Pool skimmer strainer device

Abstract

A pool skimmer strainer device is provided having a barrier member adapted to be mounted in front of a pool skimmer opening. The strainer device is provided to collect leaves and other debris before these items can enter the pool skimmer assembly, and block the pool water recirculation system. The skimmer strainer device includes a lower support arm that rests on the bottom of the skimmer opening, and preferably, an upper support arm which rests on the pool deck. The upper and lower support arms are preferably adjustable in length, and are positioned in a manner to ensure that the barrier member is maintained in front of the skimmer opening.

Description

Pool Skimmer Strainer Device Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of pool filter and skimming devices, and in particular, relates to a new leaf and debris skimmer system for temporary applications, in which leaves and other debris are prevented from entering a conventional pool skimmer system. By use of this device, the amount of leaves and debris entering the pool's conventional skimmer system, is reduced, minimized or eliminated. Background of the Invention The water in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, and the like is routinely filtered to remove leaves and other floating debris, such as sticks, twigs, hair, grass cuttings etc., near the water surface. Pools therefore generally include a skimmer and filter system connected to a water circulation system. Water pumps are therefore used to circulate pool water through a screening system to remove these items from the pool. Typically, the water passes first through a skimmer in order to remove larger items, prior to sending the water to a filter for further screening. The skimmer is typically positioned adjacent the pool and is connected to the pool by a skimmer opening through which pool water can pass. A weir may be provided in the skimmer opening to control the amount of water passing to the skimmer. The skimmer typically includes a skimmer box configured to receive a straining basket, in which large debris, such as leaves, are removed from the water before, the water enters the water filter. The strainer basket is typically removable and is accessible through an access cover located on the pool deck. The skimmer opening is typically a rectangular cutout formed within the pool wall, and is located at the normal pool water level. As water passes through the skimmer box, it flows through the strainer basket and enters a pipe that leads to the water filter. Since water is actively drawn into the filter by a pump, suction is created at the opening of the filter. After the water passes through the filter, the water is pumped back into the pool through jets located in the pool. However, if the skimmer basket becomes clogged with leaves or other debris, the water flow through the filter may be blocked, and this may cause damage to the pool's water recirculation pump. As such, the skimmer assembly must be monitored to prevent costly damage to the recirculation system. In normal operation, the skimmer basket does not easily clog or become blocked. However, the amount and type of debris collected in the skimmer straining device can vary with the seasons of the year. As such, in the fall season, the amount of leaves falling in the pool can increase dramatically, requiring an increased, or constant vigilance on the part of the pool owner to ensure that the skimmer basket is emptied before it becomes blocked, and causes damage to the water pump and / or water recirculation system. Also, when the pool owner is on vacation, or otherwise away from the pool for an extended period, the amount of debris can also build up so as to cause a blockage of the skimmer straining device. During these periods of extended absence, or high debris levels, the pool owner may be forced to turn off the recirculation system in order to prevent blockage of the skimmer basket. However, if the recirculation system is turned off, debris will simply gather in the pool, and may ultimately lead to a non-hygienic or otherwise, unusable pool. Various approaches have been described to provide a temporary additional skimmer straining device that can be placed in front of the skimmer opening, prior to entering the skimmer box. Some of these devices, such as those shown in US Patent Nos. 6817041, 6989094 and 7195708 and US Patent Publication No. 2005 / 0211614 simply provide a larger screen placed in front of the pool opening. By providing a larger screen surface, the temporary skimmer straining device requires less maintenance during times where the pool owner is away from the pool, and / or during periods where higher levels of debris (e.g. leaves) are encountered. However, while these approaches can increase the size of the skimmer straining device, they are still susceptible to blockage if left unattended. Other devices feature a still larger screen area to further reduce the possibility of total blockage of the temporary filter, but also include an underwater access system which allows pool water to enter the skimmer box from an area under the pool water line, and thus, use pool water which is typically free from leaves and debris. As such, only debris-free ř. ₩. water is provided to the skimmer box, and filter, and thus, damage to the water recirculation system is avoided. <semantics>Φi(i)<annotation encoding="application / x-tex">\Phi_{i}^{(i)}< / annotation>< / semantics> These types of devices are described in a variety of prior art documents including, for example, US Patent Nos. 4140634, 5935450, 6214217, 6398952, 6989094, 7374671 and 8460559 and US Patent Publication Nos. 2005 / 0055898, 2007 / 0181476, 18 2008 / 0230453 and 2013 / 0186812 While these devices provide some benefits with respect to prevention of skimmer strainer blockage, and the resultant recirculation system damage, attachment of these various systems to the pool remains an issue. Many require attachment of the device to the pool surface which can create damage to the pool and / or liner structure. Others require the use of temporary attachments means such as magnets, suction cups or the like, which can easily fail over time in a pool situation. Still others rely on various stands, arms, or supports that are placed on the pool deck, or the like, in order to hold the skimmer strainer device in place. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a pool skimmer strainer device which could be more effectively attached to the pool skimmer, and provide the benefits of increased surface area for straining as well as being able to provide an underwater, water supply system to ensure that water is able to circulate through the water filter, at near- normal flow rates. Moreover, it would also be advantageous to provide this type of skimmer strainer device which could be easily adjusted to fit and operate in conjunction with most standard pool skimmer devices and skimmer openings. Still further, it would be advantageous to provide this type of skimmer strainer device which can be easily installed and removed for cleaning, removal of debris, and for storage. The present invention provides at least one of these advantages, as will be discussed in more detail below. Summary of the Invention An exemplary implementation of a skimmer strainer device of the present invention, provides a pool skimmer strainer device for use in a pool (which pool includes a pool wall) having a skimmer opening which communicates with a skimmer box, wherein the skimmer strainer device of the present invention comprises a surface barrier member positioned within the pool so as to form a barrier within the pool, spaced apart from, but around the skimmer opening at the water surface, and which has at least one opening through which water can pass from said pool to said skimmer. The skimmer strainer device additionally comprises a bottom member below said surface barrier member, which bottom member is positioned below the water surface, and preferably on a lower surface of the skimmer strainer device, and which bottom member also includes at least one opening through which water can pass from said pool to said skimmer opening. The bottom member preferably extends from the barrier member to the pool wall. The skimmer strainer device optionally includes a cover member which essentially covers the opening between surface barrier member and the pool wall. Attached to said barrier member is a preferably at least one adjustable length, lower support arm which extends from said barrier member into said skimmer opening, and which lower support arm terminates with a skimmer basket retention clip. Also optionally attached to said barrier member, or to said cover member, is at least one preferably adjustable length, and preferably, adjustable height, upper support arm which extends from said barrier member or said cover member, to rest on the deck of the pool. In operation, the lower support arm rests on the bottom of said skimmer opening, and clips onto the skimmer basket, using any suitable attachment device. The attachment device can include resilient clips that are attached by friction to the basket, or other devices including nuts and bolts, and the like, for attaching the lower support arm to the skimmer basket. The lower support arm is preferably positioned at least 2 cm, and more preferably, at least 5 cm away from the bottom of said barrier member, so that when said lower support arm is resting on the bottom of said skimmer opening, the bottom of said barrier member, and thus the bottom member, are located at least 2 cm, and preferably, at least 5 cm, below the level of said skimmer opening. As such, the bottom member is maintained at a level well below the pool water level (when the pool water level is above the lower level of the skimmer opening). The upper support arm (when present) rests on the pool deck, and can provide additional stability to the assembly. In one option, the barrier member can have a semi-circular shape which meets the pool wall on each end, and has a curved central area which projects outward into the pool. . 4 This shape can be modified to any suitable shape, or to include various flat surfaces. In general though, preferably each end of the barrier member rests on, near or adjacent to, the pool wall, and the central area extends outward into the pool. In a preferred option, the barrier member includes two essentially flat, planar side walls at each end of the . barrier member which are generally perpendicular (e.g. 60 to 90°) to the pool wall, and a generally flat central area which extends between the side walls. However, any suitable 4. shapes and sizes might be used, provided that the skimmer opening, at the pool water level, is fully contained with the shape of the barrier member. The barrier member preferably has an essentially constant height, which is preferably between 10 and 40 cm in height, and most preferably, between 15 and 35 cm. The width of the barrier member can vary depending on the width of the skimmer opening. Typically, the barrier member has a width of between 30 and 70 cm, and more preferably, between 40 and 60 cm. The barrier member also preferably extends away from the pool * wall for a distance of between 10 and 40 cm, and more preferably, between 15 and 30 cm. The skimmer strainer device of the present invention has at least one barrier opening through on the barrier member, through which pool water can pass to the skimmer opening. In this barrier opening, a variety of screening materials can be inserted to allow passage of water, while preventing the passage of leaves or other debris. These screening materials could included screens having a mesh size of approximately 2 mm to screening having a mesh size of 2 cm or more. Alternatively, the barrier member can include a plurality of openings each of which has screening material on each barrier opening. In a preferred option, however, the barrier member includes a number of openings wherein each opening is small enough to prevent the passage of most leaves or other debris. These barrier member openings can be provide in the nature of vertical slots, or rectangular, square, triangular, or any suitable shaped openings, at the pool water line. Preferably, the openings have a opening width at the pool water line, of less than 2.5 and more preferably, between 1 and 2 cm. In a preferred embodiment, the barrier member openings are a series of vertical slots spaced around the skimmer strainer device, along the water line, and preferably having a length of between 2 and 10 cm, and more preferably, between 3 and 6 cm. These vertical slots preferably have a width of between 0.5 and 4 cm, and most preferably, have a width of between 1 and 2 cm. The bottom member preferably extends from the barrier member to the pool wall, and also includes openings through which water can pass from the pool to the skimmer opening. The bottom member openings can also include a screening material, or openings without screening material, as described hereinabove with respect to the barrier member openings. The cover member, when present, preferably extends from the barrier member to the pool wall, and is preferably solid so as to prevent items from falling into the pool in the area between the barrier member and the skimmer opening. The lower support arm or arms, can be attached to the barrier member using any suitable arrangement. This can include a support arm, or arms, that extend to the front of the barrier member, or can include support arms from each side of the barrier member. For adjustment, the lower support arm can include at least two support pieces releasably held together by attachment devices. These attachment devices could include spring loaded, or resilient attachment clips that could be moved to allow the support pieces to be moved, relative to one another to change the length of the lower support arm. Other devices including, for example, fasteners commonly referred to as Velcro™ fasteners, or the like, might also be used. However, in a preferred embodiment, the lower support arm includes two support pieces held together using nuts and bolts as fasteners, which fasteners can be used to allow the support pieces to be moved, relative to one another in order to adjust the length of the lower support arm.. The support arm might also be a single piece which can be cut to length. In this fashion, the lower support arm length can be adjusted so that the clip at the end of the lower support arm, reaches the skimmer basket, where it is preferably resiliently, and releasably clipped to the skimmer basket. The lower support arm preferably extends between 6 and 50 cm into the skimmer opening, and more preferably, between 7.5 and 40 cm. In a most preferred embodiment, the lower support arm can extend from 10 to 35 cm into the skimmer opening. The upper support arm (when present) preferably includes a first adjustment device to adjust the distance that the upper support arm extends above the barrier member or cover member. Depending of the pool skimmer depth, the upper support arm preferably extends 2 to 20 cm above the top of the barrier member or cover member, when present. Preferably, the upper support arm extends from 5 to 10 cm above the top of the barrier member or cover member. This section of the upper support are is also preferably adjustable using, for example, the same adjustment mechanisms as is found in the lower support arm. The preferred adjustment mechanism however, is through the use of nuts and bolts on two or more upper support arm pieces. The upper support arm is preferably L-shape, and extends outward so as to extend over, and then rest on, the pool deck. This part of the upper support arm can be cut to length, or preferably includes notches which allow the upper support arm to be broken at a suitable length. Typically, this length is between 10 and 50 cm, and generally, it is preferred that the length of the upper support arm be adjusted to provide maximum length without interfering with the an deck mounted, skimmer access opening. The skimmer strainer device of the present invention can be made of any suitable material for use in a pool. However, it is preferred that the skimmer strainer device be made of plastic materials due to their light weight, resistance to pool chemicals, and low cost. The support arm fasteners can also be made of any suitable materials, including plastics, but preferably the nuts and bolts, and any washers and the like, are made of stainless steel, or other corrosion resistant materials. The edges of the barrier member, bottom member, and cover member, can also include flexible or resilient pieces, such as plastic spacers, or edge trim, to allow a close fit to the pool wall, and / or to maintain resilient force on the lower support arm clip attachment mechanism. In the present application, the term "pool" generally refers to an in-ground pools, but can also include above ground pools having a skimmer opening. Similarly, the term pool can be used in respect of spas, hot tubs, and the like, which have a skimmer opening or the like. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of example only in association with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of a skimmer strainer device of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective bottom view thereof; Figure 3 is a planar top view thereof in place in a pool; Figure 4 is a cross sectional side view of the device shown in Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of a second embodiment of the skimmer strainer device of the present invention. . . Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example only. In the drawings, like reference numerals depict like elements. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Also, unless otherwise specifically noted, all of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination. Referring to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4, a skimmer strainer device 10 is shown having a barrier member 12 in which a series of openings in the nature of slots 14 are provided. Barrier member 12 has slightly curved side walls 18, which are generally perpendicular to the pool wall,42, and an essentially flat central area 20. Cover member 22 is fitted to the top of barrier member 12, and bottom member 24 is fitted to the bottom of barrier member 12. A series of slots 26 is also provided on bottom member 24. Cover member 22 preferably does not include slots, or any other openings. Lower support arm 28 is attached at one end 30 to the centre of barrier member 12, and extends towards skimmer opening 40 in pool wall 42. At the opposite end 32 of lower support arm 28 is a resilient clip or arm 34 which clips onto the edge of skimmer basket 44. As seen in Figure 4, lower support arm 28 rests on the bottom 43 of skimmer opening 40. It is also to be noted that by placement of lower support arm on the bottom of skimmer opening 40, bottom member 24 is held below the bottom of skimmer opening 40. This ensures that the bottom member 24 is below the pool water line 48. Nuts and bolts 38 are provided on lower support arm 28 to allow the length of support arm 28 to be adjusted so that clip 34 will resilient clip onto basket 44. Upper support arm 50 is L-shaped, and has a first section 52 adapted to rest on the pool deck 56. The length of first section 52 can be cut so as to avoid interference with the 4) access panel 60 for skimmer basket 44. A second section 54 of upper support arm 50 includes nuts and bolts 58, as an adjustment mechanism to adjust the height of first section 52 above the top of barrier 12. As best seen in Figure 4, bottom member 24 is below the skimmer opening 40, and cover member 22 is above skimmer opening 40. However, cover member 22 is preferably below the level of pool deck 56. In use, device 10 is placed into the pool in front of skimmer opening 40, and lower support arm 28 is placed within skimmer opening 40. Through access panel 60, the pool owner can grasp clip or arm 34 and place it over the edge of skimmer basket 44, and in doing so, will pull barrier member 12 towards, and next to, pool wall 42. At this point, upper support arm 50 will be resting on pool deck 56, and between upper and lower support arms, and clip or arm 34, the skimmer strainer device 10 will be held in position in front of skimmer opening 40, on pool wall 42. In operation, any leaves of large debris will collect on the outer surfaces of barrier member 12, and will be prevented from entering skimmer opening 40. Because of the relatively large surface area of barrier member 12, larger amounts of leaves can debris can be collected on barrier member 12 without blocking the skimmer opening 40 or plugging basket 44. At all times, water can enter the skimmer opening 40 through slots 14 in barrier member 12, or through slots 26 in bottom member 24. The skimmer strainer device of the present invention can be temporarily placed in the pool during times of the pool owner's extended absence, or temporarily place in the pool during times where heavier than normal amounts of leaves or other debris will enter the pool. The device can be easily removed and stored when not needed. In Figure 5, a further embodiment of the skimmer strainer device 100 of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the upper arm has been removed, and two adjustable length lower arms 102 are provided. Lower support arms 102 are attached at one end 104 to the centre of barrier member 106, and extend towards a skimmer opening, as previously described. At the opposite end 106 of lower support arms 102 is a resilient clip or arm 108 which is used to clip onto the edge of the skimmer basket. Adjustment nuts and bolts 110 are fitted into slots 112 on lower support arms 102 to allow clip 108 to be moved to a position where it can be attached to the skimmer basket. Lower support arms 102 can be cut to length, if needed. Thus, it is apparent that there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a skimmer strainer device which fully satisfies the goals, objects, and advantages set forth hereinbefore. Therefore, having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that alternatives, modifications and variations thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and that it is intended that the present specification embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word "comprise" and variations of the word such as "comprising" and "comprises", when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Further, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practised in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein. Moreover, words such as "substantially" or "essentially", when used with an adjective or adverb is intended to enhance the scope of the particular characteristic; e.g., substantially planar is intended to mean planar, nearly planar and / or exhibiting characteristics associated with a planar element. Further, use of the terms "he", "him", or "his", is not intended to be specifically directed to persons of the masculine gender, and could easily be read as "she", "her", or "hers", respectively. Also, while this discussion has addressed prior art known to the inventor, it is not an admission that all art discussed is citable against the present application.

Claims

1. A pool skimmer strainer device for use in a pool having a pool wall, and a skimmer opening which communicates with a skimmer box, wherein said pool skimmer strainer device comprises: a surface barrier member positioned within the pool so as to form a barrier within the pool, spaced apart from, but around the skimmer opening at the water surface, and which barrier member has at least one opening through which water can pass from said pool to said skimmer opening; a bottom member below said surface barrier member, which bottom member is positioned below the water surface, and which also includes at least one opening through which water can pass from said pool to said skimmer opening; and one or more length-adjustable lower support arms which extend from said surface barrier member into said skimmer opening, and which lower support arm terminates with a resilient skimmer basket retention clip or arm.

2. The pool skimmer device of claim 1, further comprising a cover member which essentially covers the opening between surface barrier member and the pool wall.

3. The pool skimmer device of claim 2, further comprising an upper support arm which extends from said barrier member or said cover member, to rest on the deck of the pool.

4. The pool skimmer device of claim 3, wherein the upper support arm is adjustable in length.

5. The pool skimmer device of claim 3 or 4, wherein the upper support arm is adjustable in height.

6. The pool skimmer strainer device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said lower support arm is positioned at least 2 cm away from the bottom of said barrier member, so that when said lower support arm is resting on the bottom of said skimmer opening, the bottom of said barrier member, and thus the bottom member, is located at least 2 cm below the level of said skimmer opening.

7. The pool skimmer strainer device of claim 6, wherein said lower support arm is positioned at least 5 cm away from the bottom of said barrier member, wherein when said lower support arm is resting on the bottom of said skimmer opening, the bottom of said barrier member, and thus the bottom member, is located at least 5 cm below the level of said skimmer opening.

8. The pool skimmer strainer device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said one or more lower support arms are adjustable in length with nuts and / or bolts to permit the resilient clip or arm to clip onto the skimmer basket.

9. The pool skimmer strainer device of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising two or more of said length-adjustable lower support arms.