Liquid purification or separation – Processes – Separating
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-28
2001-06-05
Upton, Christopher (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Processes
Separating
C210S167150, C210S496000, C210S504000, C210S505000, C210S508000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06241899
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to improved filter bags for use with automatic and manual pool cleaning devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Filtration systems are necessary to remove dirt and foreign matter from the water in swimming pools. Typically, filtration systems direct pool water through a filtering unit, which holds a porous filter bag for trapping any sediment and debris, while discharging the filtered water.
The filter bags used in filtering units are generally formed from a porous, nylon mesh material, which is cut and sewn into an appropriate bag shape, with an opening for attachment to the pool filter. Small particles of debris cannot be filtered out of the pool water by the mesh. Larger pieces of debris can attach to the stitching, thereby obstructing the flow of water out of the filter bag. Periodically the pool owner or operator must open the filter bag and remove the collected sediment and debris from the filter bag. Handling decaying debris, such as worms, dead bugs, and moldy leaves, can be unsanitary and unpleasant. The pool owner or operator must then clean the filter bag (or put a soiled one back on) before putting it back on the filtering unit. The cost of the filter bags presently being used dictates against replacing them with new ones until they are torn or worn out.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a disposable filter bag for use with automatic and manual pool cleaning devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to the materials used in forming such a filter bag, as well as the method of assembling the filter bag. The actual shape of the filter bag is not part of the invention.
The filter bag of the present invention, which is made from a porous, water-permeable, nonwoven material, is economical to produce. The nonwoven material can be coated with adhesive material so that the seams can be fused together instead of sewn. Because of the low cost, a pool owner or operator can remove and discard a filter bag when it has collected a sufficient amount of debris. The filter bag is durable and resistant to wear, permitting it to be installed and removed without the possibility of tearing. Presently, the material of choice for filter bags is nylon mesh, which is porous, but which is unable to filter very small particles of debris from pool water. The present invention uses materials with a fine web, resulting in superior filtering of small particles of debris, thereby improving pool water clarity. Unlike mesh, the material of the present invention is not susceptible to the growth of mold. The material of the present invention is low in cost, so that each filter bag can be disposed of and replaced after several months of normal use. No maintenance, either emptying or cleaning, is required. The material has some “give”, so that it completely fills the filtering unit as it collects debris. Finally, the adhesive coating on the nonwoven material allows the seams and edges of the filter bags to be heat-fused, without sewing. As a result, the filter bag of the present invention can be made more inexpensively and more quickly than are sewn nylon mesh filter bags.
Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description.
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Gaskin Mary J.
Upton Christopher
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