AU2015200869B2

AU2015200869B2 - Skimmer lid system and method

Info

Publication number: AU2015200869B2
Application number: AU2015200869A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Sterland
Original assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc
Current assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc
Priority date: 2015-02-20
Filing date: 2015-02-20
Publication date: 2021-05-20
Anticipated expiration: 2035-02-20
Also published as: AU2015200869A1

Abstract

SKIMMER LID SYSTEM AND METHOD ABSTRACT A lockable, removable lid (10) for use in a pool or other aquatic application is disclosed. The lid (10) includes multiple tabs (66) that interface with respective slots in a dress ring (70) housing to inhibit vertical lifting of the cover after being rotated into place. The lid (10) further includes a rotatable locking mechanism (17) that causes multiple arms (22) to penetrate openings in the dress ring (70) to further inhibit vertical lifting and also to prevent counter-rotation of the lid (10) with respect to the dress ring (70). The locking mechanism (17) is controlled by torque transmitting surfaces that are obscured both from view and from easy access to inhibit tampering once the lid (10) is installed and locked in place. 1/8 CY-)l 00 0n C)

Description

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SKIMMER LID SYSTEM AND METHOD BACKGROUND

[0001] Conventionally, aquatic systems such as pools or spas include skimmers or other water filters in order to facilitate cleaning of those systems. In addition to an inlet for receiving fluid from the aquatic system and an outlet for returning fluid to the system, skimmers traditionally include a basket for receiving and preventing debris from accumulating in the aquatic system. The skimmer system other than the lid may be disposed in a well or other hole extending downward from a surface that often is near the aquatic system itself For example, the aquatic system may be a pool, and the skimmer system may include a hole positioned within a few inches or feet of the periphery of the pool boundary.

[0002] Skimmers also traditionally include a lid that covers the hole and basket, but is also removable to provide internal access in order to remove debris from the basket. In some situations, the lids often are configured to fit securely over the hole that surrounds the skimmer device because of the proximity of the skimmer system to the aquatic system.

[0003] One problem associated with skimmer lid covers is inadvertent dislodgement, which may expose the interior components of the skimmer assembly. Dislodgement of the lid may result in the over-accumulation of debris in the basket, which may reduce filtering efficiency, increase energy consumption, and potentially lead to damage of one or more components in the aquatic system.

[0004] Additionally, lids that are removed easily may become damaged or stolen more readily, which may lead to increased time spent repairing damaged lids or other skimmer components and increased costs for replacement parts and labor.

[0005] Known systems for addressing one or more of these problems include lids with a flange or other structure that extends downward into the hole of the skimmer system. While these systems may cover the opening and prevent accidental dislodgement, they may not provide sufficient security to prevent theft or other intentional removal.

OBJECT

[0006] It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a lid, comprising: a base portion having an upper surface and an underside; a skirt extending from the underside of the base portion; a spindle rotatably connected to the underside; and a plurality of arms pivotably coupled to the spindle, wherein ends of the plurality of arms are configured to extend beyond an outermost dimension of the skirt when the lid is in a locked configuration and to retract within the skirt when the lid is in an unlocked configuration, wherein the lid further comprises a plurality of tabs extending radially outward from the skirt, the tabs spaced between locations at which the arms interact with the skirt; and at least one tongue extending from one of the base portion or the spindle and at least one groove formed within the other of the base portion or spindle, the at least one tongue disposed within the at least one groove and configured to rotate relative to the at least one groove as the spindle is rotated, and wherein the at least one groove includes an arm pivotably attached to an end of the groove at a first end, the arm having a protrusion extending into the groove at a second, opposite end.

[0008] Some embodiments include a lid having a base portion with an upper portion and an underside, and a spindle rotatably connected to the underside. A plurality of arms are pivotably coupled to the spindle and a skirt extends about the underside of the base portion. Ends of the plurality of arms are configured to extend beyond an outermost dimension of the skirt when the lid is in a locked configuration and to retract within the skirt when the lid is in an unlocked configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a skimmer lid with a rotatable locking mechanism shown in an unlocked configuration;

2a

[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the skimmer lid of FIG. 1 shown in a locked configuration;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom, isometric view of the skimmer lid of FIG. 1 installed on a dress ring;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a partial, isometric view of an arm-receiving flange of the skimmer lid of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of the skimmer lid of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a partial view of a portion of the locking mechanism of the skimmer lid of FIG. 1 in the unlocked configuration;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a partial view of a portion of the locking mechanism of the skimmer lid of FIG. 1 in the locked configuration; and

[0017] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the dress ring shown in FIG. 3 designed to receive and couple to the skimmer lid of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including, "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms 'mounted,' ''connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and

encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0019] Additionally, the terms "downwardly" and "upwardly" refer to the configuration of components when the skimmer lid described herein is in an installed configuration. Specifically, one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, e.g., that downwardly extending components will appear to extend out of the page when an underside of the lid is viewed.

[0020] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the invention.

[0021] A pool is one example of an aquatic application with which the present invention may be utilized. The phrase "aquatic application" is used generally herein to refer to any reservoir, tank, container or structure, natural or man-made, having a fluid, capable of holding a fluid, to which a fluid is delivered, or from which a fluid is withdrawn. Further, "aquatic application" encompasses any feature associated with the operation, use or maintenance of the aforementioned reservoir, tank, container or structure. This definition of "aquatic application" includes, but is not limited to pools, spas, whirlpool baths, landscaping ponds, waterjets, waterfalls, fountains, pool filtration equipment, pool vacuums, spillways and the like. Although each of the examples provided above includes water, additional applications that include liquids other than water are also within the scope of the present invention. Herein, the terms pool and water are used with the understanding that they are not limitations on the present invention.

[0022] Some aquatic applications traditionally include a filtering mechanism (not shown) having a basket (not shown) that is designed to receive and capture debris from water or fluid in the aquatic application. The basket is disposed in an opening that is normally adjacent the aquatic application and is in fluid communication with the pumping system. Debris is captured in the basket and must be emptied. As such, a skimmer lid is designed to releasably cover the basket and associated opening such that the lid is removed, the basket may be accessed, the debris disposed of, the basket returned to the opening, and the skimmer lid repositioned to cover the basket and opening.

[0023] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one example of a swimming pool skimmer lid 10 configured to releasably cover an opening (e.g., of a pool deck or pool pumping system) that is designed to hold a skimmer basket (not shown). The skimmer lid 10 is designed to interact with, and releasably lock to a dress ring 70 (see FIGS. 3 and 8), described in more detail below. The skimmer lid 10 includes a substantially flat circular base portion 12 with a downwardly extending central pedestal or hub 14 and a downwardly extending skirt 16, the skirt 16 spaced radially outward from the hub 14. Each of the hub 14 and skirt 16 are substantially cylindrical and circumscribe the base portion 12. As seen in FIG. 1, the base portion 12 is at least partially defined by a flat surface 62 extending around the periphery, radially outward of and perpendicular to the skirt 16.

[0024] A plurality of triangular ribs 15 also extend downwardly from the base portion 12 and may extend from the hub 14 to the skirt 16, providing rigidity and strength to the lid. In some embodiments, the ribs 15 may have a greater axial depth proximate the hub 14 and may taper when progressing towards the skirt 16. Any number of ribs 15 may be included to provide more or less rigidity to the base portion 12.

[0025] The base portion 12 further may define one or more rectilinear openings 64, which may serve as handles or finger holes to aid in removing the base portion 12 when necessary, e.g., to clean the skimmer filter basket. In one aspect, the openings 64 are located radially between the hub 14 and the skirt 16. Additionally, the openings 64 are disposed on opposing sides of the hub 14, although the openings 36 may be located at other positions about the base portion 12. In the embodiment depicted, two openings 64 are included in the base portion 12 and extend entirely therethrough.

[0026] In addition, the base portion 12 includes one or more flexible tabs 66 extending radially outward from the skirt 16. The tabs 66 may be provided in the form of a body with a slightly raised rib disposed at an end of the body. In the example of FIGS. 1-3, the tabs 66 are equidistantly spaced from one another and, more particularly, are diametrically opposite from each other. The tabs 66 are designed to interact with a portion of the dress ring 70, described in more detail below.

[0027] While the base portion 12 shown in the figures is round, it may have other shapes, such as square. In that case, reference to "radial," "diametrical," or other spacing terms means spaced from a center point, appearing on an opposite side of the lid, etc.

[0028] Still referring to FIGS. 1-4, the skimmer lid 10 further includes a locking mechanism 17 defined by a central spindle 18 axially aligned with and rotatably coupled to the base portion 12. The spindle 18 is proximate to and spaced radially inward from the downwardly extending hub 14.

[0029] As best seen in FIG. 3, the spindle 18 includes a plurality of tabs 20, e.g., a pair of tabs diametrically opposed from each other, that extend outward from a periphery of the spindle 18. The tabs 20 protrude outwardly from an upper edge of the spindle 18 toward the hub 14, but terminate prior to reaching an interior surface of the hub 14.

[0030] In conjunction, the locking mechanism 17 also includes a plurality of arms 22 pivotably connected to the spindle 18 at the tabs 20 using a pin 24, a rivet, or another fastener at each connection. The arms 22 are configured to pivot between an open position as seen in FIG. 1 and a closed position as seen in FIG. 2. In the embodiment depicted, two arms 22 protrude outwardly from opposing sides of the spindle 18.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, each arm 22 extends generally radially outwardly from the tabs 20 to an opening 28 in a respective flange 26. Each flange 26 in the locking mechanism 17 may be radially coincident with, and extend downward from, the skirt 16. Alternatively, the skimmer lid may include an opening in the skirt 16 itself, eliminating the need for separate flanges 26.

[0032] The flanges 26 may be positioned equidistantly between the tabs 66, which are disposed about a periphery of the skirt 16. Thus, in the example of FIG. 1, the flanges 28 may be spaced apart from the tabs 66 by about 90 degrees. In one aspect, the skimmer lid 10 includes a pair of arms 22 interacting with a complementary pair of flanges 26, where the flanges 26 are diametrically opposed from one another. Alternatively, the lid may include three or more arms and flanges, in which case the arms and flanges may be spaced substantially equidistantly about the lid 10.

[0033] The flange openings 28 are sized to receive the arms 22 and to permit a degree of both rotational and radial movement of the arms 22. Thus, the openings 28 may be sized slightly larger than a cross-section of the arms 22, particularly in a circumferential direction of the lid 10. As seen in FIG. 1, the arms 22 are generally cylindrical, although they may have other shapes. For example, they may have a square or other rectangular cross-section. In the case where the arms 22 are cylindrical, the openings 28 may be oblong or rectangular, with the major dimension extending in the circumferential direction, as seen in FIG. 4.

[0034] One or both of the length of the arms 22 and the diameter of the central spindle 18 may be selected such that, when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, the arms 22 leave sufficient clearance radially outward of the flanges 28 that the lid 10 can be removed by lifting vertically upward. For example, when rotated to an unlocked position, the distal ends of the arms 22 may be flush with radially outward faces 33 of the flanges 28 or may be disposed radially within the flanges 28. This is particularly the case when there is a snug fit between the skirt 16 and the dress ring 70.

[0035] In the event that there is clearance between the skirt 16 and the dress ring 70 or other mounting structure, an arm 22 may extend radially outward of the flanges 28, provided that the amount of the arm 22 that extends is less than the amount of that clearance. Conversely, when rotated to a locked position, the ends of the arms 22 extend beyond the radially outward faces 33 in order to be disposed within corresponding recesses 80 (see FIG. 8) in the dress ring 70 or other mounting structure.

[0036] As seen in FIG. 1, the locking mechanism 17 includes one or more torque transmitting surfaces 34 on the spindle 18, and, as seen in FIG. 5, the skimmer lid 10 includes an opening 36 through an upper surface 38 of the base portion 12 that permits access to the torque transmitting surfaces 34. For example, both the torque transmitting surfaces 34 and the opening 36 may be shaped to receive a Phillips or flathead screwdriver. The spindle 18 may be centrally disposed on the lid 10, and the torque transmitting surfaces 34 may be disposed at the center of the spindle 18, such that the opening 36 is similarly disposed at the center of the base portion 12.

[0037] Again referring to the locking mechanism 17, the hub 14 is interrupted by a plurality of windows 30 that are designed to receive the arms 22. The windows 30 may be bounded on at least three sides. Specifically, the windows 30 may be bounded on all sides or, as seen in FIG. 3, on at least one side.

[0038] Each window 30 includes opposing sides 32a, 32b that serve as stops or guides to arrest the rotational movement of the arms 22. For example, as the spindle 18 is rotated to open the locking mechanism 17, the arms 22 may be drawn radially inward while at the same time rotating at the pinned ends. At a predetermined degree of spindle rotation, the arms 22 contact one side 32a of the window 30, preventing over-rotation of the arms 22. Thus, either additional rotation of the spindle 18 is prevented or else only linear translation of the arms 22 results.

[0039] Conversely, a second, opposing side 32b of the window 30 serves as a stop when the spindle 18 is rotated to close the locking mechanism 17. The second side 32b may be substantially radially aligned with the flange opening 28, e.g., being offset by an amount equal to at least half the width of an arm 22. As such, when rotated to close the locking mechanism 17, the arm 22 contacts or comes close to the second side 32b when reaching the locked position, again preventing over-rotation of the arm 22.

[0040] The locking mechanism 17 additionally includes a sliding tongue-and-groove-type connection with the base portion 12 to help retain the base portion 12 in a locked configuration, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. An underside 40 of the base includes one or more tongues 42 protruding downwardly, and the spindle 18 includes a matching one or more grooves 44 through which the tongue 42 is configured to move as the spindle 18 is rotated. Thus, the grooves 44 are arcuate in order to accommodate the tongue 42 travel path.

[0041] In order to retain the locking mechanism 17 in a locked configuration, each groove 44 includes a pivoting arm 46 radially inward of its respective tongue 42. The pivoting arm 46 spans slightly more than half of the length of the groove 44. The pivoting arm 46 is also fixed at one end 48 of the groove 44 and includes a protrusion 50 extending inward into the groove 44 at an end 52 opposite the fixed end. The pivoting arm 46 is positioned such that each protrusion 50 extends inward into the respective groove 44 to narrow the groove width to less than a width of the tongue 42 (leaving sufficient clearance such that the tongue 42 can slide freely within the groove 44).

[0042] At the same time, the distance between the rest of the pivoting arm 46 and an opposite side 54 of the groove 44 is substantially equal to a width of the tongue 42. Additionally, the pivoting arm 46 is sized such that the distance between the fixed end 48 and the protrusion 50 is greater than or equal to a length of the tongue 42. Moreover, the groove 44 is sized such that the distance between the protrusion 50 and an end 56 of the groove opposite the arm attachment end 48 is less than or equal to a length of the tongue 42.

[0043] Although the pivoting arm 46 is illustrated as radially inward of the tongue 42, the pivoting arm 46 alternatively may be disposed radially outward of the tongue 42. Similarly, while the tongue 42 is illustrated as being a component of the base portion 12, and the groove 44 and pivoting arm 46 are located on the central spindle 18, the location of those elements could be swapped.

[0044] When in an unlocked configuration such as the one seen in FIG. 6, the tongue 42 is disposed in the groove 44, substantially away from the pivoting arm 46, but with a portion of the tongue 42 biasing the pivoting arm 46 radially inward, away from the groove 44. As the spindle 18 is rotated into a locked configuration of FIG. 7, the tongue 42 continues to deflect the pivoting arm 46 until all of the tongue 42 is disposed between the protrusion 50 and the groove end 48. At that point, the pivoting arm 46 rotates toward the tongue 42, causing the protrusion to partially seal the groove 44, preventing the tongue 42 from counter-rotating and unlocking the locking mechanism 17.

[0045] Additionally, the protrusion 50 may include a ramped surface 58 to assist in deflecting the pivoting arm 46 when the locking mechanism 17 is unlocked. The tongue 42 also may include a ramped surface 60. Ramped surfaces 58 and 60 may cooperate to make the locking a reversible process and to reduce the force necessary to unlock the locking mechanism 17, but not reduce the force to a point where inadvertent unlocking occurs.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the base portion 12 of the skimmer lid 10 is configured to interface with the dress ring 70 and/or the swimming pool deck or pump surface or another housing, which helps to minimize the skimmer lid profile when installed and to secure the skimmer lid in place. The dress ring 70 is configured to be securely attached in an opening or hole (not shown) that holds the skimmer basket and other internal components. The dress ring is designed to be substantially permanently installed, while the lid 10 is releasably connected thereto.

[0047] As seen in FIG. 8, the dress ring 70 is defined by a sidewall 74 having an outwardly extending lip 72 configured to interface with the radially surface 62 of the lid 10. The dress ring sidewall 74 may be contoured to match the contours of the lid surface 62 to enhance engagement between the two elements. For example, both the dress ring sidewall 74 and the lid surface 62 may be flat surfaces.

[0048] The dress ring 70 also includes a plurality of notches 76 extending downward from the sidewall 74 and configured to receive complementary tabs 66 of the lid 10, as best seen in FIG. 3. The notches 76 transition to channels 78 that receive and restrain the tabs 66, permitting rotation of the lid 10 to a closed position while preventing vertical lifting of the lid 10.

[0049] The dress ring 70 also includes a plurality of openings or other recesses 80 positioned to align with the flange openings 28 of the lid 10 when the lid is rotated to the closed position, as seen in FIG. 3. Engaging the locking mechanism in the manner described below causes the spindle 18 to rotate, moving the arms 22 into the locked configuration, whereby the arms 22 extend through the flange openings 28 and into the recesses 80, thereby locking the base portion 12 to the dress ring.

[0050] All of the component parts having been described, various methods associated with installing, locking, and/or unlocking the lid 10 will now be described.

To install the lid 10, the lid 10 is positioned above and adjacent to the dress ring 70. The lid 10 is lowered downwardly until the lid surface 62 engages the outwardly extending lip 72 of the dress ring 70 (see FIG. 3). Additionally, the tabs 66 of the lid 10 are aligned with the plurality of notches 76 of the dress ring 70 such that the lid 10 may slide downwardly onto the dress ring 70. After positioning the lid 10 adjacent the dress ring 70, the lid 10 may be rotated within the dress ring 70 such that the recesses 80 of the dress ring 70 are positioned to align with the flange openings 28 of the lid 10.

[0051] After rotating the lid 10, a user inserts a torque transmitting tool such as a screwdriver into the central opening 36 on the base portion 12, and therefore into the torque transmitting surfaces 34 on the spindle 18. By turning the tool, the user causes the spindle 18 to rotate, which moves the arms 22 into the locked configuration, whereby the arms 22 extend through the flange openings 28 and into the recesses 80. Once locked in this manner, the lid 10 then cannot be counter-rotated in order to separate it from the dress ring 70. The risk of accidental or unauthorized opening of the locking mechanism 17 is reduced, because the base portion 12 itself does not include any torque transmitting surfaces, and because the torque transmitting surfaces 34 on the spindle are accessible only by inserting a tool through the central opening 36.

[0052] To remove the lid, a torque transmitting tool is inserted into the central opening 36 and torque transmitting surfaces 34 and rotated in a direction opposite the locking direction, causing the arms 22 to retract from the recesses 80. The user then may counter-rotate the lid, e.g., by using the openings 64 as finger holes, until the tabs 66 align with the notches 76. At that point, the lid 10 then may be lifted away from the dress ring 70 in order to separate the two elements.

[0053] In some embodiments, the lid 10 and dress ring 70 may be sold as a kit. In other embodiments, the lid 10 and dress ring 70 may be sold separately. In further embodiments, the lid 10 may be designed to be used on a previously existing dress ring and retrofitted.

[0054] It should be evident that this disclosure is by way of example and that various changes may be made by adding, modifying or eliminating details without departing from the scope of the teaching contained in this disclosure. As such, it is to be appreciated that the person of ordinary skill in the art will perceive changes, modifications, and improvements to the example disclosed herein. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0055] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the invention has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and departures from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lid, comprising: a base portion having an upper surface and an underside; a skirt extending from the underside of the base portion; a spindle rotatably connected to the underside; a plurality of arms pivotably coupled to the spindle, wherein ends of the plurality of arms are configured to extend beyond an outermost dimension of the skirt when the lid is in a locked configuration and to retract within the skirt when the lid is in an unlocked configuration, wherein the lid further comprises a plurality of tabs extending radially outward from the skirt, the tabs spaced between locations at which the arms interact with the skirt; and at least one tongue extending from one of the base portion or the spindle and at least one groove formed within the other of the base portion or spindle, the at least one tongue disposed within the at least one groove and configured to rotate relative to the at least one groove as the spindle is rotated, and wherein the at least one groove includes an arm pivotably attached to an end of the groove at a first end, the arm having a protrusion extending into the groove at a second, opposite end.

2. The lid of claim 1, wherein the skirt includes a complementary flange for each arm, each complementary flange extending downward from the skirt and including an opening for receiving an arm end.

3. The lid of claim 2, wherein the opening has a larger dimension in a direction parallel to the base than in a direction perpendicular to the base.

4. The lid of claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to releasably couple to a dress ring, the dress ring including a plurality of recesses to receive the plurality of arms, and a plurality of notches and channels configured to receive the plurality of tabs.

5. The lid of claim 1, wherein the spindle includes at least one torque transmitting surface.

6. The lid of claim 1, wherein the tongue is retained between the first end and the protrusion when the lid is in the locked configuration, and wherein the tongue deflects the protrusion when the lid is in other than the locked configuration.

7. The lid of claim 1, wherein at least one of the tongue and the protrusion includes a ramped surface.

8. The lid of claim 1, wherein the lid is configured to releasably couple to a dress ring, the dress ring including a plurality of notches and channels arranged into L-shaped pairs each having one of the plurality of notches and one of the plurality of channels, the plurality of notches and channels positioned to receive the plurality of tabs.

9. The lid of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of notches are disposed substantially perpendicular to a corresponding one of the plurality of channels.

10. The lid of claim 8, wherein the dress ring is defined by a sidewall, the plurality of channels extend downward from the sidewall such that each of the plurality of channels is adjacent the sidewall along an entire length of each of the plurality of channels.

Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON&FERGUSON