Patent · US Active

Automatic swimming pool cleaners and bodies, feet, discs, and other components thereof

US7987542B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by

11References

8Claims

0Family size

Assignee

ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE · FR

Inventors

Michael Edward Moore · Johannesburg, ZA
Hendrikus Johannes van der Meijden · Midrand, ZA

Key dates

Filing date	Feb 21, 2007
Grant date	Aug 2, 2011
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Dec 20, 2029

Classification

Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
CPC primaryE04H4/1663
WIPO fieldCivil engineering
WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Devices for cleaning vessels, especially swimming pools, are discussed. The devices may include repositionable in-line valves, with the valves typically moving laterally (from side to side) and changing the initial direction of the main fluid-flow path through the valves and corresponding cleaner bodies. Asymmetric feet may be utilized as part of the devices, whose bottom bearing surfaces may include elongated strips of material placed parallel to the normally-forward direction of travel of the devices. Discs of non-uniform flexibility also may be employed, and blocking tabs or gripping material may be used to inhibit undesired backward movement of a cleaner when its operation commences.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.