Swimming pool cleaner discs and assemblies
US5465443A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 14, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H4/1663
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Discs and a footpad for devices such as automatic swimming pool cleaners are disclosed. The discs incorporate upwardly-extending, non-truncated fins protruding radially from their peripheries. The peripheries themselves, moreover, define a plurality of tongues for increased flexibility, and both the discs and footpad may include ramped segments facilitating movement over obstacles extending from swimming pool surfaces. Also disclosed are discs having series of slits spaced along portions of their peripheries. Each such disc may be part of an assembly including a "bib," or cap, that too may be slitted if desired. The slits of each component, when present, permit its effective surface area to increase as the associated cleaner climbs the side of a swimming pool, enhancing the maneuverability of the cleaner. By contrast, unslitted portions of the cap seal, or cover, the slits present in the disc to provide adequate suction for the disc against the pool surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.