US3921654A

US3921654A - Automatic swimming pool cleaner

Info

Publication number: US3921654A
Application number: US388340A
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew L Pansini
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Jandy Industries Inc
Priority date: 1971-06-07
Filing date: 1973-08-13
Publication date: 1975-11-25
Anticipated expiration: 1992-11-25

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.

Description

United States Patent 1 1 Pansini Nov. 25, 1975 1 AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANER [76] Inventor: Andrew L. Pansini, 180 Los Cerros Drive, Greenbrae, Calif. 94904 [22] Filed: Aug. 13, 1973 [21] Appl. No. 388,340

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation of Ser. No. 150,427, June 7, 1971, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 91,285, Nov. 20, 1970, abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 62,588, Aug. 10, 1970, abandoned.

Primary Examiner-Trygve M. Blix Assistant ExaminerStuart M. Goldstein Attorney, Agent, or FirmNaylor, Neal & Uilkema [57] 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.

19 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures US. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 Sheet 1 of7 3,921,654

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1: 1 E.- 1E ANDKEW WWW (I '2 ATTOENEVS AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANER 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.

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 3 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 l8 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 op posite ends thereof in the manner illustrated

jets

48, 50, 52 and 54, respectively. The jets define restricted outlet orifices (such as orifice 56 ofjet 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 or 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 j a v I i in the general configuration of a tee with the.

central j branches

74 and 76 thereof being disposedinwardly i The central branches defin'e an interior in communication withitheir respective nozzle cylindricalinteriors36 and 38. The central nozzle branches have disposed at the ends thereof swivel pipe joints 80 and 82 which pro-' 3 vide an interconnection between the transport nozzles I I and a tee-shaped pipe connector 86. Secured to the central branch of the teeshaped pipe connector 86 is a i fluid supply arm 90. At the outermost extent thereof fluid supply arm 90 is provided with screw threads92 1 so that flexible fluid supply line 14 (FIG. 1) may besecured thereto. Swivel pipe joints 80 and 82 are constructed so that there is free rotational slidi ng movea ment therebetween and both the tee-shaped pipe. con

nector 86 and the

central nozzle branches

74 and 76. I As will be seen below, relatively free rotational movement of fluid supply arm 90 with respect to the. base 7 means and associated structure of the cleaner encoure ages the random movement thereof during'operation.-

the top and bottom surfaces of plate 28 as view in FIG;

The operation of the cleaner illustrated in FIG. 2 will. A

now be described. To activate the cleaner all that is needed is to connect the. fluid supply arm MLthereof to a flexible fluid supply line which in turn is connected to. a source of water under pressure. The water enters into i 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 thereoftoward one end or the other depend-. I ing upon which side of the central branches of;the r 2 transport nozzles the ball valves occupy at that point.

The ,ball valves are preferably constructed of a'rela-C I:

tively 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 a in the transport nozzle the ball valves will move therein under the influence of gravity. With thisin mind it may I readily be seen that upon tilting of the transport nozzles about the central axis of the tilt wheels and 10 2,

the ball valves will pass from the end of the nozzles to k I 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 be- U I tween 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 pressur-: ized fluid is being delivered to the transport nozzles the. ball valves will remain fixed in the positions to which 9 they were driven upon the initial inrush of fluidinto the transport nozzles which occurs upon opening of valve 4. In practice, the timer keeps valve 4 open for presei lected periods of time, on the order of l to.3 minutes, for example, and closes it in between such periods for increments of several seconds. a

For the sake of illustration it will be assumed that the transport nozzles are tipped in a clockwise direction. A 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 direc tion 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 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 swivelpipe joint A 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 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. still another alternative embodiment of pool cleaner constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. The cleaner, whichis generally designated by.

means of reference numeral 128, 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 1468 and 148B, rather than one, are employed. The plates 146B and 1488 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 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 maybe utilized to further contribute to the random movement of the cleaner.

Another difference between the construction of cleaner 12Band 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 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 animaginary axis drawn between the cleaner lead wheels. In,FIG. 7 these transport nozzles are designated by means of reference j V numberals 212 and 214 and the nozzles are doubly ani gled, as described above, at 216 and 218. For purpose of illustration, the degree of inclination of the nozzles I g has been exaggerated somewhat. The relativelystifff fluid supply arm 220 ofthe cleaner is connected to flex-' ible 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 joint226 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. I v A plurality of floats 234 are provided at selected loca- I I tions 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 themovement of the cleaner.

210 about the swimming pool bottom and sides may be modified and controlled to some extent. Through,utili-,

zation of floats 234, all but a preselected length ofthe' 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 I 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 1 't swimming pool floor. The fluid supply arm 220 will not I flip over until the cleaner moves to a deeper section I of the pool and the flexible fluid supply line is placed I under tension between the arm and closest float 234. In i i 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 1 toward the pool main drain (not shown), with such movement steadily advancing dislodgeddirt and the j like toward said drain.

As the cleaner reaches deep water, the floats 234lift I I I the flexible fluid supply line from the pool floorthus ale" lowing the fluid supply arm 220. to swivel, to flip over and place the flexible fluid supply line in tow. Dirt or 1 other accumulated material which has been brought Y into the deep end of the pool due to the cleaner action will be washed toward the main drain (not shown) as e the cleaner stops in various positions against the pool 3 I coping tile, thereby creating powerful downward cur- I j W rents toward the drain.

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. I the flip over" takes place. At the point of flipover j I the flexible fluid supply line is towed rather than V 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 doughnutshaped 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 breakup 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 et.

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. embodi ment 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 706is 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 I and inhibit the tendency of the ball tojump above the I 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. I

As do elements 22 and 24 (FIGS. 1-10), element 402 7 (FIGS. 11-12), and element 502 (FIG. 13), element 706 acts as a roller-like, anti-friction bumper member. g Element or ball 706 is operable when it engages .the. floor or wall of a pool to rotate about an axisparallel to T the plane of the leading end of the carrierand to redirect movement of the carrier within thepool.

From the foregoing description it willbe readily ap- 7 parent 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 aotuated valve means or the like may be utilized to accomplish the same end. In addition, the base means em-.

ployed 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 they 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.

1 claim as my invention:' 1. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a carrier having a net positi e buoyancy whendeactivated and em-- bodying means operable in response to forward move- I ment 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 I 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 con-' i 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 surfaceof the water in said pool upon deactivation of said carrier.

3. A swimming pool cleaner comprising a flexible I 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 attachedto said conduit at the outlet end thereof and operable in response to operation of said reaction propulsion means to im'-.

part submerged diving movementto said reaction propulsions means.

4. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 3,

said last-mentioned means including variably. position- 13 able 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 thecarrier.

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.

Claims

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.

8. The cleaner of claim 5, including a rotatable bumper member attached to the forward end of the carrier.

18. The cleaner of claim 12, including stabilizer fin means on said carrier.