Patent Publication Number: US-11028608-B2

Title: Pool cleaning device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a cleaning device for use in a submerged environment. More particularly, the device of the present invention may relate to swimming pool cleaning equipment such as a microfiber (microfibre) pool broom head. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional pool brooms comprise a nylon brush rigidly attached to the end of an extendible pole. The brushes act to dislodge dirt, algae and the like from the walls and floor of the pool to be collected by the filtration system or to be vacuumed up after resettling on the pool floor. Whilst this may ultimately achieve a clean pool, it comes at the expense of gradually clogging the pool filtration system and often the need to vacuum the pool. 
     The known brushes, such as nylon bristle type brushes, are usually very wide laterally but narrow in the direction of sweeping and being rigidly attached to the pole they are difficult to manoeuvre, particularly in corners, on walls and on the steps of a pool. This limits their effectiveness, particularly in modern pools which may have many contours. 
     Residential swimming pools are popular for family and recreational relaxation, particularly in the warmer climates and can lend themselves to heavy usage during warm and hot weather. To protect against contamination and spread of bacteria and the like, the walls of the pools must be cleaned regularly, usually with cleaning solutions applied by mechanical devices such as sprays or brushes. Pool brushes typically incorporate and array of bristles with distal ends intended to follow the contour of the pool walls to provide for application of the solutions and dislodging of deposits and growth clinging to the wall surfaces. Modern day pools often take numerous different shapes, including generally rectangular horizontal cross section shapes, kidney shapes and compound contours dictated by the whim of the architect or pool designer. Many such pools are lined with plaster and incorporate within their walls, sharp or curved corners, ridges, crevices, risers and, depressions and the like which must be cleaned regularly to maintain a sanitary and attractive pool appearance. 
     However, common problems are typically that these brooms are only useful for some surfaces and surface shapes. Damage to surfaces is a common issue with known broom devices as bristles can scratch pool surfaces or are insufficient to effectively clean surfaces due to contact issues between the broom cleaning elements, such as bristles, or may be of a shape which cannot form a suitable contact in curved surfaces. In addition, cleaning with these devices may require a considerable amount to effort to scrub a surface clean. 
     In this regard, typically, a brush of some significant lateral span is desired for the planer walls of the pool for efficient and rapid cleaning thereof in a broad swath as the brush is drawn there over. Brushes of this configuration do not function well to follow the contours and irregularities in ridges and crevices formed in the walls thus often making it necessary for the workman to utilize different configurations of brushes, one of a wider span for cleaning the planer and large area walls and the like and especially configured smaller brushes to access the irregular surfaces in crevices, ridges and ribs which would otherwise often be left untouched or inadequately cleaned. Thus, those working in the pool cleaning business have been left with the choice of either utilizing multiple brushes of different configurations for achieving the entire pool cleaning process or consuming inordinate time cleaning the large area surfaces with smaller specially contoured brushes and/or utilizing a large area brush and leaving the contoured areas inadequately cleaned. 
     Cleaning tools of different configurations have been proposed for various different cleaning applications. However, these devices remain inefficient to clean pools or other devices effectively. 
     For floor brooms it has been proposed to construct a broom with a back member flared upwardly and outwardly at the laterally opposite ends and formed of multiple components for trapping single component rubber bristles of different configuration therein to flare outwardly for access to corners between the floor and room wall. Such a device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,108,854 (Dingert). Such devices, while affording access to dust and cob webs along corners of a room floor, are configured with the rubber teeth so widely spaced and of such irregular density at the distal ends as to have no practicality for pool or deck cleaning itself. Further, pool sterilising agents such as salt or chlorine may destroy the brush, or the integrity of the brush as they are typically only used in controlled indoor environments and with known chemicals, or only tap water. 
     A further known cleaning device is disclosed in EP 2428150 B1 (Edlmair Kunststofftechnik GMBH et al) which discloses a cleaning head with a textile part which he textile part is made of natural fibers, artificial fibers, micro-fibers, mineral fibers, coated fibers, hardened fibers or blended fabric of fibers. This device however, is used for suction cleaning. 
     US 2015/0059804 A1 (Bergez) discloses a cleaning implement with an abrasive component and an absorbent component bound together. The absorbent component comprises a microfiber fabric. The abrasive component is crocheted from a polyester yarn with embedded abrasive particles such as metallic fibers. The cleaning implement may be manufactured in a wide variety of shapes, colors, sizes, and configurations to meet task-specific needs or personal preference. These devices would not be sufficient to use on pool surfaces due to the abrasive component being likely to cause damage. 
     A cleaning device with a vibration means US 2006/0059640 A1 (Hornsby et al). As the device requires mechanical moving parts in operation, this device is not suitable for use in submerged environments. 
     Another cleaning device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,437,789 A (Whyte). This device is a broom device which has an offset handle relative to the centre of the broom head. This device may be suitable for cleaning flat surfaces but has a specific operational use due to the offset handle. 
     A mop head is disclosed in US 2013/0212822 A1 (Libman et al) with a securing element to attach a cleaning surface. This device is generally suitable for cleaning flat surfaces, such as kitchen tiles. 
     The object of this invention is to provide pool broom head to alleviate the above problems, or at least provide the public with a useful alternative. 
     Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     SUMMARY 
     Problems to be Solved 
     It may be advantageous to provide for a device to clean a fibreglass surface. 
     It may be advantageous to provide for a cleaning device which may reduce the potential for damage to a structure in use. 
     It may be advantageous to provide for a device which is relatively more easy to manoeuvre in use. 
     It may be advantageous to provide a device which may be more easily manoeuvrable in a submerged environment or partially submerged environment. 
     It may be advantageous to provide for a cleaning device with a cleaning surface which can be removed and replaced/maintained for further cleaning uses. 
     It may be advantageous to provide for a device which reduces the potential for contaminants to be dispersed after being dislodged or agitated in a fluid. 
     It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative. 
     Means for Solving the Problem 
     In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a device for cleaning a swimming pool. The device preferably comprising a base member, the base member having a first base portion and a second base portion and a socket disposed on the base member. The first base portion the and second base portion may each respectively having a hinge end and a distal end. The second base portion hinge end may be attached to the first base portion hinge end forming a hinge of the base member. A microfiber cloth may be removably mountable to the base member; and wherein the second base portion may be configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the first position may be an operating position and the second position may be a cloth removal position. 
     Preferably, the base member comprises an array of apertures. Preferably, the hinge ends are offset relative to the socket. Preferably, the microfiber cloth may be releasably secured to the base member via a tab passing between the socket and the base. Preferably, the tab further comprises at least one of; a buckle and hook and loop fasteners. Preferably, the second base portion may be restricted to rotating in a direction toward the contact surface. Preferably, the distal end of at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion may be curved upwardly. Preferably, the at least one distal end curved upwardly fits the contours of a swimming pool. Preferably, the base may comprise a locking means to retain the base in the first position. 
     Preferably, the microfiber cloth comprises a plurality of microfiber tufts. Preferably, the microfiber cloth may comprise a pocket adapted to receive a distal end of the base member. Preferably, a handle is disposed on the second base portion to actuate the hinge. Preferably, the socket is adapted to receive a pole. Preferably, the socket may be pivotally attached to the base member pole. Preferably, the socket may be attached to the first base portion. 
     In the context of the present invention, the words “comprise”, “comprising” and the like are to be construed in their inclusive, as opposed to their exclusive, sense, that is in the sense of “including, but not limited to”. 
     The invention is to be interpreted with reference to the at least one of the technical problems described or affiliated with the background art. The present aims to solve or ameliorate at least one of the technical problems and this may result in one or more advantageous effects as defined by this specification and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device with a microfiber cloth material mounted thereon. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the cleaning device of  FIG. 1  without a microfiber cloth. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the  FIG. 1  in a fitting configuration in which a cleaning material can be mounted onto the cleaning surface of the device. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a microfiber cloth which may be mounted on a cleaning device. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a microfiber cloth which may be mounted on a cleaning device. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning device with a microfiber cloth material mounted thereon. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples. 
     The present disclosure is directed towards a cleaning device  10  for cleaning swimming pools and submerged environment surfaces. The device may also be suitable for use in any desired cleaning application, such as washing windows and/or floor cleaning. The device  10  may have particular advantage when used with smooth surface, or fibreglass pools. 
     Commonly, below and above ground pools are common in many family homes and serve as important entertainment focal points. Moisture and humidity of pools may cause growth of algae and other organisms, and therefore must be cleaned regularly to maintain sanitary conditions and pleasing aesthetics. Typically, pools have walls which are generally planer or gently rounded but then come together at corners which may be rounded or squared off forming contours which may be relatively inaccessible by many pool cleaning brushes without risking damage to the adjacent pool wall. Further, pools are often lined with a relatively soft plaster or vinyl liner which, when contacted by a hard brush back during vigorous cleaning activity is subject to ready damage or tearing thus leading to costly repairs. 
     It will be appreciated that while reference is made to cleaning a “swimming pool”, other submerged environments and articles may also be cleaned by the device. Further, the device may be adapted for use in a dry environment, or a non-submerged environment. 
       FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a device for cleaning a swimming pool. The cleaning device  10  having a head portion  100  with a cloth portion  200 . The head portion comprises a base portion  104  and a socket portion  110 . The base portion is shown as having a first base portion  120  and a second base portion  130 . The second base portion  130  being hingedly connected to the first base portion  120 . The socket  110  being mounted to the base member  104 . Preferably, the socket  110  is hingedly attached to the base member  104 , and may be removable from the base member  104 . The socket  110  may pivot, swivel or otherwise move relative to the base member  104  such that manoeuvring the head portion may be less strenuous in use. In an alternative embodiment, the socket  110  may be fixed to the base member  104 , or the socket  110  may be integrally formed with the base member  104 . The socket  110  may also be fixed to moving relative to the base member  104  in a single plane or two planes. 
     The socket  110  preferably has a tube or channel  116  which can accept an elongate element, such as a broom handle or handle element (not shown) for use with the device. The socket  110  may also have at least one aperture  108  adapted to receive a securing means (not shown), such as a screw or nail. A securing means may be used to secure the handle element to the socket  110 . The upper socket portion  111  may comprise the channel  116  and the apertures  108 , and the lower socket portion  112  may extend from the upper socket portion  111  towards the base. The upper socket  111  portion may be referred to as a distal end of the socket  110  and the lower socket portion  112  may be referred to as the proximal end of the socket  110 . The lower socket portion  112  may be relatively wider than the upper socket portion  111  and may also be the termination portion of the channel  116  (i.e. the channel may end at the lower socket portion  112 ). The lower socket portion  112  may have a hinge portion  114  to be connected to a corresponding socket hinge portion of the base portion  104 . The hinge portion  114  of the socket  110  may have an integral connection rail, or a pin may be received to act as a fulcrum point. The lower portion  112  may be formed with a plurality of arches or formations  115  which may receive a tooth or protrusion of the corresponding socket hinge portion of the base member  104 . A strap or portion of the cloth  200  may be fed between the base member  104  and the socket lower portion  112  as is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the channel  116  may have a thread or other securing means to attach a pole or broom handle. The apertures  108  of the socket  110  may also be adapted to receive a pin, or depressible button on the broom handle. Optionally, the pole or broom handle is of a diameter which is the same as or smaller than the cross-sectional area of the channel  116  of the socket  110 . However, in one embodiment the diameter of the handle is 0.1 mm to 5 mm large than the cross-sectional area of the channel  116  and the handle is forced into the channel  116  to be retained therein by friction. 
     The corresponding socket hinge portion  124  (also referred to herein as a “protrusion”) of the base member  104  may be a C-hinge  124  or a claw type hinge, in which the C-hinge  124  grips the hinge portion  114  of the socket  110 . The corresponding hinge  124  is preferably resiliently biased and/or flexible. In an alternate embodiment, the protrusion  124  comprises an aperture which receives a pin. In this alternative embodiment, the hinge is similar to that of a buti hinge. 
     The base portion  104  comprises a plurality of apertures  140 . The apertures  140  may be localised to a central portion of the base member  104 . The localisation of the apertures  140  may allow for fluids to pass through the apertures during use while improving the guidance of the device in use, which may reduce the potential for strain injuries of the user. The apertures  140  may be disposed in a predetermined array. The array may comprise varying sizes of apertures  141 ,  142 . Elongate apertures  141  and circular apertures  142  may also be formed in the base portion  104 . The apertures  140  are preferably rounded such that movement of the device  10  in a submerged environment may allow fluid movement of the device and reduce resistance experienced when submerged, for example when moving the device  10  through water. The apertures  140  may be disposed in any predetermined pattern or configuration. While only the first base portion is illustrated as having apertures  140 , the apertures  140  may be disposed on any part of the base member  104 . 
     The distal portions of the first base portion  120  second base portion  130  may be upturned relative to the contact surface  20  of the head. The contact surface  20  of the head is the side in which the material  200 , such as a microfiber cloth, is mounted and contacts a surface to be cleaned. The distal portions  122 ,  132  of the base member  104  are preferably rounded or contoured to allow for easier movement in a submerged environment. Any predetermined shapes may be used for the base member  104 . Optionally, the base member  104  is tapered or formed with varying thicknesses. 
     A handle portion  134  is disposed on the second base portion  130 . Contours  138  can be disposed on the handle which may improve the grip of the user moving the handle  134  from a first position to a second position. Finger contours  138  are shown in  FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5  and may assist with gripping the handle  134 . The handle  134  may extend from the second base portion relatively upward and towards the socket  110 . The handle  134  may be integrally formed with the second base portion  130 , or may be attached to the base portion and/or may be removably attached therewith. The handle  134  may be formed as a solid or may be hollow with reinforcing or support structured formed within the hollow structure. The handle  134  may also partially cover or conceal the hinge  136  of the base member  104  to reduce the potential or inadvertent movement of the second base portion  130  or damage to be caused to the hinge  136 . 
     Respective ends of the first base portion  120  and the second base portion  130  are connected at the base hinge  136 . Rotation of the second base portion  130  relative to the first base portion  120  is preferably in the direction of the contact surface  20 . In this way the cloth  200  can be mounted on the head portion  100  and removed from the head portion  100 . The upturned distal portions of the base member  104  allows for pockets  210 ,  220  of the cloth portion  200  to be mounted thereon. The base member may be arcuate to allow for contours of surfaces to be cleaned. 
     The hinge  136  may be formed from hinge ends of the base member portions  120 ,  130 . The hinge ends  136 A,  136 B of the base portions  120 ,  130  are the ends of each respective portion  120 ,  130  which are opposed to the distal ends  122 ,  132 , respectively. Hinge ends are preferably integrally formed with each respective base portion  120 ,  130  such that in use the structural integrity of the base member is likely to be sufficient to allow for impacts and drops of the device head without damage. Hinge portions  136 A,  136 B can also be loops which receive an elongate hinge rod (not shown). The hinge  136  may be similar to the hinge between the socket  110  and the base member  104 . In one embodiment, the first portion  120  comprises hinge end  136 A and the second base portion  130  comprises hinge end  136 B, with hinge end  136 A having a plurality of mounting elements to allow for mounting of hinge end  136 B. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B  there is shown an embodiment of the cloth portion  200 . The pockets  210 ,  220  of the cloth portion  200  may be made from an elastomeric material to allow for the pockets to be mounted onto the upturned portions of the base member  104 . The pockets receive the upturned portions, such that when the base member  104  is in the first position the upturned portions retain the cloth portion  200  in a stretched position. 
     Mounting tabs  260 ,  261  may carry a strap  270  or other securing means. The strap  270  may be fitted with a buckle  250  or other fastening means. A hook and loop fastening means or a button may also be suitable for use with the strap. If there are two portions to the strap, at least one strap portion  270  is disposed on each of the mounting tabs  260 ,  261 . In another embodiment, the mounting tab  260  carries the strap  270  and the second mounting tab  261  carries a fastening means, such as a hook and/or loop fastener or a buckle. Preferably, any fastening means are suitable for use in submerged conditions, and are therefore preferably formed from a noncorrosive material, such as a polymer or synthetic material. The strap  270 , or strap portions  270  may be sewn or fixed on the mounting tabs  260 ,  261 . 
     The tufts  230  may be embedded or fixed to a cloth surface material  265 . The cloth surface material  265  may be formed with a plurality of holes to  268  to receive the tufts  230 . Alternatively, the tufts are threaded through the cloth surface material  265  and secured thereto. Tufts  230  may be effective for cleaning smooth surfaces, such as fibreglass pools as the tufts may contact a portion of the smooth surface and the gaps between the tufts  230  are used to capture dirt or other unclean matter while still effectively cleaning. In contrast, flat cloths may be used to clean, but are very likely to smear unclean matter, or move and disperse the unclean matter into a fluid, such as water in a swimming pool. 
     A rib or reinforcement means  204  may be disposed at the perimeter of the cloth portion  200 . The pockets  210 ,  220  may be fixed to the cloth surface material  265  by the reinforcement means  204 . The pockets may be hemmed at its periphery  204 ,  206 . The reinforcement means  204  maybe a hem or other finishing method to secure two pieces of material together or prevent material from unravelling. 
     A plurality of material tufts  230  are illustrated on the contact side of the cloth portion  200 . Tufts  230  may be formed from any desired fibrous material, such as microfiber, cotton or any other desired material. Microfiber materials may further have the advantage of reducing or limiting the growth of algae and/or microorganisms which are commonly found in residential pools. The fibrous material may be washable, synthetic or have any other desired properties. The cloth portion  200  may be formed with a plurality of materials, and may be stitched, or fixed together with an adhesive. In an exemplary embodiment, the tufts are microfiber with a tuft length in the range of between 1 cm to 5 cm. Preferably, the tuft length is around 2.5 cm to 3 cm in length with tufts being of a generally uniform length and diameter. The diameter of the tufts are preferably in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm. Tufts are advantageous to use in submerged conditions as the amount of material which can be collected is substantially larger relative to a standard microfiber cloth without tufts as the increased surface area of the tufts allows for greater trapping, as well as more use without replacement or washing of the cloth portion  200 . Further, dirt or other materials dislodged from a surface are more likely to be trapped within the tufts than be dispersed into the water or other submerged environment. As such, there is a substantially reduced potential for algae or other microorganism blooms to occur as quickly due to the use of tufts. 
     The tufts  230  may be flexible finger-like projections formed from microfiber. These tufts  230  may be significantly superior to conventional cleaning devices as they can be firmly pressed against a surface to be cleaned without damage. Further, water or other fluids may be allowed to pass through the tufts  230  but tufts will trap dirt and/or microorganisms as fluid passes through. In addition, negative effects with respect to pressure differentials may be reduced as fluid passing through the tufts  230  will decrease lift of the contact surface of the head as fluid passing over the rear of the head and under the contact surface will be relatively more equal, therefore the device  10  may take advantage of the Bernoulli Principle to reduce the difficulty of cleaning, particularly in a submerged environment. This is typically not the case with conventional cleaning devices, generally as they have rigid cleaning bristles or a flat contact surface. 
     Microfiber cloths may be made from any desirable composition of polyamide (PA) and polyester (PE). Common polyamides may include at least one of nylon, Kevlar™, Nomex, trogamide. In another embodiment, the microfiber may comprise polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene. Preferably, the composition of the microfiber is selected from the group of; approximately 50% PA and 50% PE, approximately 60% PA and 40% PE, approximately 70% PA and 30% PE, 40% PA and 60% PE, 30% PA and 70% PE, 20% PA and 80% PE, or any other desired composition. The surface density of the microfiber may be in the range of 200 g/m 2  to 250 g/m 2 , or 250 g/m 2  to 400 g/m 2 , or in the range of 400 g/m 2  to 1,000 g/m 2  or any other desired surface density. 
     Optionally, neoprene or another similar material may be used to form a portion of the cloth  200  which may perform well under submerged conditions or conditions which are frequently or infrequently experienced by the device when in use. 
     Preferably, the cloth portion  200  is porous or otherwise formed such that fluid may to pass through the cloth portion  200  and the apertures  140  of the base portion  104 . This allows for improved manoeuvrability of the device  10  when in use in a submerged environment. The pockets  210 ,  220  may be formed from a mesh or other material which allows fluid to easily pass there through. Optionally, the pockets may be formed from rubber, silicone, latex or lycra such that there is a relatively high friction between the pocket and the upturned portions of the base member  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated an embodiment of a device  10  in which the cloth portion  200  is being removed from the head portion  100  or mounted to the head portion  100 . The second base portion  130  is between a first portion and a second position. The first position being an operable position, and the second position being an extreme rotation position of the second base portion  130  relative to the first base portion  120 . Preferably, the second position positions the second base portion approximately perpendicular to the first base portion  120 . 
     In one embodiment, if the second base portion  130  is rotated further than the extreme rotation position (second position), the second base portion  130  may be disconnected or removed from the first base portion  120 . If the device  10  is adapted to allow for separation of the first base portion  120  and the second base portion  130 , the separation may occur when the second portion  130  exceeds a potion which is perpendicular to the first base portion  120 . It is preferred that the second base portion  130  does not move relatively upward. 
     A retaining means  126  may be disposed on the first base portion  120  which retains the second portion  130  in the first position. Snap locks may be sufficient for use as retaining means  126 . Preferably, at least two retaining means are disposed on the first base portion  120  to engage with the handle  134  or with a corresponding retaining means of the second base portion  130 . The retaining means may be a friction lock or a tongue in groove type lock, or protrusion in recess lock. Corresponding retaining means of the handle may be on the inner side of the handle  134  of the second portion. In an unillustrated embodiment, the second portion may be released from the first position by a press button. The press button may retract or otherwise move a flange or element to allow for the second base portion  130  to move relative to the first base portion  120 . 
     The contact surface of the base member  104  is preferably flat or linear with the distal ends of the base member upturned. This configuration may be used for devices with a single base member  104  or more than two base member portions. Optionally, the base member (not shown) is formed with three base member portions in which the base member side with upturned portions can be deflected or moved downwardly relative to a central portion of the base member  104 . Optionally, the upturned portions may also be formed with apertures or another desirable formation. The base member  104  may be formed with any desired texture, such as undulations, recesses, apertures, bumps, ridges, texture patterns, textures or any other desired feature. These textures may assist with cleaning when the contact surface  20  is in contact with a surface to be cleaned. It will be appreciated that the contact surface may is the underside of the head, and optionally includes the cloth portion  200 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the contact surface textures may be used directly on the surface to be cleaned and may be used to clean off more stubborn materials which the cloth portion  200  may be not as suitable for. 
     In alternative unillustrated embodiments, the base member  104  is a single integral member and the cloth portion  200  is attached to the head portion via rails, clamped onto the head portion  100 , or the rear side of the cloth (non-contract surface) comprises partially removable or fully removable attachment means, such as a hook and loop fastener portion, or hook and loop pads. If a hook and loop fastener portion is used, it is preferred that the base member  104  has the hook portion and the cloth portion  200  has a loop portion, however these may be arranged in any desired manner or configuration. If the cloth portion  200  has rails or is adapted to be fit onto rails, the head portion will have a corresponding rail segment. Corresponding rail segments may be disposed on the periphery of the head portion  100 , and the rails of the cloth portion  200  are disposed near to the periphery of the cloth and preferably stretch the cloth portion, or make the cloth portion taut for use. If the cloth portion is to be clamped, clamps may be disposed on the rear surface of the base member  104 . 
     In a further embodiment, the head portion  100  is preferably flexibly attached to a conventional pole to allow for greater manoeuvrability and thus easier cleaning than with traditional brushes. The head may be pivotally attached with the socket  110 . The socket may be adapted to move in multiple axes to allow for a wider range of movements when in use. At least one axis direction may optionally be locked by a user with a locking means (not shown). 
     The base member  104  may be any predetermined or desired shape. The desired shape may be ovoid, a rounded rectangle, a rectangle, a square, a circle, an irregular shape, or any other desired shape. Most preferred, are rounded distal ends  120 ,  132  as this may allow for cleaning of contours of a swimming pool. 
     Cover portion  200  has a top side and a bottom side, in which bottom side comprises tufts of microfiber material  230  for trapping dirt and the top side comprises a backing for the microfiber cloth and pockets  210 , 220  for holding the cloth portion  200  to the head portion  100 . A hook and loop tab  240  may assist with securing the cover portion  200 . 
     The upturned end  122  of the first base portion  120  is first inserted into the first pocket  210  of the cloth portion  200 . With the second base portion  130  being in the second position or near to the second position, the upturned end  132  of the second base member portion  130  end is inserted into the second pocket  220 . Once both upturned ends  122 ,  132  are received within respective pockets of the cloth portion  200  the second base portion  130  can be moved into the first position. When the base member is moving to the first position the upturned ends move toward the distal ends of the pockets and stretch the cloth portion  200  to a fitted configuration. The fitted configuration preferably does not allow significant lateral or longitudinal movement of the cloth portion  200  such that it may be effective when used for cleaning. In the fitted configuration the upturned ends may be fully entered into the pockets. Finally the strap be passed between the base  104  and the socket  110  and then secured as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
     In one embodiment, the base member  104  is preferably made from injection moulded ABS components, providing suitable resilience to allow the various components to snap together and produce functioning hinges. Functioning hinges may be seen where the first and second base portions are connected, and where the socket  110  and base member  104  are connected. Further, snap locks or other retaining means may benefit from a resilient material such that damage in use or during movement is minimised. 
     The head portion of the device  10  may be formed from any predetermined material, such as a polymer, metal, metal alloy, composite material, rubber, wood, any injection mouldable material, or a combination of at least two of the preceding. Metals may include any stable metal on the periodic table which can retain a desired shape at least in ambient temperature. A metal alloy may include a combination of two or more materials with at least one of the two or more materials being a metal, such as zincalume, stainless steel, steel, brass, or any other desired alloy. However, due to the environmental conditions the device is preferably formed form a polymer, such as Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylchloride (PVC), Polychlorotrifiuoroethylene (PCTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other desirable polymer. A composite material may be any material which consists of a matrix with reinforcement, such as carbon fibre (fiber), reinforced plastics, plywood, Bakelite, fibreglass or any other known composite material. Rubber or rubber derivative may also be used. The listed materials are exemplary only, and any other materials not listed which are suitable with respect to the spirit of the invention. 
     Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field. 
     In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. 
     Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration, and are not limiting to the scope of the invention. 
     Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein. 
     The present invention and the described preferred embodiments specifically include at least one feature that is industrial applicable.