GB2508853A - Floating swimming pool device for collecting surface debris - Google Patents

Abstract

The device 1 comprises a body and at least one aperture or perforation 2. The body in use floats in the water and is capable of independent manipulation through water. The perforation may be comprised by a lacuna containing mesh or net. The body may be made from resiliently deformable synthetic material, such as polyethylene. The body may comprise a frame formed in a cellular structure foam or inflatable body. The device may include indents 3 or tapered edges to enhance handheld gripping of the device while being used in the pool or from the side of the pool when used as a swimming aid float.

Description

A POOL DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pool device, more particularly a device to assist with pool management.

Background and Prior Art

Swimming pools can become collection areas for floating or surface debris, particularly it the pool is outdoors where plant matter may readily accumulate.

Traditionally specially adapted tools such as pool nets may be used to sweep the pool removing such debris. However such tools may be cumbersome to use and in particular may be difficult to use in confined spaces or when swimmers are using the pool. Such tools are customarily used by pool cleaners and other users engaging in routine maintenance, and consequently are often stored in positions appropriate to infrequent use.

Additionally some debris may only be noticed when swimming, and therefore by the time the user or swimmer vacates the pool to use the net, the debris may have moved and be no longer visible.

When swimming a number of users in particular children will use a floatation device such as a swim float to assist with swimming or in order to carry out swimming rills.

The present invention arose to overcome the problems associated with collecting debris from the pool The present invention therefore provides a means of ensuring a solution to debris in the pool is readily available and easy to use for most users at a majority of times, furthermore ensuring that the pool is kept clear and clean at a majority of times.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a pool device suitable for collecting debris in a pool, said device comprising a body and at least one perforation, said body being arranged in use to float in water; whereby said collector is compact, self-contained and capable of independent manipulation through water.

In one embodiment, the body of the may comprise a floatation device. For example the body may comprise a frame formed in a cellular structure foam or an inflatable body defining a frame arranged in use to surround or bound the at least one aperture or lacuna perforated in the body to allow water to pass through the device.

Said perforation(s) may be provided by a mesh.

Preferably the body is formed of a resiliently deformable synthetic material such as polyethylene that is lightweight and will float on or in water. Therefore the body enables the device to assist a user with swimming or swimming drills by buoyant.

In preferred embodiments the body is sized so as to provide sufficient buoyancy for the user, and/or an optimal collection area for the debris that once used may be easily lifted from the water, andfor a easily manipulable format both when a user is in the pool or outside.

It is envisaged that the shape and dimensions of the device may be varied so as to be suitable for children and adult users, for example where an adult may use a larger device Additionally the shape may be altered to facilitate different designs, such as to represent animals or characters.

The body may include at least one aperture further comprising a mesh arranged in use to allowing the passage of water through the mesft Ideally the user may submerge the device in the water passing it below the debris identified so that when allowed to rise to the surface it will scoop up debris above it from the pool.

Importantly the water will runaway through the mesh leaving only collected items such as plant debris and flies that may have fallen in the pool and held by the mesh when lifted from the water.

In some embodiments the frame may be removably attached to the body so as to enable the mesh to be removed and cleaned, wherein for example the frame is bipartite and joined together in use.

Advantageously the aperture(s) in the body enable the floatation device to be more easily submerged that a traditional float but wherein the body provides sufficient buoyancy to provide support to the user.

It is envisaged that the user may remove debris using the float whilst in the pool, or may use it from the pool edges thereby reducing the requirement for use of larger equipment such as pool nets.

In preferred embodiments the aperture(s) may have rounded edges, preferably with no angled corners that may trapped any debris collected so that it may be difficult to remove.

Advantageously the aperture(s) may be designed to represent an image such as a face, animal or pattern so as to appeal to children.

Ideally at least one aperture supports the mesh across it so as to provide a collection surface that allows water to pass through but will collect debris. It is envisaged that at least one aperture may not support the mesh, so as to serve as handle or handles for the user.

Additionally or alternatively in some embodiments the body may include indents or tapered edges so as to provide finger grips for the user for example in order that the user can easily hold the body edges or frame.

The indents or tapered edges may also may it easier to direct the floatation device underwater, therefore making it easier to be used or manipulated.

The mesh may be formed from a synthetic material such as nylon so as to be lightweight, durable and not tobe affected by water. Ideally a fine mesh is used, typically with apertures of 1 mmxl mm and ideally no greater than 2mmx2mm may to ensure that even small debris such as insects and plant petals may be collected. It is envisaged that different gauges of mesh may be available in different embodiments.

In preferred embodiments the mesh may be formed from transparent nylop so as to enable a user to easily see through the meshed sections. Additionally in some embodiments the mesh may be coloured.

Preferably the mesh is fitted so as to be taut in use, although it is envisag!d that in some embodiments the mesh may be loose-filled so as to act as a net providing a larger collection area for debris.

In preferred embodiments the mesh may be integrated with the body of the floatation device so that it is permanently filled within the device. Typically the mesh is filled half way through the depth of the body thereby providing the same recessed portion on each side of the device.

In some embodiments the mesh may be arranged to be located offset from the centre depth and may be biased to one face of the body so that the collection area is deeper on one face of the body. For example in pools subject to accumulation leaves from a free the deeper collection area may be used enabling more debris to be collected at one time.

In some embodiments the body may be formed of two parts that sandwich a mesh so that the two parts may be separated to remove the mesh.

In other embodiments the mesh may be fitted on a pair of runners to allow it to be added and removed from the body. Therefore the mesh may be removed, cleaned and replaced.

Alternatively the body may include an internal cutaway portion wherein the mesh may be inserted and removed as required.

It is envisaged that the body may include recessed portions so as to enable the user to easily remove the mesh from the afore-mentioned embodiments wherein the mesh is not integrated with the body.

In yet further embodiments the mesh may be placed in the apertures by means of a push fitting. Typically the mesh may include a resiliently deformable rim which may be compressed slightly in order to fit within the aperture, expanding when in place so as to form a secure fit.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the pool device; Figure 2 shows a view from above of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a view from below of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figures 4 show side views of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of the pool device; Figure 6 shows a view from above of the embodiment of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a view from below of the embodiment of Figure 5; And Figure 8 shows side views of the embodiment of Figure 5.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the figures the body I forms a frame of 35Ommx4SOmmx4Smm around mesh 2.

The body includes rounded edges and handles 3.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modification's and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.