U.S. patent application number 14/551894 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-26 for jet propelled pool cleaner.
The applicant listed for this patent is Andrew Matthew Hui, Wing-Kin Hui, Wing-Tak Hui. Invention is credited to Andrew Matthew Hui, Wing-Kin Hui, Wing-Tak Hui.
Application Number | 20160145885 14/551894 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54705011 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160145885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hui; Wing-Tak ; et
al. |
May 26, 2016 |
JET PROPELLED POOL CLEANER
Abstract
A pool cleaner having two tilted pumps pointing in opposite
directions, which propel the pool cleaner. In an embodiment, the
pumps are turned on alternatively to alternate the direction of
travel of the pool cleaner. In an embodiment, each pump has a
discharge opening facing upwards at an angle, covered by an
adjustable flap. The flap can be adjusted to open to different
degrees to change the speed of the pool cleaner. The flap is
attached to a ring that rotates and thereby rotates the angle of
the orientation of the flap. Adjusting the angle of orientation of
the flap of the pool cleaner changes the extent to which the pool
cleaner moves sideways while moving forwards or the extent to which
the pool cleaner turns.
Inventors: |
Hui; Wing-Tak; (Hong Kong,
CN) ; Hui; Andrew Matthew; (San Jose, CA) ;
Hui; Wing-Kin; (Hong Kong, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hui; Wing-Tak
Hui; Andrew Matthew
Hui; Wing-Kin |
Hong Kong
San Jose
Hong Kong |
CA |
CN
US
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
54705011 |
Appl. No.: |
14/551894 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/808 ;
210/138; 210/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/1663 20130101;
E04H 4/1654 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/16 20060101
E04H004/16 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; and a filter for filtering out
debris in water; wherein when the first pump is turned on, water
passes through the filter, filtering the water creating filtered
water within the device, the filtered water from within the device
exiting the device in a vicinity of the first discharge opening,
the exiting filtered water creating propulsion, pushing the device
in a first direction, wherein when the second pump is turned on,
water passes through the filter, filtering the water, the filtered
water exiting the device in a vicinity of the second discharge
opening, the exiting filtered water creating propulsion, pushing
the device in a second direction, the first direction being
different from the second direction; wherein what direction the
filtered water exits at least one of the first discharge opening
and second discharge opening is adjustable; wherein a direction and
speed of the device are adjustable by adjusting what direction the
filtered water exits the device, wherein the direction the filtered
water exits the device is partly upward with respect to a plane
parallel to a surface that the device travels upon.
2. The device of claim 17, wherein the direction of travel of the
filtered water, after the filtered water exits the device, being
generally upward being at an acute angle, greater than zero, with
respect to a plane parallel to a surface that the device travels
upon.
3. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; a filter for filtering out
debris in water; two discharge mounts being circular, the two pumps
being attached to the two discharge mounts; and the two pumps
having at least two propellers, each pump having at least one of
the two propellers, the two propellers of the two pumps being
positioned facing outside of the housing, the two discharge mounts
being mechanically coupled to the two pumps inside the body, the
two propellers being positioned in the circular discharge mounts,
the two discharge mounts being located in, and mechanically coupled
to, the two discharge openings, the two pumps being connected to
the two discharge mounts from inside of the housing; wherein when
the first pump is turned on, water passes through the filter,
filtering the water, the water exiting the device in a vicinity of
the first discharge opening, the exiting water creating propulsion,
pushing the device in a first direction, wherein when the second
pump is turned on, water passes through the filter, filtering the
water, the water exiting the device in a vicinity of the second
discharge opening, the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing
the device in a second direction, wherein a direction and speed of
the device are adjustable by adjusting what direction the water
exits the device.
4. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; and a filter for filtering out
debris in water; at least two neck portions; and at least two flaps
that are pivotally connected to the two neck portions, the flaps
having a spring mechanically biasing the flaps to stay closed to
cover openings in the neck portions until being pushed open by
water exiting the pumps of the device, the water exiting each pump
pushing one of the at least two flaps open to no more than a
maximum angle regardless of how fast the water exits; wherein the
maximum angle to which at least one of the at least two flaps is
capable of opening is adjustable; wherein when the first pump is
turned on, water passes through the filter, filtering the water the
water exiting the device in a vicinity of the first discharge
opening the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device
in a first direction, wherein when the second pump is turned on,
water passes through the filter, filtering the water, the water
exiting the device in a vicinity of the second discharge opening,
the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a
second direction; wherein a direction and speed of the device are
adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the
device.
5. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; and a filter for filtering out
debris in water; and a movable stop that is movable to different
positions, wherein the movable stop interferes with opening a flap,
wherein moving the movable stop to different positions adjusts a
maximum angle to which the flap opens when being pushed by water
exiting the device; wherein when the first pump is turned on, water
passes through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting
the device in a vicinity of the first discharge opening, the
exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a first
direction, wherein when the second pump is turned on, water passes
through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting the
device in a vicinity of the second discharge opening, the exiting
water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a second
direction, wherein a direction and speed of the device are
adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the
device.
6. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; a filter for filtering out
debris in water; a movable stop that is movable to different
positions, wherein the movable stop interferes with opening a flap,
wherein moving the movable stop to different positions adjusts a
maximum angle to which the flap opens when being pushed by water
exiting the device; and flap markings marking positions of the
flap, the flap markings indicating, based on positions of the flap,
angles to which the flap opens when pushed by water exiting the
body; wherein when the first pump is turned on, water passes
through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting the
device in a vicinity of the first discharge opening, the exiting
water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a first direction,
wherein when the second pump is turned on, water passes through the
filter, filtering the water, the water exiting the device in a
vicinity of the second discharge opening, the exiting water
creating propulsion, pushing the device in a second direction,
wherein a direction and speed of the device are adjustable by
adjusting what direction the water exits the device.
7. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; and a filter for filtering out
debris in water; at least two neck portions that are rotatable
while fully assembled and connected to the housing, each of the at
least two neck portions being associated with one of the at least
two discharge openings; and flaps connected to the neck portions,
wherein the flaps rotate with the rotations of the neck portions;
wherein when the first pump is turned on, water passes through the
filter, filtering the water, the water exiting the device in a
vicinity of the first discharge opening, the exiting water creating
propulsion, pushing the device in a first direction, wherein when
the second pump is turned on, water passes through the filter,
filtering the water, the water exiting the device in a vicinity of
the second discharge opening, the exiting water creating
propulsion, pushing the device in a second direction, wherein a
direction and speed of the device are adjustable by adjusting what
direction the water exits the device.
8. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; a filter for filtering out
debris in water; neck portions that are rotatable, the neck
portions being connected to the housing and associated with the
discharge openings; flaps connect to the neck portions that rotate
with the rotations of the neck portions; and rotation markings
indicating an angle of a rotational angle at which the neck
portions are set; wherein when the first pump is turned on, water
passes through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting
the device in a vicinity of the first discharge opening, the
exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a first
direction, wherein when the second pump is turned on, water passes
through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting the
device in a vicinity of the second discharge opening, the exiting
water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a second
direction, wherein a direction and speed of the device are
adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the
device.
9. The device of claim 7, further comprising covers fitted in the
neck portions preventing objects from getting in contact with the
pumps, each cover having a plurality of openings through which
water passes.
10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a pump chamber having
two ends, each end being connected to a housing of one of the two
pumps, the controller being located inside the pump chamber, and
each pump includes a propeller that is located outside of the pump
chamber, the two pumps facing different directions.
11. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically controls
activating the two pumps; a filter for filtering out debris in
water; and a pump chamber having two ends, each end being connected
to a housing of one of the two pumps, the controller being located
inside the pump chamber, and each pump includes a propeller that is
located outside of the pump chamber, wherein the two ends of the
pump chamber are tilted upwards at an angle; wherein when the first
pump is turned on, water passes through the filter, filtering the
water, the water exiting the device in a vicinity of the first
discharge opening, the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing
the device in a first direction, wherein when the second pump is
turned on, water passes through the filter, filtering the water,
the water exiting the device in a vicinity of the second discharge
opening, the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device
in a second direction, wherein a direction and speed of the device
are adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the
device.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the pump chamber is water-tight
preventing water from coming inside the pump chamber.
13. The device of claim 17, further comprising a timer circuit for
controlling a time period that each of the two pumps is on.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller being configured
to turn each of the two pumps on for random periods of time.
15. The device of claim 17, wherein an average density of the
device is greater than or equal to the density of water.
16. The device of claim 17, wherein the body includes a head and a
base that are pivotally attached at one end, allowing the head to
open without detaching from the base.
17. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; and a filter for filtering out
debris in water; wherein when the first pump is turned on, water
passes through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting
the device in a vicinity of the first discharge opening, the
exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a first
direction, wherein when the second pump is turned on, water passes
through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting the
device in a vicinity of the second discharge opening, the exiting
water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a second
direction, wherein a direction and speed of the device are
adjustable by adjusting what direction the filtered water exits the
device, wherein the direction the filtered water exits the device
is partly upward with respect to a plane parallel to a surface that
the device travels upon, wherein what direction the filtered water
exits at least one of the first discharge opening and second
discharge opening is adjustable; wherein the device does not
include a conduit for carrying a flow of water that is propelled by
at least one of the two pumps.
18. A method of operating a device; the device including at least a
housing of a body, the housing including at least two discharge
openings, a first discharge opening of the two discharge openings
is on a first side of the body and a second discharge opening of
the two discharge openings is on a second side of the body; two
pumps being affixed inside the body for drawing water from within
the body and pushing the water out of the body through the
discharge openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated
with the first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps
being associated with the second discharge opening; the method
comprising: providing power to the two pumps from a power source;
automatically activating, by a controller, each of the two pumps;
the automatically activating including at least turning on one of
the two pumps; causing, by the one of the two pumps, water to pass
through a filter, filtering out debris in water; causing, by the
one of the two pumps, filtered water to exit the device in a
vicinity of one of the two discharge openings associated with one
of the two pumps; creating propulsion, by the one of the two pumps,
by the filtered water exiting the device in a first direction in
which water exits, which causes the device to travel in a first
direction of travel; turning off the one of the pumps and turning
on another of the pumps; causing, by the other of the two pumps,
water to pass through the filter, filtering out debris in water;
causing, by the other of the two pumps, filtered water to exit the
device in a vicinity of the other of the two discharge openings
associated with the other of the two pumps; creating propulsion, by
the other of the two pumps, by the filtered water exiting the
device in a second direction in which water exits, which causes the
device to travel in a second direction of travel, and wherein the
first direction of travel and speed of the device while traveling
in the first direction of travel is adjustable by adjusting what
direction is the first direction in which water exits the device,
wherein the direction the filtered water exits the device is partly
upward with respect to a plane parallel to a surface that the
device travels upon, wherein what direction the filtered water
exits at least one of the first discharge opening and second
discharge opening is adjustable.
19. A method for assembling a device, comprising providing a
housing of a body of the device, the housing being formed with at
least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the two
discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening of the two discharge openings is on a second side
of the body; affixing two pumps inside the body for drawing water
from within the body and pushing the water out of the body through
the two discharge openings, a first pump of the two pumps being
associated with the first discharge opening and a second pump of
the two pumps being associated with the second discharge opening;
connecting a power cable to the two pumps for providing power to
the two pumps; connecting a controller inside the body that
automatically controls activating the two pumps; and connecting a
filter inside the body for removing debris from water; wherein when
the first pump is turned on, water passes through the filter inside
the body, filtering the water, the water exiting the device in a
vicinity of the first discharge opening, the water exiting the
device being exiting filtered water, the exiting filtered water
creating propulsion, pushing the device in a first direction,
wherein when the second pump is turned on, water passes through the
filter inside the body, filtering the water, the water exiting the
device in a vicinity of the second discharge opening, the exiting
filtered water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a second
direction, wherein a direction and speed of the device are
adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the device,
wherein the direction the filtered water exits the device is partly
upward with respect to a plane parallel to a surface that the
device travels upon wherein what direction the filtered water exits
at least one of the first discharge opening and second discharge
opening is adjustable.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the water, without being
carried in a conduit, exits the device at an acute angle, greater
than zero away from the plane parallel to the surface that the
device travels upon.
21. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; and a filter for filtering out
debris in water; wherein when the first pump is turned on, water
passes through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting
the device in a vicinity of the first discharge opening, the
exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a first
direction, wherein when the second pump is turned on, water passes
through the filter, filtering the water, the water exiting the
device in a vicinity of the second discharge opening, the exiting
water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a second
direction, and wherein a direction and speed of the device are
adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the device,
wherein the direction the filtered water exits the device is not
downward with respect to a plane parallel to a surface that the
device travels upon, wherein what direction the filtered water
exits at least one of the first discharge opening and second
discharge opening is adjustable, wherein the device does not have
any conduit inside the housing for carrying a flow of water that is
propelled by at least one of the two pumps.
22. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body, the housing
having only one intake opening, which is located at the bottom of
the body; two pumps being affixed inside the body for drawing water
from within the body and pushing the water out of the body through
the two discharge openings, a first pump of the two pumps being
associated with the first discharge opening and a second pump of
the two pumps being associated with the second discharge opening; a
power source for providing power to the two pumps; a controller
that automatically controls activating the two pumps; and a filter
for filtering out debris in water; wherein when the first pump is
turned on, water passes through the filter, filtering the water,
the water exiting the device in a vicinity of the first discharge
opening, the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device
in a first direction, wherein when the second pump is turned on,
water passes through the filter, filtering the water, the water
exiting the device in a vicinity of the second discharge opening,
the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device in a
second direction, and wherein a direction and speed of the device
are adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the
device, wherein the direction the filtered water exits the device
is partly upward with respect to a plane parallel to a surface that
the device travels upon, wherein what direction the filtered water
exits at least one of the first discharge opening and second
discharge opening is adjustable.
23. A device comprising: a housing of a body, the housing including
at least two discharge openings, a first discharge opening of the
two discharge openings is on a first side of the body and a second
discharge opening is on a second side of the body; two pumps being
affixed inside the body for drawing water from within the body and
pushing the water out of the body through the two discharge
openings, a first pump of the two pumps being associated with the
first discharge opening and a second pump of the two pumps being
associated with the second discharge opening; a power source for
providing power to the two pumps; a controller that automatically
controls activating the two pumps; a filter for filtering out
debris in water; and at least two neck portions being two collars
connected to the at least two pumps, each collar being located at
one of the at least two discharge openings; wherein when the first
pump is turned on, water passes through the filter, filtering the
water, the water exiting the device in a vicinity of the first
discharge opening, the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing
the device in a first direction, wherein when the second pump is
turned on, water passes through the filter, filtering the water,
the water exiting the device in a vicinity of the second discharge
opening, the exiting water creating propulsion, pushing the device
in a second direction, wherein a direction and speed of the device
are adjustable by adjusting what direction the water exits the
device; wherein the device does not include a conduit for carrying
a flow of water that is propelled by at least one of the two
pumps.
24. The device of claim 17, wherein each of the at least two
discharge openings is covered by a flap, the flap being a one-way
valve allowing water to exit the housing, wherein the flap opens
facing partly upward when pushed by the exiting water.
25. The device of claim 17, wherein the device is cordless.
26. The device of claim 17, wherein when the controller is on, the
controller turns each of the two pumps on for random periods of
time.
27. The device of claim 1, wherein the first discharge opening is
associated with a first adjustable surface; the direction of the
filtered water exiting the first discharge opening being adjustable
by adjusting the first adjustable surface, the first adjustable
surface facing partly upward when pushed by the exiting water, and
the second discharge opening is associated with a second adjustable
surface; the direction of the filtered water exiting the second
discharge opening being adjustable by adjusting the second
adjustable surface, the second adjustable surface facing partly
upward when pushed by the exiting water.
28. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least two flaps
that are pivotally connected to the discharge openings, the flaps
having a spring mechanically biasing the flaps to stay closed to
cover the discharge openings until being pushed open by water
exiting the pumps of the device; wherein the flaps open facing
partly upward when pushed by the exiting water.
29. The device of claim 1, the filtered water exits the device at a
first degree with respect to the plane parallel to the surface that
the device travels upon, the first degree being adjustable, wherein
the filtered water exits the device at a second degree with respect
to a plane perpendicular to the surface that the device travels
upon, the second degree being adjustable.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This specification generally relates to pool cleaners.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The subject matter discussed in the background section
should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its
mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem and the
understanding of the causes of a problem mentioned in the
background section or associated with the subject matter of the
background section should not be assumed to have been previously
recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background
section may merely represent different approaches, which in and of
themselves may also be inventions.
[0003] Presently, there are various pool cleaners that can clean
swimming pools by filtering the pool water and removing dirt debris
and algae. There are various pools with different sizes and/or
shapes. To clean various pools, pool cleaners need to move in the
water across the entire floor of the pools.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0004] In the following drawings like reference numbers are used to
refer to like elements. Although the following figures depict
various examples of the invention, the invention is not limited to
the examples depicted in the figures.
[0005] FIG. 1A shows a diagram of an embodiment of a pool
cleaner;
[0006] FIG. 1B shows another view of an embodiment of the pool
cleaner of FIG. 1A with the neck portion disconnected from the pool
cleaner;
[0007] FIG. 1C shows another view of an embodiment of the pool
cleaner of FIG. 1A with a cross sectional view of the neck portion
and flap;
[0008] FIG. 2A shows a top front view of an embodiment of a pump
assembly having two pumps with the flaps open;
[0009] FIG. 2B shows the top front view of the pump assembly of
FIG. 2A with the flaps closed;
[0010] FIG. 3A shows a front view of an embodiment of the pump
assembly of FIG. 2A with the neck portion disconnected from the
pump assembly;
[0011] FIG. 3B shows a front view of an embodiment of the pump
assembly of FIG. 2A with the flap closed and the neck portion
rotated 30 degrees;
[0012] FIG. 3C shows a front view of an embodiment of the pump
assembly of FIG. 2A with the flap closed and the neck portion at
zero degrees;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the pump
assembly of FIG. 2A;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the
pump assembly of FIG. 2A;
[0015] FIG. 6A shows an enlarged view of an embodiment of a portion
of the pump assembly of FIG. 2A with the neck portion disconnected
from the pump assembly;
[0016] FIG. 6B shows a cross sectional enlarged view of an
embodiment of a portion of the pump assembly of FIG. 2A with the
neck portion disconnected from the pump assembly;
[0017] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front view and a side view of an
embodiment of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1A with the neck portions
rotated 30 degrees and the flap open 90 degrees, respectively;
[0018] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a font view and a side view of an
embodiment of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1A with the flap open 60
degrees, respectively;
[0019] FIGS. 8C and 8D show a font view and a side view of an
embodiment of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1A with the flap open 90
degrees, respectively;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a pool cleaner
having four pumps;
[0021] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of
using the pool cleaner of FIG. 1A;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method of
making the pool cleaner of FIG. 1A;
[0023] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a front view and a back view of an
embodiment of the discharge mount of FIG. 1A, respectively;
[0024] FIGS. 12C-F show diagrams of an embodiment of the dimensions
of different elements of the discharge mount of FIG. 1A;
[0025] FIG. 13A shows a diagram of an embodiment of the neck
portion of FIG. 1A;
[0026] FIGS. 13B-G show diagrams of an embodiment of the dimensions
of different elements of the neck portion of FIG. 1A; and
[0027] FIG. 14 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a circuit for
powering the two pumps of FIG. 1A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Although various embodiments of the invention may have been
motivated by various deficiencies with the prior art, which may be
discussed or alluded to in one or more places in the specification,
the embodiments of the invention do not necessarily address any of
these deficiencies. In other words, different embodiments of the
invention may address different deficiencies that may be discussed
in the specification. Some embodiments may only partially address
some deficiencies or just one deficiency that may be discussed in
the specification, and some embodiments may not address any of
these deficiencies.
[0029] In general, at the beginning of the discussion of each of
FIGS. 1A-9, 12A-13G, and 14 is a brief description of each element,
which may have no more than the name of each of the elements in the
one of FIGS. 1A-9, 12A-13G, and 14 that is being discussed. After
the brief description of each element, each element is further
discussed in numerical order. In general, each of FIGS. 1A-9,
12A-13G, and 14 is discussed in numerical order and the elements
within FIGS. 1A-9, 12A-13G, and 14 are also usually discussed in
numerical order to facilitate easily locating the discussion of a
particular element. Nonetheless, there is no one location where all
of the information of any element of FIGS. 1A-9, 12A-13G, and 14 is
necessarily located. Unique information about any particular
element or any other aspect of any of FIGS. 1A-9, 12A-13G, and 14
may be found in, or implied by, any part of the specification.
[0030] In various places in discussing the drawings a range of
letters, such as a-n are used to refer to individual elements of
various series of elements that are the same. In each of these
series, the ending letters are integer variables that can be any
number. Unless indicated otherwise, the number of elements in each
of these series is unrelated to the number of elements in others of
these series. Specifically, even though one letter (e.g. "c") comes
earlier in the alphabet than another letter (e.g., "n"), the order
of these letters in the alphabet does not mean that the earlier
letter represents a smaller number. The value of the earlier letter
is unrelated to the later letter, and may represent a value that is
greater the same or less than the later letter.
[0031] FIG. 1A shows a diagram of an embodiment of a pool cleaner
100a. Pool cleaner 100a includes at least a head 110, a pair of
discharge mounts 111a and 111b, a fastener 112, rotation markings
119a, a base 120, a pair of neck portions 130a and 130b, a pair of
flaps 131a and 131b, a cover 132a, a pair of indicator tabs 133a
and 133b, wheels 140, a power cord 150, and a cap 151. In other
embodiments, pool cleaner 100a may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0032] Pool cleaner 100a is a cleaning machine that is propelled by
two tilted pumps pointing in opposite directions, which pumps are
turned on alternatively in order to propel the pool cleaner 100a in
either direction to traverse the floor of a swimming pool or a
water tank. In at least one embodiment, pool cleaner 100a traverses
the floor of the pool making zigzag routes that eventually covers
the entire floor of the pool to remove debris from the bottom of
the pool. Generally, pool cleaner 100a is submerged and operated
under water. When pool cleaner 100a is turned on, at least one of
the two pumps within pool cleaner 100a is powered to create a water
jet that pushes the pool cleaner 100a in a direction that is
opposite the direction that pump that is on faces. To switch
directions, the current pump that is on is turned off, and the
other pump is turned on. In at least one embodiment, each pump
faces a discharge opening pointing upwards at an angle, while each
discharge opening includes a neck portion and an adjustable flap
that is pivotally connected to the neck portion. Each flap may be
closed to cover the discharge opening or may be pushed open at a
predetermined angle, allowing pool water to exit pool cleaner 100a.
The exiting pool water propels pool cleaner 100a along the pool
floor. The exiting pool water also creates a downward force that
keeps pool cleaner 100a on the floor of the pool while moving. In
at least one embodiment, the speed of the pool cleaner 100a is
adjustable by adjusting the angle that each flap is held open while
pool cleaner 100a is propelled by the exiting pool water. In at
least one embodiment, each neck portion may be rotated within a
limited range causing the pool cleaner 100a to turn, adjusting the
directions of movement of pool cleaner 100a. In at least one
embodiment, when one pump is turned on and the other pump is turned
off, the water inside the pool cleaner 100a is pushed out through
the discharge opening facing the pump that is on. The water exiting
the pool cleaner 100a pushes open the corresponding flap and
bounces off the flap to propel pool cleaner 100a in the desired
direction while holding the pool cleaner 100a on the floor of the
pool. Consequently, the pump that pumps water out of the pool
cleaner 100a creates a vacuum within the body, which causes the
flap of the other pump to close and the pool water to flow into the
body through an intake opening at the bottom of pool cleaner 100a.
The water is then pushed out of the body of pool cleaner 100a by
the pump that is on. In at least one embodiment, which one of the
two pumps is turned on is controlled by a circuit. Which of the
pumps is kept on alternates, so that pool cleaner 100a may move in
one direction for a given period of time, and then reverses
direction when the pump that is on is turned off and the pump that
is off is turned on. As a result of at least one of the flaps being
angled to the side, the pool cleaner 100a turns slightly when
traveling in at least one direction, and pool cleaner 100a travels
in a zigzag pattern across the entire floor of the pool (other
patterns of travel are also possible). In at least one embodiment,
at least a filter within the body of pool cleaner 100a blocks any
debris in the water from passing through as the water flows in and
out of the body, thereby filtering the water. The process is
performed until the pool water is clean or until movement of pool
cleaner 100a has covered the entire floor of the pool. In at least
one embodiment, pool cleaner 100a is portable, is light enough, and
is small enough that pool cleaner 100a may be put in and/or taken
out from a pool by a single individual.
[0033] Head 110 is a top portion of the pool cleaner 100a that
connects to a base to form the body of pool cleaner 100a. In at
least one embodiment, head 110 includes a part of an approximately
oval shaped top cover with two oval shaped openings in either end
along longitudinal axis of the head 110, facing upward at an angle
in approximately opposite directions (in other embodiments, the top
cover may have other shapes). In at least one embodiment, head 110
includes at least two tilted pumps facing the oval shaped openings
for pumping water out of the body of pool cleaner 100a. In at least
one embodiment, two discharge mounts are mounted to the two oval
shaped openings, into which two neck portions with adjustable flaps
are connected. In at least one embodiment, a power cord is
connected to the pool cleaner 100a through the top of the head 110,
while at the other end connects to a power outlet such as an AC
outlet for powering pool cleaner 100a. In at least one embodiment,
head 110 is pivotally connected to the base of pool cleaner 100a
and may be locked via a fastener such as a latch. In at least one
embodiment, head 110 and/or the base may include a filter for
removing debris and filtering pool water when pool cleaner 100a is
on. In at least one embodiment, head 110 may include other
structures and/or shapes.
[0034] Discharge mounts 111a and 111b are two mounting pieces that
mount to the oval shaped openings of the head 110 for connecting
and positioning two pumps within the body and facing outwards. In
at least one embodiment, each of discharge mounts 111a and 111b
includes a circular opening for connecting a neck portion and an
oval shaped opening for mounting to the oval shaped openings of the
head 110. In at least one embodiment, the circular opening and oval
shaped opening have perimeters at one side that are proximal to
(and may touch) each other, and the circular opening and oval
shaped opening are connected via a partial cylindrical bracket. In
at least one embodiment, neck portions are fitted into the circular
openings of discharge mounts 111a and 111b, with the propellers of
two pumps located in or facing towards the neck portions for
pushing water out of the pool cleaner 100a. In at least one
embodiment, the neck portions in the circular openings may rotate
with respect to the axis of the circular openings of discharge
mounts 111a and 111b within a limited range. In at least one
embodiment, each of the discharge mounts 111a and 111b is open at
the discharge side of each pump of the pool cleaner 100a so that
water flowing in the direction that each pump faces and water
flowing upwards is unobstructed.
[0035] In at least one embodiment, propellers of the pumps directly
push water out of the pool cleaner 100a via discharge openings that
the pumps face. In at least one embodiment, the pool cleaner 100a
does not include any conduit for carrying the flow of water that is
propelled by the pumps. In this specification a "conduit" is
defined as "a pipe or tube through which something (such as water)
passes" (see the Merriam-Webster Dictionary). In this specification
a conduit is "a pipe suitable for carrying the flow of liquids and
gases" (see Wiki Dictionary). In at least one embodiment, the water
inside the body of the pool cleaner 100a directly exits the pool
cleaner 100a through discharge openings, therefore no tubes or
pipes, or structure similar to a tube or a pipe, are used in the
pool cleaner 100a for carrying or directing the water flow.
[0036] Fastener 112 is a mechanical fastener, such as a latch, that
holds the head 110 and the base to one another, closing and locking
the two components together. Fastener 112 may have a clasp or hook
portion that is located on the intake side of the head 110 that
engages a receiving portion located on the base. The clasp or hook
portion may have a spring mechanism, and may be pressed to release
the fastener 112 for opening the body of the pool cleaner 100a. In
at least one embodiment, the body of pool cleaner 100a may be
opened by releasing fastener 112 to remove debris and/or clean the
filter. In this specification, whenever one type of fastener is
used another type of fastener may be substituted to obtain a
different embodiment. For example, latches, screws, snaps, rivets,
glue, adhesives, straps and/or tabs (that is, tabs that engage in
slots), may be used for any of the fasteners in this specification.
Latches, screws, snaps, rivets, tabs (tabs that engage in slots),
glue, adhesives, and/or straps may be substituted one for another
to obtain different embodiments. Also, many fasteners have two
parts that interlock with one another to hold two pieces together,
where one of the two parts of the fastener is attached to one piece
and another of the two parts is attached to another piece. In this
specification, which piece is attached to which part may be
reversed to obtain a different embodiment. For example, if a top
piece has a slot and a bottom piece has a latch that interlock with
the slot, whether the top piece has the slot and the bottom piece
has the latch may be reversed from that which is shown in the
drawings to obtain another embodiment.
[0037] Rotation markings 119a are markings on the discharge mount
111a above the circular opening to be viewed in conjunction with an
indicator tab for indicating the rotational angle of the neck
portion. In at least one embodiment, rotation markings 119a include
numerical markings from zero degrees until 30 degrees. In an
embodiment, the zero degrees marking is in the middle of the
markings and there are two 30 degrees markings--one on each side of
the zero degrees marking (which are each at thirty degrees away
from the zero degrees marking). In at least one embodiment,
rotation markings 119a may include other numbers and/or letters
marking the positions. In at least one embodiment, rotation
markings 119a may be in other locations.
[0038] Base 120 is the bottom portion of pool cleaner 100a that is
connected to the head 110 to form the body of pool cleaner 100a. In
at least one embodiment, base 120 includes a receiving portion that
engages with fastener 112 for locking the head 110 to the base 120
when the pool cleaner 100a is in use. In at least one embodiment,
base 120 is connected to wheels and/or other traversing structures
allowing the pool cleaner 100a to move across the floor of the
pool. In at least one embodiment, base 120 includes an intake
opening at the bottom, which serves as an inlet for the pool water
to enter the body, so that the water is filtered by the filter
within the body of pool cleaner 100a. In at least one embodiment,
base 120 may include other structures and/or shapes.
[0039] Neck portions 130a and 130b are collar-like structures
fitted in the circular openings of discharge mounts 111a and 111b,
within which the propellers of the two pumps are located for
pushing water out through neck portions 130a and 130b to exit pool
cleaner 100a. In at least one embodiment, a part of neck portions
130a and 130b is inserted into and partially interlocks with the
circular openings of discharge mounts 111a and 111b, while the
other part (having a slightly larger diameter) meets with the
circular openings of discharge mounts 111a and 111b and serves as
an outlet for water to exit the pool cleaner 100a. In at least one
embodiment, neck portions 130a and 130b are able to rotate inside
the circular openings of discharge mounts 111a and 111b within a
limited range and may stay at an angle at which the user sets neck
portions 130a and 130b. In at least one embodiment, adjustable
flaps are connected to the neck portions 130a and 130b, via pivots
for controlling the water flow. In an embodiment, slotted covers
are attached to, and located in, discharge openings of the neck
portions 130a and 130b for blocking fingers or other objects from
coming in contact with the propellers. In at least one embodiment,
neck portions 130a and 130b include indicator tabs for indicating
rotational angles at which neck portions 130a and 130b are set. In
other embodiments, neck portions 130a and 130b may include other
structures. Neck portions 130a and 130b will be further discussed
in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0040] Flaps 131a and 131b are circular plates that are connected
to neck portions 130a and 130b, respectively, on one side via
pivots (to form a hinge). In at least one embodiment, flaps 131a
and 131b are mechanically biased to stay closed to cover the
discharge openings of neck portions 130a and 130b until being
pushed open by water exiting the discharge openings. In at least
one embodiment, there may be two stops, one stop for each of flaps
131a and 131b, that prevents flaps 131a and 131b from opening
beyond a predetermined angle. In at least one embodiment, flaps
131a and 131b may be opened facing upwards at a predetermined angle
(e.g., an angle in the range of 65 to 90 degrees). In at least one
embodiment, the flaps 131a and 131b have extended portions that are
connected, via pivots to the bottom of the neck portions 130a and
130b. In other embodiments, flaps 131a and 131b may include other
structures.
[0041] Cover 132a may include a ring shaped rim with spokes
positioned radially from a hub to the rim, forming openings between
the spokes. The spokes may be slats. In at least one embodiment,
cover 132a is fitted in the discharge opening of neck portion 130a.
Cover 132a blocks fingers and/or other objects from coming in
contact with the propeller positioned inside the neck portion 130a,
while still allowing the water to exit the discharge opening of
neck portion 130a. In at least one embodiment, the spokes of the
cover 132a are tilted with respect to the plane of the cover 132a,
so that the slat shaped spokes are aligned to minimize the
rotational motion of the water. In at least one embodiment, another
cover similar to cover 132a is fitted in the neck portion 132b with
openings aligning to the flow of water exiting the neck portion
312b. In other embodiments, cover 132a may have other shapes and/or
structures.
[0042] Indicator tabs 133a and 133b are tabs protruding from
outside surfaces of neck portions 130a and 130b, respectively, on
the sides that are opposite the sides having the pivots. Indicator
tabs 133a and 133b indicate the rotational angles of the neck
portions 130a and 130b. In at least one embodiment, the indicator
tabs 133a and 133b point to the rotation markings (119a on
discharge mount 111a and other markings on discharge mount 111b)
that correspond to the angles that the neck portions 130a and 130b
make with the zero marking, which also indicate the angles of the
flow of water that has bounced off flaps 131a and 131b, causing
pool cleaner 100a to turn. In at least one embodiment, a user may
rotate the neck portions 131a and 131b in either direction so that
indicator tabs 133a and 133b may point to an angle at either side
of the rotation markings, so that pool cleaner 100a can turn in
either direction.
[0043] Wheels 140 are pivotally attached to the base 120 to provide
mobility for pool cleaner 100a to move across the floor of the
pool. In at least one embodiment, wheels 140 are placed far enough
from one another to maintain stability of pool cleaner 100a. In
various embodiments, there may be various numbers of wheels (e.g.,
3, 4, 5, 6, or 8, for example) attached to the base 120. Power cord
150 is an insulated electrical cord that connects pool cleaner 100a
to a power outlet such as an AC outlet. Power cord 150 transmits
the electricity from the power outlet to pool cleaner 100a to power
the two pumps as needed. Power cord 150 may run through a cover on
the top of head 110 to further connect to a connector that engages
a socket that is inside a pump chamber in which the pumps are
located. In at least one embodiment, the electrical connections
between power cord 150 and the connector and between the connector
and the socket are hermetically sealed.
[0044] Cap 151 is a cap that is attached to the top of the head
110, through which the power cord 150 passes and/or connects to the
pumps inside pool cleaner 100a. In at least one embodiment, cap 151
is affixed to a connector that the power cord 150 is connected, for
stabilizing the connector inside the head 110. In at least one
embodiment, cap 151 may include other structures and/or shapes.
[0045] FIG. 1B shows another view 100b of an embodiment of the pool
cleaner 100a of FIG. 1A with the neck portion 130a disconnected
from the pool cleaner 100a. FIG. 1B includes at least head 110,
discharge mounts 111a and 111b, fastener 112, rotation markings
119a, base 120, neck portions 130a and 130b, flaps 131a and 131b,
cover 132a, indicator tabs 133a and 133b, wheels 140, power cord
150, and cap 151, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1B further includes a pivot 134, a tab 135, a groove 136, a
propeller 160, and an axle 161. In other embodiments, FIG. 1B may
not have all of the elements or features listed and/or may have
other elements or features instead of or in addition to those
listed.
[0046] FIG. 1B shows a view with details of the neck portion 130a,
while neck portion 130a is disconnected from the circular opening
of the discharge mount 111a. In FIG. 1B, the part of neck portion
130a that is inserted into the circular opening of discharge mount
111a includes a groove and a tab(s) for interlocking the neck
portion 130 and the discharge mount 111a while allowing the neck
portion 130a to rotate and stay in a position where the user places
neck portion 130a.
[0047] Pivot 134 is a pivot structure that runs through holes in
pivot mounts on neck portion 130a and hole(s) in extended portions
of flap 131 for holding the flap 131a and neck portion 130a
together. Pivot 134 allows flap 131a to swing within a limited
range while one end is connected to neck portion 130a. In an
embodiment, pivot 134 is a rod. Together with the pivot mounts on
neck portion of 130a and extended portions of flap 131 form a
hinge.
[0048] Tab 135 is a piece of resilient material, such as a
resilient plastic within a notch that acts like a spring and after
being deformed, tab 135 tends to return to the original shape of
tab 135. Tab 135 is in a groove on neck portion 130a. Tab 135 is
biased to stay in a position away from neck portion 130a. Tab 135
is mechanically biased to protrude between bumps or other
protrusions on the inner surface of the circular opening of
discharge mount 111a. The bumps form a circle and are in alignment
with the groove when neck portion 130a is fitted into the circular
opening of discharge mount 111a. The bumps protrude into the groove
(while tab 135 protrudes between bumps) holding neck portion 130a
in place. In at least one embodiment, tab 135 keeps the neck
portion 130a at the particular angle chosen by the user. While the
user changes the angle of neck portion 130a, tab 135 depresses each
time tab 135 slides over the bumps of the discharge mount 111a,
acting like a bidirectional ratchet allowing the neck portion 130a
to be stepped from one angle setting to another angle without
slipping once in any given angle setting. In at least one
embodiment, more than one tab is located on the neck portion 130a
for holding the neck portion 130a in place. In at least one
embodiment, other structures may be used instead of or in addition
to the tab 135 and the bumps for holding the neck portion 130a in
place. The bumps will be discussed further in conjunction with FIG.
3A, below. In at least one embodiment, the neck portion 130b also
includes at least a similar tab on neck portion 130b for holding
the neck portion 130b in a user chosen angle setting without
slipping, while allowing the user to step neck portion 130b to
other angle settings. Optionally, another tab similar to tab 135
may be located on the part of neck portion 130a opposite to the tab
135 that further aids in holding the neck portion 130a in a user
chosen angle setting. Similarly, neck portion 130b may also include
a second tab opposite the first tab.
[0049] Groove 136 is a groove on the outside surface of the part of
neck portion 130a to be inserted into the circular opening of
discharge mount 111a for interlocking neck portion 130a and
discharge mount 111a. In at least one embodiment, groove 136
interlocks with bumps on the circular opening of discharge mount
111a. In at least one embodiment, tab 135 interrupts groove 136 for
keeping the neck portion 130a at a user chosen angle as described
in conjunction with tab 135, above. In at least one embodiment,
other structures may be included in neck portion 130a for
interlocking neck portion 130a to discharge mount 111a while
allowing rotation of neck portion 130a. In an at least one
alternative embodiment, tab 135 and groove 136 could be located on
the circular opening of discharge mount 111, while the bumps could
be located on neck portion 130a. In at least one alternative
embodiment, the groove 136 may be replaced with a series of
depressions that each engages one of the bumps when neck portion
103a is in one of the angle settings. In the embodiment in which
groove 136 is replaced with a series of depressions, tab 135 is
optional.
[0050] Propeller 160 is a fan blade on one of the pumps. Propeller
160 rotates when the pump is on, causing the surrounding water to
move, pulling water from the floor of the pool into pool cleaner
100a, through a filter, and pushing the filtered water out of the
pool cleaner 100a in the direction that the pump that is on faces.
Propeller 160 may be powered by a motor. In at least one
embodiment, pool cleaner 100a includes two pumps facing proximately
opposite directions, each pump having a propeller facing upwards at
an angle with respect to one another, with respect to the surface
of the water, and with respect to the floor of the pool.
[0051] Axle 161 is the axle on which propeller 160 is mounted.
Turning axle 161 turns propeller 160. Axle 161 may be mounted in
holes or wells in a housing of the pump of propeller 160. Note that
one of the pumps may include propeller 160, a motor to turn
propeller 160, a housing for the motor that holds axle 161, axle
161 (and the other pump may likewise include another propeller,
motor, motor housing, and axle).
[0052] FIG. 1C shows another view 100c of an embodiment of the pool
cleaner 100a of FIG. 1A with a cross sectional view of the neck
portion 130a and flap 131a. FIG. 1C includes at least head 110,
discharge mounts 111a and 111b, fastener 112, rotation markings
119a, base 120, neck portions 130a and 130b, flaps 131a and 131b,
cover 132a, indicator tab133b, wheels 140, power cord 150, and cap
151, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C also
propeller 160 and axle 161, which were discussed in conjunction
with FIG. 1B. In other embodiments, FIG. 1C may not have all of the
elements or features listed and/or may have other elements or
features instead of or in addition to those listed.
[0053] FIG. 1C shows a cross sectional view of the neck portion
130a and flap 131a, with spokes of the cover 132a tilted forming
spaces that are tilted in an angle allowing the water to exit the
discharge opening of the neck portion 130a. FIG. 1C shows more
clearly than FIG. 1B that the spokes are shaped like slats and FIG.
1C shows that the slats are slanted to minimize the rotational
motion of the water exiting the pool cleaner 100a. In an
alternative embodiment, the spokes are not slats or are slat that
are parallel to the axis of rotation of the propeller.
[0054] FIG. 2A shows a top front view of an embodiment of a pump
assembly 200a having two pumps with the flaps open. Pump assembly
200a includes at least discharge mounts 111a and 111b, rotation
markings 119a, neck portions 130a and 130b, flaps 131a and 131b,
cover 132a, indicator tabs 133a and 133b, power cord 150, and pivot
134, which were discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B. Pump
assembly 200a may further include protrusions 201a and 201b, a
sliding stop 202, a plurality of protecting rods 203a-m and 204a-m,
a pump chamber 210, two pumps 211a and 211b, poles 212a-c and
213a-c, an electrical connector 251, and a pair of poles 252a-b. In
other embodiments, pump assembly 200a may not have all of the
elements or features listed and/or may have other elements or
features instead of or in addition to those listed.
[0055] FIG. 2A shows the structure of pump assembly 200a. Pump
assembly 200a has two pumps facing proximately opposite directions,
which are both tilted upwards at an angle for positioning two
propellers in discharge openings of neck portions 130a and 130b,
thereby causing water to be pushed directly out of the pool cleaner
100a without traveling through a conduit(s). In at least one
embodiment, either of flaps 131a and 131b may be pushed open by the
water exiting the discharge opening of either of neck portions 130a
and 130b, thus providing a driving force in either direction for
propelling the pool cleaner 100a across the floor of the pool. In
at least one embodiment, water that bounces off the flaps 131a
and/or 131b also creates a downward force for keeping the pool
cleaner 100a staying on the floor of the pool while moving. In at
least one embodiment, the speed of the pool cleaner 100a may be
adjusted by adjusting the angle of opening of the flaps 131a and
131b, and the direction of the movement of the pool cleaner 100a
may be adjusted by rotating the neck portions 130a and 130b which
in turn changes the direction in which the flaps 131a and 131b may
open.
[0056] Protrusions 201a and 201b are circular protrusions on flaps
131a and 131b toward the neck portions 130a and 130b, respectively.
Protrusions 201a and 201b are optional.
[0057] Sliding stop 202 is a tab with a hole for the pivot 134 to
pass through for connecting the sliding stop 202 to the flap 131a.
Sliding stop 202 slides along pivot 134, and at different positions
along pivot 134, sliding stop 202 stops flap131a from opening
beyond a particular amount. The amount that sliding stop 202 allows
flap 131a depends on the position along pivot 134 that sliding stop
202 is placed at. In other words, sliding the sliding stop 202
along pivot 134 adjusts the maximum angle to which flap 131a opens
when pushed open by the water exiting the discharge opening of neck
portion 130a. In at least one embodiment, the sliding stop 202 may
slide on pivot 134 and may stay in a predetermined position that
corresponds to a specific angle to which the flap 131a is open. In
at least one embodiment, a portion of sliding stop 202 rides on a
bar at the end of the extended portions of the flap 131a. In at
least one embodiment, when the flap 131a is pushed open, sliding
stop 202 contacts the bottom of neck portion 131a. At the bottom of
neck portion 131a may be fins or tabs (or other structures) having
different heights, which contact sliding stop 202, preventing flap
130a from opening further. In this specification, the terms "fins"
and "tabs" may be substituted one for the other to obtain a
different embodiment. The heights of the fins may decrease in one
direction and increase in the other direction as sliding stop 202
moves along bar 206. The higher the fins the smaller the angle that
flap 131a can open, and the shorter the fins the larger the angle
that flap 131a can open. In an embodiment, the fins are only on one
side of the bottom of neck portion 130a and increase in the
direction moving away from the center of the bottom of neck portion
130a. A similar set of fins may be located on neck portion 131b for
contacting another sliding stop that stops flap131b from opening
beyond a particular amount. In other embodiments, other structures
may be substituted to adjust the open angle of flaps 131a and
131b.
[0058] Protecting rods 203a-m and 204a-m include a plurality of
rods surrounding the circular openings behind discharge mounts 111a
and 111b within pool cleaner 100a. Protecting rods 203a-m and
204a-m are located between discharge mount 111a and 111b and facing
the pump chamber 210. Protecting rods 203a-m and 204a-m block
fingers or other objects from coming in contact with the propellers
that are located in the circular openings of discharge mounts 111a
and 111b. Water drawn into the pool cleaner 100a is sucked through
protecting rods 203a-m and 204a-m and then into the propellers of
the pumps. The water sucked into the propellers then exits the pool
cleaner 100a.
[0059] Pump chamber 210 is a chamber having two cylindrical
chambers joined in the middle, while the other ends of the two
cylindrical chambers are tilted upward at an angle and are
connected to the housings of the two pumps. In at least one
embodiment, pump chamber 210 includes a port on the top of pump
chamber 210, and the power cord 150 extends through the port and
electrically couples to the pumps within the pump chamber 210. In
at least one embodiment, a socket is attached below the port inside
the pump chamber 210, which is electronically connected to a
control circuit, for controlling a power switch that activates the
two pumps. In at least one embodiment, pump chamber 210 includes
two poles on either side of the port for holding the pump chamber
210 to the roof of head 110 on the inner side of the head 110.
[0060] Pumps 211a and 211b are water pumps that are capable of
moving water surrounding the pumps 211a and 211b. More
specifically, pumps 211a and 211b draw water into the body of pool
cleaner 100a and push water out of the body. In an embodiment, each
of pumps 211a and 211b may include a propeller to move the water
through the pool cleaner 100a. In an embodiment having a propeller,
the end of each of pumps 211a and 211b that has the propeller is a
discharge end of pumps 211a and 211b. Pumps 211a and 211b may be
electromechanical pumps that are powered by electric motors. Pumps
211a and 211b are further described, below, in conjunction with
FIGS. 5 and 6B.
[0061] Poles 212a-c and 213a-c are poles that connect pump chamber
210 to discharge mounts 111a and 111b, respectively. In at least
one embodiment, poles 212a-c and 213a-c include screw holes on top
at an end distal from pump chamber 210. The screw holes engage
screws that go through holes on discharge mounts 111a and 111b for
connecting pumps 211a and 211b to discharge mounts 111a and 111b,
respectively. In at least one embodiment, each of the pumps 211a
and 211b includes three poles. In another embodiment, other numbers
of poles or other fasteners may be substituted for connecting pumps
211a and 211b to the discharge mounts 111a and 111b.
[0062] Electrical connector 251 is an electrical connector that
engages the socket inside the pump chamber 210. In at least one
embodiment, electrical connector 251 has screw threads that engage
screw threads on the port on top of the pump chamber 210, forming a
hermetic seal, and may include leads that make electrical contact
with leads in the socket inside the pump chamber 210.
[0063] Poles 252a-b are poles on the top of pump chamber 210 at
either side of the electrical connector 251, for connecting the
pump chamber 210 to the cap 151. In at least one embodiment, holes
252a-b are threaded and engage screws located on the bottom of cap
151, so that the pump chamber 210 is affixed to the cap 151 while
the cap 151 is attached to the head 110. Alternatively, the screws
and screw holes may be replaced with tabs that engage in slots
and/or other fasteners.
[0064] FIG. 2B shows the top front view 200b of the pump assembly
200a of FIG. 2A with the flaps 131a and 131b closed. FIG. 2B
includes at least discharge mounts 111a and 111b, rotation markings
119a, neck portions 130a and 130b, flap 131a, indicator tabs 133a
and 133b, power cord 150, and pivot 134, which were discussed in
conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 2B further includes
protrusion 201a, sliding stop 202, protecting rods 203a-m and 204
a-m, pump chamber 210, pumps 211a and 211b, poles 212a-c and
213a-c, electrical connector 251, and poles 252a-b, which were
discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A. FIG. 2B may further include
flap markings 205, a bar 206, spring 207, and a pair of pivot
mounts 208a-b. In other embodiments, FIG. 2B may not have all of
the elements or features listed and/or may have other elements or
features instead of or in addition to those listed.
[0065] FIG. 2B shows the top front view of FIG. 2A in which the
flaps 131a and 131b are closed and cover the discharge openings of
neck portions 130a and 130b.
[0066] Flap markings 205 are markings located on the side of flap
131a facing away from the neck portion 130a, adjacent to the pivot
134. Flap markings 205 in combination with the sliding stop 202
indicate the angle at which the flap 131a is open. In at least one
embodiment, flap markings 205 include numerical markings that range
from 65 degrees to 90 degrees. For example, when the sliding stop
202 points to 70 degrees on the flap markings 205, the flap 131a
may be opened to at most 70 degrees with respect to the opening of
the neck portion 130a. In at least one embodiment, flap markings
205 may include other numbers and/or letters. In at least one
embodiment, flap markings 205 may be in other locations.
[0067] Bar 206 is a bar that connects the ends of two extended
portions of the flap 131a. Bar 206 guides the sliding stop 202.
Sliding stop 202 slides along bar 206. In at least one embodiment,
bar 206 includes depressions that engage sliding stop 202, causing
sliding stop 202 to ratchet from depression to depression, so that
sliding stop 202 stays in a predetermined position that corresponds
to a specific angle that the flap 131a can open to. In at least one
embodiment, bar 206 also provides support for the sliding stop
202.
[0068] Spring 207 is attached to pivot 134, mechanically biasing
the flap 131a to stay closed to cover the discharge opening of the
neck portion 130a until the flap 131a is pushed open by water that
is pushed out of pool cleaner 100a by propeller 160. In at least
one embodiment, another spring is used to bias the flap 131b to
stay closed to cover the neck portion 130b.
[0069] Pivot mounts 208a-b are a pair of tabs that are attached to
the neck portion 130a, having holes in the ends that are further
away from the neck portion 130a. Pivot 134 is placed in pivot
mounts 208a-b.
[0070] FIG. 3A shows a front view 300a of an embodiment of the pump
assembly 200a of FIG. 2A with the neck portion 130a disconnected
from the pump assembly 200a. FIG. 3A includes at least discharge
mounts 111a and 111b, rotation markings 119a, neck portions 130a
and 130b, flap 131a, indicator tabs 133a and 133b, pivot 134,
propeller 160, and axle 161, which were discussed in conjunction
with FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 3A also includes protrusion 201a,
sliding stop 202, protecting rods 204 a-m, pump chamber 210, pumps
211a and 211b, poles 212a-c and 213a-c, electrical connector 251,
and poles 252a-b, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A further includes flap markings 205, a bar 206, spring 207,
and a pair of pivot mounts 208a-b, which were discussed in
conjunction with FIG. 2B. FIG. 3A may further include screws
301a-c, a circular opening 302, and a plurality of bumps 303. In
other embodiments, FIG. 3A may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0071] FIG. 3A shows a front view of the pump assembly 200a when
the neck portion 130a is disconnected from the circular opening of
discharge mount 111a. FIG. 3A shows that the propeller 160 is
located inside the circular opening of discharge mount 111a for
pushing water directly out of the pool cleaner 100a.
[0072] Screws 301a-c are three screws that affix the housing of
pump 211a to the discharge mount 111a so that the propeller 160 of
the pump 211a is positioned inside the circular opening of
discharge mount 111a. Each of screws 301a-c screws into a hole at
the end of one of poles 212a-c, thereby holding discharge mount
111a to poles 212a-c of pump 211a. In other embodiments, other
fasteners may be substituted to obtain a different embodiment.
[0073] Circular opening 302 is an opening in the discharge mount
111a into which the neck portion 130a is attached. In at least one
embodiment, the propeller 160 is positioned in the circular opening
302 for pushing water directly out of pool cleaner 100a (without
traveling through any conduits). In at least one embodiment, inner
surface of circular opening 302 includes bumps that engage groove
136 and tab 135 for interlocking the neck portion 130a. In at least
one embodiment, neck portion 130a may rotate within circular
opening 302. In other embodiments, circular opening 302 may include
other structures and/or shapes.
[0074] Bumps 303 are a plurality of bumps on the inner surface of
the circular opening 302 of discharge mount 111a, which form a
circle in alignment with the groove 136 and tab 135 for
interlocking the neck portion 130a in a predetermined position. In
at least one embodiment, two of the bumps 303 trap the tab 135
in-between, so that the neck portion 130a stays in a predetermined
rotational angle until the user rotates the neck portion 130a to
another angle, ratcheting neck portion 130a from angle to angle. In
an alternative embodiment bumps 303 may be replaced with depression
that catch tab 135.
[0075] FIGS. 3B and 3C show front views 300b and 300c of an
embodiment of the pump assembly 200a of FIG. 2A with the flap
closed and the neck portion 130a rotated 30 degrees and at zero
degrees, respectively. FIGS. 3B and 3C include at least discharge
mounts 111a and 111b, rotation markings 119a, neck portions 130a
and 130b, flap 131a, indicator tabs 133a and 133b, and pivot 134,
which were discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIGS. 3B
and 3C also include protrusion 201a, sliding stop 202, protecting
rods 204 a-m, pump chamber 210, pumps 211a and 211b, poles 212a-c
and 213a-c, electrical connector 251, and poles 252a-b, which were
discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A. FIGS. 3B and 3C further
include flap markings 205, bar 206, spring 207, and pivot mounts
208a-b, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2B. In other
embodiments, FIGS. 3B and 3C may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0076] FIGS. 3B and 3C show front views of FIG. 3A when the flaps
are closed and the neck portion 131a is connected in the circular
opening of discharge mount 111a. In FIG. 3B, the neck portion 131a
is rotated 30 degrees while the sliding stop 202 is positioned so
that flap 131a may be opened up to 65 degrees when pushed by the
water (the flap 131a is in closed position in FIG. 3B). In FIG. 3C,
the neck portion 131a is not rotated with the indicator tab 133a
pointing to zero degrees, while, similar to FIG. 3B, the sliding
stop 202 points to 65 degrees.
[0077] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view 400 of an embodiment of the
pump assembly 200a of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4 includes at least discharge
mounts 111a and 111b, rotation markings 119a, neck portions 130a
and 130b, flaps 131a and 131b, cover 132a, indicator tabs 133a and
133b, pivot 134, tab 135, groove 136, power cord 150, propeller
160, and axle 161, which were discussed in conjunction with FIGS.
1A and 1B. FIG. 4 also includes sliding stop 202, protecting rods
203a-m and 204 a-m, pump chamber 210, pumps 211a and 211b, poles
212a-c and 213a-c, electrical connector 251, and poles 252a-b,
which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A. FIG. 4 further
includes spring 207 and pivot mounts 208a-b, which were discussed
in conjunction with FIG. 2B. FIG. 4 further includes screws 301a-c,
which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 may
further include a nut 402, screws 403a-c, a nut 404, rotation
markings 405, pivot mounts 408a-b, a cover 432, a pivot 434, a tab
435, a sliding stop 436, a spring 437, a groove 439, a propeller
460, and an axle 461. In other embodiments, FIG. 4 may not have all
of the elements or features listed and/or may have other elements
or features instead of or in addition to those listed.
[0078] Nut 402 is a fastener with a threaded hole that engage with
screw threads on the end of axle 161 for fastening the propeller
160 onto the axle 161. In other embodiments, other fasteners may be
substituted for fastening propeller 160 onto axle 161.
[0079] Screws 401a-c are similar to the screws 301a-c. Screws
401a-c serve to fasten pump 211b to discharge mount 111b. Nut 404
is similar to the nut 402. Nut 402 fastens a propeller to an axle
of the pump 211b. Rotation markings 405 are similar to the rotation
markings 119a. Rotation markings 405 are on discharge mount 111b to
be viewed in conjunction with indicator tab 133b for indicating the
rotational angle of the neck portion 130b. Pivot mounts 408a-b are
similar to the pivot mounts 208a-b. Pivot mounts 408a-b are
connected to neck portion 130b, to which a pivot is mounted to
connect flap 131b to neck portion 130b. Cover 432 is similar to the
cover 132a. Cover 432 is fitted in the discharge opening of neck
portion 130b. Pivot 434 is similar to the pivot 134. Pivot 434
serves to connect flap 131b to neck portion 130b, such that flap
131b pivots on pivot 434. Tab 435 is similar to the tab 135. Tab
435 is on the neck portion 130b and is inserted into circular
opening of discharge mount 111b. Sliding stop 436 is similar to the
sliding stop 202. Sliding stop 436 is attached to pivot 434 for
adjusting and indicating the angle to which flap 131b can open.
Sliding stop 436 may ratchet from location to location having bumps
or depressions similar to neck portion 130a that form the
ratcheting mechanism. Spring 437 is similar to the spring 207.
Spring 437 is attached to pivot 434 for biasing flap 131b to stay
closed to cover neck portion 130b. Groove 439 is similar to the
groove 136. Groove 439 is on the neck portion 130b for interlocking
neck portion 130b inside circular opening of discharge mount 111b,
while allowing the rotation of neck portion 130b. Propeller 460 is
similar to the propeller 160. Propeller 460 is installed on the
pump 211b causing water to move out of the discharge opening of the
neck portion 130b. Axle 461 is similar to the axle 161. Axle 461 is
in a housing of pump 211b, on which propeller 460 is mounted.
[0080] FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view 500 of an embodiment of
the pump assembly 200A of FIG. 2A. FIG. 5 includes at least
discharge mounts 111a and 111b, neck portions 130a and 130b, flaps
131a and 131b, cover 132a, pivot 134, power cord 150, propeller
160, and axle 161, which were discussed in conjunction with FIGS.
1A and 1B. FIG. 5 also includes protrusions 201a and 201b, sliding
stop 202, protecting rods 203a-m and 204 a-m, pump chamber 210,
pumps 211a and 211b, poles 212a-c and 213a-c, electrical connector
251, and poles 252a-b, which were discussed in conjunction with
FIG. 2A. FIG. 5 further includes screws 301a-c, which were
discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3A. FIG. 5 further includes
screws 401a-c, cover 432, pivot 434, propeller 460, and axle 461,
which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 4. FIG. 5 may further
includes motors 501a and 501b, motor gears 502a and 502b, axle
gears 503a and 503b, control circuit 505, socket 508, filter 510,
and flow directions 511a-m. In other embodiments, FIG. 5 may not
have all of the elements or features listed and/or may have other
elements or features instead of or in addition to those listed.
[0081] Motors 501a and 501b are electric motors located within the
housing of pumps 211a and 211b, respectively, for turning
propellers 160 and 460 when electricity is provided. In at least
one embodiment, motors 501a and 501b rotate shafts and motor gears
that are mounted on the shafts. In an embodiment, motors 501a and
501b are electric motors. When the user connects the power cord 150
of pool cleaner 100a to the power outlet, the electricity travels
through the power cord 150 to either of the motors 501a and 501b,
powering motors 501a and 501b, one at a time, for example. In at
least one embodiment, a control circuit is included in pool cleaner
100a for controlling which of the motors 501a and 501b receives
electricity during a particular period of time.
[0082] Motor gears 502a and 502b are gears mounted on the shafts of
the motors 501a and 501b, respectively.
[0083] Axle gears 503a and 503b engage motor gears 502a and 502b,
and turn axles 161 and 461, respectively. As the motors 501a and
501b rotate the axle shafts, motor gears 502a and 502b rotate,
which in turn rotate axle gears 503a and 503b, which in turn rotate
axles 161 and 461, thereby rotating propellers 160 and 460,
respectively. The ratio of the diameter of axle gears 503a and 503b
and motor gears 502a and 502b determines the ratio of the speed of
rotation of the motor shafts of the motors 501a and 501b and the
propellers 160 and 460, respectively.
[0084] Control circuit 505 includes an electronically controlled
switch connected to a timer circuit for switching electricity flow
to either of motors 501a and 501b in order to activate pumps 211a
and 211b alternatively, one at a time, to change the direction of
travel. In at least one embodiment, control circuit 505 switches
transmission of electricity at random time points, or after one
pump is working for a period that is randomly set (e.g., after pump
211a is on for 15 seconds, electricity is switched to pump 211b,
which then stays on for 11 seconds). In at least one embodiment,
the pumps 211a and 211b is alternatively turned on under the
control of control circuit 505 causing pool cleaner 100a to move in
zigzag routes. In other embodiments, control circuit 505 may
include other settings or other structures for controlling the
electricity for powering pumps 211a and 211b.
[0085] Socket 508 is located inside the pump chamber 210 under the
port that is on the top of the pump chamber 210. In at least one
embodiment, socket 508 engages with a plug within the electrical
connector 251 and transmits electricity from the power cord 150 to
the control circuit 505 and to the motors 501a and 501b. In at
least one embodiment, the port above socket 508 has screw threads
on the outer surface for hermetically engaging electrical connector
251.
[0086] Filter 510 is a filter that is installed within the body of
pool cleaner 100a and blocks any debris in the water from passing
through as the water flows in and out of the body, thereby
filtering the water. Filter 510 may include materials such as a
fabric that allows water to pass and blocks large particles. In an
embodiment, filter 510 may be attached to the head 110 or base 120
of the pool cleaner 100a. In at least one embodiment, filter 510
may also include structures for supporting the fabric or other
materials through which the water passes when under hydraulic
pressure (e.g., as a result of pumps 211a and/or 211b being turned
on). In at least one embodiment, when at least one of pumps 211a
and 211b is turned on and pushes water out of the pool cleaner
100a, a negative pressure is created inside the body to draw water
into the body and through the filter, and then water exits the pool
cleaner 100a.
[0087] Flow directions 511a-m include a plurality of arrows showing
the directions of flow of water as if both pumps 211a and 211b were
on (although in practice it may be that only one pump is on at a
time). In at least one embodiment, pumps 211a and 211b are turned
on alternatively, one at a time, to discharge water out of the pool
cleaner 100a through the discharge opening that the pump that is on
faces. FIG. 5 shows the directions of water flow propelled by both
pumps 211a and 211b. It should be understood by people skilled in
the art that when one pump is turned on, water that is drawn into
the body and through the filter exits the pool cleaner 100a via the
discharge opening that the pump that is on faces, while the other
discharge opening that the pump that is off faces is closed as a
result of the negative pressure created by the pump that is on.
[0088] FIG. 6A shows an enlarged view 600a of an embodiment of a
portion of the pump assembly 200a of FIG. 2A with the neck portion
130a disconnected from the pump assembly 200a. FIG. 6A includes at
least discharge mount 111a, rotation markings 119a, neck portion
130a, flap 131a, cover 132a, indicator tab133a, pivot 134, tab 135,
groove 136, propeller 160, and axle 161, which were discussed in
conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 6A also includes protrusion
201a, sliding stop 202, protecting rods 203a-m, pump chamber 210,
pump 211a, poles 212a-c, electrical connector 251, and poles
252a-b, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A. FIG. 6A
further includes flap markings 205, bar 206, spring 207, and pivot
mounts 208a-b, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2B.
FIG. 6A further includes screws 301a-c and bumps 303, which were
discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3A. In other embodiments, the
assembly of FIG. 6A may not have all of the elements or features
listed and/or may have other elements or features instead of or in
addition to those listed.
[0089] FIG. 6A shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2A when
the neck portion 131a is disconnected from the circular opening of
discharge mount 111a.
[0090] FIG. 6B shows a cross sectional enlarged view 600b of an
embodiment of a portion of the pump assembly 200a of FIG. 2A with
the neck portion 130a disconnected from the pump assembly 200a.
FIG. 6B includes at least discharge mount 111a, rotation markings
119a, neck portion 130a, flap 131a, cover 132a, indicator tab133a,
pivot 134, power cord 150, propeller 160, and axle 161, which were
discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 6B also
includes protrusion 201a, sliding stop 202, protecting rods 203a-m,
pump chamber 210, pump 211a, poles 212a-c, electrical connector
251, and poles 252a-b, which were discussed in conjunction with
FIG. 2A. FIG. 6B further includes flap markings 205 and bar 206,
which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2B. FIG. 6B further
includes screws 301a-c and bumps 303, which were discussed in
conjunction with FIG. 3A. FIG. 6B further includes motor 501a,
motor gear 502a, axle gear 503a, control circuit 505, and socket
508, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 5. FIG. 6B may
further include a plug 602. In other embodiments, the assembly of
FIG. 6B may not have all of the elements or features listed and/or
may have other elements or features instead of or in addition to
those listed.
[0091] FIG. 6B shows a cross sectional view of FIG. 6A when the
neck portion 131a is disconnected from the circular opening of
discharge mount 111a.
[0092] Plug 602 is an electrical plug structure that is attached in
the electrical connector 251 for connecting the power cord 150 to
the socket 508 that is below the port of the pump chamber 210. In
at least one embodiment, plug 602 includes three electrical plug
pins (e.g., one pin for a positive electrical line, one pin for a
negative electrical line, and one pin for a ground line). In other
embodiments, plug 602 includes another number of prongs, blades, or
pins. In another embodiment, other types of electrical plug or
socket structures may be substituted for the plug 602.
[0093] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front view 700a and a side view700b
of an embodiment of the pool cleaner 100a of FIG. 1A with the neck
portions 130a and 130b rotated 30 degrees and the flap 131a open 90
degrees, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B include at least head 110,
discharge mount 111a, rotation markings 119a, base 120, neck
portion 130a (and 130b in FIG. 7B), flap 131a, cover 132a,
indicator tab133a (and 133b in FIG. 7B), wheels 140, power cord
150, and cap 151, which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1A.
FIG. 7A further includes sliding stop 202, which was discussed in
conjunction with FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, FIGS. 7A and 7B may
not have all of the elements or features listed and/or may have
other elements or features instead of or in addition to those
listed.
[0094] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a front view and a side view of pool
cleaner 100a, with the neck portion 130a and flap 131a adjusted to
a rotational angle of 30 degrees and an open angle of 90 degrees,
respectively. In at least one embodiment, the pool cleaner 100a as
in FIGS. 7A and 7B has the highest speed, because the water
discharged through discharge opening of neck portion 130a shoots
directly out with minimum blockage by the flap 131a, and because a
larger component of the force generated by the exiting water is
directed towards horizontal motion, as compared to other angles at
which the water may be deflected. In at least one embodiment, the
direction of movements of pool cleaner 100a as in FIGS. 7A and 7B
may be changed as a result of the rotation of the neck portions
130a and 130b.
[0095] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a front view 800a and a side view 800b,
respectively, of an embodiment of the pool cleaner 100a of FIG. 1A
with the flap 131a open 60 degrees. FIGS. 8A and 8B include at
least head 110, discharge mount 111a, rotation markings 119a,
fastener 112, base 120, neck portion 130a (and 130b in FIG. 8B),
flap 131a, indicator tab133a (and 133b in FIG. 8B), wheels 140,
power cord 150, and cap 151, which were discussed in conjunction
with FIG. 1A. FIG. 8A further includes sliding stop 202, which was
discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, the
assemblies of FIGS. 8A and 8B may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0096] FIGS. 8A and 8B show a front view and a side view of pool
cleaner 100a, with the neck portion 130a and flap 131a adjusted to
a rotational angle of zero degrees and an open angle of 60 degrees,
respectively. In at least one embodiment, the pool cleaner 100a as
in FIGS. 8A and 8B has the lowest speed because the water
discharged out of the neck portion 130a bounces against the flap
131a and then runs approximately upward, therefore creating a force
to push the pool cleaner 100a downward, without creating much force
to push the pool cleaner 100a forward.
[0097] FIGS. 8C and 8D show a front view 800c and a side view 800d,
respectively, of an embodiment of the pool cleaner 100a of FIG. 1A
with the flap 131a open 90 degrees. FIGS. 8C and 8D include at
least head 110, discharge mount 111a, rotation markings 119a,
fastener 112, base 120, neck portion 130a (and 130b in FIG. 8D),
flap 131a, indicator tab133a (and 133b in FIG. 8D), wheels 140,
power cord 150, and cap 151, which were discussed in conjunction
with FIG. 1A. FIG. 8C further includes sliding stop 202, which was
discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A. In other embodiments, the
assembly of FIGS. 8C and 8D may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0098] FIGS. 8C and 8D show a front view and a side view of pool
cleaner 100a, respectively, with the neck portion 130a and flap
131a adjusted to a rotational angle of zero degrees, while flap
131a is open to angle of 90 degrees. In at least one embodiment,
the pool cleaner 100a as in FIGS. 8C and 8D has the highest speed
because the water discharged out of the neck portion 130a shoots
directly out with minimum blockage by the flap 131a.
[0099] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a pool cleaner
900 having four pumps. Pool cleaner 900 includes at least a head
910, discharge mounts 911a and 911b, rotation markings 919a and
919b, a base 920, neck portions 930a-d, flaps 931a-d, indicator
tabs 933a-d, sliding members 935a and 935b, flap markings 936a and
936b, wheels 940, a power cord 950, and a cap 951. In other
embodiments, pool cleaner 900 may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0100] FIG. 9 shows that pool cleaner 900 includes four pumps, two
at each side, for discharging water out through discharge openings
thus creating propulsion to move pool cleaner 900 across the floor
of the pool. In at least one embodiment, the pair of pumps on one
end and the other pair of pumps on the other end are turned on
alternatively, one pair at a time, causing pool cleaner 900 to
reverse direction every time the pair of pumps that is on is
changed. In at least one embodiment, pool cleaner 900 includes two
pump assemblies in which each pump assembly has two pumps. Each of
the pump assemblies of FIG. 9 is similar to the pump assembly 200
(discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2), and each of the two pump
assemblies is positioned parallel with the other with two pump
assemblies. Each pump assembly includes two pumps facing a
proximately opposite direction to each other. Each end of pool
cleaner 900 are a pair of parallel pumps in which each pump of the
pair is part of a different pump assembly. In at least one
embodiment, each of the four pumps faces a neck portion that is
pivotally connected to a flap, similar to the neck portion 130a and
flap 131a as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1A. In at least one
embodiment, the speed and/or direction of pool cleaner 900 may be
adjusted by adjusting the angles that the four flaps may be opened,
and/or the rotational angles of the four neck portions. In at least
one embodiment, pool cleaner 900 creates stronger propulsion
compared to the pool cleaner 100a as a result of there always being
two pumps being on at the same time.
[0101] Head 910 is similar to the head 110 except that head 110
includes two oval shaped openings while head 910 includes four oval
shaped openings, two at either end, through which water is
discharged out of the pool cleaner 910. Head 910 also houses two
pump assemblies, in parallel with each other, with four pumps, each
of the four pumps facing one of the four oval shaped openings for
propelling water out of pool cleaner 910.
[0102] Discharge mounts 911a and 911b are mounting structures, each
of which is similar to the discharge mount 111a as discussed in
conjunction with FIG. 1A. In at least one embodiment, discharge
mounts 911a and 911b are at the same side of the head 910 for
mounting to two oval shaped openings of the head 910, while another
two discharge mounts are at the opposite side of the head 910
mounted to the other two oval shaped openings of the head 910. In
at least one embodiment, a neck portion is connected into each of
the discharge mounts.
[0103] Rotation markings 919a and 919b are markings that are
similar to the rotation markings 119a.
[0104] Base 920 is similar to the base 120 in at least one
embodiment. Base 920 is connected to head 910 to form a body that
houses four pumps.
[0105] Neck portions 930a-d are four neck portions, each of which
is similar to the neck portion 130a. Neck portions 930a-d are
connected into four discharge mounts, two at each side of head 910.
In at least one embodiment, each of neck portions 930a-d is able to
rotate with respect to the discharge mount in which the neck
portion is connected, separately from one another (e.g., each of
the neck portions 930a-d may be in a different rotational
angle.).
[0106] Flaps 931a-d are four flaps, each of which is similar to the
flap 131a. Flaps 931a-d are pivotally connected to neck portions
930a-d, respectively. In at least one embodiment, each of flaps
931a-d is adjustable and may be opened to a predetermined angle,
separately from one another (e.g., each of the flaps 931a-d may be
opened in a different angle.).
[0107] Indicator tabs 933a-d are tabs protruding from the neck
portions 930a-d, each of which is similar to the indicator tab 133a
for indicating the rotational angle of the neck portions 930a-d,
respectively.
[0108] Sliding stops 935a and 935b are tabs that may slide on the
pivots that connect flaps 931a and 931b to neck portions 930a and
930b, each of which is similar to the sliding stop 202. Sliding
stops 935a and 935b adjust the angles to which flaps 931a and 931b
are open, respectively. In at least one embodiment, another two
sliding stops are included for adjusting the angles to which flaps
931c and 931d open. In at least one embodiment, the four sliding
stops may be separately adjusted so that flaps 931a-d may be pushed
open to different angles by exiting water.
[0109] Flap markings 936a and 936b are markings on flaps 931a and
931b, each of which is similar to flap markings 205, to be used in
conjunction with sliding member 935a and 935b for indicating the
angles to which flaps 931a and 931b opens, respectively.
[0110] In at least one embodiment, wheels 940 may be the same as
the wheels 140 as discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1A. In at
least one embodiment, power cord 950 and cap 951 may be the same as
the power cord 150 and the cap 151, respectively, as discussed in
conjunction with FIG. 1A.
Method of Use
[0111] FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1000
of using the pool cleaner 100a of FIG. 1A.
[0112] In step 1002, the flaps 131a and 131b are adjusted by
rotating the neck portions 130a and 130b until the indicator tabs
133a and 133b point to desired angles, respectively, in order to
adjust the direction of movements of the pool cleaner 100a. In at
least one embodiment, step 1002 also includes sliding the sliding
members 202 and 436 on the pivots 134 and 434 until the sliding
members 202 and 436 point to the desired angles to which the flaps
131a and 131b may be opened, respectively. Optionally, the user may
be able to input one or more settings into control circuit 505,
such as one or more dimensions of the pool (which may be used to
compute how long, or how long on average, to keep the pool cleaner
100a moving in a particular direction prior to switching directions
and how long to spend cleaning the pool). Optionally, the user may
be able to directly input the average length of time that each pump
should remain on prior to switching directions by changing which
pump is on and which pump is off and may be able to input how long
to keep the pool cleaner 100a moving before shutting off the pool
cleaner 100a.
[0113] In step 1004, the pool cleaner 100a is submerged in pool
water.
[0114] In step 1006, the power cord 150 is connected to a power
outlet at the end that is not connected to the pool cleaner
100a.
[0115] In step 1008, electricity is transmitted to control circuit
505, which determines which motor to power and the duration of time
for which the motor will be powered. Then as a result of control
circuit 505, electricity is transmitted to the motor 501a of pump
211a (for example) in order to rotate the propeller 160.
Alternatively, step 1008 may include transmitting electricity to
the motor 501b of pump 211b to rotate the propeller 460. In at
least one embodiment, the control circuit 505 controls which one of
the pumps 211a and 211b is activated. In at least one embodiment,
the pumps 211a and 211b are activated alternatively, one at a time.
The determination of the amount of time that the pump 211a is left
on may be based in-part of random value, and may involve
determining random number that is used for the duration of time
that the pump 211a will stay on or adding a random number to
another number, and the resulting number may be the amount of time
that the pump 211a is left on. Alternatively, the amount of time
that pump 211a is left on may be a fixed value that is set by the
user.
[0116] In step 1010, as a result of the rotation of the propeller
160, water inside the body of pool cleaner 100a is pushed out of
the discharge opening of neck portion 130a and the flap 131a is
pushed open. Water exiting the discharge opening bounces against
the flap 131a and creates propulsion for moving the pool cleaner
100a in a direction that is proximately opposite to the flow of
water that has bounced off the flap 131a. Meanwhile, the flap 131b
is closed due to the negative pressure inside the body of pool
cleaner 100a.
[0117] In step 1012, concurrent with and as a result of the water
leaving the pool cleaner 100a in step 1010, a negative pressure is
created inside the pool cleaner 100a, and the negative pressure
draws pool water through an intake opening at the bottom of pool
cleaner 100a into the body of pool cleaner 100a.
[0118] In step 1014, as a result of step 1012, as the water flows
through the pool cleaner 100a, the water is forced through filter
510 that obstructs the flow of water through the pool cleaner 100a.
Debris is removed from pool water as the pool water is filtered as
a result of the water flowing through the filter 510 inside the
body of pool cleaner 100a.
[0119] In step 1016, control circuit 505 determines that the
duration of time for which pump 211a is kept on has ended, and the
transmission of electricity to pump 211a is stopped. Optionally, if
the duration of time for powering each pump varies, control circuit
505 determines the duration of time that pump 211b is to be
powered. The determination of the duration of time for which the
pump is kept on may be made based on a random variable as explained
in conjunction with step1008. Then, under the control of the
control circuit 550, electricity is transmitted to pump 211b and
the propeller 460 starts to rotate.
[0120] In step 1018, as a result of the rotation of propeller 460,
water inside the body of pool cleaner 100a is pushed out of the
discharge opening of neck portion 130b, and flap 131b is pushed
open. Water exiting the discharge opening of neck portion 130b
bounces against flap 131b and creates propulsion for moving the
pool cleaner 100a in a direction that is proximately opposite to
the flow of water that has bounced off flap 131b. Meanwhile, flap
131a is closed due to the negative pressure inside the body of pool
cleaner 100a. Step 1018 is essentially the same as step 1010. The
only difference is which pump is on and which pump is off and the
resulting flow of the water.
[0121] Steps 1008-1018 are repeated until the user stops the
process. Alternatively, control unit 505 may have a user adjustable
setting for ending the process and shutting off both pumps 211a and
211b.
[0122] In step 1020, the power cord 150 is disconnected from the
power outlet, and the pool cleaner 100a is taken out of the pool.
In at least one embodiment, a user may pull the power cord 150 to
get the pool cleaner 100a out of the pool.
[0123] In step 1022, debris is removed out of the filter of pool
cleaner 100a, optionally by releasing the fastener 112 of head 110
to open the pool cleaner 100a and removing the filter 510 for
cleaning. Optionally, step 1022 may include, before opening the
body of pool cleaner 100a, draining water out of the body of pool
cleaner 100a by opening a quick drain door at the bottom of the
pool cleaner 100a.
[0124] In an embodiment, each of the steps of method 1000 is a
distinct step. In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct
steps in FIG. 1000, steps 1002-1022 may not be distinct steps. In
other embodiments, method 1000 may not have all of the above steps
and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those
listed above. The steps of method 1000 may be performed in another
order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method 1000 may
be used to form their own method.
Method of Assembly
[0125] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1100 of
making the pool cleaner 100a of FIG. 1A.
[0126] In step 1101, the parts of the walls of pump chamber 210 are
formed. Optionally, pump chamber 210 may be left open so that the
motors (e.g., 501a and 501b), gears (e.g., 502a-b and 503a-b),
axles (e.g., 161 and 461), electrical connectors 251 and/or control
circuit 505 may be more easily mounted to and/or within pump
chamber 210. As part of step 1101, the head 110 and base 120 of the
pool cleaner 100a are formed. As part of step 1101, filter 510 is
formed. As part of step 1101, wheels 140 are also formed.
[0127] In step 1102, pumps 211a and 211b are assembled, which may
include forming the parts of the housing of pumps 211a and 211b,
which may be left open so that the motors, gears and axles may be
mounted within the housing. Gears 502a and 502b may be attached to
the shafts of motors 501a and 502b, respectively. Axles 161 and 461
may be connected to gears 503a and 503b, respectively. The two
assemblies having axles 161 and 461 and gears 503a and 503b are
mounted to a wall of pump 211a and 211b, respectively, and the two
assemblies having gears 502a and 502b and motors 501a and 501b are
also mounted to a housing of pump 211a and 211b, respectively, such
that gears 502a and 502b engage gears 503a and 503b, respectively
(so that when motors 501a and 501b are turned on, gears 502a and
502b rotate, which in turn cause gears 503a and 503b to rotate,
which then rotate axles 161 and 461, and which in turn rotate
propellers 160 and 460, respectively). The parts of the housing of
pumps 211a and 211b that are not already attached to one another
are attached to one another, closing the housing. In at least one
embodiment, step 1102 also includes connecting the propellers 160
and 460 to the axles 161 and 461of pumps 211a and 211b,
respectively, prior to or after closing the housings of pumps 211a
and 211b. As part of step 1102, neck portions 130a and 130b with
flaps 131a and 131b are constructed and assembled, respectively. In
at least one embodiment, step 1102 also includes using pivots 134
and 434 to connect flaps 131a and 131b, sliding members 202 and
436, and springs 207 and 437, and further to neck portions 130a and
130b, respectively. In at least one embodiment, step 1102 also
includes attaching covers 132a and 432 inside discharge openings of
neck portions 130a and second connector 130b, respectively. As part
of step 1102, fastener 112 is also assembled.
[0128] In step 1104, the control circuit 505 and socket 508 is
affixed inside the pump chamber 210. In at least one embodiment,
the control circuit 505 and the socket 508 are electrically
connected. In at least one embodiment, step 1104 may include
connecting the plug 602 of electrical connector 251 to the socket
508 by screwing the electrical connector 251 onto the port on the
top of the pump chamber 210.
[0129] In step 1106, control circuit 550 is electrically connected
to motor 501a of pump 211a, and motor 501b of pump 211b via
electrical wires. In at least one embodiment, control circuit 505
controls the transmission of electricity to activate which one of
the pumps 211a and 211b and when to switch.
[0130] In step 1108, pumps 211a and 211b are affixed to the end
openings of pump chamber 210. In at least one embodiment, step 1108
may include providing a water-proof seal between the pump chamber
210 and the housings of pumps 211a and 211b, for preventing water
from coming in contact with the electrical elements inside pump
chamber 210 when the pool cleaner 100a is in use. Alternatively,
pumps 211a and 211b may be connected to a wall of pump chamber 210
prior to electrically connecting circuit control 505 to pumps 211a
and 211b.
[0131] In step 1109, the assembly above is placed inside the head
110 of pool cleaner 100a, with the power cord 150 going out of head
110 through an opening on top of the head 110 and further through a
hole in cap 151. In at least one embodiment, step 1109 also
includes affixing the poles 252a-b of pump chamber 210 to the cap
151 and attaching cap 151 to the head 110, thus allowing the pump
chamber 210 to stay attached inside the head 110 with the
propellers 160 and 460 located in two oval shaped openings of the
head 110.
[0132] In step 1110, the discharge mounts 111a and 111b are mounted
and/or sealed to the two oval shaped openings of head 110. In at
least one embodiment, step 1110 also includes affixing discharge
mounts 111a and 111b to the poles 212a-c of pump 211a, and poles
213a-c of pump 211b, respectively. As a result, pumps 211a and 211b
are stabilized and propeller 160 and 460 are positioned inside
circular openings of discharge mounts 111a and 111b.
[0133] In step 1114, neck portions 130a and 130b are connected into
the circular openings of the discharge mounts 111a and 111b,
respectively. In at least one embodiment, neck portions 130a and
130b are positioned so that the flaps 131a and 131b may open facing
upwards.
[0134] In step 1116, fastener 112 is installed on the head 110 of
pool cleaner 100a. Alternatively in step 1116, fastener 112 may be
installed on the base 120 of the pool cleaner 100a.
[0135] In step 1118, wheels 140 are connected to the base 120.
[0136] In step 1119, filter 510 is installed inside the head 110 or
base 120 for filtering pool water. In at least one embodiment, step
1119 may include connecting a quick drain door to the bottom of the
base 120 for draining water out of the pool cleaner 100a after the
pool cleaner 100a is taken out of the pool.
[0137] In step 1120, the head 110 is attached to the base 120 to
form the pool cleaner 100a. In at least one embodiment, the head
110 may be pivotally connected to the base 120 and may be locked
via fastener 112.
[0138] In an embodiment, each of the steps of method 1100 is a
distinct step. In another embodiment, although depicted as distinct
steps in FIG. 11, steps 1101-1120 may not be distinct steps. In
other embodiments, method 1100 may not have all of the above steps
and/or may have other steps in addition to or instead of those
listed above. The steps of method 1100 may be performed in another
order. Subsets of the steps listed above as part of method 1100 may
be used to form their own method.
Dimensions of Discharge Mount and Neck Portion
[0139] FIGS. 12A and 12B show a front view 1200a and a back view
1200b of an embodiment of the discharge mount 111a of FIG. 1A,
respectively. FIGS. 12A and 12B include at least discharge mount
111a, protecting rods 203a-m, circular opening 302, and bumps 303,
which were discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3A,
respectively. FIG. 12A also includes rotation markings 119a, which
was discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1A. FIGS. 12A and 12B
further include screw holes 1202a-c, a collar 1204, a post 1206,
and tabs 1208a-b. In other embodiments, FIGS. 12A and 12B may not
have all of the elements or features listed and/or may have other
elements or features instead of or in addition to those listed.
[0140] FIG. 12A-B show the features of discharge mount 111a that
are shown in the prior FIGs (discharge mount 111b may have the same
features as discharge mount 111a). FIG. 12A shows the side of
discharge mount 111a that faces outside and away from the pump.
FIG. 12B shows the side of discharge mount 111a that faces inside
and towards the pump.
[0141] Screw holes 1202a-c are three screw holes for the screws
301a-c to go through and further engage poles 212a-c to connect the
discharge mount 111a and the housing of the pump 211a. Collar 1204
is a ring shaped structure that forms the circular opening 302 in
the discharge mount 111a. In at least one embodiment, bumps 303
protrude from the inside surface of collar 1204. Post 1206 is a
post within which screw hole 1202c is located, for connecting the
discharge mount 111a and the housing of the pump 211a. Tabs 1208a-b
are a pair of tabs on the sides of the rotation marking 119a,
acting as stops limiting the angle that neck portion 130a can
rotate.
[0142] FIGS. 12C-F show diagrams of an embodiment of the dimensions
of different elements of the discharge mount 111a. Each of FIGS.
12C-F may include at least one of the discharge mount 111a,
rotation markings 119a, protecting rods 203a-m, circular opening
302, bumps 303, screw holes 1202a-c, collar 1204, post 1206, and
tabs 1208a-b. In other embodiments, FIGS. 12C-F may not have all of
the elements or features listed and/or may have other elements or
features instead of or in addition to those listed.
[0143] In general, the dimensions of the elements shown in FIGS.
12C-F and in FIGS. 13B-G are in millimeters and the angles are in
degrees. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that
FIGS. 12C-F and FIGS. 13B-G show an example of the embodiments of
the invention, and the invention is not limited to the example and
dimensions shown in FIGS. 12C-F and FIGS. 13B-G.
[0144] FIG. 12C shows a front view 1200c of discharge mount 111a.
Screw holes 1202a and 1202b are (31.83+31.83=63.66 mm) 63.66 mm
apart from one another. Circular opening 302 is not concentric with
the perimeter of discharge mount 111a. Circular opening 302 is
formed by collar 1204. The center of circular opening 302 is 10 mm
off from the center of the perimeter of discharge mount 111a along
cutline A-A. Cutline A-A passes through the zero marking and screw
hole 1202c. A straight line connecting the centers of screw holes
1202a and 1202b would be perpendicular to cutline A-A, and would
intersect cutline A-A at 19.68 mm from the center of the perimeter
of discharge mount 111a. Screw hole 1202c is 35.45 mm from the
center of the perimeter of charge mount 111a.
[0145] FIG. 12D is a cross-sectional view 1200d of discharge mount
111a taken along cutline A-A. The width of the collar 1204 (which
forms opening 302) is 20.5 mm. The distance from the edge of bumps
303 to the edge of the collar 1204 is 8.2 mm. The inner diameter of
the collar 1204 is 60.2 mm. The outer diameter of the collar 1204
is 64.83 mm. The inner diameter of the well for the screw head of
screw hole 1202c is 7.5 mm. The inner diameter of the channel that
accepts the stem of the screw is 4 mm. The outer diameter of the
post of screw hole 1202c is 11 mm. The height of the post 1206 of
screw hole 1202c is 10 mm.
[0146] FIG. 12E is a bottom view 1200e of an embodiment of
discharge mount 111a. The outer width of the end of discharge mount
111a that faces the pump is 88.73 mm. The protective rods 203a-m
extend 26.5 mm behind the back of discharge mount 111a. The base of
protective rods 203a-m may be attached to collar 1204. Collar 1204
may protrudes 12.5 mm behind the back of discharge mount 111a.
[0147] FIG. 12F shows details associated with rotation markings
119a. Tabs 1208a act as stops limiting the angle that neck portion
130a can rotate. The end of tabs 1208a and 1208b that is distal
from the center of opening 302 are each 37.1 mm from the center of
opening 302. The right side of FIG. 12F shows an enlarged view of
detail G of the left side of FIG. 12F. The Tabs 1208a and 1208a may
be 1.5 mm wide. The angle between the edges of tab 1208a and 1208b
that are closest to the zero marking and the center of the zero
marking is 33 degrees. The angle between the center of the zero of
the marking "30" on the left and center of the 3 of "30" on the
right is 55 degrees. The gap between the tops of the bumps 303 is
1.5 mm. The inner radius of opening 302 to the bottom of bumps 303
is 60.2 mm. The inner radius of opening 302 to the top of bumps 303
is 59.4 mm. In other words each bump 303 may be (60.2 mm-59.4
mm)/2=0.4 mm high. The angle formed by the two sidewalls that face
one another of two adjacent bumps (of bumps 303) is 90 degrees.
[0148] FIG. 13A shows a diagram 1300a of an embodiment of the neck
portion 130a of FIG. 1A. FIG. 13A includes at least neck portion
130a, indicator tab 133a, tab 135, groove 136, and pivot mounts
208a and 208b, which were discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1A
and 1B. FIG. 13A may also include at least discharge opening 1302,
a plurality of tabs 1304a-n, a tab 1305, and a bump 1306. In other
embodiments, FIG. 13A may not have all of the elements or features
listed and/or may have other elements or features instead of or in
addition to those listed.
[0149] Discharge opening 1302 is the opening of neck portion 130a
through which water is pushed out of the pool cleaner 100a. In at
least one embodiment, discharge opening 1302 is kept closed by flap
133a until flap 133a is pushed open by water when the propeller 160
starts rotating.
[0150] Tabs 1304a-n are tabs or fins located between the pivot
mounts 208a and 208b, protruding from the outside wall of neck
portion 130a and parallel to the axis of the neck portion 130a. In
at least one embodiment, tabs 1304a-n are of different heights for
blocking the sliding stop 202 in different extends so that to allow
the flap 131a to open in different angles. In at least one
embodiment, the location of each of the tabs 1304a-n corresponds to
the location of each number in the flap markings 205. For example,
the tab with smallest height thus least blockage corresponds to the
largest open angle (90 degrees) in the flap markings 205, while the
tab with largest height thus maximum blockage corresponds to the
smallest open angle (65 degrees). In other embodiments, other
structures may be substituted to allow adjusting the flap 131a to
open in different angles. Tab 1305 is similar to the tab 135. Tab
1305 is on the other side across the neck portion 130a.
[0151] Bump 1306 is a bump protruding from the tab 135 facing away
from the discharge opening 1302. In at least one embodiment, the
bump 1306 of the tab 135 is mechanically biased to insert bump 1306
between two of the bumps 303 on the inside surface of the collar
1204, so that the neck portion 130a stays in a predetermined
rotational angle until the user rotates the neck portion 130a to
another angle, ratcheting neck portion 130a from one angle to
another angle. In at least one embodiment, tab1305 also includes a
bump facing away from the discharge opening 1302.
[0152] FIGS. 13B-G show diagrams showing the dimensions of
different elements of an embodiment 1300 of the neck portion 130a.
Embodiment 1300 may include at least one of neck portion 130a,
indicator tab 133a, tab 135, groove 136, pivot mounts 208a and
208b, discharge opening 1302, tabs 1304a-n, and tab 1305.
Embodiment 1300 may further include a spring stop 1308. In other
embodiments, neck portion 130a may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0153] FIG. 13B shows a front view 1300b of the neck portion 130a.
The outside diameter of the neck portion 130a is 65 mm. The
distance from the center of the shortest tab to the center of the
tallest tab is 18 mm. The centers of two adjacent tabs are about 4
mm to 3.6 mm apart. The top edge of the shortest tab is 31.7 mm
away from the cutline B-B. The cutline A-A is 1.8 mm from the
center of the tab adjacent to the cutline A-A.
[0154] FIG. 13B may further include a spring stop 1308. Spring stop
1308 is a tab for holding the spring 207 in place and stopping
spring 207 from sliding towards the flap 131a. Spring 207 pushes
against spring stop 1308, mechanically biasing spring 207 to hold
flap 131a closed until water exiting pool cleaner 100a pushes flap
131a open.
[0155] FIG. 13C shows a back view 1300c of the neck portion 130a.
The distances from cut line B-B (as shown in FIG. 13B) to the top
edges of the tabs 1304a-n, from the second shortest to the tallest,
are 32.66 mm, 33.61 mm, 34.54 mm, 35.46 mm, and 36.4 mm, and have a
period of 1.8 mm. In an embodiment, the distance between the center
of the first and tallest of tabs 1304a-n and the center of the last
and shortest of tabs 1304a-n is 18 mm. In an embodiment, the
distance between the centers of the two tallest of tabs 1304a-n is
4 mm.
[0156] FIG. 13D shows a side view 1300d of the neck portion 130a
parallel to the cutline B-B. The tabs 1304a-n are 1.2 mm wide at
the top, and have a half period of 1.8 mm (and are thus 1.2 mm
apart at the top of tabs 1304a-n). The portion of the neck portion
130a that fits into the circular opening 302 of discharge mount
111a is 20.5 mm tall. The portion of the neck portion 130 that
meets the circular opening 302 is (33-20.5=12.5 mm) 12.5 mm tall.
The distance from the distal edge of pivot mount 208b to the edge
of the neck portion 130a facing away from the pivot mounts 208a-b
is 43 mm. The inner side of pivot mount 208a is 33 mm apart from
the spring stop 1308. The pivot mounts 208a and 208b are 47 mm
apart.
[0157] FIG. 13E shows a cross sectional side view 1300e of the neck
portion 130a taken along cutline A-A. The portion of neck portion
130a that fits into the discharge mount 111a has an outer diameter
of 60 mm and an inner diameter of 56 mm. The portion of neck
portion 130a that meets circular opening 302 of discharge mount
111a has an inner diameter of 60.2 mm. The inner edge of the
portion that fits into the discharge mount 111a is 23.5 mm away
from the side of the neck portion 130a facing away from the pivot
mount 208b. The angle of the rounded distal edge of pivot mount
208b is 43.5 degrees. The hole of pivot mount 208b through which
the pivot 134 goes is 39.5 mm away from the side of the neck
portion 130a facing away from the pivot mount 208b. The edge of the
groove 136 is 8.2 mm away from the side of the neck portion 130a
facing away from the pivot mount 208b (as shown in detail A).
[0158] FIG. 13F shows a side view 1300f of the neck portion 130a
parallel to the cutline A-A. The diameter of the hole in pivot
mount 208b is 2.95 mm. The tab 1305 is 8 mm tall and 4 mm wide. Tab
1305 is located in a rectangular opening that is 10 mm tall and 8
mm wide, the bottom edge of which is 5.5 mm apart from the side of
neck portion 130a facing away from the pivot mount 208.
[0159] FIG. 13G shows another top view 1300g of neck portion 130a.
The pivot mount 208a has a slant edge of 4.5 mm wide and 45 degrees
from the plane of pivot mount 208a. The pivot mount 208b has a
slant edge of 1.5 mm wide and 45 degrees from the plane of pivot
mount 208b. The distance between the slant edges of pivot mounts
208a and 208b is (22+22.5=44.5 mm) 44.5 mm.
[0160] It should be understood that modifications may be made
without departing from the essential teachings of the invention.
The dimensions shown in FIGS. 12C-F and FIGS. 13B-G may have a
tolerance of 10%. Of course, components that are intended to fit
snugly within one another need to vary together so that those
components still fit within one another, snugly. In other
embodiments other dimensions may be used that are outside of the
10% tolerances of the dimensions.
[0161] FIG. 14 shows a diagram 1400 of an embodiment of a circuit
for powering the two pumps. FIG. 14 includes at least a controller
1410, which includes at least a processor 1412, a clock 1414,
settings 1416, and a random number generator 1418. FIG. 14 may
further include an electronic switch 1420, two pumps 1432a and
1432b, two propellers 1434a and 1434b, and a power source 1440. In
other embodiments, FIG. 14 may not have all of the elements or
features listed and/or may have other elements or features instead
of or in addition to those listed.
[0162] FIG. 14 shows a system for controlling an electronically
controlled switch connected to a controller for switching
electricity flow to either of two pumps alternatively, one at a
time, to change the direction of travel of the pool cleaner 100a.
In at least one embodiment, at least one of the elements shown in
FIG. 14 is included in the control circuit 505.
[0163] Controller 1410 includes one or more circuits and/or
algorithms for controlling switching transmission of electricity at
random times, or after one pump is working for a period that is
randomly set. In at least one embodiment, the two pumps are
alternatively turned on under the control of controller 1410
causing pool cleaner 100a to move in zigzag routes. In other
embodiments, controller 1410 may include other settings or other
structures for controlling the electricity for powering the two
pumps.
[0164] Processor 1412 may include any one of, some of, any
combination of, or all of multiple parallel processors, a single
processor, a system of processors having one or more central
processors and/or one or more specialized processors dedicated to
specific tasks. In at least one embodiment, processor 1412 may
implement machine instructions stored in a memory system, such as
determining when to switch the transmission of electricity from one
pump to the other based on current time and numbers generated
randomly, or based on user chosen settings.
[0165] Clock 1414 is a circuit that produces a timing signal that
may be used by the processor 1412 to determine, in combination with
settings and/or a random number generator, the time to switch the
transmission of electricity.
[0166] Settings 1416 include various settings and/or parameters
that may be input and/or chosen by the user (or preset prior to
giving pool cleaner 100a to the user) for controlling switching the
transmission of electricity. In at least one embodiment, the user
and/or manufacturer may input one or more settings into controller
1410, such as one or more dimensions of the pool (which may be used
to compute how long, or how long on average, to keep the pool
cleaner 100a moving in a particular direction prior to switching
directions and how long to spend cleaning the pool). Optionally,
the user may be able to directly input or choose from settings 1416
the average length of time that each pump should remain on prior to
switching directions by changing which pump is on and which pump is
off and may be able to input how long to keep the pool cleaner 100a
before shutting off the pool cleaner 100a.
[0167] Random number generator 1418 is a computational or physical
device designed to generate a sequence of numbers that lack any
pattern. In at least one embodiment, random number generator 1418
may be used to determine the period of time for which a pump is
kept on prior to switching directions.
[0168] Electronic switch 1420 is an electronic component or device
that can switch an electrical circuit, diverting electric current
from one conductor to another, such as a transistor, relay,
avalanche diode, or other threshold device. In at least one
embodiment, electronic switch 1420 serves to switch the
transmission of electricity to either of the two pumps, under the
control of controller 1410.
[0169] Pumps 1432a and 1432b are similar to pumps 211a and 211b,
which were discussed in conjunction with FIG. 2A. Propellers 1434a
and 1434b are similar to propellers 160 and 460, which were
discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1B and 4. Power source 1440
serves to provide electrical power to the motors of the two pumps
1434a and 1434b. In at least one embodiment, power source 1440 may
include an AC outlet or storage devices such as a batteries and
fuel cells.
Alternatives and Extensions
[0170] In an alternative embodiment, pool cleaner 100a maybe
battery powered. In an embodiment, a power supply may be carried
within pool cleaner 100a, and pool cleaner 100a may not have a
power cord 150. In an alternative embodiment, the wheels are not in
the corners, but elsewhere. In another embodiment, there are more
than 4 wheels. In an embodiment, instead of there being 4 wheels,
there are 2 wheels on each side of pool cleaner 100a, there may be
one wheel on each end of the pool cleaner 100a. In an embodiment,
wheels 140 may be replaced with rollers, ball bearings, or treads.
In an alternative embodiment, instead of always keeping one of
pumps 211a and 211b off and the other on, and alternating which is
off and which is on to change directions, both pumps 211a and 211b
are always on. However, one of the two pumps 211a and 211b is set
to a higher setting (e.g., by sending a higher current or by
applying a higher voltage to that pump) than the other, so that
there is a net force pushing the pool cleaner 100a in the opposite
direction as the water discharging from the pump with the higher
setting. Which pump has the higher setting is changed to change the
direction of travel of the pool cleaner 100a. In an alternative
embodiment of FIG. 9, any one or any combination of the four pumps
of pool cleaner 900 may be turned on at any given time.
[0171] Each embodiment disclosed herein may be used or otherwise
combined with any of the other embodiments disclosed. Any element
of any embodiment may be used in any embodiment.
[0172] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true
spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may
be made without departing from the essential teachings of the
invention. Although the invention has been described with reference
to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in
the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true
spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may
be made without departing from the essential teachings of the
invention.
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