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  Integrated water featureRelated Patent Categories: Baths, Closets, Sinks, And Spittoons, Tubs, Means For Agitating Or Circulating Water In A TubIntegrated water feature description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060112481, Integrated water feature. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND [0001] Water features such as fountains and waterfalls have become popular in landscapes, both for their aesthetics and ability to improve property values. Some water feature products can be easily added to an existing landscape design. For example, a landscape can include a spa/hot tub/pool (referred to generally herein as "spa") that provides a water feature. [0002] Conventional spa-based water features operate using pumps and controls built into the spa. These water features come in a variety of shapes, sizes, costs and complexities, but are typically pre-built into the design of a spa and have a fixed water flow for producing a predictable look and sound. Once installed, typical water features cannot be changed or modified. [0003] Presently, to achieve a different look and/or sound from a spa-based water feature, an existing water feature must be removed and another unique feature provided in its place. Such a limitation in existing spa-based water features creates a large number of parts and processes to control and service, and limits a user's choices in the style and aesthetics of the water feature. SUMMARY [0004] An apparatus for producing a water feature in spa is described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a flume developer having internal dimensions that generate a water pressure from a water flow received from a water source associated with the spa. The flume developer further includes a head assembly having one or more apertures through which the water feature is produced based on the water pressure. The flume developer further includes a flange configured to abut against an outer surface of the spa. The flume developer is interchangeable in a water feature device body connected to the water source. A light source can be provided to illuminate the water feature. [0005] In accordance with another embodiment, a device for providing a water feature integrated with a spa shell includes an inlet configured to connect to a water outlet associated with the spa shell. The inlet is connected to a channel for receiving a water flow from the water outlet, the channel being sized and shaped to produce a water pressure from the water flow. The device further includes an interchangeable flume developer connected with the channel. The flume developer includes one or more apertures sized and positioned to produce a desired water feature from the water pressure. [0006] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0007] These and other aspects will now be described in detail with reference to the following drawings. [0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a spa with a water feature system. [0009] FIGS. 2A-C show various views of a multi-body water feature device in accordance with one embodiment. [0010] FIGS. 3A-C show various views of a uni-body water feature device in accordance with an alternative embodiment. [0011] FIGS. 4A-C show cross-sectional and top views of various embodiments of a flume developer. [0012] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0013] A water feature device and system are disclosed, in which the visual and auditory effects of the water feature can be dynamically controlled. FIG. 1 illustrates a spa 100 having a spa shell 102 integrated with a water feature system 104. The water feature system 104 produces a water feature 106, depicted in FIG. 1 as a spout or stream of water much like a fountain. The water feature system 104 is configured for being controlled to dynamically produce a number of variable water features 106 for a variety of visual and auditory effects. [0014] FIGS. 2A-C show respective exploded perspective, exploded front and assembled views of a multi-body water feature device 200 in accordance with an embodiment. The multi-body implementation allows for flexibility in manufacturing and installation in a spa. The water feature device 200 includes a flume developer 202 having one or more apertures for producing a flume or flow of water that exits the device 200. The device 200 calms water and removes turbulence as the water enters the flume developer 202, producing a laminar flow of water for a consistently-shaped but dynamically controlled water feature design. Any water feature and design thereof can be illuminated by the water feature device 200. [0015] The flume developer 202 is an interchangeable piece that is specifically shaped and formed and includes a flume outlet to produce a unique water feature. For example, the flume developer 202 can have a number of apertures that are sized to produce a specific size and shape of a water feature component. The flume developer 202 can be made of a translucent material to allow light from a light assembly in the water feature device 200 to mix with the shaped water feature design. The designs can be quickly changed to a user's preferences or desires. [0016] In a specific exemplary embodiment, the flume developer 202 includes one or more rotating parts that creates a shaped water design that moves or appears to "dance." The flume developer 202 includes a channel 203 that feeds water to the one or more apertures in the flume developer 202. The channel 203 can be conical, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, or may be hemispherical, cylindrical, or any other shape. The channel 203 is configured to optimize the water pressure and flow to the apertures of the flume developer 202, aid in the creation of laminar flow to ensure consistent operating pressures within the flume developer 202, and help create the specific desired water feature design. The channel 203 is provided within a body section 209 that can include an attachment mechanism, such as grooves, to which a cap 204 and flange 206 can be attached for securing the flume developer 202 and channel 203 in place. [0017] The water feature device 200 is held in place and sealed to a spa shell 207 by the cap 204, which also holds the flume developer 202 to the rest of the water feature body 201. The cap 204 is interchangeable and can include large finger grooves and texture to allow ease of installation and removal of the cap 204. An O-ring 206 seals the flume developer 202 to the rest of the water feature body 201 and the cap 204 and/or underside of the spa shell 207. The O-ring 206 is compressed between the cap 204 and the water feature body 201. [0018] A bottom nut 208 tightens the water feature body 201 against a chosen surface, such as the interior surface of the spa shell 207. The bottom nut 208 applies compression against a gasket 205 and the spa shell 207. The bottom nut 208 is connected to a T-section 214 of tubing, having an inlet connected to a water source and an outlet connected to the body section 209 or channel 203. The multi-body implementation allows for connecting the T-section 214 to a wide range of sizes of spa pumps or jets, which permits a greater variety of flume developer designs. [0019] The water feature device 200 may be provided with a light source to illuminate water in the device 200 and the water feature produced thereby. The illumination source can include a light attachment 210 having a light source such as a band of light emitting diodes (LEDs) or other light types. The illumination source can also include a lens 212. Either the lens 212 or the light attachment 210 can form the bottom of the water feature device 200, and therefore can be provided with an attachment mechanism such as threading for being screwed onto the T-section 214. The light attachment 210 can include controls for adjusting the lighting intensity and/or color, to produce any type of lighting pattern or intensity. [0020] FIGS. 3A-C show respective exploded perspective, exploded front and assembled views of a uni-body implementation of a water feature device 300 in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The uni-body implementation of the water feature device 300 includes many similar components as the multi-body implementation, although the body section and T-section are integrated in a unified body section 302. The body section 302 is secured in place by a gasket 304 that fits onto a tinnerman 306, which in turn secures the device 300 to the top surface of the spa shell 307 when a bottom nut 308 is tightened against the bottom of the bottom surface of the spa shell. Continue reading about Integrated water feature... Full patent description for Integrated water feature Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Integrated water feature patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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