Stationary pool skimming apparatus
The present invention is a stationary pool skimming apparatus that uses the flow of water in a pool to collect free flowing debris from the water in the pool. In one embodiment, a pool skimming apparatus for collecting debris from water in a pool includes a frame having a net attached thereto. A first end of the frame includes a compression mechanism. The compression mechanism is adapted for being connected to a skimmer port of the pool such that the frame and net extend into the pool in a manner enabling the net of the pool skimming apparatus to collect debris from the water in the pool. The compression mechanism operates in either of an inverted position and a non-inverted position.
1. A pool skimming apparatus for collecting debris from water in a pool, comprising:
a frame having a net attached thereto, a first end of the frame comprising a compression mechanism adapted for being connected to a skimmer port of a pool such that the net extends into the pool in a manner enabling the net to collect debris from the water in the pool, the compression mechanism operating in either of an inverted position and a non-inverted position, wherein the compression mechanism comprises a gripping means adapted for gripping the skimmer port and an actuating means adapted for actuating the gripping means in a manner enabling connection of the compression mechanism to the skimmer port.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the net is tapered in a manner tending to direct the debris from a second end of the frame toward the first end of the frame.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the net is tapered such that a distance with which the net extends behind the frame increases in the direction from a second end of the frame toward the first end of the frame.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the pool skimming apparatus is adapted such that, when the compression mechanism is connected to the skimmer port, a first portion of the net extends above the surface of the water in the pool and a second portion of the net extends below the surface of the water in the pool, thereby positioning the net with respect to the surface of the water in a manner enabling the net to collect the debris from the water in the pool.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein, when the pool skimming apparatus is connected to the skimmer port, the pool skimming apparatus is connected to the skimmer port substantially near a side of the skimmer port that is opposite a direction from which the water flows in the pool, thereby positioning the net to collect debris that does not enter the skimmer port.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the gripping means comprises a first gripping end adapted for contacting a first wall of the skimmer port and a second gripping end adapted for contacting a second wall of the skimmer port.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the first gripping end comprises a first waterproof pad and the second gripping end comprises a second waterproof pad.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the actuating means comprises a pair of finger grips.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein, when the finger grips are pressed toward each other, the gripping means contracts in a manner enabling the first end of the frame to be positioned within the skimmer port.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein, when the finger grips are released, the gripping means expands in a manner enabling the gripping means to grip the skimmer port of the pool.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the gripping means comprises a first gripping end and a second gripping end, wherein the first gripping end contacts a first wall of the skimmer port and the second gripping end contacts a second wall of the skimmer port.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a tab adapted for keeping the frame substantially stationary while water is flowing in the pool.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the tab is adapted to rest against a face of the skimmer port in a manner tending to counteract a force exerted on the apparatus due to the flow of the water in the pool.
14. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a second end of the frame comprises at least one floatation means adapted for buoying the second end of the frame.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
at least one handle connected to the frame.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first handle connected to a first longitudinal end of the frame; and
a second handle connected to a second longitudinal end of the frame.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the net is attached to an inside edge of the frame in a manner tending to prevent obstruction of the net by the frame.
18. A pool skimming apparatus for collecting debris from water in a pool, comprising:
a frame having a net attached thereto, a first end of the frame comprising a compression mechanism adapted for being connected to a skimmer port of a pool such that the net extends into the pool in a manner enabling the net to collect debris from the water in the pool, wherein the compression mechanism is adapted for orienting the pool skimming apparatus with respect to an opening in the skimmer port independent of a direction of flow of water in the pool, wherein the compression mechanism comprises a gripping means adapted for gripping the skimmer port and an actuating means adapted for actuating the gripping means in a manner enabling connection of the compression mechanism to the skimmer port.
19. A pool skimming apparatus for collecting debris from water in a pool, comprising:
a frame having a net attached thereto, the frame comprising a compression mechanism adapted for being connected to a skimmer port of a pool such that the net extends into the pool in a manner enabling the net to collect debris from the water in the pool, wherein the compression mechanism comprises a gripping means adapted for gripping the skimmer port and an actuating means adapted for actuating the gripping means in a manner enabling connection of the compression mechanism to the skimmer port.