IMPROVED COOLING APPARATUS

Abstract

The invention relates to an improved cooling apparatus for swimming pools including an inlet for water and an outlet for returning the water with a body between the inlet and outlet, with a reservoir for water contained within. A cooling arrangement associated with the body is included, the cooling arrangement able to act upon and cool the water introduced through the inlet. Further a water control apparatus, associated with the cooling arrangement is included, the water control apparatus including a high level valve and a low level valve, whereby the cooled water in the reservoir is returned through the outlet when the water level in the reservoir is above the lower level valve, and water enters the inlet only when the water level in the reservoir is below the high level valve. The invention also relates to variants thereon and methods of use.

Claims

1-48. (canceled)

49. An improved cooling apparatus for swimming pools, the apparatus including: an inlet for water; an outlet for returning the water; a body between the inlet and outlet, with a reservoir for water contained within; a cooling arrangement associated with the body, the cooling arrangement able to act upon and cool the water introduced through the inlet; a water control apparatus, associated with the cooling arrangement, the water control apparatus including a high level valve and a low level valve, whereby the cooled water in the reservoir is returned through the outlet when the water level in the reservoir is above the lower level valve, and water enters the inlet only when the water level in the reservoir is below the high level valve, wherein, water enters the apparatus and is substantially cooled before leaving through use of the water control apparatus and the water control apparatus provides a safer operation.

50. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 49, wherein the cooling apparatus includes a water control apparatus that automatically maintains the water level in the reservoir between a low and high level and can substantially continuously cool water and return it to the swimming pool through the automatic opening and closing of the high and low level valves, thereby being an energy efficient and low maintenance means to cool the water.

51. The improved cooling apparatus claim 49, wherein one or more automatic valves are included.

52. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein water is introduced into the cooling apparatus through the inlet, cooled and cooled water directed to the reservoir and leaves the reservoir through the outlet.

53. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water control apparatus maintains the cooling apparatus with water levels in the reservoir between a low water level and a high water level, during normal operation.

54. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling arrangement uses evaporative cooling of the flow of water.

55. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cooling arrangement includes a fan and a spray apparatus to spray the input water whereby the fan action cools the sprayed water.

56. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water control apparatus includes one or more valves to assist in the control of the water and the flow in and flow out of the water is controlled by the water control apparatus.

57. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water is maintained by the water control apparatus between a suitable low water level and a suitable high water level and further wherein the water control apparatus keeps the water flowing in and out and maintains a suitable level within the apparatus during operation and this is achieved without the need for an additional pump.

58. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water control system is configured to work substantially automatically and continuously through use of exclusively mechanical controls.

59. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water control system automatically keeps the reservoir levels between an overfill and underfill level and the overfill level is at predetermined high level to keep the level of water at a safe level and the underfill level is a predetermined low level below which water is not removed from the reservoir.

60. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the high level valve only allows water in when the water in the reservoir is below the high water level and when exceeded, closes the high level valve so water no longer enters, and the low water valve is open to drain water from the reservoir until the water level returns to be between the high water level and the lower water level.

61. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the high level valve and or the low level valve is a float valve and the high level valve floats on the top of the water and closes the valve to prevent further water entering the system if the float valve is above the high water level.

62. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the low level valve only allows water to drain away when the water in the reservoir is above the low water level and is open to drain water from the reservoir.

63. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 1, wherein the low level valve includes a sleeve section and is a single valve formed of one or more sleeve sections and the sleeve sections can fit about the low level pipe to create a valve section on the low level pipe.

64. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 63, wherein a plurality of sleeve sections are included which interlock in order to create a sleeve section of a variable length.

65. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 63, wherein the sleeve section can rotate about the pipe.

66. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 63, wherein one or more floats is attached to the sleeve to operate the valve, as the float valve moves up and down with the level of the water and the movement rotates the sleeve about the pipe.

67. The improved cooling apparatus of claim 63, wherein one or more holes are formed in the low level pipe and the sleeve includes corresponding holes and the movement of the float in response to the changes in water level causes rotation of the sleeve to open or close the holes over the pipe holes and water can flow out of the outlet pipe when the valve is open, and the holes uncovered and water is prevented from leaving when covered, due to the dropping of the float valve level, so the water is prevented from entering the outlet.

68. A method of cooling water for swimming pools, using the cooling apparatus of claim 1, the method including the steps: a) introducing water through the inlet of the cooling apparatus if the water in the water is below the high level and the high level valve is open; b) cooling the water through use of the cooling arrangement; c) returning the cooled water to the swimming pool if the water level is above the low water level and the low water valve is open, wherein the water is cooled and the reservoir water maintained substantially between the low and high water levels.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] The invention will now be described in connection with non-limiting preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0068] FIG. 1 is a front diagrammatic view of a cooling apparatus for a swimming pool according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the swimming pool is omitted for ease of illustration;

[0069] FIG. 2 is a component diagram illustrating the pump and filter components of the system of FIG. 1, showing how the cooled water is to be returned;

[0070] FIG. 3 is a further component diagram illustrating the water return apparatus of the invention of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0071] FIG. 4 is a detailed diagram of the Flowjack (TRADE MARK) valve as used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3; and

[0072] FIG. 5 is a detailed diagram of the Flowjack (TRADE MARK) valve as used in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0073] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a low level valve according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, the remainder of the cooling apparatus and the pool are omitted for ease of illustration;

[0074] FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of the low level valve sleeve of the low level valve of FIG. 6, with the remaining components omitted, and cross-sectional line AB indicated;

[0075] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view through AB of the low level valve sleeve of FIG. 7;

[0076] FIG. 9 is an end view of the low level valve sleeve of the low level valve of FIGS. 6 and 7, in the open position;

[0077] FIG. 10 is an end view of the low level valve sleeve of the low level valve of FIGS. 6 and 7, in the closed position; and

[0078] FIG. 11 is a plan view from below of the low level valve sleeve of the low level valve of FIGS. 6 and 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION INCLUDING A BEST MODE

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a first preferred embodiment of the invention will be described, where cooling apparatus 1, has body 10, with motor 12 to power fan 14, and these components are similar to the prior art. Motor 12 is powered to cause fan 14 to turn to create the evaporative cooling, with the air flow indicated by the upwards pointing arrows. To slow the fall of water droplets, media 16 is used as can be seen in the central portion of body 10, with reservoir 18 seen in the base of body 10. Water drawn in water system 20 is sprayed through spray system 22, whereby the spray droplets are cooled by the air flow and fan. Water system 20 includes pipe 24 which passes through air flow areas 26 and 28.

[0080] Turning to the water return system itself (not separately labelled) this commences at inlet 30 which brings water from the pool (not shown) into the system for cooling, through inlet valve 34. The water levels in the reservoir 18, it should be pointed out, are important inlet 30 leads through inlet valve 34 to high level valve 36 on pipe 38. High level valve 36 leads to pipe 24 to take the water up to be sprayed through spray system 22 to be evaporatively cooled by the fan action (14). The high level part of the water cooling system is positioned below but close to the high level water point. Similarly, arranged close to a low water level point, above which the water is intended to be kept, water outlet 40 can be seen leading to low level valve 42. Between outlet 40 and low level valve 42 is low level pipe 40 with inlet valve 46 sitting at the low water level point. The positioning is important so that water is only drawn through inlet valve 46 from the cooled reservoir if there is water above the opening. Therefore, if insufficient cooled water is in the reservoir no further water will be removed through the outlet from the reservoir until the water level raises.

[0081] FIG. 2 illustrate the components in addition to the water cooling of the system. For example, including the pump and filter in relation to the pool water itself for the water removed or returned cooled to the pool. FIG. 3 diagrammatically shows the components of the high and low level components of the water control system, important for the invention.

[0082] FIG. 4 illustrates a FLOWJACK (Trade Mark) valve as will be used for both the high and low level valves in the first preferred embodiment (see the new valves used in the second embodiment, as detailed separately below) in the appropriate direction with parts labelled 44 to 64. The valve is of the kind as used in livestock watering systems, but utilised in the disclosed invention to control the flow. It is important that the reservoir is kept with an appropriate fill of water, and does not over or under fill. It is anticipated that the particular form of the valves may evolve during the coming months of development. As the float valve moves to the predetermined level the valve opens or closes to allow or prevent the flow of water.

[0083] During use cooling apparatus 1, reservoir 18 will have a water level below the lower level 50 and below inlet 46, in that all the cooled water has been returned. As water enters the system from the swimming pool through inlet 30 the water is drawn into spray system 22 up pipe 24. As the droplets are sprayed out onto media 16 action of fan 14 dramatically cools the water, before it falls to reservoir 18. After some operation the level of water raises above the level of inlet 46 whereby water can be drawn out for return to the swimming pool. If the level of water is below the high level valve 36, the water will continue to enter the system until the high level is reached. Float valves are used for valves 36 and 42 so that these act only between set predetermined water levels. Float valves 36 and 42 of the first embodiment, are similar to those used in livestock or irrigation watering systems. Outside pump action will provide the suction to the system to keep the water circulating (refer FIG. 2). Float valve 36 is useful as when it reaches the predetermined overflow level, the high level it stops further water entering the system, to prevent overfilling.

[0084] The low level valve 42 will keep open to allow water drawn up through Flowjack (TRADE MARK) valve (FIG. 4) to flow for as long as the valve is open. Water will therefore leave the system and then as the water level lowers, the high level valve will open once again below the high level. As the high level valve opens, water again starts to enter the system from the pool, for cooling, and the operation continues to cool the water.

[0085] The safety of the operation is absolute, the system cannot overfill as the float valve will prevent filling beyond the high water level. Similar, the reservoir will be filled until the high level and drain the cool water back only if there is water to be drained above the high level in reservoir 18. The automated system is safe, reliable, has few working parts, can easily be checked and maintained but should run without maintenance for a prolonged period with no risk of failure. Should a problem arise in either the high or low level valves, the other one will either prevent further water entering the system or drain the system to remove the excess water, creating a strongly safe system. Unlike the prior art there is no need for extra electric to power an extra pump and there is no need for safety measures to isolate electrical parts from the water for safety. Instead the parts work mechanically to open and close in response to suction pressure and the level of the water and so will continue to work, without the need for further controls or power.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, a second preferred embodiment of the invention will be described the same as the first, excepting that the low level valve of the first embodiment, has been replaced with a new valve designed by the inventor, and the high level valve is a Hansen (Trade Mark) MAX-Flo (Trade Mark) trough or tank valve. These float valves work with similar principles, but in a preferred format for use of the subject invention, different to the first preferred embodiment. The remainder of the invention of the second embodiment is as described for the first embodiments.

[0087] The replaced low water valve will now be described (the replacement for low water valve 42 of FIG. 1) fitted about low pipe 44 of the cooling apparatus, equivalent to cooling apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. Collar 66, including cut-out 67 holds the valve in position on collar 66 as cut-out 67 receives part of the valve as described below. Cap 68 provides an end cap 68 to low pipe 44, and projection 69 of the valve is adapted to receive a projection (215 see below), which further maintains connection with the valve sleeve. Instead of outlet 46, a number of holes 70 (only some of which are labelled) will provide the inlets for low pipe 44, when the valve is in an open state, to enable the water to flow to the outlet to the pool. Low level valve 200, connected around low pipe 44 includes 3 low level valve sleeves 210, each interconnected. Each valve sleeve section 210 is the same and multiple units can be used to create a longer or shorter valve section as may be required for a particular application. Each valve sleeve section 210 includes cut-outs 212, which corresponds to projections 214, which fit together so each sleeve section 210 becomes a single sleeve, which can be rotated together. In the same way projection 215 fits in cut-out 69 of end cap 68, as can be seen in FIG. 6. Although shown as square cut-outs, as a convenient shape to fit square projections therewithin, the shape may be varied in other forms of the invention.

[0088] Holes 216 in valve sleeve sections 210 can be aligned with holes 70 of pipe 44 to create an open state for flow in of water. In the open state the water will flow into holes 70, however when closed the water is prevented from flowing in and so is maintained from flowing away. When a float (not illustrated) attached to float attachment 218 ascends with the rising water level, valve sleeve section 210 rotate about pipe 44, holes 216 are also turned to align with holes 70 of pipe 44. Float attachment 218 extends at 90 degrees to the body of valve sleeve 210 to enable free extension to the float and unfettered rotation of valve sleeve section 210.

[0089] The extent of alignment of holes 70 and holes 216 further determines the rate of water flow into low pipe 44 so as to a control the outflow of water from the cooling apparatus. In the most part this is open to allow the flow into pipe 44 and out of the outlet, and inflow being prevented when closed. However, a partially open state is possible when the float only partially rotates the sleeve, whereby a slow flow of water is allowed in through the partially open holes 70, to flow to the outlet. It may be considered that there is an open, intermediate and closed state for valve 200, to enable flow out at full rate, partial rate or substantially no rate. In the closed state some small flow may be tolerated in some forms of the invention.

[0090] Internal supports 220 (refer FIG. 8) are included periodically, on the inside walls of valve sleeve units 210 assist to keep valve sleeve sections 210 centred with pipe 44 during rotation. Further internal lips (not labelled) about the holes of the sleeve, facilitates sealing in between holes 70 of pipe 44, and holes 216 of valve sleeve 210 when closed, to prevent water leaking.

[0091] Low level pipe 44 as described is a standard polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In alternative forms of the invention a similar pipe made of other suitable materials, such as metal or engineered materials. As illustrated valve sleeve 210 has an internal diameter very similar to the outer diameter of pipe 44, with minor tolerance as would be understood by the person skilled in the art.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, sleeves 210, with two different positions of the float can be seen. Movement of the float in response to the changing water level would changing the position of float attachment 218 and rotates the sleeve position and so the relative open or closed state of holes 216. The float attachment used is a of a standard form as used with float valves in the field.

[0093] Clearly, the subject invention provides a significant advance over the prior art, working automatically to cool, without the need for an electric pump. The resultant apparatus is not only economic to run, it is safer, will run smoothly with minimal maintenance. The inventor has developed an improved cooling system which provides a significant improvement, and is likely to be very well received by the consuming public, once known.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0094]

TABLE-US-00001 1 Cooling apparatus 10 Body 12 Motor 14 Fan 16 Media 18 Reservoir 20 Water system 22 Spray system 24 Pipe 26 Airflow 28 Airflow 30 Inlet from pool 32 Outlet to pool 34 Inlet valve 36 High level valve 38 High level pipe 40 Outlet valve 42 Low level valve 44 Low pipe 46 Low level outlet 48 High water level 50 Low water level 52-64 Flowjack valve 66 Collar 67 Cut-out 69 Cut-out 70 Holes 200 Low level valve 210 Low level valve sleeve 212 Cut-out 214 Projection 215 Projection 216 Holes 218 Float attachment 220 Internal supports