U.S. patent application number 10/911188 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for pool cleaner filter bag with zipper closure.
Invention is credited to Herlehy, Timothy D., Meritt-Powell, Michael A., Peterson, David J. JR..
Application Number | 20050029177 10/911188 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34118975 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050029177 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson, David J. JR. ; et
al. |
February 10, 2005 |
Pool cleaner filter bag with zipper closure
Abstract
An improved filter bag is provided for use with a pool cleaner
particularly of the type designed for travel over submerged pool
surfaces to dislodge and collect debris. The filter bag is
generally constructed according to U.S. Patent 4,618,420, to
include a primary flow chamber for receiving a flow of water and
water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner, and a secondary
collection chamber for trapping and collecting the water-entrained
debris. A zipper closure on the filter bag can be opened for
disposal of debris captured within the collection chamber, followed
by re-closure and re-use of the filter bag for a subsequent debris
collection cycle.
Inventors: |
Peterson, David J. JR.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Herlehy, Timothy D.; (San Diego, CA)
; Meritt-Powell, Michael A.; (Oceanside, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
34118975 |
Appl. No.: |
10/911188 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60492664 |
Aug 4, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/167.17 ;
15/1.7; 4/496 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/1654
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/169 ;
015/001.7; 004/496 |
International
Class: |
E04H 004/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A pool cleaner filter bag for use with a pool cleaner having a
mast for flow of water and debris from a swimming pool or the like,
said pool cleaner filter bag comprising: a porous bag material
shaped to define a hollow bag interior with an open mouth adapted
for mounting said bag material onto a discharge end of a pool
cleaner mast for passage of water and debris from the mast into
said bag interior, whereby water-entrained debris in captured
within said bag interior; and a zip closure mounted on said bag
material at a location spaced from said open mouth, said zip
closure being movable between an open position opening a discharge
passage formed in said bag material and a closed position closing
said discharge passage.
2. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 1 wherein said bag material
comprises an overlying pair of side panels interconnected to define
a front margin, a rear margin, an upper margin, and a lower margin,
said mouth comprising an opening formed in said lower margin
generally adjacent said front margin, and said discharge passage
being formed in one of said side panels.
3. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 2 further including a
divider interconnecting said side panels and extending generally
upwardly from said lower margin at a location rearward of said
mouth, said divider terminating at an upper end spaced below said
upper margin, whereby said divider subdivides said bag interior
into a primary flow chamber having a lower end in flow
communication with said mouth, and a secondary debris collection
chamber having an upper end in flow communication with an upper end
of said primary flow chamber, said discharge passage permitting
access to said secondary debris collection chamber.
4. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 2 wherein said discharge
passage is formed in one of said side panels at a position spaced
from said rear margin.
5. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 4 wherein said discharge
passage extends generally parallel to said rear margin.
6. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 1 wherein said zip closure
comprises a zipper.
7. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 6 wherein said zipper
includes interengageable zipper teeth formed from a noncorrosive
material.
8. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 1 further including a
mounting collar at said bag mouth for mounting said bag material
onto the pool cleaner mast.
9. A pool cleaner filter bag for use with a pool cleaner having a
mast for flow of water and debris from a swimming pool or the like,
said pool cleaner filter bag comprising: a porous bag material
shaped to define an overlying pair of side panels interconnected to
define a front margin, a rear margin, an upper margin, and a lower
margin, and an open mouth comprising an opening formed in said
lower margin generally adjacent said front margin and adapted for
mounting said bag material onto a discharge end of a pool cleaner
mast for passage of water and debris from the mast into said bag
interior, whereby water-entrained debris in captured within said
bag interior; a divider interconnecting said side panels and
extending generally upwardly from said lower margin at a location
rearward of said mouth, said divider terminating at an upper end
spaced below said upper margin, whereby said divider subdivides
said bag interior into a primary flow chamber having a lower end in
flow communication with said mouth, and a secondary debris
collection chamber having an upper end in flow communication with
an upper end of said primary flow chamber; one of said side panels
having a discharge passage formed therein permitting access to said
secondary debris collection chamber; and a zip closure mounted said
one of said side panels and movable between open and closed
positions respectively opening and closing said discharge
passage.
10. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 9 wherein said discharge
passage is formed in said one of said side panels at a position
spaced from said rear margin.
11. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 10 wherein said discharge
passage extends generally parallel to said rear margin.
12. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 9 wherein said zip closure
comprises a zipper.
13. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 12 wherein said zipper
includes interengageable zipper teeth formed from a noncorrosive
material.
14. The pool cleaner filter bag of claim 9 further including a
mounting collar at said bag mouth for mounting said bag material
onto the pool cleaner mast.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/492,664, filed Aug. 4, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to improvements in filter
bags for use with automatic pool cleaning devices, particularly of
the type designed for travel within a swimming pool or the like to
dislodge and collect debris. More specifically, this invention
relates to an improved filter bag of the general type disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,420, wherein the filter bag incorporates a
zipper closure for facilitated access to debris collected within
the filter bag in the course of normal pool cleaner operation. The
zipper closure is adapted to be opened quickly and easily to permit
disposal of collected debris, followed by re-closure and resumed
use of the filter bag in the course of subsequent pool cleaner
operation.
[0003] Automatic swimming pool cleaners are generally well known in
the art for use in maintaining a swimming pool in an overall state
of cleanliness. In this regard, residential and commercial swimming
pools normally include a standard water filtration system including
a main circulation pump and related main filter unit for filtering
the pool water. The filtration system is typically operated for
several hours on a daily basis to draw water from the pool for flow
through the main filter unit and subsequent return circulation to
the pool, wherein the filter unit includes an appropriate filter
media for collecting and thus removing solid debris such as fine
grit and silt, twigs, leaves, insects, and other particulate matter
suspended within the pool water. Although such filtration systems
function efficiently to collect suspended particulate, it has been
recognized that some particulate tends to settle onto submerged
pool floor and wall surfaces and thus is not removed by the
standard filtration system. Automatic swimming pool cleaners have
been developed and are widely used to assist in a more thorough
cleaning of the pool by directly collecting such settled matter,
and/or by re-suspending the settled matter so that it can be
collected by the main filter unit.
[0004] More specifically, in one common form, the automatic
swimming pool cleaner comprises a relatively compact wheeled
housing adapted to travel randomly over submerged floor and wall
surfaces of the pool. The cleaner is normally connected by a hose
into the standard filtration system, such as by connection to the
positive pressure discharge side of the system as described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; 4,589,986; and 3,822,754. The
filtration system provides a water flow to and through the cleaner,
wherein this water flow is typically used to create or induce a
suction flow through a suction mast for vacuuming grit and debris
through the suction mast into a porous mesh filter bag mounted on a
downstream end thereof. The water flow through the pool cleaner may
also be used to power an hydraulic drive means which causes the
cleaner to travel about within the swimming pool. The filter bag is
designed for periodic removal from the suction mast of the pool
cleaner so that accumulated debris therein can be disposed,
followed by re-mounting of the filter bag onto the pool cleaner. In
this regard, the filter bag is normally constructed from a material
capable of withstanding prolonged exposure to sun, water and pool
chemicals in a swimming pool environment.
[0005] In a typical filter bag configuration, the filter bag
defines a hollow interior with a generally cylindrical open mouth
associated with attachment means for removably mounting the filter
bag onto an upper end of the pool cleaner suction mast, with the
open bag mouth positioned for in-line inflow of water and
water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner. In this regard, early
filter bag attachment arrangements utilized releasible Velcro-type
or so-called hook-and-loop fastener collars, as depicted in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,618,420; D288,373; 4,575,423; and D294,963. Improved
mounting or attachment devices have included a quick-release collar
having springable latch tabs for quick-connect-disconnect filter
bag mounting as shown by way of example in U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,589,986; 5,863,425; and D409,341. In some of these filter bag
designs, the porous mesh filter bag has been removably mounted onto
the quick-release collar to accommodate periodic bag replacement
without requiring collar replacement. See, for example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,863,425; D409,341; D468,067; and copending U.S. Ser. No.
10/400,118, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,233.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,420 discloses an improved filter bag
geometry wherein the hollow interior of the filter bag is
subdivided to define a primary flow chamber disposed above the open
bag mouth, and a secondary debris collection chamber for collecting
and trapping water-entrained debris entering the filter bag. More
particularly, an upper region of the primary flow chamber is open
in a rearward direction, relative to a normal forward direction of
cleaner movement within the swimming pool, for communication with a
forward and preferably upper region of the secondary collection
chamber. With this geometry, debris flowing upwardly from the
suction mast into the bag interior will flow upwardly through the
primary flow chamber and tend to displace rearwardly as a result of
forward pool cleaner motion so that the debris settles within the
rearward debris collection chamber. Debris retention within the
rear collection chamber is important to prevent collected debris
from falling back through the suction mast when the pool cleaner,
normally operated on an intermittent basis, is turned off. A
releasible seam comprising Velcro-type fastener strips lines the
debris collection chamber and can be opened to permit the captured
debris to be emptied therefrom, followed by re-closure and resumed
use of the filter bag.
[0007] The Velcro-type releasible seam includes interengageable
hook-and-loop fastener strips which are difficult for some persons
to manipulate. In addition, following repeated opening and
re-closure over a period of time, the fastener strips can develop
wear which may provide an undesirable frayed or fuzzy appearance.
Moreover, the fastener strips are relatively porous structures and
thus can become embedded with small debris that is unsightly, can
become malodorous, and can interfere with secure re-closure
following disposal of the captured debris. Satisfactory cleaning of
debris embedded within the fastener strips can be difficult.
[0008] There exists, therefore, a need for further improvements in
and to filter bags for pool cleaners, particularly of the type
shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,420, wherein an improved
filter bag has improved means adapted for periodic opening to
facilitate relatively quick and easy disposal of collected debris.
The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further
related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with the invention, an improved filter bag is
provided for use with a pool cleaner particularly of the type
designed for travel over submerged pool surfaces to dislodge and
collect debris. A zipper closure on the filter bag is provided for
quick and easy opening to define a relatively large discharge
passage through which collected debris can be emptied from the bag
for appropriate disposal, followed by quick and easy re-closure for
resumed use of the filter bag on the pool cleaner.
[0010] In the preferred form, the improved filter bag is
constructed generally according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,420, to
include a hollow interior in combination with an open bag mouth
associated with suitable mounting means for mounting the filter bag
into an upper or discharge end of a pool cleaner suction mast or
the like. The bag mouth thus accommodates flow of water and
water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner into the hollow
interior of the filter bag. This hollow interior is subdivided into
a primary flow chamber disposed generally in-line or above the bag
mouth for receiving the flow of water and water-entrained debris
from the pool cleaner, and a secondary collection chamber for
trapping and collecting the water-entrained debris within the
filter bag. The zipper closure is mounted on the filter bag in a
position lining the debris collection chamber. A preferred zipper
closure comprises a zipper having relatively large and preferably
noncorrosive zipper teeth, such as plastic zipper teeth, and a
relatively large zipper slide with associated zipper tab or pull
tab for facilitated manual zipper operation.
[0011] In use, the zipper closure is normally closed during pool
cleaner operation with the filter bag thereon to collected debris.
When desired or required, the filter bag can be disassembled from
the pool cleaner and taken to a suitable debris disposal location,
such as a trash receptacle, whereat the zipper closure can be
opened quickly and easily to form the relatively large discharge
passage through which the collected debris can be dumped into the
trash receptacle. The zipper closure can then be re-closed, and the
filter bag re-installed onto the pool cleaner for resumed
operation.
[0012] Other features and advantages of the invention will become
more apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool cleaner having an
improved filter bag constructed in accordance with the novel
features of the invention mounted removably thereon; and
[0015] FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevation view of the improved
filter bag.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] As shown in the exemplary drawings, a filter bag referred to
generally in FIGS. 1 and 2 by the reference numeral 10 is provided
for use with a pool cleaner 12 (FIG. 1) for collecting particulate
debris such as sand and grit particles, leaves, twigs, and the
like. The filter bag 10 is removably mounted onto the pool cleaner
12, and includes a zipper closure 14 for quick and easy emptying
collected debris from the bag for appropriate disposal.
[0017] The improved filter bag 10 of the present invention is
designed for use with a conventional automatic swimming pool
cleaner of the type adapted for substantially random travel
throughout the volume of a swimming pool or the like to pick up and
collect particulate debris, and/or to assist in suspending or
re-suspending such particulate matter so that it can filtered from
the pool water by a main filtration system (not shown). FIG. 1
depicts an exemplary pool cleaner 12 generally in accordance with
the pool cleaner shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. D469,589 and
copending U.S. Ser. No. 10/397,939, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,665,900,
which are incorporated by reference herein. More particularly, the
illustrative pool cleaner 12 comprises a relatively compact housing
16 carried on a plurality of wheels 18. An internal drive means
(not shown) is provided for causing the pool cleaner 12 to travel
about within the pool, traversing submerged pool floor and wall
surfaces, with said internal drive means being typically powered
hydraulically by a water flow coupled to a cleaner supply mast 20
via a hose 22 coupled to the main pool water filtration system (not
shown). In one common form, the water flow is a positive pressure
flow for hydraulically driving the internal drive means (not shown)
and also for creating or inducing an upward suction or vacuum flow
of water through a generally vertically oriented suction mast 24 on
the pool cleaner 10 to vacuum particulate matter settled upon
submerged pool surfaces. Alternative exemplary pool cleaners
conforming generally hereto are shown and described in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; 4,589,986; and 3,822,754, which are also
incorporated by reference herein.
[0018] The filter bag 10 is adapted for removable mounting onto a
downstream or upper end of the suction mast 24, for receiving the
upward flow of water and water-entrained debris discharged from the
suction mast. In this regard, the filter bag 10 has a porous
construction permitting upward flow-through passage of this water
flow, with minimal or no significant flow obstruction, for return
circulation of this water flow to the body of water within the
swimming pool. However, the mesh size of the porous filter bag 10
is chosen to capture the water-entrained particulate debris. When
desired, or when the filter bag reaches a condition substantially
filled with collected debris, the zipper closure 14 provides a
quick and easy means for opening a discharge passage 26 (FIG. 2) of
substantial open area for permitting quick and easy emptying of the
accumulated debris into a suitable waste or trash receptacle (not
shown) or the like. After the debris is dumped from the bag, the
zipper closure 14 can be re-closed quickly and easily, followed by
re-mounting of the filter bag 10 onto the pool cleaner suction mast
24 for resumed operation.
[0019] In general terms, the improved filter bag 10 may have an
overall configuration similar to the filter bags shown and
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,618,420 and D288,733, which are
incorporated by reference herein. More particularly, and in
accordance with a preferred form of the invention as shown in the
exemplary drawings, the improved filter bag 10 is formed generally
from a porous mesh fabric or similar porous material of selected
grade and pore size, and suitable for relatively long-term use in a
swimming pool environment. The bag material is shaped or fashioned
to define a hollow bag interior forming a generally cylindrical and
downwardly open mouth 28 at a front and lower end thereof. In this
regard, FIG. 2 shows the bag material folded over upon itself to
define a pair of overlying side walls or side panels joined by a
seamless rear margin 30 having an upper end joined in turn to a
forwardly extending seamed upper margin 32 which transitions into
or blends with a downwardly extending front margin 34. A lower end
of the rear margin 30 is joined to a forwardly extending seamed
lower margin 36. The front and lower margins 34 and 36 join in turn
to define the open bag mouth 28. The various seamed margins 32, 34
and 36 may be sewn or stitched as depicted in FIG. 2, or
alternative seam structures may be formed by adhesive materials, or
by direct welding of the bag-forming material. In addition, the bag
material may be folded upon itself in other configurations, such as
by providing a seamless upper margin as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,618,420. Moreover, persons skilled in the art will recognize and
appreciate filter bag 10 may be constructed from two generally
conforming sheets of the bag material, and the entire peripheral
margin suitably seamed to define the mouth 28 and the hollow bag
interior.
[0020] The bag mouth 28 is adapted for removable mounting relative
to the upper end of the pool cleaner suction mast 24, by suitable
mounting means such as a mounting collar 38 of generally
cylindrical shape. This mounting collar 38 may comprise a flexible
collar adapted for removable connection to a mounting member of the
type shown and described in U.S. Pat, No. 5,863,425 and D409,341,
or of the type shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. D468,067 and
copending U.S. Ser. No. 10/400,118, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,740,233,
all of which are incorporated by reference herein. Alternately, the
mounting collar 38 may be constructed according to U.S. Pat. No.
4,589,986, which is also incorporated by reference herein. In each
of these configurations, the mounting means is adapted for
removably mounting the filter bag 10 with the mouth 28 thereof
positioned over the pool cleaner suction mast 24, so that upward
flow of water and water-entrained debris passing through the
suction mast is directed upwardly into the hollow interior of the
filter bag.
[0021] In accordance with further aspects of the preferred form of
the invention, the hollow interior of the filter bag is subdivided
into a primary flow chamber 40 disposed over the open mouth 28, and
a secondary debris collection chamber 42. Such subdivision of the
bag interior is provided by a divider seam 44 having a lower end
joined to the lower margin 36, generally at the terminus thereof
with a rear margin of the bag mouth 28, and extending upwardly
therefrom to interconnect the side walls or side panels. This
divider seam 44 may comprise a sewn or stitched seam, or take
alternative forms as previously described with respect to the
peripheral seams of the filter bag. An upper end of the divider
seam 44 terminates in spaced relation substantially below the upper
margin 32, whereby an upper region of the primary flow chamber 40
is in flow communication with an upper region of the secondary
collection chamber 42. As depicted in FIG. 2, the upper end of the
divider seam 44 may terminate at a point approximately mid-way
between the upper margin 32 and the lower margin 36. A support tab
46 (FIG. 1) may be carried by the upper margin 32 for releasible
connection to the supply hose 22 by means of a suitable strap or
slide ring 48 to assist in retaining the bag 10 is a relatively
upright orientation on the pool cleaner 12, particularly when the
pool cleaner is turned off.
[0022] In use, when the filter bag 10 is mounted onto the pool
cleaner 12, the upward water flow with water-entrained debris
passing through the suction mast 24 is delivered upwardly through
the bag mouth 28 into the primary chamber 40. The upward water flow
passes further upwardly through the open mesh bag material for
return circulation to the general body of water within the swimming
pool. However, the water-entrained debris captured within the bag
and tends to guide rearwardly therein over the top of the divider
seam 44 and into the rearwardly positioned collection chamber 42,
as the pool cleaner 12 travels generally in a forward direction.
Within the rear collection chamber 42, the particulate debris
settles within the region disposed rearwardly of the divider seam
44, where such debris is captured and prevented from falling back
through the bag mouth 28 when the pool cleaner 12 is turned
off.
[0023] The zipper closure 14 is installed onto the filter bag 10
for defining and normally releasibly closing the discharge passage
26. In the illustrative embodiment, the zipper closure 14 is
positioned on one side wall or side panel of the bag 12, at a
location spaced from the mouth 28, and also spaced a short distance
forwardly from the rear margin 30 and extending generally in
parallel with the said rear margin 30 between the upper margin 32
and the lower margin 36. The zipper closure 14 comprises two rows
of matingly interlocking zipper teeth 50 each carried by a base
strip 52 of fabric or the like which is suitably attached to the
bag material as a sewn or other suitably formed seam 54, on
opposite sides of the discharge passage 26 which is also depicted a
short distance forward from the rear margin 30 and extending
generally parallel thereto.
[0024] A closure slide 56 carries a relatively large and easily
grasped tab 58 for facilitated manual opening and closing of the
zipper. While the specific type and style of the zipper closure may
vary, one preferred zipper comprises a zipper having relatively
large and rugged and preferably noncorrosive teeth, such as plastic
zipper teeth. One such zipper is available from the Fastening
Products Group of YKK Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, under the product
designation Vision 5VS. Other types of slidably connected closures
may be used, such as sliding zip lock fasteners. Moreover, the
specific mounting location of the zipper closure may be varied,
with a preferred location positioning the discharge opening 26 is
direct communication with the debris collection chamber 42.
However, positioning the zipper closure at one side wall or side
panel of the filter bag 10 as shown beneficially facilitates a flat
bag configuration when the filter bag is not in use, and further
positions the zipper where inadvertent pressure-induced separation
of the zipper teeth 50 is minimized or eliminated.
[0025] During normal use of the filter bag 10 on the pool cleaner
12 to collected debris, as previously described, the zipper closure
14 is maintained in a closed condition with the rows of zipper
teeth 50 interengaged, with the zipper tab 58 and slide 56 at one
end such as at the lower end of the zipper teeth. Thus, the
discharge passage 26 is closed, and particulate debris is collected
within the rear collection chamber 42. When the filter bag 10 is
removed from the pool cleaner 12 for emptying of the collected
debris, the zipper tab 58 is easily grasped to shift the slide 56
toward an opposite end of the zipper teeth 50, with a corresponding
disengagement of those teeth to open the discharge passage 26. In
this configuration, the collected debris can be dumped quickly and
easily into a suitable trash receptacle or the like. The zipper
closure 14 can then be re-closed to close the discharge opening 26,
and the filter bag 10 can be re-installed onto the pool cleaner for
a subsequent cleaning cycle.
[0026] A variety of further modifications and improvements in and
to the improved filter bag 10 of the present invention will be
apparent to those persons skilled in the art. Accordingly, no
limitation on the invention is intended by way of the foregoing
description and accompanying drawings, except as set forth in the
appended claims.
* * * * *