Fluid sealing member and fluid pump and motor having fluid sealing member

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a fluid sealing member and a motor for preventing or reducing chances of fluids and/or substances or products from entering the motor chamber or cavity of a motor and causing damage to the motor's internal components and/or causing the motor to make undesirable noises or sounds. The present invention is also directed to a motor having a fluid sealing member, and to a fluid pump having a fluid sealing member. The present invention is further directed to a fluid pump that comprises a jet assembly and a motor assembly, which comprises a motor. The fluid pump may further comprise one, some or all of the following: a fluid sealing member, a mounting housing member or coupling device, a gasket or seal, a liner (when a liner is not already provided or present), and a driven magnetic disc assembly having a magnetic pole array.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A jet assembly of a fluid pump used for dispensing a fluid to a setting or work environment in manicure and pedicure industries and similar industries, said jet assembly comprising:
 a jet assembly housing comprising a base, a front or top cover, a chamber, at least one inlet aperture dimensioned and configured to allow a fluid to enter into said jet assembly housing and said chamber, and at least one outlet aperture dimensioned and configured to allow the fluid to exit or be dispensed from said jet assembly housing and said chamber into a setting or a work environment in manicure and pedicure industries and similar industries,   wherein said base comprises an outer surface and an inner surface,   wherein said top cover comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and said at least one inlet aperture,   wherein said base and said top cover are secured to one another during operation, and   wherein said chamber is defined by said base and said top cover when said base and said top cover are secured to one another; and   an impeller positioned within said chamber,   wherein said impeller comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface,   wherein said impeller is dimensioned and configured to rotate within said chamber such that rotation of said impeller causes the fluid to enter or flow into said chamber through said at least one inlet aperture and to exit or flow out of said chamber through said at least one outlet aperture and into the setting or the work environment, and   wherein, when said base and said top cover are secured to one another, a vertical distance from a highest point of said impeller to a lowest positioned inlet aperture of said at least one inlet aperture on said inner surface of said top cover is less than or equal to about half of an inch.   
     
     
         2 . The jet assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said base and said top cover are detachably secured to one another. 
     
     
         3 . The jet assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said impeller is a magnetic impeller. 
     
     
         4 . The jet assembly according to  claim 3 , further comprising a shaft member secured to said inner surface of said base, and wherein said magnetic impeller is dimensioned and configured to rotate about said shaft member. 
     
     
         5 . The jet assembly according to  claim 1 , further comprising a shaft member secured to said inner surface of said base, and wherein said impeller is dimensioned and configured to rotate about said shaft member. 
     
     
         6 . The jet assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein said impeller comprises at least one arm member positioned on said upper surface of said impeller, and wherein, when said base and said top cover are secured to one another, said vertical distance is from a highest point of said at least one arm member to said lowest positioned inlet aperture of said at least one inlet aperture on said inner surface of said top cover. 
     
     
         7 . A fluid pump used for dispensing a fluid to a setting or work environment in manicure and pedicure industries and similar industries, said fluid pump comprising:
 a motor assembly comprising a motor; and   a jet assembly secured to said motor,   wherein said jet assembly comprises a jet assembly housing and an impeller,   wherein said jet assembly housing comprises a base, a front or top cover, a chamber, at least one inlet aperture dimensioned and configured to allow a fluid to enter into said jet assembly housing and said chamber, and at least one outlet aperture dimensioned and configured to allow the fluid to exit or be dispensed from said jet assembly housing and said chamber into a setting or a work environment in manicure and pedicure industries and similar industries,   wherein said base comprises an outer surface and an inner surface,   wherein said top cover comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and said at least one inlet aperture,   wherein said base and said top cover are secured to one another,   wherein said chamber is defined by said base and said top cover when said base and said top cover are secured to one another,   wherein said impeller is positioned within said chamber,   wherein said impeller comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface,   wherein said impeller is dimensioned and configured to rotate within said chamber such that rotation of said impeller causes the fluid to enter or flow into said chamber through said at least one inlet aperture and to exit or flow out of said chamber through said at least one outlet aperture and into the setting or the work environment, and   wherein, when said base and said top cover are secured to one another, a vertical distance from a highest point of said impeller to a lowest positioned inlet aperture of said at least one inlet aperture on said inner surface of said top cover is less than or equal to about half of an inch.   
     
     
         8 . The fluid pump according to  claim 7 , wherein said base and said top cover are detachably secured to one another. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid pump according to  claim 7 , wherein said impeller is a magnetic impeller. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid pump according to  claim 9 , wherein said jet assembly further comprises a shaft member secured to said inner surface of said base, and wherein said magnetic impeller is dimensioned and configured to rotate about said shaft member. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid pump according to  claim 7 , wherein said jet assembly further comprises a shaft member secured to said inner surface of said base, and wherein said impeller is dimensioned and configured to rotate about said shaft member. 
     
     
         12 . The fluid pump according to  claim 7 , wherein said impeller comprises at least one arm member positioned on said upper surface of said impeller, and wherein, when said base and said top cover are secured to one another, said vertical distance is from a highest point of said at least one arm member to said lowest positioned inlet aperture of said at least one inlet aperture on said inner surface of said top cover. 
     
     
         13 . The fluid pump according to  claim 7 , wherein said motor comprises:
 a first end,   a second end,   a sidewall extending between said first end and said second end,   wherein said first end, said second end and said sidewall form a substantially-enclosed structure,   a rotor,   at least one bearing,   wherein said rotor and said at least one bearing are positioned within said substantially-enclosed structure,   a motor shaft,   a motor shaft hole dimensioned and configured for accommodating and receiving said motor shaft, and   a motor chamber defined by said substantially-enclosed structure,   wherein, during use or operation, said motor chamber can only be gained access to by any fluid and/or substance or product used in the setting or work environment by entering through said motor shaft hole.   
     
     
         14 . The fluid pump according to  claim 13 , wherein said motor shaft hole and said motor shaft are dimensioned and configured in forming a sufficient fit or seal with one another such that, during use or operation, all fluids and/or substances or products used in the setting or work environment are prevented from entering said motor chamber of said motor through said motor shaft hole. 
     
     
         15 . The fluid pump according to  claim 13 , wherein said motor shaft hole is located at one of said first end and said second end. 
     
     
         16 . The fluid pump according to  claim 13 , wherein said motor further comprises a motor cap at said motor shaft end, and wherein said motor shaft hole is located at said motor cap. 
     
     
         17 . The fluid pump according to  claim 13 , wherein said motor further comprises a fluid sealing member,
 wherein said fluid sealing member comprises a lower end, an upper end, and a body extending between said lower end and said upper end,   wherein said lower end comprises a first point, a second point, a body extension extending from said first point of said lower end to said second point of said lower end, and a cavity defined by said first point, said second point and said body extension of said lower end,   wherein said lower end has a diameter,   wherein said upper end comprises a first point, a second point, a body extension extending from said first point of said upper end to said second point of said upper end, and a cavity defined by said first point, said second point and said body extension of said upper end,   wherein said upper end has a diameter,   wherein said body extends between said lower end and said upper end,   wherein said body comprises said first point, a second point, a body extension extending from said first point of said body to said second point of said body, and a cavity defined by said first point, said second point and said body extension of said body,   wherein said body has a diameter,   wherein said diameter of said body is about equal to or greater than said diameter of said lower end,   wherein said cavity of said lower end, said cavity of said upper end and said cavity of said body are dimensioned and configured for receiving said motor shaft of said motor, and   wherein a junction area about said second point of said lower end and said first point of said body forms a fluid-tight seal with said motor shaft hole when said fluid sealing member is positioned or secured in said motor shaft hole such that fluids and/or substances or products used in the setting or work environment are prevented from entering said motor chamber through said motor shaft hole.   
     
     
         18 . The fluid pump according to  claim 17 , wherein said motor shaft hole is located at one of said first end and said second end. 
     
     
         19 . The fluid pump according to  claim 17 , wherein said motor further comprises a motor cap at said motor shaft end, and wherein said motor shaft hole is located at said motor cap. 
     
     
         20 . The fluid pump according to  claim 17 , wherein said motor further comprises a driven magnetic disc assembly that comprises a one-layer, magnetic pole array and motor shaft securing means,
 wherein said one-layer, magnetic pole array is a magnetic disc,   wherein said motor is a magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein said motor shaft securing means is for securing said one-layer, magnetic pole array to a tip of said motor shaft of said magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein during operation of said magnetic coupling-type motor, said one-layer, magnetic pole array generates a magnetic field that moves or fluctuates in accordance with rotation of said one-layer, magnetic pole array,   wherein said moving or fluctuating magnetic field moves and/or causes rotation of a magnetic pole array of a magnetic impeller of a jet assembly, and   wherein rotation of the magnetic impeller results in fluid being drawn towards the magnetic impeller through at least one inlet aperture and such fluid to be propelled out of the jet assembly through at least one outlet aperture.   
     
     
         21 . The fluid pump according to  claim 13 , wherein said motor further comprises a driven magnetic disc assembly that comprises a one-layer, magnetic pole array and motor shaft securing means,
 wherein said one-layer, magnetic pole array is a magnetic disc,   wherein said motor is a magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein said motor shaft securing means is for securing said one-layer, magnetic pole array to a tip of said motor shaft of said magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein during operation of said magnetic coupling-type motor, said one-layer, magnetic pole array generates a magnetic field that moves or fluctuates in accordance with rotation of said one-layer, magnetic pole array,   wherein said moving or fluctuating magnetic field moves and/or causes rotation of a magnetic pole array of a magnetic impeller of a jet assembly, and   wherein rotation of the magnetic impeller results in fluid being drawn towards the magnetic impeller through at least one inlet aperture and such fluid to be propelled out of the jet assembly through at least one outlet aperture.   
     
     
         22 . The fluid pump according to  claim 13 , wherein said motor comprises:
 a first end,   a second end,   a sidewall extending between said first end and said second end,   wherein said first end, said second end and said sidewall form a substantially-enclosed structure,   a rotor,   at least one bearing,   wherein said rotor and said at least one bearing are positioned within said substantially-enclosed structure,   a motor shaft,   a motor shaft hole dimensioned and configured for accommodating and receiving said motor shaft,   a motor chamber defined by said substantially-enclosed structure,   wherein, during use or operation, said motor chamber can only be gained access to by any fluid and/or substance or product used in the setting or work environment by entering through said motor shaft hole, and   a fluid sealing member,   wherein said fluid sealing member comprises a lower end and a body,   wherein said lower end comprises a cavity and has a diameter,   wherein said body extends upwardly from said lower end and away from said motor chamber,   wherein said body comprises a cavity and has a diameter,   wherein said diameter of said body is about equal to said diameter of said lower end,   wherein said cavity of said lower end and said cavity of said body are dimensioned and configured for receiving said motor shaft of said motor, and   wherein a junction area about said lower end and said body forms a fluid-tight seal with said motor shaft hole such that fluids and/or substances or products used in the setting or work environment are prevented from entering said motor chamber through said motor shaft hole.   
     
     
         23 . The fluid pump according to  claim 22 , wherein said motor shaft hole and said motor shaft are dimensioned and configured in forming a sufficient fit or seal with one another such that, during use or operation, all fluids and/or substances or products used in the setting or work environment are prevented from entering said motor chamber of said motor through said motor shaft hole. 
     
     
         24 . The fluid pump according to  claim 22 , wherein said diameter of said body is substantially equal to said diameter of said lower end. 
     
     
         25 . The fluid pump according to  claim 22 , wherein said fluid sealing member is built into said motor at said motor shaft hole. 
     
     
         26 . The fluid pump according to  claim 22 , wherein said motor shaft hole is located at one of said first end and said second end. 
     
     
         27 . The fluid pump according to  claim 22 , wherein said motor further comprises a motor cap at said motor shaft end, and wherein said motor shaft hole is located at said motor cap. 
     
     
         28 . The fluid pump according to  claim 22 , wherein said motor further comprises a driven magnetic disc assembly that comprises a one-layer, magnetic pole array and motor shaft securing means,
 wherein said one-layer, magnetic pole array is a magnetic disc,   wherein said motor is a magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein said motor shaft securing means is for securing said one-layer, magnetic pole array to a tip of said motor shaft of said magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein during operation of said magnetic coupling-type motor, said one-layer, magnetic pole array generates a magnetic field that moves or fluctuates in accordance with rotation of said one-layer, magnetic pole array,   wherein said moving or fluctuating magnetic field moves and/or causes rotation of a magnetic pole array of a magnetic impeller of a jet assembly, and   wherein rotation of the magnetic impeller results in fluid being drawn towards the magnetic impeller through at least one inlet aperture and such fluid to be propelled out of the jet assembly through at least one outlet aperture.   
     
     
         29 . A fluid pump used for dispensing a fluid to a setting or work environment in manicure and pedicure industries and similar industries, said fluid pump comprising:
 a motor assembly comprising a magnetic coupling-type motor;   a jet assembly secured to said magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein said jet assembly comprises a jet assembly housing and a magnetic impeller,   wherein said jet assembly housing comprises a base, a front or top cover, a chamber, at least one inlet aperture dimensioned and configured to allow a fluid to enter into said jet assembly housing and said chamber, and at least one outlet aperture dimensioned and configured to allow the fluid to exit or be dispensed from said jet assembly housing and said chamber into a setting or a work environment in manicure and pedicure industries and similar industries,   wherein said base comprises an outer surface and an inner surface,   wherein said top cover comprises an outer surface, an inner surface, and said at least one inlet aperture,   wherein said base and said top cover are secured to one another,   wherein said chamber is defined by said base and said top cover when said base and said top cover are secured to one another,   wherein said magnetic impeller is positioned within said chamber,   wherein said magnetic impeller comprises an upper surface, a lower surface, and a side surface, and   wherein said magnetic impeller is dimensioned and configured to rotate within said chamber such that rotation of said magnetic impeller causes the fluid to enter or flow into said chamber through said at least one inlet aperture and to exit or flow out of said chamber through said at least one outlet aperture and into the setting or the work environment;   a mounting housing member for mounting said jet assembly to said motor; and   a driven magnetic disc assembly comprising:   a one-layer, magnetic pole array,   wherein said one-layer, magnetic pole array is a magnetic disc, and   motor shaft securing means for securing said one-layer, magnetic pole array to a tip of a motor shaft of said magnetic coupling-type motor,   wherein during operation of said magnetic coupling-type motor, said one-layer, magnetic pole array generates a magnetic field that moves or fluctuates in accordance with rotation of said one-layer, magnetic pole array,   wherein said moving or fluctuating magnetic field moves and/or causes rotation of a magnetic pole array of said magnetic impeller of said jet assembly, and   wherein rotation of said magnetic impeller results in fluid being drawn towards said magnetic impeller through said at least one inlet aperture and such fluid to be propelled out of said jet assembly through said at least one outlet aperture.   
     
     
         30 . The fluid pump according to  claim 29 , wherein said motor shaft securing means is a securing screw.