Pool cleaning device

Abstract

A device for cleaning a swimming pool comprising a base member. The base member having a first base portion and a second base portion. A socket disposed on the base member, and the first base portion the and second base portion each respectively having a hinge end and a distal end. The second base portion hinge end is attached to the first base portion hinge end forming a hinge of the base member. A microfibre cloth removably mountable to the base member; and wherein the second base portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the first position is an operating position and the second position is a cloth removal position.

Claims

1. A device for cleaning a swimming pool, the device comprising; a base member, the base member having a first base portion and a second base portion; a socket disposed on the base member; the first base portion and the second base portion each respectively having a hinge end and a distal end; the second base portion hinge end is attached to the first base portion hinge end forming a hinge of the base member; a microfibre cloth removably mountable to the base member; and wherein the second base portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the first position is an operating position and the second position is a cloth removal position; wherein the microfibre cloth further comprises a tab passing between the socket and the base to releasably secure the microfibre cloth to the base member.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge ends are offset relative to the socket.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base member comprises an array of apertures.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tab further comprises at least one of; a buckle and hook and loop fasteners.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second base portion is restricted to rotating in a direction toward a contact surface.

6. The device as claimed claim 5, wherein the distal end of at least one of the first base portion and the second base portion is curved upwardly.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one distal end curved upwardly fits the contours of a swimming pool.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the base comprises a locking means to retain the base in the first position.

9. The device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the microfibre cloth comprises a plurality of microfibre tufts.

10. The device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the microfibre cloth comprises a pocket adapted to receive a distal end of the base member.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10, wherein a handle is disposed on the second base portion to actuate the hinge.

12. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the socket is adapted to receive a pole.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the socket is pivotally attached to the base member.

14. The device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the socket is attached to the first base portion.

15. A device for cleaning a swimming pool, the device comprising; a base member, the base member having a first base portion and a second base portion; a socket disposed on the base member; the first base portion and the second base portion each respectively having a hinge end and a distal end; the second base portion hinge end is attached to the first base portion hinge end forming a hinge of the base member; a microfibre cloth removably mountable to the base member; and wherein the second base portion is configured to move between a first position and a second position, in which the first position is an operating position and the second position is a cloth removal position, wherein the base member comprises an array of apertures; wherein the microfibre cloth further comprises a tab passing between the socket and the base to releasably secure the microfibre cloth to the base member.

16. The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the distal ends of the base member are relatively rounded in shape to allow for cleaning of contours of a swimming pool.

17. The device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the base member is formed from a polymer and the distal ends of the base member are contoured with apertures to allow for easier movement in a submerged environment.

18. The device as claimed in claim 17 wherein a surface of the microfibre cloth comprises removable attachment means.

19. The device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the removable attachment means comprises a strap attached to the tab of the microfibre cloth for engaging the base member.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of a cleaning device with a microfiber cloth material mounted thereon.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the cleaning device of FIG. 1 without a microfiber cloth.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the FIG. 1 in a fitting configuration in which a cleaning material can be mounted onto the cleaning surface of the device.

(4) FIG. 4A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of a microfiber cloth which may be mounted on a cleaning device.

(5) FIG. 4B illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a microfiber cloth which may be mounted on a cleaning device.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a cleaning device with a microfiber cloth material mounted thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(7) Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples.

(8) The present disclosure is directed towards a cleaning device 10 for cleaning swimming pools and submerged environment surfaces. The device may also be suitable for use in any desired cleaning application, such as washing windows and/or floor cleaning. The device 10 may have particular advantage when used with smooth surface, or fibreglass pools.

(9) Commonly, below and above ground pools are common in many family homes and serve as important entertainment focal points. Moisture and humidity of pools may cause growth of algae and other organisms, and therefore must be cleaned regularly to maintain sanitary conditions and pleasing aesthetics. Typically, pools have walls which are generally planer or gently rounded but then come together at corners which may be rounded or squared off forming contours which may be relatively inaccessible by many pool cleaning brushes without risking damage to the adjacent pool wall. Further, pools are often lined with a relatively soft plaster or vinyl liner which, when contacted by a hard brush back during vigorous cleaning activity is subject to ready damage or tearing thus leading to costly repairs.

(10) It will be appreciated that while reference is made to cleaning a “swimming pool”, other submerged environments and articles may also be cleaned by the device. Further, the device may be adapted for use in a dry environment, or a non-submerged environment.

(11) FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a device for cleaning a swimming pool. The cleaning device 10 having a head portion 100 with a cloth portion 200. The head portion comprises a base portion 104 and a socket portion 110. The base portion is shown as having a first base portion 120 and a second base portion 130. The second base portion 130 being hingedly connected to the first base portion 120. The socket 110 being mounted to the base member 104. Preferably, the socket 110 is hingedly attached to the base member 104, and may be removable from the base member 104. The socket 110 may pivot, swivel or otherwise move relative to the base member 104 such that manoeuvring the head portion may be less strenuous in use. In an alternative embodiment, the socket 110 may be fixed to the base member 104, or the socket 110 may be integrally formed with the base member 104. The socket 110 may also be fixed to moving relative to the base member 104 in a single plane or two planes.

(12) The socket 110 preferably has a tube or channel 116 which can accept an elongate element, such as a broom handle or handle element (not shown) for use with the device. The socket 110 may also have at least one aperture 108 adapted to receive a securing means (not shown), such as a screw or nail. A securing means may be used to secure the handle element to the socket 110. The upper socket portion 111 may comprise the channel 116 and the apertures 108, and the lower socket portion 112 may extend from the upper socket portion 111 towards the base. The upper socket 111 portion may be referred to as a distal end of the socket 110 and the lower socket portion 112 may be referred to as the proximal end of the socket 110. The lower socket portion 112 may be relatively wider than the upper socket portion 111 and may also be the termination portion of the channel 116 (i.e. the channel may end at the lower socket portion 112). The lower socket portion 112 may have a hinge portion 114 to be connected to a corresponding socket hinge portion of the base portion 104. The hinge portion 114 of the socket 110 may have an integral connection rail, or a pin may be received to act as a fulcrum point. The lower portion 112 may be formed with a plurality of arches or formations 115 which may receive a tooth or protrusion of the corresponding socket hinge portion of the base member 104. A strap or portion of the cloth 200 may be fed between the base member 104 and the socket lower portion 112 as is illustrated in FIG. 1.

(13) In yet another embodiment, the channel 116 may have a thread or other securing means to attach a pole or broom handle. The apertures 108 of the socket 110 may also be adapted to receive a pin, or depressible button on the broom handle. Optionally, the pole or broom handle is of a diameter which is the same as or smaller than the cross-sectional area of the channel 116 of the socket 110. However, in one embodiment the diameter of the handle is 0.1 mm to 5 mm large than the cross-sectional area of the channel 116 and the handle is forced into the channel 116 to be retained therein by friction.

(14) The corresponding socket hinge portion 124 (also referred to herein as a “protrusion”) of the base member 104 may be a C-hinge 124 or a claw type hinge, in which the C-hinge 124 grips the hinge portion 114 of the socket 110. The corresponding hinge 124 is preferably resiliently biased and/or flexible. In an alternate embodiment, the protrusion 124 comprises an aperture which receives a pin. In this alternative embodiment, the hinge is similar to that of a buti hinge.

(15) The base portion 104 comprises a plurality of apertures 140. The apertures 140 may be localised to a central portion of the base member 104. The localisation of the apertures 140 may allow for fluids to pass through the apertures during use while improving the guidance of the device in use, which may reduce the potential for strain injuries of the user. The apertures 140 may be disposed in a predetermined array. The array may comprise varying sizes of apertures 141, 142. Elongate apertures 141 and circular apertures 142 may also be formed in the base portion 104. The apertures 140 are preferably rounded such that movement of the device 10 in a submerged environment may allow fluid movement of the device and reduce resistance experienced when submerged, for example when moving the device 10 through water. The apertures 140 may be disposed in any predetermined pattern or configuration. While only the first base portion is illustrated as having apertures 140, the apertures 140 may be disposed on any part of the base member 104.

(16) The distal portions of the first base portion 120 second base portion 130 may be upturned relative to the contact surface 20 of the head. The contact surface 20 of the head is the side in which the material 200, such as a microfiber cloth, is mounted and contacts a surface to be cleaned. The distal portions 122, 132 of the base member 104 are preferably rounded or contoured to allow for easier movement in a submerged environment. Any predetermined shapes may be used for the base member 104. Optionally, the base member 104 is tapered or formed with varying thicknesses.

(17) A handle portion 134 is disposed on the second base portion 130. Contours 138 can be disposed on the handle which may improve the grip of the user moving the handle 134 from a first position to a second position. Finger contours 138 are shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5 and may assist with gripping the handle 134. The handle 134 may extend from the second base portion relatively upward and towards the socket 110. The handle 134 may be integrally formed with the second base portion 130, or may be attached to the base portion and/or may be removably attached therewith. The handle 134 may be formed as a solid or may be hollow with reinforcing or support structured formed within the hollow structure. The handle 134 may also partially cover or conceal the hinge 136 of the base member 104 to reduce the potential or inadvertent movement of the second base portion 130 or damage to be caused to the hinge 136.

(18) Respective ends of the first base portion 120 and the second base portion 130 are connected at the base hinge 136. Rotation of the second base portion 130 relative to the first base portion 120 is preferably in the direction of the contact surface 20. In this way the cloth 200 can be mounted on the head portion 100 and removed from the head portion 100. The upturned distal portions of the base member 104 allows for pockets 210, 220 of the cloth portion 200 to be mounted thereon. The base member may be arcuate to allow for contours of surfaces to be cleaned.

(19) The hinge 136 may be formed from hinge ends of the base member portions 120, 130. The hinge ends 136A, 136B of the base portions 120, 130 are the ends of each respective portion 120, 130 which are opposed to the distal ends 122, 132, respectively. Hinge ends are preferably integrally formed with each respective base portion 120, 130 such that in use the structural integrity of the base member is likely to be sufficient to allow for impacts and drops of the device head without damage. Hinge portions 136A, 136B can also be loops which receive an elongate hinge rod (not shown). The hinge 136 may be similar to the hinge between the socket 110 and the base member 104. In one embodiment, the first portion 120 comprises hinge end 136A and the second base portion 130 comprises hinge end 136B, with hinge end 136A having a plurality of mounting elements to allow for mounting of hinge end 136B.

(20) Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B there is shown an embodiment of the cloth portion 200. The pockets 210, 220 of the cloth portion 200 may be made from an elastomeric material to allow for the pockets to be mounted onto the upturned portions of the base member 104. The pockets receive the upturned portions, such that when the base member 104 is in the first position the upturned portions retain the cloth portion 200 in a stretched position.

(21) Mounting tabs 260, 261 may carry a strap 270 or other securing means. The strap 270 may be fitted with a buckle 250 or other fastening means. A hook and loop fastening means or a button may also be suitable for use with the strap. If there are two portions to the strap, at least one strap portion 270 is disposed on each of the mounting tabs 260, 261. In another embodiment, the mounting tab 260 carries the strap 270 and the second mounting tab 261 carries a fastening means, such as a hook and/or loop fastener or a buckle. Preferably, any fastening means are suitable for use in submerged conditions, and are therefore preferably formed from a noncorrosive material, such as a polymer or synthetic material. The strap 270, or strap portions 270 may be sewn or fixed on the mounting tabs 260, 261.

(22) The tufts 230 may be embedded or fixed to a cloth surface material 265. The cloth surface material 265 may be formed with a plurality of holes to 268 to receive the tufts 230. Alternatively, the tufts are threaded through the cloth surface material 265 and secured thereto. Tufts 230 may be effective for cleaning smooth surfaces, such as fibreglass pools as the tufts may contact a portion of the smooth surface and the gaps between the tufts 230 are used to capture dirt or other unclean matter while still effectively cleaning. In contrast, flat cloths may be used to clean, but are very likely to smear unclean matter, or move and disperse the unclean matter into a fluid, such as water in a swimming pool.

(23) A rib or reinforcement means 204 may be disposed at the perimeter of the cloth portion 200. The pockets 210, 220 may be fixed to the cloth surface material 265 by the reinforcement means 204. The pockets may be hemmed at its periphery 204, 206. The reinforcement means 204 maybe a hem or other finishing method to secure two pieces of material together or prevent material from unravelling.

(24) A plurality of material tufts 230 are illustrated on the contact side of the cloth portion 200. Tufts 230 may be formed from any desired fibrous material, such as microfiber, cotton or any other desired material. Microfiber materials may further have the advantage of reducing or limiting the growth of algae and/or microorganisms which are commonly found in residential pools. The fibrous material may be washable, synthetic or have any other desired properties. The cloth portion 200 may be formed with a plurality of materials, and may be stitched, or fixed together with an adhesive. In an exemplary embodiment, the tufts are microfiber with a tuft length in the range of between 1 cm to 5 cm. Preferably, the tuft length is around 2.5 cm to 3 cm in length with tufts being of a generally uniform length and diameter. The diameter of the tufts are preferably in the range of 5 mm to 15 mm. Tufts are advantageous to use in submerged conditions as the amount of material which can be collected is substantially larger relative to a standard microfiber cloth without tufts as the increased surface area of the tufts allows for greater trapping, as well as more use without replacement or washing of the cloth portion 200. Further, dirt or other materials dislodged from a surface are more likely to be trapped within the tufts than be dispersed into the water or other submerged environment. As such, there is a substantially reduced potential for algae or other microorganism blooms to occur as quickly due to the use of tufts.

(25) The tufts 230 may be flexible finger-like projections formed from microfiber. These tufts 230 may be significantly superior to conventional cleaning devices as they can be firmly pressed against a surface to be cleaned without damage. Further, water or other fluids may be allowed to pass through the tufts 230 but tufts will trap dirt and/or microorganisms as fluid passes through. In addition, negative effects with respect to pressure differentials may be reduced as fluid passing through the tufts 230 will decrease lift of the contact surface of the head as fluid passing over the rear of the head and under the contact surface will be relatively more equal, therefore the device 10 may take advantage of the Bernoulli Principle to reduce the difficulty of cleaning, particularly in a submerged environment. This is typically not the case with conventional cleaning devices, generally as they have rigid cleaning bristles or a flat contact surface.

(26) Microfiber cloths may be made from any desirable composition of polyamide (PA) and polyester (PE). Common polyamides may include at least one of nylon, Kevlar™, Nomex, trogamide. In another embodiment, the microfiber may comprise polyester, polyamide, and polypropylene. Preferably, the composition of the microfiber is selected from the group of; approximately 50% PA and 50% PE, approximately 60% PA and 40% PE, approximately 70% PA and 30% PE, 40% PA and 60% PE, 30% PA and 70% PE, 20% PA and 80% PE, or any other desired composition. The surface density of the microfiber may be in the range of 200 g/m.sup.2 to 250 g/m.sup.2, or 250 g/m.sup.2 to 400 g/m.sup.2, or in the range of 400 g/m.sup.2 to 1,000 g/m.sup.2 or any other desired surface density.

(27) Optionally, neoprene or another similar material may be used to form a portion of the cloth 200 which may perform well under submerged conditions or conditions which are frequently or infrequently experienced by the device when in use.

(28) Preferably, the cloth portion 200 is porous or otherwise formed such that fluid may to pass through the cloth portion 200 and the apertures 140 of the base portion 104. This allows for improved manoeuvrability of the device 10 when in use in a submerged environment. The pockets 210, 220 may be formed from a mesh or other material which allows fluid to easily pass there through. Optionally, the pockets may be formed from rubber, silicone, latex or lycra such that there is a relatively high friction between the pocket and the upturned portions of the base member 104.

(29) As shown in FIG. 5, there is illustrated an embodiment of a device 10 in which the cloth portion 200 is being removed from the head portion 100 or mounted to the head portion 100. The second base portion 130 is between a first portion and a second position. The first position being an operable position, and the second position being an extreme rotation position of the second base portion 130 relative to the first base portion 120. Preferably, the second position positions the second base portion approximately perpendicular to the first base portion 120.

(30) In one embodiment, if the second base portion 130 is rotated further than the extreme rotation position (second position), the second base portion 130 may be disconnected or removed from the first base portion 120. If the device 10 is adapted to allow for separation of the first base portion 120 and the second base portion 130, the separation may occur when the second portion 130 exceeds a potion which is perpendicular to the first base portion 120. It is preferred that the second base portion 130 does not move relatively upward.

(31) A retaining means 126 may be disposed on the first base portion 120 which retains the second portion 130 in the first position. Snap locks may be sufficient for use as retaining means 126. Preferably, at least two retaining means are disposed on the first base portion 120 to engage with the handle 134 or with a corresponding retaining means of the second base portion 130. The retaining means may be a friction lock or a tongue in groove type lock, or protrusion in recess lock. Corresponding retaining means of the handle may be on the inner side of the handle 134 of the second portion. In an unillustrated embodiment, the second portion may be released from the first position by a press button. The press button may retract or otherwise move a flange or element to allow for the second base portion 130 to move relative to the first base portion 120.

(32) The contact surface of the base member 104 is preferably flat or linear with the distal ends of the base member upturned. This configuration may be used for devices with a single base member 104 or more than two base member portions. Optionally, the base member (not shown) is formed with three base member portions in which the base member side with upturned portions can be deflected or moved downwardly relative to a central portion of the base member 104. Optionally, the upturned portions may also be formed with apertures or another desirable formation. The base member 104 may be formed with any desired texture, such as undulations, recesses, apertures, bumps, ridges, texture patterns, textures or any other desired feature. These textures may assist with cleaning when the contact surface 20 is in contact with a surface to be cleaned. It will be appreciated that the contact surface may is the underside of the head, and optionally includes the cloth portion 200.

(33) In yet another embodiment, the contact surface textures may be used directly on the surface to be cleaned and may be used to clean off more stubborn materials which the cloth portion 200 may be not as suitable for.

(34) In alternative unillustrated embodiments, the base member 104 is a single integral member and the cloth portion 200 is attached to the head portion via rails, clamped onto the head portion 100, or the rear side of the cloth (non-contract surface) comprises partially removable or fully removable attachment means, such as a hook and loop fastener portion, or hook and loop pads. If a hook and loop fastener portion is used, it is preferred that the base member 104 has the hook portion and the cloth portion 200 has a loop portion, however these may be arranged in any desired manner or configuration. If the cloth portion 200 has rails or is adapted to be fit onto rails, the head portion will have a corresponding rail segment. Corresponding rail segments may be disposed on the periphery of the head portion 100, and the rails of the cloth portion 200 are disposed near to the periphery of the cloth and preferably stretch the cloth portion, or make the cloth portion taut for use. If the cloth portion is to be clamped, clamps may be disposed on the rear surface of the base member 104.

(35) In a further embodiment, the head portion 100 is preferably flexibly attached to a conventional pole to allow for greater manoeuvrability and thus easier cleaning than with traditional brushes. The head may be pivotally attached with the socket 110. The socket may be adapted to move in multiple axes to allow for a wider range of movements when in use. At least one axis direction may optionally be locked by a user with a locking means (not shown).

(36) The base member 104 may be any predetermined or desired shape. The desired shape may be ovoid, a rounded rectangle, a rectangle, a square, a circle, an irregular shape, or any other desired shape. Most preferred, are rounded distal ends 120, 132 as this may allow for cleaning of contours of a swimming pool.

(37) Cover portion 200 has a top side and a bottom side, in which bottom side comprises tufts of microfiber material 230 for trapping dirt and the top side comprises a backing for the microfiber cloth and pockets 210,220 for holding the cloth portion 200 to the head portion 100. A hook and loop tab 240 may assist with securing the cover portion 200.

(38) The upturned end 122 of the first base portion 120 is first inserted into the first pocket 210 of the cloth portion 200. With the second base portion 130 being in the second position or near to the second position, the upturned end 132 of the second base member portion 130 end is inserted into the second pocket 220. Once both upturned ends 122, 132 are received within respective pockets of the cloth portion 200 the second base portion 130 can be moved into the first position. When the base member is moving to the first position the upturned ends move toward the distal ends of the pockets and stretch the cloth portion 200 to a fitted configuration. The fitted configuration preferably does not allow significant lateral or longitudinal movement of the cloth portion 200 such that it may be effective when used for cleaning. In the fitted configuration the upturned ends may be fully entered into the pockets. Finally the strap be passed between the base 104 and the socket 110 and then secured as seen in FIG. 1.

(39) In one embodiment, the base member 104 is preferably made from injection moulded ABS components, providing suitable resilience to allow the various components to snap together and produce functioning hinges. Functioning hinges may be seen where the first and second base portions are connected, and where the socket 110 and base member 104 are connected. Further, snap locks or other retaining means may benefit from a resilient material such that damage in use or during movement is minimised.

(40) The head portion of the device 10 may be formed from any predetermined material, such as a polymer, metal, metal alloy, composite material, rubber, wood, any injection mouldable material, or a combination of at least two of the preceding. Metals may include any stable metal on the periodic table which can retain a desired shape at least in ambient temperature. A metal alloy may include a combination of two or more materials with at least one of the two or more materials being a metal, such as zincalume, stainless steel, steel, brass, or any other desired alloy. However, due to the environmental conditions the device is preferably formed form a polymer, such as Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinylchloride (PVC), Polychlorotrifiuoroethylene (PCTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or any other desirable polymer. A composite material may be any material which consists of a matrix with reinforcement, such as carbon fibre (fiber), reinforced plastics, plywood, Bakelite, fibreglass or any other known composite material. Rubber or rubber derivative may also be used. The listed materials are exemplary only, and any other materials not listed which are suitable with respect to the spirit of the invention.

(41) Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in this field.

(42) In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

(43) Dimensions of certain parts shown in the drawings may have been modified and/or exaggerated for the purposes of clarity or illustration, and are not limiting to the scope of the invention.

(44) Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein.

(45) The present invention and the described preferred embodiments specifically include at least one feature that is industrial applicable.