A POOL CLEANING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a pool cleaning device and, in particular, to a pool cleaning device which is capable of carrying out a pool skimming function or a pool vacuuming function.

Background of the Invention

It is known to provide a pool cleaning device commonly referred to as a pool skimmer which includes a throat portion in fluid communication with an uppermost portion of a body of pool water, a chamber connected to the throat portion, and a perforated basket disposed in the chamber for collecting debris _during use. In fluid communication with the chamber is a fluid pump which serves to draw water through the throat portion and into the chamber.

In order that only water adjacent the water line is drawn into the throat portion during use, a weir is provided in the throat portion, the weir being pivotable between a closed position and an open position and being resiliently biased towards the closed position.

The arrangement is such that during use as water is drawn through the throat portion into the chamber, the weir moves towards the open position with the degree of movement depending on the rate of fluid flow generated by the fluid pump. In order for effective skimming to occur, the weir should be disposed during use in a slightly open position such that the distance between an uppermost surface of the weir and the water line is relatively small.

Such pool skimmers can also generally be operated as a pool vacuum cleaner by attaching a vacuum plate to the chamber so as to cover an upper opening of the chamber, and connecting a vacuum hose associated with a pool cleaning device to a suction port of the vacuum plate. With this implementation, suction provided by the fluid pump serves to draw fluid through the vacuum hose, instead of past the weir. As a consequence, when the skimmer is used to drive a vacuum cleaning device, a skimming function will not occur.

Summary of the Invention-

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pool cleaning device comprising: a body portion having a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber having . an associated first suction .port and the second chamber having an associated second suction port, wherein the first and second chambers are substantially hydraulically isolated from each other such that during use when fluid is drawn from the first and second chambers through the first and second suction ports simultaneous separate pool cleaning functions can be carried out by the device.

In one arrangement, the body portion is arranged to receive a _. removable divider, the divider serving to define the first and second chambers when the divider is received in the body portion.

In one embodiment, the pool cleaning device further includes a perforated basket receivable in the body portion, the perforated basket serving to retain debris during use whilst allowing water to pass through the basket. ^{■ ■}

The basket may be provided with first sealing means and the body portion may be provided with second sealing means, the

first and second sealing means engaging with each other when the basket is received in the body portion, and the basket may be provided with third sealing means for sealingly engaging with the divider, the arrangement being such that when the divider is engaged with the basket and the basket is received in the body portion, the first, second and third sealing means hydraulically isolate the first and second chambers from each other.

In one arrangement, the first sealing means comprises a substantially U-shaped channel, the second sealing means comprises a substantially U-shaped rib, and the third sealing means comprises a substantially U-shaped channel.

In one embodiment, at least one of the chambers is closed, the closed chamber including means for attaching to a pool vacuum cleaning device such that during use when fluid is drawn through a respective suction port, fluid is drawn through the pool vacuum cleaning device.

In one arrangement, each of the first and second chambers has an associated vacuum plate connectable to the chamber so as to close the chamber. At least one of the vacuum plates may include a valve biased towards a closed position, the valve being arranged to open when the pressure inside the relevant chamber reduces to a sufficiently low level .

Preferably, one of the first and second chambers is arranged to perform a pool vacuum cleaning function, and the other of the first and second chambers is arranged to perform a skimming function. In order to provide a skimming function, the device may include a throat portion in fluid communication with the .body portion, the throat portion including a weir pivotable so as to modify the distance between the weir and the water line.

The device may further include retaining means arranged, during use, to hold a vacuum tube of a pool vacuum cleaning device at a position so as to minimize obstruction to movement of the weir during use.

The device may further comprise a Venturi arrangement in fluid communication with the first and/or the second chamber, the Venturi arrangement being arranged such that when fluid is caused to flow through the Venturi arrangement, fluid is drawn through the Venturi arrangement from the first and/or second chambers.

The first and second vacuum plates may be connectable together, for example by providing the first and second vacuum. plate portions with intermeshing teeth.

In one arrangement, the body portion comprises a drain port and the basket comprises a basket aperture, the drain port and the basket aperture aligning with each other when the basket is disposed in the body portion, and the device further comprises a stub pipe defining a fluid passage through the body portion and the basket to one of the first and second chambers . The stub pipe may be separate to or integrally formed with the body portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a pool cleaning device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a second barrel of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic plan view of the second barrel shown in Figure 2 ;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic lower perspective view of a basket of the device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic upper perspective view of ^■ the basket shown in Figure 4 ; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic upper perspective view of the basket shown in Figure 4 including a divider;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic upper perspective view of the basket shown in Figure 4 including a divider and a first vacuum plate portion; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic upper perspective view of the basket shown in Figure 4 including first and second vacuum plate portions;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic lower perspective view of the first and second vacuum plate portions shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic upper perspective view of the basket shown in Figure 4 including a first vacuum plate portion shown in a partially installed position;

Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pool cleaning device shown in Figure 1 configured so as to operate in a first mode;

^• Figure 12 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1 configured so as to operate in a second mode; Figure 13 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1 configured so as to operate in a third mode;

Figure 14 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a throat portion of the device shown in Figure 1 including a hose retaining device;

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic plan view of the hose retaining device shown in Figure 14 ;

Figure 16 is a _t diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1 including the retaining device during use; ^•

Figure 17 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an alternative second barrel;

Figure 18 is a diagrammatic plan view of an alternative basket for use with the alternative second barrel shown in Figure 17; and

Figure 19 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a pool cleaning device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention including the second barrel and the second basket shown in Figures 17 and 18.

Description of an Embodiment of the Invention

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a pool cleaning device 10, in this example formed of durable plastics material resistant to corrosion by swimming pool water.

The device 10 includes a throat portion 12 of generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, the throat portion 12 having a mouth portion 14 which is connected during use to a swimming pool such that an uppermost portion of a body of pool water is disposed adjacent the throat portion 12.

The configuration of the device 10, and in particular the throat portion 12, is such that in this example 620 to 650 litres of water per minute pass across the throat portion 12.

The device 10 also includes a body portion having a first barrel 16 in fluid communication with the throat portion 12, and a second barrel 18 connected to a lowermost portion of the first barrel 16 in fluid communication with the first barrel 16. A removable lid 20 is disposed on the first barrel 16 so as to prevent access into the pool cleaning device 10 through the first barrel 16 during use. The lid 20 is also capable of bearing weight so that a hole hazard will not exist at the pool cleaning device.

As shown more particularly in Figures 2 and 3, the second barrel 18 is of generally cylindrical configuration and is

provided with a rib 22 of generally U-shaped configuration, the rib 22 extending around internal sides of the second barrel 18.

The second barrel- 18 further includes a Venturi arrangement 23 having a Venturi inlet port 24 and a Venturi outlet port 26, the arrangement being such that during use when fluid flows from the Venturi inlet port 24 to the Venturi outlet port 26, fluid in the second barrel 18 is drawn towards the Venturi outlet port 26 by Venturi action.

The second barrel 18 also includes a first suction port 28 having an associated first suction aperture 29 disposed on a first side of the rib 22, and a second suction port 30 having an associated second suction aperture 31 disposed on a second opposite side of the rib 22. The arrangement is such that by connecting one or more fluid pumps to the first

• and/or second suction ports 28, 30 it is possible to draw fluid from the second barrel 18 from either or both sides of the rib 22.

As shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 5, the device 10 also includes a basket 32 which is receivable in the second barrel 18. The basket 32 has perforated circumferential sides 34 and perforated end portions 36 which allow debris to be retained in the basket 32 whilst permitting pool water to flow through the perforations.

The basket 32 also includes a first channel 38 of generally U-shaped configuration, the first .channel 38 being formed on external sides of the basket 32 and being arranged such that when the basket 32 is received in the second barrel 18, the first channel 38 engages with the rib 22.

While the present embodiment is described in relation to a second barrel 18 which includes a rib 22, and a basket 32 which includes a corresponding first channel 38, it will be

understood that other arrangements are possible to provide relative engagement between the second barrel 18 and the basket 32. For example, the second barrel 18 may be provided with a channel and the basket 32 provided with a corresponding rib .

The basket 32 further includes handles 40.

As shown more particularly in Figures 5 and 6, the basket 32 also includes a second channel 41 of substantially U-shaped configuration, the second channel 41 being formed on internal sides of the basket 32 and the second channel 41 being arranged to receive a divider 42. The purpose of the divider 42 is to separate the basket 32 and, by virtue of the rib 22 and the first channel 38, to separate the second barrel 18 into first and second chambers 44 and 46 respectively which are substantially hydraulically isolated from each other.

It will be understood that when the basket 32 is received in the second barrel 18 and the divider 42 is disposed in the second channel 41, the first chamber 44 is in fluid communication with the first suction aperture 29 and thereby the first suction port 28, and the second chamber 46 is in fluid communication with the second suction aperture 31 and thereby the second suction port 30. In this way, it is possible to selectively draw fluid through one or both of the first and second chambers 44, 46 and thereby carry out separate pool cleaning functions using the first and second chambers 44-, 46 and one or more fluid pumps as appropriate.

As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the basket 32 is arranged to receive first and/or second vacuum plate portions 48 and 50 respectively, each vacuum plate portion 48, 50 being used to define an enclosed chamber necessary when the pool cleaning device 10 is used in a pool vacuum cleaning mode.

As shown in Figure 7, by disposing the divider 42 in the basket 32 and engaging the first vacuum plate portion 48 with the basket 32, an enclosed first chamber 44 is defined. Similarly, as shown in Figure 8, by also engaging the second vacuum plate portion 50 with the basket 32, an enclosed second chamber 46 is defined.

In this example, the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 include respective first and second stub pipes 52 and 54 respectively, each of the stub pipes 52, 54 being configured so as • to connect with a vacuum hose associated with a pool vacuum cleaning device. In the present example, the first stub pipe 52 is open and the second stub pipe 54 is closed, although it will be understood that the second stub pipe 54 may be configured such that a hole is readily formable in the second stub pipe 54 , for example by providing the second stub pipe 54 with a frangible membrane.

As shown more particularly in Figure 9, in this example the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 are arranged so as to be connectable to each other prior to engaging with the basket 32, in this example by providing the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 with intermeshing teeth 66.

It can also be seen in Figure 9 that in this example the first and second- vacuum plate portions 48, 50 include respective first and second valves 62, 64 in the form of pivotable flaps, the flaps being biased towards a closed position using any appropriate biasing mechanism, in this example springs 67.

It will be understood that the valves 62, 64 are arranged such that the flaps open inwardly of the basket 32 during use only when the pressure inside the relevant first and/or second chamber 44, 46 generated by fluid pumps used with the device 10 is sufficiently low. The function of the valves

: io -

62, 64 is to enable a degree of skimming action to also occur when the device 10 is configured primarily for pool vacuum cleaning operation.

As shown more particularly in Figure 10, in this example the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 are securely engaged with the basket 32 by providing the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 with projections 68 and providing the basket 32 with corresponding apertures 69 on the- handles 40, as shown more particularly in Figure 6.

A first mode of operation of the pool cleaning device 10 is shown in Figure 11, the first mode permitting both a skimming function and a pool vacuuming function to occur simultaneously.

With this mode, the basket 32 is disposed in the second barrel 18, the divider 42 is engaged with the basket 32, and the first vacuum plate portion 48 is engaged with the basket 32 so that an enclosed first chamber 44 is defined. The first chamber 44 is separated from the second chamber 46 by virtue of the divider 42 and by virtue of the relative engagement between the rib 22 and the first channel 38.

Disposed in the throat portion 12 is a weir 70 connected to the throat portion 12 by a pivot connection 72 which allows the weir ^' to rotate towards and away from the mouth portion 14 between a closed position wherein the weir 70 is disposed adjacent the mouth portion 14, and an open position wherein the weir 70 i ^s remotely disposed relative to the mouth portion 14 as shown in Figure 11. The weir 70 is also resiliently biased towards the closed position.

During use, in order to carry out a pool vacuuming function a vacuum hose of a pool cleaning device is attached to the first stub pipe 52, and a fluid pump is connected to the first suction port 28. This causes fluid to be drawn

through the vacuum hose, the first chamber 44, and the first suction port 28.. In addition, if the pump connected to the first suction port 28 is sufficiently powerful, the first valve 62 will intermittently open and a small amount of skimming will take place.

In order to provide an enhanced degree of skimming, the Venturi inlet and outlet ports 24, 26 are connected in line with a water filtering circuit, the Venturi arrangement 23 causing fluid in the second chamber 46 to be drawn into the Venturi outlet port 26, thereby generating a skimming function in the second chamber 46.

In order to ^■ further enhance the skimming action occurring in the second chamber 46, instead of or in addition to the skimming action provided by the Venturi arrangement, a pump may be connected to the second suction port 30. This causes fluid to be drawn past the weir 70 from a portion of the body of pool water adjacent the water line, and through the second chamber 46 and the second suction port 30. By appropriate selection of the suction force and thereby fluid flow rate, the skimming action produced by the weir 70 may be modified as desired.

A second mode of operation of the pool cleaning device 10 is shown in Figure 12. As with the first mode, the second mode permits both a skimming function and a pool vacuuming function to occur simultaneously.

With this mode, as with the first mode, the basket 32 is disposed in the second barrel 18, the divider 42 is engaged with the basket 32, and the first vacuum plate portion 48 is engaged with the basket 32 so that an enclosed first chamber 44 is defined. Unlike the first mode, however, the second vacuum plate 52 is also engaged with the basket 32 so that an enclosed second chamber 46 is defined.

During use, in order to carry out a pool vacuuming function a vacuum hose of a pool .cleaning device is attached to the first stub pipe 52, and a first pump is connected to the first suction port 28. The same pump or an additional second pump may be connected to the second suction port 30 so as to provide a skimming function, the pump(s) being selected so that ^' during use a sufficient pressure differential is generated across the second valve 64 that the second valve opens so as to thereby provide a skimming function. The Venturi arrangement 23 is not used with the second mode of operation.

The second mode is particularly suitable for use with a single relatively large pump. When such a single pump connected to both first and second suction ports 28, 30 is used, the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 serve to substantially equalize the flow between the first and second chambers 44, 46. Without the second vacuum plate portion 50, the pump would draw significantly more water through the path of least resistance, in this case the second chamber 46, and the efficacy of the vacuuming function would be significantly reduced.

' A third mode of operation of the pool cleaning device 10 is shown in Figure 13. As with the first and second modes, the third mode permits both a skimming function and a pool vacuuming function to occur simultaneously.

The third mode of operation is particularly suitable for use with a relatively large pool wherein a relatively strong vacuuming function is desired.

With this mode, as with the second mode, the basket 32 is disposed in the second barrel 18, and the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 are engaged with the basket 32. Unlike the second mode, however, the divider 42 is omitted so that a single chamber 74 is defined.

During use, in order to carry out a pool vacuuming function a vacuum hose of a pool cleaning device is attached to the first stub pipe 52. A first pump is connected to the first suction port 28 and a second pump is connected to the second suction port 30.

With this mode of operation, a greater degree of suction is generated than would be generated with the first mode of operation.

The required degree of .skimming may also be achieved by selecting the first and/or second pumps so that during use a sufficient pressure differential is generated across the first and/or second valves 62, 64 that the first and/or second valves open and thereby provide a skimming function. The Venturi arrangement 23 is not used with the third mode of operation.

In order to prevent the vacuum tube 81 connected to the first stub pipe 52 from interfering with the weir and thereby affecting skimmer action, a retaining device 80 as shown in Figures 14 to 16 is connected to an upper surface of the throat portion 12. The retaining device 80 is arranged to hold the vacuum tube 81 adjacent the upper surface of the ^• throat portion 12 so as to minimize any deleterious effect on the performance of the skimmer when both a skimming function and a vacuum cleaning function are desired to be carried out. The retaining device 80 is connected to the throat portion 12 using projections 82 arranged to engage with apertures 84 provided on the retaining device 80.

It will be understood that the orientation of the first stub pipe 52 is chosen so that the vacuum tube 81 is subjected to minimal stress when connected to the first stub pipe 52.

An alternative embodiment of a pool cleaning device is shown in Figures 17 to 19. The alternative pool cleaning device comprises an alternative second barrel 100 shown in Figure 17 and an alternative basket 102 shown in Figure 18. Like and similar features are indicated with like reference numerals .

The alternative second barrel 100 includes a drain port 104 having a drain aperture 106, the drain port 104 being disposed adjacent the first suction port 28 and positioned such that when the divider 42 is disposed in the basket 102, the drain port 104 is in fluid communication with the second chamber 46.

The alternative basket 102 includes a basket aperture 108 positioned such that when the basket 102 is received in the second barrel 100, the basket aperture 108 is aligned with the drain port 104.

The alternative pool cleaning device also includes a drain stub pipe 110 which is configured so as to fit snugly in both the basket aperture 108 and the drain aperture 106. The drain stub pipe 110 is provided with sealing means so that the drain stub pipe 110 forms a substantially hermetic seal with the drain aperture 106 and the basket aperture 108 when the drain stub pipe 110 is received in the drain aperture 106 and the basket aperture 108. For example, the drain stub pipe 110 may be provided with one or more O-rings.

During use, the drain stub pipe 110 is connected in fluid communication to a main drain outlet of a pool and the arrangement is such that generation of a negative pressure inside the basket adjacent the drain stub pipe 110 during use will cause water to be drawn into the basket 102 from the pool, thereby carrying out a filtering function and collecting debris from the pool in the basket 102.

For optimal operation of the main drain filtering function, the divider 42 is disposed in the basket 102 and the first and second vacuum plate portions 48, 50 are engaged with the basket 102. The second valve 64 of the second vacuum plate portion 50 is locked so that water suction applied to the first suction port 28 is transferred to the drain port 104 with minimal pressure loss. Skimmer action and/or vacuum cleaning action may continue using the first chamber 44.

It will be appreciated that the present embodiment provides a pool cleaning device which is simpler, more cost effective, and more convenient for a user than pool cleaning devices known hitherto because the same pool cleaning device can be used for skimming, vacuum cleaning and main drain filtering functions.

In the claims of this application and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the words "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.