Whirlpool skimmer

Abstract

A whirlpool skimming device removes surface debris from a pool by creating a whirlpool having an upper bound at the surface of the pool. The uppermost portion of the whirlpool is free standing and is not bounded by the device. The device includes an outer cup-shaped portion and an inner cup-shaped portion coaxially disposed therein. An opening is disposed in the bottom of the inner cup-shaped portion which communicates with a source of suction which is preferably a Venturi tube feeding the outlet water to a filter bag. There is a first nozzle supplying water at an upper, inner edge of the inner cup-shaped portion at a slightly downward angle in a first direction, and there is a second nozzle supplying water at a lower, outer edge of the inner cup-shaped portion and mounted on an opposite side of the inner cup-shaped portion. The device causes coaxial rotational flow patterns relative to the inner cup-shaped portion, in which the outer rotational flow takes an upwardly spiral path outside the inner cup-shaped portion, and the inner rotational flow takes a downwardly spiral path inside the inner cup-shaped portion of the device.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This patent application is a continuation in part, claims priority from, and hereby incorporates by reference U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 136,987 titled “WHIRLPOOL SKIMMER” filed on Aug. 16, 2011.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a device for skimming liquid and debris from the surface of a pool.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pool cleaning devices are known in the prior art. For example, a skimmer and filter bag are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,359.[0004]A pool cleaning system with multiple cleaning heads is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,481.[0005]Further, a liquid surface skimmer with filter bag is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,027,641.[0006]A pool skimmer with filter bag and support is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,086,759.[0007]A telescopic arrangement is shown in a pool skimmer in U.S. Pat. No. 7,146,658.[0008]A canister filter for a swimming pool is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,384,544.[0009]A pool skimmer having a spray head is show...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]The device of the present invention causes coaxial rotational flow patterns relative to the inner cup-shaped portion, in which the outer rotational flow takes an upwardly spiral path outside the inner cup-shaped portion, and the inner rotational flow takes a downwardly spiral path inside the inner cup-shaped portion of the device. It is believed that the rising outer rotational flow is an important feature of the present invention, which is believed—from inspection of the mass flows from the first and second jets - to narrow and focus the inner vortical flow of the inner rotational flow and thereby direct the force of the vortex above the topmost portion of the funnel portion to the surface of the pool. This beneficial and useful effect is achieved in the working embodiment when the topmost portion of the funnel portion is disposed below the water surface by a distance preferably ranging from one to four inches.

Problems solved by technology

From the foregoing, it is seen that it is a problem in the art to provide a device meeting the above requirements.

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