STANDARDS COMPLIANT UNBLOCKABLE ANTI-ENTRAPMENT POOL MAIN DRAIN COVER

Abstract

Anti-entrapment drain cover [A] for pools is formed by a molded wheel-like cover unit [10] of radial dimensions greater than the radius of any pool sump or drain [10] to be covered, so as to extend over the drain floor radially beyond the drain. Radial ribs [14] below the cover unit define channels opening at the periphery to provide a side inlet [18] between each rib pair so that the periphery stands off the surface sufficiently for water flow through the inlets but with spacing insufficient for user grasping of the cover. Arcuate inlet recesses [20] open periphery between rib pairs, so water flows into the channels for draining without potential for pool user entrapment even if a pool user attempts to block them. Securements are such that the cover, which is user unbreakable, cannot be pulled away by the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/519660, Filed May 26, 2011, for ANTI-ENTRAPMENT SWIMMING POOL AND WADING POOL MAIN DRAIN COVER and Provisional Patent Application No. 61/572,090, Filed Jul. 11, 2011, for ANTI-ENTRAPMENT SWIMMING POOL AND WADING POOL MAIN DRAIN COVER, both of the present inventor, Harry W. Newhard, and both of which applications are incorporated by reference herewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to swimming pool and wading pool drains and spas, more particularly, to a standards compliant or standards-setting drain cover which is of universal character but capable not only of providing anti-entrapment drain protection for users in an extremely wide variety of facilities which include such drains but also meeting newly established regulatory standards, which have come into being because of the dangers associated with inadequately protected drains and sumps, such as in swimming pools, water recreation facilities, wading pools, spas, and other pooled water facilities where it is required to recirculate water by removing it through drains, or sumps, and then reintroduced filtered water or otherwise restore water to the body of water or facility. Water circulation systems used in swimming pools and wading pools, water recreation facilities, and spas necessarily circulate and filter relatively large volumes of water, with water at many gallons per minute being pumped into these pools and simultaneously being drawn from these pools through one or more drains, drain sumps and/or pool suction or water inlet fittings, all being referred to herein for convenience simply as "drains" and located below the water surface, as in a pool floor or side wall.

[0003] Such standards as described above have come about because conventional drain covers used in swimming pools and wading pools have been found to create a danger and potential hazard for pool or spa users, and in particular, children, because the high volume of water flowing into sumps beneath conventional drains tend to create suction (with characteristic flow) and/or such concentrated areas of flow that a child, for example, can literally be unable to remove a hand, foot or other body member from the drain cover with which the child has come into contact. There have been tragic drownings and other serious injuries, including a most hideous injury of actual disembowelment, of children in swimming pools and wading pools. These risks are not limited to children. They extend to all other persons who are users of these facilities.

The risks, loss of life, and injuries have resulted in demands in many regions and localities and jurisdictions throughout the United States of America and elsewhere in the world for protection against entrapment and injury at drains of swimming pools and wading pools.

[0004] This has resulted in proposals, regulations or laws to require multiple drains in swimming pools and wading pools. Multiple drains are, however, not a good solution to the problems and resultant dangers of existing drains in swimming pools and wading pools, because this overlooks the fact that water pressure exerts force proportional to the cross-sectional open area of a drain. It is important to understand that the mere provision of one or more additional main drains of comparable area does not reduce the force of water pressure across the area of a drain, and does not solve a problem of entrapment resulting from suction developed in the pool circulation system which draws water in through the drain, from which pool or spa users must be protected from entrapment.

[0005] The new secure drain cover of the invention alters of the way in which water enters a drain protected by the cover by providing for the drain widely dispersed water entrance passages, each of small cross-sectional open area, and each preferably designed so as to be inherently non-entrapping, and from which water entering the drain is channeled. It is also desired to avoid high suction conditions as water enters an unprotected drain.

[0006] A protective drain cover of the invention is extremely strong, with capability to support nearly or about 400 pounds of weight without cracking or damage.

[0007] A concern is that a drain cover meeting protective requirements must also be capable of receiving a high volumetric flow rate while avoiding flow conditions around or over the drain cover that would draw a swimmer, such as a curious child, toward still closer to the drain cover. The drain cover must avoid a suction that pulls such a person still closer. It should be benign in its flow characteristics even while actual flow therein is entirely adequate. The new drain cover is benign in flow characteristics.

[0008] The new drain cover is secure and cannot be removed by a swimmer through mischief or curiosity. Curiosity and mischievousness, such as sometimes characteristic of young swimmers, might always be expected to lead to misguided attempt by such a swimmer to determine how firmly attached is the drain cover, and so such a swimmer might grasp an edge of the drain cover and attempt to pull it away from the pool floor or wall to which the drain cover is attached. Or such a swimmer might attempt, out of abundant mischief, to break the drain cover away. The new drain cover is designed with at least four anchor points to hold it in place, there being concentric rings of securement to prevent the drain cover from being pried up or pulled away.

[0009] Newhard utility U.S. Pat. No. 6,615,417 was issued to the present inventor in 2003 for Anti-Entrapment Swimming Pool and Wading Pool Main Drain Cover and Method having a wheel-like configuration in the form of a disk with a relatively large radius, the disk having radius larger than the radius of a pool drain which the drain cover is intended to cover, so that the disk extends out over the pool floor or other surface having the drain, radially beyond the drain. Ribs beneath the disk define between them channels opening at the periphery. The ribs support the disk cover on the surface so that the disk periphery stands off that surface for water flow intake beneath and through the side inlets. The ribs and channels control water flow beneath the disk so that water flows in the channels from the periphery and then into the drain. This disk unit arrangement is limited in size and usually limited to attachment to the drain itself, and there is come concern that it is not completely unblockable in the sense that, in theory, a very large person could block it by completely covering it with the body. Also, there is now a question whether a person of extreme strength could, at least as presently believed, tear this existing device loose from the drain securement.

[0010] Newhard United States Design Pat. No. D333,342 was issued to the present inventor in 1993 for a safety cover for a drain, and included ornamental features useful in safe drain covers but was configured so that it could extend into a drain opening, i.e., sump, of a swimming pool and including ribs, which were tapered and not of constant height. The drain cover shown in that patent did not disclose various information such as dimensions and relationships or flow characteristics, nor did it disclose specific securement to a drain.

[0011] Newhard United States Design Pat. No. D466,199 was issued to the present inventor in 2002 for a safety cover for a drain and included ornamental features useful in safe drain covers including ribs, which were not tapered and were of constant height. It shows a cover having a periphery with multiple arcuate recesses. It did not disclose various information such as dimensions and relationships or flow characteristics. It disclosed specific securement to a drain per se and not to other structure.

[0012] By comparison, the new drain cover continues to permit safe flow even if there is an attempt by a pool or spa user to block the cover with the one's body. Because a drain cover could draw the curiosity of a young swimmer, such swimmer might attempt to cover the entire outer surface of the drain cover with his or her body. Even if so attempted, the new drain cover still operates safely, as it will not permit flow of water into the drain cover to be interrupted or significantly reduced. The new drain is unblockable and is so designated as unblockable according to regulatory standards, as a person's body is not large enough to completely block flow into the drain cover, so that there can be no entrapment and safety is thus maintained for every user. It is standards compliant as being unblockable.

[0013] The various difficulties or limitations of previous drain covers are avoided by the new unblockable drain cover. Its design features and method of operation are such that it can be used in place of myriads of previously known installed conventional drain covers which are now regarded by regulatory agencies as unsafe and present risk of entrapment or which are not unblockable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Accordingly, among the several objects, features and advantages of the invention include the provision of drain cover for swimming pool and/or wading pool drains (suction fittings) which is standards compliant in being is anti-entrapment, suction-avoiding, and injury-preventing device for providing drain protection for users of such pools by precluding limb/body entanglement; and which is unblockable and is thus is a safety device which avoids any danger or potential hazard for pool users, and in particular, children, even when a high volume of water flows into a drain with which the new device is used; which is inherently non-entrapping, as well as avoiding development of usual suction conditions which may develop as water enters the drain which it covers protectively; which alters of the way in which water enters the drain it protects by providing widely dispersed water entrance passages, each of small cross-sectional area, and each preferably designed so as themselves to be inherently non-entrapping; which accordingly does not have any dangerous concentrated areas of flow that might entrap the hand, foot, hair, other body member or clothing of a child even when a child comes into contact with the new device; which can prevent drain-related drownings and other serious injuries; and which protects not only children but all persons; which is easy to install in connection with a wide range of sizes of conventional drains and yet does not extend into a drain opening; which does not require modification of existing drains; which does not require installation of additional drains; which is extremely easily and rapidly installed in place of existing drain covers; which is simple, reliable, inexpensive and highly durable in construction; and which is aesthetically pleasing. The new drain cover is designed to retrofit to all round or square pool sumps having dimensions from 5 inches to 12 inches, providing the new drain cover the capability to achieve the status of an unblockable system It is designed for use with both vertical and horizontal mount types. It is also pool cleaner friendly, being designed to avoid interference with pool cleaner devices and practices.

[0015] Briefly, the drain cover is formed as an integral unit, being suggestive of a round, generally flat plate, and molded as a single entity of wheel-like configuration having a center and with horizontal extent which proceeds or extends radially outward in all directions relative to the center to an extent substantially larger than the radius of any pool drain, suction inlet, or pool sump (any of which can be referred to simply as "drain" throughout this description) which the drain cover must overlie in covering relationship. Thus, the cover unit extends out over the pool floor or other surface having the drain or sump, radially very substantially beyond the drain. The cover unit carries beneath it a plurality of evenly spaced radial ribs which define between them channels opening at the periphery, such that there is a side inlet between each pair of ribs. The ribs support the cover unit on the surface in which the drain is located so that the cover unit periphery stands off that surface for water flow intake beneath through the side inlets, but by vertical spacing of less than 0.5 inches. The cover unit periphery is provided with multiple arcuate recesses, at least one such recess being between each rib pair, so that each arcuate recess also opens into the channel between each rib pair. The ribs and channels control water flow beneath the cover unit so that water flows relatively evenly in the channels from the periphery and then into the drain without potential for pool user entrapment and substantially without creation of dangerous regions. The arcuate recesses further preclude entrapment by allowing flow to enter the channels beneath the cover unit even when any of the sides is attempted to be blocked by the body of a pool user or other object The cover unit has screw-receiving openings, preferably in the forms of screw-receiving slots, for accommodating attachment to various sizes of drains by which the drain cover is secured to the drain itself, and having further securement-receiving openings radially outward of the drain itself, by which the drain cover is capable of being secured radially beyond the drain to the pool floor or other surface having the drain in addition to securement to the drain itself. The drain cover is sized and configured to provide capability to a preselected minimum volumetric flow rate without potential for pool user entrapment and substantially without creation of risk of entrapment or injury to pool users, and it is unblockable by users. The drain cover is of universal character useful for providing anti-entrapment protection in the widest possible variety of swimming pools and wading pools. Other objects and features will be apparent or are pointed out more particular in the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view, in perspective, of a drain cover in accordance with and embodying the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the drain cover.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the new drain cover.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the new drain cover.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view thereof.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the new drain cover showing features for installation securement, before the drain cover is installed.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a side elevation view as installed in a swimming pool, and showing in cross section swimming pool construction material.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross section view of the new drain cover, as installed, and cross section of the swimming pool drain and pool construction, all as taken on line FIG. 8-FIG. 8 of FIG. 7.

[0024] Corresponding characters indicate corresponding elements in different views of the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF PRACTICAL EMBODIMENT(S)

[0025] Referring to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 8, illustrated generally at A is an embodiment of the new drain cover covering the drain in the floor or wall of a swimming pool and/or wading pool, or other body of circulating or drained water which a user may enter in which an unprotected drain may pose a danger. As noted herein above, the terms "sump" or "suction fitting" "suction inlet" or "water inlet fitting" or "circulation system inlet" all are synonymous with the term "drain."

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, drain cover A is a molded, integral unit, molded for example of polypropylene or other strong, durable, crack-resistant thermal plastic or polymer, copolymer, terpolymer, etc., such as for example, ABS, nylon and other suitable synthetic resin materials . Polypropylene is preferred because of its strength and adaptability to molding but also because of its resistance to chemicals in the water of such pools and to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

[0027] Drain cover A is generally of or wheel-like configuration, being formed by a cover unit 10 which provides a surface cover to cover a drain, being a unit that is nearly flat and round, or seemingly so, but having in any event surface radial dimensions extending outwardly from its center by a substantial distance as compared with the radius of any drain which it is intended to cover, so that the cover unit as installed extends radially very substantially beyond the drain in all directions out over the pool floor or other surface in which the drain is located.

[0028] Cover unit 10 has a surface 12 which, although substantially flat, is provided with certain slot openings, and may include surface treatments or mold recesses discussed below, The cover unit surface major portion is preferably generally planar.

[0029] Referring now also to FIG. 2, a bottom plan view of cover unit cover A, referred to more simply by the term "cover unit," and here being shown as a generally circular disk, even though shapes other than circular or substantially or strictly circular are possible, such as longer in one horizontal axis than another, such as oval, or star-shaped. Cover unit 10 carries beneath it a polarity of evenly spaced radial ribs of multiple kinds as designated 14, 15 and 16. A first type 14 are ribs in symmetric arrangement and extend from a point of near the center of cover unit 10 outwardly to the cover unit perimeter. Each of ribs 14 is a doubled main rib 14 defining a recess 14R along a portion of its length. Ribs 15 are also in symmetric arrangement. Each of ribs 15 defines a recess 15R along a portion of its length. Each such recess opens into the face of the cover unit and is an elongated through-hole. Some ribs 16 do not have such recesses and do not extend from a point of near the center of cover unit but do extend to the periphery. Ribs 14 intersect at the center of the cover unit.

[0030] Water flow channels 17 are defined between each pair of ribs, each opening at the perimeter of the cover unit to provide a corresponding side inlet, as generally designated by reference numeral 18 in FIG. 5, for example. There are sixteen such water flow channels, each opening at the periphery of the cover unit 10 to provide a corresponding side inlet, as generally designated by reference numeral 18. There are thus also sixteen such side inlets 18 in this embodiment. A different number of channels and inlets might be found suitable.

[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-6, ribs 14, 15 and 16 all are of substantially constant height to extend from the underside of cover unit I into engagement with a pool floor or other surface 19, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, for water flow intake through side inlets 18 rather than passing into through-holes in cover unit 10, and to support the cover in its operating position. Therefore, understand that the cover unit, its ribs, cooperating by engagement with the pool floor or other surface, essentially compartmentalize each of the water flow channels for guiding flow of water from the periphery of the cover unit to the drain upon which the cover unit is centered. The foregoing water flow channels are arranged in equal quarters or sectors beneath cover unit 10, as defined or demarcated by ribs 14. Correspondingly, four principal ribs 14' define or demarcate the sectors.

[0032] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, cover unit 10 is provided around its perimeter with a continuous series of crescent-form arcuate recesses 20, there being one such recess 20 between each pair of ribs, and so that each arcuate recess 20 also opens into a corresponding channel 18 between each pair of ribs. Because of recesses 18, the cover unit periphery is effectively scalloped about its periphery, seemingly by crescent-form cutouts, which are simply are the continuous series of recesses or scallops each forming an angular projection, as at 22, between each pair of recesses 20. Projections 22 are cusps to which a respective rib extends radially. A cusp is located between each arcuate recess 20 and defines the outer extremity of its corresponding rib 14.

[0033] The surface 12 of cover unit 10 may be surface roughened, as by molding, or as shown here provided with small embossments or indentations, as at 33 in FIG. 1 and aligned on the surface with the ribs beneath surface 10 and such features are suggestive of the rays of a star, or it may be otherwise surfaced or textured, all to provide a non-slip surface, should it be engaged by a pool user, and for purposes of facilitating high quality molding, as well providing suggestion of the function of cover A.

[0034] The recesses 14R of doubled main ribs 14 define open into the cover unit surface and define on the cover unit surface elongated inner securement slots 28 and outer securement slots 29 for receiving attachment devices such as screws, drive pins, lock pins, keys, clips, cam fasteners, or other fastening expedients, for interengaging cover A and a structure of the floor or drain such as designated at 30 in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0035] As thus shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, screw anchors 31, such as preferably 316 stainless steel star tip anchors, are shown as provided for insertion into drilled bores in the floor surface, while machine screws 32 are shown as provided for threaded engagement of a flange Df of the drain D. Some drains are known which have no usable flange or insufficient flange surface for engagement, and so the same type of screw anchors may instead be present at 32. Therefore, two concentric rings of securement are provided: a first ring comprises the set of four screws, as at 31, which either engage a flange of the drain, or are screw anchors engaging the pool surface just outward of the periphery of the drain; and a second ring comprises the four screw anchors 32 which are arcuately equidistant around the periphery of drain cover A and secure the new drain cover to the pool (or spa) surface very close to the outer edges of the drain cover, so that not only is the drain cover thus tightly clamped in position and securely attached by multiple rings of fastening elements but also the attachment to the pool surface is at a location which minimizes any possibility that a pool or spa user, such as a curious child, would pry at the pool cover in a misguided or mischievous attempt to lift it from the pool or spa surface and so endanger the curious or misguided user.

[0036] Screws 32 represent possible forms of screws or other attachment devices which may be used, A variety of possible screw anchors useful in securement to cement or cementitious or aggregate or polymeric pool floor (or side wall) materials may be selected according to the type of material that will be present. The preferred screw anchors are such as to withstand more than about 2100 pounds of pull-out force, so that no person would be of sufficient strength to pull them loose. So also, the height of the ribs are chosen such that the vertical gap spacing at the periphery, that is of the channels opening at the periphery relative to the surface to which drain cover A is affixed, is less than 0.5 inch, preferably about 0.4 inch, so that a gap spacing is insufficient for inserting the fingers or a user who might, out of mischief or careless intent, attempt to lift the drain cover. Therefore, as a practical matter, the unblockable new drain cover cannot be lifted by fingers of a user, and so adding extreme safety.

[0037] In operation as thus installed, new drain cover A very effectively allows water to be drawn into the drain through side inlets 18 in all the sectors, and with the ribs and defined channels 16 controlling water flow beneath cover unit 10 so that water flows relatively evenly in the channels from the periphery and then into the drain without potential for pool user entrapment and substantially without creation of dangerous flow or suction conditions. The crescent- or arcuate-form recesses or scallops 20 further preclude entrapment by allowing flow to enter the channels beneath the cover unit when any of the side inlets is attempted to be blocked by the body of a pool user or other object adjacent the cover unit periphery. For example, a child's foot, as symbolically shown at 38, could come into contact with the scalloped periphery. Even if such a body member of a pool user (or any other object) comes into contact with the periphery, each scallop or arcuate recess 20 acts to permit continued flow into its corresponding channel 16, so that not even one channel 16 would be attempted to be blocked. If an arcuate recess 20 is covered by the body of a pool user or an object, flow continues to be provided through the underlying side inlet 18, and vice versa.

[0038] More specifically, the new drain cover is certified to handle a flow rate of 80 gpm (gallons per minute) at 0.8 fps (feet per second) and 100 gpm. at 1.2 fps. As illustrative of its size, it is preferred to be 20 in. in diameter by 0.49 in. in height. The maximum object size to gain entry by the drain cover into the sum it guards is 3/8 in. The new drain cover is effectively unblockable and the type is classified as, and complies with, by ANSI/ASME specification A112.19.8 standard. Thus it is capable of, and intended to be capable of use, for guarding and protectively covering either round or square/rectangular sumps, and where round sumps or drains can be up to 13 inches in diameter, and with the above flow rates being such that they would not under any circumstances ever be deemed dangerous to a pool or user, no matter the size of the pool or spa user. The new drain cover is capable of providing protection even if a pool or spa user were capable, as in terms of size and extent of providing a "body block" to as much as 18 in. by 23 in., which is commonly specified or measured as a maximum block which a user might provide, and yet even if so "body blocked" the new drain cover provides such flow rate of less than one foot/sec. It is thus unblockable.

[0039] In any event, a wide region peripherally about the drain is covered protectively by cover unit 10, so that intake area through side inlets 18 is widely distributed to areas and water intake area is effectively increased with corresponding reduction in flow rate through any inlet 18 or recess 20, such that nonturbulent water flow is provided so as to eliminate danger by providing substantially reduce flow rates. Flow accordingly into the periphery of cover unit 10 is smooth and will not entrap a pool user.

[0040] It will be understood that because of pool drain locations at various possible sites on pool floors and walls, and because of differences produced by varying depths and the close proximity of pool wails, for example, flow rates in each of the channels of a drain protected by the new pool cover necessarily will vary. It may not be possible to quantify flow rate in each of flow channels 16 for each of myriad possible installations, but each cover A can readily handle at least 100 gpm or more of water flow into the drain.

[0041] Securement slots 28 and 29 are of relatively small cross-section which do not substantially contribute to water flow, as compared to water flowing beneath the cover unit from its periphery through either the side inlets or the crescent-form recesses. Thus flow through slots 28 and 29, being open except at the location of screws or fasteners, permit small amounts of water to flow into the drain, bypassing the peripheral

[0042] The slot arrangement facilitates installation, and the new drain covers could be installed in existing, already-filled, or partially filled pools. As an underwater installation, the cover must be easy to install, and the attachment slots greatly facilitate rapid installation.

[0043] Accordingly, it is seen that drain cover A provides a novel and highly effective method of protecting users of a swimming pool or wading pool or spa from entrapment in a drain of such a pool, comprising covering the drain with cover unit 10 having a radius substantially greater than the radius of the drain, so that the cover unit extends out radially beyond the drain in all directions over the pool floor surface or other surface in which the drain is located, providing beneath the cover unit a series of radial ribs 14 which define between them channels 16 opening at the periphery to provide side inlets 18, such that there is a side inlet between each pair of ribs, the ribs supporting the cover on said surface in which the drain is located, so that the cover unit periphery stands off said surface, for water flow intake beneath the cover unit through side inlets 18, providing around the periphery of the cover unit a plurality of recesses 20, each adjacent the next, such that at least one such recess also opens into the channel 16 between each pair of ribs 14, and using ribs 14 and channels 16 to cause water to flow relatively evenly in the channels through the side inlets and recesses from the periphery and then into the drain without potential for pool user entrapment and substantially without high suction conditions.

[0044] It will be evident from the foregoing description that the new drain cover implements a method protecting users involving relocating of drain flow regions, which otherwise might be over a drain, to a peripheral location, that is, to the cover unit periphery is provided with multiple arcuate recesses, and thus the flow of water at any such point around the periphery is greatly less than it would be if water entered at conventional drain flow regions, such as might otherwise overlie a drain.

[0045] The design method of operation protects users of a swimming pool or wading pool from entrapment in a drain of such a pool by covering the drain with a cover unit having water entry points substantially radially distant the drain to be covered, so that, if circular, the cover unit extends out radially beyond the drain in all directions over the pool floor surface or other surface in which the drain is located. The method further provides flow channels beneath the cover unit, the channels opening at the periphery to provide side inlets. The flow channels are defined by ribs supporting the cover on the pool surface in which the drain is located, so that the cover unit periphery stands off said surface, for water flow intake beneath the cover unit through the side inlets, and further involves preferably providing around the periphery of the cover unit a plurality of recesses, each adjacent the next, such that at least one such recess also opens into the channel between each pair of ribs, and using the ribs and channels to cause water to flow relatively evenly in the channels through the side inlets and recesses from the periphery and then into the drain without potential for pool user entrapment.

[0046] The presently implemented method of operation involves increasing the open space by extending the cover over and beyond the sump (that is, the drain), lowering the flow rate of the drain and eliminating or reducing potential for pool user entrapment. The method best involves securing the drain cover in concentric relation to the drain by using attachment anchor devices extending through the cover unit for attachment to the drain or to the pool surface about the drain, as shown and described.

[0047] The method and construction also includes spacing the periphery of the drain cover so close to the surface to which it is secured that a user cannot successfully insert fingers to pry up or pull off or break off the drain cover.

[0048] In view of the foregoing description of the present invention and practical embodiments it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantages are attained. The embodiments and examples were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. For example, the overall shape may be other than circular, or may conform to existing pool drain configurations.

[0049] As various modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting.

[0050] The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An effectively unblockable anti-entrapment sump or drain suction protecting cover, providing secure suction protection for users of water-containing facilities exemplified by swimming pools, wading pool and other water-containing facilities, the cover comprising; an integral cover unit of wheel-like configuration having a center and extending radially outward in all directions relative to the center to an extent substantially larger than the radius of any pool drain or sump which the drain cover must overlie in covering relationship, so that the cover unit extends out over the pool floor or other surface having the drain or sump, radially beyond the drain; the cover unit carrying beneath it a plurality of evenly spaced radial ribs which define between them channels opening at the periphery, such that there is a side inlet between each pair of ribs; the ribs supporting the cover on the pool surface in which the drain or sump is located so that the cover unit periphery stands off that surface for water flow intake beneath through the side inlets; the cover unit periphery being provided with multiple arcuate recesses opening to the periphery, at least one such recess being between each rib pair, so that each arcuate recess also opens into the channel between each rib pair; the ribs and channels controlling water flow beneath the cover unit so that water flows relatively evenly in the channels from the periphery and then into the drain or sump without potential for pool user entrapment; the arcuate recesses further precluding entrapment by allowing flow to enter the channels beneath the cover unit even when any of the side inlets is blocked by the body of a pool user or other object; multiple sets of securements, comprising a first set of screw-receiving openings receiving attachment devices therein for direct screwing to flange portions of a drain or sump to be protected, and a second set of screw-receiving openings receiving attachment devices therein for direct screwing into a floor or other surface having the drain or sump to be protected, such that the first and second sets of securement provide at least four points of securement of the suction protecting cover over the drain or sump.

2. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the cover being an integral unit formed of strong, durable, crack-resistant material having resistance to chemicals in the water and to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the strength being sufficient that no user who might grasp an edge of the drain cover and attempt could pull it away, or break it, from the pool floor or wall to which the suction protecting cover is attached. Or such a swimmer might attempt, out of abundant mischief, to break the drain cover away.

3. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the cover being of molded thermal plastic or polymeric synthetic resin material.

4. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 3, the cover being of molded polypropylene.

5. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the cover being certified to handle a flow rate of 80 gpm (gallons per minute) at 0.8 fps (feet per second) and 100 gpm at 1.2 fps.

6. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 5, the cover being type classified as, and complying ANSI/ASME specification A112.19.8 standard.

6. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the cover being to be capable of use, for guarding and protectively covering either round or square/rectangular sumps, and where round sumps or drains can be up to 13 inches in diameter, and with flow rates being such that they would not under any circumstances ever be deemed dangerous to a user, no matter the size of the user.

7. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the cover being capable of providing user protection even if a pool or spa user were capable, as in terms of size and extent of providing a "body block" to as much as 18 in. by 23 in., which is commonly specified or measured as a maximum block which a user might provide, and yet even if so "body blocked" the new drain cover provides such flow rate of less than one foot/sec.

8. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the cover being to be capable nearly or about 400 pounds of weight without cracking or damage.

9. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, comprising two concentric rings of securement, the rings being concentric relative to the center of the cover, and providing thereby inner and outer rings of securement.

10. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the rings of securement, comprising a first, inner ring for screw securement of a flange of the drain or screw anchor engagement of the pool surface just outward of the periphery of the drain; and a second, outer ring radially outward from of the first ring, the second ring providing for multiple screw anchor securement to the pool surface farther outward of the periphery of the drain so as to be arcuately equidistant around the periphery of the cover, whereby the cover is tightly clamped in position and securely attached by multiple rings of fastening elements.

11. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, the cover securements providing attachment to the pool surface at attachment locations which minimize any possibility that a pool or spa user, such as a curious child, would pry at the pool cover in a misguided or mischievous attempt to lift it from the pool or spa surface and so endanger the curious or misguided user.

12. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 11, the cover being of height and character that a user in the water cannot pry the cover from its secured position.

13. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 11, the cover being secured at least in part by plurality of screw anchors extending through the cover into the pool or spa surface, the screw anchors being are such as to withstand more than about 2100 pounds of pull-out force, so that no person would be of sufficient strength to pull them loose.

14. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 12, the ribs supporting the cover on the surface being of height of the ribs such that the vertical gap spacing at the periphery, that is of the channels opening at the periphery relative to the surface to which drain cover is secured, is less than 0.5 inch so that a gap spacing at the periphery is insufficient for inserting the fingers or a user.

15. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 12, the cover being about 0.49 in. in height.

16. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein each arcuate recess opens upwardly through the cover unit between each pair of ribs peripherally of the cover unit, such that flow of water may occur downwardly either through the respective recesses or laterally through the side openings, or both.

17. A suction protecting cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the ribs all are of substantially constant height to extend from the underside of the cover unit into engagement with the pool surface to which the cover is for water flow intake primarily through side inlets rather than passing into through-holes in face of the cover, so as to support the cover in its operating position on the pool surface; the ribs, by cooperating by engagement with said pool surface, essentially compartmentalize each of the water flow channels for guiding flow of water from the periphery of the cover unit to the drain which the cover unit is secured. The water flow channels being arranged in equal quarters or sectors beneath the cover, as defined by the ribs; and wherein a plurality of principal ribs define the sectors.

18. A drain cover as set forth in claim I wherein the drain cover includes securement slots extending through its upper surface that are of relatively small cross-section as compared with inlets at the periphery of the cover so that only a relatively small amount of water may flow through the securement slots which accordingly do not substantially contribute to water flow into the drain, as compared to water flowing beneath the cover unit from its periphery.

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