U.S. patent number 3,921,654 [Application Number 05/388,340] was granted by the patent office on 1975-11-25 for automatic swimming pool cleaner.
Invention is credited to Andrew L. Pansini.
United States Patent |
3,921,654 |
Pansini |
November 25, 1975 |
Automatic swimming pool cleaner
Abstract
An automatic cleaner for swimming pools adapted to be connected
to a source of fluid under pressure and under the influence of the
pressurized fluid to move in a random manner about the pool to
perform the cleaning operation. The cleaner includes base means in
the form of a substantially flat disc or plate member having nozzle
means connected thereto. The nozzle means are connected to a
relatively movable conduit which provides a flow path for the
pressurized fluid into the nozzle means. The nozzle means
incorporates a plurality of jets through which the fluid directed
into the nozzles selectively exits. Tilt wheels are connected to
the disc member to facilitate movement of the cleaner along the
bottom and sides of the pool. The pressurized fluid issuing from
the jets, in addition to providing the motive force for the
cleaner, dislodges accumulated scum and dirt from the side walls
and bottom of the pool. The cleaner disc member, tilt wheels and
relatively movable conduit cooperate with the nozzle means to
impart random movement to the cleaner. Cleaners are also disclosed
which have carrier members which when deactivated have a net
positive buoyancy causing the carrier members to float up to the
surface and when activated submerge and dive to travel along the
bottom and side walls of the pool.
Inventors: |
Pansini; Andrew L. (Greenbrae,
CA) |
Family
ID: |
26847639 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/388,340 |
Filed: |
August 13, 1973 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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150427 |
Jun 7, 1971 |
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91285 |
Nov 20, 1970 |
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62588 |
Aug 10, 1970 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
134/167R |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H
4/1681 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
E04H
4/16 (20060101); E04H 4/00 (20060101); B08B
003/02 (); B08B 009/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;134/167R,168R ;15/1.7
;4/172.15,172.16,172.17 ;239/229 ;115/11,12R |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Blix; Trygve M.
Assistant Examiner: Goldstein; Stuart M.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Naylor, Neal & Uilkema
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of my co-pending application,
now abandoned for "Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner", Ser. No.
150,427, filed June 7, 1971, which in turn is a continuation in
part of my application, now abandoned, for "Automatic Swimming Pool
Cleaner," Ser. No. 91,285, filed Nov. 20, 1970, which in turn was a
continuation in part of my application, now abandoned, for
"Automatic Swimming Pool Cleaner," Ser. No. 62,588, filed Aug. 10,
1970.
Claims
I claim as my invention:
1. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a carrier having a net
positive buoyancy when deactivated and embodying means operable in
response to forward movement of the carrier to impart submerged
diving movement thereto, drive means to impart forward movement to
said carrier, a flexible fluid supply conduit in flow supplying
communication with said drive means and adapted to be towed by said
drive means, and a roller-like, anti-friction bumper member carried
by said carrier at the leading end thereof adapted, as a result of
engagement with a pool surface, to rotate and to redirect movement
of said carrier within a pool.
2. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a carrier, drive means for
said carrier, a flexible fluid supply conduit to deliver fluid to
said drive means to operate the same and to also cause said drive
means to tow said conduit, means associated with said carrier and
responsive to the operation of said drive means to dive and move
said carrier in submerged condition, means to terminate the flow of
fluid to said drive means and thereby deactivate said carrier, and
float means carried by said carrier operable to move said carrier
when in submerged condition upwardly toward the surface of the
water in said pool upon deactivation of said carrier.
3. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a flexible water supply
conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, reaction propulsion
means for said conduit at the outlet end thereof operable to tow
said conduit, and means including a carrier member attached to said
conduit at the outlet end thereof and operable in response to
operation of said reaction propulsion means to impart submerged
diving movement to said reaction propulsions means.
4. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 3, said
last-mentioned means including variably positionable buoyancy means
to control the attitude of movement of said carrier member.
5. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a carrier having a net
positive buoyancy when deactivated, a water supply hose, means
interconnecting the carrier and supply hose enabling pivotal
movement of one with respect to the other, said hose including
reaction propulsion means for said carrier operable to propel the
carrier forwardly and tow said hose, said carrier embodying means
responsive to the propelling of the carrier forwardly by said
propulsion means to impart submerged diving movement to said
carrier.
6. The cleaner of claim 5, said last-mentioned means comprising a
convexly curved upper surface and a concavely curved lower surface
for said carrier.
7. The cleaner of claim 6, said last-mentioned means further
comprising a float carried by said carrier and adapted to urge the
rearward portion thereof upwardly relative to the forward portion
thereof.
8. The cleaner of claim 5, including a rotatable bumper member
attached to the forward end of the carrier.
9. The cleaner of claim 8, said bumper member being ball-shaped and
being perforate to permit the filling thereof with water.
10. The cleaner of claim 5, including vertical stabilizer fin means
positioned on said carrier.
11. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a flexible water supply
conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, reaction propulsion
means for said conduit adjacent the outlet end thereof operable to
tow said conduit, and carrier means attached to said conduit
adjacent the outlet end thereof operable in response to activation
of said reaction propulsion means to impart submerged diving
movement to said reaction propulsion means.
12. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a flexible water supply
conduit having an inlet end and an outlet end, an elongated carrier
of net positive buoyancy when deactivated having a swivel
connection with said outlet end, the axis of swivel corresponding
generally to the longitudinal axis of said outlet end, the major or
lengthwise direction of said carrier being generally parallel to
said axis of swivel, and reaction propulsion means at said outlet
end operable in a direction generally parallel to said axis of
swivel to apply a tension force to the supply conduit, said carrier
being operable in response to activation of said reaction
propulsion means to move with submerged diving movement.
13. The cleaner of claim 12, said carrier embodying means to
control the attitude of movement of said carrier.
14. The cleaner of claim 13, said attitude control means comprising
a convexly curved upper surface and a concavely curved lower
surface for said carrier.
15. The cleaner of claim 14, said attitude control means further
comprising buoyancy means on said carrier operable to urge the
rearward portion thereof upwardly relative to the forward portion
thereof.
16. The cleaner of claim 12, including a rotatable bumper member
attached to the forward end of the carrier.
17. The cleaner of claim 16, said bumper member being ball-shaped
and perforate to permit the filling thereof with water.
18. The cleaner of claim 12, including stabilizer fin means on said
carrier.
19. The cleaner of claim 12, including means operable when said
reaction propulsion means is turned off to bias the carrier so that
submerged planing movement will ensue when said reaction propulsion
means is subsequently turned on.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cleaner for swimming pools, and
more particularly, to a swimming pool cleaner adapted to
automatically move in a random manner about the pool to dislodge
accumulated scum and dirt from the side walls and bottom
thereof.
Prior art automatic swimming pool cleaners of the random movement
type are known. Many of these prior art cleaners are characterized
by their relative complexity and high cost while others are
inefficient in operation or do not move in a true random manner in
all or some types of pool configurations. For example, many prior
art swimming pool cleaners are ineffective insofar as the cleaning
of pool steps or other irregular pool surfaces are concerned.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an
improved automatic random movement swimming pool cleaner which,
although relatively compact in construction, is readily adapted for
true random movement within a swimming pool to remove accumulated
scum and dirt from the sides and bottom thereof.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an
improved automatic swimming pool cleaner of the random movement
type which is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction and
incorporates a number of elements which cooperate to periodically
move the cleaner from place to place in the pool in order to effect
more efficient cleaning of the pool surfaces.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a
cleaner of the aforementioned type which is readily adapted for use
in the cleaning of steps and other pool surfaces which present
difficulties for prior art swimming pool cleaners of the random
movement type.
These and other objects have been attained in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention by providing a random movement
automatic swimming pool cleaner which is adapted to be connected to
a flexible hose which provides a flow path between a source of
pressurized fluid and the cleaner. The pressurized fluid enters a
fluid supply arm or conduit which is relatively movable with
respect to the rest of the cleaner. From the conduit the
pressurized fluid passes to nozzle means which incorporates a
plurality of jets. Through acutation of suitable valve means the
pressurized fluid is selectively directed to the jets. The nozzle
means is connected to a disc member which facilitates the random
movement of the cleaner in the pool. Wheels are connected to the
disc member to facilitate movement of the cleaner along the bottom
or side walls of the pool. In addition, the wheels provide a pivot
about which the cleaner may tilt, which motion further encourages
the random movement of the cleaner by causing it to reverse
direction.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
more apparent with reference to the following description and
attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a swimming pool containing a preferred
embodiment of the improved automatic cleaner of this invention and
illustrating the random movement pattern thereof;
FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the
swimming pool cleaner constructed in accordance with the present
invention showing portions thereof broken away to illustrate
selected operating details;
FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are diagrammatic illustrations showing typical
positions assumed by the cleaner as it operates within the
pool;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 2 showing the cleaner in an inverted position on the swimming
pool bottom;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are isometric views illustrating alternative
embodiments of swimming pool cleaners constructed in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an alternative form of cleaner
and associated structure operatively disposed in a swimming
pool;
FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view of the cleaner of FIG. 6 showing
operational details thereof;
FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a cleaner constructed in
accordance with the present invention in combination with modified
auxiliary equipment for influencing the operation thereof;
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of swimming
pool cleaners of the invention;
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of swimming
pool cleaners of the subject invention;
FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of swimming
pool cleaners of the invention;
FIG. 12 is a partial view in side elevation of the cleaner of FIG.
11;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of swimming
pool cleaners of the invention;
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of swimming
pool cleaners of the invention;
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of swimming
pool cleaners of the invention; and
FIG. 16 is a view in side elevation of the cleaner of FIG. 15.
Referring now to FIG. 1, a representative swimming pool 10 is shown
with a preferred form of swimming pool cleaner constructed in
accordance with the present invention being disposed therein. The
swimming pool cleaner, which is generally designated by means of
reference numeral 12, is conneccted to a flexible fluid supply line
14 which in turn is connected at the other end thereof to a
suitable source of water under pressure which is indicated
schematically at 2. Between the source 2 and the supply line 14
there is interposed a solenoid-actuated valve indicated
schematically at 4. Valve 4 is controlled by a conventional timing
device 6 which serves to close the valve 4 periodically for a short
duration of time and for a reason which will be described below. In
a manner which will also be brought out in greater detail below,
the swimming pool cleaner is adpated to move in a random manner
about the pool as illustrated by the representative positions
indicated by means of solid and dotted lines in FIG. 1.
As may most clearly be seen with reference to FIG. 2, a preferred
embodiment of the cleaner is designated by means of reference
number 12 and includes an outer ring of substantially circular
configuration which is comprised of an inner wire hoop 18 and a
wear cover 20 substantially surrounding the wire hoop and secured
thereto in any desired manner. The wire hoop may, for example, be
constructed of aluminum or other suitable material and the wear
cover 20 may be constructed of wear resistant plastic or the like.
Rotatably mounted on the wire hoop at oppositely disposed ends of
the circular outer ring are lead wheels 22 and 24. The wear cover
20 is broken into substantially two semicircular segments as shown
with the lead wheels being disposed between said segments. Attached
to wear cover 20 and extending across the interior of the
substantially circular outer ring as shown in a relatively thin
plate or disc 28 which may be constructed of fabric, sheet plastic
or the like. If desired, the wear ring and disc may be formed out
of the same material, which may be molded plastic, for example, and
of unitary construction. The plate or disc is notched out as at 32
and 34 to accommodate the lead wheels 22 and 24, respectively. In
addition, apertures 32A and 34A are provided in the disc. These
apertures provide a flow path through the cleaner in the event it
stops in front of a pool surface skimmer. Termination of water flow
to the skimmer pump would cause it to lose prime.
Together, the disc and associated structure comprise base means.
Secured to the top surface of the disc in any desired manner are a
pair of transport nozzles 36 and 38 of a generally elongate
configuration and defining longitudinal axes extending parallel to
an imaginary line taken between lead wheels 22 and 24. Transport
nozzles 36 and 38 respectively define cylindrical interiors 40 and
42. A ball valve 44 is mounted within cylindrical interior 40 and a
ball valve 46 of similar construction is mounted within cylindrical
interior 42. It will be understood that ball valves 44 and 46 are
freely slidably movable within their respective nozzle interiors.
The transport nozzles 36 and 38 include at the opposite ends
thereof in the manner illustrated jets 48, 50, 52 and 54,
respectively. The jets define restricted outlet orifices (such as
orifice 56 of jet 48) which communicate with the respective nozzle
interiors. As may be noted with particular reference to jet 48 and
the elongated nozzle portion defining interior 36, a valve seat is
formed therebetween which is adapted to be engaged by ball valve 44
to provide a substantially fluid-tight seal to prevent outflow of
fluid from the jet orifice 56. Although not illustrated, it is to
be understood that a similar construction obtains with respect to
the other jets associated with the cleaner transport nozzles.
It should be noted that jets 48, 50, 52 and 54 are all tilted
slightly with respect to the plane occupied by the thin plate 28.
That is, when the plate is disposed in a substantially horizontal
plane and the cleaner is in an upright condition as shown in FIG.
2, any fluid exiting from the jet orifices will be directed
downwardly at a predetermined angle from the horizontal which, for
example, may be in the order of 15.degree. or 20.degree.. It should
be noted that plate 28 has formed therein a plurality of
throughbores 62, 64, 66 and 68 in the vicinity of the jet orifices
so that any fluid exiting from said orifices will not impinge upon
the plate, but instead will pass therethrough.
It will be noted that transport nozzles 36 and 38 are in the
general configuration of a tee with the central branches 74 and 76
thereof being disposed inwardly. The central branches define an
interior in communication with their respective nozzle cylindrical
interiors 36 and 38. The central nozzle branches have disposed at
the ends thereof swivel pipe joints 80 and 82 which provide an
interconnection between the transport nozzles and a tee-shaped pipe
connector 86. Secured to the central branch of the tee-shaped pipe
connector 86 is a fluid supply arm 90. At the outermost extent
thereof fluid supply arm 90 is provided with screw threads 92 so
that flexible fluid supply line 14 (FIG. 1) may be secured thereto.
Swivel pipe joints 80 and 82 are constructed so that there is free
rotational sliding movement therebetween and both the tee-shaped
pipe connector 86 and the central nozzle branches 74 and 76. As
will be seen below, relatively free rotational movement of fluid
supply arm 90 with respect to the base means and associated
structure of the cleaner encourages the random movement thereof
during operation.
Affixed to the transport nozzles 36 and 38 on the sides thereof
opposite their respective central branches 74 and 76 are axles,
only one of which, i.e., axle 96, may be seen. Rotatably mounted on
these axles are relatively large diameter tilt wheels 100 and 102.
The tilt wheels are disposed in slots formed in plate 28, e.g. slot
106, so that they project a substantial degree from both the top
and bottom surfaces of plate 28 as view in FIG. 2.
The operation of the cleaner illustrated in FIG. 2 will now be
described. To activate the cleaner all that is needed is to connect
the fluid supply arm 90 thereof to a flexible fluid supply line
which in turn is connected to a source of water under pressure. The
water enters into the fluid supply arm and thence branches off to
the two transport nozzles 36 and 38 via pipe connector 86 and
swivel pipe joints 80 and 82. The water inrushing through the
transport nozzles will drive the respective ball valves thereof
toward one end or the other depending upon which side of the
central branches of the transport nozzles the ball valves occupy at
that point. The ball valves are preferably constructed of a
relatively heavy material such as stainless steel or the like so
that upon the attaining of a given degree of inclination by the
transport nozzles and lack of water pressure in the transport
nozzle the ball valves will move therein under the influence of
gravity. With this in mind it may readily be seen that upon tilting
of the transport nozzles about the central axis of the tilt wheels
100 and 102, the ball valves will pass from the end of the nozzles
to the other thereby selectively emitting water from either one jet
or the other. Such movement of the ball valves only takes place
when communication is broken between the source of pressurized
fluid 2 (FIG. 1) and the cleaner i.e., when the valve 4 is actuated
by timer 6 to be interposed in the fluid flow path. As long as
pressurized fluid is being delivered to the transport nozzles the
ball valves will remain fixed in the positions to which they were
driven upon the initial inrush of fluid into the transport nozzles
which occurs upon opening of valve 4. In practice, the timer keeps
valve 4 open for preselected periods of time, on the order of 1 to
3 minutes, for example, and closes it in between such periods for
increments of several seconds.
For the sake of illustration it will be assumed that the transport
nozzles are tipped in a clockwise direction from the horizontal as
shown in FIG. 2 when the initial pressurized water enters same.
Such a condition will have caused the ball valves to move toward
the right as viewed in that FIG. to prevent the pressurized water
from exiting from jets 50 and 54. All water will thus exit from
jets 48 and 52 being directed generally downwardly and toward the
left as viewed in FIG. 2. The jetted water will pass through
throughbores 62 and 64. This action will move the cleaner toward
the right. Due to the weight and configuration of the cleaner such
movement is normally along the bottom and side walls of the pool;
however, it should be appreciated that plate 28 will occasionally
further encourage random movement of the cleaner by tilting
slightly and permitting the cleaner to move for brief intervals at
other than in direct engagement with the bottom and sides of the
pool.
In addition to providing for the transport of the cleaner within
the pool the water exiting from the jets thereof will impinge upon
the sides and bottom of the pool to dislodge accumulated dirt and
debris therefrom. The dislodged material will then more readily be
conveyed to the site of the pool drain for subsequent removal from
the pool.
FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C illustrate typical attitudes assumed by the
cleaner during its operation in a pool. FIG. 2A represents probably
the most common situation wherein the cleaner is moving along the
pool bottom with the associated line 14 in tow, i.e., with the line
under tension. In FIG. 2A the cleaner is moving toward the left as
shown by the arrow since the ball valves thereof, see, e.g., ball
valve 46, are lodged in the valve seats disposed at the left of the
cleaner transport nozzles. Pressurized fluid is thus illustrated as
exiting from jet 54 downwardly and to the right. It will be
appreciated that the illustrated towing movement of the cleaner
will continue until valve 4 (FIG. 1) is actuated to shut off the
flow of pressurized fluid thereto, and that at that time the
cleaner ball valves (in the absence of pressurized fluid in the
transport nozzles) will move to the right within the nozzles under
the influence of gravity. This is because the weight of arm 90
bearing upon the base means has tilted the cleaner downwardly and
toward the right about the tilt wheels.
When valve 4 is again opened, cleaner 12 now moves to the right as
shown in FIG. 2B with the fluid supply line 14 being placed in
compression. Sufficient movement of the cleaner towards the
flexible fluid supply line 14 operatively associated therewith
causes the line to compress to such a degree that it forces arm 90
to move in a counter-clockwise manner as shown. This action
continues until the cleaner assumes the position shown in FIG. 2C
with the arm 90 now resting against the left hand side of the
associated cleaner structure. This causes the plate and transport
nozzles to pivot in a counter-clockwise manner so that lead wheel
22, rather than lead wheel 24, is in engagement with the bottom of
the pool. Movement of the cleaner to the right continues until the
next closing of valve 4. Ball valve 46 then moves to the left under
the influence of gravity. All water now exits from the transport
nozzles through the jets on the right hand side thereof so that the
direction of the cleaner is now reversed and it now moves toward
the left as viewed in FIG. 2C. It will be appreciated that this
movement toward the left continues until the next closing of valve
4. The direction in which the cleaner then moves will again depend
upon the tilt thereof under the influence of such variables as the
slope of the pool surface with which it is associated, the relative
position of the fluid supply line, etc. For example if the fluid
supply line 14 reaches the full extent of its length during
movement of the cleaner, arm 90 will be pulled back to its
illustrated clockwise position and the cleaner if on a relatively
horizontal pool surface will again move to the right in the same
general manner as shown in FIG. 2A when valve 4 again closes and
opens.
It will be appreciated that the positions illustrated in FIGS. 2A,
2B and 2C are merely typical and that the cleaner during the course
of its movement about the pool will assume a wide variety of
positions and attitudes. Not only operation of the arm 90, but the
overall configuration of the cleaner and the shape of the pool
influence movement of the cleaner. It will readily be appreciated,
however, that the general principle of operation of the cleaner
will be the same in all cases in that sufficient tipping of the
transport nozzles when valve 4 closes whether under the influence
of the flexible fluid supply line or otherwise, will influence the
positioning of the associated ball valves and hence will influence
the direction of the cleaner. It will be appreciated that the
aforementioned reversibility feature not only helps to insure
traversal by the cleaner of the entire swimming pool, but also
prevents the cleaner from getting permanently hung up on such
swimming pool configurations as steps and the like.
FIG. 3 provides one additional illustration of a position which may
be assumed by the cleaner during the operation thereof. In that
FIG. it will be assumed that the cleaner is inverted and moving in
a direction toward the left up a slanted wall of a pool. This is
due to the fact that the ball valves thereof are disposed at the
leftmost ends of the nozzles. Due to the fact that the supply arm
when the cleaner is in the illustrated inverted position rests upon
the bottom of the pool rather than an edge of the cleaner, no
tilting motion will be imparted to the rest of cleaner by the arm.
However, due to the cant or tilt of the cleaners jets which now
directs the stream of fluid in a generally upward direction, the
transport nozzles and associated structure will now be caused to
pivot about the cleaner tilt wheels. In FIG. 3, for example, due to
the fact that the ball valve is in the left hand side of the
transport nozzle the right hand jet forces its associated nozzle
and the rest of the cleaner downwardly to the right whereby the
ball valve may move under the influence of gravity toward the right
when flow of presurized fluid to the cleaner is terminated. The
direction of the cleaner will then be reversed upon reopening of
valve 4. The cleaner will thus reverse itself whether in an upright
or inverted condition. For efficient cleaning it is preferred that
the cleaner normally operate in the upright manner shown in FIGS.
2A, 2B and 2C, however. To discourage inversion the plate or disc
may have attached to the bottom side thereof a weight member such
as that designated by means of reference number 90A in these last
mentioned FIGS. In addition, buoyant means such as a buoyancy tank
(not shown) may be attached to the top side of the disc for this
purpose. Weight member 90A also assists in maintaining the cleaner
in engagement with the swimming pool bottom and side walls for most
efficient cleaning action.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative form of cleaner 12A is
illustrated. Cleaner 12A corresponds in all respects to the
construction of cleaner 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 3 except for
the configuration of the fluid supply arm and immediately
assocaited structure. In this instance, a swivel pipe joint 120A is
connected to the central branch of the tee-shaped pipe connector
86A. The other branches of connector 86A are secured against
movement relative to the cleaner nozzles by pipe connectors 80A and
82A. Connected to the swivel pipe joing 120A at the other end
thereof is a 90.degree. pipe bend 122A. The fluid supply arm 90A is
then secured to the outermost end of the pipe bend as by being
brought into threaded engagement therewith. It will thus be seen
that in the embodiment of FIG. 4 the fluid supply arm 90A is free
to pivot in a horizontal plane only. It will readily be appreciated
that the horizontal plane of movement of the fluid supply arm
provides an additional variable which encourages random movement of
the cleaner.
Referring now to FIG. 5 still another alternative embodiment of
pool cleaner constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention is illustrated. The cleaner, which is generally
designated by means of reference numeral 12B, corresponds in all
respects to the construction of cleaner 12 (FIGS. 1-3) except as
follows: In this embodiment lead wheels are deleted and the
circular outer ring is divided into two separate portions 140B and
142B. In addition, two plates 146B and 148B, rather than one, are
employed. The plates 146B and 148B define therebetween a gap 150B
through which fluid supply arm 90B may readily pass. This provision
allows the fluid supply arm 90B to traverse a complete 360.degree.
as it pivots about swivel pipe joints 80B and 82B. It will be
appreciated that this facility provides another means whereby the
movement of the fluid supply arm may be utilized to further
contribute to the random movement of the cleaner.
Another difference between the construction of cleaner 12B and the
cleaner 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 - 3 resides in the fact that jets
48B, 50B, 52B and 54B, rather than being disposed at an angle, have
the principal discharge orifices thereof formed in a straight line
with the longitudinal axis of the transport nozzles. In addition to
the principal orifices of the discharge jets, secondary orifices
are provided which are smaller in cross section than the principal
orifices and are directed downwardly in each jet as viewed in FIG.
5 so that pressurized fluid exiting therefrom defines a 90.degree.
angle with respect to the fluid issuing from the primary orifices.
The position of throughbores 62B, 64B, 66B and 68B is chosen so
that this downwardly directed jet component passes therethrough. It
will be appreciated that this arrangement serves to impart tilting
action to the cleaner in much the same way as do the tilted jets of
the other disclosed embodiments.
To facilitate the operation of the cleaner in different pool
environments, various modifications may be made thereto as well as
to auxiliary equipment associated therewith, such as the water
supply line. For example, in FIG. 1 auxiliary nozzle jets 202 and
204 are illustrated as extending from supply line 14. It will be
appreciated that the auxiliary jets are in communication with the
interior of the supply line and that a certain amount of fluid from
the line exits therethrough to place the upstream part of supply
hose 14 under tension. Cleaner 12 during the course of movement
thereof also moves the auxiliary jet nozzles on the fluid supply
line. In this manner, secondary pool cleaners augmenting the
operation of cleaner 12 are provided.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a cleaner 210 is illustrated which
is similar in all respects to previously described cleaner 12 (FIG.
2) except for the fact that the transport nozzles thereof are
canted at one end thereof not only in a downwardly direction but
also in an angle to a vertical plane extending along an imaginary
axis drawn between the cleaner lead wheels. In FIG. 7 these
transport nozzles are designated by means of reference numberals
212 and 214 and the nozzles are doubly angled, as described above,
at 216 and 218. For purpose of illustration, the degree of
inclination of the nozzles has been exaggerated somewhat. The
relatively stiff fluid supply arm 220 of the cleaner is connected
to flexible fluid supply line section 222.
As may most clearly be seen with reference to FIG. 6, flexible
fluid supply line section 222 at the other end thereof is connected
by means of a swivel joint 226 to a second flexible fluid supply
line section 228. The second section 228 is connected at the other
end thereof (not shown) to a suitable source of pressurized water.
A plurality of floats 234 are provided at selected locations on
supply line section 228 as shown. In addition, a disc member 238 is
disposed on the second section above swivel joint 226.
It will readily be seen that with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 6
and 7 the movement of the cleaner 210 about the swimming pool
bottom and sides may be modified and controlled to some extent.
Through utilization of floats 234, all but a preselected length of
the flexible fluid supply line is kept on the surface of the pool.
By selecting the placement of the floats 234 on the line so that a
portion of the line lies on the pool floor only when in the shallow
end of the pool, the cleaner 210, due to the action of the angled
transport nozzles 212 and 214, will move in generally circular
pattern as it pushes the flexible fluid supply line on the swimming
pool floor. The fluid supply arm 220 will not "flip over" until the
cleaner moves to a deeper section of the pool and the flexible
fluid supply line is placed under tension between the arm and
closest float 234. In the shallow section of the pool, due to the
slope of the pool floor, each circle of rotation of the cleaner and
flexible fluid supply line moves the cleaner down grade toward the
pool main drain (not shown), with such movement steadily advancing
dislodged dirt and the like toward said drain.
As the cleaner reaches deep water, the floats 234 lift the flexible
fluid supply line from the pool floor thus allowing the fluid
supply arm 220 to swivel, to "flip over" and place the flexible
fluid supply line in tow. Dirt or other accumulated material which
has been brought into the deep end of the pool due to the cleaner
action will be washed toward the main drain (not shown) as the
cleaner stops in various positions against the pool coping tile,
thereby creating powerful downward currents toward the drain.
Circular motion of the cleaner is quite important to the efficient
operation thereof in the shallow end of a pool which is normally
quite distant from the pool main drain. It will be appreciated that
the diameter of the circular motion traversed by the cleaner when
pushing the flexible fluid supply line can be controlled merely by
varying the length of the relatively stiff fluid supply arm 222. In
addition, by adjusting the position of the floats 234 on the
flexible fluid supply line, control may be had over the point at
which circular motion of the cleaner 210 terminates and the "flip
over" takes place. In other words, the nearer the last float 234 is
positioned to the cleaner 210, the further away from the pool main
drain the "flip over" takes place. At the point of "flip over" the
flexible fluid supply line is towed rather than pushed by the
cleaner 210 and the cleaner motion assumes a relatively straight
direction, as opposed to the previously described circular motion,
due to the issuance of presurized water through the transport
nozzles 212 and 214 in a direction corresponding to the imaginary
axis extending between the cleaner lead wheels.
For better cleaning action on cleaner straight runs, the disc
member 238 acts as a sea anchor on the cleaner, thereby slowing its
speed as it moves along the pool bottom and sides. To facilitate
the circular motion of the cleaner in the shallow end of the pool,
a weight 240 may be affixed to the flexible fluid supply line on
the pool floor when in the shallow end. The swivel 226, of course,
prevents binding of the flexible fluid supply line during movement
of the cleaner, thereby additionally facilitating the overall
operation thereof.
It will be appreciated that certain sections of the pool, due to
the configuration thereof, accumulate more dirt than others and/or
are traversed by the cleaner relatively infrequently. In problem
areas such as this, it is desirable to retard movement of the
cleaner so that a particularly thorough cleaning job may be done.
To accomplish this stops or abutment means may be provided to
temporarily halt movement of the cleaner in selected locations
wherein fluid exiting from the jets will be directed to a
predetermined problem area for a prolonged period of time. This may
be done quite readily and inexpensively by providing suction cup
mounted stop means which may be deployed at desired locations about
the pool along the upper tile line thereof. In FIG. 6 such an
arrangement is shown at the side of the swimming pool within which
cleaner 210 is disposed. The unit merely comprises a projecting
element or knob 244 of any suitable shape which is secured to and
projects outwardly from a suction cup 246 disposed along the pool
tile 250. It will be appreciated that the element 244 is adapted to
be engaged by the cleaner 210 during movement thereof to
temporarily secure it against further movement when the cleaner
enters into the problem area of the pool. In FIG. 6 while the
cleaner is in the broken line position fluid exits from the nozzles
thereof downwardly in the direction of arrow A to dislodge
accumulated dirt. When valve 4 (FIG. 1) shuts off, the cleaner will
reverse direction and move away from the stop means.
Another approach for controlling the operation of the swimming pool
cleaner other than that shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is illustrated in
FIG. 8. Utilizing this approach, the flexible fluid supply line
associated with the cleaner lies along the bottom of the pool. A
supply line engaging device is placed over or near the pool main
drain (designated by means of reference numeral 260) to be
connected by the line and prevent the cleaner from reaching the
shallow end wall. Disposed about the flexible fluid supply line,
which in FIG. 8 is designated by means of reference numeral 262,
are doughnut-shaped members 266 which are preferably constructed of
resilient material, such as rubber, plastic or the like, so that
they may be adjustably positioned on the flexible fluid supply line
by the operator, as desired. In cooperation with the hose hooking
device, to be described below, the doughnut-shaped members 266
cooperate to stop the cleaner at various distances from the main
drain in the problem areas of the pool shallow end. With the hose
engaging device over the main drain 260, the cleaner transport
nozzles will always be aimed at the main drain when the flexible
fluid supply line is hooked and the unit has come to a stop.
FIG. 8 illustrates one manner in which the hose engaging device may
be deployed over the swimming pool main drain. In my U.S. letters
Pat. No. 3,667,611 issued on June 6, 1972, I have disclosed a leaf
trap adapted to be positioned over the main drain of the swimming
pool to receive leaves and the like and prevent them from entering
into the pool drain itself. Reference may be had to the aforesaid
letters Patent for details of the leaf trap device. For purposes of
understanding the present invention it is necessary only to know
that the leaf trap is provided with a smooth top cover which
partially defines the interior within which the leaves and the like
are received. The leaf trap cover represents a suitable means upon
which the hose engaging device of the present invention may be
mounted.
In FIG. 8 a leaf trap which may be of the general type shown in my
aforesaid U.S. letters Patent is designated by means of reference
numeral 270. Mounted upon the dome-shaped upper portion 272 of the
leaf trap is the hose engaging device. This device comprises a
supply line catch element 278 which is in the general form of a
knob-like protrusion extending upwardly from the leaf trap. Catch
element 278 is swivel mounted upon dome-shaped upper leaf trap
portion 272 by means of a suitable swivel element 282 secured
therebetween. It will be appreciated that when the fluid supply
line 262 approaches the fluid supply line engaging device at a
proper angle, a doughnut-shaped member 266 associated with the hose
will be engaged by the catch element 278, thereby temporarily
preventing further movement of the cleaner 210. Due to the fact
that the catch element 278 is rotatively moveable with respect to
the leaf trap 270, the flexible fluid supply line 262 will not be
obstructed too often. During the period wherein movement of the
cleaner is temporarily prevented, high pressure fluid exiting
therefrom is directed toward the pool drain. When valve 4 (FIG. 1)
next closes, the cleaner will reverse direction and disengage the
fluid supply hose.
The embodiment of FIG. 9 is provided with transport jet nozzles 300
which are carried by pivot connector 86 and are directed to emit
jets parallel to the supply arm 90. This embodiment does not
require timing device 6 and reversing jets, i.e., the flow through
nozzles 300 is continuous as long as valve 4 is in the open
condition. Assuming, for instance, that the left hand side of this
cleaner is arrested by the pool steps or other obstacle, the
tension jet or jets 202 and/or 204 (FIG. 1) move the supply hose 14
to the left to cause supply arm 90 to swing over the left toward
parallelism with the plate, thereby positioning nozzles 300 to
drive the transporter, i.e., the plate and connected parts, to the
right.
The embodiment of FIG. 10 has the operational arrangement just
described for FIG. 9. Additionally it is provided with weights 304
slidably mounted on rods 306 and adapted to cause the plate to
plane downwardly and upwardly, depending upon the immediate
position of the weights and the directional driving attitude of the
nozzles 300. It is also provided with a flexible section 306 in the
supply arm 90 which enables freer movement of the supply hose from
one side of the plate to the other side of the plate. The weights
may instead be slidable floats adapted to effect planing movement
of the plate during cleaning operation. The embodiment of FIG. 10
may of course be used with the timing device 6, in which event the
floats 304 are made sufficiently buoyant to bring the plate to the
surface of the pool water when device 6 operates to turn off the
water supply. One purpose of causing the plate to float to the
surface is to free the cleaner from a stuck position; another is to
break up any regular pattern of operation the cleaner may have
developed. With such surfacing means the pivotal relation of supply
arm to plate could be eliminated or rendered non-functional, as by
clipping the arm to the plate. Furthermore, with a float to cause
the cleaner to surface upon water shut-off, a cleaner without the
carrier or plate can be provided, e.g. a cleaner comprising the
water supply hose, a drive jet at the leading end of the hose
adapted to maintain the hose under tension, and surfacing float
attached to or forming a part of the hose just upstream of the
drive jet.
The cleaner of FIG. 11 comprises elongated carrier 400 with front
and rear anti-friction rotatable ball members 402 and 404, slot
406, rod 408, float member 410 which may be either fixed or
slidable on rod 408, rudder-like plate member 412, supply hose 414
provided with highly flexible section 416 pivotally connected to
plate 412, transporter jets 418, tension jet 420 to cause reversal
of the transporter jets 418 when the carrier becomes hung up, and
adjustable axle mounting means 422 disposed at one side only of
plate 412 whereby the jets 418 may be selectively positioned to
modify the direction of movement of the cleaner. As with the
embodiments of FIGS. 9 and 10, the embodiment of FIG. 11 is adapted
to be operated under continuous water flow. The carrier 400 is
curved along its length to promote diving action, and the float 410
is so positioned along rod 408 as to enhance the tendency of the
leading end of the carrier to move or dive below the surface. The
cleaner is provided with swivel means, as at 424, to permit the
carrier to turn through a complete turn relative to the supply hose
and along the supply hose, not shown, to allow for controlled
rotation of the transporter or carrier as the supply hose tends to
twist itself.
The embodiment of FIG. 13 comprises arcuate carrier 500, rotatable
guide ball 502, slot 506, supply hose 508 having a highly flexible
section 510 and a terminal section 512 adapted to serve as a guide
rod for float 514, a transporter jet 516, and a pusher or reversing
jet 516. The cleaner may also be provided with a tilt jet 518
rendered, for example, operable by springs, etc. to cause rotation
of the rear end of the carrier when the forward end is hung up upon
an obstruction. This embodiment is likewise adapted to operate with
a continuous water supply.
The embodiment of FIG. 14 comprises a disc 600, a transporter jet
602 adapted to turn with the disc, a swivel connection 604 enabling
the disc to turn or rotate relative to the supply hose 606, and a
weight 608 carried by the disc. This embodiment is adapted to
operate with a discontinuous or on-off supply of water. The disc
600 is adapted to float to the surface when the water is turned
off. As it does so, the area of the disc in which the weight is
located remains depressed and when the transport jet is again
activated the disc is caused to dive or plane beneath the
surface.
The embodiment of FIG. 15 comprises a blade-like carrier 700 of a
suitable water foil shape having guide fin 702 and rudder-like
plate 704, rotatable ball 706, transport jets 708, supply hose 710,
pusher or tension 712, a swivel connection 714 between the carrier
and the supply hose, and a float 716 adapted to bias the carrier
for diving. The ball 706 is provided with an all-over pattern of
apertures 718 enabling the ball to rapidly fill with water to
minimize the buoyancy effect of the ball and inhibit the tendency
of the ball to jump above the surface when the carrier is caused to
move upwardly through the water. The embodiment of FIG. 15 is
adapted to be operated with or without an on-off water supply.
As do elements 22 and 24 (FIGS. 1-10), element 402 (FIGS. 11-12),
and element 502 (FIG. 13), element 706 acts as a roller-like,
anti-friction bumper member. Element or ball 706 is operable when
it engages the floor or wall of a pool to rotate about an axis
parallel to the plane of the leading end of the carrier and to
redirect movement of the carrier within the pool.
From the foregoing description it will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be
made in the illustrated embodiments without departing from the
spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims. For
example, rather than utilize the gravity actuated ball valves to
reverse the fluid outlet of the cleaner, gear train actuated valve
means or the like may be utilized to accomplish the same end. In
addition, the base means employed in carrying out the teachings of
the present invention need not have the circular and generally thin
configuration illustrated but may, for example, comprise a molded
housing or the like within which the nozzle means are accommodated.
In addition, although two transport nozzles are illustrated in the
disclosed embodiments any number may be employed. For example, the
cleaner may incorporate but a single, centrally disposed transport
nozzle to effect movement of the cleaner.
* * * * *