Patent Publication Number: US-9428929-B2

Title: Automatic skimmer cleaning system

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/385,755, filed Sep. 23, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates generally to swimming pool cleaning devices and more specifically to skimmers. 
     Needs exist for improved swimming pool cleaning devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is to be understood that both the following summary and the detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Neither the summary nor the description that follows is intended to define or limit the scope of the invention to the particular features mentioned in the summary or in the description. 
     In certain embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may include one or more of the features described herein. 
     The Automatic Pool Skimmer Cleaning System (APSCS) includes a newly designed auto clean skimmer, debris basin, and pump. The APSCS has two operating modes: Vacuum and Clean Mode. In clean mode, floating debris that has accumulated in the auto clean skimmer is automatically removed to the debris basin. In vacuum mode, debris that has fallen to the bottom of the pool is suctioned with a vacuum attachment and removed to the debris basin. The APSCS greatly enhances pool owners&#39; enjoyment, greatly reducing required maintenance and allowing the pool equipment to run longer and more efficiently as a result of the majority of cleaning functions being handled by the APSCS. The APSCS is a stand-alone system independent of the standard pool equipment. 
     When the pump is set to Clean Mode, it creates suction in the check valve line which opens the check valve and allows water and accumulated debris in the auto clean skimmer to flow into the debris basin. Debris and collected material are trapped in the debris basket for collection. The “clean” water is then returned to the auto clean skimmer. Debris accumulates in the debris basin over a season and is occasionally emptied. The frequency with which the debris basket is emptied is determined by the amount of material collected and the size of the debris basin, but in an exemplary embodiment and installation, a pool owner only has to empty it twice a season, compared to daily emptying of a traditional pool skimmer. 
     A new automatic pool skimmer cleaning system includes a skimmer, debris basin, and pump. A check valve line runs from the side of the skimmer to the debris basin. When the pump is run, suction on the check valve line opens the valve and allows water and accumulated debris in the skimmer to flow into the debris basin, where debris is caught in a debris basket. The filtered water is returned to the skimmer. Debris accumulates in the debris basin over a season and is occasionally emptied. The system&#39;s pump operates independently of the pool&#39;s filtration system and is run when the filtration is cycled off. For vacuuming, a vacuum attachment connects to the check valve line and allows vacuumed water to be passed directly through the debris basin and debris basket and then returned to the filtration system, avoiding the need to backwash the filter. 
     These and other objectives and features of the invention are apparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing written specification. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use these embodiments and others that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
         FIG. 1  is a high level diagram showing the plumbing of a pool filtration and APSCS system. 
         FIG. 2  is side detail diagram of an auto clean skimmer. 
         FIG. 3  is a side detail diagram of an APSCS debris basin. 
         FIG. 4  is a side detail diagram of an auto clean skimmer with vacuum plate and vacuum. 
         FIG. 5  is a side detail of an APSCS skimmer after winterization. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view showing an arrangement of parts in a debris basin assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view showing an arrangement of parts in a skimmer assembly. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a vaccuuming attachment. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a skimmer weir. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an inlet/outlet plug. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a winterized plate with gasket. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a small skimmer piece. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a removable strainer lid. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a small skimmer piece. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a debris basket. 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a debris basin. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a debris basket. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a debris basin. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An automatic skimmer cleaning system will now be disclosed in terms of various exemplary embodiments. This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate features of the invention. The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. When a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, persons skilled in the art may effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     In the several figures, like reference numerals may be used for like elements having like functions even in different drawings. The figures are not to scale. The embodiments described, and their detailed construction and elements, are merely provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the present invention can be carried out in a variety of ways, and does not require any of the specific features described herein. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention with unnecessary detail. 
     A new auto cleaning skimmer system (APSCS) incorporates a newly designed auto clean pool skimmer and pipe system that is completely independent from the pool&#39;s filtration system and pump. A separate pump and pipes allow the APSCS to function even where the filtration system is not operational. APSCS eliminates the need for frequent cleaning and debris removal that is associated with existing pool skimmers. APSCS components include a new auto clean pool skimmer, debris basin and basket, pipes, winterization attachments, and a separate single phase pump. 
     Auto-Clean Skimmer 
     In some embodiments, APSCS has an inflow similar to a traditional skimmer, utilizing a weir and suction line attached to the bottom of the auto clean skimmer. The suction line runs back to the filter system and sanitizes the water through the filtration system. The APSCS can be programmed to autoclean as often as necessary. The frequency will depend on the amount of leaves or debris a pool owner encounters. Some pools have many trees overhead and thus require more frequent cleaning. When the APSCS is activated to clean, the pool&#39;s filtration system turns off and the auto clean skimmer or skimmers “autoclean”, thus eliminating the need for the homeowner to manually clean the skimmer baskets of debris. Swimming pool filtration systems typically turn off each night on a daily cycle, and the APSCS can be programmed to run each night after the filtration system turns off, or each morning before it turns on. 
     The APSCS in some embodiments has a check valve built inside of the side of the skimmer manifold (where the pipe meets the skimmer). When in clean mode the APSCS pump is activated, which creates suction from the check valve line and opens the check valve. The check valve only allows water and debris to travel in one direction to the debris basket. The debris and water flow to the debris basket where debris is deposited. The water then re-circulates back into the pool. Manual cleaning of the debris basket should typically be performed once or twice per season, once again depending on the amount of debris that collects in the pool, as well as the size of debris basket installed with the system. This makes pool ownership much more convenient, as the typical pool owner has to clean their pool skimmer daily. The debris basket can accommodate any debris that typically enters a skimmer, including leaves, twigs, and various animals. In some embodiments, a transparent lid allows the level of the debris basket to be gauged without opening the lid. 
     Once the debris has entered the basin, the water is returned to the auto clean skimmer through a line at the bottom of the auto clean skimmer. This lifts off any debris that may have been caught on the strainer lid. The strainer lid prevents debris from entering the filtration system. This return line also is sized to accommodate the amount of water required to keep this system from cavitation (formation of vapor bubbles), thus preventing the cleaning pump from starving itself. 
     The APSCS is also advantageous for vacuuming of the pool, which is done when debris falls or sinks to the bottom of a pool. In a typical pool, vacuuming is done through the traditional skimmer line, extending the skimmer suction line to the bottom of the pool using a vacuum hose and sending collected debris to the pool filter. The filter quickly reaches its holding capacity and the person vacuuming is required to empty the filter multiple times. In some embodiments of the APSCS, the new auto clean skimmer does not use the pool&#39;s filter or filtration system, as it is completely independent. A separate clip-on device vacuum connection piece attaches to the check valve device and provides a connection for a vacuum hose, sending all vacuumed debris to the debris basket. This allows the homeowner or service technician to clean the pool much faster and more efficiently. This can also be a big advantage when winterizing a pool. 
     In some embodiments, at the APSCS pump there is a three way effluent valve that allows the effluent water to either return to the auto clean skimmer or enter the filter system through a series of check valves. This prevents unfiltered water from entering the pool without entering the filter media first. When vacuuming, the water is pumped through the filter by the APSCS pump before being returned to the pool, whereas for the autoclean feature the water is simply returned to the auto clean skimmer. 
     When vacuuming a pool, the pool pump is turned off, a vacuum connection piece is attached to the check valve line and a vacuum hose is connected to the vacuum connection piece, APSCS is manually turned on, and the three way effluent valve is set to vacuum mode. This allows the vacuumed debris to enter and be caught by the debris basket, with the water passing through the debris basket and entering the filtration system before being returned back to the pool. Once complete, the vacuum line and connection piece are removed, the APSCS pump is turned off, and the filtration system is turned back on (if desired). 
     Debris Basin 
     In some embodiments the debris basin has a series of O-rings around the top where the lid attaches, and a clear lid for the customer and/or service tech to monitor the levels of debris in the basin. In some embodiments the basin accommodates the debris from two auto clean skimmers. Two lines, in some embodiments four inch lines, are installed at the top of the basin and each is an inlet line carrying the water from an auto clean skimmer into the basin. 
     A debris basket in the basin has two openings where the inlet lines are attached. Debris travels through the openings and is trapped in the debris basket until it is time for service. For each auto clean skimmer feeding into the basin, there is an outlet line at the bottom of the basin and the side of the basin. 
     As the basin fills up with debris, the bottom outlet lines often become choked with debris. At that point, the connected suction line begins pulling from the side outlet lines that are attached on the side of the basin, in some embodiments three-fourths of the way up the side, to allow the basin to fully fill before service is required. 
     In some embodiments a series of clamps at the top of the basin secure the lid to create an air tight seal. This system requires all air to bleed out at the cleaning pump with an air bleeder valve. Cleaning the basin is simple. Once all the filter and cleaning pumps are turned off, the series of clamps is opened and the lid is removed. In some embodiments the debris basket has four handles with which the debris basket can be pulled out, allowing the water in the basin to be strained while bringing the debris out with the basket. At this time all debris is removed from the debris basket and disposed of. 
     Chlorinated water enters the basin whenever a cleaning cycle is performed (generally at least daily) so all matter in the basin will be stable and safe to work with. Once the debris basket is emptied and placed back in the basin, the lid is closed and the clamps are closed to create an air tight seal. The cleaning pump is turned on and the air in the basin is bled. Once all air has escaped the system, the cleaning pump is turned off and the filter system is turned back on. This process may be required once or twice a season, depending on how many trees and plants surround the pool, or more generally, the amount of debris that falls into the pool. 
     Winterization 
     Typically, winterization of a pool system is done through a conventional skimmer. In some embodiments, winterizing of the APSCS is performed in a similar manner. First, the filtration system is winterized in a typical fashion. Once all lines on the filtration system have been blown through and all lines are hollow, the vacuum attachment is attached to the check valve line manifold inside the auto clean skimmer. Compressed air is blown through the check valve line until the air reaches the cleaning pump. Once air reaches the pump, the basin clamps are opened and the top suction line is plugged. The system is then closed again and the bottom return line in the auto clean skimmer basin is blown through. Once compressed air has entered the cleaning pump drain plugs, the bottom line is plugged and a winterization cap is placed on the check valve line and screwed in to create a seal. When complete, antifreeze is poured in the auto clean skimmer basin and also in the debris basin. The debris basin is closed and a stone lid and/or PVC lid is placed on the auto clean skimmer. 
       FIG. 1  is a high level diagram showing the plumbing of a pool filtration and APSCS system. As in a standard pool filtration system, water is suctioned from the bottom of the swimming pool at drainage lines  509  and from auto clean skimmers  1  via skimmer lines  407  and spa drainage lines  508  (if present) by the pool pump  501  and sent through filter  502  and optional heater  503  before being returned to the pool and spa (if present) through return lines  506 ,  507 . During ordinary circulation and filtration, these components function essentially as for a normal pool. 
     In the illustrated swimming pool system, the APSCS system including debris basin  402  and pump  401  as well as auto clean skimmers  1  (which may be original or retrofitted from original non-APSCS skimmers) has been added. Water and accumulated debris is suctioned through check valve lines  405  to APSCS debris basin  402  by APSCS pump  401 . The water, filtered of debris in APSCS basin  402 , exits the basin via basin outlet lines  403  and is then returned by APSCS pump  401  to the auto clean skimmers  1  via skimmer return line  406  or directly to the filter  502  via filter return line  404 . Typically, the water is returned directly to the auto clean skimmers  1  after an autocleaning operation and is returned through the filtration system  502  during vacuuming of the pool. Three way effluent valve  400  governs whether the water returns to the auto clean skimmer or enters the filter system using a series of check valves. This prevents unfiltered water from entering the pool without entering the filter media first. 
       FIG. 2  is side detail diagram of an auto clean skimmer  1 . Water  8  enters the auto clean skimmer over weir  2 , allowing floating debris to enter. The pool pump (not shown) pulls water from the bottom of the auto clean skimmer through auto clean skimmer outlet  7  to the filtration system via skimmer line  407 , after passing through removable strainer lid  3 , which prevents large debris from entering the filtration system. 
     Check valve line  405  connects to the side of the auto clean skimmer, where check valve  4  controls flow from the auto clean skimmer  1  into the check valve line  405 . When suction is applied by the APSCS pump (not shown) to the check valve line  405 , the check valve  4  opens and allows water and accumulated debris to pass from the auto clean skimmer  1  to the debris basin (see  FIG. 3 ) through check valve line  405 . 
     Reinforcement brace  9  supports the check valve line to avoid cracking if pressure is applied to the check valve line. Skimmer lid  14  is in some embodiments made of stone or plastic, depending on the construction of the pool. In this diagram, pool decking construction details  10 , 11 , 12 , 13  are also shown. The type of decking installation used is immaterial to the functioning of the APSCS, however these details help to show the location and arrangement of the APSCS in the illustrated embodiment. 
     Concrete slab  10  houses rebar for structural strength. Its thickness depends on field conditions. Gravel base  11  is in some embodiments, with decking resting on virgin soil, composed of between four and six inches of #57 gravel or 21A gravel. Mortar bed  12  is composed of sand and Portland cement and locks a stone finish to the structural concrete for longevity and proper installation. Foam expansion joint  13  allows the concrete structure and pool structure to move during harsh weather with expansion and contraction. Installing a foam base and a silicone finish allows both structures to move without causing damage to the pool and/or finishing stone. Not installing an expansion joint may cause the stone on the deck to crack and/or may cause the pool coping to pop loose and damage to the pool structure may occur. 
       FIG. 3  is a side detail diagram of an APSCS debris basin  301 . In the illustrated embodiment, the debris basin  301  is connected to two auto clean skimmers as shown in  FIG. 2 . Water and accumulated debris enters the debris basin  301  through check valve lines  302 ,  311  via check valve lines  405  and openings in debris basket  308  and is suctioned by the APSCS pump (not shown) through suction lines  303 ,  307  to basin outlet lines  403 , passing through debris basket  308  where accumulated debris is trapped. Handles  309  in the debris basket  308  allow the debris basket  308  to be periodically removed from the debris basin  301  and emptied. O-ring gaskets  306  and locking clamps  305  create an air tight seal between the lid  310  and the rest of  FIG. 3  is a side detail diagram of an APSCS debris basin  301 . In the illustrated embodiment, the debris basin  301  is connected to two auto clean skimmers as shown in  FIG. 2 . Water and accumulated debris enters the debris basin  301  through check valve lines  302 ,  311  via check valve lines  405  and openings in debris basket  308  and is suctioned by the APSCS pump (not shown) through suction lines  303 ,  307  to basin outlet lines  403 , passing through debris basket  308  where accumulated debris is trapped. Handles  309  in the debris basket  308  allow the debris basket  308  to be periodically removed from the debris basin  301  and emptied. O-ring gaskets  306  and a series of locking clamps  305  create an air tight seal between the lid  310  and the rest of the basin  301 . An air bleeder valve  304  permits air to bleed out. The lid  310  is clear plastic for viewing the level of accumulated debris. The debris basin  301  and piping in this embodiment are installed primarily underground, as indicated by ground surface level  312 , for aesthetic reasons as well as ease of viewing and manipulation. In other embodiments, the basin system can be installed above-ground and optionally within a housing. 
       FIG. 4  is a side detail diagram of an auto clean skimmer with vacuum plate and vacuum. Winterizing/vacuuming plate with gasket  201  is attached to check valve  4  with screws  203 . Vacuum attachment  206  is connected to the winterizing/vacuuming plate  201  and sends the water suctioned from the bottom of the pool to the check valve line  405 . The APSCS pump (not shown) suctions the check valve line  405 , opening check valve  4  and allowing the vacuumed water to flow through the check valve line  405  to the APSCS debris basin (see  FIG. 3 ). Removable strainer lid  3  remains attached over the auto clean skimmer inlet and outlet lines  407 ,  406  with screws  204 . O-rings  202  seal the connection between the check valve  4  and winterizing/vacuuming plate  201 . Slip fitting  207  attaches the check valve line  405  to the auto clean skimmer. 
       FIG. 5  is a side detail of an auto clean skimmer after winterization. Removable winterized plate with gasket  206  is inserted over check valve  4  with screw  203 , preventing water from leaking into check valve line  405  from the auto clean skimmer. Removable strainer lid  3  and its screws  204  are removed and plugs  209  are inserted in the auto clean skimmer inlet and outlet lines  406 ,  407  to prevent water from entering the filtration system from the auto clean skimmer. Threaded adapters  6 , 7  connect inlet and outlet lines  406 ,  407  to the body of the skimmer  1 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view showing an arrangement of parts in a debris basin assembly. Basin  313  is topped by transparent basin lid  310 . Debris basket  308  is placed inside the basin  313  to filter large debris from water delivered into the basin, and has its own lid  309 . 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded perspective view showing an arrangement of parts in a skimmer assembly. The skimmer  1  includes skimmer lid  14 , weir  2 , strainer lid  3 , and check valve  4 . The check valve is attached to the skimmer  1  with small skimmer piece  701 , which also serves as an attachment point for winterized plate  206  or vacuuming plate  201  using screw  203 . Plugs  209  are inserted into inlet and outlet  406 ,  407  when winterized. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a vaccuuming attachment  201 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a skimmer weir  2 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an inlet/outlet plug  209 . 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a winterized plate with gasket  206 . 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a small skimmer piece  701 . 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a removable strainer lid  3 . 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a small skimmer piece  701 . 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a debris basket  308 . 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a debris basin  312 . 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a debris basket  308 . 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a debris basin  312 . 
     The invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described above in detail. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements could be devised, for example, using variously shaped and sized debris basins in various locations, various piping configurations, and various methods of removing the debris that accumulates in the debris basin. While the invention has been described with reference to specific illustrative embodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of the invention. The invention encompasses every possible combination of the various features of each embodiment disclosed.