U.S. patent application number 10/676426 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-01 for contact forcing fins for swimming pool brushes and the like.
Invention is credited to Juett, Dennis Scott.
Application Number | 20040060129 10/676426 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32033749 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040060129 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Juett, Dennis Scott |
April 1, 2004 |
Contact forcing fins for swimming pool brushes and the like
Abstract
A pool cleaning implement for cleaning a submerged surface is
provided that includes an implement body having a coupling shank
attached thereto and an elongate pole connected to the coupling
shank. A fin is also connected to the implement body, such that a
force generating portion of the fin is aligned along a line that is
transverse to the length of the implement body, wherein the force
generating portion of the fin urges the implement into contact with
the submerged surface in response to movement of the implement in a
selected direction along the submerged surface
Inventors: |
Juett, Dennis Scott; (Sierra
Madre, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP
350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD
SUITE 500
PASADENA
CA
91105
US
|
Family ID: |
32033749 |
Appl. No.: |
10/676426 |
Filed: |
October 1, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60415183 |
Oct 1, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/1.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A46B 2200/3073 20130101;
A46B 17/08 20130101; E04H 4/1609 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/001.7 |
International
Class: |
E04H 004/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pool cleaning implement for cleaning a submerged surface, the
implement comprising: an implement body; a coupling shank attached
to the implement body in which an elongate pole can be connected to
the implement body; and a fin connected to the implement body, such
that a force generating portion of the fin is aligned along a line
that is transverse to the length of the implement body, wherein the
force generating portion of the fin urges the implement into
contact with the submerged surface in response to movement of the
implement in a selected direction along the submerged surface.
2. The implement of claim 1, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin extends upwardly from the implement body generally in
the same direction as the coupling shank.
3. The implement of claim 1, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin is aligned along a line that is transverse to the length
of the implement body at an angle of approximately 45.degree.
relative to the width of the body.
4. The implement of claim 1, wherein the fin is mounted to the
implement body.
5. The implement of claim 1, wherein the coupling shank includes a
connecting member that is mounted to the implement body and the fin
includes a mounting margin that is mounted between the connecting
member and the implement body.
6. The implement of claim 5, further comprising a stiffening strip
mounted between the connecting member and the mounting margin.
7. The implement of claim 1, wherein the coupling shank includes
outwardly biased, retractable pins.
8. The implement of claim 1, wherein the pool cleaning implement is
a pool cleaning brush having bristles that extend from the body in
a pattern along a vertical axis of the brush body.
9. The implement of claim 8, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin is biased in a direction that is generally away from the
coupling shank.
10. The implement of claim 1, wherein the fin is rotatably
connected to the implement body.
11. The implement of claim 9, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin is aligned along a line that is transverse to the length
of the implement body at an angle of approximately 45.degree..
12. A pool cleaning implement for cleaning a submerged surface, the
implement comprising: an implement body; a coupling shank attached
to the implement body by which an elongate pole is removably
connectable to the body; and a fin connected to the implement body,
such that a force generating portion of the fin is aligned along a
line that is transverse to a vertical axis of the implement body,
wherein the force generating portion of the fin urges the implement
into contact with the submerged surface in response to movement of
the implement in a selected direction along the submerged
surface.
13. The implement of claim 12, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin extends upwardly from the implement body generally in
the same direction as the coupling shank.
14. The implement of claim 12, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin urges the implement into contact with the submerged
surface in response to movement of the implement in a direction
that is generally away from the coupling shank.
15. The implement of claim 12, wherein the fin is rotatably
connected to the implement body.
16. The implement of claim 15, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin is biased in a direction that is generally away from the
coupling shank.
17. The implement of claim 16, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin urges the implement into contact with the submerged
surface in response to movement of the implement in a direction
that is generally towards the coupling shank.
18. A pool cleaning brush for cleaning a submerged surface, the
brush comprising: a brush body having bristles that extend
generally along a vertical axis of the brush body a coupling shank
attached to the brush body by which an elongate pole is removably
connectable to the body; and a fin connected to the brush body,
such that a force generating portion of the fin is aligned along a
line that is transverse to the brush bristles, wherein the force
generating portion of the fin urges the brush bristles into contact
with the submerged surface in response to movement of the brush in
a selected direction along the submerged surface.
19. The brush of claim 18, wherein the force generating portion of
the fin extends upwardly from the implement body generally in the
same direction as the coupling shank.
20. The implement of claim 18, wherein the fin is rotatably
connected to the implement body.
21. The implement of claim 20, wherein the force generating portion
of the fin is biased in a direction that is generally away from the
coupling shank.
22. An accessory useful in association with a cleaning implement
attached to the end of an elongate handle for movement along a
submerged surface in response to motion of the handle by a person
at or near other end of the handle, the accessory functioning in
response to such movement to generate forces which urge the
implement into contact with the submerged surface, the accessory
comprising a base element having a mating surface dimensioned and
concavely shaped concentric to an axis thereof for stable mating
with the exterior of the handle proximate to the implement, the
base element defining a pair of coaxially aligned holes adapting
the accessory, for stable connection to the handle with its concave
surface mated to the handle, a fin connected to the base element
and having a length extending transversely of the mating surface
axis, the fin having a force generating surface which in a
direction transversely of the fin length has a desired angular
relation to the mating surface axis; the axis of the accessory's
mating surface being located substantially centrally of the length
of the fin.
23. An accessory according to claim 22 in which the transverse
extent of the fin is inclined relative to the mating surface axis
by an angle of about 15.degree..
24. An accessory according to claim 22 in which the fin is fixedly
connected to the base element.
25. An accessory according to claim 22 in which the fin is movably
connected to the base element.
26. An accessory according to claim 25 in which the connection of
the fin to the base element is a spring biased connection.
27. An accessory according to claim 22 in which the line along
which the holes are aligned is parallel to the length of the
fin.
28. An accessory according to claim 22 in which the base element is
defined as a collar for encircling the handle.
29. An accessory according to claim 22 in which the base element is
defined substantially as a saddle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/415,183,
filed on Oct. 1, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a swimming pool
cleaning implement, such as a swimming pool brush.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In the maintenance of swimming pools and the like, it
frequently is necessary or desirable to mechanically brush the
submerged surfaces of the pool. Regular brushing of the submerged
pool surfaces is desirable to prevent the accumulation on the
surfaces, or removal from those surfaces, of algae. Brushing also
is needed to dislodge accumulations of dirt, leaves and other
things from the submerged surfaces so they can be extracted from
the pool water by filters in pool water circulation systems.
[0004] Effective brushing of the submerged surfaces of a swimming
pool can require physical strength by the person doing the
brushing. Physical strength by the brusher is needed because the
distance from the brush, along an elongate pole to the end of which
the brush is coupled, to the brusher can be on the order of many
feet, for example 8 to 16 feet, and that distance results in poor
leverage by the brusher upon the brush. Effective brushing is the
result of forceful contact by the brush with the pool surface as
the brush is pushed along the pool surface. If the lever arm along
the brush handle from the brusher (located outside and adjacent to
the pool) is great, it is difficult for the brusher to apply enough
leverage to the handle to cause the brush to contact the pool
surface with the desired amount of force as the brush is pushed
along the pool surface. As a consequence, the brusher can become
tired and/or the pool is brushed either inadequately or
infrequently, either of which is inconsistent with sound pool
cleaning and maintenance practices.
[0005] In light of the foregoing, it is apparent that a need exists
for a way to effectively increase the amount of contact force
between a submerged pool surface and a brush or other cleaning
implement as it is moved along the pool surface by a person located
outside the pool and manipulating the brush, e.g., via a long
pole-like handle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] This invention addresses the need identified above. It does
so by providing a simple, efficient, effective and economic
structure which can be incorporated into the brush or other
cleaning implement, or which can be mounted to the pole-like handle
closely adjacent to an existing brush or other cleaning implement.
The structure provided by the invention interacts with pool water
as the brush or implement is moved to produce forces which urge the
brush, e.g., into contact with the pool surface. Those forces
augment similarly directed forces applied to the brush by the
person using the brush.
[0007] The invention has utility and significance in the context,
among others, of a cleaning implement coupled to an end of an
elongate pole-like handle to coact with submerged surfaces of a
swimming pool or the like. An apparatus according to the invention
defines an elongate surface disposed proximately adjacent the
implement. The surface has a length aligned along a line
transversely of the length of the handle. The surface has an
attitude transversely of its length which is defined relative to
the length of the handle sufficiently so that the surface develops
and applies to the implement enhanced force urging the implement
into contact with the submerged surface. The enhanced force is
developed in response to movement of the implement in a selected
direction along the submerged surface.
[0008] More specifically, the force-generating surface can be
defined by elements of the implement, so that the surface is part
of the structure which is coupled, preferably releaseably, to the
end of the elongate handle. Alternately, the force-generating
surface can be defined as features of a cleaning accessory which is
connectible to the handle in close association with the implement.
The surface can be continuous along its length, or it can be
interrupted substantially centrally of its length.
[0009] In the context of this description, a cleaning implement can
be a brush (straight, round, rectangular or otherwise suitably
shaped), an abrasive tool such as a stain removal stone, or any
other pool surface cleaning or treatment device which is
connectible to an elongate pole and depends for effectiveness upon
forceful moving contact with a pool surface.
[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention is a pool cleaning
implement for cleaning a submerged surface that includes an
implement body having a coupling shank attached thereto and by
which an elongate pole can be connected to the implement. A fin is
also connected to the implement body, such that a force generating
portion of the fin is aligned along a line that is transverse to
the length of the implement body, wherein the force generating
portion of the fin urges the implement into contact with the
submerged surface in response to movement of the implement in a
selected direction along the submerged surface.
[0011] In another embodiment, the present invention is a pool
cleaning implement for cleaning a submerged surface that includes
an implement body having a coupling shank attached thereto and by
which an elongate pole is removably connectable to the implement
body. A fin is also connected to the implement body, such that a
force generating portion of the fin is aligned along a line that is
transverse to a vertical axis of the implement body, wherein the
force generating portion of the fin urges the implement into
contact with the submerged surface in response to movement of the
implement in a selected direction along the submerged surface.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the present invention is a pool
cleaning brush for cleaning a submerged surface that includes a
brush body having bristles arranged in a pattern that extends
generally along a vertical axis of the brush body. A coupling shank
is attached to the brush body by which an elongate pole is
removably connectable to the brush body. A fin is also connected to
the brush body, such that a force generating portion of the fin is
aligned along a line that is transverse to the pattern of brush
bristles, wherein the force generating portion of the fin urges the
brush bristles into contact with the submerged surface in response
to movement of the brush in a selected direction along the
submerged surface.
[0013] In still another embodiment, the present invention is an
accessory useful in association with a cleaning implement attached
to the end of an elongate handle for movement along a submerged
surface in response to motion of the handle by a person at or near
other end of the handle. The accessory functions in response to
such movement to generate forces which urge the implement into
contact with the submerged surface. The accessory includes a base
element having a mating surface dimensioned and concavely shaped
concentric to an axis thereof for stable mating with the exterior
of the handle proximate to the implement. The base element defines
a pair of coaxially aligned holes adapting the accessory, for
stable connection to the handle with its concave surface mated to
the handle. A fin is connected to the base element and has a length
extending transversely of the mating surface axis. The fin has a
force generating surface which in a direction transversely of the
fin length has a desired angular relation to the mating surface
axis. The axis of the accessory's mating surface is located
substantially centrally of the length of the fin.
DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING ILLUSTRATIONS
[0014] The above mentioned and other features and benefits of the
invention are described and explained in the following description
of presently preferred and other embodiments of the invention in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool cleaning brush which
includes a pair of force generating fins;
[0016] FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the brush of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a view of the underside of the brush of FIG. 1
showing a detent element, in place in the brush mounting shank, by
which the brush is releaseably connectible to an end of a tubular
operating handle;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the detent element apart
from the brush;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an exemplary brush component which
defines the force generating surfaces;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an end view of the brush component of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a pool cleaning accessory which
is connectible to an operating handle in association with a brush,
e.g., and which defines a force generating surface on a pair of
aligned fins;
[0022] FIG. 8 is an end elevation view of the accessory of FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of the central portion
of another accessory related to the accessory of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 10 is an end elevation view of the accuracy of FIG.
9;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of another accessory
according to this invention mounted to an operating handle to which
a brush also is connected;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a rear elevation view of the accessory shown in
FIG. 11.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment
of a pool cleaning brush which includes a pair of spring biased
force generating fins;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a side view of the brush of FIG. 13;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an alternative method of
mounting spring biased force generating fins to a pool cleaning
brush.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0030] FIGS. 1-3 show a pool cleaning brush 10 in which the
bristles 11 are arranged in an elongate, narrow straight pattern or
array. The bristles are carried in a known manner in a brush body
12 which may be modestly upturned at its ends. A connecting member
13 has an elongate strip-like base 14, from the midlength of which
extends a lateral coupling shank 15 having an outer surface shaped
as at least a substantial part of a circular cylinder of selected
diameter. The connecting member can be made of metal, whereas the
brush body can be made of a synthetic material.
[0031] The brush body can be connected, such as by screws, to the
elongate base of the connecting member. Especially where the length
of the brush body 11 is meaningfully greater than the length of the
connecting member base 14, a metal stiffening strip 16, longer than
the connecting member base, is interposed between the top of the
brush body and the underside of the connecting member base. Screws
through the connecting member and the stiffening strip into the
brush body can be used to connect those brush components
together.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the brush coupling shank 15 extends from
the brush body 12 at right angles to the length of the brush at its
midlength and in a direction which is between horizontal and
vertical relative to the brush body. That angle can be about
30.degree..
[0033] The brush mounting shank can be hollow and can carry inside
it a device providing spring loaded detent pins which extend
movably through holes in the opposite sides of the shank; see FIG.
3. FIG. 4 is an illustration of a unitary detent spring element
(commonly called a "butterfly clip") 18 in which a pair of aligned
detent pins 19 extend laterally from the free ends of a pair of
deformable arms 20 which are connected together at their other
ends. The unitary spring element can be molded synthetic material
such as nylon.
[0034] The brush as thus described is commonly used with an
elongate pole-like operating handle 22 (see FIG. 11). Several forms
of handle are known. In general, the handles have a tool receiving
end defined as an open-ended hollow circular tube near the end of
which at least one pair, sometimes two pairs, of holes are located.
The holes of each pair are coaxial and are located through opposite
sides of the tubular end of the handle. The inner diameter of the
handle tube is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the brush
shank. The shank is inserted into the handle tube until the brush
detent pins align with and project through aligned holes in the
handle tube. In that manner the brush can be detachably, yet
securely, connected to the handle.
[0035] The handle arrangements used in connection with swimming
pool cleaning implements can be either fixed length hollow tubular
poles or they can be of a telescoping nature. Fixed length poles
typically are 8 to 16 feet long; telescoping poles are extendible
to comparable lengths.
[0036] As and to the extent described above, the brush shown in
FIGS. 1-3 and the detent element shown in FIG. 4 are known and are
commercially available. Known variations on such a brush include
brushes with completely cylindrical shanks which are secured inside
the ends of operating handles by nutted bolts passed through the
handle holes and through aligned holes in the brush shank.
[0037] The component of the brush shown in FIGS. 1-3 which is novel
and is an aspect of this invention is a fin plate 23 which also is
shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The fin plate can be formed from metal
sheet. In the exemplary brush 10 shown in FIGS. 1-3, the fin plate
has an overall length which is somewhat longer than the length of
the connecting member base and shorter than the length of the
stiffening strip; the fin plate length is about the same as the
extent of the stiffening strip which is between the modestly
upturned end margins of the strip. The fin plate has along one
elongate edge thereof a strip-like mounting margin 24 of width
corresponding to the width of the stiffening strip. A plurality of
holes 25 are formed in the fin plate margin to accommodate the
fasteners which are used to secure together the brush body,
stiffening strip and connecting member as described above.
[0038] Symmetrically with respect to the midlength of the fin
plate, it defines a spaced pair of forcing fins 26, each of which
extends from a respective end of the plate toward but not to the
midlength of the plate. As an example, the length of the fin plate
may be 18 inches with a 1 inch wide mounting margin. Each of the
fins may be 7 inches long with a width of 4 inches from the
mounting margin. The fins connect to the plate margin. The fins
preferably are flat and are inclined at an angle .beta. of about
135.degree. relative to the fin plate margin. The space between the
fins is provided to afford user access to the detent or other
connector(s) used to secure the brush to an operating handle as
described above.
[0039] The fin plate is secured in the brush by interposing its
edge margin between the brush stiffening strip and connecting
member base before they are connected together, as by the screws
mentioned above. As secured in the brush, the fins extend upwardly
from the brush body generally in the same direction as, but not
necessarily the same angle as, the connecting member shank. In one
embodiment, the fins are aligned along a line that is transverse to
a vertical axis 12A of the brush body 12, forming an angle .beta.,
which in one example is approximately 45.degree..
[0040] "Push" and "pull" are used with reference to the motions
imparted to the brush operating handle by a person using the brush.
As a brush equipped with forcing fins of this invention is pushed
across a submerged pool surface, the fin surfaces which face toward
the direction in which the brush is moved, because they are
inclined to the submerged surface and are not parallel to the path
of brush movement, provide resistance to forward movement of the
brush. Because of the inclination of the fin surfaces to the pool
surface, the resistance force applied to a fin as the brush is
moved forward has a downward component. That downward component of
resistance force urges the brush into forceful contact with the
pool surface. The magnitude of the resistance force's downward
component is a function of fin area, fin inclination relative to
the pool surface where the brush is located, and the speed at which
the brush is moving. That magnitude can be greater than the
brush-to-pool surface contact force which can be created by the
application of leverage forces to the brush operating handle by the
brush user; in that event the user need not strain to apply
leverage to the operating handle, but may need only to push, pull
and otherwise guide the brush along the submerged pool surface.
Thus, the forcing fins function in use of the brush to create and
apply brushing contact forces to the brush which augment, and may
replace, brush contact forces produced by exertion by the brush
user. The result is that the pool surfaces can be brushed more
easily and effectively.
[0041] The front surface of a forcing fin is the surface to which
resistance force having a downward (brush contact enhancing)
component is applied. The fin front surface can be referred to as a
forcing surface. While it is preferred that a forcing surface of
this invention be flat, that is not a requirement; a forcing
surface can be nonplanar if desired.
[0042] It will be apparent that, in the course of brushing the
submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, the brush user at times will
need to pull on the operating handle to move the brush to a
position where the brush can again be pushed along the pool floor
or wall. As the brush is pulled, the rear surfaces of the forcing
fins interact with the water to generate resistance forces which
act predominantly upwardly on the fins. Those upward forces are
assistive to the brush user who need not strain so hard, or at all,
to lift the brush from the pool surface as the user pulls on the
operating handle.
[0043] This invention also can be embodied in devices separate from
a pool cleaning implement which provide forces which, in use of the
implement, urge it into forceful contact with a submerged pool
surface. Different forms of such devices are shown in FIGS. 7-12,
and are accessories for use with such implements. FIGS. 7 and 8
show one such accessory device 30. It is comprised by a tubular
sleeve 31 having an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer
diameter of the implement receiving end of an operating handle for
pool cleaning brushes and other implements. At diametrically
opposed locations on the sleeve there are respective ones of a pair
of holes 32 sized, preferably, to accommodate the ends of the
detent pins 19 of a detent clip 18 as shown in FIG. 5. Respective
ones of a pair of elongate forcing fins 33, disposed in alignment
with each other, are affixed to the opposite sides of the sleeve.
The fins preferably are flat. As affixed to the sleeve, the fins
are inclined to the axis 30A of the sleeve at a desired angle, such
as a 15.degree. angle. The line along which the detent
accommodating holes are formed in the sleeve preferably is parallel
to the line along which the fins are aligned.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, the line of alignment of the detent
accommodating (accessory mounting) holes 32 can be in or very close
to the common plane of the fins 33; in that event, finger openings
34 are provided in the fins from the sleeve partially along the
fins to enable a user to operate the detent pins when installing
the accessory on, or removing it from, an operating handle. As
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the detent pin accommodating holes in the
sleeve can be spaced from the common plane of the fins, in which
event finger openings in the fins are not needed.
[0045] When used with a conventional pool cleaning brush, the
accessories shown in FIGS. 7-10 can be mounted to an operating
handle by the same detent pins which are used to connect the brush
to the handle. The brush shank fits inside the handle and the
accessory sleeve fits around the outside of the handle. The manners
in which the accessories develop and apply to the adjacent brush or
other implement forces assistive to the user will be apparent from
the foregoing explanation of the user of the brush shown in FIGS.
1-3.
[0046] In the arrangements described above and shown in FIGS. 1-10,
the forcing surfaces defined by the pairs of forcing fins can be
considered as separate parts of a single forcing surface disposed
symmetrically with respect to the pool cleaning implement and the
handle to which the implement is connected. That manner of
consideration of those arrangements suggests that the invention can
be embodied in an arrangement in which the forcing surface is
symmetrical with respect to the handle and implement and is not
centrally interrupted to accommodate the handle.
[0047] Such an arrangement is embodied in the accessory 35 shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12 in which a preferably flat forcing plate 36 is
carried by a saddle 37 which straddles and engages sufficient
length of an operating handle 22 to be stable on the handle.
Depending arms 38 of the saddle are coaxially apertured to
accommodate the outer ends of detents (see FIG. 5) which
releaseably secure the saddle to the exterior of an operating
handle and the implement inside the handle. The shank of a brush 39
is fitted into and secured to the handle end as described
above.
[0048] In light of the foregoing, it is apparent that this
invention can be practiced as a combination of a pool cleaning
implement and a continuous forcing surface defined by structure
which, with the implement, are connectible as a unit to an
operating handle.
[0049] This invention also includes arrangements in which one or a
pair of forcing surfaces can be adjusted in attitude relative to
the length of an operating handle for a pool cleaning
implement.
[0050] In any of the embodiments disclosed above, the fin plate may
be spring biased. For example, FIG. 13 shows a pool cleaning brush
10' having a brush body 12 with bristles 11 extending therefrom and
the coupling shank 15 mounted to the brush body 12 via the
connecting member 13 as described above. As shown in FIG. 13, a
hinge plate 40 rotatably connects a fin plate 23' to the brush
10'.
[0051] For example, the hinge plate 40 may include a first portion
42 fastened to the fin plate 23', such as by screws, and a second
portion 44 fastened to the connecting member 13, such as by screws,
wherein the first and second portions 42 and 44 are connected by a
pin 46 allowing for rotary movement of the first portion 42
relative to the second portion 44 and thus rotary movement of the
fin plate 23' relative to the brush body 12. Alternatively, or
additionally the second portion 44 may be fastened to the brush
body 12.
[0052] The fin plate 23' is biased by a spring 48. For example, the
spring 48 may be a torsional spring having a coiled main body
disposed in surrounding relation to the hinge pin 46, with a first
arm extending from the main body to contact the first portion 42 of
the hinge plate 40 and a second arm extending from the main body to
contact the second portion 44 of the hinge plate 40.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 14, in the natural biased state, the fin
plate 23' extends upwardly from the brush body 12 in a direction
that is generally away from the coupling shank 15 and is transverse
to the vertical axis 12A of the brush body 12, forming an angle
.delta., for example, of approximately 45.degree..
[0054] In the embodiment of FIGS. 13 and 14, the brush 10' includes
two fin plates 23. However, in other embodiments the brush 10' may
include one fin plate 23' or any suitable number of multiple fin
plates 23'. In addition, although the fin plate 23' is shown as
being generally rectangular, other appropriate shapes may be
used.
[0055] FIG. 15 shows an alternative means for mounting a spring
biased fin plate to a brush body. For example, the depicted
embodiment includes a pool cleaning brush 10" having a brush body
12 with bristles 11 extending therefrom and an elongate pole-like
operating handle 22 mounted to or integrally formed with the brush
body 12. The brush body 12 also includes pin holders 50 mounted
thereto or integrally formed therewith, such as via a casting
process.
[0056] The pin holders 50 receive the ends of a pin 46' that is
connected to a fin plate 23" and allows for rotary movement of the
fin plate 23" relative to the brush body 12. The fin plate 23' is
biased by a spring 48'. For example, the spring 48' may be a
torsional spring having a coiled main body disposed in surrounding
relation to the hinge pin 46', with a first arm extending from the
main body to contact the fin plate 23" and second arm extending
from the main body to contact the brush body 12. In the natural
biased state, the fin plate 23", extends upwardly from the brush
body 12 in a direction that is generally away from the handle 22
and is transverse to the vertical axis 12A of the brush body 12,
forming an angle .delta., for example, of approximately
45.degree..
[0057] Embodiments of the present invention that include spring
biased fins facilitate the cleaning of pool walls. More force is
desired when cleaning a pool wall than when cleaning a pool floor,
this is a matter of the user's ability to apply leverage to the
handle. The spring allows the fin to assume an angle related to the
push speed exerted by the user in an inverse relationship. As the
brush is moved in a forward (push) direction along a submerged pool
surface, water interacts with a spring biased fin to move the fin
angularly against the bias of spring 48 so that the fin extends
from the brush body generally toward the user of the brush. The
faster the push speed, the flatter (more parallel) the fin will be
relative to the pool surface being cleaned. At slower push speeds,
however, the fin is more erect. In either case the attitude of the
fin in combination with brush advance speed will produce effective
contact of the brush with the pool surface. The stiffness of spring
48 is selected in light of the fin area and the brush contact
enhancing farce which is desired.
[0058] As previously discussed, in one embodiment, the fin extends
generally in the opposite direction as the coupling shank and thus
generally opposite to the elongate pool that is connected to the
coupling shank. In such an orientation, when the brush is pulled
toward the user, the inclined orientation of the fin resists the
motion of the brush. This resistance generates a resistance force
having a downward component that urges the brush into forceful
contact with the pool surface.
[0059] The preceding description has been presented with references
to presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Persons
skilled in the art and technology to which this invention pertains
will appreciate that alterations and changes in the described
structures and methods of operation can be practiced without
meaningfully departing from the principle, spirit and scope of this
invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description should not be
read as pertaining only to the precise structures described and
shown in the accompanying drawings.
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