Michael L Hodak

US Patent:

7005063, Feb 28, 2006

Filed:

Jan 30, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/768992

Inventors:

Michael L. Hodak - Venetia PA, US

International Classification:

E04H 4/16

US Classification:

210169, 210232, 2104162, 4496

Abstract:

A flow diverting weir for attachment to a face plate of a skimmer of a swimming pool comprising an enclosed scoop member having an opening on one side to allow entry of water from the pool into the skimmer, the scoop member further includes a lower peripheral edge which carries flexible lip means for attachment to the skimmer face plate, the scoop member further includes a top surface carrying slot means and an elongated paddle removably received in the slot means, said paddle adapted to extend outwardly into the pool to divert an additional surface flow of pool water into the scoop member and skimmer.

US Patent:

20080275780, Nov 6, 2008

Filed:

Feb 26, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/037339

Inventors:

Michael L. Hodak - Venetia PA, US

International Classification:

G06Q 30/00

US Classification:

705 14

Abstract:

A sales aid for selling hot tubs comprising a full-size pattern of a selected hot tub model which is imaged on a flexible, lightweight carrier sheet or fabric such as a vinyl poly blend which is durable and easily transportable. The full-size pattern is preferably a color photographic image of the actual hot tub model being offered for sale. A hot tub dealer or exhibitor may have one or more patterns of the invention for each of the desired hot tub models it wishes to market, without the need to have the actual hot tubs occupying valuable floor space in the store. When a prospective purchaser wants to ensure a proper site fit of the hot tub on his or her premises, the pattern is loaned to the prospective purchaser with the understanding that it will be returned to the store. This arrangement causes the prospective purchaser to return to the store, at which time the sale is hopefully made, in accordance with the sales aid method of the invention.

US Patent:

20140007339, Jan 9, 2014

Filed:

Jul 3, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/934583

Inventors:

Michael L. Hodak - Venetia PA, US

International Classification:

E04H 4/12

US Classification:

4507

Abstract:

A closure assembly for a swimming pool skimmer comprising a sealing closure which is designed dimensionally to fit common rectangularly shaped skimmer openings of rectangular shape of the skimmer opening. The faceplate has a flange which overlaps the peripheral area of the skimmer flange. The closure faceplate sidewalls extend into the skimmer opening. A monolithic sealing gasket, preferably of injection molded silicone rubber or other polymeric material, closely fits around the outer perimeter of the closure faceplate sidewalls. A wedge plate member is fitted into the sealing gasket. A closure means in the form of a nut and bolt or a stud hook member and cam lock arrangement are used to exert the closing force on the wedge plate to force the sidewalls of the wedge plate member into engagement with the monolithic sealing gasket. The wedging action of the wedge plate member against the monolithic sealing gasket causes the outer sidewalls of the sealing gasket to flex outwardly and tightly engage the sidewalls of the skimmer opening to prevent water leakage into the skimmer body. In this manner, leakage of water from the poolside into the skimmer and pump conduit is prevented.

US Patent:

59482451, Sep 7, 1999

Filed:

Apr 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/823408

Inventors:

Michael L. Hodak - Venetia PA

International Classification:

E04H 416

US Classification:

210169

Abstract:

A skimmer for a swimming pool includes a weir which extends outwardly from the skimmer face plate to divert a portion of the flowing pool water into the skimmer for subsequent treatment and recirculation. The weir is preferably attached to the skimmer face plate by a flexible lip formed around a peripheral edge of the weir which selectively snaps onto and off of a flange formed around the perimeter of the skimmer face plate. The leading edge of the weir extends outwardly from the pool sidewall to exert an enlarged field of influence on the water flowing along the surface of the pool to skim debris from the pool in less time than conventional skimmer devices.

US Patent:

59374535, Aug 17, 1999

Filed:

Jan 27, 1998

Appl. No.:

8/930838

Inventors:

Frank J. Hodak - Valencia PA
Michael L. Hodak - Venetia PA

International Classification:

E04H 400

US Classification:

4508

Abstract:

A sealing assembly is provided for a swimming pool skimmer. The sealing assembly includes a rigid frame-shaped face plate (12) with a central opening and having a sealing flange (18) around its outer periphery and further has a protruding section outwardly extending from one side thereof which also includes a peripheral sealing flange. A detachable cover (2) is also provided which is made from a flexible plastic material. The cover (2) has a flat central portion for closing off the opening in the skimmer plate and carries a peripheral lip for engaging the sealing flange around the face plate. The cover (2) also includes a protruding section which carries a peripheral lip which overlays the protruding section of the face plate and engages the peripheral sealing flange thereof. The protruding section of the cover further includes a lifting tab (10) to provide a lever action for breaking the seal between the peripheral edge seal of the protruding sections for quick and easy removal of the cover from the face plate.

US Patent:

48436585, Jul 4, 1989

Filed:

Dec 8, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/130627

Inventors:

Michael L. Hodak - Bethel Park PA

International Classification:

E04H 318
E04H 718
E02D 1900
E02D 2700

US Classification:

4506

Abstract:

A swimming pool of the liner type, with an improved sidewall construction. The sidewall comprises a plurality of concrete slabs cast between spaces defined by inner and outer vertical walls and vertical studs spaced therein. The inner wall is preferably formed of a rigid pressure treated wood material and bears against the pool liner. A continuous upper sill and a lower footer of concrete are cast integrally with the sidewall slabs to join adjacent respective slab portions around the upper and lower perimeters of the pool. The sidewall slabs and the upper sill preferably contain steel reinforcement bars.

US Patent:

20190346055, Nov 14, 2019

Filed:

Jan 19, 2017

Appl. No.:

16/071268

Inventors:

Michael L. Hodak - Venetia PA, US

International Classification:

F16K 15/14
F16K 27/02

Abstract:

A sealing assembly for controlling a flow of fluid through a fluid line has a housing having a first end opposite a second end with a hollow interior extending therebetween and an elastically resilient plug disposed within the hollow interior of the housing. The plug has a body engagable with a seat within the housing and a tension member having a first end connected to the body and a second end connected to the housing. The tension member is pre-loaded in tension to urge the body of the plug against the seat to seal the hollow interior of the housing. The body is movable away from the seat when the plug is acted upon by a fluid pressure greater than a pre-load force of the tension member.

US Patent:

20170298683, Oct 19, 2017

Filed:

Jan 20, 2017

Appl. No.:

15/411498

Inventors:

Michael L. Hodak - Venetia PA, US

International Classification:

E06B 7/23
E06B 3/01
E04H 4/12

Abstract:

A sealing closure assembly for closing off a skimmer opening for a swimming pool includes a closure faceplate and a cover removably connectable to the closure faceplate. The closure faceplate has a sidewall surrounding a central opening, a flange protruding from the sidewall to overlap a peripheral area of the skimmer opening, and a lip protruding from the flange and extending around an inner perimeter of the flange. The cover includes a cover plate with a sealing gasket fitted around an outer perimeter of the closure faceplate, a wedge plate member for engaging an inside sidewall of the sealing gasket, and a closure member for exerting a force between the cover plate and the wedge plate to pull the cover plate and wedge plate together between a locked and unlocked position. In the locked position, an outer sidewall of the sealing gasket engages the flange (1) proximate to the sidewall of the closure faceplate, (2) at the lip of the flange, and (3) by wrapping around a terminal edge of the flange.