Patent Publication Number: US-9903494-B2

Title: Liquid container leveler

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a container and skimming device that is particularly adapted for the redirection of the water flow away from a filter device used in connection with a fluid source and for regulating the fluid level in the fluid source. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In swimming pools and other water or fluid containing structures, the water level will routinely rise as a result of rain, water displacement and other factors. When the water level rises higher than a user desires, the process of draining the swimming pool to the desired level is difficult and imprecise. The user must constantly monitor the water level while the water is being drained from a drain in the pool and if the water level drops too much, then the user will need to add more water to the pool, and repeat the process until the desired water level is attained. 
     There is thus a need in the art to provide a simple and relatively inexpensive control containment device that can provide for the control of a fluid level with ease and convenience, and which can be adapted for use with existing swimming pools or other similar structures. The present invention aims to solve these shortcomings in the art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a principal object of this invention to provide a control device to enable the control of an over fill condition that can be brought back to a desired predetermined level. 
     The foregoing objects and others are accomplished in accordance with this invention by providing a novel control means comprising a leveling apparatus that can be installed at a specific fluid level, comprising other members that can vary or turn off the automatic fluid leveling feature. A cut-out portion of the apparatus has a bore hole that runs completely through the thickness of the container, serving as a spill way. A control member can be obtained with an adapted fit to mate with the bore hole. The control member contains a control feature which enables the active/inactive control of the spill way at will, thereby bring the fluid level back to its desired level. An adjusting member can be also used situations which may need level adjustment. A cover member is thereafter placed over the cut-out portion. The cover member is also located in a position that will be flush with an outside portion of the spill way. The cover member ensures excess fluid motion by preventing foreign objects from entering the apparatus and erroneously adjusting the fluid level. In this embodiment it is thus possible to control the fluid level via the external control member in order to maintain optimal operating level. 
     The spill way of this invention is economically manufactured and is particularly advantageous for large volume usage. The control member used with the device of this invention can be any conventional type of shut off valve. Any suitable material may be used to manufacture the containment device of this invention. 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention comprises a housing surrounding a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are partially separated by an inner wall inside the housing. A fluid inlet connected to the housing is provided that is configured to receive fluid into the first chamber. The first chamber includes a first fluid outlet and the second chamber includes a second fluid outlet. A control device is affixed to the second fluid outlet configured to control the release of fluid from the second chamber through the second fluid outlet. 
     In an embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the control device comprises a valve configured to be opened and closed to control the release of fluid through the second fluid outlet. The valve can be controlled by a lever affixed to a housing for the control device. The control device in an embodiment of the invention can be a standard shut-off valve. 
     In a further embodiment of the apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the fluid inlet comprises a fluid inlet connector configured to connect the apparatus to a second apparatus comprising a fluid so that the fluid enters the apparatus through the fluid inlet. The inner wall can be configured to have a height such that fluid in the first chamber will overflow into the second chamber when the level of the fluid in the first chamber rises above the height of the inner wall. The second apparatus has an adjustable fluid level and the fluid level in the first chamber corresponds to the fluid level in the second apparatus. The control device is configured to permit the release of fluid from the second chamber until the fluid level in the second apparatus is such that to the fluid level in the first chamber is at or below the height of the inner wall. The release of fluid that has overflowed into the second chamber from the second chamber reduces the fluid level in the first chamber and in the second apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid inlet connector is configured to connect the apparatus to an opening in a swimming pool. 
     According to one embodiment of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, a fluid level adjustment unit is provided, which is configured to be placed on the inner wall within the apparatus. In one embodiment, the fluid level adjustment unit includes a U-shaped member configured to fit over the inner wall, a threaded bore hole extending through the U-shaped member and a threaded member configured to be inserted into the threaded bore hole. The threaded member is configured to elevate the U-shaped member away from the inner wall as the threaded member is threaded into the threaded bore hole. According to this embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the fluid inlet may comprise a fluid inlet connector configured to connect the apparatus to a second apparatus comprising a fluid so that the fluid enters the apparatus through the fluid inlet. The fluid level adjustment unit can be positioned on the inner wall so that a top surface of the U-shaped member defines a height wherein fluid in the first chamber will overflow into the second chamber when the level of the fluid in the first chamber rises above the top surface of the U-shaped member at said height. The second apparatus has an adjustable fluid level and the fluid level in the first chamber corresponds to the fluid level in the second apparatus. The control device is configured to permit the release of fluid from the second chamber until the fluid level in the second apparatus is such that the fluid level in the first chamber is at or below the height of the top surface of the U-shaped member of the fluid level adjustment unit. 
     In an embodiment of the apparatus of the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises a first cover and a second cover. The first cover is dimensioned to cover a top surface of the second chamber has at least a first tab configured to be inserted into a tab receiving section in the housing. The second cover is dimensioned to cover a top surface of the first chamber and is configured to overlay at least a second tab of the first cover, further securing the first cover in place. 
     In an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the apparatus is a pool skimming unit configured to skim water and debris from the top surface of the swimming pool. The apparatus in this embodiment may further comprise a basket or mesh strainer positioned above the first fluid outlet, which is connected to a filtration system. 
     According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet comprise threaded openings. 
     According to a second aspect of the invention, a system is provided. The system comprises a first apparatus comprising a housing surrounding a first chamber and a second chamber. The first and second chambers are partially separated by an inner wall inside the housing. A fluid inlet connected to the housing is provided that is configured to receive fluid into the first chamber. The first chamber includes a first fluid outlet and the second chamber includes a second fluid outlet. A control device is affixed to the second fluid outlet configured to control the release of fluid from the second chamber through the second fluid outlet. The system further comprises a second apparatus containing a fluid having a fluid level and connected to the fluid inlet of the first apparatus such that the fluid level in the second apparatus corresponds to a fluid level in the first chamber of the first apparatus. The system further comprises a third apparatus affixed to the first fluid outlet. 
     In an embodiment of the first apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention, the control device comprises a valve configured to be opened and closed to control the release of fluid through the second fluid outlet. The valve can be controlled by a lever affixed to a housing for the control device. The control device in an embodiment of the invention can be a standard shut-off valve. 
     In a further embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the invention, the inner wall of the first apparatus is configured to have a height such that fluid in the first chamber will overflow into the second chamber when the level of the fluid in the first chamber rises above the height of the inner wall. The valve of the control device is configured to be opened to permit the release of fluid from the second chamber until the fluid level in the second apparatus is such that the fluid level in the first chamber is at or below the height of the inner wall. 
     According to a further embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the invention, a fluid level adjustment unit is provided and configured to be placed on the inner wall within the first apparatus. The fluid level adjustment unit is positioned on the inner wall so that a top surface of the fluid level adjustment unit defines a height wherein fluid in the first chamber will overflow into the second chamber when the level of the fluid in the first chamber rises above the top surface of the fluid level adjustment unit at said height. The valve of the control device is configured to be opened to permit the release of fluid from the second chamber until the fluid level in the second apparatus is such that the fluid level in the first chamber is at or below the height of the top surface of the fluid level adjustment unit. 
     In an embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the invention, the second apparatus is a swimming pool, the first apparatus is a pool skimming unit configured to skim water and debris from the top surface of the pool, and further comprises a basket or mesh strainer positioned above the first fluid outlet and configured to adjust the fluid level in the swimming pool to a level related to the height of the inner wall, and the third apparatus is a filtration system 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the containment unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view of the containment unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is a top view of the containment unit with the covers removed, according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded, partial cross-sectional view of the containment unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the containment unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a cross-sectional view of the containment unit filled with a first level of fluid according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the containment unit filled with a first level of fluid according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective, exploded view of a fluid level adjustment unit according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will now be described in relation to  FIGS. 1-6 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a containment unit  10  is provided for use in connection with a fluid source, which provides fluid into the containment unit  10 . In a one embodiment, the containment unit  10  according to the present invention is used in connection with a swimming pool as a pool skimmer unit, and is integrated into the filtering system of the swimming pool. However, in addition to being configured to perform the functions of pool skimmer unit, the containment unit  10  according to the present invention is configured to control the water level in the swimming pool by comprising a fluid level control mechanism. 
     The containment unit  10  according to the present invention includes a housing  12 , which defines the exterior shape and structure of the containment unit  10  and includes a plurality of openings for the inlet and outlet of fluids. In a preferred embodiment, the containment unit  10  and housing  12  are made from a durable, plastic material as would be known by those of skill in the art. However, the containment unit  10  according to the invention is not limited to being manufactured from this material, but can be made from any suitable material known in the art. 
     The containment unit  10  includes a fluid inlet  14 , which receives and intakes fluid from a fluid source. A fluid inlet connector  16  connects the containment unit  10  to the fluid source, by fasteners such as screws or bolts, or other suitable means, such that an outlet from the fluid source is aligned with the fluid inlet  14 . In a preferred embodiment, the fluid source is a swimming pool, or a hot tub, and the fluid inlet  14  takes in water from the swimming pool into the containment unit  10 . In such an embodiment, the fluid inlet  14  and fluid inlet connector  16  can be configured similarly to the corresponding parts on a standard pool skimming unit known in the art. The fluid inlet connector  16  and fluid inlet  14  can also be manufactured in different sizes or shapes for use with differently shaped or sized connectors on swimming pools or other fluid sources, including being substantially square, rectangular, circular or ovular in shape. The containment unit  10  according to the present invention is not limited to use in connection with a swimming pool, but can be used in connection with other fluid-containing structures or bodies where the fluid level is to be regulated. 
     The containment unit  10  further includes a fluid outlet  20 . The fluid outlet  20  is preferably arranged in the base of the containment unit  10 , so that gravity aids in the drainage of fluid through the fluid outlet  20 . The fluid outlet  20  may include a threaded section  22 , for securing the fluid outlet  20  to a hose, pipe, or other connector, which includes a corresponding threaded section. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the threaded section  22  is oriented on an inner surface of the fluid outlet  20  to create a female connection port; however, in other embodiments the threaded section  22  may be oriented on the outer surface of the fluid outlet  20  to create a male connection port. Where the containment unit  10  is a swimming pool skimming unit, the fluid outlet  20  can be connected to a pool filtering system. The containment unit  10  in this embodiment skims the water from the top surface of the swimming pool, along with any debris, such as leaves or insects, which enter the containment unit  10  through the fluid inlet  14 . A mesh strainer or basket (not shown) is positioned above the fluid outlet  20 , which allows the water to pass through to the fluid outlet  20 , which leads to the filtering system, while preventing any large debris from passing through to the filtering system. The mesh strainer or basket can be removed from the containment unit  10  and emptied. 
     The fluid outlet  20  is positioned within an inner chamber  24  of the containment unit  10 . As shown in the Figures, an inner wall  26  is provided inside the containment unit  10 , which separates the inner chamber  24  from a separate, overflow chamber  30 . The inner wall  26  does not extend the full height of the containment unit  10 , relative to the surrounding housing  12 , such that if the fluid level in inner chamber  24  rises above the height of the inner wall  26 , the fluid from the inner chamber  24  will spill over the inner wall  26  and into the overflow chamber  30 . 
     The overflow chamber  30  comprises an overflow fluid outlet  32 . The overflow fluid outlet  32  is preferably arranged in the base of the overflow chamber, so that gravity aids in the drainage of fluid through the overflow fluid outlet  32 . The fluid outlet  32  may include a threaded section  34 , for securing the overflow fluid outlet  32  to a correspondingly threaded section. In the embodiments shown in the Figures, the threaded section  34  is oriented on an inner surface of the overflow fluid outlet  32  to create a female connection port; however, in other embodiments the threaded section may be oriented on the outer surface of the overflow fluid outlet  32  to create a male connection port. 
     In an embodiment of the containment unit  10  of the invention, a control valve  40  is provided that mates with and is connected to the overflow fluid outlet  32 . The control valve  40  can be a shut-off valve, as known to those having skill in the art. The control valve  40  includes a control valve housing  42 , inside of which is contained a valve that is configured to be opened and closed by a rotatable lever  44  attached to the control valve housing  42 . A control valve inlet  46  is provided, which is connected to the overflow fluid outlet  32 , and a control valve outlet  48  is provided, which can be optionally be connected to a threaded member, such as a hose, pipe, or other connector. The control valve inlet  46  and outlet  48  may include threaded sections  46   a  and  48   a , respectively, for connecting to other objects having corresponding threaded sections. As shown for example in  FIG. 4 , the control valve  40  is connected to the containment unit  10  by securing the threaded section  46   a  of the control valve inlet  46  to the threaded section  34  of the overflow fluid outlet  32 . 
     Whether the control valve  40  is in the opened or closed position controls whether the overflow chamber  30  can be drained. When the control valve  40  is in an opened position, any fluid in the overflow chamber  30  will be drained through the overflow fluid outlet  32  and control valve  40 , however when the control valve  40  is in a closed position, fluid will not drain from the overflow chamber  30 . 
     The containment unit  10  is further provided with a large top cover  50  and a small top cover  52 , which cover the containment unit  10  to prevent objects from falling into the containment unit  10 . The large top cover  50  is substantially dimensioned to cover the inner chamber  24  of the containment unit  10  and the small top cover is substantially dimensioned to cover the overflow chamber  30  of the containment unit  10 . Extending from and below the small top cover  52  are one or more tabs  54   a ,  54   b . One of the tabs  54   a  is dimensioned to fit into a tab receiving section  56  in the housing  12  of the containment unit  10  and mate therewith. After securing the small top cover  52  in place, the large top cover  50  can be placed over the small top cover  52 , and aligned and inserted into the containment unit  10  to cover the inner chamber  24  of the containment unit  10 . In a preferred embodiment, horizontal rotation of the large top cover  50  will lock the large top cover  50  onto the containment unit  10 , however, other means for securing the large top cover  50  to the containment unit  10  can be provided, such as threaded sections or tabs. The small top cover  52  will be fixed into position once the large top cover  50  has been secured to the containment unit  10 , as the large top cover  50  is secured atop a tab  54   b  of the small top cover  52 . 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a fluid level adjustment unit  60  can be provided to adjust the height of the inner wall  26 , defining the maximum fluid level L max  within the inner chamber  24  in the containment unit  10  before fluid will spill into the overflow chamber  30 . The fluid level adjustment unit  60  is shown, for example, in  FIG. 6 . The fluid level adjustment unit  60  comprises a U-shaped member  62  that is placed over the inner wall  26  as shown in  FIG. 4 . In a preferred embodiment, the U-shaped member  62  is dimensioned as having the same length as the inner wall  26 , in order to prevent fluid from seeping around the fluid level adjustment unit  60  in between the housing  12  and the edges of the U-shaped member  62 . The U-shaped member  62  defines the top surface  64  of the fluid level adjustment unit  60 , and includes a threaded bore hole  66  extending therethrough. The bore hole  66  is configured to receive a threaded member  68 . When the threaded member  68  is inserted into the bore hole  66 , the rotation of the threaded member  68  causes the U-shaped member  62  to elevate along the threaded member  68 , once the threaded member  68  is in contact with the inner wall  26  of the containment unit  10 , thereby raising the top surface  64  of the fluid level adjustment unit  60 . The effective height of inner wall  26  can therefore be altered using the fluid level adjustment unit  60 , adjusting the maximum fluid level (L max ) that can be reached in the containment unit  10  before fluid will spill into the overflow chamber  30 . 
     The operation of the present invention will now be described with reference made to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . In the embodiment discussed herein, the containment unit  10  is used in connection with an above-ground or a below-ground swimming pool and serves as a pool skimming unit as described above, however the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. 
     The containment unit  10  can be connected to an opening near the top surface of the swimming pool (not shown), by way of fluid inlet connector  16 , which is securely fastened to the opening in the swimming pool. The containment unit  10  is configured to skim the water  70 , and any debris, from the top surface of the swimming pool, through the fluid inlet  14  into the containment unit  10 . In an embodiment of the invention, the containment unit  10  is connected to the swimming pool at a level were the height of the inner wall  26  is in alignment with the desired maximum water level L max  in the swimming pool. In other embodiments as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , if the inner wall  26  is short of the desired maximum fluid level L max , the fluid level adjustment unit  60  can be placed onto the inner wall  26  and adjusted to the appropriate height, so that the top surface  62  of the fluid level adjustment unit  60  is in line with the maximum fluid level L max . Alternatively, if the containment unit  10  is positioned relative to the swimming pool such that the inner wall  26  rises above the maximum water level L max , the height of the inner wall  26  can be reduced by cutting off a section of the inner wall  26  or by providing in the containment unit  10  an inner wall  26  that is adjustable, for example, by being formed from a pliable material that can be folded along one or more creases or hinges formed in the inner wall  26 . The amount of water  70  that is in the containment unit  10  is reflective of the amount of water  70  in the swimming pool, such that the water level is even across the containment unit  10  and swimming pool, unless the containment unit  10  is full. 
     If the water level in the swimming pool, and thus the inner chamber  30 , is at or below the maximum water level L max , the water  70  flows through the containment unit  10  only in a single flow path designed for recirculation of water through the filtering system. Water  70  flows into (F in ) the inner chamber  30  of the containment unit  10  through the fluid inlet  14 , and flows out (F 1   out ) of the inner chamber  30  of the containment unit  10  through the fluid outlet  20 , to the swimming pool filtering system (not shown). 
     If the water level in the swimming pool and the inner chamber  30  rises above the maximum water level L max , as defined by the height of the inner wall  26  or the fluid level adjustment unit  60 , the water  70  can flow through the containment unit  10  along two, separate flow paths. First, as previously described, to filter and recirculate the pool water, water  70  flows into (F in ) the inner chamber  30  of the containment unit  10  through the fluid inlet  14 , and flows out (F 1   out ) of the inner chamber  30  of the containment unit  10  through the fluid outlet  20 , to the filtering system. In addition, as the water  70  rises above the maximum water level L max , the water  70  flows over the inner wall  26  and into the overflow chamber  30 . If the control valve  40  is in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 5B , then any water  70  in the overflow chamber  30  will follow a second flow path (F 2   out ) for controlling the water level, flowing out the overflow fluid outlet  32  through the control valve  40 . As long as the control valve  40  is opened, the flow of the water  70  out through overflow fluid inlet  32  will continue until the overflow chamber  30  is empty, and the water level in the containment unit  10  lowers to the maximum water level L max . As an example, if the water level in the swimming pool rises above the desired maximum water level L max  as a result of rain, the opening of the control valve  40  will cause the water  70  to exit the containment unit  10 . If the containment unit  10  is full, as water  70  exits through the overflow fluid outlet  32 , additional water  70  will enter the containment unit  10  from the swimming pool through fluid inlet  14 . This continues until the water level to drop to the desired maximum water level L max , or the control valve  40  is closed. Once the water level in the swimming pool has reached the maximum water level L max , the water level in the inner chamber  30  of containment unit  10  will be aligned with the inner wall  26  or the top surface  62  of the fluid level control unit, if placed on the inner wall  26 . 
     When the control valve  40  is closed, even if the water level in the swimming pool and in the containment unit  10  rises above the maximum water level L max , the overflow chamber  30  will not drain through overflow fluid outlet  32 . For example, if one or more people are in the swimming pool, the displacement of water caused by the swimmers will raise the water level in the swimming pool and thus the containment unit  10 . In such an instance, closing the control valve  40  will prevent the drainage of water rising above the maximum water level L max , as a result of temporary water displacement, which will thus prevent the water level in the swimming pool from falling below the desired water level once the swimmers have left the swimming pool and there is no effective water displacement. 
     The containment unit  10  according to the invention therefore allows for the regulation and control of the water level in the swimming pool while separately functioning as the pool skimming unit forming part of the filtering system of the swimming pool. 
     While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.