Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to pool cleaners. More particularly, the present invention concerns a pool vacuum cleaner unit for cleaning pools and the like.

Background of the invention:

Foreign matter or debris is generally introduced into a swimming pool, especially an outdoor swimming pool, either by pool users and/or by natural elements such as wind and rain. This debris may easily be removed when it is afloat on the pool surface. In this case, skimmers and the like may be used. However, there is a substantial amount of debris which is deposited on the submersed surfaces of the pool, generally on the sides and/or on the bottom of it. Leaves, twigs, small stones, sand, dirt, pebbles, algae, insects and the like accumulate and must thus be frequently removed to ensure the cleanliness of the pool. Typically, a pool must be cleaned at least once every several days.

Residential pools often require "spot cleaning" since the majority of the surfaces are relatively clean, but debris has settled, for example, in the corners and on the bottom of the pool. For such spot cleaning, the connection of various hoses to the main pool pump is complex and requires an effort that often outweighs the desire for cleanliness, especially when only a relatively small amount of debris is to be removed.

Known to the Applicants are the following patents and/or patent applications which relate to different pool vacuum cleaner units and the like: CA 2,460,448 A1 ;

CA 2,466,242 A1 ; CA 2,505,438 A1 ; US 3,755,843; US 3,868,739; US 3,886,616;

US 4,962,559; US 5,317,776; US 5,842,243; US 6,352,645 B1 ; US 6,797,157 B2; US 6,939,460 B2; US 7,060,182 B2; and US 2005/0247613 A1. Also known to the Applicants are the pool vacuum cleaner units described in the following website: http://www.bestbuvpoolsupplv.com/poolbuster.html, and the one commercialized under the trademark PoolMate™.

It is also known in the art that a conventional manual pool cleaner is typically connected to the intake of the pool skimmer by a hose which in turn is connected to a vacuum head. As such, this type of device is operational only when it is connected to the water circulation system of the pool. The vacuum head is then manually guided over the bottom and sides of the pool with a pole. The debris will then accumulate in the pool filter.

It is also known in the art that some pool cleaners are of the robotic type.

These robotic type cleaners function similarly to the manual pool cleaners described hereinabove in that they are connected to the intake of the skimmer by a hose to vacuum head and are operational only when they are connected to the water circulation system of the pool. However, in this case, the vacuum head uses the vacuum created by the pool pump to propel itself around the pool in a random pattern. Although substantially less labor-intensive than manual pool cleaners, the random pattern followed by the robotic head implies that a substantial length of time is required to clean the pool and even then, portions of the pool are frequently missed due to obstructions or particular configurations of the pool surface.

It is also known in the art to use completely automated pool cleaners which are self-propelled by electric motors and endless belt drive means. These types of pool cleaners can be pre-programmed to cover the entire bottom and sidewalls of the pool. While such cleaners provide good results, because of their complexity of construction and operation, they are very expensive.

Also known in the art are portable pool cleaners. These portable cleaners are typically mounted on wheels and include a pump and filter cartridge which is attached to a flexible pole. A hollow section of tubing is connected to a brush or a moulded head of the pool cleaner which is manually directed to contact the bottom and sides of the pool. The pumps used in these types of devices can be powered either electrically or by internal combustion means for example. A substantial drawback associated with such conventional portable pool cleaners is that their brushes typically comprise bristles that extend all along, that is, all around, the entire peripheral rim of the brushes, such that, when a given pool is cleaned by a conventional portable pool cleaner, its corresponding brush will typically push debris away from the cleaner as the cleaner and corresponding brush are swept on a given surface of the pool to be cleaned. Another substantial drawback associated with such conventional portable pool cleaners is that they are not provided with battery packs which may be easily interchangeable in order to operate said portable pool cleaners.

Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved pool vacuum cleaner unit which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the aforementioned prior art problems.

Summary of the invention:

The object of the present invention is to provide a pool vacuum cleaner unit which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above- mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other related pool vacuum cleaner units and/or cleaning methods known in the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a pool vacuum cleaner unit such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

More particularly, the present invention relates to at least two main preferred inventive aspects. According to a first main preferred aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pool vacuum cleaner unit for cleaning a pool, the pool vacuum cleaner unit comprising: a housing having an inlet for receiving water with debris from the pool to be cleaned, and an outlet for releasing water having been cleaned; a pump removably mountable about the housing for pumping water with debris from the pool to be cleaned into the housing through the inlet thereof; a filtering assembly removably mountable about the housing, and operatively connectable between the inlet of the housing and the pump for filtering debris from water passing through the filtering assembly; and a battery pack removably mountable and movable about the housing via a guiding assembly for selectively supplying power to the pump in order to drive the pool vacuum cleaner unit via a corresponding operation of the battery pack.

Preferably, the battery pack is operable along different configurations, namely a mounting configuration where the battery pack is mounted about the housing, a securing (and/or sealed) configuration where the battery pack is secured (and/or sealed) against the housing, a locking configuration where the battery pack is locked into place with respect to the housing, and a power-supplying configuration where terminals of the battery pack are connected to corresponding contacts of the pump for supplying power to said pump in order to drive the pool vacuum cleaner unit.

Preferably also, the battery pack is removably insertable into a corresponding cavity defined within the housing, and the battery pack is configured to be operable from one configuration to another configuration via a corresponding rotation of the battery pack with respect to the cavity.

Thus, as may now be better appreciated, a substantial advantage of the present invention over the prior art is that the present pool vacuum cleaner unit is configured so that its battery pack is not only intended to supply power to the corresponding pump, but is also intended to operate as an "activation" button or "triggering" mechanism in order to selectively operate the pool vacuum cleaner unit between an "on" and "off' configuration.

According to a second main preferred aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a pool vacuum cleaner unit for cleaning a pool, the pool vacuum cleaner unit comprising: a housing having an inlet for receiving water with debris from the pool to be cleaned, and an outlet for releasing water having been cleaned; a pump removably mountable about the housing for pumping water with debris from the pool to be cleaned into the housing through the inlet thereof; a filtering assembly removably mountable about the housing, and operatively connectable between the inlet of the housing and the pump for filtering debris from water passing through the filtering assembly; a power supply mountable about the housing for selectively supplying power to the pump in order to drive the pool vacuum cleaner unit; and a brush having an outer portion mounted about the housing and an inner portion cooperable with the inlet of the housing in order to define a suction zone for the pool vacuum cleaner unit inside the inner portion of the brush.

Preferably, the brush comprises a peripheral rim provided with projecting bristles, the peripheral rim having a front section deprived of such bristles for allowing water with debris from the pool to be cleaned to enter the brush through the front section, the peripheral rim of the brush having a remaining section provided with bristles for sweeping water with debris in the brush towards the suction zone via a frontward motion of the brush.

Preferably also, the remaining section of the peripheral rim of the brush is provided with a plurality of rows of projecting bristles, the bristles of the brush being staggered with respect to one another. Thus, as may now be better appreciated, an important advantage of the present invention results from the fact that the brush is specifically configured to have a front portion defining an entry portal for the water with debris to be cleaned from the pool to enter inside said brush via the front gate in order to be processed by said brush and corresponding pool vacuum cleaner unit. Indeed, the brush according to a preferred aspect of the present invention is preferably configured so as to define a front opening through which water and/or corresponding debris from the pool to be cleaned may enter inside the brush via a forward motion of the brush along the surface to be treated, the remaining side and/or rearward sections of the brush being provided with corresponding bristles or retaining mechanism in order to catch remaining water and/or debris passed over by the brush and urge them towards the suction zone, which is preferably located in a central, and underneath portion of the brush. Alternatively, the suction zone may be provided at a more rearward location of the brush.

According to yet another preferred aspect of the present invention, both of the above-mentioned main preferred inventive aspects are integrated into a same pool vacuum cleaner unit, so there is also provided such a pool vacuum cleaner unit for cleaning a pool, the pool vacuum cleaner unit comprising: a housing having an inlet for receiving water with debris from the pool to be cleaned, and an outlet for releasing water having been cleaned; a pump removably mountable about the housing for pumping water with debris from the pool to be cleaned into the housing through the inlet thereof; a filtering assembly removably mountable about the housing, and operatively connectable between the inlet of the housing and the pump for filtering debris from water passing through the filtering assembly; a brush having an outer portion mounted about the housing and an inner portion cooperable with the inlet of the housing in order to define a suction zone for the pool vacuum cleaner unit inside the inner portion of the brush; and a battery pack removably mountable and movable about the housing via a guiding assembly for selectively supplying power to the pump in order to drive the pool vacuum cleaner unit via a corresponding operation of the battery pack.

Other preferred aspects, components, features, variants and/or resulting advantages of the pool vacuum cleaner unit according to the present invention are briefly described herein and/or are exemplified in the accompanying drawings.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a cleaning assembly provided with the above-mentioned pool vacuum cleaner unit.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of operating the above-mentioned pool vacuum cleaner unit, cleaning assembly and/or corresponding components.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit with corresponding components for assembling the above-mentioned pool vacuum cleaner unit and/or cleaning assembly.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method for assembling components of the above-mentioned kit.

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pool vacuum cleaner unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of components of the pool vacuum cleaner unit shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a left side view of what is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a right side view of what is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in Figure 1 , the pool vacuum cleaner unit being now shown with its battery pack removed from the cavity of the housing.

Figure 6 is a rear view of what is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a front plan view of what is shown in Figure 7, so as to better illustrate the corresponding terminals of the battery pack.

Figure 9 is another rear view of what is shown in Figure 6, the pool vacuum cleaner unit being now shown with the battery pack being mounted back into the cavity of the housing along a first configuration.

Figure 10 is another rear view of what is shown in Figure 9, the battery pack being now shown operating along a second configuration. Figure 11 is another rear view of what is shown in Figure 10, the battery pack being now shown operating along yet another configuration.

Figure 12 is a rear elevational view of what is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 13 is a bottom view of what is shown in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a bottom front view of what is shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is another left side view of what is shown in Figure 1.

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 15.

Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of a filter compartment with corresponding non-return valve according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 18 is a front elevational view of a pool vacuum cleaner unit provided with an extension pole according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with example embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in the present description are preferred embodiments only, given for exemplification purposes only.

In the context of the present description, the expression "pool" includes all types of pools, containers for containing fluids and/or the like, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art. Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for a swimming pool, it may be used with other kinds of tanks, such as the aforementioned or others (e.g. spas, ponds, large-sized aquariums, etc.), as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expression "pool" should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of pools or items with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.

Moreover, in the context of the present description, the expressions "vacuum", "cleaner", "unit", "system", "device", "assembly" and "product", as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "water" and "fluid" for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises components, and although the preferred embodiment of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) and corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken so as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of numerical references for some of the corresponding preferred components of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

I pool vacuum cleaner unit 3 housing

3a first part (of housing 3) 3b second part (of housing 3)

5 inlet (of housing 3)

7 outlet (of housing 3)

9 pump

I I filtering assembly 13 battery pack

15 guiding assembly

17a, 17b terminals (of battery pack 13)

19a, 19b contacts (of pump 9)

21 cavity (for battery pack 13) 23 guiding button (on battery pack 13)

25 alignment slot (of cavity 21 )

27 driving groove

29 first delimiting ridge

31 second delimiting ridge 33 stopper

35 flexible membrane

37 brush

39 outer portion (of brush 37)

41 inner portion (of brush 37) 43 suction zone 45 peripheral rim (of brush 37)

47 bristles (of brush 37)

49 front section (of brush 37)

51 remaining section (of brush 37)

53 rows (of bristles 47)

55 support (for brush 37)

57 wheel

59 axis of rotation (of brush 37)

61 longitudinal axis (of housing 3)

63 insert

65 diffuser

67 filter compartment

69 inlet (of filter compartment 67)

71 outlet (of filter compartment 67)

73 non-return valve

75 filter

77 space

79 support body

81 head cavity

83 fluid passageway

85 compartment-release button

87 body portion

89 lip portion

91 fasteners

93 recess

95 handle

97 extension pole

99 pole receiving device

101 pole locking mechanism

103 slits 105 tongues

107 chocking collar

109 outer threading

111 inner threading 113 knob (of battery pack 13)

115 indicator (of alignment of battery pack 13)

117 seal (on battery pack 13)

119 corresponding component (for receiving seal 117)

121 housing (of battery pack 13)

Broadly described, and as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art, in view of the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) for cleaning pools and the like. The pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) comprises a housing (3), a pump (9), and a filtering assembly (11). The housing (3) has an inlet (5) for receiving water with debris from the pool to be cleaned, and an outlet (7) for releasing water having been cleaned. The pump (9) is removably mountable about the housing (3) for pumping water with debris from the pool to be cleaned into the housing (3) through the inlet (5) thereof. Preferably, the filtering assembly (11) is removably mountable about the housing (3), and operatively connectable between the inlet (5) of the housing (3) and the pump (9) for filtering debris from water passing through the filtering assembly (11).

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) also comprises a battery pack (13) removably mountable and movable about the housing (3) via a guiding assembly (15) for selectively supplying power to the pump (9) in order to drive the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) via a corresponding operation of the battery pack (13). Indeed, the battery pack is preferably operable along a variety of different operating configurations, namely a mounting configuration where the battery pack (13) is mounted about the housing (3), a securing configuration where the battery pack (13) is secured about the housing (3), a locking configuration where the battery pack (13) is locked into place with respect to the housing (3), and a power-supplying configuration where terminals (17a, 17b) of the battery pack (13) are connected to corresponding contacts (19a, 19b) of the pump (9) for supplying power to said pump (9) in order to drive the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1), as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 5-12.

For example, the battery pack (13) may be removably insertable into a corresponding cavity (21) defined within the housing (3), so that the battery pack (13) be operable from one configuration to another configuration via a corresponding rotation of the battery pack (13) with respect to the cavity (21). The battery pack (13) is preferably provided with at least one seal (117) (ex. an O-ring) for sealing a portion of the battery pack (13) with respect to a corresponding component (119) (ex. a corresponding journal, chamber, etc.) of the housing (3).

According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the guiding assembly (15) comprises a guiding button (23) provided on the battery pack (13), the guiding button (23) being insertable into a corresponding alignment slot (25) provided about the cavity (21 ). For example, the guiding button (23) may be provided about a housing (121) of the battery pack (13). Preferably also, and as better shown in Figure 5, the cavity (21 ) comprises a driving groove (27) for driving the guiding button (23) of the battery pack (13) along said driving groove (27) via a rotation of the battery pack (13) with respect to the cavity (21 ).

Many different ways may be used to operate and maintain the battery pack

(13) along its different operating configurations, but according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the driving groove (27) is provided with a first delimiting ridge (29) positioned, shaped and sized along the cavity (21) so that when the guiding button (23) of the battery pack (13) rests against the first delimiting ridge (29) via a rotation of the battery pack (13) with respect to the cavity (21), the battery pack (13) is operated into a securing configuration. The driving groove (27) is also preferably provided with a second delimiting ridge (31) positioned, shaped and sized along the cavity (21) so that when the guiding button (23) of the battery pack (13) rests against the second delimiting ridge (31) via a further rotation of the battery pack (13) with respect to the cavity (21), the battery pack (13) is operated into a locking configuration. Preferably also, the driving groove (27) is further provided with a stopper (33) positioned, shaped and sized along the cavity (21) so that when the guiding button (23) of the battery pack (13) rests against the stopper (33) via a further rotation of the battery pack (13) within the cavity (21), the battery pack (13) is operated into a power-supplying configuration. Preferably also, each ridge (29,31) is provided on a resilient membrane (35) of the housing (3) so that the ridge (29,31) may be displaced when the driving groove (27) is driven past said ridge (29,31) via a corresponding rotation of the battery pack (13) with respect to the housing, and into another operating configuration.

As better shown in Figures 7-11 , the battery pack (13) may provided with a knob (113) for facilitating operation of the battery pack (13) with respect to the housing (3), and the battery pack (13) may also be provided with an indicator (115) of alignment for facilitating a mounting alignment of the battery pack (13) with respect to the housing (3).

According to another main preferred aspect of the present invention, the pool vacuum cleaner also comprises a brush (37) having an outer portion (39) mounted about the housing (3) and an inner portion (41) cooperable with the inlet (5) of the housing (3) in order to define a suction zone (43) for the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) inside the inner portion (41) of the brush (37). An important aspect of the brush (37) resides in that it comprises a peripheral rim (45) provided with projecting bristles (47), with the added particularity that the peripheral rim (45) has a front section (49) deprived of such bristles (47) for allowing water with debris from the pool to be cleaned, to enter the brush (37) through the front section (49), whereas the remaining section (51) (i.e. side and/or rear sections) of the peripheral rim (45) of the brush (37) is provided with bristles (47) for sweeping water with debris in the brush (37) towards the suction zone (43) via a frontward motion of the brush (37).

The peripheral rim (45) of the brush (37) may be provided with a plurality of rows (53) of projecting bristles (47). Preferably also, the bristles (47) of the brush (37) are staggered with respect to one another, so as to prevent any substantial debris from passing through said bristles. According to the preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the brush (37) is substantially triangular in shape (i.e. substantially "V-shaped), with a bottom and/or front portion of the brush (37) being configured for allowing water with corresponding debris from the pool to be cleaned, to enter inside the brush (37), via a front "gate" of the brush (37), for processing by the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) and corresponding section zone (43).

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the brush (37) may comprises at least one support (55) projecting from its inner portion (41) for supporting the brush (37) against a given surface of the pool to be cleaned, each support (55) being preferably configured to maintain the inlet (5) of the housing (3) and corresponding suction zone (43) at a substantially fixed distance from the given surface of the pool to be cleaned when the brush (37) is operated against said given surface, as can be easily understood when referring to Figures 12-16. The bristles (47) projecting from the brush (37) preferably extend beyond each support (55) of said brush (37), and preferably also, the bristles (47) of the brush (37) have a length ranging between about 1.250 inches to about 1.500 inches.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, each support (55) comprises a wheel (57) suitably place underneath the brush (37). For example, the brush (37) may comprise a pair of wheels (57) in front of the suction zone (43) and a single wheel (57) behind the suction zone (43), as better shown in Figures 13 and 14. Preferably also, the diameter of each wheel (57) is smaller than the length of the bristles (47). The wheels (57) of the pivoting brush (37) enable namely the brush (37) to follow the specific profile of the pool surface to be cleaned and are also configured to enable a constant deflection of the bristles (47) with respect to said surface so that the bristles (47) may be in constant contact with the surface to be cleaned. Hence, such a configuration also enables for a "scrubbing" effect by the bristles (47) against the surface to be cleaned.

According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, the brush (37) is pivotably mounted onto the housing (3) about at least one axis of rotation (59). For example, the brush (37) may pivotably mounted onto the housing (3) about an axis of rotation (59) extending transversally to a longitudinal axis (61) of the housing (3), as better shown in Figure 18. Alternatively, the brush (37) may be suitably mounted onto the housing (3) so as to be movable along various different degrees of freedom, as can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art.

It is worth mentioning also that various ways may also be used according to the present invention in order to increase a suction effect for the suction zone (43) of the brush (37). For example, the inlet (5) of the housing (3) may configured for removably receiving a corresponding insert (63) being complementary in shape to said inlet (5) in order to decrease an effective cross-sectional area of the inlet (5) of the housing (3), thereby increasing flow rate and corresponding suction effect for the suction zone (43) of the brush (37). As shown in the accompanying drawings, the inlet (5) of the housing (3) is substantially elliptical in shape, for facilitating the entry of bigger debris, such as leaves and the like, into the inlet (5), and as a result, the corresponding insert (63) is preferably elliptical in shape as well. However, it is to be understood that the inlet (5) of the housing (3) may take on various other suitable forms, depending on the particular applications for which the present pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) is intended for, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art. As can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings, the outlet (7) of the housing (3) preferably releases water having been cleaned with the pool vacuum cleaner away from the housing (3), and preferably also, this is done in a direction substantially perpendicular to the housing (3). Preferably also, as better shown in Figures 1-5, the outlet of the housing (3) is provided with a diffuser (65) for releasing water having been cleaned with the pool vacuum cleaner away from the housing (3) in a substantially diffused manner, the diffuser (65) being preferably defined about the housing (3). In general, the outlet (7) of the housing (3) is positioned distally away from the inlet (5) of the housing (3), in order to namely minimize any turbulence adjacent to the brush (37) which could interfere with the suction effect of the suction zone (43) of the brush (37).

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, and as can be easily understood when referred to Figures 1-4 and 15-17, the filtering assembly (11) comprises a filter compartment (67) being removably mountable onto the housing (3) in a substantially sealed manner, the filter compartment (67) having an inlet (69) operatively connectable to the inlet (5) of the housing (3) for receiving water with debris to be filtered, and the filter compartment (67) also having an outlet (71) operatively connectable to the outlet (7) of the housing (3) for releasing water having been filtered. The filter compartment (67) is preferably provided with a non-return valve (73), as better shown in Figure17, and the filtering assembly (11) preferably comprises a filter (75) being removably mountable into the filter compartment (67), between the inlet (69) and the outlet (71) of said filter compartment (67) for filtering debris from water passing therethrough, a space (77) being defined between an inner surface of the filter compartment (67) and an outer surface of the filter for accumulating debris having been filtered, as better shown in Figure 16.

Preferably also, the housing (3) comprises a support body (79) and a head cavity (81), a fluid passageway (83) being defined from the inlet (5) of the housing (3) to the support body (79) thereof and through the head cavity (81), the head cavity (81) being shaped and sized for removably receiving the filter compartment (67) in a substantially sealed manner. The filter compartment (67) may be configured and cooperable about the housing (3) to as to be releasable from the housing (3) via an activation of a corresponding compartment-release button (85). According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the filter compartment (67) is made of a transparent material so as to enable a user of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) to see the debris having been filtered and accumulated inside the filter compartment (67). Alternatively, the filter compartment (67) may be translucent or opaque.

The support body (79) may comprise a body portion (87) and a lip portion

(89), the lip portion (89) being configured for providing support for the head cavity (81). The housing (3) may also be constituted of at least two parts (3a, 3b) being removably connectable to one another via fasteners (91) for forming the housing (3). Opening of the housing (3) allows access to inner components of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1), such as the motor-pump, electric circuit, etc.

The housing (3) is preferably designed so as to comprises at least one recess

(93) defined along a side of the housing (3) for facilitating manual gripping and handling of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1), and even more preferably, a pair of recesses (93) are defined respectively along opposite sides of the housing (3) for enabling a more ergonomic handling of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1).

Preferably, the housing (3) is provided with a handle (95), which may be retractable with respect to the housing (3), so that the handle (95) may be operable between an extended configuration where the handle (95) is drawn away from the housing (3), and a nested configuration where the handle (95) is brought back against the housing (3). In such a case, the handle (95) is preferably spring-loaded for biasing the handle (95) into a default nested configuration. Alternatively, the handle (95) may be fixed, and defined within the housing (3). According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) further comprises an extension pole (97) being removably mountable onto the housing (3), in any suitable manner well known in the art. The extension pole (97) may be telescopic. Preferably, the housing (3) comprises a pole receiving device (99) for receiving the corresponding extension pole (97), as well as a pole locking mechanism (101) for locking the corresponding extension pole (97) with respect to the housing (3), also in any suitable manner known in the art.

According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the pole receiving device (99) comprises a female component for receiving the corresponding extension pole (97), said female component having an outer portion provided with longitudinal slits (103) for defining a plurality of choking tongues (105), and the pole locking mechanism (101) comprises a choking collar (107) displaceable about the choking tongues (105) so as to adjustably secure said choking tongues (105) against the extension pole (97) when inserted into the female component of the housing (3).

Preferably also, the choking tongues (105) are provided with outer threading (109) complementary to inner threading (11 1 ) of the choking collar (107) so that a rotation of the collar (107) about the outer portion of the female component displaces the choking collar (107) along the same for adjustably constricting the choking tongues (105) against one another against the extension pole (97), thereby locking said extension pole (97) with respect to the housing (3). Preferably also, the choking collar (107) is knurled for better gripping and handling of said choking collar (107).

The chocking collar (107) can also serve as a handle for manipulating the unit (1).

As previous explained, and as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) of the present invention comprises a housing (3) and a V-shaped brush (37) which is appropriately mounted (fixed, pivotably mounted along a single axis of rotation or more, etc.) to the housing (3). With respect to the housing (3) and as shown in Figures 1-4, it comprises a support body (79) and a head cavity (81), wherein the support body (79) supports the head cavity (81). Furthermore, the support body (79) is provided with a fluid passageway (83) between the head cavity (81) and the support body (79) in order to allow water to flow through the head cavity (81) into the support body (79). As such, once the water has flowed into the support body (79), it will be evacuated by way of an outlet (7) within the support body (79) of the vacuum cleaner unit (1).

The support body (79) can comprise a plurality of parts. For example, the support body (79) can comprise two parts, a first part and a second part, which are designed so as to be complementary in shape and to fit together to provide the housing (3) of the vacuum unit (1). An illustration of such first and second parts is shown in Figures 3 and 4 respectively. The parts can be molded in any rigid material, for instance any plastic material, in order to ensure that the housing (3) is sturdy.

As shown in Figures 1-5, the support body (79) can be advantageously designed so as to include at least one recess (93) or recessed surface to ease the gripping and handling of the pool vacuum unit when it is hand-held.

The support body (79) also shapes an inlet (5) through which the water from the pool flows into the head cavity (81). Of course, it is to be understood that when the V-shaped brush (37) is mounted into the housing (3), the point of insertion will be preferably the inlet (5). As such, when the V-shaped brush (37) is mounted to the housing (3), the pool water will first flow through the V-shaped-brush (37) and then travel through the inlet (69) to enter the head cavity (81).

The support body (79) further comprises a retractable handle (95) which allows the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) to be portable. For instance, this retractable handle (95) can be flexible, so as to be comfortable when the vacuum cleaner unit

(1) is carried. It is also advantageous for this handle (95) to be designed so as to be flush with the support body (79) when the handle is in a rest position, and to be extendable in an arched manner with respect to the support body (79) when it is in use, in order to provide an opening so that the handle may be grabbed or held. The retractable handle (95) can be provided with, for example, a spring mechanism which allows the handle to return to the rest position when the handle (95) is released. The handle (95) further provides a certain ease in the manipulation of the vacuum cleaner unit (1), for instance, when the vacuum cleaner unit (1) must be maintained steady for maintenance or transported from one pool area to another, or from one pool to another.

Advantageously, the support body (79) further comprises a pole locking mechanism (101) in order to lock a pole (97) onto the support body (79) of the vacuum cleaner unit (1). This pole (97) is useful for manipulating the vacuum cleaner unit (1) under water and enables the vacuum unit (1) to be easily directed so as to reach any desired location on the pool bottom and on the sides of the pool. Advantageously also, and as previously explained, the pole (97) can be telescopic to allow its length to be adjusted accordingly. The pole locking mechanism (101) may consist of a lever linked to a cylindrical splint. When folded flush to the housing (3) in a closed position, the locking mechanism (101) acts as a cam that closes the ring against the pole (97), thereby securing it by friction. When the lever is pulled upwards into an open position, it allows the ring to open thereby releasing the hold on the pole (97) and allowing its removal from the support body (79).

It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that other types of pole locking mechanisms can be used in order to secure the pole (97) into the support body (79). For example, a set of pushable tabs can be provided on the pole (97). These tabs can be pushed into the pole (97) to allow the pole (97) to enter the support body (79) at a pole receiving end. Subsequently, the pushable tabs are released to allow the tabs to lock the pole (97) into position as the tabs protrude into tab-sized apertures provided in the support body (79). As also previously explained, the support body (79) is also provided with a pump. This pump is preferably powered by a motor. For instance, this motor can be electrically powered and/or battery operated. As such, the motor will drive the pump to pump water into the vacuum cleaner unit (1) through the inlet (5) and out each outlet (7) of the vacuum unit (1).

As better shown in Figure 5-12, the support body (79) is further provided with a battery cavity (21) which receives at least one battery or battery pack (13), or other suitable power supply device. The battery cavity (21) is therefore provided with connectors in order to ensure a connection with the motor. The at least one battery may be contained within a battery pack housing (121) which keeps the batteries together in an advantageous configuration so as to power the vacuum unit (1). As such, the battery pack housing (3) can be removed from the vacuum cleaner unit (1) at will, for replacement when the battery pack (13) is discharged and replaced with a new charged battery pack. As such, it is an advantage of the present invention that the pool cleaner vacuum unit (1) can continuously be operated by replacing the battery pack housing (121) with another one of the same.

In accordance with the present invention, when the battery housing (121) is inserted into the battery cavity (21) of the support body (79), it must be rotated in order to mechanically secure, or lock, and seal contacts provided on the battery housing (121) with the connectors of the battery cavity (21). This way, water will be prevented from entering the battery cavity (21). When the battery housing (3) is further rotated, it will be aligned with the battery cavity (21) and the contacts will be engaged, so as to turn on the motor for the pump. Reversing this rotation will disengage the contacts and turn off the motor. The battery housing (3) will subsequently be unlocked with the further reversal of the rotation and may be retracted from the battery cavity (21) so as to be available for recharging and/or replacement. Therefore, it is a further advantage of the pool vacuum unit (1) of the present invention as not needing to be connected to the water circulation system of the pool in order to be operational.

As shown in Figure 2, the support body (79) can be provided with a body portion (87) and a lip portion (89), wherein the lip portion (89) specifically provides support for the head cavity (81 ).

With regard to the head cavity (81), it is provided with a hermetic filter compartment (67) which fits within the head cavity (81). Of course, the filter compartment (67) is designed so as to be flush with the support body (79) and to fit within the cavity (81).

The filter compartment (67) also comprises a non-return valve (73) at an inlet end (69) of the support body (79) in order to prevent the water from escaping the filter compartment (67) through the inlet (69).

Furthermore, the filter compartment (67) also comprises a filter (75) which filters the water that enters the filter compartment (67). Once the water is filtered, it will pass through the fluid passageway (83) and exit the support body (79) by way of both outlets (7).

Advantageously, and for maintenance purposes, the filter compartment (75) will be removable from the cavity (21). To this effect, a compartment-release button (85) can be provided on the support body (79). As such, engaging the compartment- release button (85) will allow the filter compartment (67) to be released and thereby allows the filter compartment (67) and corresponding filter (75) to be available for maintenance.

The pool vacuum unit (1) of the present invention further comprises a V- shaped brush (37). As shown in Figures 1-5, this brush (37) is suitably connected to the inlet (5) of the vacuum housing (3). Preferably, the V-shape of the brush (37) in contact with the pool surface to be cleaned forms a suction chamber which enhances the accumulation of debris therein and maintains the debris captive in this chamber, and the V-shape of the brush (37) further directs the debris towards the suction zone (43). Moreover, the front opening or gate of the brush (37) enhances the capture of debris which is maintained in the suction zone (43).

It is an advantage for the V-shaped brush (37) to be able to pivot from side to side and be allowed to rotate in order to maintain the V-shaped brush (37) against the pool floor or walls at all times, relative to the angle in which the support body (79) is directed.

The V-shaped brush (37) is also provided with staggered bristles (47). The bristles (47) are staggered and as such do not allow debris to go across it. However, the bristles (47) are preferably not provided on all edges of the brush (37). The brush

(37) preferably does not have any bristles on the front part of the brush (37) which receives the pool water. It will be understood that a front part of the brush (37) is the part of the brush which comes into first contact with the pool water as the vacuum cleaner unit (1) is being guided at the bottom or sides of the pool. The front part of the brush (37) allows for debris to enter under the brush (37). The bristles (47) will therefore keep the debris captive as the debris are directed to a suction zone (43) of the brush (37). The suction zone (43) is in direct communication with the inlet (5).

A rear part of the brush (37) is provided with bristles (47). It is also to be understood that the "V" sides of the brush (37) between the front part and the rear part of the brush (37) are also provided with bristles (47). As such, the specific arrangement of the bristles (47) therefore does not allow the debris to escape from underneath the brush (37) when the debris has not immediately entered the suction zone (43).

The bristles (47) have a certain length, for example about 1 % to about VA inches. This bristle length is longer than the usual bristle length of for example, ³ A inches and thereby provides another advantage to the brush (37) of the present invention since the length of the bristles (47) paired with the "V" arrangement of the bristles (47) increases the efficiency of the brush (37) by preventing the debris from escaping from underneath the brush (37). Furthermore, the length of the bristles advantageously offers the pool vacuum unit (1) to pass in a smooth fashion over the imperfections of the pool surface to be cleaned.

Advantageously also, the brush (37) of the present invention may be provided with more than one row of bristles (47), as shown in Figure 13.

As also shown in Figure 13, the brush (37) is further provided with wheels (57) on the bottom side of the brush (37) which contacts the bottom of the pool or the pool sides, in order to ease the movement of the brush (37) against the pool. The wheels (57) are positioned for example frontwardly in order to achieve smooth displacement of the brush (37) when it is directed manually or by way of the pole (97). The wheels (57) also can have a diameter of about 1.2 inches for instance and can approximately be about 0.25 to about 0.5 inches wide. It will also be understood that the front wheels (57) can be replaced by a single wheel (57) in order to achieve the same function. The wheels (57) allow easy pivoting of the brush (37) in order to adapt to the different inclinations of a pool surface as well as to ease the movement of the brush (37) from the bottom surface of the pool to the side surface of the pool.

Advantageously, the wheels (57) of the brush (37) have a diameter that is smaller than the length of the bristles (47). This feature ensures a constant contact of the bristles with the surface being cleaned.

The brush (37) is further provided with an elliptical cylinder or insert (63) in order to make the aperture of the suction zone (43) smaller in order to increase the velocity of the water, thereby resulting in a larger aspiration force. As such, sand and small rocks which can be considered heavy debris can be aspirated through the suction zone (43). The thickness of the elliptical insert can be, for instance, approximately 0.125 by approximately 1.25 inches long. As such, when the bristles (47) are in contact with the bottom of the pool for example, and cleaning is engaged, the brush (37) will be displaced over the debris, as long as the size of the debris is smaller than the length of the bristles (47). By the operation of the pump, the water carrying the debris will be aspirated through the suction zone (43). Also, and advantageously, if the debris is not aspirated into the suction zone (43) as the brush (37) passes over it, the V-shape of the brush (37) and the bristles (47) will prevent the debris from being released from under the brush (37). Furthermore, the "V" arrangement of the bristles (47) will favour the debris to be directed to the suction zone (43).

The water carrying the debris then passes through the elliptical cylinder, then the inlet (5) and enters the filter compartment (67) where the water will be filtered through the filter (75) and clean water will re-enter the pool through the outlets (7) while the debris will be retained in the filter compartment (67) so as to be removed during maintenance of the vacuum cleaner unit (1).

According to a possible variant the present invention, the support body (79) does not have a lip portion (89) or an inlet (5). Rather, the head cavity (81) which simply be provided with the filter compartment (67) being removably connected to the body portion (87) of the support body (79). According to this embodiment, the filter compartment (67) is provided with an inlet to allow water to enter the housing (3) of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1). As such, the V-shaped brush (37) is inserted directly into the inlet of the filter compartment (67).

According to yet another possible variant of the present invention, the V- shaped brush (37) of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) is removably installed to the housing (3). In this case, the V-shaped brush (37) is removably attached to the housing (3), for instance, by way of pushable tabs provided on the V-shaped brush (37) which are pushed into the brush (37) to allow the brush (37) to enter the housing (3) and to subsequently be released and allow the tabs to lock the brush (37) into position as the released tabs protrude into tab-sized apertures provided in the housing (3).

Also according to another possible variant of the invention, the brush (37) of the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) may be provided with four wheels (57), two wheels (57) at the front part of the brush (37) and two wheels (57) at the rear part of the brush (37). Alternatively, and according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the brush (37) may be provided with three wheels (57), two wheels (57) at the front part of the brush (37) and another wheel (57) at the rear part of the brush (37), behind the suction zone (43). Of course, a person skilled in the art will understand that the number of wheels (57) on the brush (37) and their positioning relative to the brush (37) can vary in order to confer similar properties to the brush (37) as those described herein above, and such, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, according to yet another preferred possible variant, the head cavity (81) is provided with a filter (75) as well as a non-return valve (73) at the inlet of the support body (79) and is hermetically sealed by a cover designed to be flush with the support body (79) and to seal the cavity (21) to prevent any water from leaking out of the cavity (21). As such, for maintenance purposes, this cover may be removed and the filter (75) will then be available for maintenance.

As may now be better appreciated, the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) of the present invention is advantageous in that it can be put together for use in a quick and efficient manner. Further advantageously, the unit (1) of the present invention is portable and does not need to be connected to the water circulation system of the pool in order to be operational. Because of its simplicity, the pool vacuum cleaner unit (1) of the present invention is also relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.