Including Water Inlet Or Outlet Means Patents (Class 4/507)
  • Patent number: 5946744
    Abstract: An inflatable swimming pool construction that gives high resistance to deformation of the sidewall when filled with water. The pool includes a central ring with a circular cross-section, and attached top and bottom rings having a cresent-shaped cross-section. The central ring provides the majority of the overall vertical height of the pool sidewall, with the top and bottom rings providing a stable addition to the height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sportstuff, Inc.
    Inventor: Leroy L. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5930850
    Abstract: A perimeter skimming gutter and retaining wall of a swimming pool comprises an elongate open first gutter conduit extending about the periphery of the swimming pool for receiving water from the swimming pool; an elongate closed second gutter conduit extending about the periphery of the swimming pool adjacent the first gutter conduit and in fluid communication with the first gutter conduit for receiving water from the first gutter conduit for water flow in a direction toward a filtration and circulation system; and a plurality of water-spray tubes disposed within the second gutter conduit and extending transversely to the water flow through the second gutter conduit. Each water-spray tube includes a plurality of jet spray openings arranged to direct a spray of water within the second gutter conduit only in the direction of water flow toward the filtration and circulation system to propel and thereby increase water flow within the second gutter conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: William H. Baker
  • Patent number: 5922421
    Abstract: A combined vapor barrier and water assembly for securement to the underside of covers of heated water tubs and pools stands by and around an intentionally made drain opening in an otherwise water tight cover, to provide a drain passageway to be used, if necessary, whenever rain water might unwantedly enter the interior of the cover, and while standing by, to provide a vapor barrier preventing heated vapors from rising upwardly through the drain passageway. In a preferred embodiment, at least two dense weave cloth members, spaced apart, each extend completely across the cross section of the drain passageway, while positioned within a hollow contoured housing of the assembly, which is adapted to be secured to the underside of the cover round the intentionally made drain opening, to provide the drain passageway for the exiting rain water that might unwantedly collect in a cover which was originally watertight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Gary L. Perry
  • Patent number: 5893179
    Abstract: A waterfall fixture for expelling water in sheet form comprises a housing having a cavity divided into chambers by apertured plates extending across the cavity. The plates are apertured and spaced from each other and from the inlet and outlet of the fixture to define multiple chambers within the cavity separated from one another by the plates. A first plate is opposed to the inlet and acts as a screen to block debris and as a barrier to incoming water to distribute the water into a laminar flow through the chamber defined between the first plate and the inlet. A second plate is opposed to the first screen and helps to further distribute the water into laminar flow and may be valved to assure a perfect laminar sheet style water flow pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Jandy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5864897
    Abstract: A device for isolating piping associated with a swimming pool for isolating a piping system associated with a swimming pool in order to reduce the amount of chemicals required to treat the piping system, and further to prevent mixture of chemicals within the pool with the treatment chemicals. The isolating device includes an adaptor head having an outlet configured to encircle a conventional swimming pool drain and an inlet configured to receive the end of a conventional vacuum hose. The adaptor head defines a substantially cylindrical configuration having a diameter at least as large as the particular drain with which the isolating device is being used. A plurality of screw bosses is provided on the interior of the adaptor head proximate the outlet to cooperate with the threaded openings provided in the drain for securing the drain grate. The adaptor head includes a cylindrical wall and a cover plate, the cover plate being removably mounted to the cylindrical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Terence D. Ross
  • Patent number: 5826855
    Abstract: A pool plug (10) is disclosed comprising a plunger member (12) and a base member (14). The base member (14) is cylindrical having an axial passageway (30) therethrough and opposed annular skirt flanges (32,36) projecting toward each other from opposite rims (26,28) of the member (14). The flange (32) collapses diametrically to allow the base member (14) to be inserted into a panel aperture, and skirt flange (36) depresses to a point that the lower flange (32) is free to open up and resume its original form, capturing the panel between the flanges (32,36). Composed of elastomeric plastic, the flanges (32,36) flex to allow use of the plug in pool panels having a thickness variable within a specified range. The plunger member (12) reciprocally moves upward and downward within the passageway (20) and includes ports (54) that open and close in response thereto. An inwardly directed annular sealing flange (40) engages the plunger member (12) to seal the plunger when it is pushed downward into a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: The Little Tikes Company
    Inventor: Larry C. Dick
  • Patent number: 5822807
    Abstract: A suction relief apparatus for relieving suction at a suction connection of a swimming pool or spa having a main valve member movable from an open to a closed position to relieve suction at the suction connection in the event of a blockage of the suction connection in the pool. The main valve remains closed until a reset valve is opened, at which time a spring returns the main valve to the open condition, enabling suction to resume at the suction connection of the pool. A switch responsive to increased suction indicative of an obstruction may be utilized to deactivate a suction pump motor. In an alternative embodiment, a frangible member may replace the main valve and reset valves to open a connection to ambient air atmosphere in the event of increased suction in the suction line resulting from an obstruction at the suction connection in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventors: Patrick J. Gallagher, Larry R. Mills
  • Patent number: 5809587
    Abstract: A safety device for use in a suction outlet assembly of a swimming pool, whirlpool, spa or the like is disclosed. More particularly, the outlet assembly has an opening therein in communication with a pump adapted to create sufficient suction for causing fluid flow through the outlet assembly and a cover mounted over the opening without substantially obstructing fluid flow therethrough. The safety device includes an obstructing mechanism for obstructing the opening when the cover is not properly positioned or affixed to the outlet assembly, whereby fluid flow through the outlet assembly is substantially prevented even if the pump is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Gene S. Fleischer
  • Patent number: 5791106
    Abstract: A collapsible pool assembly having a liquid impervious liner with collapsible perimeter walls of modular configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventors: Craig Allan Nimmo, Adrian David Case
  • Patent number: 5785846
    Abstract: An improved filtration system for swimming pools and the like is disclosed, in which none of the water passing through the filter passes through the recirculating pump for the swimming pool. This is accomplished by connecting the water inlet of the filter directly with the floor drain and surface skimmer. The outlet from the filter is interconnected with an entrainment nozzle supplied with water under pressure from the recirculating pump for the pool. The pump withdraws water directly from the pool, and supplies that water under pressure to the entrainment nozzle, which then draws water through the filter from the outlet to mix such filtered water with the water supplied by the pump to the entrainment nozzle for return to a return outlet in the pool. As a consequence, water flowing through the filter is drawn through it by means of suction, rather than by supplying the water under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Barnes, Lester Mathews
  • Patent number: 5753112
    Abstract: An improved leaf removal system is disclosed for removing leaves and the like through the floor drain of a swimming pool. conventional recirculation system for the pool. This is accomplished by providing a leaf removal chamber adjacent the pool, with a water outlet from the bottom of the chamber to the pool. The floor drain is interconnected by means of a pipe to a water inlet near the upper end of the chamber, and this inlet is located beneath the water level of the pool. A strainer basket is removably placed between the water inlet and the water outlet in the chamber. Return water for the pool is supplied to an entrainment nozzle connected to the water outlet in the chamber to cause a venturi effect to draw water, along with leaves and other debris, from the floor drain into the water inlet of the chamber, from which such water is returned to the pool, along with return water supplied to the entrainment nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5745933
    Abstract: A pre-washing device for water circulating tubes of a massaging bath tub includes a cap member for a water circulating tube head, a rotary adjustment block locked with the cap member and formed with opposing wedge-shaped openings, and an inner seat located at the water circulating tube head and having channels for the adjustment block to rotate to two stages. A partitioning plate is disposed in the inner seat and includes wedge-shaped openings corresponding to those of the adjustment block. The adjustment block rotates relative to the inner seat so as to align or offset to control the flow of water from the bath tub into the cap member. A valve body and an independent tube are disposed in the water circulating tube head. The valve body is controlled in cooperation with the opening and closing of the water circulating tube head. That is, when the water circulating tube is closed, the valve body is opened, permitting the water to flow from the independent tube into the water circulating tube for pre-washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Li-Fu Yu
  • Patent number: 5734999
    Abstract: A safety device comprising a floor drain grate includes at least two separate regions, and preferably three, with openings through which water can flow into a pool drain. The regions are preferably spaced to either side of the pool drain, by a distance which effectively prevents a swimmer from blocking all the openings at once and becoming stuck to the grate by suction. The floor drain grate may be provided as a retrofit to replace an existing drain grate of a pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: John J. Nicholas
    Inventor: John J. Nicholas
  • Patent number: 5720056
    Abstract: An above-ground swimming pool comprises a primary wall extending above a ground surface to enclose a primary pool area. The primary wall including an enclosure region having a first wall height and a spillway region having a second wall height lower than the first wall height. An arcuate secondary wall extends above the ground surface. Opposite ends of the secondary wall are attached to the primary wall at either side of the spillway region. The secondary wall has a third wall height lower than the first and second wall heights. The secondary wall and the primary wall enclose a secondary pool area. A pump is provided to pumping water from the secondary pool to the primary pool to generate a flow of water over the spillway region. The primary wall may consist of a first wall and a second wall joined together at a transition piece. The secondary wall may additionally be connected to the primary wall at the transition piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Doniel G. Aymes
  • Patent number: 5642534
    Abstract: The weir gate includes a pair of spaced juxtaposed guides that are disposed vertically on either side of an opening between the interior of a spa and a filtration cavity. A lower gate is fixed to and spans the guides in a generally vertical plane. A floating gate is disposed between the guides, and can be placed in an upper position to regulate the flow of surface water into the filtration cavity and in a lower recessed position adjacent the lower gate to provide access to the filter cavity. An upper latch mechanism holds the floating gate in the upper position so that it pivots in a plane generally orthogonal to the lower gate and its upper edge floats near the surface of the water in the spa. A lower latch mechanism holds the floating gate in the lower position adjacent the lower gate so that a user can access the filters without having to hold the floating gate down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Manuel Sanchez, Michael S. Deans, Wilbur R. Holmes, Susan L. Holmes
  • Patent number: 5608927
    Abstract: A spout which can effect a waterfall in the form of a sheet of water in conjunction with the recirculation of bathing water is described. An accumulator with a baffle structure receives the recirculating bathing water to place it in a quiescent state before passage from the spout. In a preferred embodiment, there is a whirlpool basin which receives bathing water from the spout as well as body spray nozzles which also receive recirculating water from the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Scott R. Lowry, Thomas A. Bonnell, Robert C. Giese
  • Patent number: 5606750
    Abstract: A weir flap for use in a swimming pool skimmer opening is disclosed. The weir flap includes a buoyant body that is pivotally mounted at a lower end in the opening. The body includes a through slot having an inlet opening in a front face of the body and an outlet opening in either a rear face or an upper edge of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Prelude Pool Products C C
    Inventor: Richard V. Vos
  • Patent number: 5604939
    Abstract: A swimming pool skimmer closure having a sealing face plate positioned across the open end of the skimmer inlet and held thereon by a bolt extending through the center of the face plate and through a transversely extending brace member abutting interior, transversely spaced shoulders integral with the skimmer housing. The face plate is tightened into sealing engagement against the skimmer inlet by a nut threaded onto the end of the bolt and abutting the brace member so that the skimmer can be drained without draining the pool water during the winterization of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Robert E. Widener
  • Patent number: 5581826
    Abstract: An automatic flow shift valve for use with swimming pool cleaning systems including a pool skimmer system for removing floating debris from the surface of the pool and an underwater pool cleaner system for removing debris from the floor of the pool, both of such systems operating through water suction by the periodic "on" and "off" cyclic operation of a suction pump. The valve is mounted over a flow orifice in a cover plate which is removably secured across the top of the well and removable debris basket of the skimmer and the underwater pool cleaner is connected by a hose to a second opening in the cover plate. The valve includes a central, fixed-position shift cylinder enclosing upper and lower spaced, but interconnected, pistons which are reciprocative within the shift cylinder. The upper piston is spring biased upwardly to open the valve when the pump is "off".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Philip L. Leslie
    Inventor: Kevin C. Edwards
  • Patent number: 5577274
    Abstract: A winterizing check valve system comprised of a cylindrical check valve having a hollow securement portion and a housing portion. The hollow securement portion is adapted for coupling with an end of a return line for a swimming pool. The housing portion is adapted for securement to the hollow securement portion. The housing portion has a spring therein. The housing portion has a ball coupled therein adjacent to the spring. The housing portion has a plurality of openings therein. The check valve system has an adapter plug having a first end and a second end. The adapter plug has an opening formed therethrough. The first end is adapted to couple with an opposing end of the return line for the swimming pool. The second end is adapted to couple with a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Inventors: David E. Plotsky, James W. Glander
  • Patent number: 5555877
    Abstract: A cover for withstanding stormy weather and increasing solar heating of a body of water is disposed over the surface of the water. The cover is more transparent to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation, and is anchored and sealed around its periphery over the surface of the body of water. Means are provided for reducing the pressure between the bottom of the cover and the top of the water to subatmospheric, and for flooding the top surface of the cover with a layer of water, and draining the layer of water from the top of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: George S. Lockwood
    Inventors: George S. Lockwood, John K. Bethune, Andrew W. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 5537696
    Abstract: A self-contained module installed in the side walls or deck of a pool or spa is connected to the pool or spa plumbing system, and converts the turbulent water supply of the system to a laminar sheet of water which free falls into the pool or spa in a manner pleasing in sight and sound. Narrow, elongated spouts prevalent in the prior art have been reduced to a short, compact, economical and structurally stronger emitter owing to the provision of components including an apertured conduit, or "flute", traversing a relatively large manifold chamber open along an element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignees: Clifford E. Chartier, Sidney Gralicer
    Inventor: Clifford E. Chartier
  • Patent number: 5524399
    Abstract: A molded plastic landscape pond is disclosed that is installed into the ground, the pond having a peripheral rim at or slightly above level. A hollow molded plastic pedestal interlocks onto the bottom surface of the pond, and a molded plastic statue is mounted on top of the pedestal. A submersible pump disposed in the hollow pedestal pumps water to the statue, which generates a stream or spray of water into the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Avon Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Reum, Nick J. Demuth
  • Patent number: 5485707
    Abstract: A fitting for relieving hydrostatic pressure under a swimming pool includes a sleeve and an associated removable plug, both of which have planar upper surfaces. Fittings in accordance with the invention are installed in the shallow end of a swimming pool and the plug is manually removed to relieve hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Inventor: Kenneth Wilkes
  • Patent number: 5408706
    Abstract: A fitting assembly for use in swimming pools, spas, and the like with vinyl liners, comprises a fitting member which is mounted in an opening in the wall of the pool, either flush with the pool wall or with a flange extending over the interior of the pool wall near the opening. The fitting member has a recess in it about its periphery. The vinyl liner then is placed over the fitting member; and a clamp member, which has a predetermined thickness not greater than the depth of the recess, is secured in the recess of the fitting member over the vinyl liner to clamp the vinyl liner between the clamp and the recess of the fitting member. This provides a flush mount or nearly flush mount of the fitting member with the vinyl liner of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5392472
    Abstract: A pool skimmer apparatus used with a water filtration and recirculation system includes an outlet nozzle assembly and a scoop assembly. The outlet nozzle assembly is mounted to an inlet in the sidewall of a pool of water and operable for directing a flow of the water and debris floating on the surface of the water along an endless annular path extending substantially tangentially along the sidewall and the periphery of the pool of water. The scoop assembly is mounted to the outlet in the sidewall of the pool to project outwardly from the sidewall for intercepting and deflecting at least a portion of the water and debris carried by the water from the endless annular path of flow and into the outlet of the pool to thereby assist in skimming off portions of the debris floating on the surface of the pool of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Bernard R. Maxfield
  • Patent number: 5392471
    Abstract: A closure device covers the inlet portal of a swimming pool weir. The closure device has a main opening that is controlled by a weir flap and a secondary opening to accommodate flexible piping leading to a pool cleaner, whereby water can be drawn into the weir simultaneously both through the flexible piping and the main opening. The weir flap has an elongated slot just below the upper edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Prelude Pool Products C C
    Inventor: Richard V. Vos
  • Patent number: 5388285
    Abstract: A waterfall for swimming pools has a first configuration as a waterfall and a second configuration as a water spray. Both configurations include a water accumulation box having a spiral water inlet chamber that receives water from the circulating water pump. The spiral configuration removes turbulence from the water so that the waterfall produces a smooth sheet of water. A rotary diverter valve positioned within a nonrotatable cylinder has a hand wheel at its opposite ends so that a pool user may adjust its rotary position. In a first position, a first plenum in the rotary diverter valve aligns with an interconnecting plenum that interconnects the water accumulation box and a water outlet slot to produce the waterfall, and in a second position, a plurality of smaller orifices align with the water outlet slot to produce a water spray effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Inventor: Alfred J. Belniak
  • Patent number: 5379467
    Abstract: A water exercise device made up of a closed loop track, a soaking pool and a channel providing a walking path therebetween. The water depth is generally uniform in depth to provide running and walking exercise but deeper areas may be provided to require swimming in a part of the track and total immersion in the soaking pool. A constant water flow rate is maintained in the track and a temperature gradient may be maintained between the track and the soaking pool to provide temperatures appropriate for different activity levels by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth Lochbaum
  • Patent number: 5367723
    Abstract: A valve apparatus is provided for regulating the water level in a swimming pool. The apparatus is mounted in a surge pit remote from the pool. The apparatus includes first and second valves movable between open and closed positions for controlling the introduction of water into the surge pit from the main drain line and from a fresh water supply line, respectively. The first and second valves are operatively interconnected and are moved between their open and closed positions by a float member in the surge pit. As the water level in the pool drops below an ideal level wherein a thin layer of water skims over the lip of the gutter system, less water is provided to the surge pit from the gutter drain line, such that the water level in the pit drops, and causing the float member to drop so as to open the first and second valves to allow more water into the surge pit from the main drain line of the pool and from the fresh water supply line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Pleva Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
    Inventors: John Pleva, Mark G. Pleva
  • Patent number: 5365617
    Abstract: A system for automatically maintaining a desired water level in a swimming pool, includes a float chamber coupled in fluid communication with a suction tube that is coupled between the pool and a pool filter pump. A float carrying a magnetic element is disposed in the float chamber. A magnetic switch is located in a fixed position outside of the float chamber at a level corresponding to the desired water level. The magnetic switch assumes a first state if the pool water level is equal to or higher than the desired water level and assumes a second state if the pool water level is lower than the desired water level. A solenoid valve is connected between a pressurized water source and an intermediate portion of a return tube returning pumped water to the pool. A circuit is coupled to the valve and the magnetic switch to close the valve when the pump is operating, and open the valve when the pump is not running and the magnetic switch is in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Shasta Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Tarr
  • Patent number: 5341523
    Abstract: An anti-vortex, flush-mounted floor drain for swimming pools consists of a main housing, which is in the form of a hollow cylinder of a first predetermined diameter A drain opening is located in the top of the hollow cylinder; and the edges of the top of the cylinder are mounted flush with the floor of the swimming pool. A downwardly sloped lip extends from the top edge of the main housing and terminates in a circular opening in the top of the main housing. A solid circular cover is centrally mounted in this opening in the main housing, and is movable toward and away from the opening in the main housing to vary the size of the water inlet from the pool between the edge of the circular cover and the edge of the opening in the main housing. A drain pipe is connected to the main housing for withdrawing water from the housing. The large circular cover at the center of the drain prevents a vortex from occuring as a result of the suction of water passing outwardly through the drain pipe in the drain housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 5309581
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing a waterfall at the edge of a swimming pool, spa or pond, the apparatus including a generally cylindrical reservoir in the water circulation system path, with at least one water discharge metering rod on the axial centerline of the reservoir, configured for directing water in a first direction diametrically opposite an elongate discharge plenum having a second plenum in fluid flow communication therewith for discharging the water into the pool through a sidewall thereof. The apparatus is placed inside the wall on the side of the pool and produces a smooth even sheet of water which is directed away from the side of the pool. The metering rods are constructed for adjusting pressure along the axial length thereof to cause the water pressure inside of the unit to be maintained evenly across its length thereby directing the water out through the throat of the discharge plenum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventors: Arthur D. Lockwood, Robert G. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 5285538
    Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for a swimming pool skimmer. The sealing assembly includes a face plate having either one of a laterally extending, raised bead or an outwardly extending flange around the periphery thereof. A flexible cover element includes a peripheral lip for sealably engaging the raised bead or the flange of the face plate. The flexible cover element also includes a planar portion which bears against the flat surface of the face plate around the central opening therein to provide secondary or primary sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Frank J. Hodak
  • Patent number: 5271106
    Abstract: A swimming pool producing surrounding visual effects utilizes large picture generating surfaces adjacent to water-containing surfaces for displaying large images emulative of remote swimming environments. The pool has controllable water currents for in-place swimming or diving in one or more directions. These controlled water currents and the large images are coordinated by a computer for producing a virtual underwater environment in which picture scenes evolve and water-currents flow as a function of swimmer activity. A large apparent swimming area can therefore be produced. For added realism, the pool may include sound-generating devices and parametric weather machines to accurately emulate natural environments and also produce spectacular special effects for the swimming or diving subject and for possible observers thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventors: Richard E. D. McClish, John H. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5268096
    Abstract: A pool drain assembly for a swimming pool having a vinyl liner is disclosed. The assembly includes a drainage receptacle which has an upper edge portion substantially at a level defining the bottom of the swimming pool. The receptacle has a conically shaped seating surface, and the vinyl liner covers the surface. A clamping ring is seated on the seating surface and surrounds a strainer plate which also rests on a lower edge of the seating surface. The upper surfaces of the pool liner, the clamping ring, and the strainer plate are all substantially co-planer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Essef Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald B. Robol
  • Patent number: 5181283
    Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible skimmer for use with various currently known above-the-ground pools. The skimmer generally comprises a flexible enclosure which is adapted to be secured to a side wall of the flexible liner of the pool. Disposed within the enclosure is a conventional weir basket having a weir gate attached thereto. The weir basket is operable to provide structural rigidity to the enclosure when disposed therewithin. When the weir basket is removed from the interior of the enclosure, the flexible nature of the enclosure allows it to be collapsed together with the pool liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Hendrik C. Gillebaard
  • Patent number: 5172432
    Abstract: It is important healthwise to oxygenate water in swimming pools in order to kill the mainly anaerobic micro-organisms that may come to grow therein. Chemical agents are nowadays in current use, however, they are expensive, and also they do have damaging effects on the tissues of bathers particularly for the cornea. By mounting an oxygenating device at the water outlet of the recirculating system of the swimming pool, growth of anaerobic organisms is prevented. The present aerating device includes a spherical nozzle with a water flow channel, coupled to the recirculating system main water duct outlet, and a straw, engaging at one end transversely into the water flow channel and escaping at the opposite end above the water line. Ambient air is fed to and dissolved in the recirculated filtered water by the venturi effect generated by the forced circulation of water through the conventional recirculating water filtering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: Fernand Beland
  • Patent number: 5108088
    Abstract: Upright sidewall and end panels are bolted to a unitary base component having a treadmill so as to form a composite exercise tank. One end panel has a door of transparent sheet material with specialized hinges and locking mechanism to assure a leakproof fit. Water can be introduced into the tank to a desired level from a storage container, whereupon the treadmill is actuated for exercise or therapy. During use, water in the tank is recirculated through heating, cleaning and sanitizing equipment. After use, the water in the tank is emptied to the storage container and the user exits through the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Stewart Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Keller, Robert Linton
  • Patent number: 5103508
    Abstract: The water walker is a collapsible exercise device with a waterproof liner supported by an external frame which is made rigid and stable when extended. The height is readily extendable to suit the needs of the user and is adapted to be filled with water to permit the user to perform a variety of exercises in an environment of high resistance and low impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Inventor: Clarice R. Counts
  • Patent number: 5040250
    Abstract: A retaining ring of an eyeball return fitting of the type used in swimming pools and spas is provided with a releasable or breakaway cover cap. The cap closes the end of the return fitting during construction. This permits the finish work for the cement and plaster stages of the pool construction to be effected without the danger of cement or plaster getting into the fitting during construction. After construction has been completed, the cap is released and drops away, carrying with it any cement or plaster which may have hardened on it during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Barnes, Lester R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 5016296
    Abstract: A drain and filler attachment for a plastic pool has at one end of a threaded elbow, a threaded nipple intrudes into a plastic pool through X-cuts made in the pool material. The opening is sealed by O-rings and a threaded open cap compressing the O-rings and the pool material against a collar on the threaded elbow. At the other end, the threaded elbow has a coupling and a hose adapter. The hose adapter has a controllable water flow on and off valve at one end and a fitting at the other end for removable attachment to a cooperative fitting on a garden hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: M. William Beaumont
  • Patent number: 4960514
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a base member fixed to a swimming pool wall in operative proximity to a skimmer inlet opening and having a permanent magnet plate embedded therein, and a bracket member having an iron plate embedded therein. An elongated deflector, carried by the bracket member, deflects and guides surface-water-borne dirt, leaves, pollen and other debris via circulating pool water into the skimmer inlet opening. The attractive force exerted by the permanent magnet plate towards the iron plate allows adjustable and fixed relative positioning, vertically, laterally and/or radially, of the bracket member with respect to the base member, and, hence, the deflector. The bracket member and deflector have cooperating means to allow lateral angular positioning of the deflector. Appropriate radial positioning of the deflector creates an inherent force component causing subsurface dirt, leaves, pollen and other debris to rise to the surface to be carried into the skimmer inlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventor: John E. Paskert
  • Patent number: 4954179
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning a pipe system (3) in baths, preferably bath tubs, through which pipe system water and/or air is led into the bathwater (6) of the bath (1) to produce water currents and/or water/air currents (4) and/or air bubbles (5) therein. For effective cleaning, the pipe system (3) is flushed with pure water (31) after a bath has been taken before impurities in said pipe system have/had time to dry. A suitable apparatus for carrying out said method comprises a sensor (49) which is adapted to sense when bathing in the bath (1) has been concluded and to deliver when the bathing has been concluded a signal to a time lag relay (34) which is adapted to open a valve (33) for supply of flushing water (31) to a flushing device (30) for flushing of the pipe system (3) a certain time after the time lag relay (34) has received said signal from the sensor (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Inventor: Thomas K. Franninge
  • Patent number: 4951326
    Abstract: A retaining ring of an eyeball return fitting of the type used in swimming pools and spas is provided with a releaseable or breakaway cover cap. The cap closes the end of the return fitting during construction. This permits the finish work for the cement and plaster stages of the pool construction to be effected without the danger of cement or plaster getting into the fitting during construction. After construction has been completed, the cap is released and drops away, carrying with it any cement or plaster which may have hardened on it during construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: Caretaker Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven R. Barnes, Lester R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 4944506
    Abstract: Upright sidewall and end panels are bolted to a unitary base component having a treadmill so as to form a composite exercise tank. One end panel has a door of transparent sheet material with specialized hinges and locking mechanism to assure a leakproof fit. Water can be introduced into the tank to a desired level from a storage container, whereupon the treadmill is actuated for exercise or therapy. During use, water in the tank is recirculated through heating, cleaning and sanitizing equipment. After use, the water in the tank is emptied to the storage container and the user exits through the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Edmonds Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Keller, Robert Linton
  • Patent number: 4903351
    Abstract: A winterizing kit for swimming pools and more specifically a winterizing faceplate kit for both inground and aboveground swimming pools to greatly reduce the efforts required in the preparation of a swimming pool for active use or for winterizing. A skimmer faceplate is installed on the wall of the swimming pool which provides for both the mounting of a skimmer and a winter cover when required with the present kit eliminating the necessity to drain and refill the pool each time the pool is opened in the spring or closed in the fall. The faceplate includes a gasket arrangement and other components including a faceplate, winterizing cover and necessary mounting bolts and screws to secure the components in position on the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventors: Robert W. Dengel, Robert D. Goelz
  • Patent number: 4881280
    Abstract: A unit for producing a waterfall at the edge of a swimming pool, spa or the like. The unit is mounted in the side of the pool and produces a smooth sheet of water which is directed away from the side of the pool. The unit has a baffle in the interior thereof for directing the water evenly out through the throat of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Fred C. Lesikar
  • Patent number: 4876001
    Abstract: Apparatus for use with a swimming pool cleaner which includes a housing which defines a chamber, at least one inlet to the chamber and an outlet from the chamber, and a bouyant ball inside the chamber. The apparatus is installed or incorporated in a weir. When suction is cyclically applied to the outlet, and removed, the ball alternately blocks the outlet, and leaves the outlet unblocked. Correspondingly the pool cleaner is operated to clean a submerged surface of a swimming pool, or water is drawn directly from the pool and through a weir, for filtration. A more efficient cleaning of the pool takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Liberty Pool Products S.A.
    Inventor: Carl F. W. Supra
  • Patent number: D333342
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Inventor: Harry L. Newhard