`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US009254240B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Lin et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`Feb.9,2016
`
`(54)
`
`INFLATABLE SPA
`
`(71) Applicant: Intex Recreation Corp., Long Beach,
`CA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Hua Hsiang Lin, Fujian (CN); Yaw
`Yuan Hsu, Fujian (CN)
`
`(73) Assignee: Intex Recreation Corp., Long Beach,
`CA (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A47K3/06
`A61H 33102
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC A61H 33102 (2013.01); A47K 3106 (2013.01);
`A61H 3310087 (2013.01);
`(Continued)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC ........................................................ A47K 3/06
`USPC ...................................................... 4/538-595
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/444,474
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jul. 28, 2014
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2015/0020306 AI
`
`Jan.22,2015
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. PCTIUS2014/
`047252, filed on Jul. 18, 2014.
`
`CH
`CH
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`573,122 A
`818,321 A
`
`12/1896 Young
`4/1906 Whall
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4/1938
`197243
`6/1967
`438622
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Intex, PureSpa SSP-10 Owner's Manual, dated Apr. 18, 2013, 17
`pages.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner- Lori Baker
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm- Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`An inflatable spa having improved strength includes a water
`cavity that receives massaging air bubbles and/or jetted water.
`
`30 Claims, 37 Drawing Sheets
`
`Jul. 18, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Dec. 5, 2013
`Dec.30,2013
`Dec.30,2013
`Dec.30,2013
`Jan. 15, 2014
`Jan. 15, 2014
`Jan. 15, 2014
`Jan.26,2014
`Jul. 8, 2014
`
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0428910 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0745798 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0745863 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0745887 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0746974 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0796506 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0888403 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0888639 U
`(CN) ...................... 2013 2 0892855 U
`(CN) .......................... 2014 1 0017358
`(CN) ...................... 2014 2 0023673 U
`(CN) ...................... 2014 2 0023673 U
`(CN) ...................... 2014 2 0050705 U
`(CN) ...................... 2014 2 0375437 U
`
`110
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0001
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`Page 2
`
`(51)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Int. Cl.
`A61H 33100
`E04H 4112
`E04H 4100
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ....... A61H 3316021 (2013.01); A61H 3316068
`(2013.01); E04H 410025 (2013.01); E04H
`41129 (2013.01); A61H 2033/023 (2013.01);
`A61H 2201/0103 (2013.01)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`1,331,018 A *
`1,775,942 A *
`2,549,597 A
`2,743,510 A
`2,753,573 A
`3,008,213 A
`3,092,101 A *
`3,336,921 A *
`3,522,123 A
`3,573,151 A
`3,683,431 A
`3,899,622 A
`4,295,918 A
`4,535,490 A *
`4,566,443 A *
`4,754,502 A *
`4,773,104 A *
`4,843,659 A
`4,899,401 A *
`4,920,588 A
`4,981,543 A *
`5,083,361 A
`5,095,559 A *
`5,101,823 A *
`5,135,440 A *
`5,249,323 A
`5,283,915 A *
`5,345,622 A *
`5,345,996 A *
`5,490,295 A
`5,567,127 A *
`5,585,025 A *
`D386,238 s *
`5,718,007 A
`5,735,000 A *
`5,809,942 A *
`5,865,564 A
`5,924,144 A *
`5,985,071 A
`6,003,166 A *
`6,108,829 A *
`6,209,150 B1 *
`6,322,870 B1
`6,357,059 B1 *
`6,385,864 B1
`6,405,386 B1 *
`6,412,123 B1 *
`6,474,373 B1 *
`6,543,962 B2
`6,571,405 B1
`6,859,953 B1
`7,032,258 B2 *
`7,070,845 B2
`7,254,853 B1
`7,334,274 B2 *
`7,370,375 B2 *
`7,461,416 B2 *
`7,467,496 B1
`7,591,036 B2
`7,694,372 B1
`7,797,770 B2
`
`1561191
`
`211920 Luthy ........................... 4291143
`911930 Millmather .................... 41541.5
`411951 Davisetal.
`511956 Mauney eta!.
`711956 Barker
`1111961 Foster eta!.
`611963 Kinney ......................... 6011167
`811967 Lloyd ........................... 6011167
`7 I 1970 Marchant
`311971 Dawbarn
`811972 Pennel eta!.
`81197 5 Geiger
`1011981 Benson et al.
`811985 Wright ........................... 41541.5
`111986 Bucher ......................... 6011157
`711988 Bowen .............................. 41487
`911988 Wang ................................ 41492
`7 I 1989 Popovich et a!.
`211990 Savarese ........................ 41541.5
`511990 Watkins
`111991 Popovich eta!.
`111992 Rudy
`311992 Liljegren eta!. ............... 41541.2
`411992 Smith ............................. 607181
`811992 Smollar eta!. ................ 4721128
`1011993 Kikuchi et a!.
`211994 Idland et al .................... 41541.1
`911994 Plone ................................ 41588
`911994 Druien .
`165147
`211996 Boyd
`1011996 Wentz ........................... 4171312
`1211996 Idland ........................... 2191497
`1111997 Peterson ...................... D211815
`211998 Loyd
`411998 Pfaeffie .......................... 41572.1
`911998 Kralovec et al.
`1221235.14
`211999 Miller et a!.
`7 I 1999 Peterson ........................... 41488
`1111999 Wynne eta!.
`1211999 Hald eta!. ..................... 41541.1
`812000 Wadsworth .................... 41541.1
`412001 Hsu eta!. .......................... 41506
`1112001 Tsai
`312002 Lau ................................ 41541.1
`512002 Sell eta!.
`612002 Chang ............................... 41506
`712002 Lau ................................ 41541.1
`1112002 Sejnowski
`1411102
`412003 Wells
`612003 Saputo eta!.
`312005 Christensen
`412006 O'Hanlon ......................... 41487
`712006 Thomas eta!.
`812007 Kim
`212008 Wang ............................. 41541.4
`512008 Phillips ............................. 41493
`1212008 Stover ............................... 41507
`1212008 Cuisset et al.
`912009 Lin et a!.
`412010 Boyd
`912010 Lau
`
`7,818,825 B2 *
`7,987,531 B2 *
`8,012,201 B2 *
`8,095,998 B2 *
`8,108,954 B2 *
`8,562,773 B2
`200210020014 A1
`200210029414 A1 *
`200210053106 A1
`200410040083 A1 *
`200510066433 A1 *
`200510235406 A1 *
`200610020332 A1 *
`200610025854 A1 *
`200610025855 A1 *
`200610137087 A1 *
`200610260038 A1 *
`200710040368 A1
`200810141449 A1 *
`200810172783 A1
`200910089924 A1 *
`200910241252 A1 *
`201010107333 A1
`201010325807 A1
`201110047691 A1
`201110094025 A1
`201110219530 A1
`201210031265 A1
`201210124732 A1
`201210124734 A1
`201210297530 A1
`201310230671 A1
`
`1012010 Lau ................................ 41541.1
`812011 West .............................. 41541.3
`912011 Lashinski eta!. .............. 62312.1
`112012 Lau ................................ 41541.5
`212012 Lau ................................ 41541.1
`10/2013 Lin
`212002 Authier eta!.
`312002 Shun Lau ....................... 41541.1
`512002 Turner
`312004 Bentley ............................. 41585
`312005 Phillips ............................. 41493
`1012005 August ............................. 41493
`112006 Lashinski et a!. ............ 62312.11
`212006 Lashinski eta!. ............ 62311.25
`212006 Lashinski eta!. .............. 62312.1
`612006 Carreau eta!. ................. 41541.1
`1112006 Lau ................................ 41541.1
`212007 Manley
`612008 Ren ................................... 41496
`712008 Smith eta!.
`412009 Jan ................................. 41541.5
`1012009 Li
`.................................. 41541.1
`5/2010 Ortlieb
`1212010 Wu
`312011 Huang eta!.
`412011 West
`912011 Hollaway
`212012 Song et a!.
`512012 Lau
`512012 Lau
`1112012 Huang
`912013 Lin et a!.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`CH
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`CN
`DE
`DE
`DE
`DE
`EP
`EP
`FR
`GB
`GB
`GB
`GB
`JP
`JP
`JP
`JP
`su
`wo
`wo
`
`438 622
`2064797
`2074591
`2287948
`2361179
`1280467
`1124804
`1506140
`2659261
`2676755
`2706070
`2776171
`1867280
`2908147
`2930467
`201032956
`201169931
`101628698
`101817233
`201790383
`202151339 u
`202267222 u
`203619151
`20317936
`203 17 936
`202004000700
`102006053666 A1
`0678263
`1 138 307
`2979809 A1
`313023
`410502
`410502
`1380153
`60-55904
`7327782
`2006-527017
`2007-506529
`410502
`2004108047
`2005030005
`
`1211967
`1011990
`411991
`811998
`212000
`1/2001
`1012003
`612004
`1212004
`212005
`612005
`512006
`1112006
`612007
`812007
`312008
`1212008
`112010
`912010
`412011
`212012
`612012
`612014
`212004
`312004
`612004
`512008
`1011995
`1012001
`912013
`611929
`1111932
`511934
`111975
`411985
`1211995
`1112006
`312007
`111974
`1212004
`412005
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0002
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`Page 3
`
`(56)
`
`wo
`wo
`
`References Cited
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2013020464 A1
`2013034864 A1
`
`212013
`3/2013
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Intex, PureSpa SPJ-HS-20 Owner's Manual, dated Dec. 20,2013,27
`pages.
`Intex, PureSpa Catalogue, dated Mar. 1, 2013, 2 pages.
`Intex Recreaction Corp., Ultra Frame Pool, Enjoy the Ultimate Stay(cid:173)
`cation!, poster, 2009, 1 page, USA.
`Intex Recreaction Corp., Easy Set Pool, packaging panel, Aug. 20,
`2008, 1 page, USA.
`Intex Recreaction Corp., Pure Spa by Intex, packaging panels, 2013,
`8 pages, USA.
`Translation of Chinese Utility Model CN 202151339 U, Vertical Air
`Compartment, Feb. 29, 2012, 5 pages, China.
`International Search Report and Written Opinion in PCT/US2014/
`047252, issued Jan. 14, 2015, 16 pages.
`UK Intellectual Property Office, Combined Search and Examination
`Report in GB1421648.5, issued Jan. 16, 2015, 2 pages.
`Search Report dated Nov. 8, 20 13 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13167369.
`Search Report dated Nov. 8, 20 13 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13167364.
`
`Search Report dated Nov. 7, 20 13 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13001945.
`Hydro-Solutions, Inc. WIPP System Product Specification; pp. 1-12,
`Waller, Texas; www.wippsystems.com, 2006.
`Third-Party Submission dated Jan. 5, 2014 in U.S. Appl. No.
`14/444,337.
`Search Report dated Feb. 3, 2015 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13167366.7.
`Search Report dated Feb. 3, 2015 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13001948.2.
`Search Report dated Feb. 3, 2015 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13001944.1.
`Search Report dated Feb. 3, 2015 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13001947.4.
`Search Report dated Feb. 3, 2015 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 13001946.6.
`Search Report dated Sep. 19, 20 14 in corresponding European Appli(cid:173)
`cation No. 12839169.5.
`International Search Report dated Mar. 11, 2015 in PCT International
`Application No. PCT/US14/68884.
`International Search Report dated Oct. 18, 2012 in PCT/US2012/
`042079.
`Examination Decision on the Request for Invalidation dated May 4,
`2015 in Chinese Application No. 201320796506.9.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0003
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 1 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`100
`I
`
`108
`
`104
`
`110
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0004
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 2 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`100
`I
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0005
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 3 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`100
`I
`
`110
`
`112
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0006
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 4 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`120
`(
`
`152a,156a
`
`138
`
`172
`
`I
`I
`I
`
`142,144, 146-.... :
`
`FIG. 4
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0007
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 5 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`120
`I
`
`132
`
`120
`I
`
`FIG. 5
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0008
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 6 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`108
`I
`152c, 156c
`
`120
`
`152a,156a
`7
`106
`
`FIG. 7
`
`··~~
`
`152a,156a
`106
`FIG. 8
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0009
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 7 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0010
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 8 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`202
`
`F\G. 10
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0011
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 9 of37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`200'\.._
`
`230 I
`
`F\G. 11
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0012
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 10 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`200
`(
`
`F\G. 12
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0013
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 11 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`206
`
`200
`~
`
`202
`
`FIG. 13
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0014
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 12 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`230
`,::::::=~/
`
`200
`I
`
`t
`
`252
`
`202
`
`FIG. 14
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0015
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 13 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`= =
`
`.
`C)
`LL
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0016
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 14 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`= =
`
`t
`
`.
`CJ
`u..
`
`!
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0017
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`~ = = N
`
`'N
`~
`u.
`'N
`\C
`rJl
`d
`
`-....l
`(.H
`0 .....
`Ul
`....
`.....
`rFJ =(cid:173)
`
`('D
`('D
`
`0\
`
`N
`~'-CI
`?'
`('D
`""f'j
`
`0 ....
`
`~ = ~
`
`~
`~
`~
`•
`00
`~
`
`FIG. 17
`
`"'-288
`
`296 ~304
`298~294
`302~ 284 ~280
`
`e.:.282
`
`262
`
`232
`
`,!
`260
`
`Jl
`
`,!
`238
`
`f3.
`
`\
`236
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0018
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 16 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`F\G. 18
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0019
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 17 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`312
`
`310
`I
`
`244
`
`FIG. 19
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0020
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 18 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`360
`
`I
`
`310
`
`I
`
`336
`340
`~~.....li:::N"'"\l:::s---t.J...--~lil---324
`
`332
`
`244
`
`FIG. 20
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0021
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 19 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`.
`CJ
`u..
`
`= =
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0022
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 20 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`N
`N .
`CJ
`u..
`
`= =
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0023
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 21 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`106
`
`102
`
`FIG. 23
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0024
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 22 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`112
`
`108
`
`380
`
`382 386 388 390
`
`104
`
`t
`
`100
`
`FIG. 24
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0025
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`~
`'CO
`~
`~
`~
`~
`til
`~
`I.C
`00
`d
`
`0 .....
`!jJ
`N
`~
`~
`r:J1 ::r
`
`-..]
`!jJ
`
`~ ....
`
`N
`
`0'1
`
`4U4
`
`y
`
`406
`
`t
`
`402
`
`F\G. 25
`
`400
`
`t
`
`402
`
`44S
`
`432
`
`) ~ 410
`
`$
`
`420
`
`p p 42\ p 4\2 p
`
`®
`
`442 --
`
`406
`
`~
`
`'-1:;
`
`~ g.
`
`a
`~ rt
`•
`rJ1
`0 •
`
`I
`226
`
`40S
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0026
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 24 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`226
`I
`
`FIG. 26
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0027
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 25 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`534
`
`500
`FIG. 27
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0028
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 26 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`FIG. 28
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0029
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 27 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`FIG. 29
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0030
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 28 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`548
`
`FIG. 30
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0031
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`~ = = N
`
`N
`'"~
`N u.
`'"'..c
`rJl
`d
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`Sheet 29 of 37
`
`-....l
`(.H
`0 .....
`'-CI
`N
`.....
`rFJ =- ('D
`
`('D
`
`0\
`
`0 ....
`
`N
`~'-CI
`?'
`('D
`""f'j
`
`Feb. 9,2016
`
`= ~
`
`~
`~
`~
`~
`•
`00
`~
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`104
`I
`
`FIG. 31
`
`612
`
`108
`
`@
`
`@
`
`,.
`
`2..O8
`
`112
`
`I
`100
`
`Bestway Exhibit ‘IOO1-0032
`PGRZO17-OOOO3
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0032
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 30 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`FIG. 32
`
`FIG. 33
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0033
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 31 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`646
`
`FIG. 34
`
`646
`
`642
`
`FIG. 35
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0034
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`~ = = N
`
`'N
`~
`u.
`'N
`\C
`rJl
`d
`
`-....l
`(.H
`0 .....
`N
`(.H
`.....
`rFJ =(cid:173)
`
`('D
`('D
`
`0\
`
`N
`~'-CI
`?'
`('D
`""f'j
`
`0 ....
`
`~ = ~
`
`~
`~
`~
`•
`00
`~
`
`104
`
`108
`
`FIG. 36
`
`714
`
`@
`
`732
`
`~
`
`762
`
` 7~ 71o 1 7~o
`
`2:
`s
`
`~ "
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0035
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 33 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`740
`
`730
`
`740
`
`730
`
`FIG. 37
`
`736
`FIG. 38
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0036
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 9, 2016
`
`Sheet 34 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`772
`
`FIG. 39
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0037
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 35 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`762
`
`(SV772
`~
`
`760
`I
`
`770
`
`778
`
`FIG. 40
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0038
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 36 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`110 762
`
`770
`
`FIG. 41
`
`770
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0039
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.9,2016
`
`Sheet 37 of 37
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`766
`
`762
`
`768
`
`FIG. 42
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0040
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`1
`INFLATABLE SPA
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of PCT/US14/47252,
`filed Jul. 18, 2014, entitled "INFLATABLE SPA," the disclo(cid:173)
`sure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference
`herein in its entirety. This application also claims priority to
`the following Chinese patent applications under 35 U.S.C.
`§ 119(b ), the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incor(cid:173)
`porated by reference herein in their entirety:
`
`2
`porous sheet including a plurality of enclosed pores located
`entirely within the outer perimeter of the at least one attach(cid:173)
`ment sheet.
`In certain embodiments, the porous sheet includes a plu(cid:173)
`rality of frame members that intersect to define the plurality of
`enclosed pores.
`In certain embodiments, the plurality of frame members of
`the porous sheet are interwoven.
`In certain embodiments, the plurality of frame members of
`10 the porous sheet are arranged in a grid pattern.
`In certain embodiments, the porous sheet includes a plu(cid:173)
`rality of open spaces that are partially surrounded by the
`frame members.
`In certain embodiments, the at least one attachment sheet
`15 has a lower melting point than the porous sheet.
`In certain embodiments, the at least one attachment sheet,
`the first wall, and the second wall have similar melting points.
`In certain embodiments, the porous sheet includes a second
`plurality of enclosed pores located beyond the outer perim-
`20 eter of the at least one attachment sheet.
`In certain embodiments, the porous sheet has an outer
`perimeter that substantially overlaps the outer perimeter of
`the at least one attachment sheet.
`In certain embodiments, the product is a spa. In other
`25 embodiments, the product is a mattress. In other embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the product is a pool.
`In certain embodiments, the first wall is an internal wall of
`the spa, and the second wall is an external wall of the spa, the
`spa further including a bottom wall that cooperates with the
`30 internal wall to define a water cavity.
`In certain embodiments, the spa includes a water cavity, the
`product further including a heating unit in fluid communica(cid:173)
`tion with the water cavity, the heating unit including a heating
`element and a U-shaped water cavity around the heating
`35 element.
`In certain embodiments, the product further includes a
`control system with a controller that maintains a current of the
`control system below a predetermined level by limiting a
`Inflatable spas are generally constructed of material having
`power supply to the heating unit.
`high flexibility and low rigidity. Although such inflatable spas 40
`According to still yet another embodiment of the present
`disclosure, an inflatable product is provided including a first
`are generally more affordable than permanent spas, inflatable
`wall, a second wall, an inflatable air chamber defined by the
`spas generally lack the strength, comfort, clean appearance,
`first wall and the second wall, and a plurality of tensioning
`and useful life of permanent spas. Also, inflatable spas may be
`structures located in the air chamber. Each tensioning struc-
`difficult to assemble, disassemble, store, and transport.
`45 ture is coupled to the first wall along a first seam that extends
`The present disclosure relates to an inflatable spa having
`along a first line and to the second wall along a second seam
`improved strength. A water cavity of the inflatable spa may
`that extends along a second line. Each tensioning structure
`receive massaging air bubbles and/or jetted water.
`includes a porous sheet with a plurality of pores, wherein any
`According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an
`line parallel to the first line intersects the plurality of pores in
`inflatable product is provided including a porous sheet
`50 the porous sheet.
`coupled to a wall of the inflatable product.
`In certain embodiments, the porous sheet includes a plu(cid:173)
`According to another embodiment of the present disclo(cid:173)
`rality of frame members that cooperate to define the plurality
`sure, an inflatable product is provided including a porous
`of pores, wherein the plurality of frame members are oriented
`sheet coupled to a wall of the inflatable product via an attach(cid:173)
`transverse to the first line.
`ment sheet.
`In certain embodiments, the plurality of frame members
`According to yet another embodiment of the present dis(cid:173)
`are oriented transverse to a third line that is perpendicular to
`closure, an inflatable product is provided including a porous
`the first line.
`tensioning structure in an air chamber of the inflatable prod-
`In certain embodiments, the first line is parallel to the
`uct.
`second line.
`According to still yet another embodiment of the present 60
`According to still yet another embodiment of the present
`disclosure, an inflatable product is provided including a first
`disclosure, an inflatable spa is provided including a top wall,
`wall, a second wall, an inflatable air chamber defined by the
`a bottom wall, an internal wall, an external wall, an inflatable
`first wall and the second wall, and a plurality of tensioning
`air chamber defined by the top wall, the bottom wall, the
`internal wall, and the external wall, a water cavity defined by
`structures located in the air chamber and coupled to the first
`wall and the second wall. Each tensioning structure includes 65 the bottom wall and the internal wall, and a control system
`at least one attachment sheet having an outer perimeter and a
`including an air pump operable in an inflation mode that
`supplies air to the air chamber to inflate the air chamber, a
`porous sheet coupled to the at least one attachment sheet, the
`
`Chinese
`Application Number
`
`2013-204289100
`2013-207457983
`2013-207458632
`2013-207458878
`2013-207469745
`2013-207965069
`2013-208884035
`2013-208886399
`2013-208928550
`2014-100173585
`2014-200236734
`2014-20050705X
`2014-203754379
`
`Filing Date
`
`Jul. 18, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Nov. 21, 2013
`Dec. 5, 2013
`Dec. 30, 2013
`Dec. 30, 2013
`Dec. 30, 2013
`Jan. 15, 2014
`Jan. 15, 2014
`Jan. 26, 2014
`Jul. 18, 2014
`
`FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
`
`The present disclosure relates to an inflatable spa. More
`particularly, the present disclosure relates to an inflatable spa
`having improved strength, and to a method for using the same.
`
`BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
`
`55
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0041
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`4
`plurality of pores in the porous sheet, attaching the second
`sheet to the third sheet, and placing the porous sheet in the air
`chamber of the inflatable product.
`In certain embodiments, the second sheet includes an
`attachment layer located between one of the plurality of walls
`of the inflatable product and the porous layer.
`In certain embodiments, the second sheet includes one of
`the plurality of walls of the inflatable product.
`In certain embodiments, the attaching step includes attach(cid:173)
`! o ing the second material of the second sheet to the third mate(cid:173)
`rial of the third sheet through the plurality of pores in the
`porous sheet.
`In certain embodiments, the attaching step includes melt(cid:173)
`ing the second material of the second sheet and the third
`15 material of the third sheet.
`In certain embodiments, the second material of the second
`sheet is the same as the third material of the third sheet.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`3
`deflation mode that removes air from the air chamber to
`deflate the air chamber, and an aeration mode that supplies air
`to the water cavity to aerate the water cavity.
`In certain embodiments, the spa further includes an air
`passageway between the air pump and the spa that extends
`above the water cavity of the spa.
`In certain embodiments, the control system further
`includes a control panel assembly that receives a user input,
`wherein the control panel assembly is mounted to the air
`passageway at a location above the water cavity of the spa.
`In certain embodiments, the air passageway includes a first
`check valve and a second check valve positioned in series to
`prevent a backflow of water from the water cavity of the spa
`to the air pump.
`In certain embodiments, at least one of the first check valve
`and the second check valve becomes progressively tighter as
`water pressure from the water cavity of the spa increases.
`According to still yet another embodiment of the present
`disclosure, an inflatable spa is provided including a top wall,
`a bottom wall, an internal wall, an external wall, an inflatable 20
`air chamber defined by the top wall, the bottom wall, the
`internal wall, and the external wall, a water cavity defined by
`the bottom wall and the internal wall, and a jetted water pipe
`network that delivers jetted water to the water cavity, wherein
`the jetted water pipe network is substantially concealed 25
`within the inflatable air chamber.
`In certain embodiments, the spa further includes a control
`system and a single water inlet pipe between the water cavity
`and the control system, wherein the water inlet pipe includes
`a filtered water inlet portion and a jetted water inlet portion. 30
`In certain embodiments, the control system includes a
`drain assembly having a filtered water drain passageway in
`fluid communication with the filtered water inlet portion of
`the water inlet pipe, a jetted water drain passageway in fluid
`communication with the jetted water inlet portion of the water
`inlet pipe, and an outlet in fluid communication with both the
`filtered water drain passageway and the jetted water drain
`passageway.
`In certain embodiments, the spa further includes a filtering
`cover that covers both the filtered water inlet portion and the 40
`jetted water inlet portion of the water inlet pipe.
`In certain embodiments, the jetted water pipe network
`includes a plurality of spray nozzles, a first connecting pipe
`that delivers water to the plurality of spray nozzles, and a
`second connecting pipe that delivers air to the plurality of 45
`spray nozzles, wherein the plurality of spray nozzles, the first
`connecting pipe, and the second connecting pipe are substan(cid:173)
`tially concealed within the inflatable air chamber.
`In certain embodiments, the first and second connecting
`pipes are flexible.
`In certain embodiments, the plurality of spray nozzles are
`spaced apart annularly about the internal wall of the spa.
`According to still yet another embodiment of the present
`disclosure, a method is provided for erecting an inflatable spa
`having an inflatable air chamber and a water cavity. The
`method includes inflating the air chamber of the inflatable spa
`to a pressure greater than about 0.8 psi. In certain embodi(cid:173)
`ments, the pressure is about 1.5 psi.
`According to still yet another embodiment of the present
`disclosure, a method is provided for manufacturing an inflat(cid:173)
`able product having an air chamber defined by a plurality of
`walls. The method includes providing a porous sheet of a first
`material, at least a portion of the first material surrounding a
`plurality of pores in the porous sheet, placing the porous sheet
`between a second sheet of a second material and a third sheet
`of a third material, the second material and the third material
`covering the portion of the first material that surrounds the
`
`The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of
`this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will
`become more apparent and the invention itself will be better
`understood by reference to the following description of
`embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the
`accompanying drawings, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
`inflatable spa of the present disclosure, the inflatable spa
`including a plurality of tensioning structures;
`FIG. 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the inflatable spa of
`FIG.1;
`FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the inflatable spa of
`FIG.1;
`FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the tensioning structure of
`35 FIG. 1;
`FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the tensioning
`structure including a porous layer and two attachment layers;
`FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tensioning
`structure including a porous layer and an attachment layer;
`FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of the tensioning struc(cid:173)
`ture coupled directly to the inflatable spa;
`FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the tensioning struc(cid:173)
`ture coupled indirectly to the inflatable spa via intermediate
`connecting layers;
`FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an inflatable spa
`shown coupled to an exemplary control system of the present
`disclosure for supplying bubbles to the inflatable spa;
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the control system of FIG.
`
`9;
`
`50
`
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the control system of FIG.
`10 with an outer shell removed;
`FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the control system of FIG.
`11 with a control panel assembly removed;
`FIG. 13 is an elevational view of the control system ofFIG.
`55 12;
`FIG.14 is an elevational cross-sectional view of the control
`system of FIG. 11;
`FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an air passage(cid:173)
`way of the control system of FIG. 9, the air passageway
`60 including an air pump, a first check valve, a drain valve, and
`a second check valve;
`FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the air passageway of
`FIG. 15;
`FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the air pump,
`65 the first check valve, and the drain valve of FIG. 15;
`FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the air pump, the first
`check valve, and the drain valve of FIG. 17;
`
`Bestway Exhibit 1001-0042
`PGR2017-00003
`
`
`
`US 9,254,240 B2
`
`20
`
`5
`FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the second
`check valve of FIG. 15;
`FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the second check valve
`ofFIG. 19;
`FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the control 5
`system of FIG. 9 shown in a deflation mode;
`FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the control system of
`FIG. 21;
`FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the inflatable spa ofFIG. 9;
`FIG. 24 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the inflat- 10
`able spa of FIG. 23;
`FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary
`heating unit of the present disclosure;
`FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the heating unit ofFIG.
`25;
`FIG. 27 is a perspective view an exemplary control system
`of the present disclosure for supplying jetted water to an
`inflatable spa;
`FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the control system of FIG.
`27 with a base partially removed to show a drain assembly;
`FIG. 29 is a side cross-sectional view of the control system
`and the drain assembly of FIG. 28;
`FIG. 30 is a bottom plan view of the control system and the
`drain assembly of FIG. 28;
`FIG. 31 is a schematic view of a water inlet system to the 25
`control system of FIG. 27 including a water inlet pipe with a
`filtering cover;
`FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the water inlet pipe ofFIG.
`31;
`FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the water inlet pipe of 30
`FIG. 32;
`FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the filtering cover of FIG.
`31;
`FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the filtering cover of
`FIG. 34;
`FIG. 36 is a schematic view of a water outlet system from
`the control system of FIG. 27 including a water outlet pipe;
`FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the water outlet pipe of
`FIG. 36;
`FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of the water outlet pipe of 40
`FIG. 37;
`FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a spa with an external wall
`partially removed to show a jetted water pipe network includ(cid:173)
`ing a plural