AU2012100526A4 - Skimmer cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Skimmer cover Abstract A cover comprising: a body portion adapted to substantially cover an opening, the body portion having a circumferentially extending lip adapted to be seated on or adjacent to an edge portion of said opening; an annular flange extending away from the body portion; a locking mechanism slidably mounted to the body portion, the locking mechanism having a locking bolt; wherein the locking mechanism is slidable between an unlocked position and a locked position, further wherein in the locked position the locking bolt enters an aperture formed in a side wall of said opening, thereby inhibiting removal of said cover from said opening. Fig. 4

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Innovation Patent Specification Title: Skimmer cover Applicant(s): Waterco Limited Inventor(s): Pradeep Kumar Tandon Agent: © COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

2 Skimmer cover Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a skimmer cover. In particular, the present invention relates 5 to a skimmer cover for a swimming pool or spa. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be used for other applications such as covering inspection openings, manholes and other such apertures. Background of the Invention 10 The water in a swimming pool is circulated and filtered to remove pollutants such as floating debris. Skimmers are typically mounted near the water surface to draw water in, and capture any debris such as dirt, leaves, insects, hair or sunscreen floating on the water surface. The water drawn into the skimmer initially enters a strainer basket. Any solid debris larger than a particular size is trapped in the basket. The water including any debris smaller than the mesh 15 size of the strainer basket is circulated through the pool filtering system and returned to the pool after filtering. Importantly, the strainer basket prevents any large debris from entering the pool pump where it may cause a blockage or otherwise damage the pump. In order to remove any trapped debris from the strainer basket, an access hatch or cover 20 plate is normally located adjacent to the pool wall, on the ground level. The cover plate is adapted to be manually lifted to enable inspection and/or removal of the strainer basket, to shake out or otherwise remove any debris trapped by the skimmer. Existing skimmer covers are typically provided with two or more screws for securing the 25 cover plate to a plastic annular seat mounted adjacent to the pool. This prevents the skimmer cover from being unintentionally removed by children, to reduce the risk of injuries such as drowning, suction related injuries or tripping on the opening. Pool owners are generally advised to use the screws to secure the skimmer lid in position at all times, and the use of such screws is mandated by local safety standards in some places. 30 However, in practice users typically do not utilise the screws, as the process of unscrewing and subsequently re-screwing the skimmer cover is both time consuming and tedious, 3 especially considering regular inspections of the strainer basket are often necessary. In addition, the screws are relatively small, making them susceptible to being lost or misplaced. Overtime, it is also possible that the threaded holes formed in the annular seat may be degraded due to repetitive screwing and un-screwing of the screws. 5 When the skimmer cover is not screwed in position, and is simply resiting in place, it may be easily removed by a child, thereby increasing the risk of the child being injured. Furthermore, when the skimmer cover is not secured to the seat, the skimmer cover plate may be removed by unauthorised persons, such as at public swimming pools. Such persons 10 could tamper with the skimmer unit, for example, by removing the skimmer basket. Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative. 15 Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a cover comprising: a body portion adapted to substantially cover an opening, the body portion having a circumferentially extending lip adapted to be seated on or adjacent to an edge portion of 20 said opening; an annular flange extending away from the body portion; a locking mechanism slidably mounted to the body portion, the locking mechanism having a locking bolt; wherein the locking mechanism is slidable between an unlocked position and a locked 25 position, further wherein in the locked position the locking bolt enters an aperture formed in a side wall of said opening, thereby inhibiting removal of said cover from said opening. The locking mechanism preferably includes biasing means to resiliently bias the locking mechanism to one of the unlocked position and the locked position. 30 The biasing means preferably includes an arm having either a concave portion or convex portion, and an underside of the body portion includes a complimentary surface adapted to engage with the concave portion or convex portion of the arm to bias the locking mechanism 4 to one of the unlocked position or locked position. The arm preferably includes a bead like projection, and the underside of the body includes a first groove and an adjacent second groove, 5 wherein the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position when the bead like projection is in the first groove, and the locking mechanism is in the locked position when the bead like projection is in the second groove. The locking mechanism preferably has an engagement formation adapted to engage with a 10 tool for sliding the engagement formation between the unlocked position and the locked position. Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example is with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a skimmer cover plate and skimmer dress ring; Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of a the skimmer cover plate and a skimmer dress ring; Fig. 3 is a top view of the skimmer cover plate and skimmer dress ring of Fig. 2; 20 Fig. 4 is a bottom view of the skimmer cover plate and skimmer dress ring of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a side view of the skimmer cover plate and skimmer dress ring of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the skimmer dress ring; and Fig. 7 is a further front perspective view of the skimmer cover of a further embodiment. 25 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments A skimmer cover assembly 8 is disclosed for use with a swimming pool or spa. However, it will be appreciated that the skimmer cover assembly 8 can be used in other applications such as inspection openings, manholes or maintenance hatches. The skimmer cover 30 assembly 8 includes a skimmer cover 10 and a skimmer dress ring 13, both manufactured from a suitable polymer.

5 The skimmer cover 10 has an upper surface, in the form of a generally circular plate 12. It will be appreciated that whilst the skimmer cover 10 is described herein as having an overall circular shape. The skimmer cover 10 includes a circumferential lip 11 extending around the perimeter. The lip 11 is adapted to be seated on an upper edge of the skimmer dress ring s 13, which is mounted to the pool surrounds. The skimmer cover 10 further includes a downwardly extending annular ring 29. The skimmer cover 10 also includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending stiffening ribs located on the underside, which assist to strengthen the skimmer cover 10. 10 An under side of the skimmer dress ring 13 includes an outer annular flange 14 which extends generally perpendicular to the upper surface 12 of the skimmer cover 10. The skimmer dress ring 13 also includes an inner annular flange 27 which also extends generally perpendicular to the upper surface 12. The clearance between the outer annular flange 14 15 and the inner annular flange 27 is sized to receive a generally tubular shaped portion of the of the main skimmer unit body (not shown). The skimmer dress ring 13 is generally manufactured in a circular shape. However, the skimmer dress ring 13 may be square or rectangular. 20 A plurality of positioning ribs 16 are located around the circumference of the outer annular flange 14. The ribs 16 extend longitudinally in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the upper surface of the skimmer cover 10. The ribs 16 assist to strengthen the skimmer dress ring 13, and may provide improved adhesion or engagement with a concrete slab. 25 The ribs 16 are unequally spaced around the diameter of the outer wall of the outer annular flange 14. As shown in the bottom view of Fig. 4, there are four ribs 16. Three of the ribs 16 are evenly spaced at approximately 60 degree intervals relative to each other. The remaining fourth rib is located approximately centrally between two of the other ribs 16. In practice,this means that in the event that the skimmer dress ring 13 is removed, there is only one 30 angular orientation at which the four ribs 16, and hence the skimmer dress ring 13 can be returned to the main skimmer unit 20 body, once the concrete has set around the skimmer dress ring 13. Fig. 1 schematically depicts the skimmer cover 10 and skimmer dress ring 13 from above.

6 The outer annular flange 14 of the skimmer dress ring 13 includes two or more cut-outs 25. The cut-outs 25 assist to align the dress ring 13 to sit on skimmer body in the correct location. In particular, the cut-outs 25 align with ribs which are located on top of the skimmer body. 5 As depicted in Fig. 6, an upper portion of the inner annular flange 27 of the skimmer dress ring 13 includes two cut-outs 60, each being interconnected with a circumferentially extending slot 62. The cut-outs 60 and slots 62 are located at opposing positions of the flange 27, spaced around the diameter of the dress ring 13, at 180 degrees relative to each 10 other. As described above, the skimmer cover 10 also includes an annular ring or flange 29. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the annular flange 29 has four openings or breaks 31 formed therein. The breaks 31 provide a visible indication for aligning the skimmer cover 10 with the 15 dress ring 13. The skimmer cover 10 includes two radially outwardly extending projections 63 which are located on opposing sides of the annular flange 29. Each of the projections 63 is sized to fit within one of the cut-outs 60. 20 The skimmer cover 10 includes a lock mechanism 18. The lock mechanism 18 enables the skimmer cover 10 to be secured to the skimmer dress ring 13, to inhibit unintentional removal of the skimmer cover 10. The lock mechanism 18 includes a body 20 and first and second arms 22, 24. Each arm 22, 24 is mounted at a proximal end 26 to the body 20, and 25 has a free, distal end 28. The first arm 22 includes a rounded or bead shaped projection 30 at the distal end 28. The second arm 24 includes a triangular or step shaped projection 33 at the distal end 28. The lock mechanism 18 is integrally formed from a single piece of plastic in an injection 30 moulding process. However, it will be appreciated that the lock mechanism 18 may be manufactured from metal or another suitable engineering material. The lock mechanism 18 includes a tongue or bolt 32, extending radially outwardly away from the body 20. The bolt 32 is adapted to be inserted through an aperture formed in the 7 annular flange 29 and is received in a corresponding slot or aperture formed in the inner flange 27 of the skimmer dress ring 13. The lock mechanism 18 is generally flat, and is seated behind a pair of opposing lips 40 5 which project away from the underside of the skimmer cover 10. By sliding the lock mechanism in a radial direction, the bead shaped projection 30 can be located in one of a first rounded groove 42, or alternatively in an adjacent second rounded groove 44. The lock mechanism 18 is adapted to slide between an unlocked position (when the bead 10 shaped projection 30 is located in the first rounded groove 42) in which the skimmer cover 10 is removable and a locked position (when the bead shaped projection 30 is located in the second rounded groove 44) in which the skimmer cover 10 is secured to the skimmer dress ring 13. In the locked position, the bolt 32 passes through a hole formed in the flange 29 of the skimmer cover 10. 15 The elastic properties of the first arm 22 are such that the first arm 22 resiliently deflects as the lock mechanism 18 moves between an unlocked position in which the bead shaped projection 30 is located in the first rounded groove 42, and the locked position in which the bead shaped projection 30 is in the second rounded groove 44. This results in the locking 20 mechanism 18 springing from the unlocked position to the locked position and vice versa, without being able to readily remain between the two positions. In the locked position, the triangular or step shaped projection 33 abuts against an end surface of one of the opposing lips 40, to prevent the locking mechanism 18 extending 25 beyond the desired locked position. However, by resiliently pushing the first arm 22 towards the second arm 24, the lock mechanism 18 can be slid out of the hole formed in the flange 29, for example for replacement. In an alternative embodiment, the bead 30 may be formed on the opposing lips 40, and the 30 grooves 42, 44 may be formed on the arm 22, in the contrary sense to that described above. An engagement formation 50 is formed in the locking member 18. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the engagement formation 50 is an aperture adapted to engage with the head of a Phillips head screwdriver or other such tool, to enable a user to slide the 8 locking mechanism 18 between the unlocked and locked configurations. It will be appreciated that other such engagement formations may be utilised to engage with other shaped screwdriver heads, or other tool 80. 5 As depicted in Fig. 1, two generally parallel ribs or bars 66 are located in the skimmer cover 10 over the lock mechanism 18. The bars 66 inhibit a child for example from using his or her finger, or some other implement to slide the locking mechanism. The use of the skimmer cover 10 will now be described. As shown in the top view of Fig. 1 10 the two oval or obround shaped openings 41 formed in the skimmer cover 10 are initially aligned with the cut-outs 60 formed in the dress ring 13. A small rectangular tab 69 formed on the upper surface of the skimmer cover is aligned with a corresponding tab 71 formed on the upper lip of the skimmer dress ring 13. 15 The user then inserts the skimmer cover 10 into the skimmer dress ring 13. The arrows marked on the skimmer cover 10 adjacent to the openings 41 instruct the user to rotate the cover 10 clockwise towards a lockable position, or counter clockwise towards a removal position. 20 Initially each of the radially extending projections 63 is located in one of the cut-outs 60. By rotating the skimmer cover 10 clockwise, the radially extending projections 63 slide into the slots 62, thereby preventing the skimmer cover 10 from being lifted upwardly away from the dress ring 13. 25 When the user wishes to secure the skimmer cover 10, the cover 10 is rotated clockwise as far as possible, and the user aligns the triangular formation 43 with a similar triangular marking formed on the skimmer dress ring 13. At this stage of the installation process, the skimmer cover 10 can be locked in position by 30 using a Phillips head screwdriver or other such tool 80 to slide the locking mechanism 18 such that the bolt 32 moves radially outwardly, extending through the hole formed in the annular flange 29 of the skimmer cover 10, and the bolt 32 enters a notch or aperture 79 formed in the inner annular flange 27 of the skimmer dress ring 13.

9 When the bolt 32 has passed through the notch or aperture 79 formed in the skimmer dress ring 13, the skimmer cover 10 is safely secured in position, as it may not be readily rotated clockwise or counter clockwise. Accordingly, the skimmer cover 10 can only be removed by a person with a suitable tool 80, which significantly reduces the likelihood of a child 5 removing the skimmer cover 10. The skimmer cover 10 may be removed by reversing the process described above. In addition, screws may be inserted into holes 73 formed in the skimmer cover, as an additional preventative to removal of the skimmer cover 10. 10 As depicted in the embodiment of Fig. 7, the tool 80 for sliding the locking mechanism 18 may be stowed in the skimmer cover 10 when not in use. Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be 15 appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (5)

1. A cover comprising: a body portion adapted to substantially cover an opening, the body portion having a circumferentially extending lip adapted to be seated on or adjacent to an edge portion of said opening; an annular flange extending away from the body portion; a locking mechanism slidably mounted to the body portion, the locking mechanism having a locking bolt; wherein the locking mechanism is slidable between an unlocked position and a locked position, further wherein in the locked position the locking bolt enters an aperture formed in a side wall of said opening, thereby inhibiting removal of said cover from said opening.

2. The cover of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism includes biasing means to resiliently bias the locking mechanism to one of the unlocked position and the locked position.

3. The cover of claim 2, wherein the biasing means includes an arm having either a concave portion or convex portion, and an underside of the body portion includes a complimentary surface adapted to engage with the concave portion or convex portion of the arm to bias the locking mechanism to one of the unlocked position or locked position.

4. The cover of claim 3, wherein the arm includes a bead like projection, and the underside of the body includes a first groove and an adjacent second groove, wherein the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position when the bead like projection is in the first groove, and the locking mechanism is in the locked position when the bead like projection is in the second groove. 11

5. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism includes an engagement formation adapted to engage with a tool for sliding the locking mechanism between the unlocked position and the locked position; further wherein the body portion includes a projection adapted to be received within a cut-out located in a side wall of said opening, said cut-out being interconnected with a circumferentially extending slot adapted to receive the projection during rotation of said cover. Waterco Limited By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant ©COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys