Patent Application
20180251993
The present invention relates generally to the field of swimming pool cleaning devices, and more particularly to a leaf removal device for pool skimmers.
Swimming pools often include a filtering system with one or more inlets, a pump system, and one or more outlets. In order to prevent debris, such as leaves or sticks, from entering the pump system, the inlets generally include a skimmer which collects the debris in a basket set into a cavity within the inlet. These baskets fill with debris and need to be emptied often and by hand.
Previously designed systems to automatically remove leaves and debris from the skimmer often require the skimmer basket be removed from the skimmer, increasing the risk that debris enters the pump system. Previously known systems can also be unwieldy to install and operate, and can be of limited effectiveness in removing debris.
Accordingly, it can be seen that needs exist for an improved leaf removal system for swimming pools skimmers. It is to the provision of an improved leaf removal device or system meeting these and other needs that the present invention is primarily directed.
In example embodiments, the present invention provides a leaf removal conveyor for a pool skimmer designed to remove leaves and debris from a pool skimmer and skimmer basket and deposit the debris in a collection container. The leaf removal conveyor generally includes a conveyor housing and a collection container for retaining leafs and other debris. The conveyor housing generally includes a belt and a drive mechanism at least partially surrounded by an outer shell. The conveyor housing is configured to extend through an access opening in a pool deck to a skimmer basket. The belt is configured to move leafs and debris from the skimmer, through the conveyor housing to the collection container.
In an example embodiment, the invention relates to a leaf removal conveyor system for use with a pool skimmer including a skimmer basket, the conveyor system including a belt and a drive mechanism. The belt includes at least one cleat configured to move in a cyclical motion within an enclosure. At least a portion of the enclosure is configured to engage with a pool skimmer. The drive mechanism is configured to move the belt in a cyclical motion moving the at least one cleat through the skimmer to collect and remove debris.
In another example embodiment, the invention relates to a leaf removal conveyor system for use with a pool skimmer comprising a skimmer opening and skimmer basket, the leaf removal conveyor comprising a conveyor housing, a belt, and a drive mechanism. The conveyor housing is configured to extend through the skimmer opening. A portion of the conveyor housing rests on a rim of the skimmer basket and a portion of the conveyor housing is positioned within the skimmer basket. The belt includes at least one cleat configured to move in a cyclical motion within the conveyor housing. The drive mechanism is configured to move the belt in a cyclical motion moving the at least one cleat through the skimmer basket to collect and remove debris.
In still another example embodiment, the invention relates to a method of removing leaves and debris from a pool skimmer having a skimmer opening and a skimmer basket. The method includes inserting a conveyor housing through the skimmer opening into the skimmer. The conveyor housing comprises a belt with at least one cleat, a drive mechanism, and a sensor configured to determine when leaves and debris are present in the skimmer. The method further comprises sending a relay signal from the sensor to the drive mechanism when leaves and debris are detected in the skimmer then having the relay signal activate the drive mechanism to turn the belt in a circular motion wherein the cleats remove the debris from the skimmer. Lastly, the method comprises collecting the debris removed from the skimmer in a collection container.
In still another example embodiment, the invention relates to a leaf removal conveyor system for use with a pool skimmer, the leaf removal conveyor comprising an elongate housing, a belt, and a drive mechanism. The elongate housing has a intake opening in a bottom end of the housing and an exit opening in the top end of the housing. The bottom end of the housing is configured to be inserted into the pool skimmer and a portion of the housing behind the intake opening is perforated. The belt includes at least one cleat configured to move in a circular motion within the housing. The drive mechanism configured to move the belt moving the at least one cleat through the skimmer to collect and remove debris.
These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figures and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawings and detailed description of example embodiments are explanatory of example embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of example embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.
Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.
With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,
As shown in
The outer shell 30 of the depicted embodiment is a substantially rectangular-shaped shaft. The shell 30 includes lateral side walls 36 extending the length of the conveyor housing 20. The shell also includes a front wall 38 and a back wall 40. The intake opening 32 is generally formed in the front wall 38 of the outer shell 30 and the exit opening 34 is generally formed in the back wall 40. The outer shell 30 is dimensioned to fit through a skimmer access opening O. The bottom 22 of the shell 30 is designed to rest on the rim of the skimmer basket B or rest on the floor of the skimmer S just above the skimmer basket. In the depicted embodiment, the conveyor device 10 is used without removal of the skimmer basket B. The conveyor device 10 can be used when the skimmer basket is removed because the device itself is designed to prevent the majority of debris from entering the pool pump while maintaining water flow to the pool pump (discussed further below). Generally, a portion of the conveyor housing 20 sits below the water line of the pool. The belt 50 of the depicted embodiment, shown in
As shown in
In the depicted embodiment, the second surface 60 is formed from an array of evenly spaced teeth that allow water to drain from the leaves L as they are lifted through the housing 20. The cleats 56 can also be formed from a solid sheet including drainage holes or can be constructed of a perforated material to allow water to pass through. The cleats 56 are generally formed from a plastic material. The cleats 56 have a degree of flexibility to prevent them from getting caught on the skimmer or skimmer basket but are rigid enough to support the weight of the leaves and debris. The cleats 56 are configured to deposit the leaves L through the upper opening 34 as they rotate around the drive sprocket 52 at the top of the conveyor housing 20.
The drive mechanism 70 generally includes an electric motor connected to at least one drive sprocket 52 configured to drive the belt 50 in a circular motion. In the depicted embodiment, the conveyor device 10 includes a drive sprocket 52 positioned at the top 24 of the conveyor housing 20. The electric motor can be a 12 volt system configured to turn the sprocket 52 at a rate of about 30 rotations per minute (rpm). In alternative embodiments, a higher or lower voltage electric motor is used. In other embodiments, the conveyor device 10 includes an additional sprocket positioned at the bottom 22 of the conveyor housing 20. The sprocket 52 includes an array of teeth design to engage with the openings in the mesh belt 50 to drive the belt in a circular motion. The sprocket 52 does not require the belt 50 be in tension around the sprocket for the sprocket's teeth to engage the belt. A lack of tension in the belt 50 allows the cleats 56 to move inward when traveling inside the outer shell 30.
In example embodiments, the electric motor 70 is powered by batteries contained within the conveyor housing 20 or with a conventional electric plug. The batteries can be rechargeable. In example embodiments, a 5 Ahr SLA rechargeable battery is used. In the depicted embodiment, the batteries are recharged by a solar panel 72 positioned near the top of the conveyor housing 20. The solar panel can be a 12-18 volt solar panel. In example embodiments, the solar panel 72 is positioned parallel to the pool deck D when the conveyor device 10 is in the use position. In other embodiments, the solar panel 72 is positioned at an angle relative to the pool deck D when the conveyor device 10 is in the use position. In still other embodiments, the solar panel 72 is repositionable such that it can be angled toward the sun light. In other embodiments, the batteries can be electrically recharged. The electric motor and controls for the drive mechanism 70 can be contained in a drive housing portion 74 attached to the outer shell 30.
The intake or bottom opening 32 of the outer shell 30 is shown in detail in
As shown in
The drive mechanism 70 can include a control circuit or system to manage the operation of the motor. The drive mechanism 70 can include a simple on/off switch or button 76. Preferably, the control system is configured to remove leaves and debris L at a sufficient rate to prevent the debris from blocking the slots 44 or porous portion in the back wall 40 behind the intake opening 32. In one embodiment, the control mechanism can be configured to run the drive mechanism 70 continuously when it is turned on. This embodiment helps to prevent a blockage of the porous back wall 44, but requires continuous use of energy. In other embodiments, the drive mechanism 70 can be designed to run intermittently to save energy and time between battery charged, but still prevent a blockage of the porous back wall 44. In the depicted embodiment, the drive mechanism 70 includes a sensor 78 configured to detect when leaves and debris L are present in the skimmer S. In example embodiments, the sensor 78 is a visual sensor configured to activate the drive mechanism 70 when the visual sensor “sees” leaves in the skimmer S. An example visual sensor 78 includes a PNP infrared photoelectric sensor. The visual sensor 78 is configured to activate a programmable relay to turn on the electric motor when it detects leaves L in the skimmer S. When the sensor 78 no longer detects leaves L it signals the relay to turn off the electric motor until it does detect more leaves. The visual sensor 78 can be calibrated to require a certain amount of leaves or debris to be detected before activating the drive mechanism 70. Ideally, the visual sensor 78 does not require the drive mechanism 70 to run continuously but the sensor will activate the drive mechanism before enough debris accumulates to block the porous portion 44 of the back wall 40.
As shown in
The conveyor housing 20 can optionally include a positioning wedge 48 configured to help hold the conveyor housing in the optimal position within the skimmer S. The wedge 48, shown in
The collection container 80 is positioned to collect the debris L as it exits the upper opening 34. The collection container 80 is generally removably attached to the back wall 40 of the conveyor housing. The collection container 80 is designed to be detached from the conveyor housing 20, emptied, and reattached such that it is reusable. In the depicted embodiment, the collection container 80 has a trapezoidal shape with an opening 82 configured to align with the upper opening 34 of the conveyor housing 20. In other embodiments, the collection container 80 can have another shape. In example embodiments, the exit opening 34 of the conveyor housing 20 includes a scoop protrusion 42 extending from the top of the exit opening. The scoop protrusion 42 is configured to direct the leaves L out of the exit opening 34 and downward into the collection container 80. The collection container or bag 80 is generally formed from a mesh or other perforated material that allows water to drain from the leaves and debris L.
In example embodiments, the bag 80 is formed from a material sufficient for the bag to be continuously reusable. In other embodiments, the bag 80 can be formed from a less durable and cheaper material that is designed to be disposable. In this embodiment, the bag 80 would be detached from the conveyor housing 20 when full and the bag and debris L would be thrown out. A new, disposable bag 80 would be attached to the conveyor housing 20 for the next use. The collection container 80 can also include a weight 84 attached to the bottom periphery of the collection container and configured to hold down a corner of the collection container, especially when it is empty of debris. In the depicted embodiment, the weight 84 is configured to extend through the skimmer opening O.
In the depicted embodiment, the collection container 80 is a similar height to the conveyor housing 20 in the use position. In other embodiments, the collection container 80 can extend over the front and top of the upper portion 24 of the conveyor housing 20. This collection container 80 allows a greater volume of debris to be collected before the container needs to be emptied. In another embodiment, the collection container 80 surrounds the top portion of the conveyor housing 20. This container 80 can also hold a larger volume of debris before the container 80 needs to be emptied. The collection container 80 can also include an open top which allows debris to be removed from the container while the container is still attached to the conveyor housing 20.
Similar to the previous embodiment, the conveyor device 100 also includes a sensor 178 configured to active the drive mechanism when leaves and debris are detected in the skimmer. In the depicted embodiment, the sensor 178 is a float switch. The float switch 178 is positioned behind a wing 146 on the lateral sidewall 136 of the conveyor housing 120. In other embodiments, alternate positions for the float switch 178 can be used. The float switch 178 is configured to detect drops in the water level within the skimmer. In use, the bottom 122 of the leaf conveyor device 100 is configured to collect leaves and debris until water can no longer pass through the back screen 144. The collected debris creates a dam which will create a drop in water level in the skimmer. The float switch 178 is configured to activate the drive mechanism when the water level drops to a prescribed level. The drive mechanism can be programmed to run for a prescribed time interval after activation or can be configured to stop running when the float sensor 178 detects the water level in the skimmer returns to a higher or normal level. In example embodiments, the float sensor 178 includes a delay relay that allows the drive mechanism to continue running for a predetermined amount of time after the float sensor 178 detects that the water level has return to a normal level.
In the depicted embodiment, the conveyor housing 220 is configured such that the lower portion of the outer shell 230 rest within the skimmer basket B in the use position. The bottom of the outer shell 230 includes notches 244 positioned on the lateral sidewalls 236. The notches 244 are positioned to engage with the rim of the skimmer basket B while a portion of the conveyor housing 220 extends into the skimmer basket, as shown in
The conveyor housing 220 of this embodiment can include a cleat clearing post 246 attached to the lateral side walls 236 above the upper drive sprocket 252. The cleat clearing post 246 is positioned to engage with the cleats 256 as they pass to help clear leaves L from the cleat. The clear clearing post 246 is positioned such that as the leaves L are cleared from the cleat, they fall through the upper opening 234 into the collection container 280. The outer shell 230 can also include a cleat retractor 248 positioned on the bottom edge of the upper opening 234. In the example embodiment, the belt 250 and cleats 256 can extend through the upper opening 234 to help deposit leaves L in the collection container 280 The cleat retractor 248 helps push or guide the cleats 256 back into the outer shell 230 as they travel past the bottom of the exit opening 236 and toward the skimmer basket.
The conveyor housing 220 can also include at least one bite control pin 258 configured to adjust how far the cleats 256 extend into the skimmer as they exit the skimmer basket B. In the depicted embodiment, the conveyor housing 220 includes a series of bite control pins 258 positioned above the skimmer basket B. The belt 250 travels between or around the bite control pins 258 which direct the trajectory of the belt and therefore the attached cleats 256. The belt 250 can be adjusted to pass through or around different bite control pins 258 to adjust how far the cleats 256 extend into the skimmer. Adjustment of the bite control pin or pins 258 can be used to prevent jamming and clogging of the leaf removal conveyor.
While the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/465,880 filed Mar. 2, 2017, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62465880 | Mar 2017 | US |
