US4368550A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for winterizing a swimming pool
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-04-10
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Granted: 1983-01-18
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Expires: 2001-04-10
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus is described which makes it relatively easy for a swimming pool owner to economically and efficiently winterize a swimming pool. A one-way valve is initially connected between the swimming pool and the recirculating water return line. The valve allows water to flow out of the return line but not in the opposite direction. A sealing plate is then placed over the intake throat of to the skimmer. It is then possible to purge the return line by blowing it out from the pump end. The skimmer intake line can similarly be purged by blowing it out from the skimmer end.
Inventors
- 👤 Gunther A. Stevens
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 20:19
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H4/00; E04H4/12; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S4/00; Y10S4/09
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
In a swimming pool system including a pool and a water recirculating system including at least a skimmer means having an intake throat connected to said pool, an intake line connected to said skimmer, a pump connected to said intake line and a return line connecting said pump to said pool, the improvement comprising: one-way valve means connected to said return line for allowing water to pass through from said return line to said pool but not in the reverse direction; and, skimmer sealing means attached to said skimmer for substantially completely blocking the flow of water into said skimmer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
100 words
In a swimming pool system including a pool and a water recirculating system including at least a skimmer means having an intake throat connected to said pool, an intake line connected to said skimmer, a pump connected to said intake line and a return line connecting said pump to said pool, the improvement comprising: one-way valve means connected to said return line for allowing water to pass through from said return line to said pool but not in the reverse direction; and, skimmer sealing means attached to said skimmer for substantially completely blocking the flow of water into said skimmer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: pressure means connectable to said system for forcing water out of said intake and return lines.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one-way valve means comprises a ball valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said one-way valve means comprises a diaphragm valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
109 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said skimmer sealing means comprises: a skimmer plate means for completely covering the intake throat of said skimmer and preventing water flow into and out of said skimmer; a threaded bolt means attached to said skimmer plate means, said bolt means being substantially long enough to extend the length of said skimmer throat; a rear hold bracket means connected to said threaded bolt for anchoring the skimmer sealing means to said skimmer; and, threaded means attached to said threaded bolt means for forcing said rear hold bracket means against the interior of said skimmer and applying sealing pressure to said skimmer plate means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said skimmer sealing means further comprises: gasket means attached to said skimmer plate means for improving the seal between said skimmer plate means and said skimmer throat.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said skimmer plate means further comprises: ribs attached to said skimmer plate means for improving the strength and rigidity of said skimmer plate means.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for winterizing a swimming pool of the type having a water recirculating system including at least a skimmer connected to said pool by a skimmer throat, an intake line connected to said skimmer, a pump connected to said intake line and a return line connecting said pump to said pool, said method comprising the steps of: placing a one-way valve means in said return line to prevent the flow of water from said pool into said return line but not vice versa; sealing off said skimmer throat with a skimmer sealing means; and, blowing water out of said intake and return lines.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
104 words
A method for winterizing a swimming pool of the type having a water recirculating system including at least a skimmer connected to said pool by a skimmer throat, an intake line connected to said skimmer, a pump connected to said intake line and a return line connecting said pump to said pool, said method comprising the steps of: placing a one-way valve means in said return line to prevent the flow of water from said pool into said return line but not vice versa; sealing off said skimmer throat with a skimmer sealing means; and, blowing water out of said intake and return lines.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 8 further including the step of: placing a plug in said intake line near said skimmer to prevent the flow of water into said intake line after the water has been blown out of said intake line.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-01-17 | 1986-07-19 | 1987-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-17 | 1990-07-19 | 1991-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-17 | 1994-07-19 | 1995-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |