U.S. patent application number 10/894803 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-26 for swimming pool drain.
Invention is credited to John M. Goettl.
Application Number | 20060015996 10/894803 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35655553 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060015996 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Goettl; John M. |
January 26, 2006 |
Swimming pool drain
Abstract
A sump for a swimming pool or spa includes a grate having an
elongated slot for inflow of water at a low velocity high flow
rate. A housing of relatively large capacity includes an outlet for
conveying water to an oversized suction line to maintain the low
velocity high flow rate to the junction with a conventionally sized
standard suction line in fluid communication with a suction pump. A
bypass line in fluid communication with the water in the pool or
spa discharges water into the housing when the slot is sufficiently
covered to prevent satisfying the flow rate into the suction line
demanded by the pump and thereby prevent a level of suction at the
slot sufficient to entrap clothing or a body part of a swimmer
against the grate. The grate, a frame supporting the grate on the
housing and the housing are devoid of elements that might cause
entanglement of hair drawn into the sump. A hydrostatic valve may
be coupled with the housing at locations of a pool or spa where the
ground water level is sufficiently high to cause flotation of the
pool or spa when partially filled or empty.
Inventors: |
Goettl; John M.; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Cahill, von Hellens & Glazer P.L.C.;155 Park One
2141 E. Highland Avenue
Phoenix
AZ
85016
US
|
Family ID: |
35655553 |
Appl. No.: |
10/894803 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/507 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/1236 20130101;
E04H 4/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
004/507 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Claims
1. A sump for use in a swimming pool or a spa, said sump comprising
in combination: a. a housing having an open upper end; b. an outlet
disposed in said housing; c. an oversized suction line
interconnecting said outlet with a conventionally sized suction
line; d. an inlet disposed in said housing coupled to a bypass line
in fluid communication with the water in the swimming pool or spa;
e. a grate having a single elongated slot disposed therein for
inflow of water to said housing; and f. a frame for interconnecting
said grate with said housing.
2. The sump as set forth in claim 1 including a hydrostatic valve
and conduit coupled with said housing.
3. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said outlet and said
inlet are disposed at opposed ends of said housing.
4. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said outlet an said
inlet are disposed in the bottom of said housing.
5. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a
sloping wall and an end and wherein said outlet and said inlet are
disposed in said wall and said end, respectively.
6. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing includes a
wall and wherein said outlet and said inlet are coupled in said
wall of said housing.
7. The sump as set forth in claim 6 including a shroud extending
from a location proximate said wall at least partially surrounding
said outlet for channeling water to said outlet.
8. The sump as set forth in claim 7 wherein said shroud is
detachably attached to said housing.
9. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing is
rectangular.
10. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing is
cylindrical.
11. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said housing is
arcuate.
12. The sump as set forth in claim 1 including a ledge extending
laterally at least partially about said housing.
13. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame includes a
skirt for insertion within said housing.
14. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame includes a
ledge extending laterally at least partially about said frame.
15. The sump as set forth in claim 14 wherein said frame includes a
skirt for insertion within said housing.
16. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said frame includes a
ledge for supporting said grate.
17. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grate includes a
pair of opposed end walls for defining the length of said slot.
18. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grate includes a
pair of opposed side walls for defining the width of said slot.
19. The sump as set forth in claim 18 wherein said grate includes a
pair of opposed end walls for defining the length of said slot.
20. The sump as set forth in claim 2 including a segregated
compartment within said housing in fluid communication with said
hydrostatic valve.
21. The sump as set forth in claim 20 including a secondary grate
disposed at the upper end of said compartment for accommodating a
flow of water from said hydrostatic valve into the pool or spa.
22. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein the flow rate of water
through said slot is 1.5 feet per second and the volumetric flow
rate is 60 gallons per minute.
23. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein said oversized suction
line is configured to accommodate a water velocity rate of 1.5 feet
per second and a flow rate of 60 gallons per minute.
24. The sump as set forth in claim 23 wherein said oversized
suction line is approximately 4 inches in diameter.
25. The sump as set forth in claim 1 wherein the distance of water
flow from said grate to the conventionally sized suction line is
not less than 20 inches.
26. The sump as set forth in claim 25 wherein the distance of the
water flow from said grate to the conventionally sized suction line
is in the range of about 24 inches to about 30 inches.
27. A method for draining water from a pool or spa through a sump
in fluid communication with a suction pump via a suction line and a
bypass line in fluid communication with the water in the pool or
spa, said method comprising the steps of: a. drawing the water to
be drained through a grate having a single elongated slot; b.
conveying the water from the slot into a housing; c. an oversized
section of the suction line having an opening in the housing and
the step of further drawing water from the housing into the
oversized suction line; d. further conveying the water from the
oversized suction line to a junction between the oversized suction
line and a conventionally sized suction line and through the
conventionally sized suction line to the pump; and e. providing
fluid communication between the water in the pool or spa through an
inlet in the housing in fluid communication with the bypass
line.
28. The method as set forth in claim 27 wherein said step of
drawing is carried out at a velocity of 1.5 feet per second.
29. The method as set forth in claim 28 wherein said step of
drawing is carried out at a flow rate of 60 gallons per minute.
30. The method as set forth in claim 27 wherein said step of
further conveying is carried out within the oversized suction line
is at a velocity of 1.5 feet per second.
31. The method as set forth in claim 30 wherein said step of
further conveying is carried out at a flow rate of 60 gallons per
minute.
32. The method as set forth in claim 27 including the step of
selectively introducing ground water into the pool or spa through
the housing upon actuation of a hydrostatic valve.
33. A method for installing a sump in a pool or spa having a
suction line and a bypass line, said method comprising the steps
of: a. establishing a housing with the material defining a wall of
the pool or spa; b. attaching a frame to the housing at a height
relative to the housing to locate the top of the frame
substantially in the plane of the wall of the pool or spa; c.
securing a grate having a single slot in the frame; d.
interconnecting a length of an oversized suction line with the
housing to convey water from the housing to a conventionally sized
suction line; and e. further interconnecting the bypass line with
the housing.
34. The method as set forth in 33 including the step of forming the
housing from the material defining the wall of the pool or spa.
35. The method as set forth in 33 including the step of forming the
housing from cementitious material defining the wall of the pool or
spa.
36. The method as set forth in 35 including the step of stabilizing
the location of the frame with setting material placed adjacent the
cementitious material.
37. The method as set forth in 33 including the step of securing a
preformed housing with the material defining the wall of the pool
or spa.
38. The method as set forth in 33 wherein the pool or spa includes
a liner and including the step of securing the frame to the
liner.
39. The method as set forth in 33 including the step of introducing
ground water through the housing into the pool or spa upon
actuation of a hydrostatic valve.
40. A sump for use in a pool or spa, said sump comprising in
combination: a. a preformed housing having an open top, an outlet
and an inlet; b. a frame for engaging said open top of said
housing; c. a grate having a single slot; and d. a ledge disposed
within said frame for supporting said grate.
41. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein said frame includes a
depending skirt for slidably engaging the interior of said
housing.
42. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein said frame includes a
laterally extending ledge for engagement by material surrounding
said sump to retain said frame in fixed relationship to said
housing.
43. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein said slot extends for
substantially the full length of said grate.
44. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein said housing includes a
bottom and wherein said outlet and said inlet are disposed in said
bottom.
45. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein said housing includes a
pair of opposed end walls and wherein said outlet is disposed in
one end wall of said pair of end walls and wherein said inlet is
disposed in the other end wall of said pair of end walls.
46. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein said housing includes a
pair of opposed end walls and wherein both said outlet and said
inlet are disposed in one end wall of said pair of end walls.
47. The sump as set forth in 46 including a shroud disposed in said
housing and extending from about said outlet toward the other end
wall of said pair of end walls.
48. The sump as set forth in 47 wherein said shroud is a
cylinder.
49. The sump as set forth in 47 wherein said housing includes a
bottom and a pair of opposed side walls and wherein said shroud
comprises a pair of joined sections extending from said bottom to
one side wall of said pair of side walls.
50. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein each of said housing, said
frame and said grate are rectangular in plan form.
51. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein each of said housing, said
frame and said grate is circular in plan form.
52. The sump as set forth in 51 wherein said slot is arcuate.
53. The sump as set forth in 40 wherein each of said housing, said
frame and said grate is arcuate in plan form.
54. The sump as set forth in 53 wherein said slot is arcuate.
55. A sump for use in a pool or a spa, said sump comprising in
combination: a. a cylindrical housing having a bottom; b. an outlet
and an inlet in fluid communication with said housing; c. a further
inlet disposed in said bottom; d. a space extending from said
bottom defined by a plurality of sections surrounding said further
inlet; e. a passageway adjacent the interior surface of said
cylindrical housing and in fluid communication with said inlet and
said outlet; f. a wall extending from said plurality of sections to
the inside surface of said cylindrical housing, said wall being
disposed intermediate with said inlet and said outlet; g. a shroud
for attachment to the upper end of said cylindrical housing, said
shroud including a slot in fluid communication with said passageway
and an aperture in fluid communication with said space; and h. a
cap secured to said shroud and disposed at the top of said space,
said cap including at least one slot disposed therein.
56. The sump as set forth in 55 including a suction line connected
to said outlet, a bypass line connected to said inlet and a
hydrostatic valve connected to said further inlet.
57. The sump as set forth in 55 wherein the pool includes a liner
and a ring attachable to said cylindrical housing for capturing the
liner between said ring and said cylindrical housing.
58. The sump as set forth in 55 wherein said slot is arcuate.
59. The sump as set forth in 55 including a first elbow connected
to said outlet, a second elbow connected to said inlet, a first
aperture disposed in said first elbow, a second aperture disposed
in said second elbow, said first aperture being in fluid
communication with said second aperture.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to the swimming pool
drain disclosed in U.S. patent application entitled "POOL FLOOR
DRAIN ASSEMBLY FOR A SUCTION-ACTIVATED WATER CIRCULATION SYSTEM",
assigned Ser. No. 10/144,899 and filed May 14, 2002, which
application is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to drains for swimming pools
and, more particularly to drains that will not permit entrapment of
persons, their clothing or their hair thereagainst.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Most swimming pools and spas, whether of concrete/gunite,
fiberglass or having a vinyl liner above ground or in ground,
include a drain at the lowest point. The purpose of the drain is to
provide an outlet for flow of water from the swimming pool to the
suction side of a pump. The outflow of the pump is passed through a
filter to remove entrained matter. The filtered water is returned
to the swimming pool at above and/or below water level outlets in
the pool. Usually, the suction line from the drain includes a
debris trap upstream of the pump to collect large sized debris.
[0006] The drain itself includes an apertured cover for passing
water therethrough but prevents the inflow of large sized debris as
a function of the size of the apertures or slots in the drain
cover. A high flow rate of the water through the suction line is
desirable to filter a large quantity of water within a given time
period to help maintain clarity of the water. A high flow rate
through the drain cover can only be brought about by maintaining a
high suction force beneath the drain cover in order to draw water
through the apertures of the drain cover. Such high suction force
creates a potentially severe health hazard to a user of the pool or
spa.
[0007] If a person were proximate the drain cover and a body part
of the person came close to the drain cover, the suction force
present would tend to draw the body part against the drain cover.
Once the drain cover is covered by the body part, significant force
by the person would be required to move away from the drain.
Particularly children and those persons physically enfeebled may
not have the requisite strength or capability to overcome the
suction force acting upon them; as a result, they are likely to
drown.
[0008] If a person in a swimming pool or spa wears loose clothing
and comes into proximity with the drain of a swimming pool or spa,
the material of the clothing may be drawn into or cover the drain.
In such event, the suction force acting upon the material may be
sufficient to prevent the person from moving away from the drain.
For persons with long full hair, the hair is readily drawn into the
swimming pool/spa drain and may twist upon itself beneath the drain
cover to the extent that extraction becomes impossible. The
potential consequences of both clothing and hair becoming entrapped
by the drain in a swimming pool or spa may be fatal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A swimming pool or spa sump having a housing and a grate is
provided which has low velocity, high volume waterflow into the
suction line in fluid communication with a suction pump. The grate
includes a single relatively large sized aperture or slot
sufficient to permit debris to pass therethrough and generally
preclude more than partial insertion of a swimmer's fingers or
toes. The housing downstream of the grate is relatively large sized
and includes a large sized outlet in communication with an
oversized suction pipe ultimately connected to a conventionally
sized suction line. An inlet to the sump is in fluid communication
with a bypass line extending from, for example, an opening in the
sidewall of the swimming pool or spa to provide an alternate flow
path into the sump in the unlikely event the grate were to be
sufficiently covered by a body part or clothing of a person to
impede flow into the sump sufficient to accommodate the rate of
outflow through the suction line. For locations having a high level
of ground water, a hydrostatic tube may be incorporated to permit
flow of ground water into the swimming pool and prevent an empty or
near empty swimming pool from floating.
[0010] It is therefore a primary object of the present invention is
to provide a drain for a swimming pool or spa which will not entrap
a person thereagainst.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sump
and grate attendant a drain for a swimming pool or spa that will
permit easy withdrawal of an article of clothing or hair that may
be drawn into the sump through the grate.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a high
flow rate low velocity drain for a swimming pool or spa.
[0013] Yet another object of the present is to provide a single
apertured grate for a swimming pool or spa drain sump.
[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a sump for a swimming pool or spa drain having an outlet in fluid
communication with the suction line, an inlet in fluid
communication with a bypass line and an inlet supporting a
hydrostatic valve in fluid communication with the pool water.
[0015] A further object of the present invention is to provide a
sump and grate adaptable for use in a concrete/gunite pool or spa,
a fiberglass pool or spa or a vinyl lined pool or spa.
[0016] A yet further object of the present invention is to provide
one of a plurality of configurations of a sump and a grate for use
as a drain in a swimming pool or spa and having a large flow rate
low velocity water outflow.
[0017] A still further object of the present invention is to
provide a method for preventing the suction attendant the drain of
a swimming pool or spa from entrapping a person against the
drain.
[0018] These and other objects of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereon
proceeds.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The present invention will be described with greater
specificity and clarity with reference to the following drawings,
in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a representative cross sectional view of a
swimming pool incorporating the drain structure of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of certain components of
the sump;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the grate for the sump;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the sump;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a further cross sectional view of the sump;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway view of the concrete in which a
first variant preformed sump is imbedded;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an exploded view illustrating major components of
the sump;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a top view of the preformed housing embodied in
the sump;
[0028] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the bottom and side of the
sump;
[0029] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the interior of the
sump;
[0030] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate mounting of the components of the
sump to accommodate different finish elevations of the bottom of
the swimming pool;
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a second variant configuration of a
preformed sump and FIG. 13A illustrates an end view thereof;
[0032] FIG. 14 is a top view of the sump shown in FIG. 13 and FIGS.
14A, 14B and 14C illustrate cutaway views thereof;
[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates a third variant of a preformed sump;
[0034] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the sump shown in FIG.
15;
[0035] FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 illustrate the fourth variant of a
preformed sump adapted for use with a swimming pool having a
liner;
[0036] FIG. 20 illustrates a fifth variant of a preformed sump
adapted for use in a swimming pool having a liner;
[0037] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of the sump shown in FIG.
20;
[0038] FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the sump shown in FIGS. 20
and 21;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a partial exploded view of the sump shown in
FIGS. 20, 21 and 22;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a further exploded view of a sump adapted for use
in a concrete pool;
[0041] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the third variant shown in
FIG. 24;
[0042] FIGS. 26 and 27 illustrate mounting of the components of the
sump shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 to accommodate different finish
elevations of a concrete swimming pool;
[0043] FIG. 28 illustrates a sixth variant of a preformed sump;
[0044] FIG. 29 is a bottom view of the sump shown in FIG. 28;
[0045] FIG. 30 is an exploded view of the sump shown in FIGS. 28
and 29;
[0046] FIG. 31 illustrates a preformed cylindrical variant of the
sump;
[0047] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the sump shown in FIG.
31;
[0048] FIG. 33 is a partial cross sectional view of the sump shown
in FIGS. 31 and 32, and FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate attachment of
a pool liner to the sump;
[0049] FIG. 34 illustrates the waterflow within the sump shown in
FIGS. 31, 32 and 33;
[0050] FIG. 35 illustrates a first variant of a preformed
cylindrical sump adapted for use in a swimming pool having a
liner;
[0051] FIG. 36 is an exploded view of the sump shown in FIG.
35;
[0052] FIG. 37 illustrates the water flow in the sump shown in
FIGS. 35 and 36;
[0053] FIG. 38 is a side view of the sump shown in FIGS. 35, 36 and
37;
[0054] FIG. 39 illustrates waterflow relief between the inlet and
outlet conduits attendant the sump shown in FIG. 35;
[0055] FIG. 40 illustrates a second variant of a preformed
cylindrical sump adapted for use in a swimming pool having a
liner;
[0056] FIG. 41 is a partial exploded view of the sump shown in FIG.
40;
[0057] FIG. 42 is a further partial exploded view of the sump shown
in FIGS. 40 and 41;
[0058] FIG. 43 illustrates the components of a preformed seventh
variant of the sump illustrated in FIG. 6;
[0059] FIG. 44 illustrates the grate usable with the sump shown in
FIG. 43;
[0060] FIG. 45 is an exploded view illustrating a modification of
the sump shown in FIG. 43;
[0061] FIG. 46 is a cross sectional view of the sump shown in FIG.
45;
[0062] FIG. 47 is an exploded view of a modification of the sump
shown in FIG. 43;
[0063] FIG. 48 is a cross sectional view of the sump shown in FIG.
47;
[0064] FIG. 49 illustrates a preformed eighth variant of the sump
shown in FIG. 6; and
[0065] FIG. 50 is a partial cross sectional view of the sump shown
in FIG. 49.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0066] Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a representative
cross section of a swimming pool 10 having drain 11. The drain is
formed in the cementitious material defining the pool and includes
a sump 12 generally located at the low spot in bottom 14 of the
pool. It is to be understood that the drain may be elsewhere in the
bottom or in a wall of the pool or a spa. While the discussion
below is primarily directed to various sumps useable in swimming
pools, these sumps could also be used in spas and the like. A
preformed grate 16 is disposed and retained at the inlet to the
sump and incorporates one or more, but preferably one aperture for
inflow of water to the sump. A suction line 18 of relatively
substantial diameter extends from sump 12. It is connected to a
conventionally sized suction line 20 in fluid communication with a
conventional debris trap 22. A further suction 24 extends from the
debris trap to the inlet in pump 26. Outflow from the pump through
return line 28 is channeled back into pool 10 in any one of several
conventional manners. The combination of suction lines 18, 20 and
24 represent the suction lines for drawing water from the pool
through grate 16 and sump 12. A bypass line 30 is in fluid
communication with sump 12 and extends from the sump to a location
in pool 10 remote from grate 16. Usually, an inlet 32 to bypass
line 30 is disposed in a wall of the pool. Bypass line 30 serves in
the manner of a relief line to provide a source of water to sump 12
in the event grate 16 becomes fully or partially blocked and
thereby accommodates flow into suction line 18. It may be noted
that outlet 34 of the bypass line is disposed at one end of sump 12
and inlet 36 of the suction line 18 is disposed at the other end of
the sump.
[0067] Turning to FIG. 2, further details of the sump and its
relationship to the pool will be described. Pool 10 may be formed
in any of innumerable shapes and is usually either of cementitious
or fiberglass material. The pool shown in FIG. 2 is formed of
cementitious material 38 defining bottom 14 of the pool and a sump
12 is formed within the cementitious material and illustrated as a
block 40 to provide the requisite strength and support for the
elements associated therewith. It is to be understood that the sump
could be formed in a wall of the pool. Suction line 18, is sealed
within block 40 with inlet 36 protruding into sump 12. Similarly,
bypass line 30 is sealed within block 40 with outlet 34 located
within the sump. A preformed frame 42 extends into sump 12 and
includes a circumscribing ledge 44 to secure the frame with the
cementitious material defining the sump. Alternatively, a setting
material 46 may coat the sump defined by the cementitious material
of block 40. In such event, frame 42 would be retained by the
setting material. Generally, most pools include a coating 48,
usually plaster, which is applied to an elevation commensurate with
top edge 50 of frame 42. A preformed grate 52 is removably disposed
within the frame 42 (which grate is representatively identified by
numeral 16 in FIG. 1). As further shown in FIG. 3, grate 52
includes an elongated slot 54 extending essentially for the full
length of sump 12. The grate may be attached to frame 42 by screws
56, or the like, disposed at each corner.
[0068] Slot 54 is sized to accommodate the design flow rate for the
suction line. To accommodate large debris removal, the width of the
slot is in the range of about 1 to about 0.625 inches. Normally,
the width of the slot should be limited to approximately 0.75
inches to prevent body parts, such as hands or fingers, from
intruding very far into the sump. The length of slot 54 is variable
and is a function of the design flow rate which is preferably 1.5
feet per second. For example, a drain system designed for a flow
rate of 60 gallons per minute (GPM), a slot width of 0.75 inches
will require a slot length of 17 inches to produce a velocity of
1.5 feet per second through the slot. This results in a relatively
low velocity of water flow through the slot and a very small
pressure drop in the chamber or housing of the sump. This low flow
velocity permits easy retrieval of hair or any clothing or part of
clothing that may have entered the sump or even the expanded
suction line downstream of the sump.
[0069] For reasons which will become apparent below, suction line
18 is oversized from that of the conventional size of pool suction
lines. Preferably, the interior diameter of conduit 18 is sized to
provide a low velocity water flow; a diameter of 4 inches would be
representative. For example, the size should be sufficient to
maintain a flow velocity of approximately 1.5 feet per second at a
60 gallons per minute (GPM) rate and this velocity will remain
essentially constant to the junction of suction line 18 with a much
smaller and conventionally sized suction line 20. Within suction
line 20, the flow velocity may increase to 6 feet per second, as is
normal. The total length of low velocity flow from slot 54 in grate
52 to suction line 20 should be long enough to insure that any
length of hair a swimmer may have or length of clothing used by a
swimmer and that may be drawn into the sump will not reach suction
line 20. Thereby, the "suction"acting upon such hair or clothing
will be relatively low and withdrawal of same is readily
accomplished. By experimentation, it has been learned that a low
velocity zone of 24 to 30 inches in length provides ample
protection to prevent a bather from becoming entrapped at the
grate.
[0070] It is to be noted that each of the embodiments of the sumps
described herein is devoid of elements that might cause
entanglement of long hair drawn into the sump through the slot.
That is, neither the grate, the supporting frame nor the housing
have any protrusions or slots about which strands of hair may wrap
and thereby become impossible to extricate.
[0071] When pump 26 (see FIG. 1) is actuated, suction within
suction line 18 is translated into suction within sump 12. Because
inlet 36 of the suction line is close to one end of slot 54 in the
grate, the flow from the pool will be greatest at that end of the
slot and diminish toward the other end of the slot. Should slot 54
become blocked, the flow from the pool may be reduced or even
stopped. In such event, water will be drawn through bypass line 30
and this flow is discharged through outlet 34 into the sump.
Thereby, such bypass flow will satisfy the flow requirements
established by pump 26 and a high suction condition at slot 54 is
avoided. Thus, were a swimmer to fully cover the slot, entrapment
would not occur as the suction present within sump 12 would be
relieved by outflow of water through outlet 34. Moreover, the
length of slot 54 is unlikely to be completely covered by a swimmer
which is not true with respect to conventional circular or square
inlets in drain covers.
[0072] FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the drain and
its components, as shown in FIG. 2. Setting material 46 seals the
exterior surface of suction line 18 within the hollow representing
sump 12 disposed within cementitious material 40 defining bottom 14
of the pool. Frame 42 and its peripheral ledge 44 is lodged within
and retained by setting material 46 to locate top edge 50 of the
frame essentially coincident with the exposed surface of coating 48
covering the cementitious material and defining the surface of the
bottom of the pool. The frame includes a central opening 60 defined
by an inwardly extending peripheral flange 62. The flange provides
support for grate 52 and locates the upper surface of the grate
coincident with the surface of bottom 14. As shown in this view,
slot 54 is defined by two inverted U-shaped elements 64, 66 as
illustrated. The lower end of slot 54 is coincident with opening 60
to permit unimpeded flow through and out of the slot into sump 12.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, screws or the like may be used to retain
the grate within a frame 42. It may be noted that the shape of
U-shaped elements 64, 66 render the grate sufficiently robust to
withstand any forces or weight that might normally by imposed
thereon.
[0073] FIG. 5 is a further cross sectional view taken orthogonally
to the view shown in FIG. 4. The opposite ends of grate 52, along
with the longitudinal sides shown in FIG. 4, are supported upon
flange 62 of frame 42. Elements 68, 70 define the ends of grate 52
and are formed in the manner of inverted U's in cross section to
provide the requisite stability and robustness. Arrows 72 generally
illustrate the flow of water through slot 54 into inlet 36 of
suction line 18. That is, most of the flow through slot 54 occurs
proximate element 68 and the flow rate is reduced toward element
70. Under normal circumstances, little flow, if any occurs through
bypass line 30 into sump 12 through outlet 34 from the pool as the
flow through the grate satisfies the pump suction requirements.
[0074] Referring jointly to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, there is shown
a preformed sump 80 for lodgement in cementitious material 38
forming the shell of the pool. Sump 80 includes a hollow box like
housing 82 having hollow bosses 84, 86 extending downwardly from
bottom 88. Boss 84 is interconnected with suction line 18 and boss
86 is interconnected with bypass line 30. As illustrated, boss 84
is of significantly greater cross sectional area than boss 86 in
view of their very distinct and different functions. Housing 82
includes a laterally expanded sides 90, 92 defining interior ledges
94, 96. A peripheral flange 98 extends outwardly from housing 82
for mechanical locking engagement with cementitious material 38
surrounding sump 80. Thereby, the sump is immovably mounted within
the shell of the pool. A frame 42, like the frame discussed above,
is slidably inserted through opening 100 at the top of housing 82.
To permit variation in the degree of insertion of frame 42 into
housing 82, the frame includes a downwardly extending peripheral
wall 102. Ledge 44 encircles frame 42 for locking engagement with
the setting material or the coating, such as plaster, forming the
surface of the bottom of the pool. Grate 52 is like the grate
discussed above and slidingly mates with and is supported by the
frame, as discussed above.
[0075] During installation, preformed sump 80 is set in place and
secured to suction line 18 and bypass line 30. Thereafter,
cementitious material 38 is poured thereabout in a conventional
manner. As shown in FIG. 6, the cementitious material may extend
upwardly at an angle to define a slope 104 extending around housing
82. Thereafter, the space defined by this slope may be packed with
setting compound 106 in the conventional manner. Frame 42 is then
inserted into the housing at a height commensurate with the surface
of finish coating 48. As noted, wall 102 forming a part of the
frame permits significant vertical and canting adjustment to insure
that edge 50 of the frame is in the plane of the surface of the
coating. Grate 52 is placed within and secured to frame 42.
[0076] Referring jointly to FIGS. 11 and 12, there are shown two
versions of installation of preformed sump 80 in a shell of a pool
or spa formed of cementitious material. Furthermore, a different
version of a grate is illustrated and will be described. FIG. 11
illustrates locating the preformed sump deeply within cementitious
material 38 relative to finished bottom 14 of the pool. To
accommodate this depth, frame 42 is raised with respect to housing
82 to locate its upper edge 50 in the plane of bottom of the pool.
Grate 110 includes elements 112, 114 that define slot 54. These
elements extend longitudinally along the grate as discussed
above.
[0077] Although not shown in detail, equivalent elements form the
ends of slot 54 as earlier described. Element 112 may include a lip
116 to close the gap with the side of frame 42. Element 114, like
element 112, is generally in the shape of an inverted U.
Furthermore, element 114 may be adapted to define a cavity 118
circumscribed by walls 120, 122, bottom 124 and end walls. The
purpose of this cavity would be to permit insertion of finishing
compound 126 to reduce the visual impact of the drain.
[0078] In the installation configuration shown in FIG. 12,
preformed sump 80 is located within cementitious material 38
relatively close to bottom 14 in comparison to the installation
shown in FIG. 11. Herein, frame 42 is lowered into the housing to
the extent that ledge 44 essentially rests against the top of sides
90, 92. Thereby, the interrelationship between frame 42 and housing
82 permits variation in depth of location of the sump without
compromising locating the grate in the plane of bottom 14 of the
pool.
[0079] FIGS. 13, 13A, 14, 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate a second
variant preformed sump 130 having a housing 131 for receiving and
supporting a frame 42 and a grate 52 discussed above. For the sake
of brevity, only the differences between sump 130 and sump 80 will
be described and common reference numerals will be used. At some
locations, vertical depth below the sump may be a problem on
installation. Secondly, by minimizing the number of right angle
flows, the debris coming through the drain will more readily pass
and reduce the likelihood of clogging. And, it is less likely to
entrap hair or clothing. Accordingly, the discharge end of housing
131 includes an angled side 132 for supporting boss 84. The boss is
connected to suction line 18 by suitable angled fittings. As
depicted by arrow 134, the flow from the sump into boss 84 and
suction line 18 is more smooth than the flow attendant sump 80.
Furthermore, it is likely that the rate of flow through slot 54 has
a lower gradient of flow rate from the end commensurate with boss
84 to the end commensurate with boss 86. Moreover, such inclined
orientation of boss 84 permits easier removal of debris that may
have been drawn into suction line 18. As shown in FIG. 14C, grate
52 may include an upwardly open cavity 118 for receiving a
finishing compound 126 to minimize the visually perceived presence
of the elements of the sump in the pool or spa.
[0080] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a third variant of preformed sump
140, which sump includes a housing 141 supporting frame 42 as
discussed above along with a grate, such as grate 52 discussed
above. Sump 140 may have particular utility in prefabricated pools
wherein the pool wall/bottom is relatively thin and in pools having
a liner. Housing 141 includes a downwardly extending section 142
for supporting boss 84 extending horizontally from side wall 144.
The boss is connected in a straight line to suction line 18. At the
other end of the housing, boss 86 may extend downwardly from the
bottom surface 146 and connected to bypass line 30. Alternatively,
boss 86' may extend horizontally from side 148 of the housing. Boss
86' would be connected in line with bypass line 30'. By using
horizontally extended bosses 84, 86', the required depth below the
pool bottom is minimized. As is evident from inspection, the flow
into boss 84 would be similar to the flow illustrated in FIG. 13
with regard to sump 130. As only one of bosses 86, 86' would be
used in any given installation, the unused boss would be capped. It
is to be understood that variant sump 140 could be made with only
one of bosses 86, 86'.
[0081] FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 illustrate a fourth variant of preformed
sump 150 particularly adapted for use within a liner pool, whether
above or below ground and wherein depth for the sump is a
consideration. The sump includes a lower housing 152 and an upper
housing 154 formed as a unitary structure. The lower housing
supports boss 84 from a slanted side 156 in a manner similar to
that of sump 130 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Boss 86 extends
horizontally from side 158. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, boss 84 is
in fluid communication with suction line 18 and boss 86 is in fluid
communication with bypass 30. Upper housing 154 is attached to and
extends from the top edges of lower housing 152 and defines an
internally extending peripheral ledge 160. A relatively thick
peripheral flange 162 extends about the upper edge of housing 154.
Ledge 160, whether formed as a part of the junction between housing
152 and housing 154 or extending internally therefrom, serves the
function of supporting a grate, like grate 52 described above. A
rectangular ring 164 mates with flange 162 and a plurality of
screws 166 interconnect the ring with the flange through
corresponding apertures in the ring and holes in the flange, as is
self-evident. A gasket 168 is lodged intermediate ring 164 and
flange 162. The pool liner is clamped between flange 162 and ring
164 with gasket 168 serving to provide a leak free junction.
Aperture 170 in ring 164 is sized to accommodate insertion and
withdrawal of grate 52 therethrough.
[0082] Variant sump 150 is installed in a depression extending
downwardly into the soil from the bottom of the hole defining the
liner pool. During such installation, it would be connected to the
requisite suction line 18 and bypass line 30. Pool liner 174 is
thereafter installed in the hole for the pool and would cover
flange 162 at the upper end of housing 154. Ring 164 would be
placed in mating relationship to flange 162 and the ring would be
secured to the flange by a plurality of screws 166. The use of
gasket 168 therebetween provides a seal against water leakage
intermediate the liner and flange 162. Thereafter, the liner
material commensurate with the opening to upper housing 154 would
be cut away and grate 52 would be inserted into housing 154.
Screws, bolts or the like, may or may not be used to retain the
grate in place. For an above ground liner pool, the sump would be
supported in the conventional manner.
[0083] In some locations, the water table may be very close to
ground elevation. When this is true, a swimming pool, when empty,
may "float" and actually rise. Obviously, when such movement of the
pool occurs the interconnected structure is usually destroyed or at
least severely damaged. For this reason, many municipalities
require the pools to have a hydrostatic valve to permit ground
water inflow to the pool when the level of the water in the pool is
below the ground water level.
[0084] Referring to FIGS. 20, 21, 22 and 23, there is shown a fifth
variant of preformed sump 180 particularly adapted for use in a
pool defined by a plastic liner lining a depression in the ground.
Elements common with previously described sumps will be identified
by common reference numerals. Sump 180 is similar in certain
respects with sump 150 shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 19 as both are
particularly configured for use with above or below ground liner
type pools. With such pools, it is usually preferable to minimize
the depth to which the sump and attendant plumbing extends below
the bottom of the pool.
[0085] Sump 180 includes a housing 182 having a sloping side 184
supporting boss 84. Suction line 18 is attached to and extends from
this boss. Side 186 of the housing supports boss 86 and bypass line
30 extends therefrom. A second housing 190 extends above housing
182 and is laterally expanded to define ledges 192, 194, 196 and
198. End 200 of housing 190 is generally semicircular in planform
and includes a bottom surface 202. A hollow boss 204 extends
downwardly from surface 202 and supports a pipe 206 having a
plurality of apertures 208 therein with the lower end being capped
by a cap 210. A conventional hydrostatic valve 212 is disposed in
proximity to boss 204. A wall 214 extends from surface 202 upwardly
to segregate the interior of end 200 from the remaining space in
housing 190 (and housing 182). The top edge of housing 190 includes
a peripheral lip 216 extending outwardly. A grate 220 includes a
slot 222 similar to slot 54 discussed above except that it may be
located along the center line of the grate, as illustrated. The
grate is configured to have a flat end 224 for positioning adjacent
wall 214 and a semicircular end 226 to conform with the interior of
semicircular end 228 of housing 190. The grate is supported upon
ledges 192, 194, 196 and 198. A secondary grate 230 is semicircular
in planform and includes a plurality of slots 231 disposed therein.
This grate is supported within end 200 and adjacent wall 214.
[0086] When the water table beneath the pool rises a sufficient
amount, water will flow into pipe 206 through apertures 208. The
water flowing into end 200 of housing 190 vents into the pool
through slots 231 of secondary grate 230. Such flow is precluded by
hydrostatic valve 212 unless the pressure acting upon the valve by
the water in the pool is less than the pressure of the ground water
acting upon the valve. In the later event, ground water will flow
through slots 231 into the pool and fill the pool commensurate with
the level of the ground water. Thereby, flotation of the pool is
avoided. It is self-evident that when the pool is filled with
water, no ground water will flow through hydrostatic valve 212 and
the pool will not become contaminated by the ground water.
[0087] It is to be noted that the assembly relating to the
hydrostatic valve is physically separated from the sump assembly
and its operation. Access to the hydrostatic valve is possible
without disturbing the components of the sump. Moreover, it is
hydraulicly isolated from the sump.
[0088] As particularly shown in FIG. 21, sump 180 is adapted for
installation in a liner pool, whether above or below ground. Such
installation will be briefly described below. After the soil for
the swimming pool has been removed, a further depression is created
at essentially the low point and sump 180 is placed therein.
Necessarily, suction line 18 and bypass line 30 are attached to the
sump and pipe 206 extends downwardly for a distance into the soil.
After installation of the sump at the appropriate location adjacent
the bottom of the pool, a vinyl liner 232 is installed in the
normal manner and will cover the variant sump. A collar 234
generally commensurate in width and shape with lip 216 is placed
upon the lip and secured to the lip by a plurality of screws 236.
Thereafter, the material of the liner interior of the collar is cut
away. Grate 220 and secondary grate 230 are now installed in
housing 190.
[0089] FIGS. 24, 25, 26 and 27 illustrate a sump 240 very similar
to sump 180 described above except that sump 240 is intended for
use in a conventional pool formed primarily of cementitious
material, but could be installed in a pool made of fiberglass.
Accordingly, the description below will be primarily directed to
the differences between sumps 180 and 240; common reference
numerals will be used for common elements.
[0090] Sump 240 includes a lower housing 242 having an angled
surface 244 for supporting boss 84 and suction line 18 attached
thereto. End 246 of the lower housing includes a laterally expanded
section one side of which supports boss 86 and bypass line 30
attached thereto. An upper housing 250 of generally oval shape, as
illustrated, has a lateral width essentially coincident with
expanded section 248 of the lower housing. Ledges 252, 254 and 256
interconnect the upper housing with the narrowed section of the
lower housing, as illustrated. End 258 of the upper housing is
generally semicircular and extends beyond end 246 of the lower
housing and includes a panel 260 for supporting hollow boss 204
supporting pipe 206 extending therefrom and hydrostatic valve 212
associated with the boss. A circumferential ledge 262 extends
laterally from about upper housing 250.
[0091] Referring primarily to FIG. 24, frame 270, grate 272 and
secondary grate 274 will be discussed. The primary function of
frame 270 is that of positioning the upper surface of grate 272 and
secondary grate 274 in a plane commensurate with the bottom of a
pool. Accordingly, frame 270 is vertically positionable and to some
extent cantable as necessary to achieve alignment of the grate with
the pool bottom. Frame 270 includes a skirt 276 having an exterior
dimension essentially coincident with the interior vertical surface
of upper housing 250. At the lower most position of the frame, it
may rest upon ledges 252, 254 and 256. A panel 278 extends
downwardly from the frame at a location to place it essentially
adjacent wall 280 (see FIG. 25). Furthermore, the width of panel
278 is essentially coincident with the distance between the sides
of lower housing 242 at expanded section 248 and the width of the
walls of upper housing 250. Thereby, panel 278 essentially
segregates the space defined by end 258 from the remaining interior
surface of the sump irrespective of the vertical position of frame
270 relative to the sump 240. A peripheral ledge 282 extends about
frame 270 for mechanical engagement with setting material upon
installation in a pool. An internally extending ledge 284 is
coincident with the bottom edge of frame 270 and includes a cross
member 286 extending across the frame; it delineates the
semicircular end 288 of the frame to leave the space between this
section and the curved wall of the skirt with an open bottom.
[0092] Grate 272 includes a slot 290 extending generally along the
center line and dimensioned as discussed above. Skirt 292 of the
grate is dimensioned to have a close fit within frame 270 up to
semicircular end 288 and wall 294 of the grate terminates
essentially coincident with cross member 286. Thereby, wall 294 in
combination with the interior surface of end 288 forms the
equivalent of a semi-cylindrical space. Secondary grate 274 covers
this semi-cylindrical space but provides communication from therein
through slots 296. Bosses disposed within frame 270 may be used to
support the secondary grate. Alternatively, legs may extend
downwardly from the secondary grate to bear against the ledge at
the lower end of the frame and thereby support the secondary
grate.
[0093] The installation of further variant sump 240 will be
described with primary reference to FIGS. 26 and 27. During
construction of the pool from cementitious material 38, variant
sump 240 is lodged therein spaced apart from expected finished
bottom 14. Ledge 262 surrounding upper housing 250 provides a
mechanical lock with the cementitious material and movement of the
sump is prohibited. It may be noted that suction line 18, bypass
line 30 and pipe 206 are secured to their respective bosses prior
to formation of the cementitious material about the sump.
Preferably, the cementitious material extends upwardly at an angle
away from ledge 262. After the cementitious material has cured,
frame 270 is inserted within the upper housing at a height and at a
cant such that its top edge 300 is essentially coincident with
finished bottom 14 of the pool. Setting material 106 and the
coating 48 are laid around the frame to encase and mechanically
lock ledge 282 of the frame with the setting material. Thereafter,
grate 272 and secondary grate 274 are inserted within the
frame.
[0094] As may be noted from FIG. 26, sump 240 is closer to bottom
14 than is sump 240 shown in FIG. 27. This difference in height is
readily accommodated by raising or lowering frame 270 with respect
to the upper housing and such vertical movement can be carried out
to the extent of the depth of skirt 276; moreover, as is true with
the frames discussed and to be discussed, the frame can be somewhat
canted to accommodate alignment with the bottom of the pool.
Operation of sump 240 is essentially equivalent to that described
above with respect to sump 180 and need not be repeated herein.
[0095] A sixth variant sump 310 is illustrated in FIGS. 28, 29 and
30. This sump is very similar to sump 240 with two major
differences. First, this sump is curved or arcuate. Second, bypass
line 30 enters the sump at the bottom rather than along a side.
Because of the similarity of the components of sump 310 with sump
240, and the fact that installation is equivalent within the
cementitious material of a pool, the description below will be
relatively cursory.
[0096] An arced housing 312 includes a lower housing 314 having an
expanded section 316 and interconnected with an upper housing 318.
A ledge 320 interconnects the lower housing with the upper housing
and serves as a support for frame 322 when the frame is at its
lower most point relative to housing 312. Lower housing 314
supports boss 84 from an angled side and supports boss 86 from the
bottom surface at the end of the housing opposite from boss 84. End
324 of upper housing 318 extends beyond wall 326 of lower housing
314 and defines a semicircular cavity having a floor or panel 328.
Boss 204 is supported by and extends from panel 328 for
interconnection with the hydrostatic valve assembly. Frame 322
includes a panel 330 which is inserted within expanded section 316
adjacent wall 326 upon mating of the frame with the housing 312 to
form a relatively closed compartment within end 324 irrespective of
the vertical position of the frame relative to the housing. A ledge
332 extends about frame 322 to mechanically secure the frame
relative to the surrounding cementitious material (or setting
material) of the pool upon installation. As noted with respect to
sump 240, the height of the frame relative to the housing is a
function of the location of the housing relative to the finished
bottom of the pool in order to locate top edge 334 of the frame
essentially coincident with the surface of the bottom of the pool.
Frame 322 includes an internal ledge 336 and a cross member 338 for
supporting grate 340 to be placed within the frame; it also
provides strength to the frame. Grate 340 includes a curved or
arcuate slot 342 extending for essentially the full arcuate length
of the grate. Skirt 344 of the grate is dimensioned to mate with
the interior surface of the frame and is of a depth commensurate
with the distance from top edge 334 of the frame to ledge 336 in
order to place the top surface of the grate essentially in the
plane defined by top edge 334. The grate includes a wall 346 that
rests upon cross member 338 in the frame and defines a semi
cylindrical cavity within the corresponding end of the frame. Grate
340 may be secured to frame 322 by screws 352 penetrating holes 354
and into engagement with the corresponding parts of ledge 336,
cross member 338; other means for attaching the grate may be used.
A secondary grate 348 is disposed within the frame adjacent wall
346 of grate 340 and the interior wall of the frame. One or more
slots 350 are formed in the secondary grate to provide fluid
communication from boss 204, through end 324 of housing 312, the
corresponding end of frame 322 and through the slots. Thereby, any
ground water flowing through the hydrostatic valve associated with
boss 204 will flow directly into the pool as panel 330 extending
from the frame essentially precludes flow of such water into
housing 312 and the conduits associated therewith. If the
hydrostatic valve is not needed, boss 204 can be capped.
[0097] Installation of sump 310 in the cementitious material
forming the pool is equivalent to the installation procedure
discussed above with respect to sump 240.
[0098] Referring jointly to FIGS. 31, 32, 33 and 34 there is shown
a cylindrical sump 360 embodying the gist of the present invention.
As there are certain elements of this sump which are common with
elements in the previously described sumps, common reference
numerals will be used for such elements. A cylindrical housing 362
supports boss 84 for discharging water into radially expanded
suction line 18 and suction line 20. Bypass line 30 is connected
via boss 86 to the housing. It is to be understood that housing
362, boss 86, boss 84 and necked down suction line 18 can be
manufactured or assembled as a single unit for use in the field. A
pipe 206, having apertures 208 for admitting ground water, extends
from boss 204 located at the center bottom of housing 362; this
pipe can be made as part of the housing also. An inflow of water,
as represented by arrow 364 swirls about grate 366 and flows into
circular slot 368. Slots 370 in cap 372 accommodate outflow of
ground water into the pool.
[0099] Cylindrical sump 360 is intended for use with a liner pool.
Hence, a representatively illustrated sheet 374 of vinyl is
illustrated. It is to be understood that cylindrical sump 360,
along with the attendant water lines, would be located in the dirt
beneath the vinyl sheet if the liner pool is an in-ground pool.
[0100] The interior construction of cylindrical sump 360 will be
described with reference primarily to FIGS. 32, 33 and 34. A
vertical wall 376 extends radially inwardly from interior surface
378 of cylindrical housing 362. A cylinder 380 includes an interior
circular flange 382 for attaching the cylinder to bottom 384 of the
housing with screws 386 or the like. A vertical radially outwardly
extending wall 388 extends from cylinder 380 into contacting
engagement with the interior edge of wall 376. Thereby, circular
flow about cylinder 380 is essentially precluded. It may be noted
that the location of walls 376, 388 are intermediate bosses 84, 86
and their associated openings in the housing. Cap 372, and its
associated slots 370, is in sealing engagement with the top of
cylinder 380. A ring 390 rests upon circular ledge 392 disposed
interior of housing 362 and below top edge 394 thereof.
Alternatively, it may be secured to the interior surface of housing
362, as shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B. A further ring 396 is secured
to ring 390 by screws 397 or the like penetrably engaging holes 398
in ring 396 and threadedly engaging holes 400 in ring 390. It is to
be understood that vinyl sheet 374 (see FIGS. 31, 33A and 33B) is
disposed intermediate these two rings and that the vinyl sheet is
clamped in place by the rings. It may be noted that the elements of
the clamps are interior to the external surface of housing 362. To
ensure a sealed engagement with the liner, an annular gasket may be
used in the conventional manner. After clamping, the portion of
vinyl sheet interior of the rings is cut away.
[0101] A shroud 402 includes a circular skirt 404 depending from a
ring element 406. Upon installation of shroud 402, the skirt
defines an annular space between it and the exterior cylindrical
surface of cylinder 380. The shroud may be secured in place by
screws 397 as shown on the right in FIGS. 33A and 33B. Thereby,
slot 368 illustrated in FIGS. 31, 33A and 33B is formed. As
particularly shown in FIGS. 31 and 34, the suction present within
boss 84 draws water from within housing 362. The flow path of this
water is downwardly through slot 368 with most of the water being
drawn through the slot counterclockwise from wall 376, as depicted
by arrow 364 in FIG. 31 and arrows 408 shown in FIG. 34. Thereby,
the flow rate demanded by suction pump 26 (see FIG. 1) is fully
satisfied and little, if any, water will be drawn through boss 86
from bypass line 30 to satisfy the waterflow demand present at the
outlet to boss 84. However, should slot 368 be covered to a greater
or lesser degree, sufficient low pressure would exist at the inlet
to boss 86 to cause water to flow clockwise within housing 362 to
satisfy the demand at the inlet to boss 84. As noted previously, in
the event the liner pool is empty and the level of ground water
approaches that of the bottom of the pool, the hydrostatic valve
attendant boss 204 will open and ground water will flow through
cylinder 380 and slots 370 in cap 372 and into the pool to prevent
the pool from floating.
[0102] FIGS. 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 illustrate a variant cylindrical
sump 410. Elements common with previously described embodiments
will be referenced with the same reference numerals. This
cylindrical sump is also intended to be used with a liner pool, as
indicated by vinyl sheet 374 in FIG. 38. Housing 412 includes a
bottom 414 supporting an elbow 416 to which boss 84 is attached and
an elbow 418 to which boss 86 is attached. Boss 204, attendant pipe
206 and a hydrostatic valve, also extends from bottom 414. Aperture
420 in bottom 414 is in fluid communication with elbow 416.
Aperture 422 is in fluid communication with boss 204. Aperture 423
is in fluid communication with elbow 418. A vertically extending
shroud 424 includes a cylindrical section 426 to define an annular
space 428 intermediate the cylindrical section and interior surface
430 of housing 412. A further section 432 is coincident with a part
of the edge of aperture 420. A still further section 434 is
coincident with a part of the edge of aperture 422. A wall 436
extends from the junction of sections 432, 434 to surface 430 of
housing 412. Thereby, any flow within housing 412 between aperture
420 and aperture 422 must be through annular space 428. The upper
edge of housing 412 includes an radially extending circular lip 438
having a plurality of holes 440 spaced there along. A ring 442 is
generally coincident with lip 438 and includes a plurality of holes
444. This ring is used to clamp the sheet of vinyl against lip 438;
screws 446 may be used to penetrably engage holes 444 and
threadedly engage holes 440 in the lip. An annular gasket may be
used to ensure a sealed junction with the sheet of vinyl. As noted
above, the vinyl sheet interior of ring 442 is cutaway.
[0103] A further shroud 450 includes a recessed apertured plate 452
having an aperture 454 generally coincident with the interior edges
of sections 426, 432 and 434 of shroud 424. A plurality of holes
456 in plate 452 are coincident with each of a plurality of holes
458 formed in the top edge of shroud 424 to secure shroud 450 with
shroud 424 by screws 460 penetrating the respective pairs of holes.
Shroud 450 includes a first section of a cylindrical skirt 462
having a radius to place it radially outwardly of section 426 of
shroud 424. Vertical walls 464, 466 are disposed at the terminal
ends of skirt 462. Slot 470, as primarily depicted in FIG. 35, is
formed by skirt 462, walls 464 and 466 and interior surface 430 of
housing 412. Thus, slot 470 is formed by a plurality of separate
but joined elements.
[0104] A cap 472 includes a plurality of slots 473. This cap is
placed adjacent to plate 452 in the depression formed by downwardly
extending cylindrical wall 474. The cap may be retained in place by
screws 475 penetrably engaging holes 476 and threadedly engaging
holes 477 in plate 452. In the event the hydrostatic valve
associated with boss 204 is opened due to an empty pool and a
rising ground water level, the water will flow upwardly through
aperture 423 through shroud 424, aperture 454 in plate 452 and into
the pool through slots 473. It may be noted that there is no
intentional fluid communication between any water inflow through
the hydrostatic valve and either of apertures 420, 422 in the
bottom of housing 412.
[0105] As depicted by arrow 478 in FIG. 37, water will flow into
slot 470 through annular space 428 and into elbow 416 through
aperture 420. The primary draw for this waterflow will be toward
the counterclockwise end of slot 470 as it is in closest proximity
to aperture 420 and there will be little flow of water through
aperture 422 into cylindrical sump 410 from bypass line 30.
[0106] As particularly illustrated in FIG. 39, elbows 416 and 418
are adjacent one another in contacting relationship. By forming
apertures 479a, 479b at the point of contact, a limited amount of
waterflow therebetween will occur which will have no effect upon
operation of the variant cylindrical sump. This waterflow is used
as part of the pressure test procedure prior to final installation
to ensure that the plumbing attendant the sump is leak free.
Thereby, a single pressure test can be made.
[0107] Referring jointly to FIGS. 40, 41 and 42, there is shown a
variant cylindrical sump 480 which is quite similar to cylindrical
sump 410 except that the internal shrouds are differently
configured with certain other changes of elements. Because of such
similarity, only the differences will be described in detail and
common elements will have common reference numerals.
[0108] A shroud 482 is configured similarly to shroud 424 of sump
410 except that it extends only part way upwardly from bottom 484
of cylindrical housing 492. Shroud 482 includes a cylindrical
section 486 that defines an annular space 488 with interior surface
490 of housing 492. Section 494 is partly coincident with the
aperture in bottom 484 in fluid communication with elbow 418 and
boss 86. Section 496 is partly coincident with the aperture in
bottom 484 in fluid communication with elbow 416 and boss 84. A
wall 498 interconnects the junction of sections 494 and 496 with
interior surface 490 of housing 492. Shroud 500, as particularly
shown in FIG. 42, includes a ring like plate 501 defining a slot
502 which is an arcuate section. A cylindrical shroud 504 extends
from plate 500. It may be noted that the diameter of the plate
measures less than the internal diameter of housing 492. A section
486A mates with section 486. Similarly, sections 494A and 496A mate
with sections 496 and 494, respectively. Wall 498A mates with wall
498. A wall 506 interconnects shroud 504 and section 486A to define
one end of slot 502. Similarly, a wall 508 interconnects with
shroud 504 and an extension 510 of section 486A to define the other
end of slot 502. A further wall 511 extends laterally from shroud
504 coincident with a corresponding part of wall 498 within housing
492.
[0109] As shown in FIG. 41, plate 501 includes an aperture defined
by the top edges of sections 486A, 494A and 496A. A ring 512
includes a plurality of holes 514 mating with holes 516 in radially
extending lip 518 of housing 492. A plurality of screws 520 secure
ring 512 to lip 518 and the vinyl sheet disposed therebetween.
Furthermore, ring 512 maintains shroud 500 in place as the ring
includes a radially inwardly extending lip 513 for supporting the
perimeter of the shroud. A cap 522 includes one or more slots 524
in fluid communication with the aperture defined by sections 486A,
498A and 496A. The cap may be secured to shroud 500 by screws 526
penetrably engaging holes 528 and threadedly engaging holes
529.
[0110] In certain installations, it may be important to minimize
the depth of a drain sump below the bottom of the deep end of a
pool. Referring jointly to FIGS. 43, 44, 45 and 46, there is
illustrated a sump particularly configured to meet such requirement
and yet provide the benefits discussed above. In particular, the
large cross-sectional area of the suction line of sufficient length
to prevent passage of a part of an article of clothing or of long
hair into the conventional sized suction line is contained
completely within the sump. This permits attachment of the
conventionally sized suction line directly to a boss of the sump or
to other junction element. Certain of the elements illustrated and
described herein are equivalent to similar elements of previously
described sumps. These elements will be identified by common
reference numerals. If required by the site of the installation, a
hydrostatic valve can be added to the sump.
[0111] Sump 530 is primarily a box or housing 532 open on the top.
A peripheral ledge 534 extends about the top somewhat below top
edge 536. Boss 84 is in fluid communication with the interior of
housing 532 through an aperture 538. As discussed above, boss 84 is
in fluid communication with an enlarged suction line 18. Boss 86 is
in fluid communication with the interior of housing 532 through an
aperture 540; the boss is connected to bypass line 30, as described
above. A frame 542 includes a skirt 544 extending into the interior
of housing 532 in mating relationship therewith. The frame includes
a peripheral ledge 546. A further interior peripheral ledge 548
extends inwardly to support a grate 550. The grate includes a slot
552 disposed along one side opposite to the side adjacent to
aperture 538 in housing 532. The configuration of the slot may be
as described above. The grate may include a receptacle 554 adjacent
the slot. The purpose of this receptacle is to permit a workman to
fill the space with plaster or other finishing material used to
finish the bottom of the swimming pool. Thereby, only minor
elements of sump 530 will be visible to a user of a pool. For
identification purposes, this plaster is identified by numeral 556.
Alternatively, the receptacle may be omitted and a sheet of plastic
may be formed laterally of the slot to the corresponding edges of
the grate. As particularly illustrated in FIG. 44, only relatively
thin elements of the grate will be apparent to a user of the pool
as the bulk of the surface within the perimeter of the grate
appears to be of a material and a color the same as that
surrounding the grate.
[0112] Whenever any sump of the types described herein is
installed, the piping/conduits associated therewith must be
pressure tested prior to final completion of ensure that there are
no leaks. Such pressure testing is generally performed by plugging
the outlet in the sump to the pump and the inlet in the sump for
the bypass line. Thereafter, pressure testing is conducted. This is
common practice and well known to those skilled in the art.
Although not specifically described with respect to the previously
disclosed sumps, the opening attendant bosses 84 and 86 would
normally include internal threads to permit threaded attachment of
plugs. Such threaded attachment is illustrated in FIG. 43. In
particular, threads 558 are associated with aperture 538 and
threads 560 are associated with aperture 540. It is to be
understood that similar structure would exist for the previously
described and to be described sumps.
[0113] As particularly shown in FIGS. 45 and 46, the flow path from
slot 552 to aperture 538 attendant boss 84 can be lengthened by
incorporating a shroud 562. Thus, the total length of the above
described large cross-sectional area suction line can be wholly
contained within sump 530. Because of the requirement for pressure
testing, at least upon installation of sump 530, shroud 562 must be
removable prior to such testing in order to have access to aperture
538 and the shroud must be attachable subsequent to such testing.
As illustrated, the shroud is primarily a sheet of plastic having
two planar sections 564 and 566 joined to one another by a curved
section 568 to place the planar sections orthogonal to one another.
A lip 570 extends along the bottom edge of section 564 to permit
attachment to the bottom of box 532 by screws or other attachment
means. The edge of planar section 566 rests upon a shelf 572 formed
in the housing. With such shroud, a flow gradient will occur along
slot 552 in that most of the flow will be toward the end of the
slot proximate the opening of the shroud and lesser flow will occur
at the other end of the slot adjacent the junction of the shroud
with wall 574 of the box. With such installation of shroud 562, the
suction line attached to sump 532 may be of conventional
cross-sectional area and the length of low velocity flow from grate
550 will not be compromised.
[0114] As particularly shown in FIG. 46, sump 530 may be mounted
within cementitious material 580 forming the shell of the pool. The
upper end of housing 532 is generally left free of cementitious
material, as indicated by lines of demarcation 582, 584.
Thereafter, setting material 586 is laid to envelope ledge 534 and
a mechanical bond is formed therewith to solidly mount housing 532.
Frame 542 is inserted within housing 532 to a depth commensurate
with the top edge 588 of the frame being essentially in the plane
corresponding with bottom 14 of the pool. It is understood that a
layer of plaster or coating 48 provides the finished surface at the
bottom of the pool. As discussed above, receptacle 554 of grate 550
may be filled with plaster 556 to minimize the color/texture
discontinuity of the grate and the adjacent plaster surface. As
illustrated, ledge 546 of frame 542 is enveloped with setting
material 586 and plaster 556 may also be in contact therewith to
firmly lodge the frame in place.
[0115] FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate a further variant sump 590, which
sump is similar to sump 530 except for the channeling of water into
boss 84. Accordingly, these differences will be primarily reviewed
below. For common elements, common reference numerals will be used.
To increase the flow path of water entering through slot 552 to
boss 84, a shroud in the form of a tube 592 is attached to and
extends from wall 574 of housing 532 in generally overlapping
relationship with the opening of boss 84. This tube serves the same
function as shroud 562 discussed above and the suction line
attached to boss 84 may be of conventional cross-sectional area
without compromising the benefits of low velocity flow.
Installation of sump 590 is essentially duplicative of the
installation for sump 530, as shown in FIG. 48. Accordingly, a
duplicative description is not necessary.
[0116] Referring jointly to FIGS. 49 and 50 there is illustrated a
further variant sump 600 particularly adapted for use in a pool or
spa made of a fiberglass shell and disposed below the bottom of the
pool or spa. Sump 600 includes a housing 602 having a boss 84
extending from end 604. Boss 86 extends from opposite end 606. The
illustrated plate 608 is a part of the pool/spa shell and includes
an aperture 610 dimensioned to correspond with the interior
dimensions of housing 602. During lay up of the pool/spa shell,
housing 502 and bosses 84 and 86 may be layed up commensurate
therewith. Thereby, at the time of installation of the pool/spa, a
workman need only attach the suction line and the bypass line to
bosses 84 and 86, respectively.
[0117] After installation of the pool/spa at the site, frame 612 is
inserted into housing 602 through aperture 610 and retained in
place by nubs 614 engaging corresponding depressions 616 disposed
at each corner of aperture 610. The frame includes a shelf or ledge
618 extending internally at the bottom of the frame. A grate 620
includes a slot 622 of the type described above. The grate is
dimensioned to slide into frame 612 and rest upon ledge 618 of the
frame. Thereby, slot 622 provides a channel for water from the
pool/spa to flow into housing 602 and thereafter into boss 84. It
is to be understood that sump 600 may be mounted in a pool formed
of cementitious material or in a pool having a plastic liner. In
the latter event, various mounting procedures well known to those
skilled in the art would be employed.
* * * * *