US4033326A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Inflatable solar collector for swimming pool
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-02-23
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Granted: 1977-07-05
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Expires: 1996-02-23
Abstract
Abstract An inflatable solar collector for heating a swimming pool comprising: A plurality of individual solar heating sections; Each of the sections having an upper portion which is transparent or translucent and a lower portion having an internal surface which absorbs solar energy, the lower portion being connected to the upper portion to provide a substantially enclosed intermediate dead air space; The sections having a major plane which is substantially parallel to the surface of the water in the pool when the collector is floating on the water; When inflated, the upper portions intersecting the plane at at least two locations such that the angles formed by the intersections of the upper surface with the plane is about 40° to 70°; A plurality of tabs interconnecting the sections and providing air passageways therebetween; and Inflating means to permit the sections to become inflatable by gas pressure, the collector being floatable on the water surface when inflated.
Inventors
- 👤 Lionel J. Leitner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:14
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24S; F24S10/00; F24S10/10; F24S10/17; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/40; Y02E10/44
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
An inflatable solar collector for heating a swimming pool comprising: a plurality of individual solar heating sections; each of said sections having an upper portion which is transparent or translucent and a lower portion having an internal surface which absorbs solar energy, said lower portion being connected to said upper portion to provide a substantially enclosed intermediate dead air space; said sections having a major plane which is substantially parallel to the surface of the water in the pool; when inflated, said upper portions intersecting said plane at at least two locations such that the angles formed by the intersections of said upper surface with said plane are about 40 to 70 degrees ; a plurality of tabs interconnecting said sections and providing air passageways therebetween; and inflating means to permit said sections to become inflatable by gas pressure, said collector when inflated being floatable on the water surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
An inflatable solar collector for heating a swimming pool comprising: a plurality of individual solar heating sections; each of said sections having an upper portion which is transparent or translucent and a lower portion having an internal surface which absorbs solar energy, said lower portion being connected to said upper portion to provide a substantially enclosed intermediate dead air space; said sections having a major plane which is substantially parallel to the surface of the water in the pool; when inflated, said upper portions intersecting said plane at at least two locations such that the angles formed by the intersections of said upper surface with said plane are about 40 to 70 degrees ; a plurality of tabs interconnecting said sections and providing air passageways therebetween; and inflating means to permit said sections to become inflatable by gas pressure, said collector when inflated being floatable on the water surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said solar energy-absorbing surface is black and has a matte finish.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said upper and lower portions are formed of lightweight plastic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The solar collector of claim 3 wherein said plastic is polyvinyl chloride.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said lower portion has sections adjacent to the intersection with said plane which are substantially parallel to opposing sections of said upper portion which intersect said plane.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solar collector of claim 5 wherein said upper and lower portions have generally triangular shapes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The solar collector of claim 1 wherein said inflating means comprise at least one air valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The solar collector of claim 1 including positioning means capable of securing said collector at a desired location on the surface of the water.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The solar collector of claim 8 wherein said positioning means comprise at least one eyelet integral with said collector.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combination of a swimming pool filled with water and a plurality of the inflatable solar collectors of claim 1 floating on the surface of the water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-04 | 1981-01-03 | 1981-07-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-04 | 1985-01-03 | 1985-07-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-04 | 1989-01-03 | 1989-07-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |