Patent ID: 12203287

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

Referring toFIG.1, a skimmer assembly10is shown. As will be explained in more detail below, the skimmer assembly10may be utilized with, or assembled with, a swimming pool construct (not shown) in order to perform various functions relative to the water in the pool construct. For example, as will be described in more detail below, the skimmer assembly10maybe used to fill, chlorinate, remove debris, or perform other maintenance-related functions relative to the water in the pool construct.

The skimmer assembly10may include a housing assembly14and a cover assembly16. In an assembled configuration, the cover assembly16may be coupled to the housing assembly14, such that removing the cover assembly16from the housing assembly14allows a user to access various components within the housing assembly14.

As illustrated inFIG.2, the housing assembly14may include a housing18, a basket assembly20, and a valve assembly22. The housing18may include one or more upper sidewalls24, a base wall26, one or more lower sidewalls28, and a lower wall30. The upper sidewalls24and the base wall26may collectively define at least a portion of an upper chamber34. The lower sidewalls28and the lower wall30may collectively define at least a portion of a lower chamber36in fluid communication with the upper chamber34.

The base wall26may define an opening38in fluid communication with the upper and lower chambers34,36. In some implementations, the opening38defines a substantially circular shape having a first cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter D1). The opening38may be further defined in part by one or more apertures40formed in the base wall26. As illustrated inFIG.2, in some implementations, the housing18includes two apertures40disposed on opposed sides of the housing18.

The apertures40may define and/or form a first opening42in fluid communication with the upper chamber34, and a second opening44in fluid communication with the lower chamber36. In this regard, the first opening42may be formed in an upper surface46of the base wall26, while the second opening44may be formed in a side surface48of the base wall26. The upper surface46may extend transversely (e.g., orthogonal) from the side surface48. The opening38may be defined in part by a first lateral wall50and a second lateral wall52facing the first lateral wall50. The first and second lateral walls50,52may each include an upper surface54,56, respectively, a lower surface58,60, respectively, and an intermediate surface62,64, respectively.

The upper surfaces54,56may extend between the intermediate surfaces62,64, respectively, and the surface46of the base wall26and define a first distance X1therebetween. The lower surfaces58,60may extend from the intermediate surfaces62,64and define a second distance X2therebetween. The first distance X1may be smaller than the second distance X2such that the intermediate surfaces62,64define both the first distance X1and the second distance X2. In this regard, in some implementations the intermediate surfaces62,64form a ramped surface extending from the upper surfaces54,56to the lower surfaces58,60.

The housing18may further include a stepped ledge68disposed between the lower chamber36and the upper surface46of the base wall26. In some implementations, the ledge68is formed by an end of the lower sidewalls28. In this regard, the ledge68may define a second cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter D2). A smallest extent of the first cross-sectional dimension D1may be larger than a smallest extent of the second cross-sectional dimension D2.

Referring toFIGS.2-5B, the basket assembly20may include a basket70, a rim72, and a handle74. The basket70may include a plurality of strips76of material extending in various directions to define a plurality of apertures77therebetween. In this regard, the strips76of material may include laterally-extending strips76aand longitudinally-extending strips76bthat collectively form a mesh construct. The laterally-extending strips76asurround a central axis A1of the basket70. In some implementations, a length of each laterally-extending strip76ais shorter than an adjacent laterally-extending strip76ain a direction extending from a top78of the basket70toward a bottom80of the basket, such that a cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter D3) of the basket70is progressively smaller in a direction extending from the top78toward the bottom80.

The rim72may be disposed adjacent the top78of the basket. In some implementations, the rim72surrounds the central axis A1and defines an outermost cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter D4) that is greater than the value of the largest outermost cross-section dimension (e.g., diameter D3) of the basket70. In this regard, the dimensions D3and D4may be sized such that the basket70and rim72are received by the opening38, while the rim72engages, and is supported by, the stepped ledge68. In this regard, the dimension D4may be greater dimension D2, while the largest value of the dimension D3may be smaller than the dimension D2. In some implementations, the basket assembly20(e.g., the rim72) defines at least one aperture84sized to receive a portion of the handle74. For example, the rim72may define a pair of opposed apertures84sized to receive opposed ends of the handle74.

The handle74may be rotatably coupled to a remaining portion of the basket assembly20. For example, the handle74may be rotatably coupled to the rim72. In particular, the handle74may include at least one end86extending through one of the apertures84. In some implementations, the handle74includes opposed ends86a,86beach extending through one of the apertures84. The ends86a,86bmay be rotatably received within the apertures84such that, upon rotation of the handle74relative to the basket70, the ends86a,86brotate within the apertures84.

With particular reference toFIGS.4A and4B, the ends86a,86bmay form an oblong shape (e.g., teardrop, pear-shape) defining a major cross-sectional axis D5and a minor cross-sectional axis D6. The major and minor cross-sectional axes D5, D6may extend through an axis of rotation A2of the handle74. The length of the major cross-sectional axis D5may be greater than the length of the minor cross-sectional axis D6. In this regard, the axis of rotation A2may be offset (e.g., eccentric) from a center of the major cross-sectional axis D5such that the ends86a,86bform a pear-shaped cam.

In some implementations, the length of the minor cross-sectional axis D6is less than the length of the dimension X1and the length of the dimension X2, while the length of the major cross-sectional axis D5may be greater than the length of the dimension X1and less than the length of the dimension X2. Accordingly, rotation of the handle74from a first position (e.g.,FIGS.2,3,4A, and5A) to a second position (e.g.,FIGS.4B and5B), may allow a user to remove the ends86a,86bfrom the apertures40and, thereafter, remove the basket assembly20from the housing assembly14, as will be described in more detail below. Conversely, when the handle74is in the first position, the intermediate surface(s)62,64may engage the end(s)86a,86bto prevent the user from removing the ends86b,86bfrom the apertures40and thereby prevent the user from removing the basket assembly20from the housing assembly14.

A method of operating the skimmer assembly10will now be described with reference toFIGS.4A-5B. In a step of operating the skimmer assembly10, a user may rotate the handle74relative to the basket70such that the axis D5extends in a direction substantially (e.g., +/−forty-five degrees) parallel to the axis A1of the basket70.

In another step of operating the skimmer assembly10, the user may position the basket assembly20within the housing assembly14. In particular, the user may position the basket70within the lower chamber36, such that the ends86a,86btranslate between the upper surfaces54,56and the intermediate surfaces62,64until the ends86a,86bare disposed between the lower surfaces58,60. In the stowed position of the basket assembly20, the rim72may be supported by the stepped ledge68such that an uppermost edge90of the rim72is substantially coplanar with, or recessed relative to, the upper surface46of the base wall26.

In another step of operating the skimmer assembly10, the user may rotate the handle74about the axis A2by an angle (e.g., ninety degrees+/−forty-five degrees) until the axis D5extends in a direction substantially (e.g., +/−forty-five degrees) perpendicular to the axis A1and/or the axis D6extends in a direction substantially (e.g., +/−forty-five degrees) parallel to the axis A1. After rotation of the handle74about the axis A2into the stowed position (e.g.,FIGS.4A and5A), a force applied on the basket assembly20in a direction of the axis A2may cause the end(s)86a,86bto engage the intermediate surface(s)62,64, thereby preventing removal of the basket assembly20from the housing14.

The following Clauses provide an exemplary configuration for a skimmer assembly and related methods, as described above.

Clause 1: A skimmer assembly comprising: a basket assembly including a basket and a handle rotatably coupled to the basket, the handle including a first end extending outwardly from the basket and configured to rotate between a first orientation and a second orientation about an axis of rotation extending in a first direction; and a housing including an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a wall disposed between the upper chamber and the lower chamber, the wall including an aperture defined in part by opposed lateral walls configured to inhibit translation of the basket assembly in a direction transverse to the first direction when the first end is in the first orientation.

Clause 2: The skimmer assembly of clause 1, wherein the opposed laterals walls include a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall, the first lateral wall including a first upper surface and a first lower surface, the second lateral wall including a second upper surface and a second lower surface, the first upper surface and the second upper surface defining a first distance therebetween, the first lower surface and the second lower surface defining a second distance therebetween, the first distance being less than the second distance.

Clause 3: The skimmer assembly of clause 2, further comprising a first intermediate surface and a second intermediate surface, the first intermediate surface extending from the first upper surface to the first lower surface, the second intermediate surface extending from the second upper surface to the second lower surface, wherein the first end is configured to engage at least one of the first intermediate surface or the second intermediate surface in the first orientation.

Clause 4: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 2 through 3, wherein the first end is configured to rotate from the first orientation to the second orientation between the first lower surface and the second lower surface.

Clause 5: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 2 through 4, wherein the first end is configured to translate between the first upper surface and the second upper surface in the second orientation.

Clause 6: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 2 through 5, wherein: the wall includes an upper surface and a side surface extending transversely from the upper surface, the first upper surface and the second upper surface at least partially define a first opening in the upper surface and a second opening in the side surface; and the first lower surface and the second lower surface at least partially define the first opening and the second opening.

Clause 7: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 1 through 6, wherein: the basket includes an upper rim; the first end extends through the upper rim; and the wall is configured to face the upper rim in the first orientation and the second orientation.

Clause 8: The skimmer assembly of clause 7, wherein the wall includes an upper surface, and wherein the upper rim is flush with, or recessed relative to, the upper surface in the first orientation and the second orientation.

Clause 9: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 1 through 8, wherein the first end defines an oblong shape having a major cross-sectional axis.

Clause 10: The skimmer assembly of clause 9, wherein the axis of rotation is offset from a center of the major cross-sectional axis.

Clause 11: A skimmer assembly comprising: a basket assembly including a basket and a handle coupled to the basket for rotation about an axis of rotation, the handle including a first end extending outwardly from the basket; and a housing including a chamber defined at least in part by a wall including an upper surface, a side surface, a first lateral wall, and a second lateral wall, the first and second lateral walls forming a first opening in the upper surface and a second opening in the side surface, the first and second lateral walls defining a first distance therebetween at a first location and a second distance therebetween at a second location offset from the first location, the first end operable to rotate about the axis of rotation by a first angle at the first location, the first end inhibited from rotating about the axis of rotation by the first angle at the second location.

Clause 12: The skimmer assembly of clause 11, wherein the axis of rotation extends in a first direction, and wherein the first and second lateral walls are configured to inhibit translation of the basket assembly in a direction transverse to the first direction.

Clause 13: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 11 through 12, wherein the second location is disposed between the upper surface and the first location.

Clause 14: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 11 through 13, wherein: the first lateral wall includes a first upper surface and a first lower surface, and the second lateral wall includes a second upper surface and a second lower surface, the first upper surface and the second upper surface defining the second distance therebetween, the first lower surface and the second lower surface defining the second distance therebetween.

Clause 15: The skimmer assembly of clause 14, wherein the first lateral wall includes a first intermediate surface and the second lateral wall includes a second intermediate surface, the first intermediate surface extending from the first upper surface to the first lower surface, the second intermediate surface extending from the second upper surface to the second lower surface, the first and second intermediate surfaces defining a third distance therebetween, the third distance being less than the first distance and greater than the second distance.

Clause 16: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 14 through 15, wherein: the first upper surface and the second upper surface extend from the upper surface, the first lower surface extends from the first upper surface, and the second lower surface extends from the second upper surface.

Clause 17: The skimmer assembly of clause 16, wherein the first end is configured to translate between the first upper surface and the second upper surface.

Clause 18: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 11 through 17, wherein: the basket includes an upper rim; the first end extends through the upper rim; and the side surface is configured to face the upper rim.

Clause 19: The skimmer assembly of clause 18, wherein the upper rim is flush with, or recessed relative to, the upper surface in an assembled configuration.

Clause 20: The skimmer assembly of any of clauses 11 through 19, wherein the first end defines an oblong shape having a major cross-sectional axis, and wherein the axis of rotation is offset from a center of the major cross-sectional axis.

The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.