Filter System and Cover for Hot Tub or Pool

Abstract

An improved filter system and cover for a hot tub or pool are provided. The improved filter system includes a prefilter that is located between the interior of the hot tub and the traditional filter located within the hot tub. The prefilter allows leaves, bugs, and other debris to be removed from the hot tub before they enter the traditional filter contained within the hot tub. This improves the life of the traditional filter, while also improving the quality of the water contained within the filter which also means that less chemicals are required. Additionally, a cover is provided that allows a hot tub or pool to breathe after chemicals are deposited therein, while still preventing further leaves, bugs, and other debris from entering the hot tub.

Claims

1. An improved filter system for a hot tub comprising an inner shell, an exterior shell, and a traditional filter contained between the inner shell and the outer shell comprising: a prefilter located between the inner shell and the traditional filter; wherein the prefilter is configured to receive one or more of leaves, bugs, and debris before the one or more of leaves, bugs, and debris reaches the traditional filter.

2. The improved filter system of claim 1, wherein the prefilter further comprises: a frame; and a filter medium configured to receive one or more of leaves, bugs, and debris.

3. The improved filter system of claim 2, wherein the prefilter further comprises a handle.

4. The improved filter system of claim 2, wherein the hot tub further comprises: an opening formed in the inner shell; and a skimmer door configured to temporarily cover the opening; wherein the prefilter is configured to be removably located within or adjacent to the opening.

5. The improved filter system of claim 4, wherein the frame is releasably secured to the hot tub adjacent to the opening.

6. The improved filter system of claim 5, wherein the frame is releasably secured to the hot tub by one or more of clips, hooks, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, and suction cups.

7. The improved filter system of claim 5, wherein the prefilter further comprises: an arm connected to the frame; and a motor configured to move the arm; wherein the one or more of leaves, bugs, and debris filter medium is emptied when the motor moves the arm.

8. The improved filter system of claim 7, wherein the motor is activated on a preset time interval.

9. The improved filter system of claim 7, wherein the motor is activated based on a prompt by a user.

10. The improved filter system of claim 7, wherein the motor is activated by an application connected to one of a smartphone, a tablet, and a computer.

11. The improved filter system of claim 1, further comprising a temporary hot tub cover comprising: a perimeter; and a mesh material extending across the perimeter.

12. A temporary hot tub cover for use after a quantity of chemicals are deposited into water contained within a hot tub comprising: a perimeter; and a mesh material extending across the perimeter.

13. The temporary hot tub cover of claim 12, wherein the perimeter of the temporary hot tub cover extends beyond a perimeter of the hot tub.

14. The temporary hot tub cover of claim 12, wherein the perimeter contains one or more weights.

15. The temporary hot tub cover of claim 12, wherein the perimeter contains one or more magnets.

16. The temporary hot tub cover of claim 12, further comprises: a roll configured to receive the hot tub cover; an arm connected to the roll; and a motor configured to move the arm; wherein the hot tub cover is rolled and unrolled when the motor moves the arm.

17. The temporary hot tub cover of claim 12, wherein the motor is activated on a preset time interval.

18. The temporary hot tub cover of claim 12, wherein the motor is activated based on a prompt by a user.

19. The temporary hot tub cover of claim 12, wherein the motor is activated by application connected to one of a smartphone, a tablet, and a computer.

20. An improved filter system and cover for a hot tub comprising an inner shell, an exterior shell, and a traditional filter located between the inner shell and exterior shell comprising: a prefilter located between the inner shell and the traditional filter; and a hot tub cover for use when chemicals are deposited into water contained within a hot tub comprising: a perimeter; and a mesh material extending about across the perimeter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

[0014] A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hot tub with an inventive prefilter located above the hot tub;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the inventive prefilter installed relative to the hot tub;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the prefilter being manually emptied;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a hot tub cover that enables air movement therethrough before it is installed relative to the hot tub;

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hot tub cover of FIG. 4 once it has been installed relative to the hot tub;

[0020] FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the hot tub cover of FIGS. 4 and 5 secured to the cover using a D-hook and straps;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inventive prefilter having a motorized arm that can automate the emptying of the prefilter; and

[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hot tub cover having a motorized arm that can automate the application and/or removal of the hot tub cover.

[0023] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0025] The present invention is for use with a hot tub 10 or pool (not shown). While the illustrations only show a hot tub 10, the same concepts would be equally applicable to a pool.

[0026] The present invention is for use with any number of different hot tubs 10 or pools. While the illustrated embodiment shows use with a standard hot tub 10, the present invention could similarly be used with any type, size, or shape of hot tub 10, including custom made hot tubs 10. While certain components will be described in connection with a standard hot tub 10, it should be understood that the hot tub 10 and/or pool may have any number of additional components that are not described herein.

[0027] Turning to the figures, the hot tub 10 includes an exterior shell 12 and an inner shell 14, with a variety of components contained between the exterior shell 12 and the inner shell 14, such as pumps, pipes, heating units, and other components (not shown). The inner shell 14 includes a perimeter 16 with a cavity 18 formed within the inner shell 14 that is configured to receive and house a quantity of water. A control panel 20 is provided on or adjacent to the inner shell 14, although it could similarly be located on the exterior shell 12. Additionally, a plurality of jets 22 are located around the inner shell 14. Once activated, the jets 22 encourage movement of the water about the hot tub 10.

[0028] Additionally, an opening 24 is formed in the inner shell 14 that enables water to pass through the inner shell 14 and into the components located between the inner shell 14 and the outer shell 12. Oftentimes, the opening 24 is covered or partially covered by a skimmer door 26. The skimmer door 26 is configured to be biased towards a closed or somewhat closed position in which it extends generally vertically relative to the ground. When sufficient force is placed against the skimmer door 26, most commonly by water that is pushing against the skimmer door 26 but also when a user pushes the skimmer door 26, the skimmer door 26 pivots about a pivot point towards the opening 24. When the skimmer door 26 pivots towards the opening 24, a quantity of water is permitted to enter the opening 24, at which point the water enters the internal components of the hot tub 10. These include various pipes 30, a traditional filter 28, a pump (not shown), a heater (not shown), and many other components as is known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Once the water has been properly processed through the internal components of the hot tub 10, the water is recirculated into the hot tub 10 through the jets 22.

[0029] When the jets 22 are activated, water is circulated throughout the hot tub 10. When this occurs, water is typically propelled either directly or indirectly towards the opening 24 and the skimmer door 26. This is because water needs to be moved through the internal components of the hot tub 10 before being resupplied to the inner shell 14 of the hot tub 10 about the jets 22. As a result of this movement, any debris, such as leaves, bugs, and anything else (collectively referred to as 31) that may enter the hot tub 10, is similarly directed through the opening 22 and skimmer door 24 into the internal components of the hot tub 10. The water passes through the traditional filter 30, and the various debris 31 is caught by the traditional filter 30 so that recirculation of debris is prevented or minimized. As described above, this can result in significant strain on the traditional filter 30.

[0030] As such, the present invention is directed to a prefilter 32 that helps to improve the quality of the water, while also reducing the load on the traditional filter 30, while also helping to improve the safety to individuals using the hot tub 10 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 7. One embodiment of the prefilter 32 is shown in the figures and will be further described below, but it should be understood that the prefilter 32 may take the form of any prefilter that is located upstream from the traditional filter 30. That is, the prefilter 32 is positioned at a location between the cavity 18 of the hot tub 10 and the traditional filter 30.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the prefilter 32 is a portable prefilter 32 that can quickly and easily be moved and positioned by a user, whether the user is inside or outside of the hot tub 10. The portable prefilter 32 includes a frame 34, a filter medium 36, and a handle 38. As shown, the frame 34 is sized and dimension to generally coincide with the size and dimensions of the opening 24 and the skimmer door 26. The filter medium 36 is secured to the frame 34. As shown, the filter medium 36 is a mesh screen that enables water to move through the filter medium 36, while the filter medium 36 collects items that enter the hot tub 10, including for instance leaves, bugs, and other debris 31. The handle 38 is either formed with, or connected to the frame 34. The handle 38 may be collapsable relative to the frame 34 to enable the prefilter 32 to be easily collapsible.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the filter medium 36 includes three compartments that are located side-by-side relative to one another. Of course, the filter medium 36 could similarly have a single compartment, it could have two compartments, or it could have more than three compartments. The filter medium 36 has sufficient size and slack to enable the filter medium 36 to expand rearwardly relative to the frame 34 when water enters the prefilter 32. In this way, the prefilter 32 can collect large amounts of leaves, bugs, and debris 31 before being emptied. In other embodiments, the prefilter 32 may not have compartments, but instead may be a single screen of material that has a sleeker design.

[0033] In use, the portable prefilter 32 is held by a user using the handle 38. The user may position the prefilter 32 directly adjacent to the opening 24 and skimmer door 26. Once the jets 22 are turned on, water is moved about the cavity 18 of the hot tub 10. Water will eventually be directed towards the opening 24 and the skimmer door 26. When this occurs, the water flows through the prefilter 32. Any leaves, insects, or debris 31 that are on or beneath the surface of the water are caught in the filter medium 36 while the water flows through the prefilter 32 and before the leaves, insects, or debris 31 can enter the interior of the hot tub 10. In this way, fewer, if any, leaves, insects, or debris 31 will enter the internal components of the hot tub 10. This results in a cleaner, safter hot tub 10 with reduced strain on the traditional filter 30. Fewer chemicals are required to maintain the water, and the traditional filter 30 does not need to be replaced as frequently, which offers cost savings to users. Once the prefilter 32 is filled or the user is satisfied, the prefilter 32 can be removed and the contents dumped outside of the hot tub 10 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0034] While the illustrated prefilter 32 is held by a user using the handle 38 during use, it should be noted that the prefilter 32 can be operated in different ways. For instance, the prefilter 32 may be releasably secured to the hot tub 10. In one embodiment, the prefilter 32 clips, hooks, D-hooks, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, magnets, suction cups, bungee cords, straps, and the like that enable the prefilter 32 to be located relative to the opening 24 and skimmer door 26 without being physically held by a user. In such embodiments, the user may locate the prefilter 32 relative to the opening 24 and skimmer door 26 and engage one or more of the fastening mechanisms described above with the hot tub 10. This may occur before or after the jets 22 are activated, and it may occur when users are inside or outside of the hot tub 10. The various fastening mechanisms may be mounted to existing components of the hot tub 10, otherwise, after market components may be installed relative to the hot tub 10 which the fastening mechanisms can be engaged with. In the event that the filter medium 36 collects sufficient leaves, bugs, and debris 31, the user can disengage the prefilter 32 from the hot tub 10 and dump the contents outside of the hot tub 10.

[0035] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the prefilter 32 may be an automated, or semi-automated prefilter 32. In such an embodiment, the prefilter 32 is mounted to the hot tub 10 in a permanent or semi-permanent manner. The jets 22 are turned on and the prefilter 32 collects leaves, bugs, and other debris 31 in the same fashion as described above. Eventually, the prefilter 32 is automatically emptied. For instance, the prefilter 32 may be mounted to the hot tub 10 about one or more motorized arms 33 that pivot relative to the hot tub 10 so that the prefilter 32 is reoriented outside of the hot tub 10, and the contents of the filter medium 36 are deposited outside of the hot tub 10. FIG. 7 shows such an embodiment. The motorized arm 33 may be moved or pivoted by a motor 35 or another device. Of course, other automated ways of repositioning the prefilter 32 outside of the hot tub 10 could be similarly used.

[0036] The automatic emptying may occur based on any number of different prompts. For instance, the automatic emptying may occur based on preselected time intervals. This would enable users to program the emptying based on the specific characteristics of their hot tub 10. The time intervals can also be changed based on user feedback. For instance, when there are lots of leaves, bugs, or debris 31 in the hot tub 10, a shorter time interval may be selected. Once a user is satisfied with the cleanliness of the hot tub 10, a longer time interval may be selected, otherwise the automatic prefilter 32 may be temporarily powered off. In another embodiment, the user may have a remote control that enables the user to simply press a button to enable the emptying of the prefilter 32. Similarly, the prefilter 32 may be connected to an application that enables a user to control the emptying of the prefilter using a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc. In yet another embodiment, a sensor may be provided that is mounted to the prefilter 32, the frame 34, the interior of the hot tub 10, or any other location. When the sensor detects a specific threshold, the prefilter 32 will be emptied.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 8, a removable cover 40 for a hot tub 10 is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the cover 40 is made of a mesh material or other permeable material that enables air flow through the cover 40 while still catching debris and preventing it from entering the hot tub 10. The removable cover 40 allows a user to temporarily cover the perimeter 16 of the hot tub 10. For instance, when a user deposits chemicals into the hot tub 10, the hot tub 10 needs to remain open while the water and chemical blend breathes, while also preventing outside components such as leaves, bugs, and debris from entering the hot tub 10. As such, the cover 40 is made of a material that enables air, as well as any chemicals that enter the air, to quickly and easily be dissipated outside of the hot tub 10. The cover 40 has a perimeter 42 that is at least slightly larger, and in some instances significantly larger, than the perimeter 16 of the inner shell 14. Preferably, the cover 40 is relatively lightweight, which most mesh materials are, to help facilitate quick and easy installation of the cover 40 relative to the hot tub 10. At the same time, the cover 40 and associated components should have sufficient rigidity or tension to prevent the cover 40 from falling into the water of the hot tub 10.

[0038] The cover 40 may be secured to the hot tub 10 in a number of different ways. In a first embodiment, the perimeter 42 of the cover 40 is significantly larger than the perimeter 16 of the hot tub 10. In this way, the sides of the cover 40 drape over the exterior shell 12, allowing the cover 40 to remain in place. In another embodiment, the perimeter 42 of the cover 40 may include small weights or magnets that help to hold the cover 40 in place. In such an embodiment, the perimeter 42 of the cover 40 may be approximately the same dimensions of the perimeter 16 of the hot tub 10, such that the perimeter 42 rests upon and is weighted down or attracted by magnets onto the perimeter 16. Alternatively, the perimeter 42 may be slightly or significantly larger than the perimeter 16 such that the weights cause the perimeter 42 to extend downwardly outside of the exterior shell, or the magnets engage with the exterior shell 12. Alternatively still, the cover 40 may include one or more of clips, hooks, D-hooks, snaps, hook and look fasteners, magnets, suction cups, bungee cords, straps, and the like that engage with any surface or feature of the hot tub 10. For instance, FIG. 6 illustrates a cover 40 that includes straps 44, D-hooks 46, and hooks 58 that enable the cover 40 to be secured to the hot tub 10. Similarly, add on components may be attached to the hot tub 10 such that the clips, hooks, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, suction cups, and the like can engage with the add on components.

[0039] In yet another embodiment, the cover 40 may be automatically, or semi-automatically installed relative to the hot tub 10, as shown in FIG. 8. For instance, the cover 40 may be rolled onto a roller 41, with the roller 41 connected to one or more arms 43 or other devices that enable the roller 41 to unroll the cover 40 such that the cover 40 is placed overtop the hot tub 10. This would be completed after a user deposits the necessary chemicals into the hot tub 10. A user may press a button or other component that causes the cover 40 to be rolled over the hot tub 10. This can also be controlled by an application that enables a user to control the emptying of the prefilter using a smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.

[0040] The cover 40 may be removed based on a prompt by the user similar to the prompt used to place the cover 40 over the hot tub 10. Alternatively, a timer may be used, such that the cover 40 is automatically removed after a predetermined timeframe is met. Further still, a sensor may be located within or adjacent to the hot tub 10 and/or the cover 40 that monitors the air quality. Once sufficient breathing has occurred, the cover 40 can automatically be removed. Further still, once the cover 40 is removed, a permanent, heavy-duty cover may automatically be placed on top of the hot tub 10. In this way, a user may deposit the chemicals into the hot tub 10 and then leave the hot tub 10 with the knowledge that in due course, the cover 40 will be removed once sufficient breathing has occurred, after which the permanent cover will be returned.

[0041] While the above description is primarily in connection with use of a prefilter in connection with a hot tub or pool, it should be noted that there are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. All the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.

[0042] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials.

[0043] Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration to improve the operating characteristics of the hot tub or pool. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0044] It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.

[0045] Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.

[0046] Moreover, the individual components need not be assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0047] It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.