Patent Description:
In various aspects, systems and methods are provided for a spa jet which is adjustable along a width thereof. A spa jet assembly of this disclosure is able to have the proximal outlet, or jet nozzle, be selectively moved along a width of the proximal end of the jet, to provide a user of the spa with the desired water therapy effects.

According to one embodiment, an adjustable spa jet can include a housing with a distal inlet at a distal end of the housing and a proximal outlet at a proximal end of the housing. The proximal outlet may be laterally adjustable along a width of the proximal end of the housing, with the proximal outlet maintaining a constant depth with respect to the proximal end of the housing as the proximal outlet is laterally adjusted along the width of the proximal end of the housing. The angular adjustment of the proximal outlet with respect to the distal inlet is at least <NUM>°. The adjustable jet system further comprises a tube fluidly coupling the distal inlet to the proximal outlet. The tube is formed of a distal portion of tubing and a proximal portion of tubing, the distal portion of tubing being in telescoping connection with the proximal portion of tubing.

According to another aspect, the proximal end of the housing can also comprise a selectively sealable channel formed therein, and the proximal outlet may be moveable within the selectively sealable channel to adjust a position of the proximal outlet within the channel, wherein materials that selectively seal the channel are moved out of the channel by the movement of the proximal outlet.

According to another aspect, a distal joint may be in connection with the distal inlet and the distal portion of tubing to rotatably connect the distal portion of tubing to the distal inlet. Similarly, the proximal joint may be in connection with the proximal outlet and the proximal portion of tubing to rotatably connect the proximal portion of tubing to the proximal outlet.

According to another aspect, as the proximal outlet is moved from a first position within the channel to a second position within the channel, the telescoping connection of the distal portion of tubing and the proximal portion of tubing adjusts a length of the tube from a first length to a second length.

According to one aspect, the distal pivot comprises a hinge joint and the proximal pivot comprises an eyeball joint and the proximal joint may comprise an eyeball joint.

According to another aspect, at least a portion of the distal joint may be integral to the distal portion of tubing, wherein at least a portion of the proximal joint is integral to the proximal portion of tubing.

According to another aspect there is a method of adjusting the adjustable jet system as described above, the method comprising coupling the proximal outlet to the distal inlet of the housing, the distal inlet for receiving water; positioning the proximal outlet at a first position within the proximal end of the housing; and adjusting the proximal outlet to a second position different than the first position within the proximal end of the housing.

According to one aspect, coupling the proximal outlet to the distal inlet of the housing may comprise connecting the distal portion of the tube to a distal joint in connection with the distal inlet of the housing.

According to another aspect, the distal portion of the tube may be rotatably connecting to the distal joint.

According to another aspect, coupling the proximal outlet to the distal inlet of the housing may comprise connecting the proximal portion of the tube to a proximal joint in connection with proximal outlet of the housing.

According to another aspect, the proximal portion of the tube may be rotatably connected to the proximal joint.

Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter, as well as features and advantages of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter, should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art through consideration of the ensuing description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment of a jet system or jet assembly <NUM>. The jet system <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> with a distal end <NUM> and a proximal end <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> includes a distal inlet <NUM> for receiving water, and the proximal end <NUM> includes a proximal outlet <NUM> for water to exit the housing <NUM>. A channel <NUM> is formed in the proximal end <NUM>, and the proximal outlet <NUM> may be movable within the channel <NUM> (such as slidable along a length of the channel <NUM>, etc.). The channel <NUM> can extend from a first side <NUM> to a second side <NUM>. In some embodiments, the channel <NUM> extends substantially along a width of the proximal end <NUM> of the housing. In other embodiments, the channel is shorter or longer as desired. The channel <NUM> may be placed in the middle of the proximal end <NUM>, placed to one side or the other, etc..

The housing <NUM> can be any suitable shape and dimensions. In some embodiments the housing <NUM> has a narrower distal end <NUM> and a wider proximal end <NUM>. The wider proximal end can allow for a wider channel <NUM> along the width of the proximal end. The length of the housing <NUM> from the distal end <NUM> to the proximal end <NUM> may be from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters. In other embodiments, the length of the housing <NUM> from the distal end <NUM> to the proximal end <NUM> may be from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters, from about <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, or about <NUM> centimeters. Or the length of the housing <NUM> from the distal end <NUM> to the proximal end <NUM> may be shorter or longer as desired.

The width of the housing <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> may be any suitable width. In some embodiments, the width of the housing <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> may be from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters, from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters, or about <NUM> centimeters. The width of the housing <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM> may be shorter or longer as desired. The channel <NUM> may have a width that is slightly shorter than the width of the housing <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. For example, the width of the channel may be from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters, from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters, from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters, etc. Or the width of the channel <NUM> may be shorter or longer as desired. The channel <NUM> may be centered within the proximal end <NUM>, or in other embodiments it may be placed towards one side or the other as desired.

In some embodiments, a tube <NUM> fluidly couples the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal outlet <NUM>. Tube <NUM> may be a portion of tubing, a hose, a line, or any other fluid conduit. The tube <NUM> can have any suitable shape and dimensions. In one embodiment, the tube <NUM> is formed of a distal portion of tubing <NUM> and a proximal portion of tubing <NUM>. The distal portion of tubing <NUM> and the proximal portion of tubing <NUM> may be in telescoping connection, such that the distal portion of tubing <NUM> telescopes within the proximal portion of tubing <NUM> (or vice versa). With a telescoping connection, the length of the tube <NUM> can change as the proximal outlet <NUM> moves within channel <NUM>. In other embodiments, a tube is not provided.

With reference to <FIG>, the proximal outlet <NUM> is shown in a first position (<FIG>) and a second position (<FIG> illustrates the proximal outlet <NUM> in a first, center position. This first position is along a generally longitudinal line <NUM> that extends from the distal inlet <NUM> to the center of the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. In other words, the proximal outlet <NUM> is at or near a center of the channel <NUM>, in embodiments where the channel <NUM> is centered along the proximal end <NUM>. The tube <NUM> has a first length in this first, center position.

<FIG> illustrates the proximal outlet <NUM> in a second position, at or near the second side <NUM> of the channel <NUM>. The proximal outlet <NUM> is slidable within the channel <NUM>, and can be moved from the first position to the second position by a user pressing the proximal outlet <NUM> laterally from the first position to the second position. This second position is moved away from the center of the channel <NUM>, or away from the longitudinal line <NUM> that extends from the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The tube <NUM> has a second length in this second position, and the second length in the second position is greater than the first length in the first position illustrated in <FIG>.

One or more joints may connect the tube <NUM> to the distal inlet <NUM> and/or proximal outlet <NUM>. Joint(s) may provide a mechanical connection that allows for angular movement or adjustment. For example, a joint may be used to connect the tube <NUM> to the distal inlet <NUM> and/or proximal outlet <NUM>. The joint may allow a portion of the tube to rotate relative to a stationary portion. In some configurations, a first joint <NUM> may allow the distal portion of tubing <NUM> to rotate relative to a stationary portion of distal portion of tubing <NUM>, and/or a second joint <NUM> may allow the proximal portion of tubing <NUM> to rotate relative to a stationary portion of proximal portion of tubing. By way example and not limitation, the joint may be a rotary eyeball, a pivot joint, a rotary joint, a hinge joint, an eyeball joint, a ball-and-socket joint, an eyeball fitting, etc..

In one embodiment, the first joint <NUM> comprises a distal pivot joint. The distal pivot joint can be in connection with the distal inlet <NUM> and the distal portion of tubing <NUM> to connect the distal portion of tubing <NUM> to the distal inlet <NUM>. Even more specifically, the distal portion of tubing <NUM> can be integral to a distal pivot joint. In other embodiments, other types of joints can be used, and/or the joint can be in connection with the distal portion of tubing <NUM> rather than integral to the distal portion of tubing <NUM>. In one embodiment, the distal pivot joint <NUM> comprises a stationary portion <NUM> that is formed integral to the distal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (best seen in the exploded view of <FIG>, with the housing <NUM> omitted for clarity). In some embodiments, the distance from the distal joint to the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> may be at least <NUM> centimeters, or may be from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters, or from about <NUM> centimeters to about <NUM> centimeters.

The second joint <NUM> may comprise a proximal pivot joint. The proximal pivot joint can be in connection with the proximal outlet <NUM> and the proximal portion of tubing <NUM> to connect the proximal portion of tubing <NUM> to the proximal outlet <NUM>. In one embodiment, the proximal portion of tubing <NUM> can be integral to the proximal pivot joint. In other embodiments, other types of joints can be used, and/or the joint can be in connection with the proximal portion of tubing <NUM> rather than integral to the proximal portion of tubing <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the proximal outlet <NUM> may be movable within channel <NUM> in any suitable manner. The proximal outlet <NUM> can also be referred to as a jet nozzle, and is typically the portion of the jet that interfaces with the user to provide hydrotherapy effects. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the adjustable jet system <NUM> may also include a jet face plate <NUM>. The jet face plate <NUM> includes an aperture to allow water to flow through the jet face plate <NUM>, and in this embodiment the aperture of the jet face plate forms the proximal outlet <NUM>. The jet face plate <NUM> can be in fluid connection with the proximal end of the tube <NUM>, such that water flows from the proximal end of the tube <NUM> through the jet face plate <NUM>, and exits the proximal outlet <NUM>.

In embodiments where the proximal end of the tube <NUM> is in connection with a proximal joint <NUM> (such as a ball-and-socket joint, an eyeball joint, a hinge joint, etc.), the jet face plate <NUM> can be in connection with the proximal joint <NUM>. For example, the proximal joint <NUM> can extend through the channel <NUM>, and interface or friction fit with the jet face plate <NUM>, as best seen in the cross-sectional view of <FIG>.

With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the proximal joint <NUM> includes a stationary portion <NUM> and a rotating portion <NUM>. The stationary portion <NUM> may be connected to the jet face plate <NUM>. The stationary portion <NUM> and/or the jet face plate <NUM> may include one or more elements to interface with the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, as the stationary portion <NUM> of the proximal joint <NUM> and/or the jet face plate <NUM> move along the channel <NUM>. For example, the stationary portion <NUM> and/or the jet face plate <NUM> may include one or more ridged portions. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the stationary portion <NUM> comprises two projections <NUM> (positioned approximately one on each end, projections <NUM> on the stationary portion <NUM> of the proximal joint <NUM> also visible in the exploded view of <FIG>). In other embodiments, a single projection can be used, or more projections, and the projections can be placed as desired on the stationary portion of the proximal joint <NUM>.

The proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include an exterior face <NUM> and an interior face <NUM>, with the channel <NUM> extending through the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> from the exterior face <NUM> to the interior face <NUM>. The interior face <NUM> of the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> can include one or more elements to interface with the jet face plate <NUM> and/or stationary portion <NUM> of the proximal joint <NUM>. In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the interior face <NUM> of the proximal end <NUM> comprises a plurality of projections <NUM>. Projections <NUM> may be placed substantially along the width of the channel <NUM>, on one side of the channel, on both sides, etc..

In this embodiment, as the projections <NUM> of the proximal end <NUM> can interface with the projections <NUM> of the proximal joint <NUM>. As the projections and detents on each piece pass each other, it creates portions that are more difficult to pass and easier to pass, as the projections pass each other, a physical clicking occurs. This can be a convenient physical feedback to allow users of the jet to know they are successfully adjusting the proximal outlet within the channel <NUM>. This can also ensure that the proximal outlet <NUM> or jet nozzle is not accidentally adjusted, as the projections <NUM> on the proximal joint <NUM> must be pushed past the projections <NUM> on the interior face <NUM> of the proximal end <NUM> to adjust the proximal outlet <NUM> laterally within the channel <NUM>.

In use, the jet assembly or jet system <NUM> is installed in a spa shell, with the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> inside a spa shell, or where the user sits when the user is using the spa. The proximal end <NUM> with the proximal outlet <NUM> or jet nozzle within the spa shell where a user sits when using the spa allows the jet system or jet assembly <NUM> to provide hydrotherapy benefits to the user. The distal inlet <NUM> may be connected to a water supply to receive water. Water flows from the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal outlet <NUM>.

During use, water enters the distal inlet <NUM> of the spa jet assembly. The water then enters the tube <NUM> and travels to the proximal outlet <NUM> or jet nozzle and exits the spa jet assembly. The force from the fluid flow as it exits the spa jet assembly through the proximal outlet <NUM> can provide hydrotherapy to users, and a user may adjust the exact position for hydrotherapy by adjusting the proximal outlet <NUM> within the channel <NUM>.

Some embodiments include a tube that extends from the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal outlet <NUM>. In such embodiments, water flows from the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal outlet <NUM> through the tube <NUM>. As the user desires to adjust the position of the proximal outlet <NUM>, the user may press the proximal outlet <NUM> laterally, and move the proximal outlet <NUM> along the width of the channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may have a width that allows a high degree of angular adjustment for the proximal outlet <NUM>, while also keeping the proximal outlet at a fixed depth with respect to the distal inlet <NUM>.

The angular adjustment of the jet assembly or jet system <NUM> can be measured relative to an imaginary line (indicated as <NUM> in <FIG>) drawn through the center of the housing <NUM>, from the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. If this line is taken as <NUM>° of angular adjustment, the movement of the proximal outlet <NUM> away from this center line results in a degree of angular adjustment as measured relative to the distal inlet <NUM>.

For example, as shown in <FIG>, as the proximal outlet <NUM> is positioned toward a second side <NUM> of the channel <NUM>, the angle of the proximal outlet <NUM> relative to the distal inlet <NUM> is around <NUM>°. Similarly, as the proximal outlet <NUM> is positioned toward a first side <NUM> of the channel <NUM>, the angle of the proximal outlet <NUM> relative to the distal inlet is around <NUM>° in the other direction (or negative <NUM>°). The total angular adjustment, from the first side <NUM> to the second side <NUM> of the channel <NUM>, may be from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, or from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, or from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, or from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°. This angular adjustment is achieved while maintaining a constant depth of the proximal outlet with respect to the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> along the channel <NUM>. That is, the proximal outlet <NUM> is always located at the proximal end <NUM> of the jet housing, and thus maintains a strong force for hydrotherapy. This is in contrast, for example, to a standard eyeball joint, where the distance of the outlet changes as the joint rotates away from center (i.e., the distance of the outlet from the proximal end increases as the joint rotates away from center). This means that any time the joint is rotated away from center, the hydrotherapy effects actually decrease. The proximal outlet of standard eyeball joints has an annular path as the outlet rotates positions, whereas the current embodiments have a constant depth or non-annular path as the proximal outlet rotates positions.

Another embodiment of a jet system or jet assembly <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the jet system or jet assembly <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> with a distal end <NUM> and a distal inlet <NUM> for receiving water into the jet housing <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> includes a channel <NUM> formed therein along a width of the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. A proximal outlet <NUM> is moveable within the channel <NUM> to laterally adjust the position of the proximal outlet <NUM>. The proximal outlet <NUM> can also be described as a jet nozzle, and in this manner, a user can laterally adjust the proximal outlet <NUM> or nozzle of the jet to adjust the hydrotherapy position of the jet.

The embodiment in <FIG> illustrates a tube <NUM> connecting the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal outlet <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can be a flexible tube, so that it can move from positions along the length of the channel <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can be any suitable shape, size, and length to transfer water from the distal inlet <NUM> to the proximal outlet <NUM>. The tube <NUM> can be made from any suitable materials, such as plastics, etc..

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a jet assembly or jet system <NUM>. The jet system <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> with a distal end <NUM> and a distal inlet <NUM> for receiving water into the jet housing <NUM>. The proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM> includes a channel <NUM> formed therein along a width of the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The channel <NUM> in this embodiment is selectively sealable along the width of the channel <NUM>. Water exits entirely, or substantially entirely, through the proximal outlet <NUM>. The proximal outlet <NUM> is moveable along the selectively sealable channel <NUM>. In some embodiments, as the proximal outlet <NUM> moves along the channel <NUM>, the materials that selectively seal the channel <NUM> may be pressed or otherwise moved out of the channel <NUM>. Similarly, the materials that selectively seal the channel <NUM> may come back together to selectively seal the channel <NUM> over portions where the proximal outlet <NUM> has moved from. In other embodiments, the proximal outlet <NUM> may be along a sealed ring track, and the track can be moved along the channel to change the position of the proximal outlet <NUM> along the width of the proximal end <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It should also be noted that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may have been disclosed in relation to a particular water-containing vessel (e.g., a spa); however, other vessels (e.g., pools, tubs, swim spas, etc.) are also contemplated. A spa is also known in the industry as a hot tub and is generally formed of a concave shell to receive and contain water. Structures, such as a jet, can extend through the concave shell to move water from a surface outside the spa to a surface inside the spa or shell. Surfaces inside the shell are referred to as more "proximal" while surfaces that extend through the shell are referred to as "distal. " A proximal side of a jet faces the spa shell where the user relaxes, and the jet can provide hydrotherapy to the user in the spa.

In one embodiment, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to numerical parameters within <NUM>% of the indicated range. The terms "a," "an," "the," and similar referents used in the context of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments of the present disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments are described herein, including the best mode known to the author(s) of this disclosure for carrying out the embodiments disclosed herein. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The author(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the author(s) intends for the embodiments of the present disclosure to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claim 1:
An adjustable jet system (<NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) with a distal inlet (<NUM>) at a distal end (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) and a proximal outlet (<NUM>) at a proximal end (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>); and
a tube (<NUM>) to fluidly couple the distal inlet (<NUM>) to the proximal outlet (<NUM>), the tube (<NUM>) formed of a distal portion of tubing (<NUM>) and a proximal portion of tubing (<NUM>), the distal portion of tubing (<NUM>) being in telescoping connection with the proximal portion of tubing (<NUM>);
wherein the proximal outlet (<NUM>) is laterally adjustable along a width of the proximal end (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), with the proximal outlet (<NUM>) maintaining a constant depth with respect to the proximal end (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>) as the proximal outlet (<NUM>) is laterally adjusted along the width of the proximal end (<NUM>) of the housing (<NUM>), and wherein an angular adjustment of the proximal outlet (<NUM>) with respect to the distal inlet is at least <NUM>°.