[001] The present invention relates generally to to pool equipment but more particularly to a pool skimming net apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Using a skimming net to pick up debris on the water surface of a swimming pool is well known. There are two main types of swimming pools: in-ground and above ground. When skimming an in-ground pool, the net is placed slightly below ground level to reach the water surface and as such, the user holds the skimmer's handle downwardly. When skimming an above ground pool, the user obviously need to hold the handle differently depending on how high the pool is and how short the user is. Because of the two different orientations of the handle, the skimming net may not be adequate or optimized for both situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [003] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known devices now present in the prior art, the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide objects and advantages which are:

[004] To provide for an improved swimming pool skimming net which has an adjustable net that can be oriented into a variety of different angles in relation to the handle.

[005] In order to do so, the invention has a net member including a frame and a net held by the frame. The frame has parallel elongated top and bottom frame portions, an elongated handle member pivotally attached to the top frame portion by an articulated joint member, an elongated retainer member pivotally attached to the top frame portion at a distance from the articulated joint member, a handle clamp member attached to a distal end of the retainer member and adapted to releasably hold a portion of the handle member, and a secondary handle clamp member fixedly attached to the top frame portion at a distance from the articulated joint member and adapted to releasably hold a portion of the handle member, such that when the handle member is held by the handle clamp member an acute angle is formed between the handle member and the top frame portion, and when the handle member is held by the secondary handle clamp member the handle member is held parallel to the top frame portion, thereby providing the ability for the pool skimming net to be adapted to skim water conveniently from either an above ground or in ground swimming pool. [006] In a preferred embodiment, there is a clip member attached to the top frame portion and adapted to releasably hold the retainer member in a parallel position to the top frame portion when not in use holding the handle member. [007] The pool skimming net apparatus has the handle member is formed as a telescoping rod having an adjustable length.

[008] The articulated joint member of the handle member and the secondary handle clamp member are both dimensioned such that when the handle member is being held by the secondary handle clamp member the handle member is held at a distance from the top frame portion such that the retainer member and the clip member can be placed therebetween.

[009] The retainer member and the clip member are positioned on the top frame portion in between the articulated joint member of the handle member and the secondary handle clamp member.

[0010] The frame is formed as an elongated oval having curved end portions and parallel elongated top and bottom frame portions. [0011] The frame member further includes at least one cross support member connected between the top and bottom frame portions to thereby strengthen the frame. [0012] In combination, a swimming pool and a pool skimming net apparatus have the combination comprising a swimming pool having water therein, and a pool skimming net apparatus comprising a net member including a frame and a net held by the frame. The frame having parallel elongated top and bottom frame portions, an elongated handle member pivotally attached to the top frame portion by an articulated joint member, an elongated retainer member pivotally attached to the top frame portion at a distance from the articulated joint member, a handle clamp member attached to a distal end of the retainer member and adapted to releasably hold a portion of the handle member, and a secondary handle clamp member fixedly attached to the top frame portion at a distance from the articulated joint member and adapted to releasably hold a portion of the handle member, such that when the handle member is held by the handle clamp member an acute angle is formed between the handle member and the top frame portion, and when the handle member is held by the secondary handle clamp member the handle member is held parallel to the top frame portion, thereby providing the ability for the pool skimming net to be adapted to skim water conveniently from either an above ground or in ground swimming pool.

[0013] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0014] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0015] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0016] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S.

Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0017] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter which contains illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0018] Fig. 1 Isometric view of the invention. [0019] Figs. 2a-d Isometric view of the invention as well as detail elements. [0020] Figs. 3a-c Top front and side views of the invention. [0021] Fig. 4 Side elevation of the invention in use in an above ground pool. [0022] Fig. 5 Side elevation of the invention in use in an in-ground pool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0023] An improved pool skimming net (10) has a handle member (12) connected to a skimming net member (14) by way of an articulated joint member (16). [0024] The handle member (12) pivots from a substantially parallel configuration in relation to the skimming net member (14) to an substantially acute angle thereof. In order to secure any given angle, a retainer member (18) provides a secondary attachment point between the skimming net member (14) and the handle member (12).

[0025] A secondary handle clamp member (20) located at the distal end of the retainer member (18) secures it to the handle member (12).

[0026] The skimming net member (14) consists in a frame member (22) and a net (24) as is known in the art of skimmers. The handle member (12) is preferably of a telescoping configuration as is known in the art. The articulated joint member (16) is also a configuration well known in the art and need not be further discussed. Optionally, the handle member (12) can be attached onto a handle clamp member (26) fixedly attached to the frame (22). Also optionally, the retainer member (18) can be clipped onto the frame (22) by way of a retainer clip member (28).

[0027] The frame member (22) further includes at least one cross support member (23) connected between the top and bottom frame member (22) in order to strengthen it.

[0028] In use, the skimming net (10) can switch from one configuration for an above ground pool (30), as shown in fig. 4, to another configuration for an in ground pool (32), as shown in fig. 5, simply by disconnecting the handle member (12) from the retainer member (18) and connecting it to the handle clamp member (26).

[0029] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0030] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. [0031] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.