Floating Multi-Direction Pool Skimmer

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/065,877, filed October 20, 2014 and entitled "Floating Pool Surface Skimmer," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The preferred invention relates to skimmers for use in cleaning debris located at or near the surface of a liquid, preferably water in a swimming pool. In particular, the preferred invention is useful as a pool skimmer for cleaning debris located at or near the surface of water contained within the swimming pool.

[0003] Many swimming pools have automatic skimming capability in the form of a pump that circulates the pool water into a filter. By its nature, this process only collects debris that is located in the vicinity of one of several skimming locations in the swimming pool. Because outdoor pools are constantly exposed to airborne debris, debris persistently builds up on the surface of the water. To quickly and thoroughly clean the surface of a swimming pool prior to its use, a manual device is preferably employed. A number of such devices have been developed in the art for dealing with pool debris. The most common of such devices is a basket with a screen or net attached to the end of a pole. These devices have no floatation capability and are operated by manipulating the attached pole to capture debris through the opening of the attached screen or net device. The most common of these devices have openings ranging from one to one and a half square feet and require many passes through the water to remove and clean the surface of a typical swimming pool.

[0004] Various types of such water or pool skimming devices are known for clearing debris from the surface of a body of water. Traditional skimming devices consist of a generally rectangular net or screen mounted at the end of a pole. Holding the opposite end of the relatively long pole, the user of a traditional skimming device reaches the net or screen into a pool or other body of water from a position on land adjacent to the water, using the net or screen to lift solid debris, such as leaves, insects or garbage from the surface of the water. The weight of such traditional skimming devices is entirely supported by the operator holding the end of the pole. The cantilever effect of the net or screen at the opposite end of the pole results in the user needing to exert a significant force and effort to maneuver the skimming device to collect the debris and then to lift the skimming device out of the water to dispose of the debris. The weight and awkward manipulation of the net on the end of the pole can be amplified when the pole is relatively long. The simple nature of the traditional net or screen does not provide any means for retaining collected debris, which can frequently fall out of the net or screen back onto the water during use. It is, therefore, desirable to construct an improved skimming device with sufficient buoyancy to support its own weight and collect a relatively large amount of debris before it is filled, thereby reducing strain on the user of the skimming device and improving the efficiency of the skimming device. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a floating water skimming device having an elongated central portion, a basin for catching debris positioned on each side of the elongated central portion and a pole attachment element positioned on the elongated central member to attach the floating water skimming device to a pole.

[0006] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a floating water skimming device for collecting debris and related floating material from the surface of water. The preferred floating skimming device includes an elongated central member having a middle portion, a first end and a second end, a collection screen connected to the elongated central member, wherein the collection screen and the central member define a first basin and a second basin, and a pole attachment element pivotably attached to the elongated central member.

[0007] In yet another preferred embodiment and briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a floating water skimming device for collecting debris and related floating material from the surface of water. The preferred skimming device includes an elongated central member having a middle portion, a first end and a second end, a collection screen connected to the elongated central member, wherein the collection screen and the central member define a first basin and a second basin, and a pole attachment element pivotably attached to the elongated central member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings: [0009] Fig. 1 is a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a floating water skimming device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] Fig. 2 is a top perspective view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0011] Fig. 3 is a top perspective, magnified view of an end of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0012] Fig. 4 is a top perspective, further magnified view of a corner end of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0013] Fig. 5 is various bottom perspective views of an enclosing element of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0014] Fig. 6A is a front elevational view of the enclosing element of Fig. 5;

[0015] Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the enclosing element of Fig. 5, taken along line 6B-6B of Fig. 6A;

[0016] Fig. 7 is a top perspective view of the collection screen of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0017] Fig. 8 is a top perspective, magnified view of a portion of the collection screen of Fig. 7A;

[0018] Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0019] Fig. 10 is a magnified, bottom perspective view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 , with a portion of the enclosing element removed;

[0020] Fig. 1 1 is a side perspective, magnified view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 , with the portion of the enclosing element removed, as in Fig. 10;

[0021] Fig. 12 is an alternative side perspective, magnified view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 , with the portion of the enclosing element removed, as in Fig. 10;

[0022] Fig. 13 A is a side elevational view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0023] Fig. 13B is a front elevational view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0024] Fig. 14 is a top perspective view of a central post of an elongated central member of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0025] Fig. 15 is an alternative top perspective view of the central post of Fig. 14;

[0026] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the central post of Fig. 15, taken along line 16-16 of Fig. 15;

[0027] Fig. 17 is an alternative top perspective view of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 1 ;

[0028] Fig. 18 is a top perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the collection screen of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 17; and [0029] Fig. 19 is a side perspective view of an alternative preferred embodiment of the central post of the floating water skimming device of Fig. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms "a", "an" and "the" are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning "at least one". The words "right," "left," "lower," and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" or "distally" and "outwardly" or "proximally" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center or orientation of the device and instruments and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

[0031] It should also be understood that the terms "about," "approximately," "generally," "substantially" and like terms, used herein when referring to a dimension or characteristic of a component of the invention, indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strict boundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefrom that are functionally the same or similar, as would be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art. At a minimum, such references that include a numerical parameter would include variations that, using mathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g., rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturing tolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

[0032] Referring to Figs. 1-19, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a floating water skimming device 1 for clearing debris from the surface of a body of water. The floating water skimming device 1 has a generally centrally-located elongated member 10, which preferably provides structural support for the skimming device 1. The elongated member 10 is preferably constructed of a relatively rigid polymeric material, but can be constructed of any suitable material for supporting the structure and able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the skimming device 1 , such as wood, a non-rigid polymeric material, composite, metal, ceramic, or other related material. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated member 10 additionally provides flotation and buoyancy to the skimming device 1 by being hollow, filled with a floatable material, constructed of a buoyant material or combinations, but the invention is not so limited and the elongated member 10 may otherwise be constructed, such as being constructed of a non-buoyant material.

[0033] Basins 12 are preferably positioned on opposing sides of the elongated member 10 for collecting debris. The basins 12 are preferably defined, at least partially, by a collection screen 15 that is secured to a bottom surface of the elongated member 10. The collection screen 15 is preferably constructed of a metallic or polymeric material, but can be constructed of any suitable material capable that is able to withstand the normal operating conditions of the floating water skimming device 1 and perform the functions of the collection screen 15, as is described in greater detail below. The collection screen 15 is preferably constructed of a material that is moisture resistant, such as composite, ceramic, treated metals or the like. The collection screen 1 is also preferably constructed of a mesh-like material that permits flow of water or liquid therethrough, but blocks flow of debris, junk, insects or other materials that may float on the water to be skimmed. The collection screen 15 may also be constructed of any suitable material for collecting solid materials while allowing liquid to pass through the screen 15, such as through a perforated solid material or the like. The collection screen 15 may be fixed to the elongated central member 10 or may be removable therefrom. In addition, the collection screen 15 may be constructed of a single piece of material or may be constructed of multiple portions that are assembled together to form the general size and shape of the collection screen 15.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the skimming device 1 also includes a pole attachment element 14 positioned on the elongated member 10 for engaging with a pole. The pole attachment element 14 is preferably positioned near a middle portion 10c of the elongated member 10, but may also be positioned on any portion of the elongated member 10 suitable for attaching a removable pole. Similarly, the pole attachment element 14 may be positioned elsewhere on the skimming device 1 without significantly impacting the function and operation of the skimming device 1. In the preferred embodiment, the pole attachment element 14 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape suitable for engaging a standard pole designed for handling pool cleaning tools such as skimmers, brushes, and vacuums, but can be designed in any way that enables the user to extend the skimming device away from his or her body. In the preferred embodiment, the pole attachment element 14 is attached to the elongated member 10 by a hinge 16. The hinge 16 is preferably a type of hinge that permits pivoting of the pole attachment element 14 on the plane parallel to the elongated member 10 and perpendicular to the surface of the water, while prohibiting rotation of the pole attachment element 14 in other directions. The hinge 16 is further preferably configured to selectively lock at predetermined angles. The pole attachment element 14, however, may be attached to the skimming device 1 by other mechanisms without significantly impacting the function and operation of the skimming device 1.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the skimming device 1 further includes an edge element 18 which lines part or all of a peripheral edge of the skimming device 1. The edge element 18 is preferably constructed of a floating or buoyant material to aid in the flotation of the skimming device 1 , but is not so limited. In addition, or in the alternative, the edge element 18 may be constructed of a rigid material, such as a polymeric or metallic material, that provides additional structural support to the skimming device 1 and/or protects the outer surfaces of the skimming device 1 from wear. The edge element 18 is also preferably affixed to the skimming device 1 such that it provides structural support and rigidity to the basins 12 to provide additional ability for the basins 12 to retain debris. In another embodiment, the edge element 18 may be integrally formed with the structure of the skimming device 1 to aid in the retention of debris.

[0036] In the preferred embodiment, the skimming device 1 also includes a pole securing element 14a, such as a spring-biased pin, a clip, or other securing mechanism capable of selectively engaging with the pole. The pole securing element 14a thus holds the pole relative to the pole attachment element 14 such that the user is able to manipulate the skimming device 1 during use. The pole attachment element 14 also preferably includes locking features 17 that facilitate locking of an angle of the pole relative to the elongated central member 10, based on user preferences or the angle that the user prefers to hold the skimmer device 10 relative to a surface of the water for skimming. The locking feature 17 preferably, selectively holds the pole attachment element 14 from rotating around the hinge 16.

[0037] In the preferred embodiment, the skimming device 1 is constructed such that its widest portion is along a central lateral axis Y-Y, generally perpendicular to the elongated member 10 located near the center of the elongated member 10 and the middle portion 10c, while the skimming device's comparatively more narrow portions are located near the ends of the elongated member 10. Such a construction enables the user to more easily use the skimming device 1 near the edges of a body of water, where the adjacent solid surface may overhang the surface of the body of water. However, the skimming device 1 is not limited to such a shape.

[0038] The collection screen 15 may be constructed of a single portion of mesh or perforated material or may be constructed of multiple portions of elements, such as a first portion at one side of the elongated central member 10 and a second portion on a second side of the elongated central member 10. The collection screen 15 is preferably attached to the bottom our outside surface of the elongated central member 10 and curves upwardly at ends spaced away from the elongated central member 10 to define a first basin 12a at a first side of the elongated central member 10 and a second basin 12b at a second side of the elongated central member 10. In the preferred embodiment, the debris skimmed from the surface of the water is captured in the first and second basins 12a, 12b for subsequent disposal.

[0039] The floating water skimming device 1 also preferably includes a first enclosing element 20a connected to the elongated central member 10 at a first end 10a and a second enclosing element 20b connected to the elongated central member 10 at a second end 10b. The first and second enclosing elements 20a, 20b are preferably constructed of a material that facilitates flotation and buoyancy or is constructed to facilitate buoyancy, such as a hollow construction. The first and second enclosing elements 20a, 20b also preferably include attaching features that permit connection of the collection screen 15 to the bottom surfaces of the enclosing elements 20a, 20b to further define the first and second basins 12a, 12b and to provide buoyancy to the skimming device 1. The enclosing elements 20a, 20b preferably have a generally arcuate bottom surface arcing in a direction generally parallel to the central lateral axis Y-Y to facilitate dipping of one side of the skimming device 1 relative to the surface of the water, as the skimming device 1 is swept in a direction generally parallel to the central lateral axis Y-Y, as is described in greater detail below. The enclosing elements 20a, 20b are not limited to having the sizes and shapes disclosed in Figs. 1-19, but may be designed, sized and shaped in such a manner to facilitate the general function of the enclosing elements 20a, 20b and to withstand the normal operating conditions of the enclosing elements 20a, 20b.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the first and second enclosing elements 20a, 20b include a supporting groove 19 on upper, front and rear surfaces that accept and mount the edge element 18 therein. The preferred edge element 18 is constructed of a single, substantially cylindrical support or rigidity member that structurally supports the collection screen 15 and the enclosing elements 20a, 20b. The enclosing elements 20a, 20b are not limited to inclusion of the supporting groove 19, but the supporting groove 19 is preferred to provide structural support and rigidity to the skimming device 1 and to improve the ornamental appearance of the skimming device 1 by generally hiding the edge element 18 within the supporting groove 19 and beneath the collection screen 15. The skimming device 1 is not limited to including the supporting groove 19 to receive the edge element 18 and may be otherwise configured and arranged to provide support, strength and rigidity to the skimming device 1.

[0041] The floating, dual-directional liquid skimming device 1 is preferably constructed such that the elongated central member 10, when attached to the enclosing elements 20a, 20b defines an I-beam shaped rigid structure where the collection screen 15 is constructed of two screens attach on either side of the central member 10, thereby completing left and right or first and second debris capturing basins 12a, 12b on either side of the floating elongated central member or beam 10. The pole attachment element 14 preferably allows a standard pool accessory pole to attach to the skimming device 1. The enclosing elements 20a, 20b act as floatation elements that are built into the I-beam frame, preferably, either by the enclosing elements 20a, 20b being hollow or by including buoyant material in the enclosing elements 20a, 20b allowing the skimming device 1 to float and support the pole handle while in operation. During operation, the entire skimmer device 1 floats at rest with the I-beam structure, comprised of the elongated central member 10, the first enclosing element 20a and the second enclosing element 20b and the collection screens 15 roughly parallel to the surface of the water, and where the top edge of the I-beam and curved screens 15 are above the liquid surface to retain the collected debris. When the skimming device 1 is pushed toward the debris, the operator may dip the edge of collection screen 15 below the surface of liquid with a basic twisting motion of pole handle allowing the skimming device 1 to dip below the water surface to collect debris. The collection screen 15 furthest from debris is lifted out of the body of liquid during the sweeping motion allowing the captured debris on opposite side to remain captured. The skimming device 1 moves in a way as operated by operator where the collection screens 15 are always capturing debris while in motion in the first or second basins 12a, 12b. When the skimming device 1 is stopped, the skimming device 1 floats and remains relatively parallel to surface of liquid. The collection screens 15 and I-beam 10, 20a, 20b keep debris from escaping from the basins 12a, 12b. The pivoting pole attachment element 14 may lock in position relative to the pole handle. The ability to lock the pole in position relative to the elongated central member 10 preferably allows for added stability and control for the operator.

[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the first and second enclosing elements 20a, 20b include a mounting groove 21 that is substantially centrally located on an inner side of the enclosing elements 20a, 20b. The elongated central member 10 includes mating tongues 1 1 a, 1 lb at its first and second ends 10a, 10b, respectively. The elongated central member 10 is preferably mounted to the enclosing elements 20a, 20b by sliding the mating tongues 1 1a, l ib into the mounting grooves 21 , thereby defining the generally I-beam shape of the assembled elongated central member 10 and the enclosing elements 20a, 20b. The collection screen 15 is subsequently mounted to the bottom surfaces of the enclosing elements 20a, 20b and the elongated central member 10 to further stabilize the structure. The enclosing elements 20a, 20b are not limited to including the mounting grooves 21 and the elongated central member 10 is not limited to including the mating tongues 1 1 a, 1 lb for mounting the elongated central member 10 to the enclosing elements 20a, 20b. The elongated central member 10 may alternatively be integrally formed with the enclosing elements 20a, 20b, the enclosing elements 20a, 20b may be otherwise fastened, secured, clipped, adhesively bonded or otherwise attached to the elongated central member 10 or the preferred generally I-beam shape may be otherwise assembled using more or less parts than the shown and described elongated central member 10 and the enclosing elements 20a, 20b. [0043] The floating dual-directional liquid-skimming device 1 preferably operates as a manual surface skimmer for swimming pools and any body of water where the operator wishes to clean surface and shallow debris from a body of water. The preferred skimming device may comprise a single floating element that may have nearly any size and shape, such as elliptical or any shape that is able to float on the water an facilitate flow of the water through the collection screen 15. The skimming device 1 preferably defines a mesh, shallow bowl, such as the first and second basins 12a, 12b, that has two sides of mesh with a solid floatation structure attached to two sides and continuing down the middle of the bowl creating two distinct debris capture areas 12a, 12b for capturing the debris while sweeping in both directions in a windshield-wiping type action.

[0044] The operator of the device preferably clips the pole attachment element 14 of the device to any standard pool utility pole that is typically available at a pool supply store. The pole attachment element 14 preferably remains in a fixed position perpendicular to the skimming device 1. The pivot action of the skimming device 1 would exist only in a parallel manner to the main supporting structure opposite of the basket sides of the device.

[0045] In the preferred embodiment, the skimming device 1 is designed in a way where the top open edges of the collection screen 15 floats approximately one to three inches (1-3") above the water line with the bottom closed basket portion of the collection screen 15 floating approximately one inch (1") below the water surface. The skimming device 1 preferably has enough buoyancy to support the weight of a fully extended pole and float in the liquid without support from the user.

[0046] In the preferred embodiment, the

[0047] In use, the pole is affixed to the pole attachment element 14. The user places the skimming device 1 on to the surface of the water to be cleaned, such as a swimming pool, and holds the opposite end of the pole. The skimming device 1 is preferably capable of floating, supporting its own weight and any additional weight from the attached pole, without assistance from the user. At rest, the skimming device preferably remains approximately level with and parallel to the surface of the body of water.

[0048] To clean the surface of the water, the user sweeps the skimming device 1 horizontally across the surface. In so doing, the leading edge of the skimming device 1 dips into the water. The user may twist the pole to facilitate dipping of the leading edge of the collection screen 15 below the water surface to allow the debris floating on the surface of the water to move into one of the basins 12a, 12b. The user may twist the pole to facilitate dipping of the leading edge of the collection screen 15 below the water surface to allow the debris floating on the surface of the water to move into one of the basins 12a, 12b. In this configuration, one of the basins 12a, 12b engages the surface of the water. The horizontal motion provided by the user allows the basins 12 to trap solid debris, while the mesh or perforated nature of the collection screen 15 allows the water to pass through. In this configuration, the opposing basin 12 rises out of the water.

However, the depressed nature of the basins 12, as well as the preferred edge element 18, retain any debris that was previously collected by the basins 12, which has risen out of the water. After a desired distance, the user can reverse the direction of the skimmer 1 , at which time the previously leading basin 12 will rise from the water and the opposing basin 12 will dip into the water, beginning to collect additional debris. In addition, when the user completes the sweeping motion and debris is collected in the basins 12a, 12b, the user may allow the skimming device 1 to float at the surface of the water without having the debris float out of the basins 12a, 12b. In a resting or floating position, the upper edges of the collection screen 15 and the enclosing elements 20a, 20b are positioned above the water level and the debris is preferably maintained in the basins 12a, 12b when the skimming device 1 is allowed to float or is maintained in the floating or resting position.

[0049) The construction of the skimming device 1 thus allows the user to complete numerous sweeps of the surface of the water without lifting the skimming device 1 from the water while retaining whatever debris was collected. This continuous sweeping reduces the strain on the user and increases the speed at which the surface of the water can be cleared by reducing the number of times the skimming device 1 must be lifted from the surface of the water and cleared of debris. The floating nature of the skimming device 1 similarly reduces the strain on the user. Ease of use is further enabled by the reduced drag that results from the mesh or perforated construction of the collection screen 15, which passes through the water and catches the debris in the basins 12.

[0050] When the surface of the water is clear, the user can lift the skimming device 1 out of the water to clear the debris from the basins 12. The user can then use the pole securing element to clip the skimming device 1 to the pole, locking the skimming device 1 into place for more convenient storage.

[0051] The floating water skimming device 1 is preferably a dual-directional skimmer in that it can collect floating debris in two directions by the operator through a sweeping-type action. The floating water skimming device 1 preferably includes basins 12a, 12b that alternatively dip relative to the surface of a body of liquid, such as water, to provide dual-directional skimming without changing location of the operator. The floating water skimming device 1 is preferably, easily operated in a loose-gripped fashion by a user and does not require strenuous cantilevered lifting or side-to-side manipulation, as a result of the floating nature of the device 1. The floating water skimming device 1 is also preferably capable of collecting debris floating very close by, or adhering to the vertical side of a pool by manipulating the angle of the pole relative to the elongated central member 10.

[0052] The preferred floating water skimming device 1 is a floatation device, which leaves the entire outside of the collection screen perimeter free for debris collecting functions. The range of operation of the floating water skimming device 1 is preferably limited only by the length of the attached pole during use. The preferred floating water skimming device 1 provides the dual collection basins 12a, 12b; wherein as one basin 12a is skimming the other basin 12b is out and above body of water allowing for operator to skim entire body while limiting debris contamination back into pool.

[0053| The skimming device 1 preferably has limited drag when moving in water on the surface with little effort by operator to sweep the basins 12a, 12b along the surface. The operator is preferably able to fully control the skimming device 1 with the ability to skim surfaces with the utility pole fully extended and reach relatively distanced portions of the water. The operator is preferably able to operate the skimming device 1 relatively easily since the operator is not required to support the weight of the extended pole and other structure over the water since the skimming device 1 floats. Traditional pool skimmers and nets typically require the operator to carry the entire weight of the pole and skimming device with debris as they are not designed to float.

[0054] The preferred pool skimming device 1 may contain a clip so that when the pole and skimming device 1 are not in use, the device 1 does not rotate on the attachment element 14 and is clipped to the utility pole for storage. The floating water skimming device 1 may have removable collection screens 15 for ease of replacement and cleaning.

[0055] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the present disclosure.