Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
APPARATUS FOR EVACUATING CONTAMINANTS AND WATER VAPOR FROM
AN AREA ABOVE A SWIMMING POOL
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an apparatus for
evacuating air from an area above a body of liquid, and in
particular an apparatus for evacuating contaminants and
water vapor from an area above a swimming pool and
exhausting the contaminants and water vapor to an area
outside of an enclosure housing the swimming pool. The
invention also provides a method for evacuating
contaminants and water vapor from an enclosure housing a
swimming pool.
[0003] In one embodiment of the invention comprises a
perimeter drain assembly extending around the swimming
pool, at least one conduit in communication with a channel
defined by the drain assembly, at least one port in the
conduit for directing air, at least one port in the
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conduit for directing liquid, at least one exhaust
conduit, and at least one exhaust apparatus for drawing
and directing the contaminants and water vapor to a
desired area separate and apart from the swimming pool
enclosure or facility.
[0004] In another embodiment, the invention provides a
method for evacuating contaminants and water vapor from an
enclosure housing a swimming pool comprising the steps of
directing a flow of air against and/or across the surface
of a swimming pool, creating a zone of containment for
contaminants and water vapor substantially above the
swimming pool, and evacuating the contaminants and water
vapor across the pool surface into at least one port
defined by the conduit and into an exhaust system.
[0005] The chemicals used to treat water in a swimming
pool create contaminants that may be harmful to swimmers
and others present within an enclosure housing a swimming
pool (e.g., a natatorium). The water in the swimming pool
also creates water vapor (i.e., humidity) within the
swimming pool facility. The contaminants (e.g.,
chloramine) can irritate the eyes and air passages of
individuals in and around the pool area. The contaminants
such as chloramine are present in the air within the
swimming pool enclosure, but are concentrated in an area
immediately above the surface of the swimming pool.
Unfortunately, greater amounts of chloramine are created
when the swimming pool is in use due to swimmers agitating
the water (e.g., swimming and splashing). Moreover, the
high humidity within the enclosure creates an
uncomfortable environment for individuals and can affect
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the physical structure (e.g., girders and roofing) forming
the enclosure (e.g., corrosion).
[0006] Moreover, the high humidity formed within the
enclosure housing a swimming pool requires that a heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system run almost
continuously to circulate and dehumidify the air contained
within the enclosure. In addition, the HVAC system runs
nearly continuously to circulate the air in order to avoid
high concentrations of contaminants in the air.
[0007] It is desirable therefore to reduce the levels of
contaminants and humidity within the enclosure housing a
swimming pool. Moreover, it is desirable for swimming
pool facilities to improve the efficiency of the HVAC
system in order to reduce costs associated with
circulating, filtering, and dehumidifying the air within
the swimming pool facility.
[0008] Accordingly, the present invention addresses the
requirements for an energy-efficient apparatus and method
for evacuating contaminants and water vapor from a
swimming pool facility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention comprises in one embodiment a
perimeter deck drain assembly extending around the
swimming pool, at least one conduit in communication with
a channel defined by the deck drain assembly, at least one
port defined by the conduit for directing air, at least
one port defined by the conduit for directing liquid, at
least one exhaust conduit, and at least one exhaust
apparatus for drawing and directing the contaminants and
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water vapor to a desired area separate and apart from the
swimming pool facility. The evacuation system may include
bench seating with ports for positioning adjacent the
surface of a pool and for receiving air flow therein that
can be directed to an appropriate exhaust system.
[0010] In another embodiment, the invention provides a
method for evacuating contaminants and water vapor from an
enclosure housing a swimming pool comprising the steps of
directing a flow of air against the surface of a swimming
pool, creating a zone of containment for contaminants and
water vapor substantially above the swimming pool, and
evacuating the contaminants and water vapor across the
pool surface into at least one port defined by the conduit
and into an exhaust system.
***
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises
an assembly mounted to a wall adjacent the body of liquid.
The assembly is comprised of a top section, opposing side
sections connected by the top section, and at least one
flange extending from an edge of at least one side
section. The assembly also includes at least one port
connected to a conduit wherein the port directs
contaminants and water vapor from a surface of the body of
liquid into said conduit, and the conduit evacuates the
contaminants and water vapor from the body of liquid. The
flange may secure the assembly to a wall adjacent the body
of liquid. The flange may include at least one opening
for securing the assembly to the wall.
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[0012] In another embodiment, the wall-mounted assembly or
the bench assembly is a two-piece or three-piece assembly.
Specifically, the assemblies may include two or more side
sections and top sections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of
the invention and the manner in which the same are
accomplished will become clearer based on the following
detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing in which various embodiments of the
invention are depicted.
[0014] Fig. 1 is a top plan view of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0015] Fig. 2 is a top plan view of another embodiment of
the invention;
[0016] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0017] Fig. 4a is a cross-sectional side view of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0018] Fig. 4b is a partial enlarged view of the
embodiment of the invention depicted in Fig. 4a;
[0019] Fig. 5 is a partial perspective view of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0020] Fig. 6a is a cross-sectional side view of one
embodiment of the invention;
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[0021] Fig. 6b is a partial enlarged view of the
embodiment of the invention depicted in Fig. 6a;
[0022] Fig. 7a is a cross-sectional side view of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0023] Fig. 7b is a partial enlarged view of the
embodiment of the invention depicted in Fig. 7a;
[0024] Fig. 8 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0025] Fig. 9 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the
invention;
[0026] Fig. 10 is a schematic view of one embodiment of
the invention.
[0027] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of one
embodiment of the invention;
[0028] Fig. 11A is a front elevation view of the
adjustable neck of Figure 11.
[0029] Fig. 11B shows one embodiment of the tray of Figure
11 with multiple sloped surfaces for draining.
[0030] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the
embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 11.
[0031] Fig. 13 is a front elevation view of an embodiment
of the invention utilizing a bench with ports for
ventilation.
[0032] Fig. 14 is a side elevation view of the bench
embodiment shown in Fig. 13.
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[0033] Fig. 15 is a side elevation view of the bench
embodiment of Fig. 14 having modular stackable sections.
[00341 Fig. 16 is a front elevation view of the exhaust
connection of the bench embodiment of Fig. 14.
[0035] Fig. 17 is a side elevation view of the exhaust
connection of Fig. 16.
[0036] Fig. 18 is a side elevation view of another
embodiment of the invention mounted to a wall;
[0037] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the wall-mounted
embodiment of the invention;
[0038] Fig. 20 is a top plan view of a body of water
depicting one embodiment of the invention mounted to a
wall and illustrating the overall air flow of the
invention in combination with the body of liquid;
[0039] Fig. 21 is a side elevation view of the invention
comprised of a side section and an integral top and side
section;
[0040] Fig. 22 is a partial enlarged view of the invention
illustrating an end or edge of a side section of the
invention.
[0041] Fig. 23 is a side elevation view of the invention
comprised of two separate side sections and a top section;
and
[0042] Fig. 24 is a partial enlarged view of the invention
illustrating the connection between a side section and a
top section of the invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The present invention will now be described more
fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the invention
is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure
will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the
scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like
numbers refer to like elements throughout.
[0044] The invention 10 comprises in one embodiment a
perimeter deck drain assembly 11 extending around a body
of water (e.g., swimming pool 17), at least one conduit 12
positioned substantially adjacent to the deck drain
assembly, at least one exhaust conduit 13 for evacuating
contaminants and water vapor, and at least one exhaust
apparatus 14 for drawing and directing the contaminants
and water vapor to a desired area. The embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are adapted to be integrated
with an HVAC system associated with standard swimming pool
construction as well as standard chloramines evacuation
systems.
[0045] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3 the deck drain assembly
extends around the swimming pool and includes a bottom
panel 15 and two side panels 16A, 16B extending vertically
from opposing edges of the bottom panel. The deck drain
assembly defines a channel 20 for collecting and
circulating liquid (e.g., pool water). A grate or grate
sections 21 may cover the channel. The gutter assembly
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may be formed from any number of materials suitable for
pool construction such as concrete, stainless, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), fiberglass, or tile.
[0046] The conduit 12 is in communication with the channel
20 and is positioned substantially adjacent thereto. For
example, in one embodiment the conduit 12 is secured to
one of the side panels 16A, 16B opposite the side panel
adjacent to the pool. Stated differently, the conduit 12
may be secured to a back side panel of the deck drain
assembly. In one embodiment, the conduit is positioned
slightly above the side panels.
[0047] It will be understood that the conduit may be
formed from any number of materials suitable for
construction in connection with swimming pools. For
example, the conduit 12 may be formed from polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), stainless steel or concrete.
L0048] The conduit 12 defines at least one port 22 for
directing air and at least one port 23 for directing
liquid. It will be understood that any number of ports
for directing air and fluid (e.g., water) may be
positioned about the conduit and perimeter deck drain
assembly. Moreover, the ports 22, 23 for directing air
and water may be of varying sizes depending upon the size
of the swimming pool and pool facility, and requirements
to create a uniform draw to properly evacuate contaminants
and water vapor. Depending upon the pool structure, the
ports may be formed in the PVC, stainless steel, or
concrete forming the perimeter gutter assembly.
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[0049] Advantageously, the conduit 12 evacuates
contaminants and water vapor suspended above a body of
liquid (e.g., swimming pool) when a flow of air 24
traveling across the pool surface enters the channel 20 of
the perimeter deck drain assembly and the ports 22 for
directing air.
[0050] As shown in Fig. 10 the exhaust conduit 13 for
evacuating the contaminants and water vapor is in
communication with the conduit 12. As illustrated in Fig.
the exhaust apparatus 14 draws and directs the
contaminants and water vapor to a desired area spaced
apart from the swimming pool (e.g., an exhaust vent
outside of the swimming pool facility).
[0051] In one embodiment depicted in Figs. 4a, 4h, 6a, and
6b the port for directing air 22 is positioned above the
port for directing liquid 23. As configured, the port for
directing air 22 receives flowing air that is drawn from
across the pool surface and into the channel 20 defined by
the perimeter deck drain assembly. The port for directing
air 22 is positioned above the pool surface and is capable
of receiving the flowing air containing contaminants and
water vapor from the pool surface as well as from the
surface of any water collected in the channel 20. Stated
differently, the uniform draw of flowing air from the pool
surface necessarily draws contaminants and water vapor
from water collected in the channel 20 of the perimeter
deck drain assembly (see Figs. 4a and 6a).
[0052] In one embodiment, the port for directing air 22
and the port for directing liquid 23 are substantially
coplanar with respect to one another (see Figs. 3 and 4a).
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In other words, the two ports 22, 23 are formed in the
conduit 12 and back panel 163 of the perimeter deck drain
assembly. This particular embodiment is configured for
deck drain assemblies wherein a portion of the pool deck
18 extends over the channel of the gutter assembly.
[0053] In another embodiment, the port for directing air
22 and the port for directing liquid 23 are substantially
perpendicular with respect to one another (see Figs 5 and
6a). Stated differently, the port for directing air 22 is
coplanar with the pool deck 18 and flowing air containing
contaminants and water vapor is drawn through the top of
the conduit. This particular embodiment is configured for
perimeter gutter assemblies wherein the pool deck 18 is
flush or coplanar with the deck drain assembly.
[0054] As shown in Figs. 4a and 6a, the port for directing
liquid 23 directs condensed water vapor into the channel.
In another embodiment shown in Figs. 5 and 7a, the port
for directing liquid 23 directs condensed water vapor away
from the channel, for example, into a drain 25.
Advantageously, this configuration provides a self-
draining feature to the conduit.
[0055] The invention may further include at least one air
source 26 for directing a flow of air downward against the
surface of the swimming pool 17 as depicted in Fig. 8. As
discussed below, it will be understood that one or more
air sources may be incorporated into the subject invention
to ensure proper evacuation of contaminants and water
vapor, and sufficient recirculation of clean air (i.e.,
air containing minimal amounts of contaminants and water
vapor). In one embodiment, one air source 26 (e.g., HVAC
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duct) is positioned above the swimming pool 17 in a
central location with respect to the pool.
[0056] In operation, the flowing air from the air source
26 creates a zone 30 for containing contaminants and water
vapor substantially above and adjacent to the pool surface
(see Fig. 8). The flowing air creates overpressure above
the swimming pool surface and forms the containment zone.
It is understood that the air above the pool surface
containing contaminants and water vapor is denser than the
air emanating from the air source. Advantageously, the
flowing air directs contaminants and water vapor from the
containment zone 30 across the pool surface and through
the conduit 12 into the port for directing air 22 to the
exhaust conduit 13. In this particular embodiment
depicted in Fig. 8, the central location of the air source
26 and the exhaust system draws the air containing
contaminants and water vapor across the pool surface in
multiple directions in a uniform draw and into the conduit
12 for evacuation by the exhaust system.
[0057] The invention may also include one or more of
additional air sources 27 for circulating a flow of air
substantially adjacent to the containment zone 30 as
depicted in Figs. 8 and 9. The additional air sources 27
may be positioned above the pool deck 18 on opposite sides
of the swimming pool facility (i.e., on both sides the
central air source 26 positioned directly above the
swimming pool 17). As illustrated, the flowing air from
the additional air sources maintains the integrity of the
containment zone 30 and facilitates circulation of air
substantially adjacent to the containment zone 30. By
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doing so, clean air containing less contaminants and water
vapor than in the containment zone is circulated adjacent
to the containment zone 30 and adjacent to the airflow
emanating from the central air source 26, thereby
minimizing contaminants and water vapor (i.e., humidity)
in the areas adjacent to the swimming pool.
[0058] Advantageously, the subject invention evacuates
contaminants and water vapor where it is most heavily
concentrated (i.e., above the pool surface) and prevents
the contaminants and water vapor from disseminating
throughout the swimming pool facility. Conventional
systems merely mix and recirculate air containing
contaminants and water vapor continuously in an effort to
reduce chloramine and humidity levels within the swimming
pool facility by dilution. As configured, the present
novel invention works in unison with (i.e., balanced with)
the HVAC system to reduce the number of air changes per
hour (ACH) throughout the entire facility required to
maintain safe levels of contaminants and a comfortable
level of humidity and air quality. This is accomplished
by evacuating contaminants and water vapor directly from
the area most affected¨i.e., the air in the containment
zone 30 immediately above the swimming pool surface. By
focusing evacuation in the containment zone 30, fewer
number of air changes are required in the areas adjacent
to the containment zone. In other words, the apparatus
affects an area smaller than the entire area of the
facility (i.e., the area immediately above the swimming
pool surface) and is capable of increasing the number of
air changes per hour (ACH) within the containment zone.
By doing so, the apparatus 10 reduces the number of air
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changes per hour (ACH) required in the areas adjacent to
the containment zone.
[0059] As depicted in Fig. 9 in an alternative embodiment,
the invention may also include yet another air source 28
for directing a flow of air 24 across the surface of the
swimming pool 17 from one side of the pool to another. In
this embodiment, the additional air source 28 directs a
flow of air 24 from one port for directing air 22 to
another port for directing air 22 that is positioned
opposite thereto. In other words, the additional air
source 28 will direct (i.e., sweep) air from one or more
ports 22 on one side of a swimming pool, across the pool
surface, and into one or more ports 22 on the opposite
side of the swimming pool. The flowing air 24 is then
directed to the exhaust conduit 13 by the exhaust
apparatus 14.
[0060] The invention may also include an enclosure 31 for
housing the apparatus and swimming pool.
[0061] The invention also provides a method for evacuating
contaminants and water vapor from an enclosure 31 housing
a swimming pool 17. The method includes the steps of
directing a flow of air against the surface of the
swimming pool, creating a zone of containment 30 for
contaminants and water vapor substantially above the
swimming pool, and evacuating the contaminants and water
vapor across the pool surface. The contaminants and water
vapor are directed into the ports 22 defined by the
conduit 12 positioned substantially adjacent to the pool
surface and into an exhaust system.
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[0062] In summary, the present apparatus and method
provides the following advantageous benefits: reduces the
level of contaminants and water vapor in the entire
enclosure housing a swimming pool; operates in conjunction
with HVAC system to remove contaminants, reduce humidity
levels in the facility and thereby improve overall air
quality; decreases the amount of heat in the facility;
reduces the requirement to operate dehumidifiers within
the HVAC system; reduces the number of air changes per
hour (ACH) required to maintain safe contaminant levels
and reduce humidity within the facility; reduces tonnage
(i.e., amount of airflow) required of an HVAC system to
recirculate and dehumidify air, and to reduce the
concentration of contaminants (e.g., chloramine) within
the facility; reduces the operating costs of a HVAC system
(i.e., compressor and dehumidifier); and improves energy
efficiency resulting from the variable operation of the
subject invention (i.e., operates during peak demand when
the pool is in use and is idle during off hours when the
pool is closed); operates during peak demand or upon
demand dependent upon humidity levels in the facility..
[0063] Furthermore, the subject apparatus and method
decreases the amount of tonnage necessary to circulate and
dehumidify air in a swimming pool facility, thereby
reducing the size of new enclosures for swimming pools
necessary to circulate and dehumidify the air contained
therein.
[0064] In addition to new construction, the apparatus 10
is also suitable for retrofit applications for existing
swimming pool facilities. By retrofitting existing
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facilities with the novel apparatus, one may be able to
reduce the number of dehumidifiers required to maintain
comfortable levels of humidity, or at least minimize the
operating time of existing dehumidifiers, thereby
improving energy efficiency and reducing operating costs.
[0065] In another embodiment set forth in Figures 11 and
12, the invention comprises a perimeter deck drain
assembly 40 extending around at least a portion of a body
of liquid (e.g., swimming pool 17), at least one tray 41
for directing liquid (e.g., water) secured to lower
portions of the gutter assembly 40, and a grating system
42 for receiving water. The gutter assembly 40 has two
side panels 43a, 43b, an upper section 44, and a lower
section 45 all of which define at least one conduit 46 for
collecting and circulating liquid. In this embodiment,
the deck drain assembly 40 may be constructed
substantially adjacent to the body of liquid (i.e.,
swimming pool). In operation, the conduit 46 evacuates
contaminants and water vapor suspended above the body of
liquid when a flow of air 24 traveling across the body of
liquid enters the grating system 42 and conduit 46. The
invention also facilitates evacuation of water vapor and
contaminants formed in the conduit 46 when the water is
agitated during travel. In this specific embodiment as
described in detail below, the deck drain assembly 40
includes a deck drain 47 integral with the evacuation
apparatus 10, wherein the deck drain 47 is flush with the
deck 18 of the swimming pool 17. As shown in Fig. 11B,
the tray may be shaped in any desired configuration to
assist in draining and may include variously sloped
surfaces.
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[0066] Advantageously, the upper section 44 of the gutter
assembly 40 is adjustable for height and supports the
grating system 42. Specifically, the upper section 44 of
the deck drain assembly 40 includes an adjustable neck 48.
As shown in Fig. 1, the upper section 44 includes a four-
sided section 49 having a perimeter that is slightly
larger than another portion of the neck. The adjustment
feature is shown schematically in Figure 11A. As
configured, the uppermost section of the neck 48 may be
adjusted for height depending upon, in one embodiment, the
depth of the conduit 46 and the height of a pool deck 18,
and then secured to the remaining lower section 45 of the
neck 48. For example, tack welds can secure the uppermost
section of the neck to the remaining lower section 45 of
the neck.
[0067] The tray 41 is secured to lower portions of the two
side panels 43A, 43B of the deck drain assembly 40. The
apparatus may include any number of trays 41 sufficient to
form a bottom panel 60 of the assembly. One or more trays
41 may be sloped towards one or more drains such that
water entering the grating system 42 and conduit 46 will
he directed to the drain for recirculation.
[0068] The grating system 42 is positioned against the
upper section 44 of the deck drain assembly 40. The
grating system 42 includes at least one grate section 55
defining a plurality of openings 56 for receiving liquid
or water from a swimming pool deck and a support 57
secured to the upper section 44 of the deck drain assembly
40. The support 57 releasably secures the grate sections
55 to the deck drain assembly 40. The grate sections 55
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having openings 56 may be interspersed with grate sections
55 having no openings depending upon the size and shape of
the swimming pool and the requirements for providing
sufficient recirculation of the water.
[0069] The invention may also include at least one support
member 58 for supporting the gutter assembly 40. In one
embodiment, the support member 58 is secured with rebar to
concrete or other material forming the swimming pool.
[0070] The invention may also include at least one exhaust
conduit 13 for evacuating contaminants and water vapor,
and at least one exhaust apparatus 14 for drawing and
directing the contaminants and water vapor to a desired
area. The exhaust conduit 13 for evacuating the
contaminants and water vapor is in communication with the
conduit 46 of the deck drain assembly 40. The exhaust
apparatus 14 draws and directs the contaminants and water
vapor to a desired area spaced apart from the swimming
pool (e.g., an exhaust vent outside of the swimming pool
facility).
[0071] As described earlier, at least one air source 26
for directing a flow of air against the surface of the
swimming pool may be provided. In operation, the flowing
air from the air source 26 creates a zone 30 for
containing contaminants and water vapor substantially
above the pool surface. The flowing air directs
contaminants and water vapor from the containment zone 30
through the grating system 42 into the conduit 46 and to
the exhaust conduit 13. As depicted in Fig. 2, the
grating system 42 is flush with the deck surface 18 of the
swimming pool 17.
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[0072] As previously discussed, this embodiment may also
include at least one air source 28 for directing a flow of
air 24 across the surface of the swimming pool 17. This
embodiment may further include at least another air source
27 for circulating a flow of air substantially adjacent to
the containment zone 30, such that the flowing air
maintains the integrity of the containment zone and
facilitates circulation of air substantially adjacent to
the containment zone.
[0073] This particular embodiment may also include an
enclosure 31 for housing the apparatus and swimming pool.
[0074] A method incorporating this latest embodiment is
also provided. The method includes the steps of directing
a flow of air against and/or across the surface of the
swimming pool, creating a zone of containment for
contaminants and water vapor substantially above the
swimming pool, and evacuating the contaminants and water
vapor across the pool surface, into at least one conduit
46 positioned substantially adjacent the pool surface, and
into an exhaust system.
[0075] The invention includes yet another embodiment in
which the ports for evacuating contaminants and water vapor
are conveniently implemented in the form of a deck bench as
illustrated in Figs. 13-17. The bench provides a seat
around the perimeter of a body of liquid, such as a swimming
pool. The front section 65 of the bench assembly 70 defines
ports 22 that receive air flow from just above the surface
of the liquid. Similar to the embodiments noted above, the
ports direct contaminants and water vapor to the appropriate
exhaust removal system and drainage system. Air enters a
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conduit defined by edges of the bench assembly 70 through
the ports 22 and exits through an exhaust connector 68 to
the appropriate exhaust removal and handling system.
[0076] Figure 14 shows the air flow entering a respective
port 22, and one should note that the air flow may be
controlled in any of the ways described above for other
embodiments of this invention so long as contaminants and
water vapor efficiently enter the conduit defined by the
bench assembly via the ports 22. Accordingly, the
invention may further include at least one air source 26 for
directing a flow of air downward against the surface of the
water in a swimming pool 17 as depicted in Fig. 8 to push
water vapor and contaminants into the ports 22 defined by
the bench assembly 70. As discussed above, it will be
understood that one or more air sources may be incorporated
into the subject invention to ensure proper evacuation of
contaminants and water vapor and sufficient recirculation of
clean air (i.e., air containing minimal amounts of
contaminants and water vapor).
[0077] Figure 15 shows that the bench assembly 70 may be
formed of modular sections 70A, 70B, 700 for stacking and
easy storage. The sections incorporate connectors (e.g.,
standard draw catches) that allow the sections to fit
together tightly, and a gasket 67 may fit between
connected sections to seal the sections together. Each
section may also include a rubber foot 69 for sealing the
bench assembly 70 to the floor (i.e., a floor seal).
Overall, the sections 70A-700 fit to each other and to the
floor adjacent a body of liquid to create an air tight
enclosure that is connected to an exhaust removal system
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by an end piece 68 as shown in Figures 16 and 17. The
exhaust removal system may be configured to provide a
negative pressure level that actually sucks the
contaminants and water vapor into the appropriate exhaust
removal mechanisms.
[0078] So long as the ports 22 are accessible to the air
flow above the body of liquid, the system will efficiently
transport contaminants away from the liquid. The bench
assembly may be sized as appropriate for the amount of
contamination to be removed (e.g., sections of 16 inches
by 16 inches allow for 256 square inches of air flow).
The body of the bench assembly 70 and its component
sections 70A-70C may comprise any materials that are
convenient for manufacturing the sections and that can
withstand the pressures used in the system. Bench
assemblies of molded plastics or shaped metals are within
the scope of the invention described herein. The number
of ports 22 and the number of sections 70A-70C may be
adjusted to fit the use at hand. The bench assembly may be
placed in one or more regions around the body of liquid or
may encompass the entire perimeter of the body of liquid.
***
[0079] In yet another embodiment, the Invention includes
a wall-mounted apparatus. More specifically, the
apparatus 100 includes an assembly 110 mounted to a wall
111 adjacent the body of liquid. The assembly 110 is
comprised of a top section 112, opposing side sections
113, 114 connected by the top section, and at least one
flange 115 extending from an edge of at least one of the
side sections. In the embodiment appearing in Fig. 18,
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the assembly 111 includes two flanges 115 that mount to a
wall. The assembly 110 also includes at least one port
116 connected to a conduit 117, such that the port directs
contaminants and water vapor from a surface of the body of
liquid into the conduit, and the conduit evacuates the
contaminants and water vapor from the body of liquid.
[0080] In one embodiment depicted in Fig. 19, the
flange(s) 115 defines at least one opening 118 for
securing the assembly 110 to the wall. It will be
understood that the flange 115 may not necessarily include
an opening, but can be used in any number of fashions to
provide a flat surface for securing the assembly 110 to a
wall. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 19, the
assembly 110 is secured to the wall by a mounting member
119. The mounting member 119 can be a screw, a nail, a
fastener, bracket, a bolt, or combinations thereof.
[0081] The assembly 110 may also include modular sections
110A, 110B, 110C that fit together on the wall around the
body of liquid. The modular sections 110A, 110B, 1100 may
include connectors 120 for fitting the modular sections to
each other. One or more gaskets 121 may be used between
pairs of modular sections to maintain an airtight seal.
In addition, the assembly 110 may include at least one
wall seal 122 to maintain an airtight seal.
[0082] An exhaust connector 124 connecting the conduit 117
to an exhaust removal system is also included in the
assembly 110. One end of the assembly may include an end
piece 123 sealing the conduit 117.
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CA 02742065 2011-06-03
[0083] In another embodiment of the invention, the top
section 112 and one of the side sections 113, 114 of the
wall-mounted 110 or bench assembly 70 are integrally
formed as illustrated in Fig. 21, such that the other side
section is a separate piece. In this embodiment, at least
one end of the top section 112 is releasably secured to
one end of one of the side sections 113, 114. That said,
the top section 112 and the side sections 113, 114 may
also be formed from separate pieces, wherein the top
section is releasably secured to the side sections as
illustrated in Fig. 22. Accordingly, in this embodiment,
opposing ends of the top section 112 are releasably
secured to ends of the side sections 113, 114.
[0084] In the drawings and specification, there have been
disclosed typical embodiments on the invention and,
although specific terms have been employed, they have been
used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being
set forth in the following claims.
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