Pool Skimmer Device

Abstract

A pool skimmer is disclosed that comprises a base component comprised of a bar with a U-shaped net component secured to it. The net component measures two to three feet wide and is comprised of fine, stainless-steel microns. A flexible, telescopic handle is then secured to the base component. The base component is placed inside of the swimming pool and comprises a flotation system to allow the device to be positioned halfway above the water level. The U-shaped net allows a user to capture small bugs, leaves, or other unwanted debris within the swimming pool quickly and efficiently.

Claims

1. A pool skimmer device that allows a user to skim a pool with ease, the pool skimmer device comprising: a base component; a net component; and a handle; wherein the net component is approximately two to three feet wide; and further wherein the base component is placed inside of a swimming pool and the net component allows a user to capture unwanted debris from within the swimming pool.

2. The pool skimmer device of claim 1, wherein the unwanted debris comprises pollen, insects, seeds, and leaves.

3. The pool skimmer device of claim 2, wherein the base component comprises a frame which is generally rectangular in shape and wherein the net component is attached to the frame.

4. The pool skimmer device of claim 3, wherein the frame comprises a lower frame member and an upper frame member and front and back, as well as right and left opposing side walls.

5. The pool skimmer device of claim 4, wherein the frame is approximately two to three feet long.

6. The pool skimmer device of claim 5, wherein edges of the net component are integrally bonded to the lower and upper frame members through a thermally activated process.

7. The pool skimmer device of claim 6, wherein the net component is secured to the base component to form a U-shaped receptacle, with an open end, thus forming a constant, rigid passageway into the net component.

8. The pool skimmer device of claim 7, wherein the net component is comprised of a fine, stainless-steel mesh that measures between 1-5 microns.

9. The pool skimmer device of claim 8, wherein the base component comprises a set of long floating pontoons, secured at respective ends of the frame, one at each respective end.

10. The pool skimmer device of claim 9, wherein the set of long floating pontoons are shaped as cylinders and comprise Styrofoam to allow the pool skimmer device to float.

11. The pool skimmer device of claim 10, wherein the handle is telescopic and comprises at least one telescoping segment that allows a total length of the handle to be extended or retracted.

12. The pool skimmer device of claim 11, wherein each of the at least one telescoping segments are hollow and have a slip lock for locking the at least one telescoping segments at a specific length.

13. The pool skimmer device of claim 12, wherein the handle is secured to the base component via a swivel hinge that allows the handle to swivel.

14. The pool skimmer device of claim 13, wherein the handle comprises a first end secured to the base component and a second end configured to be held by a user, and wherein the second end comprises an ergonomic hand area with textured sections.

15. A pool skimmer device that allows a user to skim a pool with ease, the pool skimmer device comprising: a base component comprising a rectangular frame with a lower frame member and an upper frame member and front and back, as well as, right and left opposing side walls; a net component that is approximately two to three feet wide; and a handle; wherein the rectangular frame is approximately two to three feet long; wherein edges of the net component are integrally bonded to the lower and upper frame members through a thermally activated process; wherein the net component is secured to the base component to form a U-shaped receptacle, with an open end, thus forming a constant, rigid passageway into the net component; wherein the net component is comprised of a fine, stainless-steel mesh that measures between 1-5 microns; wherein the base component comprises a set of cylindrical floating pontoons, secured at respective ends of the rectangular frame, one at each respective end; wherein the set of cylindrical floating pontoons comprise Styrofoam to allow the pool skimmer device to float; and further wherein the base component is placed inside of a swimming pool and the net component allows a user to capture unwanted debris from within the swimming pool.

16. The pool skimmer device of claim 15, wherein the handle is telescopic and comprises at least one telescoping segment that allows a total length of the handle to be extended or retracted.

17. The pool skimmer device of claim 16, wherein each of the at least one telescoping segments are hollow and have a slip lock for locking the at least one telescoping segments at a specific length.

18. The pool skimmer device of claim 15, wherein the handle is secured to the base component via a swivel hinge that allows the handle to swivel.

19. The pool skimmer device of claim 15 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

20. A method of skimming a pool's surface easily and efficiently, the method comprising the following steps: providing a pool skimmer device comprising a base component with a two to three feet wide net component and a telescopic handle; extending the telescopic handle to a desired height; positioning the pool skimmer device in a pool, such that a pair of long pontoons keep the device afloat; and pulling the device along the pool surface to skim the pool of debris.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of pool skimmer device of the present invention showing the device used in a pool in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the pool skimmer device of the present invention showing the wide skimmer head in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIGS. 3A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the pool skimmer device of the present invention showing how the handle can be adjusted in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the pool skimmer device of the present invention showing the skimmer device in use to collect leaves in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIGS. 5A-B illustrate a perspective view of one embodiment of the pool skimmer device of the present invention showing the skimmer device pulled along the pool surface and being stored in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of skimming a pool's surface easily and efficiently in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0034] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0035] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pool skimmer device that provides users with a modified pool skimmer featuring a two to three foot wide head end to better catch debris on the pool surface. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a pool skimmer device that allows users to pull the wide net head end through the water to capture leaves, twigs, insects, and various other debris with ease. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pool skimmer device that includes a pivoting mechanism to adjust the angle of the tool head, along with a telescopic handle to extend or retract its length. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that reduces the time it takes to clean and skim the water surface of a pool. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pool skimmer device that comprises a bar with a net measuring two to three feet wide attached to a flexible handle. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pool skimmer device that utilizes a stainless steel, U-shaped net.

[0036] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel pool skimmer device. The pool skimmer device comprises a base component comprised of a bar with a net component secured to it. Typically, the net component is two to three feet wide and is a U-shaped component. A flexible telescopic handle is then secured to the base component. The base component is placed inside of the swimming pool and comprises a flotation system to allow the device to be positioned halfway above the water level. The U-shaped net allows a user to capture small bugs, leaves, or other unwanted debris within the swimming pool. The present invention also includes a novel method of skimming a pool's surface easily and efficiently. The method includes the steps of providing a pool skimmer device comprising a base component with a two to three feet wide net component and a telescopic handle. The method also comprises extending the telescopic handle to a desired height. Further, the method comprises positioning the pool skimmer device in a pool, such that the long pontoons keep the device afloat. Finally, the method comprises pulling the device along the pool surface to skim the pool of debris.

[0037] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the pool skimmer device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the pool skimmer device 100 is an improved pool skimmer device 100 that allows a user to skim a pool 108 with ease. Specifically, the pool skimmer device 100 comprises a base component 102 with a two to three feet wide net component 104 and a handle 106. The base component 102 is placed inside of the swimming pool 108 and the large net component 104 allows a user to capture small bugs, leaves, or other unwanted debris 110 from within the swimming pool 108.

[0038] Generally, the disclosed pool skimmer device 100 relates to a device that is configured to clean a pool, such as a swimming pool 108. The device 100 may be configured, in particular, to clean debris 110, such as pollen, insects, seeds, leaves, etc., from the surface 114 of the water 112 in a pool 108.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the pool skimmer device 100 comprises a base component 102 which is shown as generally having a frame 200 which is generally rectangular in shape and a net component 104 which is attached to the frame 200 and is in the nature of an open weave netting or mesh similar to that used in more conventional pool skimmers. Thus, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the net component 104 is a porous material which allows water 112 to move easily therethrough and is configured to prevent the passage of most debris 110.

[0040] Furthermore, the frame 200 comprises a lower frame member 202 and an upper frame member 204 and front 206 and back 208, as well as right 210 and left 212 opposing side walls. The frame 200 is generally rectangular in shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. Further, the frame 200 is generally two to three feet long (i.e., the same length as the net component's width), but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. The frame 200 components may comprise aluminum or plastic tubing or rods, etc., which may be formed of an injection-molded or vacuum-formed plastic, or any other suitable materials as is known in the art.

[0041] Additionally, the edges 214 of the net component 104 are integrally bonded to the frame members 202 and 204 through a molding or other thermally activated process. Typically, the net component 104 is secured to the base component 102 to form a U-shaped component but can be secured via any suitable shape and position as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the net component 104 forms a receiving U-shaped receptacle 218, with an open end 216 secured to the upper 204 and lower 202 frame members, thus forming a constant, rigid passageway into said net component 104. Generally, the net component 104 measures two to three feet wide but can be any suitable size as is known the art. Further, the net component 104 is typically comprised of a fine, stainless-steel mesh that measures between one to five microns. However, an open-weave netting, nylon screen, or a micromesh bag can also be used, or any other suitable porous material which allows water 112 to move easily therethrough and is configured to prevent the passage of most debris 110.

[0042] Further, a set of long floating pontoons 220 are secured at respective ends 222 of the frame 200, one at each end 222. The floating pontoons 220 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Typically, the floating pontoons 220 are shaped as cylinders and secured as the net component 104 is, via molding or other thermally activated process as is known in the art. The floating pontoons 220 are typically lightweight foams, such as styrofoam or the like. It is important that the floating pontoons 220 have sufficient buoyancy to prevent the base component 102 from sinking too far below the water level. Typically, the floating pontoons 220 are sized and shaped to allow the device 100 to be positioned halfway above the water level. Generally, the device 100 need only be of sufficient buoyancy to float on the surface of the water 112 in the pool 108. In this manner, water 112 with its entrained debris 110 flows by virtue of the circulation currents in the pool 108 in the direction of the device 100, wherein the debris 110 is collected by the net component 104.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3A-B, a flexible handle 106 is then secured to the base component 102. The handle 106 is telescopic and has the ability to connect to the base component 102. The handle 106 utilizes metal supports or segments 300 that range from the base component 102 to the handle 106 of the device 100 to telescope the handle 106. Specifically, the handle 106 comprises at least one telescoping segment 300 that allows the total length of the handle 106 to be extended or retracted. Each telescoping segment 300 is hollow and has a slip lock 302 for locking the segment 300 at a specific length. Further, the slip lock 302 is released by means of pressing or turning the slip lock 302. The at least one telescoping segment 300 allows the handle 106 to have a length from approximately three feet to six feet fully extended, allowing a user to set the pool skimmer device 100 at a desired height. Thus, the device 100 is approximately three feet in length but can be adjusted to a length of approximately six feet, if needed. Any type of telescoping lock, such as a clutch lock, cam lock, spring button, snap lock, set knob or any other suitable lock as is known in the art, can be used for securing a desired length of the telescoping segments 300 and for securing the telescoping segments 300 to each other, during extension and retraction of the telescoping segments 300 of the handle 106. Furthermore, a slip lock 302 is typically also used to secure the handle end 106 to the base component 102, similar to a push broom. However, any other suitable securing means can be utilized as is known in the art.

[0044] Furthermore, the handle 106 can also swivel. Thus, the handle 106 is secured to the base component 102 via a ball and socket hinge, swivel hinge 304, etc., or any other suitable swiveling means as is known in the art. Once secured via the swivel hinge 304, the handle 106 is then able to be moved in any direction and rotated in a 360-degree manner, as needed.

[0045] Generally, the handle 106 comprises a first end 306 secured to the base component 102 and a second end 308 configured to be held by a user 500. The second end 308 further comprises an ergonomic hand area 310 that comprises texture or gripping sections 312 to allow the user 500 to securely retain the handle 106 in their hands 314, even when it is wet.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the pool skimmer device 100 is an H-shaped floating arrangement with a net component 104 secured to the base component 102 and having one of the pair of floating pontoons 220 secured to either side 222 of the base component 102. By providing a pair of floating pontoons 220, one at each end 222 of the base component 102, the device 100 is rendered more symmetrical and this construction may simplify manufacture.

[0047] In use, the user 500, holding the second end 308 of the handle 106 while standing on the deck 400 surrounding the pool 108, controls the movement of the base component 102 while drawing the same through the water 112, and without affecting the depth of the opening 216 of the net component 104. The respective ends 402 of the floating pontoons 220 are tapered upwardly to provide easy movement of the device 100 in the water 112 and to allow the base component 102 to slip easily over the objects encountered in the water 112, such as vacuum hoses, and the like, without interfering with the skimming operation. Further, the frame members 202, 204 maintain the frame 200 in alignment with the floating pontoons 220 to maintain the device 100 at the predetermined depth in the water 112.

[0048] Further, the pool skimmer device 100 is drawn through the water 112 with the open end 216 of the U-shaped net component 104 partially submerged so that leaves, grass, and other debris 110 may pass through said opening 216 and into the net component 106. Further, the skimmer device 100 readily and easily moves through the water 112 so that it will be possible for a user 500, including women and children, to skim the pool 108 with ease. Additionally, the large net area allows a user 500 to draw the pool skimmer device 100 over the entire area of the pool 108 surface from the deck 400 of the pool 108, efficiently and quickly.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 5A-B, the above description relates mostly to the use of the pool skimmer device 100 in swimming pools 108. However, the design of this device 100 will allow it to be used in many different bodies of water for many different duties. These include, but are not limited to, fishponds to remove surface debris; water fountains; oceans to rid the ocean of unwanted contaminants, such as oil or small floating plastics; and/or industries to clean retaining ponds. However, in all of these cases, the size of the device 100 may vary. For example, in a fishpond, the device 100 may only comprise a net component 104 of two feet in width. In the ocean, the device 100 may comprise a net component 104 of three feet in width. The size of the device 100 is determined by the task that it is to perform and the medium in which it is placed.

[0050] In one embodiment, the pool skimmer device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 502. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 502 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 502 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be pool, water, or brand related.

[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of skimming a pool's surface easily and efficiently. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a pool skimmer device comprising a base component with a two to three feet wide net component and a telescopic handle. The method also comprises at 602, extending the telescopic handle to a desired height. Further, the method comprises at 604, positioning the pool skimmer device in a pool, such that a pair of long pontoons keep the device afloat. Finally, the method comprises at 606, pulling the device along the pool surface to skim the pool of debris.

[0052] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein pool skimmer device, skimmer device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the pool skimmer device 100 of the present invention.

[0053] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the pool skimmer device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the pool skimmer device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the pool skimmer device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the pool skimmer device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the pool skimmer device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0054] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0055] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.