Friction support device for swimming pool center

ABSTRACT

A swimming pool cleaner is operable through a vibratory movement of its housing through a flow of water past a vibratory element carried within the housing. A friction support is carried by the housing and engages a surface to be cleaned. The friction support has a first end pivotally attached to the housing and a second free end in frictional contact with the surface to be cleaned. The friction support is further biased toward a first orientation and limited in its movement therefrom as the friction support is displaced during vibration of the housing and movement of the pool cleaner.

INFORMATION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a device for cleaning a surface submerged in a liquid. The cleaner is in communication with a remote suction pump and motor by means of a flexible elongated hose connected to a coupling located on top of a housing . The cleaner housing incorporates at least one suction chamber comprising a fluid entrance end in proximity to the submerged surface to be cleaned and an exit end communicating with the coupling . A vibrator device such as a flapper valve, turbine with weight, turbine with eccentrics or other vibrator device as described in the prior art is located within at least one suction chamber . An outer housing may be fitted to the main housing . At least one support is attached relative to the device for engaging the submerged surface to be cleaned.

The free end . of the rigid support must be able to move a distance of a few millimeters between a first and a second position, and then spring back to the first position.

In preferred embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the support is pivotally mounted at an angle to the surface to be cleaned. FIG. 4 depicts a support with a bore . into which a shaft . is inserted. FIG. 3 depicts a pivot member or fulcrum . integrally formed with the main housing and a support with a bore or cup . adapted to engage with the pivot member .. Rotation of the support about a pivot axis enables oscillatory movement of the free end . of the support. The illustrated supports may be partly or wholly manufactured from a rubber-like friction material and, in operation, are substantially rigid; i.e. do not bend and straighten along their length between the free end . and the opposing end proximate the pivot axis.

The preferred embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are integrally formed with resilient biasing or spring means . to orient the rigid support to a first position and to limit movement of the free end . of the support. This arrangement improves upon the prior art by eliminating the need for a separate orientation spring and stop. The embodiment in FIG. 3 further improves on the prior art because the pivot member . integrally formed with the main housing eliminates the need for a separate shaft and means to position and attach such shaft to the housing .

As illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 3, to simplify assembly of the device and further reduce the number of separate parts required, support attachment means . may also be integrally formed with the support , or both the support and resilient biasing means ., to enable removable attachment of the support , the main housing and the outer housing . Additionally as illustrated by FIGS. 1, and , the integrally formed supports, resilient biasing means . and attachment means form a membrane-like barrier between dirt-laden fluid flow towards the chamber entrance end and the end of the support proximate and including the pivot bore or cup .. This reduces the detrimental effect of dirt and grit upon the pivoting action of the supports . A modified bore or cup . for engagement with a pivot member . is preferred over a completely round bore . because the modified bore or cup will be less prone to entrap dirt and thus hinder or prevent the support from being able to pivot.

As depicted in FIG. 4, the free end . of a support may integrally incorporate or be capable of receiving an attachment . incorporating a protuberance, shape, dimension or surface characteristic which will provide a frictional grip against the surface to be cleaned.

FIGS. 6A, B, C and D illustrate the operation of a pivotable rigid support . In operation, the cleaning device is energized by a vibratory device into vibratory or to-and-fro motion. The vibrating mass acts through the rigid friction supports to generate reciprocating forces oblique to the surface to be cleaned and in at least two opposed directions in turn. FIG. 6A shows a support in a neutral position. This state will exist prior to the application of any force other than that applied by an inertial mass forming part of the cleaning device ; i.e. prior to activation of the vibratory device by action of the fluid flow through the suction chamber . A similar state will momentarily exist as the forces applied to the support reciprocate between the downward and upward directions. In FIG. 6B, a force in a downwards direction pushes the friction support against the surface . While the frictional grip of the free end . against the surface maintains the position of the free end . relative to an imaginary point on the surface marked “A”, the downwards force causes the support to pivot which, in turn, causes the resilient biasing means . to deform and the housing to which the support is attached to move a distance “e” in the direction of arrow . Upon reciprocation of the force in the opposite, (upwards) direction, the support will momentarily be lifted from the surface as shown in FIG. C. As this occurs, the resilient biasing means . will return the support to the neutral position. FIG. 6D shows, at a moment immediately prior to the re-commencement of the cycle just described, the support re-engaged with the surface and the new position of the free end . of the support relative to point “A” against the surface . The free end . is shown to have moved a distance “e” in the direction of arrow . This illustrates how the cleaner device will, in response to vibration, advance over the surface in a step by step manner.

FIG. 7A illustrates a rigid support oriented at an angle to the surface to be cleaned. An upper end . of the support opposing the surface contacting free end ., is shaped and resiliently positioned in slidable engagement with the housing such that, upon application of downward force , the upper end . will pivot against the housing as shown in FIG. B. This embodiment eliminates the need for a pivot member ..

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict an improvement in which the housing is shaped . to form a groove to receive and position the upper end . of a rigid support .

FIGS. 9A and 9B depicts an alternative embodiment where the housing incorporates a pivot member or fulcrum . for engagement with an upper end . of a rigid support .

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a rigid support attached to and spaced from a housing by resilient biasing means . and attachment means . such that, upon application and removal of a downward force , at least a portion of the resilient biasing means . will deform thus enabling the rigid support to oscillate and the cleaner to advance across the surface to be cleaned. The degree of oscillation of the rigid support may be controlled by the degree of flexibility, elasticity, length, thickness and shape of attached resilient biasing means ..

FIG. 11 provides an example of a rigid support mounted to the housing of a cleaning device and oriented at an inclination to the surface to be cleaned by resilient biasing means .. The support includes an upper end . shaped for pivotal engagement with a pivot member . integrally formed with an adjacent support member .

As stated, in order to achieve forward movement in response to vibration, the free end of each support must be capable of movement of up to a few millimeters. The rigid (i.e. supports which do not bend and straighten along their length), spring loaded supports like those illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 11 achieve this by being oriented at an inclination relative to the surface to be cleaned and by attachment to the cleaning device in a manner which will enable the supports to oscillate about an axis generally lateral to a downward force . As disclosed below, alternative support configurations can achieve the required movement of their free ends by other means.

FIGS. 12A, B, A, B provide examples of resilient friction supports , all of which are attached and oriented such that the point of contact by each support's free end . against the surface to be cleaned is directly below the point of attachment . of the support relative to the housing (i.e. in this context the supports are not inclined, at least not in a specific common direction). The shape or geometry of the support between the latter points is designed such that, upon intermittent application of a downward force , at least a portion of the support will deform and thus produce a resultant force including a component capable of moving the cleaner device in step by step increments in a forward direction , such increments indicated in the FIGS. by the dimension “e” in relation to a point “A” against the surface .

FIGS. 14A and 14B show a resilient support , a least a portion of which is circular in cross-section and attached such that the point of contact “A” against the surface to be cleaned is directly below the point of attachment . of the support relative to the housing (i.e. the support is not inclined). The free end . of the support need not be in contact with the surface . Upon intermittent application of a downward force , at least a portion of the support will deform and the portion of support . initially in contact with the surface at point A will move in a direction which may be out of contact with the surface . The new point of contact of the support . with the surface will remain substantially below the point of attachment . relative to the housing . The cleaner device will thus move in step by step increments in a forward direction , such increments indicated in the FIGS. by the dimension “e” in relation to a point “A” against the surface . Along the portions of the support ., . which make contact with the surface , friction grip enhancing treads or other means may be attached to or be integrated into the support .

FIGS. 15A, B, A, B, A and B illustrate supports which are spaced from the housing and have at least two points of attachment . with respect to the housing such that lines drawn between the points of attachment . of each support and the point of contact by each support's free end . against the surface to be cleaned will not incline in a common direction. Upon intermittent application of a downward force , flexible elements ., predisposed to deform in a particular manner, will deform in such manner and thereby cause movement of the cleaner device in step by step increments in a forward direction , such increments indicated in the FIGS. by the dimension “e” in relation to a point “A” against the surface .

FIGS. 18-29 illustrate elevation views of alternate embodiments of friction supports.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention, as well as alternate embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-section view of a pool cleaner illustrating one embodiment of friction supports of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged, cross-section view of the friction support of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-section view of a second embodiment of the friction support of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective bottom view of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 6A-6D are partial cross-section views of the friction support of FIG. 1, illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are partial cross-section views of a third embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are partial cross-section views of a fourth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are partial cross-section views of a fifth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are partial cross-section views of a sixth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-section view of a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are partial cross-section views of an eighth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are partial cross-section views of a ninth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are partial cross-section views of a tenth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 15A and 15B are partial cross-section views of an eleventh embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are partial cross-section views of a twelfth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are partial cross-section views of a thirteenth embodiment of a friction support illustrating operation thereof; and

FIGS. 18-29 are partial cross-section views of yet other embodiments of a friction supports of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/867,275, filed May 29, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,808, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/306,925, filed May 7, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,175, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/085,102, filed May 12, 1998, commonly owned with the instant application.

CLAIMS

1. A swimming pool cleaner comprising: a housing; a friction support carried by the housing for operably engaging a surface to be cleaned, the friction support having a first portion attached with the housing and a second portion having a free end in frictional contact with the surface; and a flexible member biasing the friction support toward a first orientation and limiting movement thereof, which movement displaces the free end and thus the friction support from the first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the flexible member is integrally formed with the friction support for deforming thereof to produce a resultant force capable of moving the swimming pool cleaner in step by step increments in a forward direction responsive to a vibratory movement of the housing, and wherein the friction support is attached and oriented such that, when biased in the first orientation, the point of contact of the free end against the surface to be cleaned is directly below the point of attachment of the first portion of the friction support relative to the housing.

2. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the flexible member is formed within an intermediate body portion of the friction support between the first portion and the free end.

3. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 1, wherein an imaginary plane including a housing lower portion is generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

4. A swimming pool cleaner comprising: a housing; a friction support carried by the housing at a first orientation thereto for operably engaging a surface to be cleaned, the friction support having a first end proximate the housing, and a second rigid end positioned for frictional contact with the surface to be cleaned; and a flexible member integrally formed with the friction support in a one-piece construction, the flexible member operable between the housing and the friction support for biasing the friction support toward the first orientation and limiting movement thereof, which movement displaces the friction support from the first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the flexible member comprises at least one flexible portion having a first end operable with the friction support and a second end operable with the housing.

5. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the second end of the flexible portion is removably attached to the housing.

6. A swimming pool cleaner comprising: a housing; a friction support movably carried by the housing for operably engaging a surface to be cleaned, the friction support having a first portion attached with the housing, and a second portion for frictional contact with the surface; and a flexible member positioned for biasing the friction support toward a first orientation and limiting movement thereof, which movement displaces a free end of the friction support and from the first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the flexible member is integrally formed with the friction support in a one-piece construction for an elastically deforming thereof to produce a resultant force capable of moving the swimming pool cleaner in step by step increments in a forward direction responsive to a vibratory movement of the housing, and wherein the friction support is attached to and oriented such that when biased in the first orientation, a point of contact of the second portion against the surface to be cleaned is directly below a point of attachment of the first portion of the friction support relative to the housing.

7. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 6, wherein the second portion of the friction support has an extremity of the free end out of contact with the surface to be cleaned.

8. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the friction support has a generally arcuate shape.

9. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 6, wherein an imaginary plane including a housing lower portion is generally parallel to the surface to be cleaned.

10. A swimming pool cleaner comprising; a housing; a rigid support carried by the housing at a first orientation thereto for operably engaging a surface to be cleaned, the rigid support having a first end operable with the housing, and a second end positioned for frictional contact with a surface to be cleaned, wherein the rigid support includes an elongate shape with the first end having a bore therein for receiving a pivot member; a pivot member carried by the housing, the pivot member engaging the bore for permitting rotation of the rigid support thereabout, and wherein a notch formed within the rigid support extends into the bore for receiving the pivot member there through for positioning into the bore; and a flexible member integrally formed with the rigid support, the flexible member operable between the housing and the rigid support for biasing the rigid support toward the first orientation and limiting movement thereof, which movement displaces the second end and thus displaces the rigid support from the first orientation to a second orientation.

11. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the flexible member comprises a flexible spring having a first end attached to the rigid support and a second opposing end attached to the housing.

12. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 10, further comprising a friction attachment carried by the second end of the rigid support, the friction attachment enhancing frictional contact of the rigid support with the surface to be cleaned.

13. A swimming pool cleaner comprising; a housing; a rigid support carried by the housing for engaging a surface to be cleaned, the rigid support having a first end pivotally operable with the housing and a second end positioned for frictional contact with the surface to be cleaned, wherein the rigid support includes an elongate shape having a length dimension generally greater then a width dimension, and wherein the first end includes a bore for receiving a pivot member therein; a pivot member carried by the housing for engaging the bore and permitting rotation of the rigid support there about, wherein a notch formed within the rigid support extends into the bore for receiving the pivot member therethrough; and a flexible member integrally formed with the rigid support, the flexible member operable between the housing and the rigid support for biasing the rigid support toward a first orientation and limiting movement therefrom, which movement displaces the second end and thus displaces the rigid support form the first orientation.

14. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the flexible member comprises a spring having a first end attached to the rigid support and a second end attached to the housing.

15. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 14, wherein the spring and the rigid support are formed from a similar material.

16. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 14, wherein the spring is removably attached to the housing.

17. A swimming pool cleaner comprising: a housing; a rigid support carried by the housing for engaging a surface to be cleaned, the rigid support having a first end operable with the housing and a second end positioned for frictional contact with the surface to be cleaned and; a flexible member integrally formed with the rigid support the flexible member operable between the housing and the rigid support for biasing the rigid support toward a first orientation and limiting movement therefrom, which movement displaces the second end and thus displaces the rigid support from the first orientation to a second orientation, wherein the flexible member comprises first and second portions, each portion having a first end attached to the rigid support and a second opposing end attached to the housing for biasing the rigid support toward the first orientation during movement of the rigid support therefrom.

18. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the rigid support comprises and elongate shape having a length dimension generally greater than a width dimension, and wherein the first end includes a bore for receiving a pivot member therein; and a pivot member carried by the housing for engaging the bore and permitting rotation of the rigid support there about.

19. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 18, wherein a notch formed within the rigid support extends into the bore.

20. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the flexible member positions the first end of the rigid support for slidable engagement with the housing.

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