the effectiveness of the filter cartridge by reducing the filter media available for debri removal. Dispenser holder <NUM> as well as the dispenser holder <NUM> shown in <FIG> and the dispenser holder <NUM> shown in <FIG> also include this feature. That is each of the dispenser holders described herein can be positioned so as not to reduce the effective filtering area of the filter media thereby not decreasing the life expectancy of the filter cartridge.

In some applications a reduction in a portion of the filter media filtering may not significant, in those cases the invention described herein may also be used by placing the dispenser holder base in contact with the filter media. Thus, a feature of the invention is that it provides flexibility for mounting under different flow conditions.

<FIG> shows that the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the dispensing cartridges <NUM> are held in vertically alignment proximate the filter media101a. Dispensing cartridge <NUM> includes a top vent 110b and a rotatable wheel 110a for controlling the open area for water to enter dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Similarly, dispensing cartridge <NUM> includes a vent 111b and a rotatable wheel 111b for controlling the water entry into the dispenser <NUM>. Thus the various examples of dispensing cartridges described herein can be attached or removed from a dispenser holder and each of the dispensing cartridges are mounted proximate an exterior surface of a pleated filter media of a filter cartridge where the filter cartridge may be mounted in the filter well of a hot tub or the like.

<FIG> shows a front view of elongated base <NUM> revealing that one of the two dispensing cartridge has been removed from base <NUM> while dispensing cartridge <NUM> remains attached to base <NUM>. In this example base <NUM> includes a set of four pins 113a, 113b, 113c and 113d that can be frictionally engaged with sockets 110a, 110b, 110c and 110d of dispensing cartridge <NUM>, which are shown in <FIG>, to allow dispensing cartridge <NUM> to be attached or removed from elongated base <NUM> through hand engagement of dispensing cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> is a top view of dispenser holder <NUM> showing latching pins 113a and 113b on elongated base <NUM> that are used to attach and remove dispensing cartridges therefrom. Similarly, dispensing cartridge <NUM> is removably attached to a set of identical socket and pins although other methods of removably attachment of the dispensing cartridges to the base member may be used, for those shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. While underwater dispensing holder is mountable below the water line the dispensing holder may be located partially or wholly above the water line as long as the dispensing cartridges thereon can deliver a disperant to the water flowing through the filter well.

Claim 1:
A hot tub (<NUM>) having a water chamber (10a) containing a body of recirculating water (<NUM>) with the hot tub including:
a seating area;
a filter well (<NUM>) having a cylindrical filter cartridge (<NUM>) located below a water line (<NUM>) in the hot tub (<NUM>) with the cylindrical filter cartridge (<NUM>) having a filter media (17a) for removing debris and bacteria from the recirculating water (<NUM>) as the recirculating water flows radially inward through the filter media (17a);
a dispenser holder (<NUM>) located in the filter well (<NUM>) with the dispenser holder having a base (13d) supported proximate an end of a filter cartridge (<NUM>) with a face of the base (13d) spaced from but proximate an exterior surface of the filter media (17a) to form a gap (x) therebetween sufficiently large so as to allow the recirculating water (<NUM>) to flow into the gap and through the filter media (17a) proximate the dispenser holder (<NUM>); and
at least one dispensing cartridge (<NUM>) removably attached to the dispenser holder (<NUM>) with the dispensing cartridge (<NUM>) containing a dispersant (<NUM>) therein with an outlet of the dispensing cartridge (<NUM>) located below the water line (<NUM>) and spaced from the filter media (17a) to thereby deliver the dispersant (<NUM>) therein into the recirculating water (<NUM>) flowing through the filter media (17a).