Abstract:
An improved tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools is provided. The tool generally comprises a frame, a net covering the mouth portion of the frame, and a modular handle/net assembly which engages the proximal “Y” portion of the frame and a multi-buttoned pole retaining clip. In certain embodiments, the handle/net has a modular design where a top stem assembly engages a bottom stem assembly which, when in this joined configuration, encloses a double-buttoned retaining clip and a portion of a frame support bar which extends from the frame. The top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly are designed to receive a locking tubular sleeve which cooperates coaxially with the outside circular rear body portion of the joined top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly and is secured in place using the double-bottomed retaining clip.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to swimming pools, spas, decorative pools, and similar bodies of water cleaning apparatus, and in particular to “pool rakes” or “skimmers” having a neck, frame and net retained on the frame by a retaining means for removing leaves and other debris from the top and bottom surfaces of pool structure, i.e. pool bottoms, step surfaces and sloping walls. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prior art devices, sometimes called “pool rakes, leaf nets or skimmers”, generally include a neck or stem/handle apparatus to engage long tubular handle or extended pole and a frame, the frame having an opening that is covered with a net. The net is retained on the frame by a retaining means including typically techniques, such as using clip various devices or using a folding/attachment design that allows threading over the frame. To accommodate the pool professional, there has been an attempt to employ an approach to attempt to permit replacement of parts of the rakes that tend to wear out during normal use. Such devices sometimes include a replaceable net sized and configured to fit a frame, a replaceable elongated sleeve clip to hold the net to the frame, and attachment means designed to attach the frame to a handle or pole. 
     These prior art attempts to permit disassembly and replacement of various parts have been less than satisfactory. One disadvantage of the prior art devices is that they require assembly or disassembly of the rakes with using various tools. Usually the first step in disassembling the rake for replacement of part requires the removal sleeve clip from the frame using a screwdriver, wrench or other tool. Sometimes this removal is so awkward or difficult that the net, the frame, and/or the clip itself can be further damaged or destroyed during the operation, or the user&#39;s hands can be injured. 
     Another disadvantage of the prior art pool leaf rakes is that the neck is not adequately designed to withstand the forces that are generated during normal use, and therefore breakage at the neck of the attachment point which engages the frame and the handle or pole frequently occurs. This results in catastrophic failure of the neck requiring replacement several of the pool rakes components or more commonly, complete replacement of the entire unit (and disposal of the original unit). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention to provides an improved tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools, comprising a modular combination of frame means forming a mouth portion and net means covering the mouth portion, with a net retaining means for retaining the net in operative relationship with the frame means, and a modular yoke or stem assembly which engages proximal “Y” portion of the frame and a single, double or multi-buttoned pole retaining clip. In the preferred embodiment, the handle/net has a modular design where a top stem assembly that engages a bottom stem assembly which enclosed a double-buttoned retaining clip and a portion of the frame support bar which extends from the frame means and is substantial “Y” configuration designed to become engaged with the upper track of the top stem assembly and the lower track of the bottom stem assembly. The top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly is designed to receive a locking tubular sleeve which cooperates coaxially with the outside circular rear body portion of the joined top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly and is secured in place using the buttoned sleeve and pole retaining clip and/or a protruding knob and securing groove interface. In this lock configuration, the proximal Y configured section is firmly secured with of the upper and lower tracks. The mouth section of the frame and netting projected from the yoke or stem section using typical methods of using an expanded and open distal frame shaped in a circular or oval fashion, with the netting attached to the frame with a net retaining means. 
     It is, therefore, an object of my invention to provide an improved modular rake apparatus that includes the modular combination of frame a means forming a mouth portion and net means covering the mouth portion, with a net retaining means for retaining the net in operative relationship with the frame means, and a modular handle assembly which engages the proximal “Y” portion of the frame and a buttoned retaining clip. In the preferred embodiment, the handle/net has a modular design where a top stem assembly that engages a bottom stein assembly which enclosed a buttoned retaining clip and a portion of the frame support bar which extends from the frame means and is substantial. “Y” configuration designed to become engaged with the upper track of the top stem assembly and the lower track of the bottom stem assembly. The top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly is designed to receive a locking tubular sleeve which cooperates coaxially with the outside circular rear body portion of the joined top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly. The modular components are secured by positing the locking tubular sleeve over the top and bottom stem assemblies wherein while advancing the locking sleeve over the stem assemblies whereby a securing knob located on the inside surface of the locking sleeve follows first the insertion groove that runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking sleeve and then, upon rotation (approximately 20 to 60 degrees), follows a securing groove that runs substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, thereby providing a first securing means. As the sleeve is advanced into the final position, a pair of holes becomes aligned with the pair or more button of the retaining clip. In this lock configuration, the proximal “Y” configured section is firmly secured with of the upper and lower tracks. The mouth section of the frame and netting projected from the neck/handle section using typical methods of using an expanded and open distal frame shaped in a variety of patterns with the netting attached to the frame with a net retaining means. 
     Another object of my invention is the provision of the aforementioned character in which the modular design allows for a quick and easy disassembly and assembly without the need for any tools. 
     Another object of the present invention is that the modular design allows for repair in the field with quick, easy to replace parts. 
     Another object of the present invention is that the stew/handle design and frame retention means provides for a strong and less flexible assembly joint which overcomes the disadvantages of the weak and flexible prior art stem or yoke designs. 
     Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings, which are for the purpose of illustration only. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of a prior art pool leaf net showing the standard weak tubular pole to frame joint. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial exploded view of the modular designed present invention showing the general reinforced neck portion with extended handle, an optional brace, and the locking tubular sleeve. 
         FIG. 3  is a exploded view of the modular design present invention showing a top stem assembly having a top frame track a bottom stem assembly having a bottom frame track, a buttoned pole retaining clip, a portion of the pole, and the proximal “Y” shaped portion of the frame assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional showing an inner view of the top stem assembly showing the “Y” configured frame track and the rectangular shaped clip track having a sliding slot, a pair of holes to receive the double-buttoned pole sleeve retaining clip, and an insertion and securing groove. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-section taken from  FIG. 3  which shows a front view of the top stem assembly and the frame retention track. 
         FIG. 6  shows the double-buttoned pole retaining clip which includes a pair of protruding knobs positioned on each of two legs of the clip and clip base which as a width approaching the inside diameter of a tubular pole. 
         FIG. 7  shows the tubular sleeve with securing knob which is designed to keep the top and bottom stem assemblies securely engaged when in the coaxial cooperation position. 
         FIG. 8  is sectional showing the an inner view of the bottom stem assembly showing the “y” configured frame track and the rectangular shaped clip track having a sliding slot. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section taken from  FIG. 5  which shows a front view of the bottom stem assembly frame retention track. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the optional stem support brace. 
         FIG. 11  shows another view of the tubular sleeve with securing knob which is designed to keep the top and bottom stem assemblies securely engaged when in the coaxial cooperation position. 
         FIG. 12  show a distal portion of the tubular pole with two pairs of holes designed to receive the retaining clip protruding knobs for securing the present invention modular handle/net apparatus to an elongated pole assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  which shows a pictorial view of a prior art rakes/nets  10 . The prior art pool leaf net  10  includes a frame means  18  forming a mouth portion  22  and having conventional attachment means to the handle portion  12  with the ends of the frame secured to the attachment means  14 . Also shown are the typical one pair holes  14  for attaching the prior art rakes/nets  10  to the distal end of an elongated pole member. In the preferred embodiment, the frame is generally fabricated from steel or aluminum or other suitably strong, lightweight, cost-effective material. 
     The prior art rakes/nets typically suffer from weak tubular pole to frame joints which are not adequately designed to withstand the forces that are generated during normal use. The prior art leaf nets  22  generally have a polymer weave and a retaining means  20  for securing the end of the net  22  to the frame  18 , designed to allow water but capture debris and leave. Breakage at the neck  16  of the attachment point which engages the frame portion  18  and the handle or pole frequently occurs. This results in catastrophic failure of the neck  16  requiring replacement several of the pool rakes components or more commonly, complete replacement of the entire unit (and disposal of the original unit). 
     As shown in the partial exploded view of  FIG. 2 , in general, the modular designed present invention  28  comprises a reinforced neck portion with extend handle portion having a pair of retaining knobs  48   a  and  48   b  projecting from the extended handle portion designed to engaged the holes of the tubular sleeve  38 . 
     In addition, as typical for pool equipment manufacturers, an optional pool apparatus whereby manufacturers include professional lines which generally has strengthen features. Shown is  FIG. 2  is one such feature where an optional support brace  60  designed to cooperate with the present invention and providing additional strengthen to the neck area which, as described in the prior art, is the weak link in pool leaf nets. 
     Also shown in partial detail is the frame  31  which extends beyond the joined and secured top  40  and bottom  41  stem assemblies forming an open mouth portion which is covered by net member. The typical net member is fabricated frown any appropriate material, and is sized and configured to correspond with the mouth opening and to be able to retain a desired quantity of debris which may be collected in the net during use of the present invention. The net member is preferably of conventional materials and construction and is preferably configured as a bag with an opening at one end. In one example, the net is fabricated with an elongated pocket located on the upper rim which is designed to thread over the frame, when disassembled, providing a user-friendly replacement technique. The elongated pocket is fabricated by folding over a portion of the net to form the elongated pocket and maintaining this configuration using typical sowing or adhesive attached techniques. In another example, the net member is held or retained in operative relationship with the frame by using an elongated retaining strip. The strip is preferably fabricated from plastic (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, butyrate, or the like) or other suitably tough, flexible, resilient, lightweight material having sufficient shape-memory to be snapped onto, and removed from, the frame means as described herein. The channel or strip is generally U-shaped in cross-section. 
     The particular materials and dimensions of the frame means can be readily determined without undo experimentation for any particular size of tool, by persons of ordinary skill in the art. In addition to the preferred stainless steel material, the frame means can be fabricated from aluminum, plastic, or similar lightweight, flexible, resilient material. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 3  is a exploded view of the modular design present invention showing a top stem assembly  30  having a top frame track  42   a , a bottom stem assembly  32  having a bottom frame track  42   b , a double-buttoned sleeve and pole retaining clip  44 , a distal portion of the extended pole or handle  38 . The proximal “Y” shaped area of the frame assembly is designed to receive the double jointed and bonded proximal end of the frame  31 . 
     The top stem assembly  40  may be formed of a rigid polymeric material consisting of polypropylene, Nylon, Dacron, Delrin, synthetic polyamide, polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, butyrate or other suitably tough, flexible, resilient, lightweight material having sufficient high tensile strength materials such as Vectran™, Kevlar™. In addition, the top stem assembly  40  may be formed from a metallic material such as steel, aluminum, or stainless steel materials. The top stem assembly  40  is machined or molded using typical machining and molding techniques to provide the “Y” shaped groove for receiving and engaging half of the diameter of the frame. The “Y” shaped groove has a pair of extending top groove portions  42   a  and top base portion  43   a . The top stem assembly  40  also has a pair of holes  34   a  and  34   b  which penetrated the diameter of the top stem assembly  40  which receive and engage a pair of knobs  48   a  and  48   b , or  50   a  and  50   b , from a buttoned pole retention clip  44 . A top distal sliding slot  36   a  is also machined or molded into the top stem assembly  40  which penetrates the diameter of the top stem assembly  40  and is designed to engage and contain a pair of extended base pieces  49   a  and  49   b  on the buttoned pole retention clip  44 . Also shown is a proximal cut-tout area  36   a  near the pair of holes  34   a  and  34   b.    
     Also shown in  FIG. 3  is the double buttoned sleeve and pole retaining clip  44  which includes a pair of protruding knobs  48   a  and  48   b , and  50   a  and  50   b , positioned on each of two legs of the clip  44 . The double-buttoned sleeve and pole retaining clip  44  has a pair of extended base pieces  49   a  and  49   b  which extend slightly beyond the limits of the top stem assembly  40  distal sliding slot  36   a  and has a width approaching the inside diameter of a tubular pole or handle  38 . It is anticipated by the Applicant that other types of retaining clips, including the standard single pair design used with prior art devices, having one or more protruding buttons can be specifically designed to also work with the present invention. 
     The bottom stem assembly  41  may be formed of a rigid polymeric material consisting of polypropylene, Nylon, Dacron, Delrin, synthetic polyamide, polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, butyrate or other suitably tough, flexible, resilient, lightweight material having sufficient high tensile strength materials such as Vectran™, Kevlar™. In addition, the bottom stem assembly  41  may be formed from a metallic material such as steel, aluminum, or stainless steel materials. The bottom stem assembly  41  is machined or molded using typical machining and molding techniques to provide the “Y” shaped groove for receiving and engaging half of the diameter of the frame. The “Y” shaped groove has a pair of extending top groove portions  42   b  and top base portion  43   b . A extended bottom distal sliding slot  36   b  is also machined or molded into the bottom stem assembly  41  which penetrates the diameter of the bottom stem assembly  41  and is designed to engage and contain a pair of extended base pieces  49   a  and  49   b  on the buttoned pole retention clip  44 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 3  is the tubular sleeve  38  has an inside diameter  46  which is slightly smaller than the diameter that results when the top assembly  40  and bottom assembly  41  are joined. The tubular sleeve  38  is designed to keep the top and bottom stem assemblies securely engaged when positioned coaxially over the modularly designed top  40  and bottom  41  structures. The tubular sleeve  38  is fitted with a pair of distal holes  52   a  and proximal holes  54   a  on each side of the tubular structure is designed to receive retaining clip knobs  45   a  and  48   b  on one side, and  50   a  and  50   b  on the other side. Once the tubular sleeve  38  is positioned over the top and bottom assemblies, it is rotated approximately 45 degrees whereby the pair of holes  52   a  and  54   a  lines up with the retaining clip knobs  48   a ,  48   b ,  50   a , and  50   b . The present invention  28  is now ready for use by the operator. Optionally, an elongated pole  45  with a inside diameter  51  which is slightly larger that the outer diameter of the tubular sleeve  38 , can be coaxially slide over the tubular sleeve and secured with the appropriate knobs inserted into the pair of holes  54  and  52   
       FIG. 4  shows, in more detail, the inner details of the top stem assembly  40 . The top stem assembly  40  has a “Y” configured frame trail  42   a  and second joint portion  43   a  and the rectangular shaped clip track having a sliding slot  36   a  and a pair of holes  34   a  and  34   b . The area around the neck region of the stern is heavily reinforced by using substantially rigid materials with substantial girth or mass to reduce flexing and inhibit the formation of fatigue fractures at this weak point. The “Y” shaped groove  42   a  and  43   a  in the top stem assembly  40  is adapted to tightly enclose approximately one half of the width a rectangular or planar shaped frame. In addition, a butted joint assembly of two rectangular or planar frame end pieces can be joined by welding, adhesive or other technology and fitted with the second joint portion  43   a . The rectangular shaped clip track having a sliding slot  36   a  and a pair of holes  34   a  and  34   b  are designed to receive and cooperate with the double buttoned sleeve and pole retention clip  44 . 
     Located on the proximal end of the handle portion of the top stem assembly  40  is a insertion groove  62  and a securing groove  64 , which is designed to engage a securing knob  66  located in the inside wall of the tubular sleeve  38  (shown in more detail in  FIG. 7 ). 
       FIG. 5  is a cross-section taken from  FIG. 3  which shows a front view of the top stem assembly and the frame retention track. 
       FIG. 6  shows the preferred double-buttoned sleeve and pole retaining clip  44  which includes a pair of protruding knobs  48   a  and  48   b , and  50   a  and  50   b , positioned on each of two legs of the clip. The retaining clip  44  is designed to be sandwiched between the top stem assembly  40  and bottom stem assembly  41 , and cooperate with first guide hole  36   a  and holes  34   a  and  34   b  of the top stem assembly  40  and the second guide hole in the bottom stein assembly ( FIG. 8 ). The base of the retaining clip  44  has a pair of ears  49   a  and  49   b  which have a width that approaches the inside diameter of the tubular sleeve. It is anticipated by the Applicant that other types of retaining clips, including the standard single pair design used with prior art devices, having one or more protruding buttons can be specifically designed to also work with the present invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows the tubular sleeve with securing knob which is designed to keep the top and bottom stem assemblies securely engaged when in the coaxial cooperation position. Once the tubular sleeve  38  is positioned over the top and bottom stem assemblies  40  and  41  respectively, the sleeve is rotated approximately 45 degrees whereby the securing knob  66  follows first the insertion groove  62  and then, upon rotation, follows the securing groove  64 , thereby providing additional securing means. 
       FIG. 8  is a sectional showing the inside view of the bottom stem assembly  41  having a “Y” configured frame track  42   b  and second joint portion  43   b  and an elongated rectangular shaped clip track sliding slot  56   b . The area around the neck region of the stem is heavily reinforced by using substantially rigid materials with substantial girth or mass to reduce flexing and inhibit the formation of fatigue fractures at this weak point. The “Y” shaped groove  42   b  and  43   b  in the bottom stem assembly  41  is adapted to tightly enclose approximately the other one half of the width a rectangular or planar shaped frame. In addition, a butted joint assembly of two rectangular or planar frame end pieces can be joined by welding, adhere or other technology and fitted with the second joint portion  43   b . The rectangular shaped clip track sliding slot  56   b  is designed to receive and cooperate with the double-buttoned retention clip  44 . 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-section taken from  FIG. 5  which shows a front view of the bottom stem assembly frame retention track. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the optional stem support brace  60 . Typically pool equipment manufacturers offer an optional pool rakes whereby manufacturers include professional lines which generally have improved features. The optional support brace  60  is an improved feature designed to cooperate with the present invention and providing additional strengthen to the neck area which, as described in the prior art, is the weak link in pool leaf nets. 
       FIG. 11  shows another view of the tubular sleeve  38  with securing knob  66  on the inside surface of the lumen which is designed to keep the top and bottom stem assemblies securely engaged when coaxially engaging the top stem assembly  40  and the bottom stem assembly  41 . Once the tubular sleeve  38  is positioned over the top and bottom stein assemblies  40  and  41  respectively, the sleeve is rotated approximately 45 degrees whereby the securing knob  66  follows first the insertion groove  62  and then, upon rotation, follows the securing groove  64 , thereby providing additional securing means. 
       FIG. 12  show a distal portion of the tubular pole  45  with two pairs of holes  54   b  and  52   b  designed to receive the retaining clip protruding knobs for securing the present invention modular handle/net apparatus to an elongated pole assembly. 
     Modular Engagement and Operation 
     Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, although the present invention comprised of several sections, the modular design allows for easy assembly and disassembly and further the engage of the modular components allows for efficient service in the field. When the distal end of the locking sleeve  38  is coaxially inserted over the joined upper stem assembly  40  and bottom stem assembly  41 , and secured by the enclosed multi-buttoned sleeve and pole retention clip  44 , the proximal section of the frame member  31  is securely engaged within the upper and lower frame tracks. The present invention now provides a robust neck and stem assembly for pool cleaning operations. 
     Once the leaf net assembly is introduced into approximate conformance with the surface or pool volume to be cleaned, the present invention assembly is pushed across that surface or pool volume to capture debris in the net. 
     The present invention modular handle/net apparatus and method of the Applicant&#39;s invention has been described with some particularity but the specific designs, constructions and steps disclosed are not to be taken as delimiting of die invention in that various modifications will at once make themselves apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, all of which will not depart from the essence of the invention and all such changes and modifications are intended to be encompassed within the appended claims.