RAMPED PONTOON FOR RETRIEVING A POOL CLEANER

• US 20180208278A1
• Filed: 05/26/2016
• Published: 07/26/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2015
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Aqua Products Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Aqua Products Incorporated
• Inventors: Klebanov, Aleksandr, Hanan, Ethan, Meletta, Anthony, Londono, William, Durvasula, Kameshwar
• Application Number:
  US15/578,389
• Publication Number:
  US 20180208278A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 1/32 using rotary cleaning members
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 3/04 Cleaning involving contact with liquid
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 2205/06 Reels for tethers
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 35/34 Pontoons floating bridges E01D15/14
• CPC Class Codes: B63H 5/02 of paddle wheels, e.g. of stern wheels
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/004 using large scale industrial sized filters
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2103/42 from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 4/1654 Self-propelled cleaners

Abstract

A floating platform dimensioned and configured to receive and transport an automated pool cleaner on the surface of the water is disclosed. For convenience, the floating platform is referred to as a pontoon. The pontoon is also configured to control the retrieval of the pool cleaner. The pontoon includes a buoyant housing having a first end and a second end. An inclined platform or ramp is positioned in the pontoon housing at an angle from the first end towards the second end. The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner to thereby selectively release and retrieve the cleaner.

Claims

1. A pontoon for controlling the retrieval of a pool cleaner connected to the pontoon, comprising:

a. a buoyant housing configured to float in water of a swimming pool and having a first end and a second end;

b. a ramped platform positioned in the housing and angled down from the first end towards the second end;

c. a winch adapted for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner.

2. The pontoon of claim 1, further comprising at least one driven wheel positioned near the first end.

3. The pontoon of claim 2, wherein the driven wheel includes extendable paddle blades which extend when the wheel rotates in a given direction against the frictional force of the pool water.

4. The pontoon of claim 1, further comprising a power source for powering the winch.

5. The pontoon of claim 4, wherein the power source includes a battery.

6. The pontoon of claim 5, further comprising a solar panel positioned on the ramped platform for charging the battery.

7. The pontoon of claim 1, further comprising a touch sensor positioned to sense when the pool cleaner has reached the pontoon.

8. The pontoon of claim 1, further comprising a range sensor for detecting the distance between the pool cleaner and the pontoon.

9. The pontoon of claim 1, further comprising a distance sensor for detecting the length of cable that has been retracted.

10. The pontoon of claim 1, further comprising at least one passive wheel positioned near the second end for supporting the buoyant housing while traversing a solid surface.

11. The pontoon of claim 1, wherein the ramped platform includes a high-friction surface for preventing the pool cleaner from sliding down after docking.

12. The pontoon of claim 1, further comprising at least one vertical side wall extending laterally between the first end and the second end.

13. A method for controlling the retrieval of a pool cleaner while submerged in pool water comprising:

a. providing a buoyant housing having a winch in a swimming pool;

b. attaching a cable between the winch and the pool cleaner; and

c. winding up the winch to retrieve the pool cleaner from the pool water.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the buoyant housing includes at least one driven wheel and the method further comprises the step of rotating the driven wheel for moving the buoyant housing along the surface of the pool water.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of winding out the winch to release the pool cleaner from the buoyant housing.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the buoyant housing includes at least one driven wheel and the method further comprises the step of rotating the driven wheel for enabling the buoyant housing to climb up a sidewall and out of the pool.