US4017331A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Swimming pool cleaning apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1976-02-12
•
Granted: 1977-04-12
•
Expires: 1996-02-12
Abstract
Abstract A swimming pool cleaner of the pressurized water actuated, random sinuous motion, sweeping arm type is disclosed which agitates silt and other particulate debris, thereby facilitating their removal by conventional pump-driven recirculating filtering means. The random sinuous motion of the immersed sweeping arms is greatly enhanced by unique compound water discharge jets which efficiently convert water head into sweeping arm motion. The discharge jets further greatly reduce frictional wear of the sweeping arms caused by abrasion against the interior surfaces of the pool, and provide a distributed water scrubbing action of the interior pool surfaces. The compound water discharge jets are further configured to minimize the possibility of stalling of the sweeping arms due to their finding a position of static equilibrium. The apparatus and method described are equally suitable for use in industrial processes where it is desirable to provide agitation of a liquid by simple and economical means.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter P. Thoelen, Sr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:37
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04H; E04H4/00; E04H4/14; E04H4/16; E04H4/1681
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A liquid agitation device particularly useful for maintaining swimming pool debris in suspension in a liquid for removal by the pool filtration system, which device comprises, in combination: a. a flexible feed conduit for receiving a flow of pressurized liquid for discharge into the liquid; b. at least one flexible agitation hose in fluid communication with the feed conduit, which agitation hose includes: i. a bifurcated nozzle, formed by securing two opposed wall portions of the agitation hose together in abutting relationship, located at its distal end whereby the agitation hose is propelled within the liquid in a manner to preclude stalling of the agitation hose; and ii. a plurality of apertures disposed along the length of the agitation hose for discharging the pressurized fluid for agitating the debris; and c. means for positioning the feed conduit and agitation hose in the liquid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A liquid agitation device particularly useful for maintaining swimming pool debris in suspension in a liquid for removal by the pool filtration system, which device comprises, in combination: a. a flexible feed conduit for receiving a flow of pressurized liquid for discharge into the liquid; b. at least one flexible agitation hose in fluid communication with the feed conduit, which agitation hose includes: i. a bifurcated nozzle, formed by securing two opposed wall portions of the agitation hose together in abutting relationship, located at its distal end whereby the agitation hose is propelled within the liquid in a manner to preclude stalling of the agitation hose; and ii. a plurality of apertures disposed along the length of the agitation hose for discharging the pressurized fluid for agitating the debris; and c. means for positioning the feed conduit and agitation hose in the liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the opposed wall portions are secured together by means of a grommet.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of apertures are disposed in two substantially parallel rows in opposing wall portions of the agitation hose.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the means for positioning the feed conduit and agitation hose includes: a. float means for supporting a first portion of the feed conduit in a substantially horizontal position on the surface of said liquid; and b. weight means for maintaining a second portion of the feed conduit in a substantially vertical position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the feed conduit includes an elbow connector and the float means is carried by the elbow connector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device of claim 4 wherein the weight means includes a container having at least one compartment for storing and distributing chemical material for treating the pool water, and means for removably attaching the container to the feed conduit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the means for positioning the feed conduit and agitation hose includes a tethering line carried by the feed conduit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the feed conduit includes a T-shaped connector carried adjacent the end thereof and an agitation hose connected to each outlet of the T-shaped connector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the means for positioning the feed conduit and agitation hose includes a base housing for supporting a portion of the feed conduit and agitation hose adjacent the bottom of the pool.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
The device of claim 9 wherein the feed conduit includes weight means for maintaining a portion thereof adjacent the bottom of the pool, and wherein the weight means includes: a. means for removable attachment to the feed conduit; and b. at least one compartment for storing and distributing chemical material for treating the pool water.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-04-11 | 1980-10-11 | 1981-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-04-11 | 1984-10-11 | 1985-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-04-11 | 1988-10-11 | 1989-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |