Water level control

• US 4,853,986 A
• Filed: 01/02/1986
• Issued: 08/08/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 01/02/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: The Awareness Marketing Corporation
• Original Assignee: The Awareness Marketing Corporation
• Inventors: Allen, D. Mason
• Primary Examiner(s): Recla, Henry J.
• Application Number:
  US06/815,647
• Time in Patent Office: 1,314 Days
• Field of Search: 4/508, 4/411, 4/412, 4/403, 4/395, 4/394, 137/438, 137/429, 137/451, 239/576
• US Class Current: 4/508
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/12 Devices or arrangements for circulating water , i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7452 Movable nozzle or inlet terminal

Abstract

A water level control apparatus for controlling the water level in swimming pools, and the like, has a water nozzle having a hose connector on one end and a water outlet on the other end. A valve is formed in the water nozzle for blocking the flow of water therethrough until the nozzle is bent by a predetermined distance. The water nozzle forms a portion of the valve formed therein. A weighted float is connected to the water nozzle and has a predetermined mass for applying a gravitational force to the water nozzle sufficient to actuate the valve formed in the nozzle to allow the flow of water therethrough. The weighted float also has a predetermined floatation to reduce the gravitational force applied to the nozzle when immersed in water to a predetermined level to thereby close the valve and stop the flow of water therethrough. The weighted float can be connected to the water nozzle with a flexible cord.

Claims

1. A water level control apparatus for controlling the water level of a swimming pool, comprising in combination:

a water nozzle having a hose connector on one end thereof and a water outlet from the other end thereof;

a valve formed in said water nozzle for blocking the flow of water therethrough until said nozzle is bent by a predetermined distance;

a nozzle support means for supporting said nozzle adjacent a body of water, said water nozzle means comprising a water nozzle support encasing said water nozzle and having an opening in the end portion thereof for allowing the escape of water therethrough; and

a weighted float connected to said water nozzle and having a predetermined mass to apply a gravitational force to said water nozzle sufficient to actuate said valve to allow the flow of water therethrough and having a predetermined flotation to reduce the gravitational force applied to said nozzle when said weighted float is immersed in water to a predetermined level to thereby close said valve and stop the flow of water therethrough, said weighted float being connected to said water nozzle with an adjustable, elongated, flexible cord, the length of which is adjustable to determine a predetermined level of water in a body of water whereby said water level control apparatus can monitor the flow of water through said valve until the water level in said body of water rises to a predetermined level on said weighted float.

2. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said weighted float is a partially filled hollow container.

3. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which said weighted float is a partially empty container and has a threaded cap thereon, and said threaded cap has an eyelet formed thereof for attaching said flexible cord thereto.

4. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 3 in which said hollow container is a transparent polymer container partially filled with a mass.

5. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 4 in which said water nozzle has a reinforced rubber nozzle portion, bendable relative to a rigid support nozzle portion.

6. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said water nozzle support is attached to a pool deck with threaded fasteners.

7. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 6 in which said water nozzle support has two portions, one of which is attached to the other to clamp onto said water nozzle for supporting said water nozzle therein.

8. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which said water nozzle support has an opening for a water hose to pass thereinto for attaching to said water nozzle hose connector.

9. A water level control apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which said water nozzle is connected to a hose which has attaching brackets for attaching to a diving board adjacent a swimming pool.