Swimming pool cleaner

• US 20030159723A1
• Filed: 01/16/2003
• Published: 08/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Smartpool Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Smartpool Incorporated
• Inventors: Hui, Joseph Wing-Tak
• Granted Patent: US 7,213,287 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 134/167R
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1654 Self-propelled cleaners

Abstract

A self-propelled swimming pool cleaner which randomly covers the bottom of the pool. Water pumped from the bottom of the unit filters dirt carried thereby, then uses the pumped water to propel the device either forward or backward. A pivoted front axle causes the path of the unit to vary when changing from forward to backward so that the unit randomly covers the entire pool bottom. Spring loaded doors may be provided to allow water to exit when the unit is lifted out of the pool. A sealed motor unit has a metal portion to transfer heat from the motor.

Claims

1. A swimming pool cleaner comprising:

a body;

a first axle and a first pair of wheels fixedly connected thereto mounted on said body;

a second axle and a second pair of wheels connected thereto, mounted on said body;

a jet nozzle for moving said device forward and backward;

said first axle being pivotally connected to said body, allowing said axle to swivel over a range of angles, causing said device to assume a different path when direction of travel is reversed.

2. The pool cleaner according to claim 1, wherein said second axle is not pivoted.

3. The pool cleaner according to claim 1, wherein said second axle is pivoted.

4. The pool cleaner according to claim 1, wherein said jet nozzle includes nozzles facing in two opposite directions with water being jetted from only one nozzle at a time under the control of a diverter valve.

5. A swimming pool cleaner, comprising:

a hollow body mounted on wheels;

a pump for moving water from the pool into the hollow body and outwardly again;

a filter for removing dirt from water pumped into said body;

inwardly swinging doors mounted on the bottom of said body for allowing water to enter;

outwardly swinging spring loaded doors mounted on said body for allowing water to exit when the cleaner is removed from the swimming pool.

6. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 5, wherein said exit doors are mounted on sides of the body.

7. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 5, wherein said bottom doors are spring loaded.

8. A swimming pool cleaner according to claim 5, wherein said exit doors are made of rigid material.

9. A swimming pool cleaner comprising:

a hollow body mounted on wheels;

a motor and pump assembly mounted within said body for pumping water from said swimming pool into said body and ejecting it therefrom;

said motor and pump assembly including a housing which includes a top plastic cap, a bottom plastic cap and a central metal portion;

said housing enclosing said motor and filled with dielectric liquid.

10. A swimming pool cleaner comprising:

a wheeled body;

a pump assembly;

a power cord connected to said pump assembly for supplying power thereto;

said power cord having a strain relief device mounted thereon having a shape;

said body having a threaded part for receiving said power cord and having a seat with a matching shape to said strain relief device;

a nut having a thread for threading into said body having a seat with a shape matching that of said strain relief so that when said nut is screwed into said body, said strain relief device forms a water tight seal.