Flex port base for swimming pool and spa heat pumps

[0002] The present invention relates to methods for plumbing heat pumps used in swimming pools and spas, and more specifically, to an elevating base through which plumbing can be installed to permit multiple configurations of the plumbing.

[0003] Prior art swimming and spa heat pumps have historically, only two plumbing ports. One port allows water to flow from the pump and filter into the heat pump and the second pump allows water to come back out of the heat pump and into the pool or spa. These ports usually are located on the front or side of the unit for easy access. This configuration however, limits the number of plumbing options and front installation in particular, interferes with access to the unit for repairs and adjustment. It also makes it difficult for the user to access the controls.

[0004] By enabling the use of multiple plumbing ports, the present invention allows for greater flexibility during installation and provides a neater, more accessible installation.

[0005] Heat pumps require large evaporator surfaces to collect heat from the ambient air. For maximum efficiency, the evaporator wraps around the outside of the unit and cannot be penetrated by plumbing ports. Heat pump manufacturers leave an opening to allow for plumbing ports.

[0006] The present invention “flex” port base adapts to existing heat pumps and creates an elevated base through which multiple plumbing configurations are effected.

[0007] The primary purpose of the invention is to provide a base which elevates the existing or prior art heat pump sufficiently to permit the installation of various plumbing configurations which connect to the existing plumbing ports of the heat pump.

[0008] It is a further purpose of the invention to adapt to existing heat pumps however their plumbing is configured.

[0009] It is a further purpose of the invention to permit plumbing port installations on any side of the heat pump so that plumbing will not interfere with the user's access to the controls.

[0010] It is a further purpose of the invention to provide chases beneath the base by which piping can be run under the heat pump. (Chase: def 2. a groove, furrow, or channel, as one made in a wall for pipes or ducts. Webster's College Dict.)

[0011] The invention is comprised of a base formed from durable material substantial enough to form a support base for a heat pump. The base is formed with four vertical sides, a top face and a bottom lip edge. The top face has openings to admit extensions from the existing heat pump plumbing into the open space within the four sides of the base. Each of the base sides has holes through which further plumbing can be installed allowing an optimum configuration and full access to the heat pump controls. In a further embodiment, the base is fitted with chases which allow pipes to be run beneath the base by an installer. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the internal plumbing of the heat pump is brought down through the base instead of the conventional method of out the side.

[0012] A prior art illustration of a typical heat pump.

[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view partially in section of the invention attached to the base of a typical heat pump.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of a heat pump chassis showing the invention as described.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a top isometric view of a heat pump chassis showing the invention as described.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of the lower plumbing configuration of a heat pump.

[0017] FIGS. 5-17 are diagrammatic representations of various plumbing options made available by the present invention.

[0018] FIGS. 17-31 are diagrammatic representations of various plumbing options made available by the addition of chases in a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals designate like and corresponding parts throughout the several views, in FIGS. 1 and 2, a prior art unit 12 sits atop base 14, which has access holes 18 in its front panel. Height 16 illustrates the elevation provided by base 14. FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the openings 18 on two opposite sides of base 14 which could be formed on all four sides, allowing for plumbing connections on all four faces of the base 14. Front panel height 16 illustrates the elevation provided by base 14.

[0020] Holes 22 provide rear access while holes 20 in floor 24 allow the original heat pump plumbing to be re-routed into space 14a.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the internal plumbing assembly 20abeing routed through holes 20 in floor 24.

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates a first plumbing configuration that can be accomplished with the instant invention. FIG. 4, shows the normal layout of heat pump plumbing 4aas provided by a manufacturer. Pipes 5cprovide the normal in/out coolant flow. With the location of holes in the prior art, the internal plumbing of the heat pump is brought out of one side only.

[0023] FIGS. 5-17 illustrate the variations of plumbing configuration available once base 14 (FIGS. 1-3) is installed. for purposes of illustration the base is described as having left side one, top side two, right side three, and bottom side four.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows inlet and outlet pipes 5amounted through two holes 18 in side one of the base 14.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows inlet pipe 5bcoming in from side two and outlet pipe 5agoing out through side one.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows inlet pipe 5ccoming in side one and exiting through side three.

[0027] FIG. 8 shows inlet pipe 5dcoming in on side four and outlet pipe 5aexiting through side one.

[0028] FIG. 9 shows inlet pipe 5acoming in side one and exiting through side two.

[0029] FIG. 10 shows inlet pipe and outlet pipe 5binstalled through side two.

[0030] FIG. 11 shows inlet pipe 5acoming in on side one and outlet pipe 5cexiting through side three.

[0031] FIG. 12 shows inlet pipe 5bcoming in on side two and exiting through side three.

[0032] FIG. 13 shows inlet and outlet pipes 5cmounted through holes 18 in side three.

[0033] FIG. 14 shows inlet pipe 5acoming in on side one and outlet pipe exiting through side three.

[0034] FIG. 15 shows inlet pipe 5bcoming in on side two and outlet pipe 5dexiting through side three.

[0035] FIG. 16 shows inlet pipe 5ccoming in on side three and exiting through side three.

[0036] FIG. 17 shows inlet pipe and outlet pipe 5dmounted through holes 18 in side four.

[0037] FIG. 18 shows the same concept described above utilizing only elbows and pipe chases 18cto accomplish much the same flexibility. Chases 18care provided under the base 14 which allow pipes to be run by the installer. The piping options shown in FIGS. 18-31 are still created by bringing the internal plumbing 20aof the heat pump down through the bottom of the base 14 instead of the conventional method of out one side.

[0038] The above description illustrates the number of different plumbing configurations that can be accomplished using the base 14 of the invention. The configurations are accomplished by utilizing plumbing tees and elbows and plugs or caps.