REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001 ] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application no. 63/182,113, filed on April 30, 2021 and entitled CABLE STORAGE CONCEPTS PRINCIPALLY FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANERS, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to equipment for use in connection with water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas and more particularly, but not necessarily exclusively, to equipment, systems, and methods for storing cables on automatic swimming pool cleaners (“APCs”) configured to operate within the vessels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Numerous cleaning devices capable of autonomous movement within swimming pools and spas currently exist. The most common of these devices are APCs, which often are either hydraulic or robotic in type. Hydraulic cleaners vary water flow for movement, while robotic cleaners typically employ electric motors to cause motion. Hydraulic APCs, furthermore, subdivide into “pressure-side” and “suction-side” cleaners, with pressure-side cleaners being fluidly connected to outputs of pumps of pool water circulation systems and suction-side cleaners being fluidly connected to inputs of such pumps.

[0004] Although some robotic APCs include on-board batteries for powering the electric motors, many do not. Instead, these cleaners receive electricity through electrical cables (referred to herein as “cables” or “flexible cables”) attached to their bodies. U.S. Patent No. 10,876,315 to Pichon, et al. (“Pichon”), whose contents are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference, illustrates an exemplary robotic APC to whose body a flexible cable is attached. See Pichon, col. 4, 11. 60-63. As noted in the Pichon patent, the flexible cable may be directly or indirectly “connected to the electric current at the mains supply,” see id., 11. 63-67, and the cable may have “length of approximately 10 [meters] or so,” see id., col. 5, 11. 3-4. Further described in the Pichon patent is a winder distinct from the APC. In use, the winder may wind the flexible cable onto a reel so as to extract the APC from a swimming pool. [0005] As such, the cables typically are elongated so as not to impede travels of the APCs within pools. However, the elongated nature of these electrical cables equally makes them difficult to store when not in use.

SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

[0007] According to certain embodiments, an APC includes a body, an electrical cable, and a cable storage system for storing tire electrical cable on, in, or near the body.

[0008] According to various embodiments, an APC includes a body having a first end and a second end, a plurality of wheels on the body, and a roller supported at the first end. The APC is configurable between an operating orientation and a storage orientation, and in the storage orientation, the first end and the second end are arranged in a vertical direction, the APC is supported by the roller and a first subset of the plurality of wheels, and a second subset of the plurality of wheels is vertically above the first subset of the plurality of wheels.

[0009] According to some embodiments, a method of using an APC having a connected electrical cable and an on-board cable storage system includes (i) connecting the electrical cable to a source of electricity, (ii) causing operation of the APC within a swimming pool, (iii) removing the APC from the swimming pool, and (iv) winding the electrical cable onto the cable storage system.

[0010] According to various embodiments, an APC includes a body and a cable configured to be stored on, in, or near the body.

[0011] According to certain embodiments, an APC may be configured to balance in a generally vertical position for storage,

[0012] According to some embodiments, an APC includes an on-board cable-storage mechanism. [0013] According to various embodiments, an APC includes a cable storage device on a cable of the APC.

[0014] Various implementations described herein may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The specification makes reference to the foliowing appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates an APC with a cable storage system for a cable of the APC according to embodiments and with the APC in an operating orientation.

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates the APC of FIG. 1 in a storage orientation.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an APC with a cable storage system for a cable of the APC according to embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the cable and cable storage system of FIG. 3.

[0020] FIG. 5 schemati cally illustrates an APC with a cable storage system for a cable of the APC according to embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Described herein are APCs with cable storage systems for winding and/or otherwise storing a flexible cable on the APC itself. The systems and methods described herein may facilitate storage of such cables and minimize the complete cleaner storage size (e.g., reducing the overall volume needed for storing) compared to traditional APCs. Moreover, the cable stowed on the APC itself using the systems and methods described herein may avoid any need for a separate winder and/or accessories on a trolley for the APC to store the cable. In some embodiments, the APCs may include a manual or automatic winding assembly for facilitating storage of the cables on the APC. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0022] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an APC 10 with a cable storage system 11 according to embodiments. The APC 10 generally includes a body 18 with a first end 19 and a second end 21. One or more motive elements 30 (e.g., wheels 33, tracks, rollers, feet, combinations thereof, etc.) are provided with the body 18 for moving the APC 10 along a surface (such as, but not limited to, a floor or wall of a swimming pool or spa). The APC 10 may also include various cleaning devices or mechanisms such as but not limited to brushes or rollers 34. In certain embodiments, the rollers 34 are pro vided with at least one of the ends 19, 21 and optionally facilitate balancing of the APC 10 in a storage orientation as discussed in detail below. The body 18 of the APC 10 may define an interior cavity or housing area for housing various components of the APC 10, including but not limited to a pump, filters, motor block, controller, combinations thereof, and/or various other components or combinations of components as desired. Optionally, a cover 14 may be provided on a top of the body 18 (or any other location on tire APC 10 as desired) such that the housing area within the body 18 may be accessed as desired.

[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, tire APC 10 includes a cable 26 that may supply electricity to the APC 10 and/or enable a transmission of data to or from tire APC 10. An end of cable 26 may be permanently or removably atached to the APC 10.

[0024] In various embodiments, the cable storage system 11 may facilitate storage of the cable 26 on, in, or near the body 18 of the APC 10. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the cable storage system 11 includes a storage device 22 for selectively engaging the cable 26 and facilitating storage of the cable 26 on the body 18. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage device 22 is a hook 23 extending outwards from the body 18. However, in other embodiments, the storage device 22 may be other suitable devices or mechanisms as desired. As an example, a clip may be used in place of or in addition to the hook 23, and the clip optionally extends outwards from the body 18. Moreover, while a single storage device 22 (e.g., hook 23) is illustrated, in other embodiments, the cable storage system 11 may include any number of storage devices 22 as desired and at various locations as desired. As an example, a second hook may be provided proximate to the second end 21 and facing a direction opposite of the hook 23 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. When a plurality of storage devices 22 are included, the storage devices need not be the same type of storage device 22. As an example, one storage device may be the hook 23 and another storage device 22 may be a clip or clasp. Other types of storage devices 22 and combinations of storage devices 22 may be used as desired.

[0025] The hook 23 (or other storage device 22) may be connected to any suitable component or region of the body 18 as desired, and in the embodiment illustrated the hook 23 is provided on the cover 14, As such, while the hook 23 is illustrated protruding upward from the cover 14 and more proximate to the first end 19, it need not be in other embodiments. As discussed in detail below, the hook 23 protruding upward from the cover 14 may facilitate storage of the cable 26 when the APC 10 is an a storage orientation,

[0026] The hook 23 (or other storage device 22) may be permanently attached to the body 18 or component of the APC 10, although in other embodiments the hook 23 may be removably attached using various suitable mechanical fasteners and/or other techniques as desired. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cable 26 may be wound around hook 23 (or other storage device 22) for storage. In some embodiments, the cable storage system 11 may store the cable 26 when not in use. However, in other embodiments, cable storage system 11 may be used to store all or a portion of the cable during operation of the APC 10 and/or as otherwise desired. As an example, the cable storage system 11 may store a complete or partially floating cable (and may completely or partially store such cable).

[0027] In various embodiments, the APC 10 may be configurable between an operating orientation (FIG. 1) and a storage orientation (FIG. 2), In various embodiments, in the operating orientation, the ends 19, 21 may generally be arranged in a horizontal direction 40 and, in the storage orientation, the ends 19, 21 may generally be arranged in a vertical direction 42, In some embodiments, the APC 10 may be in the operating orientation when the APC 10 is in use on the bottom or floor or wall of a swimming pool or spa. In the operating orientation, the motive elements 30 may be in contact with the floor or wall. As an example where the motive elements 30 include the wheels as illustrated in FIGS. I and 2, in the operating orientation, both the wheels proximate to the first end 19 and the wheels proximate to the second end 21 may be in contact with the floor or wall. The storage orientation may be generally 90° from the operating orientation. In the storage orientation, the APC 10 may be supported and balanced by its motive elements (e.g., wheels) and/or rollers or brushes (not shown but may be similar to rollers 34) proximate to the second end 21, to aid its storage. In this position, the cable management system 11 is able to support cable 26 close to body 18, presenting a compact overall structure for APC 10. [0028] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate another example of an APC 310 with a cable storage system 311 according to embodiments. The APC 310 is substantially similar to the APC 10 except that the APC 310 includes tracks 335 as motive elements 30 rather than wheels 33. In addition, a profile of the body 318 and cover 314 of the APC 310 is different than the profile of the body 18 and cover 14 of the APC 10.

[0029] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, compared to the cable storage system 11, the storage device 22 of the cable storage system 311 is a clip 337 having a cable-engagement portion 343 and an APC-engaging portion 345. In the embodiment illustrated, the clip 337 is provided on the cable 26 between an end 339 of the cable 26 connectable to an external device or system (e.g., power source, communication module or system, etc.) and an end 341 of the cable 26 connected to the APC 310. In these embodiments, the APC-engaging portion 345 may selecti vely engage a portion of the body 318 and/or other component of the APC 310 to store the cable 26 on the APC 310. In some embodiments, the dip 337 is movable along the cable 26 such that the clip 337 may be at various positions for engaging different portions of the body 318 or other feature of the APC 310 as desired. However, it need not be movable along the cable 26 in oilier embodiments.

[0030] While the clip 337 is illustrated on the cable 26, in other embodiments, the clip 337 may be provided on the body 318 and/or other component of the APC 310 for selectively engaging the cable 26.

[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates another example of an APC 510 with a cable storage system 511 according to embodiments. The APC 510 is substantially similar to the APC 10 except that a profile of the body 518 and cover 514 of the APC 510 is different than the profile of the body 18 and cover 14 of the APC 10.

[0032] Compared to the cable storage system 11, the cable storage system 511 includes a winding system or device 547 as the storage device 22 that is configured to wind up or spool the cable 26 as the winding device 547 rotates about an axis 551 when the cable 26 is not in use. In various embodiments, the winding device 547 may be an automatic winding device using various devices or mechanisms such as, but not limited to, a spring-loaded device or other suitable actuated device. In other embodiments, the winding device 547 may be a manual winding device. In the embodiment illustrated, the winding device 547 is provided within a housing cavity 549 defined by the body 518; however, in other embodiments, the winding device 547 may be provided at other locations as desired. While not illustrated in FIG. 5, as previously mentioned, other components of the APC 510 may be provided within the housing 549 such as a filter assembly, pump, motor block, etc. The particular winding device 547 illustrated in FIG. 5 should not he considered limiting, and other types of winding devices 547 may be used as desired. Moreover, in other embodiments, a cable storage system may include the winding device 547 in combination with another type of storage device 22 such as the hook 23, the clip 337, and/or as otherwise desired.

[0033] Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include:

A. An APC including a body and a cable configured to be stored on, in, or near the body.

B. An APC according to statement A. in which the cable has an end that is permanently or removably attached to the body.

C. An APC configured to balance in a generally vertical position for storage.

D. An APC according to statement C. in which the APC includes motive elements (such as wheels) and rollers and, when balanced, the APC is supported by the motive elements and rollers.

E. An APC comprising an on-board cable-storage mechanism,

F. An APC according to statement E. in which the on-board cable-storage mechanism comprises a hook.

G. A method of using an APC having a connected electrical cable and an on-board cable-storage mechanism, comprising (i) connecting the electrical cable to a source of electricity, (ii) causing operation of the APC within a swimming pool, (iii) removing the APC from the swimming pool, and (iv) winding the electrical cable onto the on-board cable-storage mechanism.

H. An APC as described or illustrated in the figures.

I. An APC comprising a body, an electrical cable, and a cable storage system for storing the electrical cable on, in, or near the body.

J. The APC according to statement I., wherein the electrical cable has an end that is permanently or removably attached to the body.

K. The APC according to statement I. or J., wherein the APC further comprises a cover on atop side of the body, and wherein the cable storage system comprises a storage device for engaging the electrical cable on the cover.

L. The APC according to any one of statements I. - K., wherein the storage device comprises a hook or clip on the cover. M. The APC according to any one of statements I. - L,, wherein the cable storage system comprises a hook or clip on the body that extends outwards from the body.

N. Tire APC according to any one of statements I. - M., wherein the cable storage system comprises a storage device on the electrical cable, wherein the storage device is configured to engage a portion of the body of the APC for storing the electrical cable .

O. The APC according to any one of statements I. - N., wherein the storage device comprises a clip with a cable-engaging portion and an APC-engaging portion.

P. The APC according to any one of statements I. - O., wherein the storage device is movable along the electrical cable.

Q. The APC according to any one of statements I. - P., wherein the body of the APC comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the APC is configurable between an operating orientation and a storage orientation, wherein, in the operating orientation, the first end and second end are arranged horizontally, and wherein, in the storage orientation, the first end and the second end are arranged vertically.

R. Tire APC according to any one of statements I, - Q., wherein the cable storage system is configured to store tire electrical cable at least when the APC is in the storage orientation.

S. The APC according to any one of statements I. - R., wherein the cable storage system is configured to store the electrical cable in both the operating orientation and the storage orientation.

T. The APC according to any one of statements I. - S., wherein the cable storage system comprises a winding system for storing the electrical cable relative to the body.

U. The APC according to any one of statements I. - T., wherein the winding system is within the body of the APC.

V. An APC comprising: a body comprising a first end and a second end; motive elements on the body; and a roller supported at the first end, wherein the APC is configurable between an operating orientation and a storage orientation, and wherein, in the storage orientation, the first end and the second end are arranged in a vertical direction, the APC is supported by the roller and a first subset of the motive elements, and second subset of the motive elements is vertically above the first subset of motive elements.

W. The APC according to statement V., further comprising an electrical cable and a cable storage system for storing the electrical cable on, in, or near the body.

X. The APC according to statement V. or W., wherein the cable storage system is configured to store the electrical cable at least while tire APC is in the storage orientation.

Y. The APC according to any one of statements V. - X., wherein the cable storage system comprises a storage device on the body of the APC or on the electrical cable.

Z. The APC according to any one of statements V. - Y., wherein, in the operating orientation, the motive elements are configured to contact a floor or wall of a swimming pool or spa, and the first end and the second end are arranged in a horizontal direction.

AA. A method of using an APC having a connected electrical cable and an onboard cable storage system, the method comprising: (i) connecting the electrical cable to a source of electri city; (ii) causing operation of the APC within a swimming pool; (iii) removing the APC from the swimming pool; and (iv) winding the electrical cable onto the on-board cable storage system.

BB. The method according to statement AA., wherein the cable storage system comprises a hook on a body of the APC, and wherein winding the electrical cable comprises winding the electrical cable on the hook while the APC is supported in a vertical direction.

[0034] These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with APCs, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other objects and in other manners. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools ^” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation or therapy and for which cleaning of debris is needed or desired.

[0035] The subject matter of embodiments is described herein with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,”' and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. In the figures and the description, like numerals are intended to represent like elements. As used herein, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.