Patent Publication Number: US-2013227974-A1

Title: Method and device for cooling pool water efficiently and effectively

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not applicable. 
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX 
     Not applicable. 
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to cooling of fluids. More particularly, the invention relates to a cooling mechanism or device for cooling water in pools. It is to be pointed out that the cooling mechanism or device, without limitations, is capable of cooling a plurality of fluids, including water in swimming pools, spas, whirlpool tubs and cooling towers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In hot climates, the swimming pool water may become warm enough to prevent the comfortable use of the swimming pool. Some devices have been developed to cool swimming pools in warmer climates. For example, Argovitz, U.S. Pat. No. 7,624,589, titled: Method and apparatus for cooling swimming pool water, teaches a method and apparatus for cooling swimming pool water that includes diverting a stream of swimming pool water to a distribution header. The distribution header includes a plurality of dispersing apertures for converting the stream of swimming pool water into a plurality of smaller streams. Positioned immediately beneath the distribution header is a fill medium through which the smaller streams of water pass where they are atomized into smaller droplets. An electric fan is positioned above the distribution header for forcing ambient air through the fill medium to invoke evaporative cooling of the atomized water. The resulting evaporatively cooled water is collected in a reservoir and returned to a swimming pool. It is to be pointed out that Agrovitz, basically provides an electric fan facilitated cooling tower. The operation of this electric fan facilitated cooling tower requires infrastructure and energy, and therefore, rendering the operation costly. 
     Another prior art, United States Patent Application No. 20010029625, titled: Method and apparatus to either heat or cool a pool, teaches a device for adjusting the temperature of a swimming pool having a filter system and a waterfall, comprising running the filter system at times of the day such that heat transfer with ambient air is optimized by the action of swimming pool water falling through the ambient air, and further comprising positioning and substantially fixing the position of a movable surface below the water fall to help maximize the heat transfer with the ambient air. For pools without waterfalls, it is further disclosed to utilize a conduit from a submerged water return opening to the movable surface which could be a raft. 
     Another prior art, U.S. Pat. No. 3,941,154, titled: Swimming pool water circulation system, teaches a device for a swimming pool system including an inlet conduit around the walls of the pool having spaced apart outlet openings directing fountains of water upwardly and inwardly for cooling in the night air and for providing a decorative fountain affect around the periphery of the pool. The inlet conduit is comprised of a plurality of sections each of which is connected to a control flow valve having a continuously rotatable valve element. The valve element is cylindrical and hollow and includes a series of peripheral rows of openings registerable with the inlet conduit sections. Each of the successive openings in the rows are different in shape and size to provide a continuously varying pattern of fountain activity. A reciprocal power means may be provided for reciprocating the cylindrical valve element such that different peripheral rows of openings register alternately with the sections of inlet conduit to further vary the pattern of fountain activity. A vane structure may be provided on the inlet end of the cylindrical valve element to cause the inlet water pressure to continuously rotate the valve element. 
     However, unlike the present invention, none of the prior art referenced above teach, or suggest a water discharging mechanism or device with a nozzle configured to generate a broad splash of water and mist for a prolonged and effective interface or exposure of water with the air, and thereby, causing cooling of splashed water as a result of the evaporation process. The splashing cooled water falling back into the pool, and resultantly, drops overall temperature of the pool water to a comfortable for the usage of the pool during the warm days. Additionally, the known prior art does not teach, or suggest telescopic Snap-On easy to install configuration for the device to adjust for the desired height of the device in accordance with the level of water in the pool. The device as depicted in the present invention is easily configured to the circulation or filtration line to an existing, or a new pool, and resultantly, adds no additional operational costs. The present invention is unique as there are no findings in the prior art that teach, or suggest a method and device for cooling the pool water in warm days as depicted in the present invention. 
     Accordingly, in view of the foregoing, there is a need for a device which is capable of cooling the pool water in warm days effectively, easy to configure to an existing or a new pool, and renders no operational costs. The present invention uniquely fulfills the aforementioned need effectively and efficiently, and the utility of the present invention extends to numerous commercial and non-commercial applications. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the forgoing and other objectives and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, a process and device for cooling the pool water in warm days is presented. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, system, techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days comprises the steps of configuring at least one mechanically detachable pool water cooling device to an existing circulation or filtration infrastructure in the pool. The circulation or filtration infrastructure is operated by a pump, generally called the circulation or filtration pump. It is to be pointed out that circulation or filtration, and cooling of the pool water is integrated to one step process. Configuring the pool water cooling device to an existing circulation or filtration set up eliminates the need for any additional source of energy to operate the cooling device. Resultantly, the operation of the water cooling device is virtually cost free. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days comprises the steps of configuring at least one device directly to at least one existing circulation or filtration discharge outlet in the pool. The at least one water cooling device is designed for an easy hook up to the at least one existing circulation or filtration discharge outlet in the pool. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the devise is configured to have at least one water splashing and mist generating nozzle for generating a combination of water splashing and mist in the pool. The span between the at least one water splashing and mist generating nozzle is adjustable. Additionally, the at least one water splashing and mist generating nozzle is configured to be able to rotate about its own axis for its preferred positioning. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the devise is configured to have a back-surface, and a lip surface. The back-surface is upright and straight, and the angle between the back-surface and the lip surface is about 10-75 degrees. It is to be pointed out that the upright back-surface prevents the splashing water from falling out of the pool. Additionally, the angle between the back-surface and the lip surface determines the height and the length of the splashing water falling back into the pool. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the width between the back-surface and the lip surface of the nozzle is essentially, the diameter of the nozzle material, if it is carved out of circular shaped material. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, shape of the nozzle material includes, but not limited to, round (preferred, as it is compatible with round shape piping), square, or rectangular shape. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the nozzle material includes, but not limited to, plastic, Teflon, nylon, a composite material, or a non-corrosive metallic material, for example, Aluminum. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the device is configured to have a mechanically detachable telescopic mechanism to increase or decrease the height of the device to keep the at least one water splashing nozzle above the water level in the pool. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device is configured to have a mechanically detachable stack-up mechanism to increase or decrease the height of the device to keep the water splashing nozzles above the water level in the pool. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the device is configured to have two water flow stop controls. One water flow stop control is configured close to the top water dispensing end of the device, and it is always positioned above the water surface in the pool. The other water flow stop mechanism is positioned at the lower bottom half of the device below the water surface in the pool. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the water flow stop controls or mechanisms are manual, remotely controlled, or a combination of both. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a device for an exemplary sequence of the mode of action for cooling the pool water in warm days, the devise is equally useful for cooling indoors or outdoors residential, or non-residential pools by configuring mechanically detachable at least one device to the at least one existing circulation or filtration discharge outlet in the pool. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the process for cooling the pool water in warm days, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2A  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the water cooling device configured with the telescopic mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2B  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the water cooling device configured with the stack-up mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the water splashing and mist generating nozzle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. 
     Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it must be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein. 
     Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. 
     Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom. 
     References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may. 
     As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation of any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application. 
     It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details. 
     It is to be, specifically, emphasized that any teaching or combination of teachings, any novel feature, or any novel combination of features including the novel processing mechanism, or any combination of novel processing mechanisms for the wet filtration of airborne contaminants, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is clearly distinguished form the prior art, because no prior art either alone or in combination teaches all of the features of the present invention. It is emphasized that the current invention significantly differentiates itself from prior arts, and in particularly from Argovitz, U.S. Pat. No. 7,624,589, titled: Method and apparatus for cooling swimming pool water. Agrovitz, basically provides an electric fan facilitated cooling tower. The operation of this electric fan facilitated cooling tower requires infrastructure and energy, and therefore, rendering the operation costly. Additionally, unlike the present invention, Agrovitz, does not teach or suggest specially designed water splashing and mist generating nozzle to efficiently cool the splashing water. It is to be pointed out that unlike Agrovitz, the present invention does not require any additional source of energy for its operation. 
     To achieve the forgoing and other objectives and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, a process and device for cooling pool water during warm days is presented. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, system, techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the process for cooling the pool water during warm days, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The schematic  100  illustrates an integrated process for efficiently cooling the pool water during warm days, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The schematic  100  depicts a water pool  101 . The water pool  101  is, but not limited to, a residential, or a non-residential pool. The water level  103  is shown in the pool  100 . The infrastructure shows the circulation or filtration pump  105 , an incoming water line  107  from the pool  101  to the circulation or filtration pump  105  and an outgoing water line  109  from the circulation or filtration pump  105  to be circulated in the pool  101 . The outgoing water line  109  from the circulation or filtration pump  105  is connected to the water circulation discharge line  111 . The water circulation discharge line  111  includes a plurality of circulating water discharge outlets  113   a - 113   d.  The water cooling device  115  is mechanically removeably connected to an at least one circulating water discharge outlets  113   a - 113   d.    
     Summarily: Referring again to  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment of the present invention, the water cooling device  115  is mechanically removeably connected to an existing at least one circulating water discharge outlets  113   a - 113   d.  The device  115  splashes the water in the air, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The splashing water is cooled by the evaporation process and the cooled water falls back into the pool  101 , and thereby, lowering the overall water temperature in the pool  101  for its comfortable use during warm days. 
       FIG. 2A  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the water cooling device  200 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The water cooling device  200  is mechanically removeably attached/connected to an at least one circulating water discharge outlets  201 . The water level  103  is as shown in  FIG. 1 . The water flow opening and closing control  203  controls the flow of water for the water cooling device  200 . The water flow opening and closing control  203  is positioned to the bottom half of the water cooling device  200 . The water discharging line  205  is mechanically removeably attached to an at least one circulating water discharge outlets  201 . The device  200  is configured to have a mechanically detachable telescopic mechanism  207   a  to increase or decrease the height of the device  200  to keep the plurality of water splashing and mist generating nozzles  209   a - 209   c  above the water level  103  as shown in  FIG. 1 . A mechanically removeably attachment  211   a  and  211   b  is used to increase or decrease the span between the water splashing nozzles  209   a - 209   c.  The water splashing nozzles  209   a - 209   c,  are configured to be able to rotate about their own axis for their preferred positioning. The water splashing nozzles  209   a - 209   c,  generate splashing of water and mist  212   a - 212   c.  Another run or stop control  213  for the water cooling device  200  is positioned above the water level  103  as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Summarily: Referring again to  FIG. 2A , in one embodiment of the present invention, the water cooling device  200  comprises a plurality of specially configured water splashing nozzles  209   a - 209   c  to generate a combination of splashing of water and mist  212   a - 212   c  for an efficient cooling of splashed water. A telescopic mechanism  207   a  is used to increase or decrease the height for the water cooling device  200 . 
       FIG. 2B  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the water cooling device  200 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment of the present invention, a mechanically removeably stack-up mechanism  207   b  is used as a substitute, if desired, for mechanically detachable telescopic mechanism  207   a  as shown in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 3  is an illustration of exemplary schematic depicting the water splashing and mist generating nozzle configuration  300 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The water splashing and mist generating nozzle  300  receives incoming water  301  through an aperture  303 . The incoming water  301  strikes against the lip surface  305  and the upright back surface  307  of the water splashing and mist generating nozzle  300 . The angle  309  between the lip surface  305  and the upright surface  307  is about 10-75 degrees. The angle  309  between the lip surface  305  and the upright surface  307  controls the height and shape of the formation of splashing water and mist combination  311 . A mechanically removeably coupling  313  is used to connect the nozzle  300  to other components. It is to be pointed out that the upright back surface  307  prevents the splashing water from falling out of the pool. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the width between the back-surface  307  and the lip surface  305  of the nozzle  300  is approximately the diameter of the nozzle  300 , if it is carved out of circular shaped material. The width between the back-surface  307  and the lip surface  305  of the nozzle  300  is approximately the diameter of the nozzle  300  is not shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle  300  is configured to be able to rotate about its own axis for its preferred positioning in the pool as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the shape of material of the nozzle  300  includes, but not limited to, round, square, or rectangular shape. The round configuration is preferred, as it is compatible with the round shape piping of the infrastructure of the nozzle  300 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the material for the nozzle  300  includes, but not limited to, plastic, Teflon, nylon, a composite material, or a non-corrosive metallic material, for example, Aluminum.