Patent Application
20230340797
The present invention relates generally to devices for enhancing the performance of pool skimmers. More specifically, the present invention is related to an apparatus for enhancing the performance of skimmer baskets used in swimming pools while also preventing corrosion in pool equipment.
Pool skimmers are filters designed to capture floating debris before it sinks to the bottom of the pool. Swimming pools, typically located outdoors, accumulate a variety of debris such as leaves, hair, pollen, goggles, plastic covers/wrappers, toys, insects, small animals like frogs/rats, and others, which can contaminate the pool. To address this issue, a filtering system that continuously extracts debris from the pool surface is necessary to maintain cleanliness.
Skimmer baskets are commonly used to collect and remove debris from pools. These baskets may be connected to the pool's extraction pumps. While the skimmer basket collects debris, it and the connected pumps/pipes may suffer from corrosion due to the quantity and quality of water processed daily. A solution that prevents both corrosion of pool equipment and debris from entering the pumps is desirable for most pools.
Various prior art has attempted to address the above-mentioned problem, such as U.S. Pat. No. 10,526,808B2 which discloses apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that the system increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.
U.S. Pat. No. 8,864,986B1 discloses apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that the system increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,347,234B2 discloses an improved pool skimmer basket assembly with skimmer vent tower adapter for mounting a skimmer vent tower on a pool skimmer basket allows for the existing design of a skimmer vent tower to be retrofitted with any pool skimmer basket and/or any pool skimmer. The adapter is reversibly secured between any pool skimmer basket available on the market and the skimmer vent tower without requiring modifications to either part. Applicant's assembly utilizes the substantially centrally positioned skimmer vent tower of an existing design to provide a means by which water is vented through the basket, even when the strainer orifices are clogged. When the user requires a different size of basket and/or a new basket, he can easily remove the adapter attached to the inner bottom portion of the basket and place it on another basket without forgoing the use of the skimmer vent tower altogether. Ease of removing the adapter and either attaching it to a new basket of the same or a differing size not only prevents additional expense but takes advantage of the skimmer vent tower and, ultimately, all advantages offered by it.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,132,096B2 discloses apparatuses for improving pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the apparatus is a pool skimmer basket system that includes a skimmer basket, a first tube that is attached to the skimmer basket, and a second tube that is adjacent to and rotatable relative to the first tube. The first tube includes a longitudinal slot that feeds water into the skimmer basket. Without being bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the slot increases the velocity of water flowing into the basket and that the system increases the debris-holding capacity and allows one to avoid having to reach through dirty water to remove the skimmer basket.
While these prior art proposals offer one or more solutions, they are complex in nature and may not be compatible with existing infrastructure. Consequently, a simple, easy-to-install, and portable solution is needed. The present invention proposes such a solution.
In light of the disadvantages mentioned in the previous section, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification and drawings as a whole.
The present invention aims to address the disadvantages mentioned above by providing an apparatus that can be installed in conjunction with skimmer baskets to prevent debris from entering pump lines and protect pool equipment from corrosion by functioning as a sacrificial component. The apparatus is manufactured using a galvanic anode, such as aluminum, which corrodes easily, thereby delaying corrosion of more valuable equipment/components. The apparatus is fixed below the skimmer basket, serving as a filter for solid waste and a corrosion prevention component simultaneously.
This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description and figures.
The abovementioned embodiments and further variations of the proposed invention are discussed further in the detailed description.
The present disclosure describes an apparatus for preventing debris from entering pool lines, which may be installed beneath a skimmer basket or similar filtration system commonly found in swimming pools. In addition to preventing debris such as small toys, insects, small animals, leaves, and other related debris from entering the skimmer pumping system, the apparatus also prevents corrosion of essential pool equipment.
In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments maybe utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims.
The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. A single feature of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed. tems.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
In the foregoing sections, some features are grouped together in a single embodiment for streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the disclosed embodiments of the present disclosure must use more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
The apparatus is designed as a sacrificial component. As most pool equipment, including pipes and pumps, is both valuable and prone to corrosion, providing a sacrificial component that delays or prevents corrosion of essential equipment is beneficial. A galvanic anode, such as aluminium, is used to manufacture the apparatus, which is fixed below the skimmer basket. The apparatus functions as both a filter for solid waste and a corrosion prevention component. As the apparatus acts as a sacrificial anode, it prevents or delays corrosion of crucial pool equipment such as skimmer pipes and pumps. The apparatus may be replaced periodically once it corrodes completely.
A galvanic anode is a sacrificial metal that is used to protect other, more valuable metals from corrosion. The anode material should have a more negative electrochemical potential than the material it is intended to protect. Examples of materials that can be used as galvanic anodes include:
Zinc: Zinc is a common anode material and is widely used for cathodic protection in various applications, such as marine structures, underground pipelines, and steel-reinforced concrete structures.
Magnesium: Magnesium is another common anode material with a higher driving voltage than zinc. It is used for cathodic protection in freshwater systems, soil environments, and buried metallic structures.
Aluminium: Aluminium anodes are used in various applications, including marine environments, due to their lightweight properties and good electrochemical performance. Aluminium anodes are often used in alloy form, with added elements such as indium, gallium, or zinc, to improve their performance.
Iron: Iron can be used as a galvanic anode in certain applications, but its use is less common due to its lower driving voltage and susceptibility to passivation, which can reduce its effectiveness.
Tin: Tin can be used as a galvanic anode in specific environments, such as those with low oxygen content or low water flow rates. However, it is less common than other anode materials due to its limited range of applications and higher cost.
These materials can be used alone or in combination to form alloys with specific properties tailored to the particular application and environment where the galvanic anode will be used. The choice of anode material depends on factors such as the type of metal being protected, the environment in which the anode will be used, and the required performance and service life of the anode.
The accompanying figures illustrate the proposed apparatus in various states, including before and after corrosion. The dimensions of the apparatus may be modified according to the requirements of the user as understood by a person skilled in the art.
The dimensions of the apparatus may be customized based on various factors, including the size and shape of the pool, the skimmer basket, and the pump system being used. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be available in a range of standard sizes to accommodate common pool and skimmer configurations. Alternatively, the apparatus may be designed with adjustable or modular components, allowing users to adapt the device to their specific needs.
To determine the appropriate dimensions for the apparatus, the user may take into consideration the following factors:
Skimmer basket size and shape: The apparatus should be designed to fit securely underneath the skimmer basket, providing adequate coverage and protection for the pump lines. The dimensions of the apparatus should account for any protrusions or irregular shapes of the skimmer basket.
Pump line diameter and configuration: The apparatus should be sized to accommodate the diameter of the pump lines and any additional fittings or connections that may be present. This may require the user to measure the pump lines and determine the optimal size and shape for the apparatus.
Pool or tub size and shape: The apparatus should be designed to provide effective protection for the entire pool or tub. Larger pools may require larger or multiple apparatuses to ensure adequate coverage. In addition, the shape of the pool or tub may influence the shape and dimensions of the apparatus, particularly in cases where the pool has irregular or curved edges.
Material properties: The choice of material for the apparatus may also influence its dimensions, as different materials may have varying levels of strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. A thicker material may provide better protection but may also increase the overall size and weight of the apparatus.
Ease of installation and maintenance: The dimensions of the apparatus should be designed with ease of installation and maintenance in mind. The apparatus should be easy to install, remove, and clean when necessary, without requiring any specialized tools or equipment.
By taking these factors into consideration, users can customize the dimensions of the apparatus to provide optimal protection against corrosion and prolong the life of their pool equipment.
The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings that depict exemplary embodiments consistent with the present invention. Other embodiments are possible and modifications may be made to the embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not meant to limit the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.
Referring now to the figures,
In various embodiments, the apparatus may be installed in swimming pools, hot tubs, or other water-containing structures that require filtration and corrosion protection. The apparatus may be designed to be compatible with a variety of skimmer baskets and pump systems, providing a versatile and easily adaptable solution for different pool or tub configurations.
In some embodiments, the apparatus may include additional features such as a handle or other attachment means for easy removal and replacement when necessary. The apparatus may also be designed to be easily cleaned or maintained by the user, further extending the life of the pool equipment and reducing maintenance costs.
The above-described exemplary embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of illustration only. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, numerous modifications may be made without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying drawings) and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
The terms “include,” “have,” and variations thereof, as used herein, have the same meaning as the term “comprise” or an appropriate variation thereof. Furthermore, the term “based on”, as used herein, means “based at least in part on.” Thus, a feature that is described as based on some stimulus can be based on the stimulus or a combination of stimuli including the stimulus.
The present description has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing examples. It is understood, however, that other forms, details, and examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter.
It may be noted that the above-described examples of the present solution are for the purpose of illustration only. Although the solution has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, numerous modifications may be possible without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Other substitutions, modifications, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the present solution. All the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings), and all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features or steps are mutually exclusive.
The terms “include,” “have,” and variations thereof, as used herein, have the same meaning as the term “comprise” or an appropriate variation thereof. Furthermore, the term “based on”, as used herein, means “based at least in part on.” Thus, a feature that is described as based on some stimulus can be based on the stimulus or a combination of stimuli including the stimulus.
The present description has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing examples. It is understood, however, that other forms, details, and examples can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter that is defined in the following claims.
This application is a continuation in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/332,762 entitled, “APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING SKIMMER PUMP LINES” filed Apr. 20, 2022.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63332762 | Apr 2022 | US |
