Systems and methods for sealing components in a spa housing

Abstract

Systems and methods for sealing components of a spa housing. The component body, such as a spa jet, extends from the inside to the outside of the spa housing. A retaining member includes at least one injection port and a proper position for retaining the component body on the outside of the spa housing. A sealant is injected through at least one injection port to seal the space between the outside of the spa housing and the component body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to spa housings. More specifically, this disclosure relates to materials and methods for sealing components in spa housings, pools, or similar structures. Background Technology

[0002] Hot tubs or spas typically consist of a sealed container with a waterproof inner surface, shaped to provide multiple seats or other internal areas. The spa housing holds water for the user's enjoyment, and the housing usually has one or more holes formed therein to receive various components, such as spa jets. Because holes need to be formed in the spa housing to penetrate the components, water may leak around the components.

[0003] Several known methods are used to prevent leakage around the components. For example, components such as gaskets are used. Other methods use silicone resin to seal gaps, but the use of silicone resin during manufacturing can vary greatly, including insufficient silicone resin in areas where it is needed and excessive silicone resin in other areas. When silicone resin leaks into areas of the spa's housing where silicone resin is not needed, an additional step of manually removing the excess silicone resin is required.

[0004] A method is needed to precisely seal components that penetrate the spa's housing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to this disclosure, a system for sealing a through-part in a spa housing may include: a through-part body including a proximal end for positioning on the inside of the spa housing, the through-part body extending through the spa housing from the inside to the outside of the spa housing, the through-part body including a flange on the proximal end for engaging the inside of the spa housing; a through-part gasket positioned between the flange and the inside of the spa housing; a spacer positioned on the outside of the spa housing, between the outside of the spa housing and a nut; and a nut including a first injection port and a second injection port equidistantly spaced from each other, the nut for holding the through-part body in proper position on the outside of the spa housing, and the first injection port for injecting sealant and the second injection port for venting air and sealant.

[0006] In some configurations, the through-part washer is integral with the through-part body. The system further includes a compensating ring located between the spacer and the nut.

[0007] According to another aspect, the spacer includes a washer having a proximal portion made of a first plastic material and a distal portion made of a second plastic material, the first plastic being more elastic than the second plastic material. The proximal portion is for engaging with the outside of the spa unit housing, and the distal portion is for engaging with a nut. The distal portion of the spacer may include an outer lip that extends upward and forms a channel for receiving a proximal flange of the nut. The spacer also includes at least one locking member for locking the nut into a position abutting against the spacer.

[0008] The system may also include a sealant used to seal the space between the exterior of the spa housing and the through-body component.

[0009] According to another aspect, a system for sealing a through-part of a spa housing includes: a through-part body including a proximal end for positioning on the inside of the spa housing, the through-part body extending through the spa housing from the inside to the outside of the spa housing; a retaining member including at least one injection port for retaining the through-part body in proper position on the outside of the spa housing, and the at least one injection port for injecting a sealant therein to seal the space between the outside of the spa housing and the through-part body.

[0010] In some configurations, the through-body includes a flange on its proximal end for engaging the inner side of the spa housing. The system may include a through-body gasket positioned within the flange and the spa housing, and / or a spacer positioned on the outer side of the spa housing, between the outer side of the spa housing and the retaining member.

[0011] According to one aspect, the retaining member includes at least two injection ports, namely a first injection port and a second injection port, which are equidistant from each other. The retaining member may include a nut.

[0012] According to another aspect, a method for sealing a through-body in a spa housing is described. The method includes the steps of: forming a hole in the spa housing with a size matching that of the through-body body; inserting the through-body body into the hole, the through-body body extending from the inside to the outside of the spa housing; attaching a retaining member to the through-body body on the outside of the spa housing to secure the through-body body in place, the retaining member including at least one injection port; and injecting adhesive into the at least one injection port.

[0013] The method may further include the steps of attaching a retaining member including a first injection port and a second injection port, and the step of injecting adhesive into at least one injection port including injecting adhesive into the first injection port until the adhesive flows out from the second injection port.

[0014] The method may include the step of inserting a spacer onto the outside of the spa unit housing, the spacer being positioned between the outside of the spa unit housing and a retaining member. The retaining member includes a nut and threads extending through the member body, and the step of attaching the retaining member includes screwing the nut onto the threads extending through the member body. The step of injecting adhesive into at least one inlet includes injecting adhesive into the space between the outside of the spa unit housing and the member body. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various elements of the invention achieve its various aspects and objectives. Not all elements of the invention are clearly shown in a single drawing, and therefore not every drawing shows every element of the invention. Components in the drawings are not necessarily related to each other. In multiple views, the same reference numerals denote corresponding components.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the inside of an exemplary system for sealing a through-body component in a spa housing.

[0017] Figure 2 It was obtained from the outside of the spa unit's casing. Figure 1 Another perspective of the system.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The system decomposition diagram.

[0019] Figure 4 These are perspective and cross-sectional views of exemplary spacers as described herein.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of an exemplary retaining member as described herein.

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary system.

[0022] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A plan view of the cross-section.

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A close-up view of a portion of the cross-section.

[0024] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method for sealing a through-body component in a spa housing. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following provides a detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention. The accompanying drawings are now taken as reference, in which various elements of the illustrated constructions will be assigned numerical designations, and the invention discussed enables those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. This description is merely an example of the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims, the full scope of which is defined by those claims.

[0026] The aspects discussed in one figure may be presented and / or used in conjunction with embodiments shown in another figure, and elements shown in multiple drawings may be described only once. The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention's construction can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more constructions. In some cases, detailed descriptions of well-known items or repetitive descriptions of substantially the same constructions may be omitted. Unnecessary redundant descriptions are avoided to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. All statements regarding the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention listed herein, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to include their equivalents.

[0027] The terms "a construction," "an embodiment," "construction," or "embodiment" used in the specification mean that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic associated with the described construction is included in at least one construction, but unless expressly stated in the presented claims, it is not required that such feature, structure, or characteristic be present in any particular construction. The phrase "in a construction" appearing in various places may not necessarily limit the scope of a particular element of the invention to a single construction, but rather that the element may be included in other or all constructions discussed herein.

[0028] As used in this specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms such as “a”, “an”, and “the” may include the plural. Thus, for example, reference to “a jet” may include one or more such jets, and reference to “the injection port” may include reference to one or more such ports.

[0029] As used herein, the term "generally" refers more to a specified adjective than a non-specified adjective, and when used in a negative context, it refers to the opposite. As used herein, the term "approximately" provides flexibility for the endpoints of numerical ranges, allowing a given value to be "slightly above" or "slightly below" the endpoints while still fulfilling the range-related function; for example, "approximately" can be within 10% of a given numerical value or range. As used herein, for convenience, multiple items, structural elements, components, and / or materials may be displayed in a general list. However, these lists should be interpreted as each component in the list being individually identified as a separate and unique component.

[0030] Numerical data may be represented or presented in range format throughout this document. It should be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity, and therefore should be flexibly interpreted to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly listed as the limits of the range, but also all individual numerical values ​​or subranges contained within that range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly listed. For example, the numerical range “approximately 5 to approximately 60” should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly listed values ​​of approximately 1 to approximately 5, but also the individual values ​​and subranges indicating the range. Thus, the numerical range includes individual values, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, etc., up to 60, and subranges, such as 10-20, 30-40, and 50-60, etc., as well as each individual digit. This principle also applies to ranges that use only one numerical value as the minimum or maximum value. Furthermore, this interpretation should apply regardless of the width of the range or characteristic described. Additionally, the terms “connected” and “linked” are used throughout for clarity and may include direct or indirect connections.

[0031] Although the method described in this paper is presented as independent steps in a specific order for clarity, this order is not required, and multiple steps can be performed simultaneously. For example, a later step can begin before a previous step is completed. Or, a step can be completed before the previous step begins.

[0032] This disclosure generally relates to materials and methods for reinforcing the housing of a spa. As used herein, "spa" or "swimming spa" refers to a hot tub, swimming spa, pool, and / or jet bath, whether on the ground or above ground. It should be understood that while the hardening materials and methods described herein are referenced to a spa, they can be similarly used in conjunction with a pool or other swimming system, or in other applications. Similarly, "spa housing" refers to the outer shell or structure of a spa, as well as the external structure of a spa or any other swimming container, such as the external structure of a pool. Thus, "spa housing" refers to the housing of a spa, the deck of a pool, and other equivalents. Similarly, "housing" refers to any container capable of holding water. As used herein, the "inside" of the housing or spa housing is the side facing the user and forming a water-holding layer within the spa or other container. The inside of the spa housing holds water during use. The "inner side" of the spa housing faces the inside of the spa housing. The "outer side" or "lower side" of the spa or spa housing is the side away from the user when inside the spa. The “outer side” of the spa housing faces the outer side of the spa housing.

[0033] refer to Figures 1 to 3An exemplary configuration of a system 10 for sealing through-parts in a spa housing may include one or more of the following components: (from the inner side 20a to the outer side 20b of the spa housing 20) a through-part body 15 passing through the spa housing 20; a gasket 24; a spacer 28; and a retaining member 32.

[0034] Figures 1 to 3 The through-body 15 shown is a jet body. Other through-body bodies include discharge bodies, suction bodies, and any other type of body or other body with a port that can extend through the spa housing. The through-body body 15 includes a proximal end 35 for positioning on the inner side 20a of the spa housing 20. The through-body body 15 includes a flange 40 on the proximal end for securing the through-body body 15 to the inner side 20a of the spa housing 20. In other configurations, the through-body body 15 does not include a flange, and the proximal end 35 of the through-body body 15 is secured to the inner side 20a of the spa housing 20 by using a nut or other retaining member.

[0035] The distal end 44, penetrating the main body of the component, includes one or more ports 47 for connection to pipes, etc. Between the proximal end 35 and the distal end 44, the penetrating main body 15 includes a threaded portion 49 for connection to a retaining member 32 on the outer side 20b of the spa housing. Figure 3 ), which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0036] The through-body 15 may have other components integrally, internally, or otherwise connected to it. For example, washers (such as washer 24 or other washers) may be attached or molded to the inside of the flange 40 to ensure a secure fit between the flange 40 and the inside 20a of the spa housing 20. In other configurations, washer 24 may be provided as a component that can be separated from the through-body 15, or washer 24 may not be provided.

[0037] An optional gasket 24 can serve as an additional seal to ensure a secure fit between the through-body 15 (e.g., the flange 40 through the through-body) and the inner side 20a of the spa housing 20. When sealant is injected from the outer side 20b of the spa housing into the space between the through-body and the spa housing 20, as detailed below, gasket 24 prevents or minimizes sealant leakage from the outer side 20b to the inner side 20a of the spa housing. The gasket further prevents or minimizes sealant leakage through the edge of the proximal end 35 of the through-body 15. In known prior art methods, the sealant (e.g., silicone) applied can leak through the edge of the through-body 15 on the inner side 20a of the spa housing, requiring spa installers to perform the rather difficult task of removing all excess sealant from the inside of the spa housing. The system and method described herein minimize excess sealant, making this task of elimination easier.

[0038] System 10 includes one or more components for securing the through-body body 15 to the outer side 20b of the spa housing. In some configurations, a washer or spacer 28 is positioned on the outer side 20b of the spa housing, between the outer side 20b of the spa housing 20 and a nut or other retaining member 32. In other configurations, no spacer 28 is provided, and the retaining member 32 directly attaches the through-body body 15 to the outer side 20b of the spa housing.

[0039] The spacer 28 helps to secure the retaining member 32 tightly to the outer side 20b of the spa housing. The spacer 28 can be formed of any suitable material and can be any desired shape / construction. Deformable or soft plastic can be used as at least a portion of the spacer 28. In other constructions, the spacer 28 can be formed entirely of rigid or non-deformable plastic. Figure 4 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of an exemplary spacer 28 is shown. Figure 4 The spacer 28 is partially formed of soft plastic and partially formed of hard plastic. Deformable, elastic and / or soft plastic may be used to form the proximal portion 50, and hard plastic may be used to form the distal portion 52.

[0040] The soft plastic of the proximal portion 50 rests directly against the outer side 20b of the spa housing 20 and prevents rotation of the spacer 28 relative to the outer side 20b of the spa housing. The hard plastic of the distal portion 52 of the spacer 28 engages directly with the retaining member 32. The distal portion 52 of the spacer 28 includes an upwardly extending outer lip 54, thereby forming an internal channel 55 for receiving the proximal flange 60 of the retaining member 32. In other configurations, the channel 55 is not provided.

[0041] The spacer 28 may also include at least one locking member 59 for locking the retaining member 32 into a position against the spacer 28 and preventing it from coming out. Figure 4 The exemplary spacer 28 includes four locking members 59, which are elastic tabs formed in the outer lip 54. These elastic tabs can be pushed open to place the retaining member 32 into the channel 55, and after the retaining member 32 is placed into the channel 55, the elastic tabs return to their original position and press against the retaining member 32. More than four locking members 59 may be provided, or fewer locking members may be provided, such as 3, 2, or 1. Alternatively, no locking members may be provided. The spacer 28 ensures that the retaining member 32 can be rotatably and securely abutted against the outer side 20b of the spa housing 20 by means of a soft plastic proximal portion 50 for engaging the outer side 20b of the spa housing 20 and a hard plastic distal portion 52 for engaging the retaining member 32.

[0042] Figure 5 This is an exemplary retaining member 32. The retaining member 32 is shown as a threaded nut or a tension nut with internal threads 62 for mating with the threads 49 of the through-body 15, but other configurations can be used as the retaining member 32 to secure the through-body 15 to the outer side 20b of the spa housing 20. For example, the retaining member can be of other shapes and include positions for screws or other fastening tools to attach the retaining member 32 to the through-body 15. In other configurations, the retaining member 32 includes a clamping interface that securely attaches to the through-body 15 when pressed against it.

[0043] The retaining member 32 can be similarly manufactured to include additional components such as a nut with a molded washer. Optional opposing lugs 64 allow for tool-less installation of the retaining member 32 onto the through-body 15. The proximal flange 60 of the retaining member 32 is received within a channel 55 of the spacer 28. The proximal flange 60 may extend outward by a longer or shorter distance, or may be a discontinuous flange or a flange with gaps or holes therein. In other configurations, the retaining member 32 does not include the proximal flange 60.

[0044] The retaining member 32 includes at least one injection port 68 for injecting sealant into the retaining member 32. In another configuration of the system 10, the retaining member 32 does not include an injection port for injecting sealant, but rather the injection port for injecting sealant may be included throughout the component body itself. In other configurations, the injection port 68 may be provided by other components such as spacer 28. Figure 5 The exemplary configuration shown includes two injection ports 68 that are explicitly integrated with the retaining member 32. Fewer or more injection ports 68 may be used.

[0045] exist Figure 5In this design, two injection ports 68 are equidistantly spaced from each other. One injection port is used to inject sealant, and the other injection port is used to expel air as the sealant fills any gaps between the threads penetrating the component body, the retaining member 32, and / or the spacer 28. Due to the equidistant arrangement of the two injection ports 68, the sealant can be forced (from the first injection port to the second injection port) across the entire periphery of the retaining member 32 before it can flow out, thus filling the entire space. The injection ports in different locations allow the sealant to flow out of the retaining member along the shortest distance between the injection ports.

[0046] The inlet 68 is sized to receive the sealant and can be large enough for injection / application, but small enough to ensure sufficient pressure during injection. Pressure on the sealant helps ensure it is forced into any space between the component body 15, retaining member 32, spacer 28, and / or housing 20. Sufficient pressure also allows the sealant to be pressed between the spa unit housing 20 and the flange 40 on the proximal end 35 of the component body 15 (but not through the gasket 24, thus avoiding significant leakage onto the inner side 20a of the spa unit housing 20, which would require removal of excess sealant during manufacturing). If the inlet 68 is too large, there will not be sufficient pressure to drive the sealant into these small spaces before it flows out from the reverse inlet. Alternatively, if the inlet is too small, the sealant will be forced into unwanted spaces before it flows out from the reverse inlet.

[0047] Suitable sealants include acrylic adhesives, methyl methacrylate (MMA) adhesives, and other anaerobic adhesives. Epoxy resins, two-part epoxy resins, silicone resins, UV-cured adhesives, and other adhesives can be used in other constructions.

[0048] Optionally, system 10 may include a compensating ring as known in the art. The compensating ring corrects any mismatch in the spa housing 20 and keeps the connection of the retaining member 32 parallel to the spa housing. The compensating ring may be a separate element or may be integrated with other components such as gaskets, retaining member 32, etc. In other configurations, a compensating ring may not be provided.

[0049] Figure 9 The usage details of the exemplary method are given. First, a hole is drilled in the spa housing 20, extending from the inner side 20a to the outer side 20b (step 100). The size of the hole is determined by the dimensions of the through-body 15 mounted on the spa housing. The hole is approximately the diameter of the through-body 15, so that the through-body 15 can fit snugly through the hole in the spa housing 20.

[0050] Once the hole is formed, the through-body 15 is inserted into the hole (step 105). A flange 40 on the proximal end 35 of the through-body 15 (either integral with the through-body 15 or provided as a separate component) holds the proximal end of the through-body 15 in place on the inner side 20a of the spa housing. An optional gasket 24 located between the flange and the inner side 20a of the spa housing 20 ensures a tight fit and no sealant leakage; its application is detailed below. The gasket 24 can be a separate element or can be integral with the through-body.

[0051] In a configuration using spacer 28, optional step 110 includes inserting spacer 28 from the outer side 20b of the spa housing into the through-body 15 (e.g., onto the distal end 44). Retaining member 32 is then attached to the through-body 15 to secure it to the outer side 20b of the spa housing 20 (step 115). For example, retaining member 32 may be a nut and the through-body may have external threads 49. Alternatively, retaining member 32 may have positions for screws or other attachment tools to connect to the through-body 15.

[0052] After retaining member 32 is in place, an adhesive or sealant is then injected into the first injection port 68 of retaining member 32 (step 120). In constructions where other components (e.g., penetrating member body 15 and / or spacer 28, etc.) provide injection ports 68, adhesives or sealants are injected into such injection ports 68. Pressure acting on the sealant forces it into the space between the spa unit housing 20, penetrating member body 15, spacer 28, retaining member 32, and / or spa unit housing 20 (e.g., Figure 8 Space 72)(step 125). As the sealant is injected into the first injection port and fills the space, it also flows to the second injection port (step 130), and air is expelled through the second injection port to ensure that the adhesive incorporates a minimum amount of any air.

[0053] Although the discrete steps are provided in a specific order in the methods used above for clarity, these steps do not require a specific order and at least one step can be performed simultaneously. For example, the adhesive can be injected before retaining member 32 is in place through part body 15. Although several parts have been described herein as independent parts, one or more parts can be integrally formed with each other.

[0054] Aspect 1: A system for sealing a through-part in a spa housing, the system comprising: a through-part body including a proximal end for positioning on an inner side of the spa housing, the through-part body extending through the spa housing from the inner side to the outer side of the spa housing, the through-part body including a flange on the proximal end for engaging the inner side of the spa housing; a through-part gasket positioned between the flange and the inner side of the spa housing; a spacer positioned on the outer side of the spa housing, between the outer side of the spa housing and a nut; a nut including a first injection port and a second injection port equidistantly spaced from each other, the nut for holding the through-part body in proper position on the outer side of the spa housing, and the first injection port for injecting sealant and the second injection port for venting air and sealant.

[0055] Aspect 2: A system for sealing a through-part in a spa housing according to aspect 1, wherein the through-part body comprises at least one of the following: a jet body, a suction body, and a discharge body.

[0056] Aspect 3: A system for sealing through-parts in a spa housing, as described in aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the through-part gasket is integral with the through-part body.

[0057] Aspect 4: Any of Aspects 1 to 3, further comprising a compensating ring located between the spacer and the nut.

[0058] Aspect 5: Any system of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the spacer includes a washer having a proximal portion made of a first plastic and a distal portion made of a second plastic, the first plastic being more elastic than the second plastic, the proximal portion being for engaging with the outside of the spa housing, and the distal portion being for engaging with a nut.

[0059] Aspect 6: The system of aspect 5, wherein the distal portion further includes an outer lip that extends upward and forms a channel for receiving a proximal flange of a nut.

[0060] Aspect 7: The system of aspect 5 or aspect 6, wherein the spacer further includes at least one locking member for locking the nut into a position abutting the spacer.

[0061] Aspect 8: Any of Aspects 1 to 7, further comprising a sealant for sealing the space between the exterior of the spa housing and the through-body component.

[0062] Aspect 9: A system for sealing a through-part in a spa housing, the system comprising: a through-part body including a proximal end for positioning on an inner side of the spa housing, the through-part body extending through the spa housing from an inner side to an outer side of the spa housing; a retaining member including at least one injection port for retaining the through-part body in proper position on the outer side of the spa housing; and at least one injection port for injecting a sealant herein to seal the space between the outer side of the spa housing and the through-part body.

[0063] Aspect 10: The system of aspect 9, wherein the through-body component includes a flange on the proximal end for engaging the inner side of the spa housing.

[0064] Aspect 11: The system of aspect 10 further includes a through-part gasket positioned inside the flange and the spa housing.

[0065] Aspect 12: Any of aspects 9 to 11, further comprising a spacer positioned on the outside of the spa housing, between the outside of the spa housing and the retaining member.

[0066] Aspect 13: Any of Aspects 9 to 12, wherein the retaining member includes a nut.

[0067] Aspect 14: Any system of aspects 9 to 13, wherein the retaining member includes at least two injection ports, the two injection ports including a first injection port and a second injection port, the first injection port and the second injection port being equidistant from each other.

[0068] Aspect 15: A method for sealing a through-body in a spa housing, the method comprising the steps of: forming a hole in the spa housing with a size matching that of a through-body body; inserting the through-body body into the hole, the through-body body extending from an inside side of the spa housing to an outside side of the spa housing; attaching a retaining member to the through-body body on the outside side of the spa housing to secure the through-body body in place, the retaining member including at least one injection port; and injecting a sealant into at least one injection port.

[0069] Aspect 16: The method of aspect 15, wherein the method includes attaching a retaining member including a first injection port and a second injection port.

[0070] Aspect 17: The method of aspect 16, wherein the step of injecting a sealant into at least one injection port includes injecting a sealant into a first injection port until the sealant flows out from a second injection port.

[0071] Aspect 18: The method of aspects 15 to 17, wherein the method further includes the step of inserting a spacer on the outside of the spa housing, the spacer being between the outside of the spa housing and the retaining member.

[0072] Aspect 19: The method of aspects 15 to 18, wherein the retaining member includes a nut and the through-body of the member includes threads, and wherein the step of attaching the retaining member includes screwing the nut onto the threads of the through-body of the member.

[0073] Aspect 20: Any of Aspects 15 to 19, wherein the step of injecting an adhesive into at least one inlet comprises injecting a sealant into the space between the exterior of the spa housing and the body of the component.

[0074] Aspect 21: A system for sealing a through-part in a spa housing, the system comprising: a through-part body including a proximal end for positioning on an inner side of the spa housing, the through-part body extending through the spa housing from the inner side to an outer side of the spa housing; a retaining member for retaining the through-part body in proper position on the outer side of the spa housing; and a gasket positioned on the outer side of the spa housing between the outer side of the spa housing and the retaining member, the gasket including at least one injection port for injecting a sealant to seal the space between the outer side of the spa housing and the through-part body.

[0075] While many details of the above disclosure have been provided, such as the use of the system in a spa, it should be understood that pools and other water-holding devices are equally applicable and should not be construed as limiting the scope of any subsequent claims. Other embodiments and constructions may be designed without departing from the scope of these claims. Features from different embodiments and constructions may be used alone or in combination. Accordingly, all additions, deletions, and modifications to the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scope of these claims are included herein. The scope of each claim is indicated and limited only by its explicit language and the full scope of the available legal equivalents of its elements.

[0076] Furthermore, if any patents or print publications are cited in this disclosure, each of those citations and print publications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A system for sealing a through-part in a spa device housing, the system comprising: A through-body component includes a proximal end for positioning on the inside of the spa housing, the through-body component extending through the spa housing from the inside to the outside of the spa housing, the through-body component including a flange on the proximal end for engaging the inside of the spa housing; A through-part gasket is positioned between the flange and the inner side of the spa unit housing; A spacer, positioned on the outside of the spa housing, between the outside of the spa housing and a nut, the spacer including a washer having a proximal portion made of a first plastic and a distal portion made of a second plastic, the first plastic being more elastic than the second plastic, the proximal portion for engaging the outside of the spa housing, and the distal portion for engaging the nut, the distal portion including an upwardly extending outer lip forming a channel for receiving a proximal flange of the nut; as well as The nut includes a first injection port and a second injection port, which are equidistant from each other. The nut is used to hold the through-body component in a proper position on the outside of the spa housing. The first injection port is used to inject sealant, and the second injection port is used to expel air and sealant.

2. The system for sealing a through-body in a spa housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the through-body body comprises at least one of the following: a jet body, a suction body, and a discharge body.

3. The system for sealing a through-part in a spa housing as claimed in claim 1, wherein the through-part gasket is integral with the through-part body.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a compensation ring located between the spacer and the nut.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the spacer further comprises at least one locking member for locking the nut to a position abutting the spacer.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sealant for sealing the space between the outer side of the spa housing and the through-body component.

7. A system for sealing a through-part in a spa device housing, the system comprising: A through-body component includes a proximal end for positioning on the inner side of the spa housing, the through-body component extending through the spa housing from the inner side to the outer side of the spa housing; A retaining member for holding the through-body component in a proper position on the outside of the spa housing; A spacer, positioned outside the spa unit housing, between the outer side of the spa unit housing and the retaining member; the spacer includes a washer having a proximal portion made of a first plastic material and a distal portion made of a second plastic material, the first plastic being more elastic than the second plastic material; the proximal portion for engaging with the outer side of the spa unit housing, and the distal portion for engaging with the retaining member, the distal portion including an upwardly extending outer lip forming a channel for receiving a proximal flange of the retaining member; and At least one of the through-body and retaining member includes at least one injection port, and the at least one injection port is used to inject a sealant therein to seal the space between the outside of the spa housing and the through-body.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the through-body component includes a flange on its proximal end for engaging the inner side of the spa housing.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a through-member gasket positioned between the flange and the inner side of the spa housing.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises a nut.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the retaining member includes at least two injection ports, the two injection ports including a first injection port and a second injection port, the first injection port and the second injection port being equidistant from each other.

12. A method for sealing a through-part in a spa device housing, the method comprising the steps of: Form holes in the spa device housing that are the same size as those that penetrate the main body of the component; The through-body component as described in claim 1 is inserted into the hole, the through-body component extending from the inside of the spa housing to the outside of the spa housing; The nut as described in claim 1 is attached to the through-body of the spa unit on the outside of the housing to secure the through-body in place; and Inject sealant into the first injection port.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the method includes assembling a nut including a first injection port and a second injection port.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of injecting sealant into the first injection port comprises injecting sealant into the first injection port until the sealant flows out from the second injection port.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the method further comprises inserting a spacer on the outside of the spa housing, the spacer being between the outside of the spa housing and the nut.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the through-body includes threads, and wherein attaching the nut includes screwing the nut onto the threads of the through-body.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of injecting a sealant into the first inlet includes injecting the sealant into the space between the outside of the spa housing and the through-body component.

18. A system for sealing a through-part in a spa device housing, the system comprising: A through-body component includes a proximal end for positioning on the inner side of the spa housing, the through-body component extending through the spa housing from the inner side to the outer side of the spa housing; A retaining member for holding the through-body component in a suitable position outside the spa unit housing; and A spacer, positioned outside the spa unit housing, between the outer side of the spa unit housing and the retaining member; the spacer includes a washer having a proximal portion made of a first plastic material and a distal portion made of a second plastic material, the first plastic being more elastic than the second plastic material; the proximal portion for engaging with the outer side of the spa unit housing, and the distal portion for engaging with the retaining member, the distal portion including an upwardly extending outer lip forming a channel for receiving a proximal flange of the retaining member; and A gasket, positioned on the outside of the spa housing, between the outside of the spa housing and the retaining member, the gasket including at least one injection port for injecting sealant therein to seal the space between the outside of the spa housing and the through-body member.

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