US20240426122A1

US20240426122A1 - Combination Pool Maintenance Device

Info

Publication number: US20240426122A1
Application number: US18/735,401
Authority: US
Inventors: Valentin Gonzalez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-06-20
Filing date: 2024-06-06
Publication date: 2024-12-26

Abstract

A combination pool maintenance device is provided. The device provides a multifunctional pool device designed to skim debris and maintain water levels in swimming pools. The device features a skimmer neck opening that draws water in, where a floating skimmer weir, positioned within the neck, automatically adjusts to water levels to capture surface debris when the pool pump is active and prevents it from escaping when the pump is off. Behind the weir, a removable skimmer basket traps larger debris to protect the pool's filtration system. Additionally, the device includes a screened opening leading to a filler compartment with an adjustable float system to control water levels and an overfill protection outlet to handle excess water.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/509,051, which was filed on Jun. 20, 2023, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of swimming pools. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combination pool maintenance device that combines a pool skimmer, pool filter, and a pool water leveler into a singular device. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Pool skimmers, filters, and water levelers are vital, independent pieces of equipment that are indispensable for the optimal functioning and maintenance of a swimming pool. Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring the cleanliness and proper chemical balance of the pool water. Typically, these items are installed in different locations around the pool's perimeter or within its mechanical systems area. This distribution necessitates that individuals spend additional time traveling between these various points. This not only increases the labor involved but also complicates the scheduling and execution of routine maintenance tasks, as managing these components effectively is key to maintaining the overall health and aesthetics of the pool, making the process more labor-intensive and time-consuming than it might initially appear.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that combines common swimming pool maintenance features. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a combination pool maintenance device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a combination pool maintenance device that combines a pool skimmer, a pool filter, and a pool water leveler in one convenient location.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a combination pool maintenance device. The device provides a multifunctional pool device designed to skim debris and maintain water levels in swimming pools. The device features a skimmer neck opening that draws water in, where a floating skimmer weir, positioned within the neck, automatically adjusts to water levels to capture surface debris when the pool pump is active and prevents it from escaping when the pump is off. Behind the weir, a removable skimmer basket traps larger debris to protect the pool's filtration system. Additionally, the device includes a screened opening leading to a filler compartment with an adjustable float system to control water levels and an overfill protection outlet to handle excess water.
In this manner, the combination pool maintenance device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a device that combines common swimming pool maintenance features. More specifically, the device combines a pool skimmer, a pool filter, and a pool water leveler in one convenient location. This improves the amount of time necessary to monitor pool maintenance equipment and increases user convenience.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a combination pool maintenance device that provides the combined functionality of a pool skimmer as well as the ability to maintain and/or level the water level of a pool. The device is comprised of a skimmer neck opening that draws pool water into the device. At least one skimmer weir is positioned within the neck.
At least one skimmer basket is positioned behind (and preferably below) the weir within at least one skimmer compartment. The basket catches large pieces of debris such as leaves, twigs, insects, and other floating objects. This prevents such materials from reaching the pool's pump and filter, where they could cause damage or reduce the efficiency of the filtration process.
The device is also comprised of a screened opening that allows water to flow into the filler compartment while preventing debris from entering said compartment. Within the compartment, at least one adjustable filler float is located that maintains the water level of the pool. The float attaches to the compartment via at least one feed line. The compartment is also comprised of an overfill protection outlet that allows water to exit the device in the event that the pool is overfilled.
Accordingly, the combination pool maintenance device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that combines common swimming pool maintenance features. More specifically, the device combines a pool skimmer, a pool filter, and a pool water leveler in one convenient location. This improves the amount of time necessary to monitor pool maintenance equipment and increases user convenience. In this manner, the combination pool maintenance device overcomes the limitations of existing pool maintenance equipment known in the art.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of one potential embodiment of a combination pool maintenance device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one potential embodiment of a combination pool maintenance device of the present invention with the top cover removed in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a device that combines common swimming pool maintenance features. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a combination pool maintenance device. More specifically, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a combination pool maintenance device that combines a pool skimmer, a pool filter, and a pool water leveler in one convenient location.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a combination pool maintenance device. The device provides the combined functionality of a pool skimmer as well as the ability to maintain and/or level the water level of a pool. To do so, the device is comprised of a skimmer neck opening that draws pool water into the device. At least one skimmer weir is positioned within the neck. Further, at least one skimmer basket is positioned behind (and preferably below) the weir within at least one skimmer compartment. The basket catches large pieces of debris such as leaves, twigs, insects, and other floating objects. This prevents such materials from reaching the pool's pump and filter, where they could cause damage or reduce the efficiency of the filtration process.
The device is also comprised of a screened opening that allows water to flow into the filler compartment while preventing debris from entering said compartment. Within the compartment, at least one adjustable filler float is located that maintains the water level of the pool. The float attaches to the compartment via at least one feed line. The compartment is also comprised of an overfill protection outlet that allows water to exit the device in the event that the pool is overfilled.
Accordingly, the combination pool maintenance device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a device that combines common swimming pool maintenance features. More specifically, the device combines a pool skimmer, a pool filter, and a pool water leveler in one convenient location. This improves the amount of time necessary to monitor pool maintenance equipment and increases user convenience. In this manner, the combination pool maintenance device overcomes the limitations of existing pool maintenance equipment known in the art.
Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of one potential embodiment of a combination pool maintenance device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 provides the combined functionality of a pool skimmer as well as the ability to maintain and/or level the water level of a pool.
The device 100 is comprised of a skimmer compartment 124 comprised of a skimmer neck opening 116 that draws pool water into the device 100. At least one skimmer weir 118 is positioned within the neck 116. The weir 118 is preferably a floating door that adjusts automatically to the water level within the pool. When a pool pump is running, the weir 118 floats slightly to allow water (and floating debris) from the surface to enter the device 100. When a pump is off, the weir 118 closes, preventing captured debris from floating back out into the pool. The movement of the weir 118 also helps in trapping larger debris within the skimmer basket 110 while allowing water to continue flowing to the pump and filter. This prevents larger objects from clogging the filtration system, ensuring a pool's filtration system runs smoothly.
At least one skimmer basket 110 is positioned behind (and preferably below) the weir 118 within at least one skimmer compartment 124. The basket 110 may be any size, shape, and style of skimmer basket made from any material. The basket 118 catches large pieces of debris such as leaves, twigs, insects, and other floating objects. This prevents such materials from reaching the pool's pump and filter, where they could cause damage or reduce the efficiency of the filtration process. The basket 110 is preferably removable for cleaning purposes. The compartment 124 may also be comprised of at least one skimmer suction port 112 and at least one skimmer equalizing port 114. The suction port 112 draws pool water, along with floating debris, into the skimmer basket 110 where the debris is trapped and prevented from re-entering the pool. The port 112 connects directly to a pool's pump and filtration system, allowing for continuous circulation and cleaning of the pool water. The equalizing port 114 prevents air from entering a pump system of a pool, especially when water levels drop below the intake level of the skimmer 118, which can happen due to evaporation or heavy pool usage. By providing a secondary water source through the equalizing port, the skimmer ensures continuous water flow to the pump, thus safeguarding the pump and filtration system from air lock and potential damage.
The device 100 is also comprised of a screened opening 126 that allows water to flow into the filler compartment 122 while preventing debris from entering said compartment. Within the compartment 122, at least one adjustable filler float 120 is located. The float 120 maintains the water level of the pool. The float 120 attaches to the compartment via at least one feed line 128. The compartment 122 is also comprised of an overfill protection outlet 130. The outlet 130 allows water to exit the device 100 in the event that the pool is overfilled.
The device 100 is also comprised of a top cover 132 (as seen in FIG. 2 ) that preferably sits flush with the area around the cover 132 when secured. The cover 132 may be any style and configuration of cover. The cover 132 covers the top area of the filler compartment 122 and skimmer compartment 124 during use.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “combination pool maintenance device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the combination pool maintenance device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the combination pool maintenance device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the combination pool maintenance device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the combination pool maintenance device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the combination pool maintenance device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the combination pool maintenance device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A combination pool maintenance device comprising:

a skimmer compartment comprised of:

a skimmer neck;

a skimmer weir;

a skimmer basket;

a screened opening;

a filler compartment comprised of an overfill protection outlet;

a filler float; and

a top cover.

2. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the skimmer weir is positioned within the skimmer neck.

3. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the skimmer weir is comprised of a floating door.

4. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the skimmer basket is removable.

5. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the screened opening connects the filler compartment to the skimmer compartment.

6. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 1, wherein the top cover covers the skimmer compartment and the filler compartment.

7. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 6, wherein the top cover is removable.

8. A combination pool maintenance device comprising:

a skimmer compartment comprised of:

a skimmer neck;

a skimmer weir;

a skimmer suction port;

a skimmer equalizing port;

a skimmer basket;

a screened opening;

a filler compartment comprised of an overfill protection outlet;

a filler float; and

a top cover.

9. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 8, wherein the skimmer weir is positioned within the skimmer neck.

10. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 8, wherein the skimmer weir is comprised of a floating door.

11. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 8, wherein the skimmer basket is removable.

12. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 8, wherein the screened opening connects the filler compartment to the skimmer compartment.

13. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 8, wherein the top cover covers the skimmer compartment and the filler compartment.

14. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 13, wherein the top cover is removable.

15. A combination pool maintenance device comprising:

a skimmer compartment comprised of:

a skimmer neck;

a skimmer weir;

a skimmer suction port;

a skimmer equalizing port;

a skimmer basket;

a screened opening;

a filler compartment comprised of an overfill protection outlet;

a filler float comprised of a filler feed line; and

a top cover.

16. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 15, wherein the skimmer weir is positioned within the skimmer neck.

17. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 15, wherein the skimmer weir is comprised of a floating door.

18. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 15, wherein the skimmer basket is removable.

19. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 15, wherein the screened opening connects the filler compartment to the skimmer compartment.

20. The combination pool maintenance device of claim 15, wherein the top cover covers the skimmer compartment and the filler compartment.