WO2004097145A1 - Adjunct for a swimming pool cleaner - Google Patents

Adjunct for a swimming pool cleaner Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004097145A1
WO2004097145A1 PCT/ZA2003/000056 ZA0300056W WO2004097145A1 WO 2004097145 A1 WO2004097145 A1 WO 2004097145A1 ZA 0300056 W ZA0300056 W ZA 0300056W WO 2004097145 A1 WO2004097145 A1 WO 2004097145A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hose
rotation
gear
inlet
coupling
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2003/000056
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David Alan Bray
Original Assignee
David Alan Bray
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by David Alan Bray filed Critical David Alan Bray
Priority to PCT/ZA2003/000056 priority Critical patent/WO2004097145A1/en
Priority to AU2003228266A priority patent/AU2003228266A1/en
Publication of WO2004097145A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004097145A1/en

Links

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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device which prevents an automatic swimming pool cleaner from becoming stuck.
  • swimming pool cleaners generally operate by being attached to the pump line of a swimming pool, typically in the weir. Water is drawn through the cleaner and through the hose.
  • the cleaner will typically include a valve which open and closes continuously and sequentially, causing the cleaner to be moved by the force produced by rapidly closing and opening this valve.
  • the cleaner has a tendency to become stuck in certain areas, particularly around the pool steps. Often this requires manual intervention, without which the cleaner will remain stuck for long periods, often to detriment of gears and other working parts of the cleaner.
  • the swimming pool hose lies mainly on the surface of the water and can become partially set in a particular bent or twisted configuration which also contributes to the movement thereof in a fixed pattern.
  • a device for promoting free movement of a hose of an automatic swimming pool cleaner includes means for attachment to the hose of the pool cleaner and means for rotating the hose about its longitudinal axis.
  • the continuous but gradual or incremental rotation of the pool hose to which the cleaner is attached ensures that firstly, the cleaner cannot become set in a regularly repeated pattern of movement and secondly, should it become stuck in a particular location, the twisting thereof enables the hose to gradually change the orientation of the pool cleaner until it is no longer obstructed, thereby allowing it to move off in a different direction.
  • a device for promoting free movement of a hose of an automatic swimming pool cleaner including a coupling between adjacent portions of hose or between the hose and the cleaner or the pump; the coupling including two elements each being locatable in or over or at the ends of the hose portions, and means associated with the coupling to cause at least one element to rotate so that its portion of hose rotates longitudinally.
  • the device of the invention is preferably locatable in line with the hose and in the proximity of the weir of the pool.
  • the device comprises a housing including an inlet and an outlet for the flow of water, the inlet being attachable to a first length of hose to which is attached the pool cleaner, and the outlet being attachable to a second length of hose linked to the swimming pool pump; the housing including a connector securable to the first length of hose at one end and rotatably mounted on the inlet of the housing at the other, the housing including means for rotating the connector to effect rotation of the hose about its longitudinal axis.
  • the rotating means is adapted to rotate the hose gradually or incrementally. In this form, the rotation is effected by a pin indexer.
  • the housing is provided with a passage linking the inlet and outlet, and including a rotary element rotatable by the flow of water through the housing .
  • the rotor comprises a paddle wheel orientated to rotate in the plane of the flowing water, the paddle wheel being mounted on a shaft including a gear and the gear engaging a series of decreasing gears which in turn engage a pin indexer, the indexer in turn effecting rotation of an outer gear associated with a rotatable connector element affixed to the hose.
  • the rotatable connector is rotatably mounted on the inlet connector of the device.
  • the rotor comprises an impeller rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of flow of the water. Rotation of the impeller effects rotation of an outer gear which engages a plurality of gears spaced apart circumferentially and fixed to a gear holder, the gear holder in turn comprising the tubular connector element for engaging the hose, such that rotation of the impeller effects rotation of the gear holder and hence the hose.
  • the impeller effects rotation of both lengths of pipe i.e. either side of the device of the invention.
  • rotation of the hose is preferably effected at a rate of six degrees per minute.
  • Faster or slower rotation may be achieved by setting the indexer, and/or changing the sizes of the gears.
  • Figure 1 is an isometric front view of a device according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is an isometric bottom view of the device
  • Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the device
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view along line A- A;
  • Figure 5 is a sectional view along line B-B;
  • Figure 6 is a sectional view along line C-C;
  • Figure 7 is a sectional view along line D-D;
  • Figure 8 is a sectional view along line E-E;
  • Figure 9 is a front isometric view of an alternative form of the device;
  • Figure 10 is a rear isometric view of the device; Figure 11 is an exploded isometric view of the device; and Figure 12 is a sectional view along line A- A of Figure 9.
  • a device 10 for promoting free movement of the hose of a swimming pool cleaner thereby ensuring that it does not become stuck comprises a housing 12 having an inlet 14 and an outlet 16 for water which is pumped through passage 18 in the housing under the influence of a swimming pool circulation pump.
  • the inlet and outlet are tubular connectors which in the drawings, firmly engage the inner diameter of the swimming pool hose.
  • the inlet connector 14 is rotatably mounted on inlet tube 20.
  • a paddle wheel 22 Located within the passage 18 is a paddle wheel 22 which is rotatable on transverse shaft 24. The water flow through the passage engages the vanes 26 of the paddle wheel
  • the transverse shaft includes a gear 28 which engages the inner gear 30 of a series of four decreasing gears 32 which transmit the rotation to pin indexer 34 which is engaged by outer drive gear 36.
  • crank 38 of the indexer 34 causes the ratchet arm 40 to engage ratchet gear 42 mounted on one end of the shaft 44.
  • the indexer is set to rotate the housing six degrees every minute, in the direction of arrow 46.
  • Spacer 48 is located between the end of the transverse shaft and the gearbox cover 49.
  • the rotary element is an impeller 52 rotatable transversely to the direction of flow of the water (as indicated by arrow 54).
  • the impeller 52 is rotated by the water flow and in turn transmits the motion to each of three circumferential gears 60.
  • the circumferential gears 60 are mounted on a gear holder 62 having three mounting pins 64 on which the gears 60 are statically mounted. Rotation of the three gears 60 occurs simultaneously to generate torque enabling the gear holder to be rotated, thereby rotating the hose to which it is connected.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Medical Bathing And Washing (AREA)

Abstract

A device (10) for promoting free movement of a hose of an automatic swimming pool cleaner, prevents it from becoming stuck by constantly twisting at least one portion of the pool hose to which it is attached. The device comprises a coupling for two lengths of a pool hose and has an inlet (14) and an outlet (16) for the flow of water therethrough. A paddle wheel 22 is located in a passage (18) between the inlet (14) and outlet (16), flow of water therethrough causing rotation of the paddle wheel (22). A series of gears (32) transmits the rotation to a pin indexer (34) which causes incremental rotation of an outer drive gear (36) associated with the inlet connector (14), effecting rotation thereof.

Description

ADJUNCT FOR A SWIMMING POOL CLEANER
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a device which prevents an automatic swimming pool cleaner from becoming stuck.
BACKGROUND ART
Swimming pool cleaners generally operate by being attached to the pump line of a swimming pool, typically in the weir. Water is drawn through the cleaner and through the hose. The cleaner will typically include a valve which open and closes continuously and sequentially, causing the cleaner to be moved by the force produced by rapidly closing and opening this valve.
A well-documented problem with automatic swimming pool cleaners is that they tend to become locked in a particular cleaning pattern which does not necessarily result in it traversing the entire bottom of the pool. This leaves unsightly dirty patches.
In addition, the cleaner has a tendency to become stuck in certain areas, particularly around the pool steps. Often this requires manual intervention, without which the cleaner will remain stuck for long periods, often to detriment of gears and other working parts of the cleaner.
This problem may be exacerbated by the fact that the swimming pool hose lies mainly on the surface of the water and can become partially set in a particular bent or twisted configuration which also contributes to the movement thereof in a fixed pattern.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a device or an arrangement which assists in enabling the cleaner to extricate itself from tight locations n the pool and also to move in random patterns over the bottom and sides of the pool. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention, a device for promoting free movement of a hose of an automatic swimming pool cleaner, includes means for attachment to the hose of the pool cleaner and means for rotating the hose about its longitudinal axis.
In operation, the continuous but gradual or incremental rotation of the pool hose to which the cleaner is attached, ensures that firstly, the cleaner cannot become set in a regularly repeated pattern of movement and secondly, should it become stuck in a particular location, the twisting thereof enables the hose to gradually change the orientation of the pool cleaner until it is no longer obstructed, thereby allowing it to move off in a different direction.
In a preferred form of the invention there is provided a device for promoting free movement of a hose of an automatic swimming pool cleaner, including a coupling between adjacent portions of hose or between the hose and the cleaner or the pump; the coupling including two elements each being locatable in or over or at the ends of the hose portions, and means associated with the coupling to cause at least one element to rotate so that its portion of hose rotates longitudinally.
The device of the invention is preferably locatable in line with the hose and in the proximity of the weir of the pool.
In the preferred form of the invention in which only one of the coupling elements is rotatable, the device comprises a housing including an inlet and an outlet for the flow of water, the inlet being attachable to a first length of hose to which is attached the pool cleaner, and the outlet being attachable to a second length of hose linked to the swimming pool pump; the housing including a connector securable to the first length of hose at one end and rotatably mounted on the inlet of the housing at the other, the housing including means for rotating the connector to effect rotation of the hose about its longitudinal axis. In the preferred form, the rotating means is adapted to rotate the hose gradually or incrementally. In this form, the rotation is effected by a pin indexer.
The housing is provided with a passage linking the inlet and outlet, and including a rotary element rotatable by the flow of water through the housing .
In the preferred form of the invention, the rotor comprises a paddle wheel orientated to rotate in the plane of the flowing water, the paddle wheel being mounted on a shaft including a gear and the gear engaging a series of decreasing gears which in turn engage a pin indexer, the indexer in turn effecting rotation of an outer gear associated with a rotatable connector element affixed to the hose. In this form, the rotatable connector is rotatably mounted on the inlet connector of the device.
In an alternative form of the invention in which both coupling elements are mutually, longitudinally rotatable, the rotor comprises an impeller rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of flow of the water. Rotation of the impeller effects rotation of an outer gear which engages a plurality of gears spaced apart circumferentially and fixed to a gear holder, the gear holder in turn comprising the tubular connector element for engaging the hose, such that rotation of the impeller effects rotation of the gear holder and hence the hose.
In this form of the invention, the impeller effects rotation of both lengths of pipe i.e. either side of the device of the invention.
In either or both of the above forms of the invention, rotation of the hose is preferably effected at a rate of six degrees per minute.
Faster or slower rotation may be achieved by setting the indexer, and/or changing the sizes of the gears. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS
Figure 1 is an isometric front view of a device according to the invention; Figure 2 is an isometric bottom view of the device; Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of the device; 5 Figure 4 is a sectional view along line A- A;
Figure 5 is a sectional view along line B-B; Figure 6 is a sectional view along line C-C; Figure 7 is a sectional view along line D-D; Figure 8 is a sectional view along line E-E; 10 Figure 9 is a front isometric view of an alternative form of the device;
Figure 10 is a rear isometric view of the device; Figure 11 is an exploded isometric view of the device; and Figure 12 is a sectional view along line A- A of Figure 9.
15 DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE
In Figures 1 to 8, a device 10 for promoting free movement of the hose of a swimming pool cleaner thereby ensuring that it does not become stuck, comprises a housing 12 having an inlet 14 and an outlet 16 for water which is pumped through passage 18 in the housing under the influence of a swimming pool circulation pump.
20 The inlet and outlet are tubular connectors which in the drawings, firmly engage the inner diameter of the swimming pool hose. The inlet connector 14 is rotatably mounted on inlet tube 20.
Located within the passage 18 is a paddle wheel 22 which is rotatable on transverse shaft 24. The water flow through the passage engages the vanes 26 of the paddle wheel
25 22 causing it to rotate. The transverse shaft includes a gear 28 which engages the inner gear 30 of a series of four decreasing gears 32 which transmit the rotation to pin indexer 34 which is engaged by outer drive gear 36.
The crank 38 of the indexer 34 causes the ratchet arm 40 to engage ratchet gear 42 mounted on one end of the shaft 44.
When the ratchet gear 42 is rotated by the indexer, outer gear 36 rotates the inlet connector 14, thereby causing rotation of the hose to which it is coupled.
Typically, the indexer is set to rotate the housing six degrees every minute, in the direction of arrow 46. Spacer 48 is located between the end of the transverse shaft and the gearbox cover 49.
In an alternative form of the invention 50 as shown in Figures 9 through 12, the rotary element is an impeller 52 rotatable transversely to the direction of flow of the water (as indicated by arrow 54). In this form of the invention, the impeller 52, is rotated by the water flow and in turn transmits the motion to each of three circumferential gears 60. The circumferential gears 60 are mounted on a gear holder 62 having three mounting pins 64 on which the gears 60 are statically mounted. Rotation of the three gears 60 occurs simultaneously to generate torque enabling the gear holder to be rotated, thereby rotating the hose to which it is connected.
As the inlet side 66 of the housing is statically connected to the hose into which it has been inserted, rotation of the house attached thereto rotates simultaneously and at the same rate as the hose attached to the gear holder 62.

Claims

1. A device for promoting free movement of a hose of an automatic swimming pool cleaner characterised in that it includes means for attachment to the hose of the pool cleaner and means for rotating the hose about its longitudinal axis.
2. A device according to claim 1 characterised in that it includes a coupling between adjacent portions of hose or between the hose and the cleaner or the pump; the coupling including two elements each being locatable in or over or at the ends of the hose portions, and means associated with the coupling to cause at least one element to rotate so that its portion of hose rotates longitudinally.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that it is locatable in line with the hose and in the proximity of the weir of the pool.
4. A device according to claim 2 in which one of the coupling elements is rotatable characterised in that the device comprises a housing including an inlet and an outlet for the flow of water, the inlet being attachable to a first length of hose to which is attached the pool cleaner, and the outlet being attachable to a second length of hose linked to the swimming pool pump; the housing including a connector securable to the first length of hose at one end and rotatably mounted on the inlet of the housing at the other, the housing including means for rotating the connector to effect rotation of the hose about its longitudinal axis.
5. A device according to claim 4 characterised in that the rotating means is adapted to rotate the hose gradually or incrementally.
6. A device according to claim 5 characterised in that the rotating means comprises a pin indexer.
7. A device according to claim 4 characterised in that the rotating means comprises an arrangement including a paddle wheel orientated to rotate in the plane of the flowing water, the paddle wheel being mounted on a shaft including a gear and the gear engaging a series of decreasing gears which in turn engage a pin indexer, the indexer in turn effecting rotation of an outer gear associated with a rotatable connector element affixed to the hose.
8. A device according to claims 1 and 2 characterised in that both coupling elements are mutually, longitudinally rotatable, the rotor comprises an impeller rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of flow of the water.
9. A device according to claim 8 characterised in that rotation of the impeller effects rotation of an outer gear which engages a plurality of gears spaced apart circumferentially and fixed to a gear holder, the gear holder in turn comprising the tubular connector element for engaging the hose, such that rotation of the impeller effects rotation of the gear holder and hence the hose.
10. A device according to claim 8 characterised in that the impeller effects rotation of both lengths of pipe.
11. A device according to any of the above claims characterised in that rotation of the hose is preferably effected at a rate of six degrees per minute.
PCT/ZA2003/000056 2003-04-29 2003-04-29 Adjunct for a swimming pool cleaner WO2004097145A1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/ZA2003/000056 WO2004097145A1 (en) 2003-04-29 2003-04-29 Adjunct for a swimming pool cleaner
AU2003228266A AU2003228266A1 (en) 2003-04-29 2003-04-29 Adjunct for a swimming pool cleaner

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/ZA2003/000056 WO2004097145A1 (en) 2003-04-29 2003-04-29 Adjunct for a swimming pool cleaner

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004097145A1 true WO2004097145A1 (en) 2004-11-11

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2003/000056 WO2004097145A1 (en) 2003-04-29 2003-04-29 Adjunct for a swimming pool cleaner

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AU (1) AU2003228266A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004097145A1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006086840A1 (en) * 2005-02-16 2006-08-24 Halle, Roy, Michael Steering adaptor for suction pool cleaner
WO2017096194A1 (en) 2015-12-02 2017-06-08 Natural Chemistry, Inc. Steering system for pool cleaners
WO2020234831A1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2020-11-26 Intex Industries Xiamen Co. Ltd. Pool cleaner with moveable waterway
US11773614B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-10-03 Intex Marketing Ltd. Pool cleaner with releasable brush assembly

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998051888A1 (en) * 1997-05-13 1998-11-19 Baracuda International Corporation Hose rotator for automatic pool cleaner
US6220636B1 (en) * 1999-02-01 2001-04-24 Polaris Pool Systems, Inc. Swivel coupling for a pool cleaner
WO2001036857A2 (en) * 1999-11-16 2001-05-25 Polaris Pool Systems, Inc. Rotatable hose coupling
WO2001059236A1 (en) * 2000-02-14 2001-08-16 Kenneth Lewis Hawksworth An automatic pool cleaner accessory

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998051888A1 (en) * 1997-05-13 1998-11-19 Baracuda International Corporation Hose rotator for automatic pool cleaner
US6220636B1 (en) * 1999-02-01 2001-04-24 Polaris Pool Systems, Inc. Swivel coupling for a pool cleaner
WO2001036857A2 (en) * 1999-11-16 2001-05-25 Polaris Pool Systems, Inc. Rotatable hose coupling
WO2001059236A1 (en) * 2000-02-14 2001-08-16 Kenneth Lewis Hawksworth An automatic pool cleaner accessory

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006086840A1 (en) * 2005-02-16 2006-08-24 Halle, Roy, Michael Steering adaptor for suction pool cleaner
US20080168610A1 (en) * 2005-02-16 2008-07-17 Roy Michael Halle Steering Adaptor for Suction Pool Cleaner
WO2017096194A1 (en) 2015-12-02 2017-06-08 Natural Chemistry, Inc. Steering system for pool cleaners
EP3394366A4 (en) * 2015-12-02 2019-08-14 NC Brands L.P. Steering system for pool cleaners
US10513864B2 (en) * 2015-12-02 2019-12-24 Nc Brands L.P. Steering system for pool cleaners
WO2020234831A1 (en) * 2019-05-21 2020-11-26 Intex Industries Xiamen Co. Ltd. Pool cleaner with moveable waterway
US11773614B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-10-03 Intex Marketing Ltd. Pool cleaner with releasable brush assembly
US11788313B2 (en) 2019-05-21 2023-10-17 Intex Marketing Ltd. Pool cleaner with moveable waterway

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Publication number Publication date
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