CLEANING DEVICE FOR ARTIFICIAL POOLS

Abstract

A cleaning device for artificial pools comprises a flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material, and that is buoyant in water. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is circular and is formed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlapping relation to one another. Each of the layers comprises a fibrous mat composed of fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to artificial pools, and more particularly to cleaning devices for artificial pools.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many people, few activities on a hot day are as pleasant and refreshing as a swim, and many people have backyard (or even indoor) swimming pools for this very purpose. In addition, many people like to relax in a smaller pool heated to a higher temperature, often referred to as a “hot tub”. Some people may have both a swimming pool and a hot tub, and may alternate between them, warming up in the hot tub after they become cold from swimming.

There is a darker side to such frolic, however. As owners of such swimming pools and hot tubs will appreciate, elaborate effort is required to maintain the water in a condition suitable for human use. The water must be chlorinated to inhibit the growth of bacteria, and the pH level must be carefully controlled. Sophisticated filtration systems are used to circulate and filter the water, and long-handled nets are used to remove floating debris. Such systems are suitable for their purpose, but even with all of these measures, unwanted oil-based foreign matter can accumulate, often introduced by the bathers themselves. Examples of such oil-based detritus include oil residues from perspiration, body oil, sun protection and tanning lotions, insect repellents, shampoos and conditioners, cosmetics and fragrances and aromatherapy products, and the like. This material can form an unsightly foam (often referred to as “scum”) on the water's surface, particularly at the edges where it can adhere to the walls of a swimming pool or hot tub and then dry and harden, making it difficult to clean.

Human-constructed swimming pools and hot tubs are referred to herein as “artificial pools”, to distinguish them from naturally occurring bodies of water, such as oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, hot springs and even “swimming holes”.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a cleaning device for artificial pools. The cleaning device comprises a flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material and that is buoyant in water. In a preferred embodiment, the sheet is a circular sheet.

The sheet may be formed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlapping relation to one another, and each layer may comprise a fibrous mat containing fibers having a diameter between about 8 microns and about 18 microns. The fibers may be fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene. The polypropylene may have a specific gravity of 0.8 and a basis weight of 450 grams per square meter.

In one embodiment, the sheet is circular and has a diameter of about 11.5 inches, and in another embodiment, the sheet is circular and has a diameter of about 23.5 inches.

In another aspect, the method is directed to a method for cleaning an artificial pool. The method comprises the steps of providing at least one flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material and that is buoyant in water, placing the at least one sheet in the artificial pool, and allowing the at least one sheet to float on the surface of water in the artificial pool. The method may further comprise removing the at least one sheet from the artificial pool, rinsing at least a downside surface of the at least one sheet with water, and replacing the at least one sheet in the artificial pool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the cleaning device of FIG. 1, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a detailed view of a portion of the cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 3;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views showing relative sizes of the cleaning device of FIG. 1 (FIG. 4A) and a second exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device (FIG. 4B);

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the cleaning device of FIG. 1 in an artificial pool;

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary method of using a cleaning device according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a first side view of the cover of FIG. 1 in an artificial pool;

FIG. 8 is a second side view of the cover of FIG. 1 in an artificial pool;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a third exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a top view of an eighth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a ninth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top view of a tenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a top view of an eleventh exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a top view of a twelfth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top view of a thirteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a top view of a fourteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a top view of a fifteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a top view of a sixteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23A is a top view of a seventeenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 23C is a perspective view of an eighteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 24A is a top view of a nineteenth exemplary embodiment of a cleaning device, according to an aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 24B is a perspective view of the cleaning device of FIG. 24A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2, an exemplary cleaning device for artificial pools is shown generally at 10. The exemplary cleaning device 10 comprises a flexible sheet 12 formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material, and is buoyant in water.

In a preferred embodiment, the sheet 12 is circular, that is, the sheet 12 has a circular outer perimeter 14 so as to take the form of a disc. The sheet 12 is flexible so that when placed in an artificial pool, the sheet 12 will conform to the surface of the water to maintain constant contact across the breadth of the sheet 12. Cleaning devices comprising circular sheets according to aspects of the present invention may have different sizes, depending on the size of the artificial pool with which they are to be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the exemplary cleaning device 10 is intended for use in a swimming pool, and has a diameter of about 23.5 inches (about 60.7 centimeters), while the cleaning device 10B shown in FIG. 4B is intended for use in smaller artificial pools such as hot tubs, and has a diameter of about 11.5 inches (about 29.2 centimeters).

Now referring to FIG. 3, in the exemplary cleaning device 10 the sheet 12 is formed from a plurality of individual layers 16 of oleophilic and hydrophobic material secured in overlapping relation to one another by ultrasonic welds 18. As shown in FIG. 3A, each layer 16 comprises a fibrous mat containing fibers 20 of oleophilic and hydrophobic material having a diameter between about 8 microns and about 18 microns. Preferably, the fibers 20 are fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene, preferably having a specific gravity of 0.8 and a basis weight of 450 grams per square meter. A melt-blowing process may be used to form the fibrous mats. Preferably, cleaning devices according to aspects of the present invention are thin to facilitate flexibility; the thickness of the sheet 12 is about 0.5 centimeters (about ⅕ inch).

Referring now to FIG. 5, in use a cleaning device according to an aspect of the present invention, such as the cleaning device 10, will be placed onto the surface 30 of the water 31 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) in an artificial pool 32 where it floats freely on the surface 30. The cleaning device 10 is carried about the artificial pool 32 by the currents therein, where, because of the oleophilic nature of the material, the cleaning device 10 encounters and traps, that is, absorbs and locks in, oil-based detritus such as oil residues from perspiration, body oil, sun protection and tanning lotions, insect repellents, shampoos and conditioners, cosmetics and fragrances and aromatherapy products, and the like. A cleaning device according to aspects of the present invention, such as the cleaning device 10 described above, can be used in an artificial pool until saturated with oil-based detritus, after which it can be discarded and a new cleaning device placed in the artificial pool. In addition, because the cleaning device 10 is formed from a plurality of layers of overlapping fibrous mats, it is also able to trap smaller particulate debris that is not oil-based. This non-oil-based debris can be rinsed away by water at sufficient pressure. By absorbing oil-based detritus, a cleaning device according to an aspect of the present invention may prolong filter life and improve filter performance.

As the cleaning device 10 floats in the artificial pool 32, it will bump against the walls 34 thereof. Because the cleaning device 10 comprises a flexible sheet 12, it will undulate with the wave motion at the surface 30 of the water 31. As such, where the walls 34 of the artificial pool 32 are clean, when the sheet 12 abuts a wall 34 of the artificial pool 32, the circular edge 14 of the sheet 12 will rub vertically against the wall 34, providing a gentle scrubbing action which helps to prevent new oil-based foreign matter from accumulating on the walls 34. This is shown in particular in FIGS. 7 and 8.

Moreover, because the edge 14 of the sheet 12 is circular, the orientation of the sheet 12 when it contacts the wall 34 will not matter, and in some cases the sheet 12 will be able to roll or slide along the wall 34, with the edge 14 rubbing the wall 34 as the sheet 12 moves along the wall 34. In addition, where the junction between the walls 34 is curved rather than angular, as shown in the case of the curved junction 36 in the artificial pool 32, the circular shape of the sheet 12 facilitates cleaning of such curved junctions.

The dimensions of cleaning devices according to aspects of the present invention should be such as to substantially prevent the cleaning devices from becoming trapped in the filter intakes of the artificial pools in which they are used. As such, for a circular cleaning device used in a typical swimming pool, a diameter of about 23.5 inches (about 60.7 centimeters) will typically be sufficient (see FIG. 4A), and for a circular cleaning device used in a typical hot tub, a diameter of about 11.5 inches (about 29.2 centimeters) will typically be sufficient (see FIG. 4B).

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary method for cleaning an artificial pool according to an aspect of the present invention is shown generally at 600. At step 602, an individual 40 provides at least one sheet 60 formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material and that is buoyant in water, and places the at least one sheet 60 in the artificial pool 32. The at least one sheet 60 may be, for example, the cleaning device 10 described in detail above. The individual 40 then allows the at least one sheet 60 to float on the surface 30 of the water 31 in the artificial pool 32, as shown in step 604. As it floats about the artificial pool 32, the sheet 60 will trap oil-based detritus and other small debris. After allowing the at least one sheet 60 to float in the artificial pool 32 for a period of time, for example one week, the individual 40 returns at step 606 to remove the at least one sheet 60 from the artificial pool 32. Then, at step 608, the individual 40 rinses at least a downside surface 60A, that is, the surface 60A of the sheet 60 that had been in contact with the surface 30 of the water 31, of each of the at least one sheet 60. In the method 600 as illustrated, this rinsing is accomplished with water from a garden hose 50, which provides the water at sufficient pressure to dislodge non-oil-based debris from the fibers of the sheet 60. The water from the hose 50 should be directed away from the artificial pool 32; in the illustrated embodiment of the method 600, the spraying is carried out so that the dislodged debris is deposited into a garbage receptacle 70. At step 610, the individual 40 replaces the at least one sheet 60 in the artificial pool 32, and at step 612, the individual again allows the at least one sheet 60 to float in the artificial pool 32 for a period of time, after which steps 606 to 612 may be repeated indefinitely until the at least one sheet 60 becomes saturated with oil-based detritus and cannot absorb any more.

A single individual may carry out all of the steps of the method 600, or different individuals may carry out different steps of the method 600. For example, a first individual may place the at least one sheet 60 in the artificial pool 32 at step 602, and a second, different individual may remove the at least one sheet 60 at step 606, rinse it at step 608 and replace it at step 610.

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate particular preferred embodiments of cleaning devices according to aspects of the present invention, which comprise continuous sheets having circular edges. Such embodiments may be provided with a label on one side, for example for branding or decorative purposes. A preferred label is a circular label that has a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the circular sheet to which it is to be affixed. Alternative embodiments of cleaning devices according to the present invention may have a nearly circular, but slightly oval, perimeter shape.

In other embodiments, cleaning devices according to aspects of the present invention may comprise sheets that are discontinuous (i.e. have internal portions of the sheet cut away), and which may have a variety of perimeter shapes and a variety of markings on the upper surface of the sheets (the side that is intended to face away from the surface of the water). These features enable cleaning devices according to an aspect of the present invention to have a decorative aspect. Particular examples of such decorative embodiments of cleaning devices according to aspects of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 9 to 24B, each of which comprises a flexible sheet that is buoyant in water and that is formed from a plurality of individual overlapping layers, with each layer comprising a fibrous mat containing fibers of an oleophilic and hydrophobic material.

In FIG. 9, a cleaning device 900 comprises a sheet 902 whose perimeter is shaped according to an overhead view of a boat and which includes markings 904 representative of a boat. Similarly, FIG. 10 shows a cleaning device 1000 comprising a sheet 1002 whose perimeter is shaped like a football and which includes markings 1004 representative of a football.

FIGS. 11 to 14 show respective cleaning devices 1100 to 1400 representing, respectively, the spade, heart, club and diamond suits of a deck of playing cards by way of discontinuous sheets 1102 to 1402 having the relevant pattern formed by way of cut-outs 1104 to 1204.

FIG. 15 shows a cleaning device 1500 comprising a tear-shaped sheet 1502, and FIG. 16 shows a cleaning device 1600 comprising a heart-shaped sheet 1602. FIG. 17 shows a cleaning device 1700 comprising a sheet 1702 that is generally square with rounded corners.

FIG. 19 shows a cleaning device 1900 comprising a sheet 1902 that is generally triangular with rounded corners, and FIG. 20 shows a cleaning device 2000 comprising a sheet 2002 that is generally rectangular with rounded corners. These rounded corners facilitate the above-described vertical rubbing action against walls of the artificial pool, relative to square corners.

FIG. 18 depicts a cleaning device 1800 formed from a sheet 1802 having a generally flower-shaped outer perimeter, with a central marking 1804 representing the center of the flower.

In FIG. 2100, a cleaning device 2100 is shown which comprises a sheet 2102 whose perimeter is irregularly shaped and generally curvaceous.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cleaning device 2200 comprising a circular sheet 2202 including an internal representation of an animal, in this case a bird, formed by way of cut-outs 2204.

FIGS. 23A and 23B depict a cleaning device 2300 comprising a sheet 2302 shaped like a lily pad leaf and including markings 2304 representative of a lily pad leaf. An artificial flower 2306 is secured at an edge of the sheet 2302, to provide a three-dimensional effect.

FIG. 23C shows a cleaning device 2300C that is similar to the cleaning device 2300, comprising a lily-pad-shaped sheet 2302C with corresponding markings 2304C, with a sculpture of a frog 2306C, preferably made from lightweight green plastic, secured to an upper surface of the sheet 2302C instead of the artificial flower 2306.

FIGS. 24 and 24B show a cleaning device 2400 comprising a sheet 2402 shaped like a shark, with a lightweight plastic fin 2406 secured to the upper surface of the sheet 2402 so that the fin 2406 projects perpendicularly to the upper surface of the sheet 2402.

Each of the above-described embodiments may have suitable coloring and marking. The material of the sheets may be colored, that is, the fibers making up the sheets can be processed in a desired color, and indelible markings may be applied to the upper surface of the sheets such as by direct printing, or printed labels having appropriate coloring and markings may be applied to the upper surface of the sheets. For example, in the case of the cleaning device 2300 comprising a sheet 2302 shaped like a lily pad leaf, the material of the sheet 2302 may be green, or a green-colored, printed label may be affixed to the upper surface of the sheet 2302.

Any of the cleaning devices 900 to 2400 described above may be used with the method 600 described above, and other cleaning devices according to aspects of the present invention may also be used with this method.

One or more currently preferred embodiments have been described by way of example. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for artificial pools, comprising:

a flexible sheet;

formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material; and

being buoyant in water.

2. The cleaning device of claim 1, wherein the sheet is a circular sheet.

3. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the sheet is formed from a plurality of individual layers secured in overlapping relation to one another.

4. The cleaning device of claim 3, wherein each layer comprises a fibrous mat containing fibers having a diameter between about 8 microns and about 18 microns.

5. The cleaning device of claim 4, wherein the fibers are fibers of high melt-flow polypropylene.

6. The cleaning device of claim 5, wherein the polypropylene has a specific gravity of 0.8.

7. The cleaning device of claim 6, wherein the polypropylene has a basis weight of 450 grams per square meter.

8. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the sheet has a diameter of about 11.5 inches.

9. The cleaning device of claim 2, wherein the sheet has a diameter of about 23.5 inches.

10. A method for cleaning an artificial pool, comprising:

providing at least one flexible sheet formed from an oleophilic and hydrophobic material and being buoyant in water;

placing the at least one sheet in the artificial pool; and

allowing the at least one sheet to float on a surface of water in the artificial pool.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

removing the at least one sheet from the artificial pool;

rinsing at least a downside surface of the at least one sheet with water; and

replacing the at least one sheet in the artificial pool.