Integral light and liquid circulation fitting

• US 5,207,499 A
• Filed: 06/04/1991
• Issued: 05/04/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Pac-Fab Incorporated, Pentair Pool Products, Inc. (Pentair Plc (Ireland))
• Original Assignee: KDI American Products, Inc.
• Inventors: Vajda, Jason, Kowal, Kenneth M., Berczynski, Lucjan, Thrasher, Laurence E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Jones, Larry
• Application Number:
  US07/710,178
• Time in Patent Office: 700 Days
• Field of Search: 362/96, 362/101, 362/362, 362/373, 239/17, 239/18, 239/20, 239/211, 4/541.4, 4/541.6, 4/492, 4/541.3
• US Class Current: 362/96
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/6063 Specifically adapted for fitting in bathtub walls
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 33/6073 Intake mouths for recirculation of fluid in whirlpool baths
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/024 intended to be recessed in a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/033 the surface being a wall or like vertical structure, e.g. building facade
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 29/56 using liquid coolants F21V29/51 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 31/00 Gas-tight or water-tight arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/004 Sanitary equipment, e.g. mirrors, showers, toilet seats or paper dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2121/02 for fountains
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/401 for swimming pools

Abstract

A light assembly combined into a unitary structure with a liquid circulation fitting, such as a water return fitting, for use underwater or above water in a pool, tub, spa, fountain, or similar large liquid container. The combination is well suited for use as a combined underwater light and return water fitting in pools, tubs, or spas, and especially in above-ground pools, and as a combined ornamental light and fountain jet. The unitary structure eliminates the need for more than one hole in the pool wall and thereby simplifies installation and decreases the chance of leaks. The structure provides for both water and air cooling if the light is installed underwater. Furthermore, the structure is connectable to water supply lines of various sizes, and includes a directionally adjustable port to control water returning to the pool or container.

Claims

1. For use in conjunction with a water circulation system in a pool, tub or spa, a combination comprising:

a light assembly for installation beneath water level in a pool, tub or spa; and

a return water inlet fitting for connection to a water circulation system, to return circulating water to the pool, wherein the light assembly and the return water inlet fitting form a unitary structure for attachment to a single opening in a wall of the pool, tube or spa;

a water line fitting for coupling the circulation system to an opening in the return water inlet fitting; and

a directionally adjustable port surrounding the light assembly on the inside of the pool, tube or spa;

whereby the circulating water emerges from the port in any desired direction.

2. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein:

the water line fitting can accommodate any of a plurality of water line sizes.

3. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein:

the directionally adjustable port includes a rotatable annular element surrounding the light assembly and having a plurality of openings through which water emerges in a desired direction.

4. A combination as defined in claim 1, wherein:

the directionally adjustable port has at least some openings that are oriented to produce jets with a tangential component, to rotate the port.

5. For use in conjunction with a water circulation system in a pool, tub or spa, a combination comprising:

a light assembly for installation beneath water level in a pool, tub or spa;

a return water inlet fitting for connection to a water circulation system, to return circulating water to the pool, wherein the light assembly and the return water inlet fitting form a unitary structure for attachment to a single opening in a wall of the pool, tub or spa; and

means for cooling the light assembly, including means for circulating air within the light assembly and venting air to the exterior of the pool tub or spa;

wherein the means for circulating air within the light assembly includes

an air chamber surrounding the light source; and

an electrical junction box coupled to the air chamber but sealed from the means for circulating water around the light assembly and having a plurality of exit vents;

whereby the heated air escapes through the exit vents.

6. For use in conjunction with a liquid circulation system in a liquid container, a combination comprising:

a light assembly for installation in a liquid container;

a liquid circulation fitting through which fluid flows to or from the container, wherein the light assembly and the circulation fitting form a unitary structure for installation in the liquid container;

a pipe fitting for coupling to an opening in the liquid circulation fitting; and

a directionally adjustable port surrounding the light assembly on the inside of the liquid container;

whereby the circulating liquid emerges from the port in any desired direction.

7. A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein:

the pipe fitting can accommodate any of a plurality of liquid pipe sizes.

8. A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein:

the directionally adjustable port includes a rotatable annular element surrounding the light assembly and having a plurality of openings through which liquid emerges in a desired direction.

9. A combination as defined in claim 6, wherein:

the directionally adjustable port has at least some openings that are oriented to produce jets with a tangential component, to rotate the port.

10. For use in conjunction with a liquid circulation system in a liquid container, a combination comprising:

a light assembly for installation in a liquid container;

a liquid circulation fitting through which fluid flows to or from the container, wherein the light assembly and circulation fitting form a unitary structure for installation in the liquid container; and

means for cooling the light assembly, including means for circulating air within the light assembly and venting air to the exterior of the liquid container;

wherein the means for circulating air within the light assembly includes

an air chamber surrounding the light source; and

an electrical junction box coupled to the air chamber but sealed from the means for circulating water around the light assembly and having a plurality of exit vents;

whereby the heated air escapes through the exit vents.

11. A combined pool light and water inlet assembly for installation in an opening through the wall of a pool, tub or spa, the wall having a forward surface facing into the water and an oppositely-facing rear surface, the assembly comprising:

an inlet housing having

a generally tubular body insertable into the opening in the wall to a position extending therethrough;

clamping and sealing means connected to the body, having front and rear portions abutting the forward and rear surfaces of the wall, respectively, for clamping the inlet housing fixedly in position in the opening in the wall and sealing against passage of water between the exterior of the body of the wall opening, at least one of the portions of the clamping means being movable to a position permitting placement of the body into and through the opening;

a generally tubular light housing insertable into the inlet housing, the light housing having

a lens sealingly mounted across an open forward end of the light housing; and

a light source mounted within the light housing to direct light through the lens;

front supporting means and rear supporting means connecting forward and rear ends of the light housing to forward and rear regions of the inlet housing, respectively, for supporting the light housing within the inlet housing with spaced regions between them to form a generally annular water passage between the inlet housing and the light housing;

sealing means extending between the light housing and the light housing for creating a closed rear end to the water passage;

at least one port between the inlet housing and the light housing for placing a forward end of the water passage in communication with the pool; and

means for connecting a water inlet conduit to the inlet housing for supplying water to the water passage.

12. An assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein:

one of the portions of the clamping and sealing means comprises a first flange fixedly connected to the body extending radially therefrom and abutting one of the forward and rear surfaces of the wall around the opening; and

the other portion of the clamping and sealing means comprises a second flange, the second flange having

a surface overlapping the periphery of the opening in the wall and abutting the opposite surface of the wall around the opening; and

a threaded region for engaging a correspondingly threaded region of the body of the inlet housing.

13. An assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein the threaded regions of the second flange and the tubular body are of sufficient axial extent to accommodate pool walls of various thicknesses.

14. An assembly as defined in claim 12 wherein:

the second flange has a surface abutting the forward surface of the pool wall;

the second flange further includes an axially extending, threaded stem projecting rearwardly from the surface of the second flange; and

the generally tubular body is threaded to engage the stem, the stem having a central opening extending through the second flange to constitute a portion of the water passage.

15. An assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein:

the front supporting means includes;

a rearwardly facing engagement surface on the light housing adjacent its forward end; and

an abutment surface connected with the inlet housing for engaging the engagement surface on the light housing to limit rearward movement thereof through the inlet housing;

and wherein the rear supporting means includes

an annular shoulder at the rear of the inlet housing having a central opening to receive and support the rear end of the light housing;

a threaded region of the light housing projecting through and rearwardly of the annular shoulder; and

a securing member engaging the threaded region of the light housing to bear against the annular shoulder and draw the engagement surface of the light housing firmly against the abutment surface.

16. An assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein the sealing means comprises an annular resilient seal carried by one of the inlet housing and the light housing, extending into peripherally continuous sealing contact with the other of the inlet housing and the light housing.

17. An assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein:

the light source is housed within a sealed unit comprising a front light-transmitting wall and a generally parabolic shell with electrical connections extending rearwardly therefrom;

and wherein the light housing includes

a generally conical forward region to which the lens is mounted, extending rearwardly and convergently therefrom; and

a generally tubular region extending rearwardly from the conical region;

and supporting means supporting the light source within the conical portion with the electric connections extending rearwardly through the tubular region.

18. An assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein:

the front supporting means includes a water inlet annulus extending around and engaging a forward region of the light housing, the annulus being spaced forwardly of the inlet housing extending into contact therewith; and

the annulus has at least one port for directing water from the water passage into the pool.

19. An assembly as defined in claim 18 wherein the water inlet annulus is mounted for rotation to enable the direction of water entering the pool through the port to be varied.

20. An assembly as defined in claim 18 wherein the water inlet annulus includes a plurality of ports, each of which is configured to direct water into the pool in a direction exerting a reaction force acting tangentially of the annulus, the water streams issuing from the ports creating a torque for rotating the annuls in one direction, whereby the annulus is rotated as water enters the pool through the ports.

21. The assembly as defined in claim 11 further including:

an opening in the light housing for placing the interior of the light housing in communication with atmosphere, whereby air can circulate within the light housing.

22. For use in a combined pool light and water inlet assembly of the type having an inlet housing extending through an opening in a pool wall, internal sealing regions within the inlet housing for limiting internal water flow and a threaded securing member positioned adjacent and externally of a rear end of the inlet housing, a replaceable lighting unit comprising:

a sealed light source including a light-transmitting front wall and a generally parabolic shell, with electrical connections extending rearwardly therefrom;

a light housing enclosing the electric light, the light housing including

a generally conical region extending around and partially enclosing the light source;

a lens sealing secured to and extending across an open end of the conical region of the light housing, the lens and the conical region being sufficiently spaced from the light source to permit circulation of air therearound; and

a generally tubular portion extending rearwardly from the conical portion;

supporting means mounted within the light housing for supporting the light source in position within the conical region with the electrical connections extending through the tubular portion rearward from the supporting means;

a threaded region on the tubular portion of the light housing adjacent its rear end, for engagement with the securing member of the inlet housing; and

a sealing ring mounted on the light housing and projecting outwardly therefrom for engagement with internal sealing regions of the inlet housing.

23. A method of mounting a combined pool light and water inlet assembly in an opening through a wall of a pool, the wall having a forward side facing into the interior of the pool and an oppositely facing rear side, the assembly including an inlet housing having a generally tubular body insertable into the opening in the wall to extend therethrough, and front and rear clamping portions connected to the body on opposite sides of the wall for clamping the inlet housing fixedly in position in the opening, at least one of the portions initially being separate from the body to permit placement of the body into and through the opening and then being attached to the body to participate in clamping the body to the wall, a light housing insertable into and through the inlet housing up to a predetermined position at which its further rearward movement is arrested, and a connecting mechanism connecting the light housing to the inlet housing adjacent its rear end, the method comprising the steps of:

installing the inlet housing, with the one clamping portion separated from it, into the opening until the other clamping portion comes into abutment with the wall;

attaching the one clamping portion to the body against the other side of the wall to clamp the inlet housing in place;

inserting the light housing from the front side of the wall rearwardly through the inlet housing until its further rearward movement is arrested; and

connecting the light housing adjacent its rear end to the inlet housing adjacent its rear end, to fixedly secure the light and inlet housings together.

24. The method as defined in claim 23 wherein the assembly includes an engagement surface on the light housing adjacent its forward end and a water directing annulus encircling the light housing, the method including the further steps of:

before inserting the light housing into the inlet housing, placing the water directing annulus around the light housing; and

before inserting the light housing into the inlet housing, placing the water directing annulus around the light housing; and

then inserting the light housing into the inlet housing and moving it rearwardly therethrough until further movement is arrested by contact between the engagement surface on the light housing, the water directing annulus and the forward end of the inlet housing.

25. The method as defined in claim 23 wherein the light housing is threaded adjacent its rear end and passes through an annular shoulder at the rear end of the inlet housing, and wherein the step of connecting the housings comprises:

threading a securing member onto the threaded region of the light housing until the member comes into abutment with the annular shoulder and

tightening and securing member against the annular shoulder to assemble the housings firmly together.

26. For use in conjunction with a water circulation system in a pool, tub or spa, a combination comprising:

a light assembly for installation in a pool, tub or spa; and

a return water inlet fitting for connection to a water circulation system, to return circulating water to the pool, wherein the light assembly and the return water inlet fitting form a unitary structure for attachment to a single opening in a wall of the pool, tube or spa;

a water line fitting for coupling the circulation system to an opening in the return water inlet fitting; and

a directionally adjustable port integrated with the light assembly on the inside of the pool, tub or spa;

whereby the circulating water emerges from the port in any desired direction.

27. For use in conjunction with a liquid circulation system in a liquid container, a combination comprising:

a light assembly for installation in a liquid container;

a liquid circulation fitting through which fluid flows to or from the container, wherein the light assembly and the circulation fitting form a unitary structure for installation in the liquid container;

a pipe fitting for coupling to an opening in the liquid circulation fitting; and

a directionally adjustable port integrated with the light assembly on the inside of the liquid container;

whereby the circulating liquid emerges from the port in any desired direction.

28. A combined pool light and water inlet assembly for installation in an opening through the wall of a pool, tub or spa, the wall having a forward surface facing into the water and an oppositely-facing rear surface, the assembly comprising:

an inlet housing having

a generally tubular body insertable into the opening in the wall to a position extending therethrough;

means for removably attaching the tubular body in sealing contact with the opening;

a generally tubular light housing insertable into the inlet housing, the light housing having

a lens sealingly mounted across an open forward end of the light housing; and

a light source mounted to direct light through tubular light housing and the lens;

means for supporting the tubular light housing within the inlet housing with spaced regions between them to form a generally annular water passage between the inlet housing and the light housing;

sealing means extending between the inlet housing and the light housing, for creating a closed rear end to the water passage;

at least one port between the inlet housing and the light housing for placing a forward end of the water passage in communication with the pool; and

means for connecting a water inlet conduit to the inlet housing for supplying water to the water passage.