USRE37055E1 - Pool purifier attaching apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A water purifier comprising an electrolytic cell housed in an enclosure and an attaching apparatus. The enclosure attaches over an outlet fitting of a water circulation line in a swimming pool by the attaching apparatus. The attaching apparatus and the enclosure define apertures and outlet openings, respectively, having increasing areas in the direction of the water flow. This configuration increases flow rates through the apertures and outlet openings; the increased flow rates break off scale formations extending into the center of the apertures and outlet openings and thereby prevent scale from clogging the purifier. The attaching apparatus also can be coupled directly to the water circulation line and can be adjusted to accommodate fittings and circulation lines of various sizes.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application, Ser. No. 08/240,964, filed May 10, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,373 which is a continuation of an application Ser. No. 08/105,365 filed on Aug. 11, 1993, now abandoned which is a continuation of an application Ser. No. 07/770,074 filed on Oct. 1, 1991, now abandoned which is a continuation-in-part of an application Ser. No. 07/759,692, filed Sep. 6, 1991, now abandoned, which is a continuation of an application Ser. No. 07/680,591, filed Mar. 28, 1991, now abandoned, which is a continuation of an application Ser. No. 07/597,085, filed Oct. 15, 1990, now abandoned which is a continuation-in-part of an application Ser. No. 07/424,305, filed on Aug. 18, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,156.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a water purifier, and more particularly to a submerged electrolytic cell.

1. Description of Related Art

Sodium hypochlorite is commonly used as a sanitizing agent in swimming pools, and the like, to control bacteria growth. Typical pool maintenance requires adding liquid sodium hypochlorite to pool water. Some pool owners, however, use electrolytic cell devices in their pools or in their filtration systems to produce sodium hypochlorite by electrolysis. Examples of electrolytic cells used to generate sanitizing agents are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,992,156 and 4,790,923.

In water having a hardness greater than 700 parts per million (“hard water”), scale deposits from the water and builds up on surfaces adjacent to a water flow. If an electrolytic cell—and for that matter, pool equipment in general—is used in hard water, scale build-up causes water flow problem. Scale typically builds up and clogs small openings and conduits in the equipment. Thus, some manufacturers recommend using their equipment in water having a total hardness less than 500 parts per million.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention involves a pool purifier for mounting in a swimming pool. The swimming pool has a water circulation system which includes a pipe that communicates with the pool through a port positioned beneath the level of water in the pool. The pool purifier comprises an electrolytic cell which includes a plurality of electrodes. An enclosure forms a housing having an internal cavity in which the electrolytic cell is disposed. A coupler is releasably attached to the housing and is adapted to be secured to the pool at a position overlying the port of the water circulation system. The coupler including an inner conduit which defines a water flow path between the water circulation pipe and the enclosure.

In accordance with a preferred method of installing pool purifier in a swimming pool, the pool having a water circulation system including a pipe which communicates with the pool through a port positioned beneath the level of water in the pool, a pool purifier is positioned beneath the surface of the pool water and in front of the port of the circulation system. An electrolytic cell of the pool purifier is attached to the pool in this position so that water from the pipe flows across the cell.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of preferred embodiments which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a water purifier in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention attached to a side wall of a swimming pool;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the purifier of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line3—3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial rear perspective view of the purifier of FIG. 1, illustrated with wall spacers;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the purifier of FIG. 1 mounted to a curved pool wall;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the purifier of FIG. 1 attached to an existing pool fitting embedded in the pool wall;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a unmodified pool fitting;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken alongline8—8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pool fitting of FIG. 7, with a directional nozzle configured in accordance with the present invention inserted into the fitting;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken alongline10—10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a nipple of FIG. 2;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view taken alongline12—12 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken alongline13—13 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14 is a cross section of a pool illustrating a purifier in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention attachment to a discharge wall fitting;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines15—15 of FIG. 14, illustrating an attaching plate in accordance with the purifier of FIG. 14 attached to the wall fitting;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the wall plate shown removed from the purifier for clarity;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view another embodiment of a wall plate including to an extrusion for carrying wires;

FIG. 18 is a rear plan view of the wall plate of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a wire cover;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a clamp used to hold the wall plate of FIG. 17 against the pool wall during the curing process;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an adjustable coupling configured in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an additional embodiment of a jaw member used with the adjustable coupling of FIG. 21; and

FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the purifier of FIG. 1 attached to an existing pool fitting by the adjustable coupling of FIG.21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a sanitizing apparatus or purifier10 of the present invention secured to awall12 of aswimming pool14. Although the discussion of thepurifier10 proceeds in connection with a swimming pool, it is understood that thepurifier10 can also work with spas (i.e., Jacuzzies®), water fountains and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, thepurifier10 comprises anelectrolytic cell30 housed in anenclosure34 and an attaching apparatus orcoupler16 for securing theelectrolytic cell30 to thepool wall12. The attachingapparatus16 is located at an exit port of awater circulation line18. As a result, pressurized water exiting thewater circulation line18 flows through theenclosure34, passing over theelectrolytic cell30. As discussed in detail below, the resulting water stream aids in reducing scale build-up on theelectrolytic cell30, theenclosure34 and the attachingapparatus16.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, theelectrolytic cell30 is generally configured in accordance with the teachings of U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,156, issued on Feb. 12, 1991, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Theelectrolytic cell30 comprises a plurality of juxtaposedelectrode plates20. Eachelectrode plate20 has a rectangular shape and defines an aperture22 at its center. As juxtaposed, theelectrode plates20 define acylindrical bore32 having an axis perpendicular to theelectrode plates20.

Theenclosure34 fully encompasses theelectrolytic cell30 within aninternal cavity35. Theenclosure34 is molded of a thermoplastic, and defines anaperture36 extending through theenclosure34; theaperture36 aligns with thebore32 of the electrolytic cell in assembly. As a result, a portion of the attaching apparatus16 (namely a nipple46) passes partially through theenclosure34 and theelectrolytic cell30 in assembly. Afront panel24 of the enclosure includes a recess26 having a larger diameter than theaperture36 and circumscribing theaperture36.

Theenclosure34 additionally comprises atop opening38 and a bottom opening39, providing exit ports for water flowing through theenclosure34 from thewater circulation line18. Theopenings38,39 also provide a flow path for water circulating through theenclosure34 as a result of the electrolytic process. With a circulation pump off, the electrolysis generates gaseous bubbles which travel through theenclosure34 towards the surface of the pool water. The natural movement of the bubbles produces a current flow of water through theenclosure34, entering through the bottom opening39 and exiting through thetop opening38.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, thetop opening38 has generally a rectangular configuration defined by fouredge surfaces27,28. Two of the edge surfaces28, as best seen in FIG. 3, comprise chamfers, angling away from the definedopening38. Theopening38 increase in area in an outward direction as a result of the chamfer configuration of the edge surfaces28. As used herein, the “area” of an opening aperture, or orifice is measured across a plane of the opening, aperture or orifice perpendicular to the water flow. The bottom opening39 has an identical configuration. This configuration increases water flow rate through theopenings38,39; water flowing through theopenings38,39 remains in a concentrated stream and does not diffuse at the outer edges of theopenings38,39. As a result, the flow rate through theopenings38,39 increases as water passes through theopenings38,39.

The increased flow rate reduces scale formations which clog theopenings38,39. Scale, in hard water, deposits on theedges27,28 of theopenings38,39 and builds outwardly in a stalagmite fashion, away from the edge surfaces27,28. The increased flow, however, limits the growth of the scale deposit. The increased water current fractures the stalagmite structure extending into the center of the current. Thus, scale is less likely to bridge theopenings38,39 and to reduce the flow of water through thepurifier10.

About eachopening38,39, the enclosure includes adirectional diffuser40. The directional diffusers direct water flow exiting theopenings38,39 towards the center of thepool14. As illustrated in FIG. 2, each diffusers preferable includes a metal rod41 extending longitudinally across the diffuser. The rods act as a grate or guard, preventing objects smaller than theopenings38,39 from entering the openings.

Referring to FIG. 4, theenclosure34 also includes twoflange brackets42 integrally mounted onto aback panel43 of theenclosure34. Thesebrackets42 receiveseveral spacers44 which wedge between theenclosure34 and thepool wall12 to blend with the contoured (or otherwise not flat) surface of thepool wall12, as illustrated in FIG.5. Although FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate thepurifier10 as having fourrectangular spacers44, the proper combination and shape of thespacers44 is dictated by the shape and contour of thepool wall12.

Referring to FIG. 6, the attachingapparatus16 secures theenclosures34 to thepool wall12. The attaching apparatus advantageously utilizes an existingfitting58 of thewater circulation line18 located on thepool wall12. Pools commonly include at least one exit port fitting58 positioned in thepool wall12 below the water line and in communication with the water circulating system. Employing the existingfitting58 reduces the cost and time associated with installation of thepurifier10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fitting58 conventionally includes an eyeball-shapeddirectional discharger60 having acentral aperture59. Thedirectional discharger60 has a spherical shape with two symmetric sides truncating the spherical shape along vertical planes. As best seen in FIG. 8, a correspondingly shapedretainer ring61 secures thedirectional discharger60 within asocket63 of the fitting58 and thereby permits rotation of thedischarger60 in thefitting socket63.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the attachingapparatus16 comprises a similarly shapeddirectional discharger64 having athread hole65 offset from the center of thedirectional discharger64 and awire passageway68. The existingretainer ring61 retains the modifieddirectional discharger64 within the existingsocket62, as illustrated in FIG.10.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 6, the attachingapparatus16 additionally comprises a nipple ornozzle46. FIG. 11 illustrates thenipple46 having a generally tubular shape body45 with aninternal flow passage47. The nipple body45 defines a plurality of equally spacedapertures48 proximate to acap end49. Although FIG. 11 illustrates the nipple body45 as defining four apertures, it is understood that any number ofapertures48 can be used as well. The nipple may further include ashoulder52 positioned between theapertures48 and the threadedconnector46 for use with the clamp assembly of FIG. 21, as described below. Proximate to theapertures48, thenipple46 includesinternal threads57 extending into theflow passage47 from thecap end49. Thenipple46 also includes aconnector51 having a threadedexterior53 extending from anengagement end55 which engages the threadedhole65 of thedirectional discharger64 in assembly.

To prevent scale accumulation in thenipple apertures48, theapertures48 have a configuration increasing in area in the radial direction perpendicular to the water flow. As illustrated in FIG. 12, chamfered edges80 define theapertures48; theedges80 angle outwardly from a radius of thetubular nipple46 by an incline angle θ. Preferably, the incline angle θ ranges between 30° and 60°, and more preferably equals about 45°. As discussed above in connection with theenclosure openings38,39, this configuration increases flow rate through theapertures48. The resulting water jet fractures scale formations extending from the chamfered edges80.

Although FIG. 11 illustrates theapertures48 as having a rectangular configuration, it is understood that other aperture configurations, such as, for example, oval or circular shapes, can be used as well. The particular aperture configuration must be sized to produce a sufficient flow rate to break off scale formation accumulating on theedges80 of theapertures48. The aperture size, however, should not be too small, as scale and other objects will easy clog theapertures48.

For example, therectangular apertures48 illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 have lengths L in the longitudinal direction, widths W at the interior surface of the nipple body, and widths W′ at the exterior surface of the nipple body. These dimensions are measured perpendicular to the water flow through theapertures48. Preferably, the widths W of theapertures48 ranges between about {fraction (1/16)}th inch and ⅜th inch, and more preferably equals about {fraction (3/16)}th inch for water flowing into thenipple46 under 2-3 pounds per square inch of pressure.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13, the longitudinal length L of the aperture chamfer edges80 is equal to about the stacked width Z of the juxtaposedelectrodes20. As a result, water exiting theapertures48 flows over the electrode surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the attachingapparatus16 further includes acap82 comprising aflange disk50 and a threaded shank84 (FIG.2). The threaded shank84 is sized to engage theinternal threads57 of thenipple46, without interfering with water flow through thenipple apertures48. Although the FIGS. 2,6 and11 illustrate thecap82 as including the externally threaded shank84, it is contemplated that the cap could include internal threads, and thenipple cap end49 could include external threads. Additionally, other type of connections, such as, for example, a male-female snap-type connector, can be used as well to removably connect together thecap82 and cap end49 of thenipple46.

Theflange disk50 has a shape commensurate with that of the enclosure recess26 and is larger in diameter than theenclosure aperture36. In assembly, theflange disk50 fits flush with thefront panel24 of theenclosure34. Theflange disk50 defines two ormore cavities54 that mate with an installation tool. The tool is used to tighten thecap82 onto thenipple46, and is used in turn to tighten thenipple46 into thedirectional discharger64.

The attachingapparatus16, especially thenipple46, is preferably formed of a generally inert plastic, such as, for example, Teflon® or a high molecular weight polyethylene. Scale does not adhere well to these types of plastics.

In assembly, thedirectional discharger64 fits within thesocket63 of the existingfitting58 with theretainer ring61 securing thedischarger64 in place. Thenipple46 threads into the threadeddischarger hole65 and cantilevers away from thepool wall12. An electrical wire62 (FIG.6), connected to theelectrolytic cell30, threads through thewire passageway68. Theenclosure34 secures to thepool wall12 by sliding over thenipple46; theenclosure aperture36 and electrode bore32 receive thenipple46. Thecap82 secures theenclosure34 andelectrolytic cell30 in place by threading into theend cap49 of thenipple46. As assembled, theenclosure34 abuts against thepool wall12; however, if the pool wall is curved,edge spacers44 are placed against theflange brackets42 prior to tightening. The edge spacers44 can be trimmed or contoured to thepool wall12 configuration.

Assembled with thefitting socket62, the nipple communicates with thewater circulation line18. Pressurized water flows inside thetubular nipple46 and disperses through theapertures46. As mentioned above, water exiting theapertures46 flows over eachelectrode surface20 and exits through theoutlet openings38,39.

FIGS. 14 through 16 illustrate an other embodiment of thecoupler16 for use with another type of pool fitting58. Where appropriate, like numbers with an “a” suffix are used to indicate like parts of the two embodiments for ease of understanding. Instead of a directional type fitting58, as previously described, the fitting, as shown in FIG. 14, comprises a wall fitting58a surrounding an end of thewater circulation line18. If the wall fitting58a contains a grill or diffuser, it is removed and not used. As depicted in FIGS. 14 and 15, a plate72 attaches over the fitting58a in place of a grill.

Referring to FIG. 15, the plate72 is constructed of thermoplastic and defines a threaded centrally located hole74 and an offset wire receiving slot76 near the hole. An O-ring78, as seen in FIG. 16, fits into agroove79 and partially encircles the hole74, terminating at the slot76. As shown in FIG. 15, the slot76 permits thewires62 to extend from the wall fitting70 towards thepurifier10.

The installation of thepurifier10 is identical to the procedure described above, except that fasteners75 (FIG.15), such as, for example, screws, securely fasten the plate72 to thepool wall12. Thenipple46 is threaded into the hole74 and the enclosure abuts against the plate, compressing the O-ring78 between the plate72 and thepool wall12.

The plate72 can also be used where thecirculation line18 extends to the surface of thepool wall12. That is, the pool does not include the wall fitting58a. The plate mounts directly to the pool wall, aligning with and covering over the end of thewater circulation line18. The attachingapparatus16 and enclosure attach to the plate72, as described above.

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of aplate72b which can be attached over the wall fitting58a (see FIG. 14) or used with a “shotgun-type” return which is flush with thepool wall12. Where appropriate, like numbers with a “b” suffix have been used to indicate like parts between the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 17.

Theplate72b generally has a cylindrical shape and includes a central threadedhole74b. The hole is sized to receive the threadedend51 of thenipple46. The sides of the plate desirably are slightly skewed to give the plate a frusto-conical shape.

When using this wall plate attachment, thewires62 from theelectrolytic cell30 may be run through thereturn line18 or externally along thewall12 of the pool. When the wires are to be run outside of the pool, theplate72b desirably includes aslot71 and anelongated extrusion73 connected to theslot71 in theplate72b.

Theextrusion73 is desirably formed of a material which is UV resistant and is generally resistant to the effects of chlorinated water. Suitable materials include PVC and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS).

Theextrusion73 preferably is seated in theplate72b to prevent the extrusion from being pulled away from theplate72b once installed in the pool. The extrusion also can be bonded or otherwise attached to theside12 of the pool using a suitable underwater epoxy, wall mounted clips, cable ties or the like.

Theextrusion73 extends upwardly along thewall12 of the pool and carries thewires62 from theplate72b to the pool deck. Thewires62 can then be wrapped around the pool coping. Alternatively, holes can be drilled through the cantilever of the pool coping and the wire threaded through the holes to bring them up on the deck. Outside the pool, thewires62 are run through electrical wire covers, such as thewire cover77 illustrated in FIG. 18, which protect the wires on the pool deck.

As seen in FIG. 18, thecover77 includes acentral conduit79 which can either receive thewires62 or theextrusion73. Thecover77 also includes a largeflat base81 and side surfaces83 which ramp upward toward the center of thecover77. Thecover77 also comprises acentral slit85 which spreads open when the ends of the base81 are bent upward to expose thecentral conduit79. In this manner, thewires62 or theextrusion73 can easily be placed within thecentral conduit79.

The largeflat base81 stabilizes thecover77, while the ramped sides83 lessen the obtrusiveness of thecover77 on the pool deck. That is, because of its tapered, low profile, thecover77 is less of an obstacle. People are less likely to trip over thecover77 and items such as lounge chairs can easily be rolled over thecover77. Thecover77 thus protects thewires62 while preventing people from tripping over them.

Thewire cover77 is preferable made of a UV-resistant, chemical-resistant material which can be bonded to cement or other masonry (e.g., brick, stone, etc.). In a preferred embodiment, thecovers77 are formed of ethylene propylene polymethylene diene (EPDM). Thecovers77 desirably are molded or extruded in a variety of colors or otherwise colored (e.g., painted) to generally match the pool decking.

In use, thecover77 can either be laid over the pool deck or attached to the decking using a conventional epoxy or like adhesive. For example, thecover77 can be bonded to the decking or to thepool wall12 using a suitable marine epoxy for use with EPDM, such as that sold by Master Bond of Hackensack, N.J., Catalog No. EP21TDC-7.

Thecover77 also can extend from the deck, around the coping of the pool, and down thepool wall12 to thepurifier10, eliminating the need for theextrusion71. Thecover77 can be bonded to the pool coping and thepool wall12 using a suitable epoxy, such as, for example, Master Bond epoxy, Catalog No. EP21TDC-7. In this manner, thewires62 can be conveniently and safely routed from a remote power supply to thepool purifier10 positioned within the pool.

With reference to FIG. 19, theplate72b also desirably includes adiagonal slot86 on its rear surface. When attached to thepool wall12, theslot86 provides an egress for thewires62 when thewires62 are routed through thewater circulation line18 and theplate72b is mounted against thepool wall12. The diagonal shape of theslot86 allows thewires62 to be routed either to the side or to the end of thepool purifier10.

Theplate72b may be mounted to thewall12 of the pool over the wall fitting or return line using a suitable underwater epoxy or cement as well known the those skilled in the art. The epoxy desirably sets up underwater in a reasonable amount of time (e.g., 10 minutes) and has a paste-like consistency to be easily applied. One possible underwater adhesive which can be used to mount the plate73b to thepool wall12 is commercially available from Master Bond of Hackensack, N.J., Catalog No. U735U.

Aclamp87, such as that illustrated in FIG. 19, can be used to hold theplate72b against thepool wall12 while the epoxy or cement cures. Theclamp87 also ensures that theplate72b is mounted level against thewall12, even though the fitting or returnline12 may be skewed with respect to thepool wall12.

Theclamp81 includes twoarms88,89 arranged in a scissor-like configuration and a spring90 positioned between thearms88,89. Thearms88,89 extend through thecentral hole74b in theplate72b and are joined at apivot point91. When thepivot point91 is positioned within thehole74b, the spring90 exerts a force which acts to keep thearms88,89 separated while applying pressure to theplate72b during the curing process.

To attach theplate72b to thepool wall12, the epoxy or cement is applied to the rear surface of theplate72b. Theplate72b is then positioned on thewall12 over the fitting or the return end. Theclamp87 is inserted through thecentral hole74b in theplate72b and adjusted to hold theplate72b straight with respect to thepool wall12 while the cement or epoxy cures.

Installation of thepurifier10 is identical to the procedure described above once theplate74b is attached to thewall12. That is, thenipple46 threads into the threadedhole74b and cantilevers away from thepool wall12. Anelectrical wire62, connected to the pool purifier, is threaded either through thefront slot71 or through therear groove86, and then routed either through thecirculation line18 or over the pool deck, as described above.

As understood from FIGS. 17 and 19, theplate72b can includes a plurality ofapertures97 with receiveclips95 that are spaced about thecentral hole74b. The excess length of thewire62, which is necessary to remove thepurifier10 from the pool without detaching the wire from theextrusion71 or removing the wire from thereturn line18, can be wrapped around toclips95 for storage before attaching thepool purifier10 to theplate72b.

The enclosure secures to thepool wall12 by sliding over thenipple46; theenclosure aperture36 and electrode bore32 receive the nipple. Thecap82 secures theenclosure34 and electrolytic cell in place by threading into theend cap49 of thenipple46. As assembled, theenclosure34 generally abuts against thepool wall12 over theplate72b, and thenipple46 communicates with thewater circulation line18.

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate another coupler used to secure thepool purifier10 to thepool wall12 over thewater circulation line18. The coupler includes anozzle46 which is configured in accordance with the above description and aclamp assembly92 which is attached to the existing pool fitting or the outlet of thereturn line12.

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the clamp assembly90 comprises anadjustable jaw assembly93, aseal94, and acover96. Theadjustable jaw assembly92 includes first and second generallycircular plates98,100, each of which includes a central threadedopening102 and a plurality ofU-shaped channels104.

In the illustrated embodiment, theplates98,100 include fourU-shaped channels104 positioned radially symmetrically around theplates98,100, although a fewer or greater number of channels can be used. Thefirst plate98 has a smaller diameter than thesecond plate100 such that when theplates98,100 are concentrically aligned, thesecond plate100 creates aridge106 within eachchannel104 and about the circumference of anouter edge110 of theplates98,100.

Theplates98,100 may be attached by welding, bonding or any other suitable attachment method. Further, although two separate plates have been illustrated, it will be appreciated that a single plate could also be used and molded or machined to achieve a similar configuration.

Ajaw member112 is associated with eachchannel104 and sized to move within thechannel104. Eachjaw member112 comprises ahead118 having a threadedaperture120 and astud114 which projects from thehead118. In the illustrated embodiment, thehead118 generally has a trapezoidal shape which sits on theridge106 in thecorresponding channel104 with thestud114 extending through thechannel104.

As understood from FIG. 21, thestud114 has a slightly arcuate shape and supports a series of thread crests and roots, generally designated byreference numeral116, on its outer side. The spacing between adjacent threads crests desirably corresponds to a standard pipe thread size, such as, for example, 1½ NPS (i.e., 11.5 threads per inch typical). In this manner, the threadedouter surface116 of thestud114 can engage standard internal threads formed in the pipe fitting58 or at the end of thecirculation pipe12.

FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment of thejaw member112c. Where appropriate, like reference numeral with a “c” suffix have been used to indicate like components between the two embodiments of the jaw members. Eachjaw member112c includes ahead118c having a threadedaperture120c and astud114c which projects from thehead118c. In the illustrated embodiment, thehead118c generally has a trapezoidal shape which sits on theridge106 in thecorresponding channel104 with thestud114c extending through thechannel104.

Thestud114c includes a generallycylindrical shank116c with a flaredend117. An elastic polyurethane orvinyl sleeve119 sits over theshank116c. Thesleeve119 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the flaredhead117 such that thesleeve119 rather than the flaredhead117 contacts the inner wall of the fitting or pipe when installed, as discussed below.

With reference back to FIG. 21, thejaw assembly93 in the illustrated embodiment includes fourjaw members112. Although a fewer or greater number of jaw members can be used, it has been found that fourjaw members112 spaced equal distances from one another about theplate100 work well where the outlet or port of thereturn line18 is skewed relative to the pool wall12 (i.e., is not normal to the pool wall). This arrangement allows theplate100 to sit flush against thepool wall12 while at least three of thejaw members112 engage the inner surface of thereturn line18.

Thejaw assembly93 also includes acircular collar124 which sits on theridge106 about theouter edge110 of theplate98. Thecollar124 includes a plurality ofcircular openings126 positioned so as to align with theaperture120 in thejaw members112 when the collar is positioned on theplate98. Adjustment screws130 are inserted through theopenings126 in thecollar124 and screwed into the threadedapertures120 in thejaw members112. When the adjustment screws130 are threaded into theapertures120 in the jaw member heads118, thejaw members112 are moved radially inward or outward with reference with thecollar124 and within thechannels104 to permit adjustment of the diameter of thejaw assembly93 to accommodate various diameters of fittings and return pipes.

Theedges132 of thechannels104 in thefirst plate98 desirably are beveled to prevent axial movement of thejaw members112 in the channels. That is, the trapezoidal shape of the jaw member heads118 corresponds with the shape between the opposing bevelededges132 of thecorresponding channel104. When inserted into thechannel104, the bottom on thehead118 rides on theridges106 with the sides of thehead118 sliding beneath the beveled edges134. In this manner, thejaw members112 are retained in the axial direction within thechannels104.

Thejaw assembly93 can be used with various types of fittings and return lines including directional discharge fittings, threaded wall fittings, and “shotgun-type” return lines which are flush with thepool wall12 and have no internal threads. For use with threaded wall fittings, thejaw assembly93 is assembled as described above such that thejaw members112 are seated within thechannels104 and the adjustment screws130 are positioned through the alignedopenings126,120 in thecollar124 and jaw member heads118. The diameter between thestuds114 of thejaw members112 is adjusted to approximate the inner diameter of the fitting using the adjustment screws130. Rotation of anadjustment screw130 in one direction moves thecorresponding jaw member112 in a first direction within the channel and rotation of thescrew130 in an opposite direction moves thejaw member112 within thechannel104 in an opposite second direction. In this manner, the spacing between thejaw members112 can be adjusted.

The threaded ends114 of thejaw members112 are then inserted into the fitting and the adjustment screws130 tightened until the threadedstuds114 of thejaw members112 engage the threads on the interior of the pipe, securing thejaw assembly93 to the fitting. When the pool includes a directional fitting, such as the fitting58 illustrated in FIG. 8, the directional fitting is removed and replaced with theadjustable jaw assembly93 as described above. Once adjusted, thejaw assembly93 may be threaded and unthreaded from the fitting by simply twisting theplates98,100.

When used in a pool having a “shotgun” type return, thevinyl sleeve119 can be used in place of thethreads116, as illustrated in FIG.22. Thejaw assembly93 thus uses thejaw members112c illustrated in FIG.22 and is used in the manner described above by inserting thejaw members112c into the return and adjusting thescrews130 until thejaw members112c tightly engage the return. In this position, thevinyl sleeves119 are compressed against the wall of the pipe and are in frictional contact with the PVC pipe. With thejaw members112c tightened against the pipe wall, the resultant frictional contact provides a high degree of resistance to axial forces which may be exerted on thejaw assembly93.

As seen in FIG. 23, thecover96 andseal94 are secured to theadapter92 by thenipple46. Theseal94 comprises an O-ring which sits in a bottom groove (not shown) formed about the end of thecover96. Thenipple46 is inserted through acentral hole138 in thecover96 and threaded into the central threadedopening102 in theplates98,100. Theshoulder52 on the nipple abuts thecover96, compressing the cover and seal136 against thewall12 of the pool. When thecover96 is compressed against thepool wall12 in this manner, water flows from the return line through thenipple46 and into thepurifier10, without leaking through the cover.

Thewires62 from thepurifier10 may be run through the return line or externally along thewall12 of the pool and over the deck for attachment to a power source. In the former case, thewires62 may be passed through one of thechannels104 behind thejaw member112 and routed through a recess (not shown) in thecover96. A grommet or like seal seals the recess about thewires62. In the latter case, thepresent clamp assembly92 also can be used with the extrusion71 (FIG. 17) in the manner described above.

As with the above embodiments, theplate98 can include a plurality of apertures with receive clips (not shown) that are spaced about thecentral hole102. The excess length or slack of thewire62, which is necessary to remove thepurifier10 from the pool without detaching the wire from theextrusion71 or removing the wire from thereturn line18, can be wrapped around to clips for storage before attaching thepool purifier10 to theclamp assembly92.

With reference to FIG. 23, theenclosure34 secures to thepool wall12 by sliding over thenipple46; theenclosure aperture36 and electrode bore32 receive the nipple. Thecap82 secures theenclosure34 and electrolytic cell in place by threading into theend cap49 of thenipple46. As assembled, theenclosure34 generally abuts against thepool wall12 over theclamp assembly92, and thenipple46 communicates with thewater circulation line18.

Thepurifier10, as defined, provides superior descaling characteristics. In hard water, scale deposits on theedges80 of thenipple apertures48 and on theedges28 of theenclosure openings38,39. The diverging orifice configuration of theapertures48 and theopenings38,39 produces an increased flow rate through these orifices, as discussed in detail above. The increase flow rate prevents massive scale growth across theopenings38,39 and theapertures48. Thepurifier10 additionally exhibits greater descaling qualities if used with a power supply reversing the polarity of electricity supplied to theelectrodes20, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,156. These descaling features extends the life of thepurifier10.

Thepurifier10 is also easily retrofitted to apool14 by using the existing circulation line fitting58. The installation, as described above, is simple and cost efficient. Through a few simple installation steps, thenipple46 couples with thecirculation line18 and extends outwardly from thepool wall12. Theenclosure34 slips over thenipple46 and thecap82 secures theenclosure34 onto thenipple46. Installation does not require aligning theenclosure aperture36 with the threadedhole65 of thedirectional discharger64. Nor does the installation of thepurifier10 require simultaneously coupling theenclosure34 and thenipple46 with thedirectional discharger64. Thus, installation is usually completed from the pool deck reaching into thepool14.

In assembly, theenclosure34 fits flat against thepool wall12 or smoothly blends with the contouredpool wall12. This unobtrusive position prevents interference with pool sweeping equipment. The low profile of thepurifier10 as installed also reduces the possibility of interfering with swimmers and is generally inconspicuous—articularly with nowires62 visible from the outside.

Although this invention is described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is intended to be defined only by the claims which follow.

Claims (33)

What is claimed is:

1. A pool water purifier for mounting in a swimming pool on a wall that at least partially defines a confined body of water requiring sanitization to prevent the growth of organisms within the body of water and having a water circulation system recirculating the water within the confined body and including a pipe which communicates with the pool body of water through a port positioned beneath the level of water in the pool body of water, said pool water purifier comprising:

an electrolytic cell having a plurality of electrodes;

an enclosure forming a housing having an internal cavity, said electrolytic cell being disposed with said internal cavity; and

a coupler releasably attached to said housing enclosure and adapted to be secured to the pool wall at a position overlying the port of the water circulation system, said coupler including an inner conduit which defines a water flow path between the water circulation pipe and the enclosure.

2. The pool water purifier of claim1, wherein said coupler comprises a first member which is configured to be positioned at least partially within the water circulation pipe adjacent to the port, and a second member which couples said first member to said enclosure, said first and second members configured to form said inner conduit which extends between the circulation pipe and said internal cavity of said enclosure when said first and second members are engaged.

3. The pool water purifier of claim2, wherein said first member of said coupler comprises an adjustable jaw which varies in size to adjust to a diameter of the water circulation pipe so as to engage an inner surface of the pipe and secure the first member to the pipe port.

4. The pool water purifier of claim3, wherein said first member additionally includes a plate having a plurality of channels which extend away from each other and which receive a plurality of jaw members of said adjustable jaw, said jaw members adapted to move within said channels to vary the spacing between said jaw members.

5. The pool water purifier of claim4, wherein said first member additionally comprises a stationary support which extends between said channels and includes a plurality of holes each positioned to align with one of said channels, and a plurality of adjustment screws each inserted through one of said holes of said stationary support and threaded through a threaded aperture of one of said jaw member such that rotation of said screw moves the respective jaw member within the corresponding channel.

6. The pool water purifier of claim5, wherein said jaw members each include a head and a stud which projects from said head and through said corresponding channel with said head contacting said plate, said threaded aperture of said jaw member being formed in said head.

7. The pool water purifier of claim6, wherein said stud of said jaw member includes a series of thread crests and roots which are configured to engage a corresponding standard size internal thread formed at the end of the circulation pipe.

8. The pool water purifier of claim6, wherein said jaw members each have a generally cylindrical shape.

9. The pool water purifier of claim4, wherein said plate includes a threaded aperture positioned between said channels.

10. The pool water purifier of claim3, wherein said first member additionally comprises a cover having an outer edge and a central threaded opening, and a seal which seats against said cover so as to form a seal between said cover and a portion of a pool the wall which surrounds the port.

11. The pool water purifier of claim2, wherein said first member of said coupler includes a threaded opening and said second members of said coupler includes a complementary threaded shank which engages said threaded opening to connect said first and second members together.

12. The pool water purifier of claim11, wherein said first member includes an aperture formed independent of said threaded opening, said aperture being sized to receive an electrical wire connected to said electrolytic cell.

13. The pool water purifier of claim2, wherein said second member of said coupler defines a flow passage extending at least partially therethrough which communicates with said internal cavity of said housing and the water circulation pipe when engage with the housing and with the first member.

14. The pool water purifier of claim13, wherein said second member includes an elongated body portion in which said flow passage is formed, said flow passage includes an axial passage extending axially through said elongated body portion and a plurality of secondary radial passages extending radially from said axial passage within said elongated body portion.

15. The pool water purifier of claim1, additionally comprising an elongated electrical wire connected to said cell.

16. The pool water purifier of claim15, wherein said electrical wire extends into and at least partially through the water circulation pipe.

17. The pool water purifier of claim15, wherein said wire extends over the surface of a pool the wall to which the coupler is attached and out of the pool body of water.

18. The pool water purifier of claim17 additionally comprising an extrusion which covers at least a portion of said electrical wire.

19. The pool water purifier of claim15, wherein said first member of said coupler includes a passageway through which said electrical wire extends.

20. The pool water purifier of claim131, wherein said coupler comprises a first member and a second member which engages both said first member and a portion of said enclosure, said first member adapted to be secured to a surface of the poolwall at a location covering the port of the water circulation system and having an aperture through which water can flow between the water circulation pipe and the poolbody of water, said first and second members configured to form a water flow path between the pipe and said internal cavity when said first and second members are engaged.

21. The pool water purifier of claim20, wherein said first member comprises a plate having a diameter larger than the port of the water circulation system.

22. The pool water purifier of claim21, wherein said aperture of said plate includes internal threads which cooperate with external threads on said second member.

23. A method of installing pool a water purifier in a swimming pool confined body of water requiring sanitization to prevent the growth of organisms within the body of water and having a water circulation system recirculating the water within the confined body and including a pipe which communicates with the pool body of water through a port positioned beneath the level of water in the pool body of water, said method comprising the steps of:

positioning said pool water purifier beneath the surface of the pool water in the body of water with an electrolytic cell of said pool water purifier positioned in front of the port of said circulation system; and

attaching said electrolytic cell in said position so that water from said pipe flows across said cell.

24. The method as defined in claim23, wherein said attaching step includes positioning a first coupling member in said pipe adjacent said port, positioning a second coupling member in operative engagement with said electrolytic cell, and engaging said first and second members.

25. The method as defined in claim24, wherein said attaching step includes adjusting said first coupling member such that at least a portion of said coupling member has a diameter substantially matching that of the circulation pipe, said first coupling member being adjustable.

26. The method as defined in claim24, wherein said attaching step includes inserting at least a portion of said first coupling member into an end of the circulation pipe and engaging said portion of said first coupling member with the circulation pipe.

27. The method as defined in claim24, wherein said attaching step includes providing a layer of epoxy on a rear surface of said first member, positioning said first member over the pipe port and against a wall of the pool that at least partially defines the body of water with a central hole in said first member being aligned with said port, and biasing said rear surface of first member against the pool wall at least until said epoxy layer cures.

28. The method as defined in claim27, wherein said biasing involves inserting a portion of a biasing clamp through said hole in said first member and into the pipe, and contacting said first member with said clamp while said portion of said clamp is inserted into the pipe to urge said first member against the pool wall.

29. The method as defined in claim23, wherein said attaching step comprises coupling a first coupling member to the port of the water circulation system and positioning said electrolytic cell in operative engagement with said first coupling member.

30. The method as defined in claim29, wherein positioning said electrolytic cell in operative engagement with said first coupling member comprises positioning a second coupling member in operative engagement with said electrolytic cell and engaging said second coupling member with said first coupling member.

31. The water purifier of claim1, wherein said coupler is releasably attached to said enclosure.

32. The water purifier of claim31 wherein said coupler comprises a first coupling member adapted to couple to the port and a second coupling member that is releasably attached to the first coupling member, the second coupling member also attached to the electrode.

33. The water purifier of claim32, wherein said second coupling member is releasably attached to the electrode.

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