US6099091A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Traction enhanced wheel apparatus
Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa Inc
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Filing: 1998-01-20
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Granted: 2000-08-08
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Expires: 2018-01-20
Abstract
Abstract A drive wheel, having a cylindrical surface positioned at a radius from the center of the drive wheel, and a plurality of suction cup members disposed in a spaced apart relationship on the cylindrical surface, useful in a pressurized pool cleaning apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Sanford F. Campbell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 03:35
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60C; B60C11/00; B60C11/03; B60C11/032; B60B; B60B15/00; B60B15/18; E; E04; E04H; E04H4/00; E04H4/14; E04H4/16; E04H4/1654
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus, comprising: a drive wheel, having a first cylindrical surface positioned at a radius from the center of the drive wheel; and a plurality of suction members disposed in a spaced apart relationship on the cylindrical surface; wherein the drive wheel includes a tire including said first cylindrical surface, the tire including a plurality of through bores in which said suction members are disposed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus, comprising: a drive wheel, having a first cylindrical surface positioned at a radius from the center of the drive wheel; and a plurality of suction members disposed in a spaced apart relationship on the cylindrical surface; wherein the drive wheel includes a tire including said first cylindrical surface, the tire including a plurality of through bores in which said suction members are disposed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tire is made of rubber, PVC, or the like.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the spaced-apart relationship between ones of the plurality of suction members is such that at least one suction member is in contact with a surface with which the drive wheel is in contact at any point in time.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tire is mounted about a support wheel having an outer surface, and the tire includes an inner surface, and a first and second ledges bordering the inner surface, the tire being secured about the support wheel such that an outer surface of the support wheel engages the inner surface of the tire.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of suction members is disposed in a single row about the cylindrical surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of suction members is disposed in at least two rows on the cylindrical surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein alternating ones of said members in said at least two rows contact a surface upon which the drive wheel is in contact when said drive wheel is rotated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each member is spaced apart from adjacent members by an angular distance relative to the rotational center of the drive wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said angle is in a range of 18°-36°.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the ratio between the radius, the distance from a point of rotation of the drive wheel to a pool surface, and the width of the suction member, is in a range of 5:1 to 6:1.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus comprising: a drive wheel including a first cylindrical surface positioned at a radius from the center of the drive wheel; a tire assembly mounted to the drive wheel, the tire assembly including a tire member having a plurality of bores positioned about the tire member; and a plurality of suction members positioned on the cylindrical surface and disposed in the bores in the tire member.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
67 words
An apparatus comprising: a drive wheel including a first cylindrical surface positioned at a radius from the center of the drive wheel; a tire assembly mounted to the drive wheel, the tire assembly including a tire member having a plurality of bores positioned about the tire member; and a plurality of suction members positioned on the cylindrical surface and disposed in the bores in the tire member.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the tire is made of rubber, PVC, or the like.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the tire is mounted about a support wheel having an outer surface, and the tire includes an inner surface, and a first and second ledges bordering the inner surface, the tire being secured about the support wheel such that an outer surface of the support wheel engages the inner surface of the tire.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the plurality of suction members is disposed in at least one row about the cylindrical surface.
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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) | 2003-08-08 | 2004-02-07 | 2004-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-08-08 | 2008-02-07 | 2008-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-08-08 | 2012-02-07 | 2012-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |