Pool cleaner

Claim 2

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner, axle means extending from within said housing to outside said housing and connected to said wheels outside said housing, and a drive train substantially encased within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels through said axle means; and a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for inducing a water flow from a submerged surface of the pool into said bag for drawing debris from within the pool into said bag for collection, said vacuum system further including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path from a lower end positioned generally beneath said housing to an upper end disposed generally above said housing, said collection bag being for mounting generally at the upper end of said suction mast and said water flow inducing means being for drawing the water flow and debris through said suction mast into said collection bag; said drive assembly and said axle means and said wheels comprising a preassembled unit, and said housing comprising a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive train, said suction mast being joined with said housing base and projecting upwardly therefrom, said housing further including a pair of mating and generally shell-shaped cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open housing portion sized to fit with close tolerance about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base to encase said drive train, and further including means for securing said housing base, said suction mast, and said cowlings with respect to each other.

Claim 3

The pool cleaner of claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a mounting bracket formed on said suction mast and a fastener coupled between said cowlings and received through an opening in said mounting bracket.

Claim 4

The pool cleaner of claim 1 wherein said plurality of wheels comprises a pair of wheels at one side of said housing and a third wheel at an opposite side of said housing, said wheels being mounted for rotation about axes offset relative to one another and said housing including a front nose set angularly with respect to the direction of cleaner movement.

Claim 5

The pool cleaner of claim 1 wherein said housing base includes a front end and a rear end with a bottom profile extending therebetween and defined by a first portion adjacent and surrounding the lower end of said suction mast in relatively closely spaced relation with respect to the surface of a swimming pool and a second portion adjacent said first portion and between said first portion and said housing base rear end, said second portion being spaced substantially from the surface of a swimming pool relative to the spacing of said bottom profile between said first portion and said front end.

Claim 6

The pool cleaner of claim 4 wherein said plurality of wheels comprises first and second wheels at one side of said housing and a third wheel at an opposite side of said housing, said first, second, and third wheels being mounted for rotation about offset axes and the rotational centers of said wheels defining apexes of a triangle, said second portion of said bottom profile being disposed generally outside said triangle.

Claim 7

The pool cleaner of claim 1 wherein said suction mast has a pair of generally opposed openings formed therein adjacent said upper end, and further including means mounted on said collection bag at an open end thereof for removable attachment of said collection bag to said suction mast, said attachment means including a pair of opposed latch clips for depression toward one another and oriented to extend into said suction mast in alignment with said mast openings, said latch clips having outwardly projecting tabs for releasable locked reception into said mast to secure said bag onto said suction mast.

Claim 8

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing: a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially encased within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; and a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for inducing a water flow from a submerged surface of the pool into said bag for drawing debris from within the pool into said bag for collection; said vacuum system further including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path from a lower end positioned generally beneath said housing to an upper end disposed generally above said housing, said collection bag being for mounting generally at the upper end of said suction mast and said water flow inducing means being for drawing the water flow and debris through said suction mast into said collection bag; said housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive train, said suction mast being joined with said housing base and projecting upwardly therefrom, said housing further including a pair of mating and generally shell-shaped cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open housing portion sized to fit with close tolerance about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base to encase said drive train, and further including means for securing said housing base, said suction mast, and said cowlings with respect to each other; said water flow inducing means comprising a pressure manifold formed in said housing base in a position generally surrounding the lower end of said suction mast, a plurality of relatively small jet nozzles arranged generally about the periphery of said suction mast flow path and oriented to direct a plurality of individual water flows upwardly within said suction mast, and means for supplying water under pressure to said pressure manifold.

Claim 9

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing: a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially encased within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; and a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for inducing a water flow from a submerged surface of the pool into said bag for drawing debris from within the pool into said bag for collection; said vacuum system further including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path from a lower end positioned generally beneath said housing to an upper end disposed generally above said housing, said collection bag being for mounting generally at the upper end of said suction mast and said water flow inducing means being for drawing the water flow and debris through said suction mast into said collection bag; said housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive train, said suction mast being joined with said housing base and projecting upwardly therefrom, said housing further including a pair of mating and generally shell-shaped cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open housing portion sized to fit with close tolerance about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base to encase said drive train, and further including means for securing said housing base, said suction mast, and said cowlings with respect to each other; said water flow inducing means comprising a pressure manifold formed in said housing base in a position generally surrounding the lower end of said suction mast, a plurality of relatively small jet nozzles arranged generally about the periphery of said suction mast flow path and oriented to direct a plurality of individual water flows upwardly within said suction mast, and means for supplying water under pressure to said pressure manifold.

Claim 10

The pool cleaner of claim 7 wherein said pressure manifold is defined by said housing base and a platform mounted within said housing base.

Claim 11

The pool cleaner of claim 7 wherein said water supply means comprises a supply mast mounted on said housing with a downstream end in flow communication with said pressure manifold and an upstream end extending with relatively close tolerance to a position outside said housing, said supply mast being removably mounted within said housing.

Claim 12

The pool cleaner of claim 9 including a ballast float mounted on said supply mast at a relatively high elevational position with respect to said housing.

Claim 13

The pool cleaner of claim 9 further including a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening in a direction generally opposite the direction of cleaner movement, a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet, a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending in a direction for trailing said housing during cleaner movement, and means for coupling said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet to said pressure manifold for communication with the supply of water under pressure supplied to said pressure manifold.

Claim 14

The pool cleaner of claim 9 further including a back up valve assembly mounted within said housing generally between said water supply mast and said drive train, said back up valve assembly including a back up jet port opening generally downwardly to the exterior of said housing, and an hydraulic timer driven by said flow of water under pressure and including means for periodically diverting said flow of water under pressure from said pressure manifold through said back up port for a short time interval to create a reaction force driving said cleaner in a generally upward direction.

Claim 15

The pool cleaner of claim 12 wherein said back up valve assembly includes a primary flow tube coupled between said supply mast and said pressure manifold, means forming a bleed port for diverting a portion of the supply of water flowing through said supply mast in a direction generally perpendicular to the general direction of water flow through said primary flow tube into driving association with said hydraulic timer, and a back up valve plate driven by said hydraulic timer for directing the flow of water through said primary flow tube alternatively to said pressure manifold and said back up jet port.

Claim 16

The pool cleaner of claim 7 wherein said drive train includes a rotatable water turbine, means for coupling rotational motion of said water turbine to said wheels, and a second plurality of jet nozzles arranged for directing individual water flows from said pressure manifold into driving relation with said water turbine.

Claim 17

The pool cleaner of claim 14 wherein said plurality of wheels comprises a first wheel at one side of said housing and second and third wheels at an opposite side of said housing, said drive train further including a frame, and said coupling means comprising a drive shaft supported by said frame and having one end drivingly coupled to said first wheel and an opposite end drivingly coupled to a driving sprocket disposed within said housing, reduction gear means drivingly coupled between said water turbine and said drive shaft, a pair of driven sprockets within said housing each in driving association with a respective one of said second and third wheels, and belt means drivingly coupled between said driving sprocket and said pair of driven sprockets.

Claim 18

The pool cleaner of claim 15 wherein said drive shaft is supported on said frame by a pair of rotational bearings positioned respectively generally at opposite sides of said frame.

Claim 19

The pool cleaner of claim 15 wherein each of said driven sprockets is supported by an inner bearing for rotation about a nonrotational shaft within said housing, said inner bearing including a drive hub projecting with relatively close tolerance through an opening formed in said housing for driving reception into an enlarged wheel hub formed on the associated one of said second and third wheels, said nonrotational shaft also projecting through said housing opening and having an outboard end carried within an outer bearing rotationally mounting said associated one of said second and third wheels on said nonrotational shaft.

Claim 20

The pool cleaner of claim 15 wherein said water turbine is rotationally supported by said drive shaft.

Claim 21

The pool cleaner of claim 15 wherein said drive train and said first, second, and third wheels comprises a preassembled unit, said frame including means for mounting said unit within said housing base.

Claim 22

The pool cleaner of claim 14 wherein water under pressure directed through said turbine jet nozzles into driving relation with said water turbine is discharged into the interior of said housing, the flow rate of water into driving relation with said water turbine being sufficient relative to openings formed in said housing to at least slightly pressurize the housing interior during cleaner operation.

Claim 23

The pool cleaner of claim 20 including means for disabling said hydraulic timer.

Claim 24

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing: a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially encased within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for inducing a water flow from a submerged surface of the pool into said bag for drawing debris from within the pool into said bag for collection; said vacuum system further including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path from a lower end positioned generally beneath said housing to an upper end disposed generally above said housing, said collection bag being for mounting generally at the upper end of said suction mast and said water flow inducing means being for drawing the water flow and debris through said suction mast into said collection bag; and means for adjustably mounting said drive assembly within said housing for controllably selecting the distance between the lower end of said suction mast and the surface of a swimming pool.

Claim 25

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing: a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially encased within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for inducing a water flow from a submerged surface of the pool into said bag for drawing debris from within the pool into said bag for collection; said vacuum system further including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path from a lower end positioned generally beneath said housing to an upper end disposed generally above said housing, said collection bag being for mounting generally at the upper end of said suction mast and said water flow inducing means being for drawing the water flow and debris through said suction mast into said collection bag; and means for adjustably mounting said drive assembly within said housing for controllably selecting the distance between the lower end of said suction mast and the surface of a swimming pool.

Claim 26

The pool cleaner of claim 22 wherein said drive train includes a frame, said mounting means comprising a plurality of adjustable height support bosses within said housing for supporting said frame and means for connecting said frame to said support bosses.

Claim 27

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold comprising a pressure plenum within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine, said first and second nozzles having upstream ends opening substantially directly into said plenum; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure whereby water is supplied to the upstream ends of said first and second nozzles at substantially the same pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing.

Claim 28

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold comprising a pressure plenum within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine, said first and second nozzles having upstream ends opening substantially directly into said plenum; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure whereby water is supplied to the upstream ends of said first and second nozzles at substantially the same pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing.

Claim 29

The pool cleaner of claim 24 further including a collection bag mounted at the upper end of said suction mast.

Claim 30

The pool cleaner of claim 24 including a ballast float mounted on said supply mast at a relatively high elevational position with respect to said housing.

Claim 31

The pool cleaner of claim 24 wherein said second jet nozzle comprises a plurality of turbine jet nozzles for discharging water flows into driving relation with said water turbine at different locations about the periphery of said water turbine.

Claim 32

The pool cleaner of claim 24 wherein said housing base has a platform mounted therein and cooperating therewith to form said pressure manifold.

Claim 33

The pool cleaner of claim 24 including means for removably attaching said supply mast directly to said suction mast for support of said supply mast by said suction mast, and further including means for nonrigidly coupling the downstream end of said supply mast with said pressure manifold.

Claim 34

The pool cleaner of claim 24 wherein said supply mast includes an upper end outside said housing angled upwardly and rearwardly in a direction away from the direction of cleaner movement.

Claim 35

The pool cleaner of claim 24 wherein said securing means includes means for adjustably mounting said drive assembly within said housing for controllably selecting the distance between the lower end of said suction mast and the surface of a swimming pool.

Claim 36

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; and a collection bag mounted at the upper end of said suction mast; said suction mast having a pair of generally opposed openings formed therein adjacent said upper end, and further including means mounted on said collection bag at an open end thereof for removable attachment of said collection bag to said suction mast, said attachment means including a pair of opposed latch clips for depression toward one another and oriented to extend into said suction mast in alignment with said mast openings, said latch clips having outwardly projecting tabs for reception into said mast and releasable locked reception into said mast openings to secure said bag onto said suction mast.

Claim 37

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; and a collection bag mounted at the upper end of said suction mast; said suction mast having a pair of generally opposed openings formed therein adjacent said upper end, and further including means mounted on said collection bag at an open end thereof for removable attachment of said collection bag to said suction mast, said attachment means including a pair of opposed latch clips for depression toward one another and oriented to extend into said suction mast in alignment with said mast openings, said latch clips having outwardly projecting tabs for reception into said mast and releasable locked reception into said mast openings to secure said bag onto said suction mast.

Claim 38

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; said first jet nozzle comprising a plurality of relatively small jet nozzles arranged generally about the interior periphery of said suction mast and opening generally upwardly and slightly angled toward a central axis of said suction mast.

Claim 39

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; said first jet nozzle comprising a plurality of relatively small jet nozzles arranged generally about the interior periphery of said suction mast and opening generally upwardly and slightly angled toward a central axis of said suction mast.

Claim 40

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driven rotation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; said plurality of wheels comprising a first wheel at one side of said housing and second and third wheels at an opposite side of said housing, said drive shaft having one end drivingly coupled to said first wheel and an opposite end drivingly coupled to a driving sprocket disposed within said housing, said drive train further including reduction gear means drivingly coupled between said water turbine and said drive shaft, a pair of driven sprockets within said housing each in driving association with a respective one of said second and third wheels, and belt means drivingly coupled between said driving sprocket and said pair of driven sprockets.

Claim 41

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driven rotation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; said plurality of wheels comprising a first wheel at one side of said housing and second and third wheels at an opposite side of said housing, said drive shaft having one end drivingly coupled to said first wheel and an opposite end drivingly coupled to a driving sprocket disposed within said housing, said drive train further including reduction gear means drivingly coupled between said water turbine and said drive shaft, a pair of driven sprockets within said housing each in driving association with a respective one of said second and third wheels, and belt means drivingly coupled between said driving sprocket and said pair of driven sprockets.

Claim 42

The pool cleaner of claim 34 wherein each of said driven sprockets is supported by an inner bearing for rotation about a nonrotational shaft within said housing, said inner bearing including a drive hub forming said axle means projecting with relatively close tolerance through an opening formed in said housing for driving reception into an enlarged wheel hub formed on the associated one of said second and third wheels, said nonrotational shaft also projecting through said housing opening and having an outboard end carried within an outer bearing rotationally mounting said associated one of said second and third wheels on said nonrotational shaft.

Claim 43

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; said housing base including a front end and a rear end with a bottom profile extending therebetween and defined by a first portion adjacent and surrounding the lower end of said suction mast in relatively closely spaced relation with respect to the surface of a swimming pool and a second portion adjacent said first portion and between said first portion and said housing base rear end, said second portion being spaced substantially from the surface of a swimming pool relative to the spacing of said bottom profile between said first portion and said front end.

Claim 44

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; said housing base including a front end and a rear end with a bottom profile extending therebetween and defined by a first portion adjacent and surrounding the lower end of said suction mast in relatively closely spaced relation with respect to the surface of a swimming pool and a second portion adjacent said first portion and between said first portion and said housing base rear end, said second portion being spaced substantially from the surface of a swimming pool relative to the spacing of said bottom profile between said first portion and said front end.

Claim 45

The pool cleaner of claim 36 wherein said plurality of wheels comprises first and second wheels at one side of said housing and a third wheel at an opposite side of said housing; said first, second, and third wheels being mounted for rotation about offset axes and the rotational centers of said wheels defining apexes of a triangle, said second portion of said bottom profile being disposed generally outside said triangle.

Claim 46

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; and a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening in a direction generally opposite the direction of cleaner movement, a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet, a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending in a direction for trailing said housing during cleaner movement, and means for coupling said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet to said pressure manifold for communication with the supply of water under pressure supplied to said pressure manifold, said thrust jet providing a forwardly directed reaction force above the rotational axes of said wheels to assist in maintaining traction engagement between said wheels and submerged pool surfaces.

Claim 47

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driving relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; and a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening in a direction generally opposite the direction of cleaner movement, a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet, a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending in a direction for trailing said housing during cleaner movement, and means for coupling said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet to said pressure manifold for communication with the supply of water under pressure supplied to said pressure manifold, said thrust jet providing a forwardly directed reaction force above the rotational axes of said wheels to assist in maintaining traction engagement between said wheels and submerged pool surfaces.

Claim 48

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driven rotation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; and a back up valve assembly mounted within said housing generally between said water supply mast and said drive train, said back up valve assembly including a back up jet port opening generally downwardly to the exterior of said housing, and an hydraulic timer driven by said flow of water under pressure and including means for periodically diverting said flow of water under pressure from said pressure manifold through said back up port for a short time interval to create a reaction force driving said cleaner in a generally upward direction.

Claim 49

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driven rotation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a second jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a water flow into driving relation with said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing; and a back up valve assembly mounted within said housing generally between said water supply mast and said drive train, said back up valve assembly including a back up jet port opening generally downwardly to the exterior of said housing, and an hydraulic timer driven by said flow of water under pressure and including means for periodically diverting said flow of water under pressure from said pressure manifold through said back up port for a short time interval to create a reaction force driving said cleaner in a generally upward direction.

Claim 50

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag, a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from a lower end opening generally beneath said housing into said collection bag, and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening generally in a rearward direction relative to the forward direction of cleaner movement; a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet; a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending generally in a rearward direction from said housing; and means for supplying pressurized water for flow through said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet, said thrust jet providing a forwardly directed reaction force above the rotational axes of said wheels to assist in maintaining traction engagement between said wheels and submerged pool surfaces.

Claim 51

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag, a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from a lower end opening generally beneath said housing into said collection bag, and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening generally in a rearward direction relative to the forward direction of cleaner movement; a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet; a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending generally in a rearward direction from said housing; and means for supplying pressurized water for flow through said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet, said thrust jet providing a forwardly directed reaction force above the rotational axes of said wheels to assist in maintaining traction engagement between said wheels and submerged pool surfaces.

Claim 52

The pool cleaner of claim 40 wherein said housing comprises a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive train, said suction mast being joined with said housing base and projecting upwardly therefrom, said housing further including a pair of mating and generally shell-shaped cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open housing portion sized to fit with close tolerance about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base to encase said drive train, and further including means for securing said housing base, said suction mast, and said cowlings with respect to each other.

Claim 53

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag, a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from a lower end opening generally beneath said housing into said collection bag, and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening generally in a rearward direction relative to the forward direction of cleaner movement; a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet; a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending generally in a rearward direction from said housing; and means for supplying pressurized water for flow through said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet; said housing comprising a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive train, said suction mast being joined with said housing base and projecting upwardly therefrom, said housing further including a pair of mating and generally shell-shaped cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open housing portion sized to fit with close tolerance about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base to encase said drive train, and further including means for securing said housing base, said suction mast, and said cowlings with respect to each other; and said housing base further including a platform mounted within said housing base and cooperating therewith to define a pressure manifold, and means for coupling a supply of water under pressure to said manifold, said water drawing means comprising at least one jet nozzle opening from said manifold generally in an upward direction within said suction mast, a portion of said platform cooperating with said housing base to form said supply means for said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet.

Claim 54

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag, a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from a lower end opening generally beneath said housing into said collection bag, and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening generally in a rearward direction relative to the forward direction of cleaner movement; a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet; a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending generally in a rearward direction from said housing; and means for supplying pressurized water for flow through said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet; said housing comprising a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive train, said suction mast being joined with said housing base and projecting upwardly therefrom, said housing further including a pair of mating and generally shell-shaped cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open housing portion sized to fit with close tolerance about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base to encase said drive train, and further including means for securing said housing base, said suction mast, and said cowlings with respect to each other; and said housing base further including a platform mounted within said housing base and cooperating therewith to define a pressure manifold, and means for coupling a supply of water under pressure to said manifold, said water drawing means comprising at least one jet nozzle opening from said manifold generally in an upward direction within said suction mast, a portion of said platform cooperating with said housing base to form said supply means for said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet.

Claim 55

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; an hydraulic drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner, and an hydraulically powered drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a water supply mast mounted within said housing for guiding a driving water flow from outside said housing into driving relation with said drive train; means for supplying a flow of water under pressure to said water supply mast; and a back up valve assembly mounted within said housing generally between said water supply mast and said drive train, said back up valve assembly including a back up jet port opening generally downwardly to the exterior of said housing, and an hydraulic timer driven by said flow of water under pressure and including means for periodically diverting said flow of water under pressure from said drive train for flow substantially through said back up port for a short time interval to create a reaction force driving the cleaner in a generally upward direction.

Claim 56

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; an hydraulic drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner, and an hydraulically powered drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a water supply mast mounted within said housing for guiding a driving water flow from outside said housing into driving relation with said drive train; means for supplying a flow of water under pressure to said water supply mast; and a back up valve assembly mounted within said housing generally between said water supply mast and said drive train, said back up valve assembly including a back up jet port opening generally downwardly to the exterior of said housing, and an hydraulic timer driven by said flow of water under pressure and including means for periodically diverting said flow of water under pressure from said drive train for flow substantially through said back up port for a short time interval to create a reaction force driving the cleaner in a generally upward direction.

Claim 57

The pool cleaner of claim 43 wherein said hydraulic timer comprises a water wheel rotatably driven by the flow of water through said supply mast, a back up valve plate for alternatively directing said flow to said drive train and to said back up jet port, and a reduction gear train coupled between said water wheel and said valve plate.

Claim 58

The pool cleaner of claim 44 wherein said back up valve assembly includes a primary flow tube coupled between said supply mast and said drive train, means forming a bleed port for diverting a portion of the supply of water flowing through said supply mast in a direction generally perpendicular to the general direction of water flow through said primary flow tube into driving association with said water wheel, said back up valve plate being driven by said reduction gear train.

Claim 59

The pool cleaner of claim 44 wherein said valve plate comprises a rotatably mounted Geneva wheel having a plurality of radially outwardly open slots formed therein and at least one radially outwardly projecting valve segment, and said reduction gear train includes a rotatably mounted drive plate having a plurality of drive pins projecting axially therefrom at positions spaced from the rotational axis of said drive plate for reception into said Geneva wheel slots for rotatably driving said Geneva wheel.

Claim 60

The pool cleaner of claim 43 including means for disabling said hydraulic timer.

Claim 61

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; an hydraulic drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner, and an hydraulically powered drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a water supply mast mounted within said housing for guiding a driving water flow from outside said housing into driving relation with said drive train; means for supplying a flow of water under pressure to said water supply mast; and a back up valve assembly mounted on said housing and including a back up port having a generally downward component of direction opening to the exterior of said housing, and an hydraulic timer responsive to said flow of water under pressure and including valve means for periodically diverting said flow for a short time interval from said drive train substantially to said back up port to create a reaction force driving the cleaner with a generally upward component of direction.

Claim 62

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; an hydraulic drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner, and an hydraulically powered drive train substantially within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; a water supply mast mounted within said housing for guiding a driving water flow from outside said housing into driving relation with said drive train; means for supplying a flow of water under pressure to said water supply mast; and a back up valve assembly mounted on said housing and including a back up port having a generally downward component of direction opening to the exterior of said housing, and an hydraulic timer responsive to said flow of water under pressure and including valve means for periodically diverting said flow for a short time interval from said drive train substantially to said back up port to create a reaction force driving the cleaner with a generally upward component of direction.

Claim 63

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; an hydraulic drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and turbine means within said housing for hydraulically driving at least one of said wheels; an hydraulic vacuum system including a collection bag, a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path between said bag and a pool surface adjacent said housing, and means for directing a flow of water through said suction mast for inducing a flow of pool water and debris within the pool into said bag; means forming a pressure manifold comprising a pressure plenum within said housing in a position generally surrounding said suction mast and including a first nozzle in flow communication with said hydraulic drive assembly to drive said turbine means and a second nozzle in flow communication with said suction mast, said first and second nozzles having upstream ends opening substantially directly into said plenum; and means for coupling a supply of water under pressure to said pressure manifold whereby water is supplied to the upstream ends of said first and second nozzles at substantially the same pressure.

Claim 64

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; an hydraulic drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and turbine means within said housing for hydraulically driving at least one of said wheels; an hydraulic vacuum system including a collection bag, a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path between said bag and a pool surface adjacent said housing, and means for directing a flow of water through said suction mast for inducing a flow of pool water and debris within the pool into said bag; means forming a pressure manifold comprising a pressure plenum within said housing in a position generally surrounding said suction mast and including a first nozzle in flow communication with said hydraulic drive assembly to drive said turbine means and a second nozzle in flow communication with said suction mast, said first and second nozzles having upstream ends opening substantially directly into said plenum; and means for coupling a supply of water under pressure to said pressure manifold whereby water is supplied to the upstream ends of said first and second nozzles at substantially the same pressure.

Claim 65

The pool cleaner of claim 49 further including a thrust jet mounted on said housing at a position generally above the rotational axes of said wheels and opening in a direction generally opposite the direction of cleaner movement, a sweep hose jet mounted on said housing at a position below said thrust jet, a flexible sweep hose coupled to said sweep hose jet and extending in a direction for trailing said housing during cleaner movement, and means for coupling said thrust jet and said sweep hose jet to said pressure manifold for communication with the supply of water under pressure supplied to said pressure manifold.

Claim 66

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing a flow of pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag for collection; and a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially encased within said housing for rotatably driving a driven member supported by an inner bearing within said housing for rotation about a nonrotational shaft, said driven member including a drive hub projecting through an opening in said housing; at least one of said wheels being rotatably supported with respect to said housing by an outer bearing mounted on said at least one wheel outside said housing for rotation about said nonrotational shaft, said at least one wheel including a driven hub in driven engagement with said drive hub.

Claim 67

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing a flow of pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag for collection; and a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels positioned outside said housing for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train substantially encased within said housing for rotatably driving a driven member supported by an inner bearing within said housing for rotation about a nonrotational shaft, said driven member including a drive hub projecting through an opening in said housing; at least one of said wheels being rotatably supported with respect to said housing by an outer bearing mounted on said at least one wheel outside said housing for rotation about said nonrotational shaft, said at least one wheel including a driven hub in driven engagement with said drive hub.

Claim 68

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving said housing and means within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement, said plurality of wheels including first and second wheels at one side of said housing and a third wheel at an opposite side of said housing with the rotational centers of said wheels defining apexes of a triangle; an hydraulic vacuum system including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from generally centrally beneath said housing to a position generally above said housing, a collection bag for removable mounting onto said suction mast at a position generally above said housing, and means for inducing a flow of water from the pool and debris from within the pool through said suction mast into said bag; said housing being formed with a bottom profile defined by a generally transversely extending and generally upwardly directed shoulder at a position generally to the rear of said suction mast and said triangle and in relatively closely spaced relation to said suction mast, said bottom profile being defined further by a rear housing portion extending generally rearwardly from the upper extent of said shoulder with a substantially increased spacing from the adjacent underlying pool surface relative to the spacing between said suction mast beneath said housing and the adjacent pool surface.

Claim 69

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving said housing and means within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels in a direction for forward cleaner movement, said plurality of wheels including first and second wheels at one side of said housing and a third wheel at an opposite side of said housing with the rotational centers of said wheels defining apexes of a triangle; an hydraulic vacuum system including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from generally centrally beneath said housing to a position generally above said housing, a collection bag for removable mounting onto said suction mast at a position generally above said housing, and means for inducing a flow of water from the pool and debris from within the pool through said suction mast into said bag; said housing being formed with a bottom profile defined by a generally transversely extending and generally upwardly directed shoulder at a position generally to the rear of said suction mast and said triangle and in relatively closely spaced relation to said suction mast, said bottom profile being defined further by a rear housing portion extending generally rearwardly from the upper extent of said shoulder with a substantially increased spacing from the adjacent underlying pool surface relative to the spacing between said suction mast beneath said housing and the adjacent pool surface.

Claim 70

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, said pool cleaner being for connection to a flexible supply hose, said pool cleaner comprising: a cleaner housing formed from a plurality of generally shell-shaped housing portions adapted for assembly to define a substantially enclosed housing interior, a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and means within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; at least one of said drive means and said drawing means being operated in response to a supply of water under pressure coupled thereto; and a supply mast removably mounted on said housing and extending from a position outside said housing into the housing interior, said supply mast having an upper end for connection to the flexible supply hose and defining an open flow path for coupling the supply of water under pressure to said at least one of said drive means and said drawing means, said supply mast including an upper end portion outside said housing angled upwardly and rearwardly in a direction away from the direction of cleaner movement to substantially minimize dragging effects of the supply hose during operation of the cleaner in relatively shallow water.

Claim 71

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, said pool cleaner being for connection to a flexible supply hose, said pool cleaner comprising: a cleaner housing formed from a plurality of generally shell-shaped housing portions adapted for assembly to define a substantially enclosed housing interior, a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and means within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a vacuum system including a collection bag and means for drawing pool water and debris from within the pool into said bag; at least one of said drive means and said drawing means being operated in response to a supply of water under pressure coupled thereto; and a supply mast removably mounted on said housing and extending from a position outside said housing into the housing interior, said supply mast having an upper end for connection to the flexible supply hose and defining an open flow path for coupling the supply of water under pressure to said at least one of said drive means and said drawing means, said supply mast including an upper end portion outside said housing angled upwardly and rearwardly in a direction away from the direction of cleaner movement to substantially minimize dragging effects of the supply hose during operation of the cleaner in relatively shallow water.

Claim 72

The pool cleaner of claim 53 wherein said supply mast upper end is angled rearwardly at an angle of about 15 degrees.

Claim 73

The pool cleaner of claim 53 wherein said vacuum system includes a suction mast on said housing and defining an open flow path for passage of pool water and debris into said bag, means for removably and directly attaching said supply mast onto said suction mast, and means for nonrigidly coupling a downwstream end of said supply mast relative to said at least one of said drive means and said drawing means.

Claim 74

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a drive assembly including, as a preassembled unit, a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a cleaner housing formed from a generally upwardly open and generally shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive assembly as a unit with said wheels disposed outside said housing base, a central suction mast on said housing base defining an open flow path from beneath said housing base to above said housing, and a pair of upper mating cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open shell-shaped housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and over said housing base in conformance therewith to enclose said drive train within said housing, said drive assembly being removable from said housing as a unit; means for connecting said housing base and said cowlings with respect to each other; and means for drawing a flow of pool water and debris from within the pool generally upwardly through said suction mast.

Claim 75

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a drive assembly including, as a preassembled unit, a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and a drive train for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a cleaner housing formed from a generally upwardly open and generally shell-shaped housing base including means for seated reception of said drive assembly as a unit with said wheels disposed outside said housing base, a central suction mast on said housing base defining an open flow path from beneath said housing base to above said housing, and a pair of upper mating cowlings together defining a generally downwardly open shell-shaped housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and over said housing base in conformance therewith to enclose said drive train within said housing, said drive assembly being removable from said housing as a unit; means for connecting said housing base and said cowlings with respect to each other; and means for drawing a flow of pool water and debris from within the pool generally upwardly through said suction mast.

Claim 76

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and means within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a vacuum system including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from an inlet end adjacent a surface of the pool and an outlet end disposed outside said housing, and means for drawing a flow of pool water and debris from within the pool through said suction mast toward said outlet end, said suction mast having formed therein a pair of generally opposed openings near said outlet end; a debris collection bag having an open end; and means mounted on said collection bag at said open end for removable attachment of said collection bag to said suction mast, said attachment means including a pair of opposed latch clips for depression toward one another and oriented to extend into said suction mast in alignment with said mast openings, said latch clips having outwardly projecting tabs for releasable locked reception into said mast openings to secure said bag onto said suction mast.

Claim 77

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool to collect and dislodge debris, comprising: a cleaner housing; a drive assembly including a plurality of wheels for supporting and driving the cleaner and means within said housing for rotatably driving at least one of said wheels; a vacuum system including a suction mast mounted on said housing and defining an open flow path extending from an inlet end adjacent a surface of the pool and an outlet end disposed outside said housing, and means for drawing a flow of pool water and debris from within the pool through said suction mast toward said outlet end, said suction mast having formed therein a pair of generally opposed openings near said outlet end; a debris collection bag having an open end; and means mounted on said collection bag at said open end for removable attachment of said collection bag to said suction mast, said attachment means including a pair of opposed latch clips for depression toward one another and oriented to extend into said suction mast in alignment with said mast openings, said latch clips having outwardly projecting tabs for releasable locked reception into said mast openings to secure said bag onto said suction mast.

Claim 78

The pool cleaner of claim 57 wherein said bag mounting means includes a mounting ring carrying said latch clips.

Claim 79

The pool cleaner of claim 57 further including a locking collar receivable about said mounting ring with said bag open end trapped therebetween.

Claim 80

The pool cleaner of claim 59 wherein said mounting ring and said suction mast include cooperating generally flush-bearing peripheral surfaces when said mounting ring is mounted on said mast.

Claim 81

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driven relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a plurality of second jet nozzles in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a respective plurality of water flows into driving relation with said water turbin at different positions spaced about the periphery of said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing.

Claim 82

A pool cleaner for travel along submerged surfaces of a swimming pool, comprising: a drive train including a frame, a drive shaft rotatably supported on said frame, and a water turbine rotatably supported on said frame and drivingly coupled to said drive shaft; a plurality of cleaner wheels; axle means coupled between said drive shaft and said wheels for supporting said wheels in driven relation with respect to said drive shaft; a cleaner housing including a generally upwardly open and shell-shaped housing base having an open and generally vertically oriented suction mast joined thereto, and a pair of generally shell-shaped cowlings adapted to fit matingly to define a generally downwardly open housing portion shaped to fit about said suction mast and in conformance with said housing base; means for defining a pressure manifold within said housing and including a first jet nozzle in communication with said manifold and opening upwardly within said suction mast and a plurality of second jet nozzles in communication with said manifold and opening in a direction for discharging a respective plurality of water flows into driving relation with said water turbin at different positions spaced about the periphery of said water turbine; an open supply mast having a downstream end coupled with said pressure manifold and an upstream end outside said housing for coupling said manifold to a supply of water under pressure; and means for securing said drive train in a position encased within said housing with said axle means projecting through relatively small openings defined by said housing and said wheels disposed outside said housing.