Swimming pool cleaner discs and assemblies

Abstract: Discs (104, 180, 210) and a footpad (112) for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins (136, 226) protruding radially from their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, define a plurality of tongues (230) for increased flexibility, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments (238) facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces. Also disclosed are discs (104, 180, 210) having series of slits (120, 290) spaced along portions of their peripheries. Each such disc may be part of an assembly (100, 176) including a "bib," or cap (108), that too may be slitted if desired. The slits of each component, when present, permit its effective surface area to increase as the associated cleaner climbs the side of a swimming pool, enhancing the maneuverability of the cleaner. By contrast, unslitted portions of the cap seal, or cover, the slits present in the disc to provide adequate suction for the disc against the pool surface.

Description: This invention relates to discs and associated equipment for cleaners of liquid-containing vessels and more particularly to automatic pool cleaners having finned or capped discs for improved maneuverability in swimming pools. U.S. -A- 4,351,077 to Hofmann and U.S. -A-4,642,833 to Stoltz, et al., disclose automatic, water-interruption-type suction swimming pool cleaners having flexible annular discs. These discs are typically mounted near the inlets of the suction cleaners and designed to contact pool surfaces when in use. By doing so, the discs decrease the tendency of the cleaners to disengage from pool surfaces, particularly when the cleaners are negotiating transition regions between walls and floors. U.S. - A - 4,193,156 to Chauvier, describes (at column 4, lines 5-55) an annular disc having numerous "concertina-like," "circumferentially spaced folds." These folds extend when their associated swimming pool cleaner encounters a transition region, purportedly "keeping the inflow of water into the mouth opening to a minimum." The underside of the disc is grooved, moreover, according to the Chauvier patent, to assist in removing dust from the floors and walls of swimming pools. Other existing swimming pool cleaner discs, including one provided by Jandy Industries, Inc., contain upwardly-extending protrusions about their peripheries. The protrusions of the Jandy disc are truncated so that they do not extend beyond the disc's periphery, however, and the periphery itself is wholly circular. Another known disc combines the upwardly - extending protrusions with a scalloped periphery. Again, however, the protrusions are truncated and thereby do not extend beyond the periphery of the disc. The vertical peripheral faces of the truncated protrusions of this disc function as stops, causing the disc to move around certain obstacles extending from internal pool surfaces rather than, for example, lodging under them or moving over them. US-A-4,949,419 to Kallenbach discloses flexible discs for an automatic swimming pool cleaner, including radially-disposed guide ribs or fins on the upper surface of the disc extending from the central opening of the disc all the way, or at least halfway, to the periphery of the disc, but not beyond the periphery. Discs are also disclosed having a plurality of slits extending radially inwardly from a plain circular periphery part of the way to the central opening, or meeting the outer ends of the ribs, when these extend only part of the way across the disc. The discs disclosed do not have any central cover and the ribs or fins increase in height from the periphery towards the central opening, in order to retain the dirt between them and facilitate the movement of dirt towards the central opening to the cleaner body in use. US-A-4,530,125 to Hofmann discloses a simple circular flexible disc for an automatic swimming pool cleaner, without raised portions or protrusions, but having radially-disposed slots extending from the periphery part way towards the central opening to divide the disc into independently flexible segments capable of following the pool wall transitions and curvatures. The present invention provides alternative flexible discs for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners in acordance with claim 1. Unlike the discs described above, the present invention preferably incorporates upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins protruding radially beyond the peripheries of the discs. The serpentine peripheries themselves, moreover, define a plurality of tongues, providing increased flexibility over even existing scalloped discs. Concurrently, the fins supply sufficient rigidity to the discs of the present invention to enable them to ride over various objects, including many drains, lights, valves, and nozzles, projecting from internal surfaces of pools. Additional preferred features of the present invention include a curved radius between the fins and the lower surface of the disc, providing a smooth transition therebetween. The disc underside also contains an integrally-formed ramped segment surrounding its (nominally circular) central aperture. This ramp assists the pool cleaner in negotiating obstacles, supplying a smooth progression from the disc bottom to the bottom of the cleaner footpad (which the disc surrounds in use), which too may include a ramp. Multiple openings through the disc enable fluid to pass from one surface of the disc to the other, maintaining a boundary fluid layer between the lower surface of the disc and the adjacent surface of the pool. These openings facilitate movement of the disc relative to the pool cleaner and allow dirt and debris to be entrained in the flow of fluid through the openings and in the boundary layer. A characterizing feature of the present invention is a disc having a series of slits extending generally radially from the periphery of the disc to locations near the central aperture. These slits, present over the part of the periphery of the disc opposite the front of the cleaner, aid the cleaner in traversing the approximately 90° angles existing where one or more sides of a pool meet its bottom. In particular, as the cleaner starts to climb the side of a pool, adjacent portions of the disc divided by each slit begin to separate, increasing the effective surface area of the disc. The invention also aims an assembly comprising a disc as described here above, and means, distinct from this disc, for covering the slits. These means may be a distinct "bib," or cap, which if desired also may contain a series of slits. Each slit of the cap is positioned intermediate adjacent slits of the disc, sealing those slits sufficiently to provide adequate suction when the cleaner encounters complex geometries within a swimming pool. Like those of the disc, however, the slits (when present) in the cap permit it effectively to expand and conform to the pool bottom as the cleaner commences climbing the sides of the pool. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disc incorporating upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins protruding beyond its periphery. It is another object of the present invention to provide a disc having a serpentine periphery forming a plurality of tongues for increased flexibility. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disc facilitating movement of an automatic swimming pool cleaner over various objects projecting from internal surfaces of pools. It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a disc having a curved radius between fins and its lower surface. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a disc having an underside containing a ramped segment surrounding its central aperture. It is, moreover, an object of the present invention to provide a disc including multiple openings therethrough, enabling fluid to pass from one surface of the disc to the other. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a disc having slits extending generally radially from at least portions of its periphery. It is another object of the present invention to provide an assembly including a "bib", or cap, that too may be slitted, with the slits of the cap positioned intermediate those of the disc. Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the remainder of the text and the drawings of this application. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a disc assembly (with footpad) of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the disc assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the disc assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a top plan view of yet another disc assembly of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a disc (and footpad) of the present invention. FIG. 1 first illustrates a disc 104. Disc 104 defines a central aperture 128 nominally circular, in which a footpad 112 of an automatic swimming pool cleaner may be received, for example. Disc 104 also defines a generally planar upper surface 18, a periphery 20 and, as shown in FIG. 3, a lower surface 22. Extending upward from and spaced about upper surface 18 are fins 136, which assist disc 104 in maneuvering over many objects (such as drains, lights, valves, and nozzles) projecting from internal surfaces of pools. Fins 136 additionally extend beyond periphery 20, causing them to contact most projections before the remainder of disc 104. FIGS. 1-3 also detail the serpentine nature of periphery 20. The shape of periphery 20 defines multiple tongues 30, increasing the flexibility of disc 104 and on which an equivalent number of fins 136 are positioned. Although forty-eight tongues are shown in FIG. 1, such number of tongues (and fins) is not required and may vary as necessary or desired. Openings 140 through disc 104 enable fluid to pass between upper and lower surfaces 18 and 22 of disc 104 when in use, maintaining a boundary fluid layer between the lower surface 22 of disc 104 and the adjacent surface of the pool or other structure to be cleaned. Shown in FIG. 3 is ramp 38, projecting from lower surface 22 of disc 104 and positioned concentrically about central aperture 128. Ramp 38 promotes a smooth transition between lower surface 22 and the bottom of footpad 16 (or other component) received by central aperture 128, facilitating unobstructed movement of a swimming pool cleaner associated with the footpad 112. FIG. 3 similarly discloses radius 42 existing between fins 136 and lower surface 22 of disc 104 providing a smooth transition therebetween. Alternatively, fins 136 are spaced approximately every 7.5° about periphery 20. This spacing of fins 136 precludes sufficiently small-diameter objects from becoming entangled between adjacent fins 136 as an associated swimming pool cleaner moves about the surfaces of a pool. Instead, fins 136, including radii 42 and the remainders of their curved leading edges 46, are designed to ride over the objects, thereby carrying the associated swimming pool cleaner over the obstacles as well. Evenly spacing fins 136 about periphery 20 and having them extend radially from periphery 20 cause disc 104 to be more flexible than, for example, having the entirety of its periphery 20 raised (like a dinner plate). Fins 136 additionally assist in bending disc 104 to remain in contact with vertical or angled walls extending from the bottom surface of the swimming pool. FIG. 3 details various angular and distance relationships between a fin 136 and disc 104. As shown in FIG. 3, leading edge 46 of fin 136 forms an angle "ø" with axis 48, an extension of a radius of lower surface 22, while "D" describes the distance between the uppermost portion of fin 136 and axis 48. In at least one embodiment "ø" is approximately 45° and D equals 26mms (1.06 inches). Fins 136 may be made of plastic or other flexible material and integrally molded with disc 104 facilitating uniformity of these angular and distance relationships between fins 136 of a disc 104 and between discs 104 themselves. In some embodiments, described above disc 104 has an approximate diameter of 35 cms (fourteen inches). Shown also in FIGS. 1-3 is an assembly 100 of the present invention including the disc 104 and "bib" or cap 108. Also illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 are footpad 112 and pin 116, each of which may be included as part of assembly 100 as necessary or desired. Disc 104, nominally having front section F and rear section R corresponding to front and rear portions of an associated pool cleaner, includes in rear section R a series of spaced slits 120 extending generally radially from its periphery 124 toward central aperture 128. Slits 120 aid the associated cleaner in traversing the approximately 90° angles existing where one or more sides of a pool meet its bottom. As the cleaner begins climbing the side of a pool, adjacent portions 132 of disc 104 divided by each slit 120 begin to separate, increasing the effective surface area of the disc 104. Positioned atop upper surface 142 of rear section R of disc 104 is cap 108. Cap 108 includes an aperture 144 aligned with central aperture 128, both of which apertures comprise means for receiving footpad 112. Slits 148 extend from the periphery 152 of rear section RC of cap 108 inward toward aperture 144, dividing the rear section RC into adjacent sections 156. Front section FC, by contrast, is not so divided. Like slits 120, slits 148 serve to permit cap 108 effectively to expand and conform to the pool bottom as the cleaner commences climbing the side of the pool. As best illustrated in FIG. 2, slits 120 and 148 are not aligned. Instead, slits 148 are positioned intermediate slits 120, permitting sections 156 to overlap, or cover, slits 120 and seal them sufficiently to provide adequate suction when the cleaner encounters complex geometries within a swimming pool. Because cap 108 (typically made of plastic) is not adhered to upper surface 142, however, it does not prevent separation of adjacent portions 132 of disc 104 as the cleaner climbs the side of a pool. Disc 104 and cap 108 are not intended to rotate significantly about footpad 112. As a result, pin 116 may be used to fix the relative positions of disc 104 and cap 108 vis-a-vis footpad 112. As detailed in FIGS. 1 and 3, pin 116 may be inserted through openings 160 and 164 of footpad 112 and openings 168 and 172 of, respectively, disc 104 and cap 108. Footpad 112, alternatively, may include stops or other means for preventing disc 104 and cap 108 from rotating more than a desired amount (e.g. 30°, comprising ±15° from a nominal position in which disc 104 may receive footpad 112). FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative assembly 176 of the present invention. Although similar in many respects to assembly 100, assembly 176 includes disc 180 having openings 140 solely in front section F. Openings 140 (together with enlarged openings 184 when present) reduce the adhesive force to which front section F of disc 180 is subjected in use, diminishing the likelihood that disc 180 could prevent its associated cleaner from climbing the side of a pool. By contrast, omitting openings 140 from rear section R of disc 180 enhances the adhesive force present there, reducing the likelihood that the cleaner would slide down the side between forward movements. FIG. 5 illustrates a disc 210 of the present invention. This is similar in all respects to disc 104 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 3, like reference numerals relate to like parts so the relevant description need not be repeated. The disc 210 further includes in a rear section thereof, a series of spaced slits 290, extending generally radially from its periphery 220 toward, but not to, the central aperture 214. Disc 210 and for that matter disc 104 described with reference to FIGS 1-3, or disc 180 described with reference to FIG. 4 may be used separately not in conjunction with a bib or cap 108 in a swimming pool cleaner assembly.

Claims: A disc (104, 180, 210) adapted for use as part of an automatic swimming pool cleaner, comprising means defining a central aperture (128, 214), for receiving a portion of the automatic swimming pool cleaner; and wherein the disc comprises an upper surface (142, 218), a lower surface (222), a periphery (124, 220), and including upwardly-extending protrusions about the said periphery, characterized in that a plurality of slits (120, 190) extend from at least a portion of the periphery toward, but not to, the central aperture, and the protrusions comprise a plurality of fins (136, 226) integrally formed with and extending upward from the upper surface beyond the periphery. A disc according to claim 1, further characterized by a plurality of openings (140, 234) through which fluid may pass from the lower surface to the upper surface when the automatic swimming pool cleaner is immersed in the fluid. An assembly (100, 176) adapted to receive a footpad (112) of an automatic swimming pool cleaner, comprising a disc (104, 180) having a central aperture (128) for receiving the footpad and having an upper surface (142), a lower surface, a periphery (124), and including upwardly extending protrusions about the said periphery, characterized in that : the disc (104,180) further comprises a plurality of slits (120) extending from at least a portion of the periphery toward, but not to, the central aperture, the protrusions of the disc (104, 180) comprise a plurality of fins (136) integrally formed with and extending upward from the upper surface beyond the periphery, said assembly comprises means (108), distinct from the disc (104, 180) for covering the slits (120). An assembly according to claim 3 in which the covering means comprises a cap (108) defining an aperture (144). An assembly according to claim 4 in which the cap (108) includes a periphery and a plurality of slits (148) extending from at least a portion (RC) of the periphery toward, but not to, the aperture. An assembly according to claim 5 in which the slits (148) defined by the cap (108) are not aligned with the slits (120) of the disc. An assembly according to claim 5 or claim 6 in which the cap (108) contacts a portion of the upper surface, the remainder of the upper surface defining a plurality of openings (140) to the bottom surface. An assembly according to claim 7 further comprising means (116, 168, 172) for restraining rotation of the cap relative to the disc when in use. An assembly according to claim 8 in which the rotation restraining means comprises a stop connected to the footpad, which stop precludes the disc from rotating more than approximately ±15° relative to a nominal position in which it receives the footpad.

Inventors: DAWSON ANDREW W, EVANS JOHN T, GAZZOLA ALAIN J, RICE CHRIS A, SMITH DESROY D, DAWSON, ANDREW W., EVANS, JOHN T., GAZZOLA, ALAIN J., RICE, CHRIS A., SMITH, DESROY D.
Applicants: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
Application year: 1995
Main classification: E04H4
IPC codes: E04H4