SKIMMER SPILLWAY APPARATUS

A spillway body has an upper section and a lower section with a left vertical side and a right vertical side and an upper horizontal edge and a lower horizontal edge which join exterior and interior faces. The exterior face of the upper section is closed and contoured forming a left wedge and a similarly configured right wedge. The interior face of the upper section is open to receive a means of buoyancy. The lower section has a means of attachment adjacent the lower horizontal edge thereby allowing the apparatus to be rotatably received within a rectangular throat of a swimming pool skimmer housing to improve the movement of pool water flowing to and through said skimmer housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a skimmer spillway apparatus for swimming pool skimmer housings. More particularly, the present invention pertains to improving the movement of pool water flowing to and through the skimmer housing thereby increasing the water skimming effectiveness of pool filtration systems, the skimming increases being done in a safe, convenient and economical manner.

Description of the Prior Art

The use of swimming pool skimmer housings of known designs and configurations is known in the prior art. More specifically, skimmer housings are generally equipped with a rectangular, buoyant skimmer door, alternatively known as a weir door, located adjacent to the pool opening at surface water levels. These planar skimmer doors of known designs and configurations previously devised and utilized for the purpose of skimming and removing floating debris and other contaminants from the pool water areas are known to consist basically of familiar, expected, and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which has been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

While these prior art devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned prior art does not describe a skimmer spillway apparatus which allows for improving the movement of water flowing to and through a skimmer housing thereby increasing the water skimming effectiveness and the surface skimming radius of pool filtration systems, the skimming increases being done in a safe and reliable manner.

In this respect, the skimmer spillway apparatus according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of improving the fluid dynamics of water flowing over a contoured, buoyant skimmer housing door thereby increasing the water skimming effectiveness and the surface skimming radius projected into the pool area from the skimmer housing, the skimming increases being done in a safe, convenient, simple and economical manner.

Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a continuing need for a new and improved skimmer spillway apparatus which can be used for improving the movement of water flowing to and through a skimmer housing thereby increasing water skimming effectiveness of pool filtration systems, the skimming improvements being done in a safe, convenient, simple and economical manner. In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of skimmer housing doors of known designs and configurations now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved skimmer spillway apparatus. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved skimmer spillway apparatus and method which has all the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

To attain this, from a broad perspective, the present invention includes an upper section and a lower section with a left vertical side and a right vertical side and an upper horizontal edge and a lower horizontal edge which join an exterior face and an interior face. The exterior face of the upper section is closed and contoured forming a left wedge and a similarly configured right wedge. The interior face of the upper section is open to receive a means of buoyancy. The lower section has a means of attachment adjacent the lower horizontal edge. In this manner, the skimmer spillway apparatus is configured to be rotatably received within a rectangular throat of a skimmer housing.

To attain this, from a more detailed perspective, the present invention essentially comprises a skimmer spillway apparatus. First provided is a skimmer housing built into the uppermost region of a swimming pool side wall. The skimmer housing has a rectangular opening and a rectangular throat which communicates with the swimming pool at variable water surface levels. The rectangular throat has a horizontal upper surface and a horizontal lower surface and vertical side walls. A cylindrical well is located within the skimmer housing connecting the rectangular throat to a pump filtration system. The vertical side walls have lower cylindrical recesses which are laterally spaced and axially aligned and adjacent to the lower horizontal surface.

Next provided is a spillway body. The spillway body has an upper section and a lower section. The spillway body has a left vertical plate and a right vertical plate and an upper horizontal plate which join an exterior face with an interior face. A vertical centerline is laterally spaced between a left region and a right region of the spillway body.

Provided next are cylindrical projections on the lower section of the left and right vertical plates. The cylindrical projections are axially aligned and rotatably received within the cylindrical recesses of the skimmer housing.

The interior face of the upper section is open with a rectangular edge adjacent to the upper horizontal plate. The exterior face of the upper section is closed and contoured forming a left wedge and a similarly configured right wedge.

The left wedge has a left outer face and a left upper triangular face and a left hypotenuse face.

The right wedge has a right outer face and a right upper triangular face and a right hypotenuse face.

The left hypotenuse face and the right hypotenuse face terminate at a common point adjacent to the vertical centerline.

Provided last is a rectangular plate in a planar configuration. The rectangular plate is fixed to the rectangular edge thereby forming an interior chamber. In this manner, an air-tight seal is formed and the interior chamber provides buoyancy to the spillway apparatus during operation of the pump filtration system.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved skimmer spillway apparatus which has all of the advantages of the prior art weir doors of known designs and configurations and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved skimmer spillway apparatus which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved skimmer spillway apparatus which is of durable and reliable constructions.

Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a skimmer spillway apparatus for improving the movement of water flowing to and through a skimmer housing thereby increasing the water skimming effectiveness and surface skimming radius of swimming pool filtration systems, the increased skimming being done in a safe, convenient, simple and economical manner.

Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved skimmer spillway apparatus. A spillway apparatus includes a spillway body formed of a left vertical plate and a right vertical plate and an upper horizontal plate which join an exterior face and an interior face. Cylindrical projections on the lower section of the left and right vertical plates are axially aligned and rotatably received within cylindrical recesses of a skimmer housing. The interior face of the upper section is open with a rectangular edge adjacent to the upper horizontal plate. The exterior face of the upper section is closed and contoured forming a left wedge and a similarly configured right wedge. A rectangular plate in a planar configuration is fixed to the rectangular edge thereby forming a buoyant interior chamber. In this manner, the skimmer spillway apparatus is configured to improve the movement of water flowing to and through the skimmer housing thereby increasing the water skimming effectiveness and the surface skimming radius projected into a swimming pool from the skimmer housing.

For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular toFIG.1thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new and improved swimming pool skimmer spillway device embodying the principles and concepts of the present invention and generally designated by the reference numeral10will be described.

The present invention, the skimmer spillway apparatus10is comprised of a plurality of components. In their broadest context such include a spillway body, a rectangular plate, and an interior chamber. Such components are individually configured and correlated with respect to each other so as to attain the desired objective.

The skimmer spillway apparatus10of the present invention is for improving the movement of water flowing to and through a skimmer housing thereby increasing the water skimming effectiveness and the surface skimming radius projected into a swimming pool from the skimmer housing, the skimming being done in a safe, convenient, simple and economical manner.

First provided is a skimmer housing, designated generally by the reference numeral14. The skimmer housing14may comprise, according to conventional design, a rectangular opening16and a rectangular throat18which communicates with a swimming pool at variable water surface levels. The rectangular throat is defined by a horizontal upper surface22and a horizontal lower surface24and vertical side walls26. The skimmer housing further comprises a cylindrical well28located internally. The cylindrical well is connected to the horizontal lower surface and the vertical side walls for drawing in water and debris from the pool water area into a pump filtration system.

The vertical side walls of the skimmer housing have lower cylindrical recesses30adjacent to the lower horizontal surface. The cylindrical recesses are laterally spaced and axially aligned.

Provided next is a spillway body40. The spillway body has an upper section42and a lower section44. The spillway body further has an exterior face46and an interior face48. The lower section of the spillway body has a lower edge50.

Next, the spillway body has a vertical centerline52which is laterally spaced between a left region and a right region.

A left vertical plate58and a right vertical plate60and an upper horizontal plate62are provided for joining the exterior face with the interior face of the spillway body.

Further provided are cylindrical projections64. The cylindrical projections extend outwardly from the left and right vertical plates. The cylindrical projections are axially aligned, adjacent to the lower edge, and are outwardly spring biased for being rotatably received within the cylindrical recesses of the skimmer housing.

The interior face of the upper section is open with a rectangular edge66adjacent to the upper horizontal plate. The exterior face of the upper section is closed and contoured to form a left wedge72and a similarly configured right wedge74.

The left wedge has a left outer face76and a left upper triangular face78and a left hypotenuse face80. The left outer face extends forwardly from the left vertical plate thus forming a first generally scalene triangle shape. The left outer face has a left shortest edge82adjacent to the upper horizontal plate. The left upper triangular face extends inwardly from the left shortest edge along the upper horizontal plate and terminates adjacent to the vertical centerline. The left hypotenuse face is supported by the left outer face and the left upper triangular face.

The right wedge has a right outer face84and a right upper triangular face86and a right hypotenuse face88. The right outer face extends forwardly from the right vertical plate thus forming a second generally scalene triangle shape. The right outer face has a right shortest edge90adjacent to the upper horizontal plate. The right upper triangular face extends inwardly from the right shortest edge of the right outer face along the upper horizontal plate and terminates adjacent to the vertical centerline. The right hypotenuse face is supported by the right outer face and the right upper triangular face. The left hypotenuse face and the right hypotenuse face terminate at a common point adjacent to the vertical centerline.

Lastly provided is a rectangular plate68in a planar configuration. The rectangular plate is fixed to the rectangular edge thereby forming an interior chamber70. In this manner, air becomes trapped within the interior chamber to provide buoyancy to the spillway apparatus during operation.

Attention is now directed particularly toFIG.1. The skimmer spillway apparatus is shown in a general operating position with the water surface level indicated as20. As previously pointed out, the left wedge and the right wedge of the spillway body form a sloped concave or V-shaped exterior face. Interior chamber70provides buoyancy which causes a portion of the left wedge and the right wedge to move above the water surface level. In this manner, as surface water enters the rectangular opening of the skimmer housing and passes over the exterior face of the spillway body. The configuration of this invention causes a hydrodynamic decrease in pressure thus increasing water speeds flowing to and through the rectangular throat and between the left and right wedges indicated as99. Furthermore, the increased water speeds are projected outwardly into the pool area which increases the water skimming effectiveness and the surface skimming radius of the skimmer housing.

Referring toFIG.2, slots95may be provided in the lower section adjacent to the left and right vertical plates respectively. The slots provide a means of outward tension for cylindrical projections64to be received within the cylindrical recesses of the skimmer housing.

The spillway body and rectangular plate are preferably molded of plastic. There are a number of types of plastic which are suitable for the purpose, an example being ABS resin or other thermoplastics with high impact strength and are resistant to action of most solvents, oils, chemicals, and UV light.

Reference is now made to a first alternate embodiment of the invention shown inFIG.7. In this first alternate embodiment of the spillway apparatus100, the lower section includes a tubular sleeve102which contains left and right rods106. A central spring104provides outward tension for positioning the left and right rods within the cylindrical recesses of the skimmer housing. Additionally, not shown in the figures, friction caps can be fixed to the extents of the left and right rods for directly engaging the vertical side walls of the skimmer housing without being received within the cylindrical recesses.

In a second alternate embodiment of the invention and referring toFIG.9. In this second alternate embodiment of the spillway apparatus200, a foam material202is positioned within the interior face which provides an alternate method of buoyancy. The foam material may be chosen from a wide variety of cellular plastics or similar natural or synthetic elastomers having a low density.

In a third alternate embodiment of the invention and referring toFIGS.10and11. In this third alternate embodiment of the spillway apparatus300, the upper horizontal plate is eliminated and a central trough302is formed on the exterior face along the vertical centerline between the left and right wedges. The central trough terminates at a common upper edge304between the exterior and interior faces. The central trough allows the spillway apparatus to communicate with lower pool water levels in parallel orientations with the horizontal lower surface of the skimmer housing.

Reference is now made toFIGS.12-20which show a fourth alternate embodiment of the invention comparable to the previous alternate embodiments disclosed. In this fourth embodiment of the apparatus400, first provided is a skimmer, designated generally by the reference numeral414. The skimmer414may comprise, according to conventional design, a rectangular opening416and a rectangular throat418which communicates with variable water surface levels420of a swimming pool419. Rectangular throat418is defined by a horizontal upper surface422and a horizontal lower surface424and vertical side walls426. Skimmer housing414further comprises a cylindrical well428located internally for drawing in water and debris from the swimming pool into a pump filtration system. It is well known in the prior art that there exists a plurality of methods to moveably mount a skimmer door within the rectangular throat of a skimmer housing such as but not limited to cylindrical recesses or a friction engagement with vertical side walls or a mounting means fixed to the horizontal lower surface. For illustration purposes (inFIG.19) vertical side walls426are shown with cylindrical recesses430laterally spaced, axially aligned and adjacent to lower horizontal surface424.

Provided next is a spillway body440. The spillway body has an upper section442and a lower section444. Spillway body440further has a vertical centerline445laterally spaced between a left region446and a similarly configured right region447. Spillway body440has an exterior face448and an interior face450. Upper section442has an upper horizontal edge452. Lower section442has a lower horizontal edge454joining exterior face448with interior face448.

Left region446has a left vertical side456and right region447has a right vertical side458. The left and right vertical sides join said upper horizontal edge and lower horizontal edge respectively.

Exterior face448of upper section442is closed and contoured to form a left wedge460and a similarly configured right wedge470. In this manner, interior face448of upper section442is open.

Left wedge460has a left outer face462and a left upper triangular face464and a left forward face466. Left outer face462extends forwardly from the left vertical side to form a generally scalene triangle shape. Left outer face464has a left shortest edge468adjacent the upper horizontal edge. Left upper triangular face464extends inwardly from left shortest edge468along the upper horizontal edge and terminates adjacent vertical centerline458. Left forward face466is supported by left outer face464and left upper triangular face464and the exterior face of upper section442.

Right wedge470has a right outer face472and a right upper triangular face474and a right forward face476. Right outer face472extends forwardly from the right vertical side to form a generally scalene triangle shape. Right outer face474has a right shortest edge478adjacent the upper horizontal edge. Right upper triangular face474extends inwardly from right shortest edge468along the upper horizontal edge and terminates adjacent vertical centerline458. Right forward face476is supported by right outer face474and right upper triangular face474and the exterior face of upper section442.

Left forward face466and right forward face476terminate at a common point laterally spaced from vertical centerline445. As previously shown inFIGS.10and11, left forward face466and right forward face476may terminate at a common point which allows for a central trough to be formed between said left and right forward faces466,476.

Further provided is an attachment means480adjacent said lower horizontal edge of lower section442. Said attachment means is configured to be rotatably received between vertical side walls426and adjacent said lower surface of skimmer housing414.

Provided last is a buoyancy means481. Said buoyancy means is positioned within the open interior face of upper section442.

As shown inFIGS.12-20, said buoyancy means preferably includes a rectangular edge482adjacent said upper horizontal edge and a rectangular plate484in a planar configuration. Said rectangular plate484is correspondingly sized and affixed to said rectangular edge482which thereby forms an interior chamber486. In this manner, an air-tight seal is formed within interior chamber486to provide said buoyancy means.

Attention is now directed particularly toFIG.12. Apparatus400is shown in a general operating position with water surface level indicated as420. As previously pointed out, left wedge446and right wedge447form a generally V-shaped upper section442. Buoyancy means481provides operating rotation (indicated as471) which positions portions of left wedge446and right wedge447above water surface level420. In this manner, as surface water enters rectangular opening416and passes over upper section442, said configuration of this invention causes a hydrodynamic response which increases water speeds flowing to and through rectangular throat418indicated as421. Furthermore, said increased water speeds are projected forwardly into the swimming pool area which increases water skimming effectiveness and surface skimming radius of skimmer housing414.

Said attachment means may include any one of the numerous skimmer door attachment methods and designs known in the prior art. For purposes of understanding the invention, inFIGS.12-21, apparatus400is illustrated with a primary attachment means which includes cylindrical projections490that extend outwardly from said left and right vertical sides. Cylindrical projections490are axially aligned, adjacent lower horizontal edge454and outwardly spring biased. Shown inFIG.18, said attachment means may further include a tubular sleeve491with left and right rods493and a coil spring497to increase said outwardly spring biased function. In this manner apparatus400is rotatably received adjacent said lower surface within skimmer housing414.

In a fifth alternate embodiment of the invention as shown inFIG.21, said buoyancy means may alternatively include buoyant material. In this fifth alternate embodiment of the apparatus500, a foam material502is positioned within open interior face550of upper section548. In this manner, foam material502provides an alternate buoyancy means580. The foam material may be chosen from a wide variety of cellular plastics or similar natural or synthetic elastomers having a low density.

Lastly, reference is now made to sixth alternate embodiment of the invention shown inFIG.22. In this sixth embodiment of the apparatus600, a lower section644has an attachment means680which includes one or more tabs692. Tabs692provide for a lower horizontal edge654of the invention to be rotatably mounted to a lower surface of a skimmer housing.