Gary P Blackman

US Patent:

20040182768, Sep 23, 2004

Filed:

Feb 14, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/779081

Inventors:

Gary Blackman - Carmel Valley CA, US
Kent Zilliox - Carmel Valley CA, US

International Classification:

E04H004/16
E04H003/16
E04H004/12

US Classification:

210/169000

Abstract:

A floating multi-directional liquid-skimming device which quickly and efficiently gathers, traps and retains floating material, capable of quickly changing direction with minimal effort, and without dumping the collected debris. The device can be pushed and pulled repeatedly across the surface of a body of fluid, such as a swimming pool, by an attached pole, chain, tether, or by automated means. The device comprises a perimeter frame attached to a debris collection net, where the frame can rotate relative to a central axis. The central axis may have a central axis element, such as an axle or spindle, rotate-ably connected to the perimeter frame, such that the frame can rotate relative to the surface of the body of liquid. The central axis element may be fixedly attached to a pole handle. Floatation elements are located within the opening of the collection net, along the axle. The frame can be rotate-ably attached to the central axis element, such as by snapping the central element into pivot points in the frame. Alternative configurations can also be used to rotate-ably attach the swivel frame to a handle, so that the skimmer frame is free to swivel or rotate relative to the handle, where frame rotates relative to the liquid surface. In typical operation, the skimmer frame floats when at rest so that the frame is roughly parallel to the surface of the liquid body, and where the top perimeter edge of the frame is above the liquid surface, to retain collected debris. If the device is pulled toward an operator, the skimmer frame swivels relative to the surface, such that the opening of the skimmer frame is facing the direction of travel, to enable capture of material, both floating on and suspended slightly below the liquid surface. When the skimmer motion is stopped, inherent floatation causes the skimmer frame to quickly swivel back to the resting position, parallel to the liquid surface, retaining collected debris material. If the skimmer is then pushed back across the surface, such as away from the operator, the skimmer frame again swivels, such that the frame opening is facing the new direction of travel. Quick and efficient swiveling, can be induced by inherent angled fins, to catch the liquid along the current leading edge, forcing submersion of the leading edge, and elevation of the trailing edge.

US Patent:

20060002759, Jan 5, 2006

Filed:

Jun 29, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/171837

Inventors:

Gary Blackman - Carmel Valley CA, US
Kent Zilliox - Carmel Valley CA, US

International Classification:

F16B 7/10

US Classification:

403109300

Abstract:

A quick change pole end connector apparatus for quickly connecting one or more devices to a long handled pole. The inventive apparatus can be secured between the outer end of a pole handle and a device to be attached. In one embodiment, a quick change pole end connector can be built to fit swimming pool pole handles, which are typically 1.15 inch outside diameter, and have a pair of opposing spring release connector pins, which are snapped into a matching pair of holes in a device to be connected. The invention can be built to allow a user to quickly connect a pole end device at an angle relative to the pole. In another embodiment, a quick change pole end connector apparatus can be made to accommodate two or more devices to be attached to a pole at the same time.

US Patent:

20060016047, Jan 26, 2006

Filed:

Jun 29, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/171836

Inventors:

Gary Blackman - Carmel Valley CA, US
Kent Zilliox - Carmel Valley CA, US

International Classification:

E05D 15/50

US Classification:

016231000

Abstract:

A connector apparatus which comprises two main connector parts, pivotally joined by a hinge mechanism, enabling a first part of the connector apparatus to be pivoted into an angled orientation position relative to the second connector part. Together with a hinge mechanism the connector apparatus can include an integral locking mechanism, such that the two main connector parts can be pivoted into a desired relative orientation and then locked into place. The user can easily unlock, pivot, and then lock the hinge mechanism in a desired relative orientation, allowing the device to be switched between straight, and angled orientations very quickly. In one embodiment, a connector apparatus is made to attach a pole handle, such as a swimming pool cleaning apparatus handle, on the first main connector part, and where the second main connector part attaches to a swimming pool skimmer net or brush.

US Patent:

20080060124, Mar 13, 2008

Filed:

Sep 7, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/899839

Inventors:

Gary Palmer Blackman - Carmel Valley CA, US
Kent Brian Zilliox - Carmel Valley CA, US

International Classification:

E04H 4/16

US Classification:

4498

Abstract:

A floating debris capture device and method which can be employed by those who have a normal pool cover which does not have a debris capture system. The device is located under the side regions of a floating pool cover, where debris is either washed or swept from the cover as it's reeled onto a spool during the cover removal operation. The device comprises a floating frame and a mesh screen. Extending from the side of the device adjacent to the pool wall is a positioning wing flap, which serves to anchor the device to the corner edge of a pool, and retain the device in proper position to catch debris as a pool cover is rolled up onto a spool.

US Patent:

20080185842, Aug 7, 2008

Filed:

Feb 6, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/703345

Inventors:

Gary Palmer Blackman - Carmel Valley CA, US
Kent Brian Zilliox - Carmel Valley CA, US

International Classification:

F16L 17/02

US Classification:

285376

Abstract:

The invention provides a dual mode hose connection device which can be attached to standard threaded devices such as a typical garden hose faucet, and which offers a quick connection type of attachment as well. In one embodiment, a first dual mode connection piece is threaded onto a faucet. Once connected, standard garden hoses can be attached to the connector using a first mode comprising threaded fittings. In an alternative mode of usage, a second corresponding quick connection piece can be attached to the first connection piece, allowing rapid attachment and rapid removal of the second connection piece along with any desired devices or hoses which are connected down-line of the second piece. Thus, once a first dual mode connector piece is attached to a faucet, then either standard threaded hoses, or quick connect adapted hoses can be used without removing the first dual mode connection piece.