EP1488057B1 - Guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner - Google Patents
Guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1488057B1 EP1488057B1 EP03719998A EP03719998A EP1488057B1 EP 1488057 B1 EP1488057 B1 EP 1488057B1 EP 03719998 A EP03719998 A EP 03719998A EP 03719998 A EP03719998 A EP 03719998A EP 1488057 B1 EP1488057 B1 EP 1488057B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- pool cleaner
- hose
- ratchet
- pool
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 23
- 125000004122 cyclic group Chemical group 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002250 absorbent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002457 flexible plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/14—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for
- E04H4/16—Parts, details or accessories not otherwise provided for specially adapted for cleaning
- E04H4/1654—Self-propelled cleaners
- E04H4/1663—Self-propelled cleaners the propulsion resulting from an intermittent interruption of the waterflow through the cleaner
Definitions
- This invention relates in general to pool cleaners.
- this invention relates to a method of operating a pool cleaner according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner according to the preamble of claim 3.
- Pool cleaners such as pool cleaners widely in use to clean swimming pools, pass water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of the pool.
- the flow stream of water is cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body which causes a corresponding, cyclic stop - start motion in the body and in turn causes a cyclic water hammer action and a cyclic to and fro motion in the hose.
- This hose is at least slightly resilient in a longitudinal direction such that its end, remote from the pool cleaner body, can be fixed to a rigid connecting member of a pump system.
- Said stop - start motion causes a pool cleaner body to move generally along the line of the hose portion proximate the body.
- Various ways and means are provided to cause the pool cleaner body to follow a random path and not a pattern such that the whole of the submerged pool surface is covered.
- the Inventor has identified two problems in the kind of pool cleaner described. Firstly, the movement of the body is not in practice entirely random and follows a pattern which may be caused by a specific pool layout such that some portions of the submerged surface are covered excessively while other portions are neglected or not covered at all. Secondly, it does happen that a steady state condition comes about, especially when the body is in a corner of the pool, and the body gets stuck in one position.
- a method of operating a pool cleaner which pool cleaner, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of a pool, the flow stream of water being cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and to and fro motion in the hose, the method including the steps of:
- the pivoting of the front and rear parts in relation to each other may occur in a cyclical oscillating manner.
- the pivoting of the front and rear parts in relation to each other may occur in a substantially sideways manner.
- the method may include the step of harnessing the to and fro motion of the hose in order to pivot the front and rear parts in relation to each other.
- a guiding apparatus for use in operating a pool cleaner which pool cleaner, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of a pool, the flow stream of water being cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and to and fro motion in the hose
- the apparatus including a housing configured for connection to the hose of the pool cleaner, the housing including front and rear parts configured to pivot, in use, in relation to each other; a driven member housed within the housing and arranged to be driven by the to and fro motion of the hose; and a transducer housed within the housing, connected to the driven member, and adapted to transduce motion of the driven member to motion to be imparted to pivot the front and rear parts in relation to each other.
- the apparatus may be configured to receive the hose of the pool cleaner through the housing.
- the housing may include outer connection means for connection to an outer surface of the hose of the pool cleaner.
- the apparatus may include a flexible pipe configured for connection to an end of the hose of the pool cleaner, the end of the hose being an end opposite the body of the pool cleaner.
- the pipe may be configured for connection to the pump system of the pool so that the pipe is able to pass water from the hose of the pool cleaner into and through the pump system of the pool.
- the front and rear parts may be configured to pivot, in use, in relation to each other about a zone of contact between the front and rear parts.
- the driven member may include a ratchet and an arm, a first end of the arm being connected to the ratchet to drive the ratchet.
- the arm may be configured to hang, in use, under the influence of gravity from the ratchet so that the to and fro motion of the hose, in use, causes the arm to rotate the ratchet thereby driving the ratchet.
- a lower portion of the arm opposite the first end of the arm may be weighted so that, in use, the to and fro motion of the hose causes the ratchet to move to and fro while a free end of the lower portion remains relatively still which in turn causes the arm to rotate the ratchet thereby driving the ratchet.
- the arm may be in the form of a cradle hanging from the ratchet, a lower portion of the cradle being weighted so as to remain relatively still during the to and fro motion of the hose.
- the ratchet may include a releasable connection device adapted to releasably connect to the first end of the arm in order to turn the ratchet in one direction when motion of the arm is in a first direction, and to disconnect the arm from the ratchet when motion of the arm is in a second direction opposed to the first direction.
- the ratchet may include a releasable check device arranged to allow turning of the ratchet in said one direction only and to check the ratchet against rotation in a direction opposed to said one direction.
- the transducer may include an axle for the ratchet, the axle being connected in a fixed manner to the ratchet so that the ratchet, in use, drives the axle; and a driven wheel having an axle, the driven wheel and the ratchet axle being configured so that the ratchet axle rotates the driven wheel about the driven wheel axle when the ratchet axle is driven by the ratchet.
- the wheel may be a cog wheel and the ratchet axle may include a worm gear which co-operates with the cog wheel in order to rotate, in use, the cog wheel about the driven wheel axle.
- the driven wheel may include a protrusion from a side surface of the driven wheel, the protrusion extending substantially parallel to the driven wheel axle and spaced a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle.
- Either one of the front or rear parts may include a slot extending substantially longitudinally within such part, the slot being shaped and configured for receiving the protrusion of the driven wheel thereby limiting movement of the protrusion to to and fro movement within the slot so that rotation of the driven wheel about the driven wheel axle causes the front and rear parts to pivot in relation to each other.
- the housing may be shaped and configured so as to receive the hose of a pool cleaner, or a flexible pipe connectable to an end of the hose of a pool cleaner, there through.
- the housing is typically elongate in shape.
- the housing may comprise a mounting member on which the driven member and the transducer are mounted; and an outer casing.
- the mounting member and outer casing may be connected to each other by way of at least one hinge.
- the outer casing may be configured to allow for pivoting of the front and rear parts in relation to each other.
- the outer casing may include front, middle, and rear portions which are made from a rigid material; and two intermediate flexible portions located intermediate the front and middle portions of the casing and the middle and rear portions of the casing, respectively, so that the front and rear portions of the casing are able to pivot in relation to each other.
- the transducer may include a hinged elongate member, wherein a first end of the elongate member is connected to a part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing, the connection being made at a pre-selected distance from a first hinge connecting the mounting member to the part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing; a second end of the elongate member is connected to a part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing, the connection being made at a pre-selected distance from a second hinge connecting the mounting member to the part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing; and the hinge of the elongate member is connected to the driven wheel at a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle, so that, in use, rotation of the driven wheel is translated to substantially longitudinal to and fro motion of the elongate member resulting in pivoting of the part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing in relation to the part of the outer casing associated with the
- the elongate member may include at least one transversely extending indent allowing resilient bending of the elongate member about the indent. This feature allows the elongate member to absorb at least a part of an impact applied to the guiding apparatus thereby reducing damage resulting from such impact.
- the transducer may include at least one intermediate wheel configured intermediate the driven member and the driven wheel, the at least one intermediate wheel being driven by the driven member and being configured to in turn drive the driven wheel at a slower rate than if the driven member were to drive the driven wheel directly.
- the at least one intermediate wheel may be cogged.
- the at least one intermediate wheel may be configured so that the front and rear parts pivot in relation to each other at a period of about 30 minutes.
- rotation of the driven wheel about the driven wheel axle causes the elongate member to exert a cyclical, oscillating, torsion force between the part of the outer casing to which the first end of the elongate member is connected and the mounting member about the first hinge as well as a cyclical, oscillating, torsion force between the part of the outer casing to which the second end of the elongate member is connected and the mounting member about the second hinge which in turn causes the part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing to pivot in relation to the part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing.
- the apparatus may include a rigid guiding member having one part pivotally connected to the rear part of the housing and another part configured for pivotal connection to a weir of the pool, which rigid guiding member aids in influencing the movement of the body of the pool cleaner so as to reduce the possibility of the body of the pool cleaner getting stuck in a corner of the pool.
- the rigid guiding member may be V - shaped having the point thereof configured for pivotal connection to the weir of the pool and the two ends thereof pivotally connected to opposite sides of the rear part of the housing.
- reference numeral 10 generally indicates a guiding apparatus.
- the apparatus 10 is for use in operating a pool cleaner which, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of the pool.
- the flow stream of water is cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and longitudinal to and fro motion in the hose.
- the apparatus 10 includes an elongate housing configured for connection to the hose of the pool cleaner at a position remote from the body of the pool cleaner.
- the housing has front and rear parts 12, 14 arranged substantially in line with each other in the direction in which the hose is received.
- the front and rear parts 12, 14 are configured to pivot in relation to each other about a zone of contact between the front and rear parts 12, 14.
- the zone of contact is defined by cooperating teeth 16, 18 of the front and rear parts 12, 14 respectively.
- the apparatus 10 also includes a driven member housed within the housing and arranged to be driven by the to and fro motion of the hose.
- the driven member includes a ratchet 20 and an arm 22.
- a first end of the arm 22 is connected to the ratchet 20 to drive the ratchet 20.
- the arm 22 is configured to hang under the influence of gravity from the ratchet 20 so that the to and fro motion of the hose causes the arm 22 to rotate the ratchet 20.
- a free end of the arm 22 opposite the first end of the arm 22 is weighted so that, in use, the to and fro motion of the hose causes the ratchet 20 to move to and fro while the free end of the arm 22 remains relatively still which causes the arm 22 to rotate the ratchet 20 thereby driving the ratchet 20.
- the arm 22 is typically in the form of a cradle hanging from the ratchet 20, a lower portion of the cradle being made from lead so as to weight the free end of the arm 22 to remain relatively still during the to and fro motion of the hose.
- the ratchet 20 includes a releasable connection device adapted to releasably connect to the first end of the arm 22 in order to turn the ratchet 20 in one direction when motion of the arm 22 is in a first direction, and to disconnect the arm 22 from the ratchet 20 when motion of the arm 22 is in a second direction opposed to the first direction.
- the ratchet 20 also includes a releasable check device arranged to allow turning of the ratchet 20 in said one direction only and to check the ratchet 20 against rotation in a direction opposed to said one direction.
- the apparatus 10 further includes a transducer housed within the housing, connected to the driven member, and adapted to transduce motion of the driven member to motion to be imparted to pivot the front and rear parts 12, 14 in relation to each other.
- the transducer includes an axle 24 for the ratchet 20.
- the ratchet axle 24 is connected in a fixed manner to the ratchet 20 so that the ratchet 20 drives the ratchet axle 24.
- the transducer also includes a driven wheel 26 having a driven wheel axle (not shown in Figures 1 to 5 ).
- the wheel 26 and the ratchet axle 24 are configured so that the ratchet axle 24 rotates the wheel 26 about the driven wheel axle when the ratchet axle 24 is driven by the ratchet 20.
- the wheel 26 is typically in the form of a cog wheel and the ratchet axle 24 typically includes a worm gear (not shown) which co-operates with the wheel 26 in order to rotate the wheel 26 about the driven wheel axle.
- the wheel 26 includes a protrusion 28 from a side surface of the wheel 26.
- the protrusion 28 extends substantially parallel to the driven wheel axle and is spaced a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle.
- the rear part 14 includes a slot 30 extending substantially longitudinally within the rear part 14 substantially in the direction in which the hose is received.
- the slot 30 is shaped and configured for receiving the protrusion 28 thereby limiting movement of the protrusion 28 to to and fro movement within the slot 30.
- the ratchet axle 24 is connected to a holding member 52 in a manner which allows axial rotation of the ratchet axle 24 in relation to the holding member 52.
- the holding member 52 is configured to receive and hold the hose of the pool cleaner and in this way the to and fro motion of the hose is translated to the ratchet 20 thereby driving the ratchet 20 as described above.
- the holding member 52 is rigidly mounted to a mounting member 54 which is in turn connected to the front and rear parts 12, 14 of the housing by way of hinges 50. This enables the front and rear parts 12, 14 to pivot in relation to each other.
- the longitudinal to and fro motion in the hose is harnessed to mechanically, continually or continuously pivot the front and rear parts 12, 14 in relation to each other in a cyclical oscillating and substantially sideways manner ie. in a horizontal plane when the apparatus 10 is aligned parallel with the surface of the water. This in turn influences the body of the pool cleaner to move accordingly.
- the apparatus 10 optionally includes a flexible pipe 32 which extends through the housing.
- the pipe 32 is configured for connection, by way of connector 34, to an end of the hose of the pool cleaner, the end of the hose being an end opposite the body of the pool cleaner.
- the pipe 32 is also configured for connection, by way of connector 36, to the pump system of the pool so that the pipe 32 is able to pass water from the hose of the pool cleaner into and through the pump system of the pool.
- the apparatus 10 is typically configured to receive the hose of the pool cleaner through the housing.
- the housing then typically includes outer connection means (not shown) for connection to an outer surface of the hose of the pool cleaner.
- the housing also includes a flexible outer casing 40.
- the casing 40 includes front, middle, and rear portions 42, 44, 46.
- the rear portion 46 is preferably locked to the pipe 32.
- the casing 40 also includes two rubber boots 48 aiding in holding the front, middle, and rear portions 42, 44, 46 together.
- Figure 5 also shows a rigid guiding member 90 of the apparatus 10, typically made from a rigid plastics material.
- the guiding member 90 is V - shaped and the point thereof is configured for pivotal connection to the weir of the pool and the two ends thereof are pivotally connected to opposite sides of the rear part 14 of the housing.
- the rigid guiding member 90 aids in influencing the movement of the body of the pool cleaner so as to reduce the possibility of the body of the pool cleaner getting stuck in a corner of the pool. It is to be appreciated that the rigid guiding member 90 also finds ready application in embodiments of the invention where the pipe 32 is not provided with the apparatus 10.
- Figures 6 to 10 show a second, and preferred, embodiment of the invention incorporating many of the features shown in Figures 1 to 5 . Accordingly, like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar features.
- the protrusion 28 and slot 30 mechanism of the transducer shown in Figures 1 to 5 has essentially been replaced by an elongate hinged mechanism which works on the outer casing 40 as described hereafter. It is to be appreciated that other changes have also been made to the guiding apparatus 10 in order to facilitate the proper working of such elongate hinged mechanism.
- the transducer includes a hinged elongate member 60.
- a first end 62 of the elongate member 60 is connected via a hinge (not shown) to a part of the outer casing 40 (shown in Figures 8 to 10 ) associated with the front part 12 of the housing.
- This connection is made at a pre-selected, substantially transverse, distance from a first hinge 64 connecting the mounting member 54 to the part of the outer casing 40 associated with the front part 12 of the housing.
- a second end 66 of the elongate member 60 is connected to a part of the outer casing 40 associated with the rear part 14 of the housing. This connection is made at a pre-selected, substantially transverse, distance from a second hinge 68 connecting the mounting member 54 to the part of the outer casing 40 associated with the rear part 14 of the housing.
- the hinge 70 of the elongate member 60 is connected to the driven wheel 26 at a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle (indicated by reference numeral 72 in Figures 6 to 8 ), so that, in use, rotation of the driven wheel 26 is translated to substantially longitudinal to and fro motion of the elongate member 60 resulting in pivoting of the part of the outer casing 40 associated with the front part 12 of the housing in relation to the part of the outer casing 40 associated with the rear part 14 of the housing.
- the elongate member 60 includes two transversely opposing transversely extending indents 74, 76 allowing resilient bending of the elongate member 60 about the indents 74, 76. This feature allows the elongate member 60 to absorb at least a part of an impact applied to the guiding apparatus 10 thereby reducing damage resulting from such impact.
- the transducer optionally includes first and second cogged intermediate wheels 78, 80 configured intermediate the driven member and the driven wheel 26.
- the first intermediate wheel 78 is driven, in use, by the driven member via the axle 24.
- the first wheel intermediate wheel 78 in turn drives the second intermediate wheel 80 which in turn drives the driven wheel 26.
- the first and second intermediate wheels 78, 80 are configured to drive the driven wheel 26 at a slower rate than if the driven member were to drive the driven wheel 26 directly.
- the first and second intermediate wheels 78, 80 are typically configured so that the front 12 and rear 14 parts pivot in relation to each other at a period of about 30 minutes.
- the apparatus 10 also includes an outer elongate casing 40 for the housing. It is to be appreciated that Figure 8 only shows a lower portion of the casing 40.
- the casing 40 includes front, middle, and rear portions 42, 44, 46 which are made from a rigid plastics material.
- the casing 40 also includes two intermediate flexible portions 56, 58 made from a flexible plastics material. The portions 56, 58 are located intermediate the front and middle portions 42, 44, and the middle and rear portions 44, 46, respectively.
- the intermediate flexible portions 56, 58 allow the front and rear portions 42, 46 to pivot in relation to each other.
- first end 62 of the elongate member 60 is connected to portion 56 and the second end 66 of the elongate member 60 is connected to portion 58, it is to be appreciated that this effectively facilitates pivoting of the front and rear parts 12, 14 of the housing in relation to each other.
- Figures 9 and 10 show an entire casing 40 wherein the lower portion of the casing 40 shown in Figure 8 has been connected to a like upper portion to form an entire casing 40.
- the housing of the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 6 to 10 is shaped and configured so as to receive the hose of a pool cleaner there through.
- the housing also includes two connection means (not shown), each located at opposite ends of the housing, for connection to the hose of the pool cleaner.
- Each connection means includes a clip shaped and configured for clipping to a grooved outer surface of the hose.
- the invention is advantageous in that it provides a compact, simple, neat, aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, impact-absorbent and relatively inexpensive apparatus for guiding a pool cleaner body within a pool to reduce the possibility of the pool cleaner body omitting to clean certain portions of the submerged surface of the pool and to reduce the possibility of the pool cleaner body getting stuck in one position in a corner of the pool.
- the apparatus excluding the flexible pipe in embodiments where the flexible pipe is provided with the apparatus
- the apparatus is versatile in that it need not be connected to the weir of the pool and can be connected to the hose (or the flexible pipe in embodiments where the flexible pipe is provided with the apparatus) anywhere between the weir and the pool cleaner body.
- the apparatus is driven by means of energy associated with the pumping of water by means of the existing pool pumping system.
- a dedicated power or energy source it will not be necessary to provide a dedicated power or energy source. It is however possible, still in accordance with the invention, to provide a dedicated power or energy source to drive the apparatus.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
- Electric Vacuum Cleaner (AREA)
- Filtering Of Dispersed Particles In Gases (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates in general to pool cleaners. In particular, this invention relates to a method of operating a pool cleaner according to the preamble of claim 1, and to a guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner according to the preamble of claim 3.
- Pool cleaners, such as pool cleaners widely in use to clean swimming pools, pass water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of the pool. The flow stream of water is cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body which causes a corresponding, cyclic stop - start motion in the body and in turn causes a cyclic water hammer action and a cyclic to and fro motion in the hose. This hose is at least slightly resilient in a longitudinal direction such that its end, remote from the pool cleaner body, can be fixed to a rigid connecting member of a pump system. Said stop - start motion causes a pool cleaner body to move generally along the line of the hose portion proximate the body. Various ways and means are provided to cause the pool cleaner body to follow a random path and not a pattern such that the whole of the submerged pool surface is covered.
- However, the Inventor has identified two problems in the kind of pool cleaner described. Firstly, the movement of the body is not in practice entirely random and follows a pattern which may be caused by a specific pool layout such that some portions of the submerged surface are covered excessively while other portions are neglected or not covered at all. Secondly, it does happen that a steady state condition comes about, especially when the body is in a corner of the pool, and the body gets stuck in one position.
- The Inventor is aware of International Patent Application
PCT/US98/10628 WO 98/53164 - According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of operating a pool cleaner which pool cleaner, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of a pool, the flow stream of water being cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and to and fro motion in the hose, the method including the steps of:
- connecting a housing to the hose of the pool cleaner so that front and rear parts of the housing are arranged substantially in line with each other in substantially the direction in which the hose is received by the housing; and
- mechanically, continually or continuously pivoting the front and rear parts in relation to each other in order to influence movement of the body of the pool cleaner accordingly.
- By "mechanically" is meant that the step is effected "non-manually".
- The pivoting of the front and rear parts in relation to each other may occur in a cyclical oscillating manner.
- The pivoting of the front and rear parts in relation to each other may occur in a substantially sideways manner.
- The method may include the step of harnessing the to and fro motion of the hose in order to pivot the front and rear parts in relation to each other.
- According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a guiding apparatus for use in operating a pool cleaner which pool cleaner, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of a pool, the flow stream of water being cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and to and fro motion in the hose, the apparatus including
a housing configured for connection to the hose of the pool cleaner, the housing including front and rear parts configured to pivot, in use, in relation to each other;
a driven member housed within the housing and arranged to be driven by the to and fro motion of the hose; and
a transducer housed within the housing, connected to the driven member, and adapted to transduce motion of the driven member to motion to be imparted to pivot the front and rear parts in relation to each other. - The apparatus may be configured to receive the hose of the pool cleaner through the housing. The housing may include outer connection means for connection to an outer surface of the hose of the pool cleaner.
- Otherwise the apparatus may include a flexible pipe configured for connection to an end of the hose of the pool cleaner, the end of the hose being an end opposite the body of the pool cleaner. The pipe may be configured for connection to the pump system of the pool so that the pipe is able to pass water from the hose of the pool cleaner into and through the pump system of the pool.
- The front and rear parts may be configured to pivot, in use, in relation to each other about a zone of contact between the front and rear parts.
- The driven member may include a ratchet and an arm, a first end of the arm being connected to the ratchet to drive the ratchet. The arm may be configured to hang, in use, under the influence of gravity from the ratchet so that the to and fro motion of the hose, in use, causes the arm to rotate the ratchet thereby driving the ratchet.
- A lower portion of the arm opposite the first end of the arm may be weighted so that, in use, the to and fro motion of the hose causes the ratchet to move to and fro while a free end of the lower portion remains relatively still which in turn causes the arm to rotate the ratchet thereby driving the ratchet. The arm may be in the form of a cradle hanging from the ratchet, a lower portion of the cradle being weighted so as to remain relatively still during the to and fro motion of the hose.
- The ratchet may include a releasable connection device adapted to releasably connect to the first end of the arm in order to turn the ratchet in one direction when motion of the arm is in a first direction, and to disconnect the arm from the ratchet when motion of the arm is in a second direction opposed to the first direction.
- The ratchet may include a releasable check device arranged to allow turning of the ratchet in said one direction only and to check the ratchet against rotation in a direction opposed to said one direction.
- The transducer may include
an axle for the ratchet, the axle being connected in a fixed manner to the ratchet so that the ratchet, in use, drives the axle; and
a driven wheel having an axle, the driven wheel and the ratchet axle being configured so that the ratchet axle rotates the driven wheel about the driven wheel axle when the ratchet axle is driven by the ratchet. - The wheel may be a cog wheel and the ratchet axle may include a worm gear which co-operates with the cog wheel in order to rotate, in use, the cog wheel about the driven wheel axle.
- In a first embodiment of the invention, the driven wheel may include a protrusion from a side surface of the driven wheel, the protrusion extending substantially parallel to the driven wheel axle and spaced a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle.
- Either one of the front or rear parts may include a slot extending substantially longitudinally within such part, the slot being shaped and configured for receiving the protrusion of the driven wheel thereby limiting movement of the protrusion to to and fro movement within the slot so that rotation of the driven wheel about the driven wheel axle causes the front and rear parts to pivot in relation to each other.
- It is to be appreciated that rotation of the driven wheel about the driven wheel axle causes the protrusion to exert a cyclical, oscillating, lateral force to said front or rear part by way of the slot which in turn causes the front and rear parts to pivot in relation to each other.
- The housing may be shaped and configured so as to receive the hose of a pool cleaner, or a flexible pipe connectable to an end of the hose of a pool cleaner, there through.
- The housing is typically elongate in shape.
- The housing may comprise
a mounting member on which the driven member and the transducer are mounted; and
an outer casing. - The mounting member and outer casing may be connected to each other by way of at least one hinge.
- The outer casing may be configured to allow for pivoting of the front and rear parts in relation to each other.
- The outer casing may include
front, middle, and rear portions which are made from a rigid material; and
two intermediate flexible portions located intermediate the front and middle portions of the casing and the middle and rear portions of the casing, respectively, so that the front and rear portions of the casing are able to pivot in relation to each other. - In a second embodiment of the invention, the transducer may include a hinged elongate member, wherein a first end of the elongate member is connected to a part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing, the connection being made at a pre-selected distance from a first hinge connecting the mounting member to the part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing;
a second end of the elongate member is connected to a part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing, the connection being made at a pre-selected distance from a second hinge connecting the mounting member to the part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing; and
the hinge of the elongate member is connected to the driven wheel at a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle, so that, in use, rotation of the driven wheel is translated to substantially longitudinal to and fro motion of the elongate member resulting in pivoting of the part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing in relation to the part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing. - The elongate member may include at least one transversely extending indent allowing resilient bending of the elongate member about the indent. This feature allows the elongate member to absorb at least a part of an impact applied to the guiding apparatus thereby reducing damage resulting from such impact.
- The transducer may include at least one intermediate wheel configured intermediate the driven member and the driven wheel, the at least one intermediate wheel being driven by the driven member and being configured to in turn drive the driven wheel at a slower rate than if the driven member were to drive the driven wheel directly. The at least one intermediate wheel may be cogged. The at least one intermediate wheel may be configured so that the front and rear parts pivot in relation to each other at a period of about 30 minutes.
- It is to be appreciated that rotation of the driven wheel about the driven wheel axle causes the elongate member to exert a cyclical, oscillating, torsion force between the part of the outer casing to which the first end of the elongate member is connected and the mounting member about the first hinge as well as a cyclical, oscillating, torsion force between the part of the outer casing to which the second end of the elongate member is connected and the mounting member about the second hinge which in turn causes the part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing to pivot in relation to the part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing.
- The apparatus may include a rigid guiding member having one part pivotally connected to the rear part of the housing and another part configured for pivotal connection to a weir of the pool, which rigid guiding member aids in influencing the movement of the body of the pool cleaner so as to reduce the possibility of the body of the pool cleaner getting stuck in a corner of the pool. The rigid guiding member may be V - shaped having the point thereof configured for pivotal connection to the weir of the pool and the two ends thereof pivotally connected to opposite sides of the rear part of the housing.
- The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings wherein
-
Figure 1 shows, in sectioned side view, a first embodiment of a guiding apparatus in accordance with the invention; -
Figures 2 and3 show an isometric, partially transparent view of the guiding apparatus ofFigure 1 ; -
Figure 4 shows an isometric, partially transparent view of the guiding apparatus ofFigures 1 to 3 when provided with a flexible pipe; -
Figure 5 shows, in isometric view, the guiding apparatus ofFigures 1 to 4 when enclosed by a flexible outer casing; -
Figure 6 shows, in isometric view, a second embodiment of a guiding apparatus in accordance with the invention; -
Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the guiding apparatus ofFigure 6 ; -
Figure 8 shows, in isometric view, the guiding apparatus ofFigures 6 and7 when housed within a lower portion of an outer casing; -
Figure 9 shows, in isometric view, the guiding apparatus ofFigures 6 and7 when completely enclosed within an entire outer casing; and -
Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the casing ofFigure 9 . - With particular reference to
Figures 1 to 5 ,reference numeral 10 generally indicates a guiding apparatus. Theapparatus 10 is for use in operating a pool cleaner which, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of the pool. The flow stream of water is cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and longitudinal to and fro motion in the hose. - The
apparatus 10 includes an elongate housing configured for connection to the hose of the pool cleaner at a position remote from the body of the pool cleaner. The housing has front andrear parts rear parts rear parts teeth 16, 18 of the front andrear parts - The
apparatus 10 also includes a driven member housed within the housing and arranged to be driven by the to and fro motion of the hose. The driven member includes aratchet 20 and anarm 22. A first end of thearm 22 is connected to theratchet 20 to drive theratchet 20. Thearm 22 is configured to hang under the influence of gravity from theratchet 20 so that the to and fro motion of the hose causes thearm 22 to rotate theratchet 20. A free end of thearm 22 opposite the first end of thearm 22 is weighted so that, in use, the to and fro motion of the hose causes theratchet 20 to move to and fro while the free end of thearm 22 remains relatively still which causes thearm 22 to rotate theratchet 20 thereby driving theratchet 20. - The
arm 22 is typically in the form of a cradle hanging from theratchet 20, a lower portion of the cradle being made from lead so as to weight the free end of thearm 22 to remain relatively still during the to and fro motion of the hose. - The
ratchet 20 includes a releasable connection device adapted to releasably connect to the first end of thearm 22 in order to turn theratchet 20 in one direction when motion of thearm 22 is in a first direction, and to disconnect thearm 22 from theratchet 20 when motion of thearm 22 is in a second direction opposed to the first direction. Theratchet 20 also includes a releasable check device arranged to allow turning of theratchet 20 in said one direction only and to check theratchet 20 against rotation in a direction opposed to said one direction. - The
apparatus 10 further includes a transducer housed within the housing, connected to the driven member, and adapted to transduce motion of the driven member to motion to be imparted to pivot the front andrear parts - The transducer includes an
axle 24 for theratchet 20. Theratchet axle 24 is connected in a fixed manner to theratchet 20 so that theratchet 20 drives theratchet axle 24. The transducer also includes a drivenwheel 26 having a driven wheel axle (not shown inFigures 1 to 5 ). Thewheel 26 and theratchet axle 24 are configured so that theratchet axle 24 rotates thewheel 26 about the driven wheel axle when theratchet axle 24 is driven by theratchet 20. Thewheel 26 is typically in the form of a cog wheel and theratchet axle 24 typically includes a worm gear (not shown) which co-operates with thewheel 26 in order to rotate thewheel 26 about the driven wheel axle. - In the embodiment of the invention shown in
Figures 1 to 5 , thewheel 26 includes a protrusion 28 from a side surface of thewheel 26. The protrusion 28 extends substantially parallel to the driven wheel axle and is spaced a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle. Therear part 14 includes a slot 30 extending substantially longitudinally within therear part 14 substantially in the direction in which the hose is received. The slot 30 is shaped and configured for receiving the protrusion 28 thereby limiting movement of the protrusion 28 to to and fro movement within the slot 30. - The
ratchet axle 24 is connected to a holding member 52 in a manner which allows axial rotation of theratchet axle 24 in relation to the holding member 52. The holding member 52 is configured to receive and hold the hose of the pool cleaner and in this way the to and fro motion of the hose is translated to theratchet 20 thereby driving theratchet 20 as described above. The holding member 52 is rigidly mounted to a mountingmember 54 which is in turn connected to the front andrear parts rear parts - It is accordingly to be appreciated that rotation of the
wheel 26 about the wheel axle causes the protrusion 28 to rotate about the wheel axle. As the longitudinal component of such rotation of the protrusion 28 is taken up by the slot 30, the lateral component of such rotation exerts a cyclical, oscillating, lateral force to therear part 14 by way of the slot 30. This causes the front andrear parts teeth 16, 18. - It is to be appreciated that, in this way, the longitudinal to and fro motion in the hose is harnessed to mechanically, continually or continuously pivot the front and
rear parts apparatus 10 is aligned parallel with the surface of the water. This in turn influences the body of the pool cleaner to move accordingly. - With particular reference to
Figures 4 and5 , theapparatus 10 optionally includes aflexible pipe 32 which extends through the housing. Thepipe 32 is configured for connection, by way ofconnector 34, to an end of the hose of the pool cleaner, the end of the hose being an end opposite the body of the pool cleaner. Thepipe 32 is also configured for connection, by way ofconnector 36, to the pump system of the pool so that thepipe 32 is able to pass water from the hose of the pool cleaner into and through the pump system of the pool. - However, it is to be appreciated that, in embodiments of the invention where the
pipe 32 is not provided with theapparatus 10, theapparatus 10 is typically configured to receive the hose of the pool cleaner through the housing. The housing then typically includes outer connection means (not shown) for connection to an outer surface of the hose of the pool cleaner. - With particular reference to
Figure 5 , the housing also includes a flexibleouter casing 40. Thecasing 40 includes front, middle, andrear portions rear portion 46 is preferably locked to thepipe 32. Thecasing 40 also includes tworubber boots 48 aiding in holding the front, middle, andrear portions -
Figure 5 also shows a rigid guidingmember 90 of theapparatus 10, typically made from a rigid plastics material. The guidingmember 90 is V - shaped and the point thereof is configured for pivotal connection to the weir of the pool and the two ends thereof are pivotally connected to opposite sides of therear part 14 of the housing. Therigid guiding member 90 aids in influencing the movement of the body of the pool cleaner so as to reduce the possibility of the body of the pool cleaner getting stuck in a corner of the pool. It is to be appreciated that the rigid guidingmember 90 also finds ready application in embodiments of the invention where thepipe 32 is not provided with theapparatus 10. -
Figures 6 to 10 show a second, and preferred, embodiment of the invention incorporating many of the features shown inFigures 1 to 5 . Accordingly, like reference numerals are used to indicate like or similar features. - In this embodiment of the invention, the protrusion 28 and slot 30 mechanism of the transducer shown in
Figures 1 to 5 has essentially been replaced by an elongate hinged mechanism which works on theouter casing 40 as described hereafter. It is to be appreciated that other changes have also been made to the guidingapparatus 10 in order to facilitate the proper working of such elongate hinged mechanism. - Accordingly, in this embodiment of the invention, the transducer includes a hinged
elongate member 60. Afirst end 62 of theelongate member 60 is connected via a hinge (not shown) to a part of the outer casing 40 (shown inFigures 8 to 10 ) associated with thefront part 12 of the housing. This connection is made at a pre-selected, substantially transverse, distance from afirst hinge 64 connecting the mountingmember 54 to the part of theouter casing 40 associated with thefront part 12 of the housing. - A
second end 66 of theelongate member 60 is connected to a part of theouter casing 40 associated with therear part 14 of the housing. This connection is made at a pre-selected, substantially transverse, distance from asecond hinge 68 connecting the mountingmember 54 to the part of theouter casing 40 associated with therear part 14 of the housing. Thehinge 70 of theelongate member 60 is connected to the drivenwheel 26 at a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle (indicated byreference numeral 72 inFigures 6 to 8 ), so that, in use, rotation of the drivenwheel 26 is translated to substantially longitudinal to and fro motion of theelongate member 60 resulting in pivoting of the part of theouter casing 40 associated with thefront part 12 of the housing in relation to the part of theouter casing 40 associated with therear part 14 of the housing. - The
elongate member 60 includes two transversely opposing transversely extendingindents elongate member 60 about theindents elongate member 60 to absorb at least a part of an impact applied to the guidingapparatus 10 thereby reducing damage resulting from such impact. - Furthermore, the transducer optionally includes first and second cogged
intermediate wheels wheel 26. The firstintermediate wheel 78 is driven, in use, by the driven member via theaxle 24. The first wheelintermediate wheel 78 in turn drives the secondintermediate wheel 80 which in turn drives the drivenwheel 26. It is to be appreciated that the first and secondintermediate wheels wheel 26 at a slower rate than if the driven member were to drive the drivenwheel 26 directly. The first and secondintermediate wheels - It is to be appreciated that rotation of the driven
wheel 26 about the drivenwheel axle 72 causes theelongate member 60 to exert a cyclical, oscillating, torsion force between the part of theouter casing 40 to which thefirst end 62 of theelongate member 60 is connected and the mountingmember 54 about thefirst hinge 64 aswell as a cyclical, oscillating, torsion force between the part of theouter casing 40 to which thesecond end 66 of theelongate member 60 is connected and the mountingmember 54 about thesecond hinge 68 which in turn causes the part of theouter casing 40 associated with thefront part 12 of the housing to pivot in relation to the part of theouter casing 40 associated with therear part 14 of the housing. With particular reference toFigure 8 , theapparatus 10 also includes an outerelongate casing 40 for the housing. It is to be appreciated thatFigure 8 only shows a lower portion of thecasing 40. - The
casing 40 includes front, middle, andrear portions casing 40 also includes two intermediateflexible portions portions middle portions rear portions - The intermediate
flexible portions rear portions first end 62 of theelongate member 60 is connected toportion 56 and thesecond end 66 of theelongate member 60 is connected toportion 58, it is to be appreciated that this effectively facilitates pivoting of the front andrear parts -
Figures 9 and10 show anentire casing 40 wherein the lower portion of thecasing 40 shown inFigure 8 has been connected to a like upper portion to form anentire casing 40. - It is further to be appreciated that the housing of the embodiment of the invention shown in
Figures 6 to 10 is shaped and configured so as to receive the hose of a pool cleaner there through. The housing also includes two connection means (not shown), each located at opposite ends of the housing, for connection to the hose of the pool cleaner. Each connection means includes a clip shaped and configured for clipping to a grooved outer surface of the hose. - It is to be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the precise constructional details as herein exemplified. In particular, it is to be appreciated certain features shown in combination with other features in one drawing can also be extended to other embodiments where these features can be combined with further features shown in other drawings. The invention is limited by the appended claims.
- The Inventor believes that the invention is advantageous in that it provides a compact, simple, neat, aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, impact-absorbent and relatively inexpensive apparatus for guiding a pool cleaner body within a pool to reduce the possibility of the pool cleaner body omitting to clean certain portions of the submerged surface of the pool and to reduce the possibility of the pool cleaner body getting stuck in one position in a corner of the pool. Furthermore, the Inventor believes that the apparatus (excluding the flexible pipe in embodiments where the flexible pipe is provided with the apparatus) is versatile in that it need not be connected to the weir of the pool and can be connected to the hose (or the flexible pipe in embodiments where the flexible pipe is provided with the apparatus) anywhere between the weir and the pool cleaner body.
- According to the Inventor, it is yet a further advantage that the apparatus is driven by means of energy associated with the pumping of water by means of the existing pool pumping system. Thus, in the embodiments illustrated, it will not be necessary to provide a dedicated power or energy source. It is however possible, still in accordance with the invention, to provide a dedicated power or energy source to drive the apparatus.
Claims (10)
- A method of operating a pool cleaner (10) which pool cleaner, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of a pool, the flow stream of water being cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and to and fro motion in the hose, the method including the step of:connecting a housing to the hose of the pool cleaner so that front (12) and rear (14,46) parts of the housing are arranged substantially in line with each other in substantially the direction in which the hose is received by the housing; characterized by including to step of:mechanically, continually or continuously pivoting the front (12) and rear (14) parts in relation to each other in order to influence movement of the body of the pool cleaner (10) accordingly.
- A method as claimed in claim 1, which includes the step of harnessing the to and fro motion of the hose in order to pivot the front and rear parts in relation to each other.
- A guiding apparatus for use in operating a pool cleaner which pool cleaner, in use, passes water from a head in a pool cleaner body via a hose into and through a pump system of a pool, the flow stream of water being cyclically interrupted in the pool cleaner body to cause a stop - start motion in the body and a cyclic water hammer action and to and fro motion in the hose, the apparatus including
a housing configured for connection to the hose of the pool cleaner
a driven member (20, 22) housed within the housing and arranged to be driven by the to and fro motion of the hose; and
a transducer (24, 26, 28) housed within the housing, connected to the driven member;
characterized in that the housing includes front (12) and rear (14) parts configured to pivot, in use, in relation to each other;
and in that the transducer is adapted to transduce motion of the driven member (20, 22) to motion to be imparted to pivot the front (12) and rear (14) parts in relation to each other. - An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, which is configured to receive the hose of the pool cleaner through the housing, and wherein the housing includes outer connection means for connection to an outer surface of the hose of the pool cleaner.
- An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, which includes a flexible pipe (32) configured for connection to an end of the hose of the pool cleaner, the end of the hose being an end opposite the body of the pool cleaner, and wherein the pipe is configured for connection to the pump system of the pool so that the pipe is able to pass water from the hose of the pool cleaner into and through the pump system of the pool.
- An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the housing comprises
a mounting member (54) on which the driven member (20, 22) and the transducer (24, 26, 28) are mounted; and
an outer casing (40) connected to the mounting member by way of at least one hinge, the outer casing including
front (42), middle (44), and rear (46) portions which are made from a rigid material; and
two intermediate flexible portions (48) located intermediate the front (42) and middle (44) portions of the casing and the middle (44) and rear (46) portions of the casing, respectively, so that the front and rear portions of the casing are able to pivot in relation to each other. - An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the driven member includes a ratchet (20) and an arm (22), a first end of the arm (22) being connected to the ratchet (20) to drive the ratchet, and wherein the transducer (24, 26, 28) includes
an axle (24) for the ratchet, the axle being connected in a fixed manner to the ratchet (20) so that the ratchet, in use, drives the axle; and
a driven wheel (26) having an axle (24), the driven wheel (26) and the ratchet axle (24) being configured so that the ratchet axle (24) rotates the driven wheel (26) about the driven wheel axle (24) when the ratchet axle is driven by the ratchet. - An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the transducer (24, 26, 28) includes a hinged elongate member (60), wherein
a first end (62) of the elongate member is connected to a part of the outer casing (40) associated with the front part of the housing, the connection being made at a pre-selected distance from a first hinge connecting the mounting member to the part of the outer casing associated with the front part of the housing (12);
a second end (66) of the elongate member is connected to a part of the outer casing associated with the rear part (14) of the housing, the connection being made at a pre-selected distance from a second hinge connecting the mounting member to the part of the outer casing associated with the rear part of the housing; and
the hinge (70) of the elongate member (60) is connected to the driven wheel (26) at a predetermined distance from the driven wheel axle (24), so that, in use, rotation of the driven wheel (26) is translated to substantially longitudinal to and fro motion of the elongate member (60) resulting in pivoting of the part of the outer casing associated with the front part (12) of the housing in relation to the part of the outer casing associated with the rear part (14) of the housing. - An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transducer (24, 26, 28) includes at least one intermediate wheel (78, 80) configured intermediate the driven member (20, 22) and the driven wheel (26), the at least one intermediate wheel, (78, 80) being driven by the driven member (20, 22) and being configured to in turn drive the driven wheel at a slower rate than if the driven member were to drive the driven wheel directly.
- An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9, which includes a rigid guiding member (90) having one part pivotally connected to the rear part of the housing and another part configured for pivotal connection to a weir of the pool, which rigid guiding member aids in influencing the movement of the body of the pool cleaner so as to reduce the possibility of the body of the pool cleaner getting stuck in a corner of the pool.
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US36468002P | 2002-03-15 | 2002-03-15 | |
US364680P | 2002-03-15 | ||
US39042902P | 2002-06-19 | 2002-06-19 | |
US390429P | 2002-06-19 | ||
PCT/ZA2003/000035 WO2003078764A1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2003-02-28 | Guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1488057A1 EP1488057A1 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
EP1488057B1 true EP1488057B1 (en) | 2008-09-03 |
Family
ID=28045427
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP03719998A Expired - Lifetime EP1488057B1 (en) | 2002-03-15 | 2003-02-28 | Guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050251935A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1488057B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE407276T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003223794B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60323346D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003078764A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2005033445A1 (en) * | 2003-09-30 | 2005-04-14 | Tino Smith | Apparatus and method for guiding a submerged surface cleaning device |
US20120087777A1 (en) * | 2008-03-05 | 2012-04-12 | Johannes Stephanus Grobler | Guiding apparatus for guiding the movement of a pool cleaner |
USD738052S1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2015-09-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaner |
USD738053S1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2015-09-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaner |
USD737009S1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2015-08-18 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaner |
USD738054S1 (en) * | 2013-10-10 | 2015-09-01 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Cleaner |
WO2017096194A1 (en) * | 2015-12-02 | 2017-06-08 | Natural Chemistry, Inc. | Steering system for pool cleaners |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU593338B2 (en) * | 1986-03-27 | 1990-02-08 | Daniel Jean Valere Denis Chauvier | Displacement apparatus for submerged cleaner |
CA2180398A1 (en) * | 1995-07-07 | 1997-01-08 | Michael Edward Moore | Cleaning of submerged surfaces |
AU7485798A (en) * | 1997-05-13 | 1998-12-08 | Zodiac Pool Care Europe Sa | Hose rotator for automatic pool cleaner |
EP1015716B1 (en) * | 1997-05-24 | 2008-05-21 | Fixtrade 782 (Pty) Ltd. | A method of and a device for operating a pool cleaner |
US6299700B1 (en) * | 1997-05-24 | 2001-10-09 | Johannes Stephanus Grobler | Method of and a device for operating a pool cleaner |
US6119707A (en) * | 1998-06-19 | 2000-09-19 | Jordan; Ginger | Octosquirt pool sweep cleaner |
-
2003
- 2003-02-28 AT AT03719998T patent/ATE407276T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2003-02-28 AU AU2003223794A patent/AU2003223794B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2003-02-28 EP EP03719998A patent/EP1488057B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-02-28 US US10/507,962 patent/US20050251935A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-02-28 DE DE60323346T patent/DE60323346D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-02-28 WO PCT/ZA2003/000035 patent/WO2003078764A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2003223794A1 (en) | 2003-09-29 |
DE60323346D1 (en) | 2008-10-16 |
ATE407276T1 (en) | 2008-09-15 |
US20050251935A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
EP1488057A1 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
AU2003223794B2 (en) | 2008-05-08 |
WO2003078764A1 (en) | 2003-09-25 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
WO2005118984A3 (en) | Pool cleaning method and device | |
EP1488057B1 (en) | Guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner | |
US6398878B1 (en) | Automatic pool cleaner including motion sensor and repositioning means | |
ES2136587T3 (en) | AUTOMATIC POOL CLEANER. | |
US20110203060A1 (en) | Rolling apparatus for cleaning an immersed surface with orientatable driving flux | |
EP0475736B1 (en) | An hydraulic machine | |
AU2003222633A1 (en) | Implantable infusion device with optimized peristaltic pump motor drive | |
MXPA04004715A (en) | Power wheel for a trailer tongue jack. | |
US20210129948A1 (en) | Water surface cleaning machine | |
AU2000253018B2 (en) | Swimming pool pressure cleaner with internal steering mechanism | |
ZA200406564B (en) | Guiding apparatus for operating a pool cleaner. | |
ATE164559T1 (en) | TAKEOVER DEVICE | |
US5915431A (en) | Pool cleaning apparatus | |
CA2051936A1 (en) | Automatic swimming pool cleaner | |
CN2412030Y (en) | Cleaning device of sweeping machine | |
CA2509371A1 (en) | Intake assembly for self-propelled pool cleaner | |
DE60021132D1 (en) | downhole pump | |
CN213407943U (en) | Ecological integrative quality of water purification treatment structure of circulation of underground cistern | |
CN1253208A (en) | Automatic cleaning utensil for pond | |
GB2295436B (en) | Unit with a pump drive motor fastened to the housing thereof | |
EP1175827A1 (en) | Self-propelled apparatus for waste removal by scraping | |
FR2781243A1 (en) | Robot for cleaning swimming pools comprises powered vehicle on wheels or tracks which carries filtering equipment and moves according to a preset program in relation to a fixed reference | |
CN220374716U (en) | Anti-grounding water surface cleaning robot | |
CN218174280U (en) | 100 portable side scan sonar winch of meter | |
CN214549567U (en) | Grinding head assembly of multi-head foot grinder |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20041015 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE SI SK TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 60323346 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20081016 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20081214 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 |
|
NLV1 | Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20081203 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20090203 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20090604 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090228 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20090228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090228 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090228 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20091030 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090228 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090901 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20081203 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090228 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090302 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20081204 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20090228 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20090304 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20080903 |