# US 5,350,508 A · Pool skimming device

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- Number: US 5,350,508 A
- Document ID: US5350508A
- Status: Granted
- Kind: A
- Application number: 08/102,982
- Filed: 1993-07-28
- Granted: 1994-09-27
- Earliest claimed: 1992-03-24
- Inventors: Lourens Van der Watt
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5350508A

## CPC

- E04H 4/1263: {Floating skimmers}
- E04H: BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL (foundations E02D)

## Abstract

The device has an elongate net with an extended, open mouth. The net forms a channel-shaped volume in which floating debris from a swimming pool can be collected. A tubular frame member extends lengthwise across the mouth of the net, and floats are provided to support the net and the tubular frame member at the surface of the pool water, with the mouth of the net orientated to receive floating debris. In operation, the tubular frame member is connected to the return flow inlet of the swimming pool so as to receive a portion of the flow returning to the pool through the inlet. Sprays on the tubular frame member are directed into the net. There is also an outlet for directing another portion of the return flow of water into the swimming pool so as to create a swirling flow of water in the pool which encourages floating debris to migrate about the pool to the net.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A swimming pool skimming device comprising:
an elongate net having an extended, open mouth and defining an open, channel-shaped volume where floating debris can accumulate,
a tubular frame member connected to said net and extending lengthwise with respect to the open mouth of the net,
float means which are buoyant in water and which are arranged to support the net and the tubular frame member at the surface of water in a swimming pool, with the mouth of the net directed laterally in a manner to receive floating debris in the channel-shaped volume thereof,
inflow connection means for connecting the tubular frame member releasably to a return flow inlet of the swimming pool so that a portion of the flow of water from the return flow inlet is directed into the tubular frame member,
spray means on the tubular frame member to produce water sprays, directed towards the open mouth of the net, when water is directed into the tubular frame member by the inflow connection means,
the inflow connection means also including an outlet means for directing another portion of the flow of water from the return flow inlet into the swimming pool in a direction to create a swirling flow of water in the swimming pool,
aeration means comprising a venturi in the outlet means and an air conduit for directing air into the outlet means under the venturi effect created when water flows through the outlet means, thereby to aerate the water flowing through the outlet means, and
a towing handle connected to said frame for towing the skimming device around the surface of water in the swimming pool when the tubular frame member is disconnected from the return flow inlet.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

A swimming pool skimming device according to claim 1 wherein said float means comprises floats to which the net is attached.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

A swimming pool skimming device according to claim 2 wherein said float means comprises floats to which the tubular frame member is attached.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

A swimming pool skimming device according to claim 3 wherein the floats have channel shaped grooves therein for receiving opposite ends of the net and, spaced from the channel shaped grooves, openings for receiving opposite ends of the tubular frame member.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

A swimming pool skimming device according to claim 4 wherein the inflow connection means includes swivel connectors which in use enable the vertical spacing of the tubular frame member and the return inlet to be adjusted.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

A swimming pool skimming device according to claim 1 wherein the spray means are provided by apertures in the tubular frame member.