CLEANING DEVICES WITH WATERLINE AND SURFACE CLEANING ABILITIES AND METHODS FOR SAME

Abstract

An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) for swimming pools and spas may skim a waterline of a swimming pool or spa while the APC is on a surface of the swimming pool or spa. The APC may include two inlets—a first inlet may receive or collect water during a surface-cleaning operation of the APC, and a second inlet may receive or collect water during a skimming operation of the APC. Optionally, at least one of the two inlets is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/251,121, filed on Oct. 1, 2021, and entitled CLEANING DEVICES WITH WATERLINE AND SURFACE CLEANING ABILITIES AND METHODS FOR SAME, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to systems and methods of cleaning water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to pool cleaning apparatuses effective at cleaning portions of walls, including at or adjacent the waterline.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pool cleaning apparatuses such as automatic swimming pool cleaners (APCs) are known. These cleaners often are categorized as either “hydraulic” or “robotic” (or “electric”), depending on the source of their motive power. Hydraulic cleaners, for example, typically use pressurized (or depressurized) water to affect their movement within pools, whereas robotic cleaners typically utilize an electric motor to cause their movement. Moreover, hydraulic cleaners frequently are subcategorized as either “pressure-side” or “suction-side” devices, with pressure-side cleaners receiving pressurized water output from an associated water-circulation pump and suction-side cleaners, by contrast, being connected to an inlet of the pump.

One of numerous types of robotic APCs is described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 10,400,467 to Pichon, et al whose entire contents are incorporated herein by this reference. Responsive to electronic processors and controllers, for example, electric motors of robotic cleaners may drive wheels, tracks, or any other suitable mechanisms. If tracks are employed, one track normally is used on each of the left and right sides of a robotic APC. If wheels are utilized, conventionally two (front and rear) are utilized on each of the left and right sides of the robotic APC. with either the two front or the two rear wheels (or all four wheels) being driven. Shafts, gears, and other standard components may connect the wheels or tracks to the drive motor(s). An electric motor also may be included as part of an onboard pumping mechanism.

Traditional APCs clean a pool. wall specifically or clean only the waterline, but traditional APCs do not clean both, and even more particularly do not clean both a wall and a waterline at the same time.

SUMMARY

Described herein are APCs for swimming pools and spas that may clean (e.g., skim) a waterline of the pool while the APC is on a surface (e.g., a wall) of the pool. Optionally, the APC may clean both a wall of a pool and a waterline of the pool at the same time and/or contemporaneously, although the APC need not perform simultaneous cleaning in other embodiments.

According to certain embodiments, APCs described herein may include a filter, a first inlet for collecting water during a surface-cleaning operation of the APC, and a second inlet for collecting water during a skimming operation of the APC. Optionally, the first inlet and/or the second inlet may be adjustable between an open configuration, in which water may flow through the inlet, and a closed configuration, in which water flow into the inlet is obstructed or otherwise impeded. Optionally, the first inlet and/or the second inlet may be adjustable based on a location of the APC relative to the waterline of the pool. In some embodiments, the first inlet may be on a body of the APC. The second inlet may be provided on the APC at a location different from the first inlet. The second inlet may be provided on the body of the APC and/or a filter of the APC.

According to various embodiments, APCs described herein may include a filter positionable within the body and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position while the APC is within the pool. The filter may include a filter opening, and when the filter is in the deployed configuration, the filter opening may define an inlet into the APC. In certain embodiments, the filter is movable based on a pressure within the APC Additionally, or alternatively, the APC includes a filter displacement mechanism facilitating movement of the filter. The filter displacement mechanism may bias the filter towards the stowed configuration or the deployed configuration. In various embodiments, the filter is movable based on the location of the APC relative to the waterline of the pool.

According to some embodiments, an APC includes a filter, a first inlet for receiving water from a swimming pool and directing the water to the filter, and a second inlet for receiving water from a swimming pool and directing the water to the filter. At least one of the first inlet or the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a dosed configuration.

According to various embodiments, an APC includes means for causing the APC to clean a waterline of a pool while the APC is within the pool and on a surface (e.g., wall, step, etc.) of the pool.

Various implementations described herein may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 illustrates an APC for a swimming pool or spa according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates the APC of FIG. 1 in a swimming pool and at a waterline of the swimming pool according to embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are APCs that may effectively clean both walls or other surfaces of a pool and the waterline of the pool (e.g., by skimming at the waterline). In certain embodiments, the APCs described herein may clean a waterline of the pool while the APC is on a surface of the pool (e.g., a wall of the pool, a step of the pool, a floor of the pool, etc.). Optionally, the APC may clean the surface (e.g., pool wall) and skim the waterline at the same time; although they need not in other embodiments. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the devices and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an APC 10 according to embodiments. The APC 10 generally includes a body 12, one or more first inlets 14, one or more second inlets 33, and one or more outlets 15. As discussed in detail below, the first inlet(s) 14 and the second inlet(s) 33 provide separate openings for collecting water of the pool or spa during a cleaning operation. In certain embodiments, the first inlet(s) 14 may collect water during a surface-cleaning operation of the APC 10 (e.g., cleaning a wall of a pool, a step of the pool, a floor of the pool, etc.), and the second inlet(s) 33 may collect water during a waterline-cleaning or skimming operation of the APC 10. In various embodiments, and as discussed in detail below, the APC 10 may collect water via the second inlet(s) 33 (i.e. perform a skimming operation) while the APC 10 is on the surface of the pool. As used herein, the APE 10 “on the surface” of the pool refers to the APC 10 being on/supporting itself on a structure of the pool such as but not limited to a wall, a floor, a step, etc., and not a surface of water of the pool.

In various embodiments, at least one of the first inlet 14 or the second inlet 33 is adjustable between an open configuration, in which water may flow through the inlet, and a closed configuration, in which water flow into the inlet is obstructed or otherwise impeded. In one non-limiting example, the second inlet 33 is in the open configuration when the APC 10 is at the waterline of the pool and/or during a skimming operation, and in the closed configuration When the APC 10 is submerged below the waterline. in certain embodiments, the second inlet 33 may be in the open configuration or the closed configuration based on an internal pressure of the APC 10. The first inlet 14 may be in the open configuration during at least a surface-cleaning operation. Optionally, the first inlet 14 is in the open configuration during the skimming operation, although it need not be. in certain embodiments, the first inlet 14 is adjustable between the open configuration and the closed configuration based on a position of the APC 10 relative to the waterline, a pressure within the APC 10, and/or as otherwise desired. It is noted While the aforementioned description refers to both the first inlet 14 and the second inlet 33 being adjustable, both need not be adjustable in other embodiments. As examples, APCs may include only an adjustable first inlet 14, only an adjustable second inlet 33, or both the adjustable first inlet 14 and the adjustable second inlet 31

The body 12 nominally may include a front end 36 and a rear end 37 opposite from the front end 36. The APC 10 may include various components on and/or within the body 12 as desired, such as but not limited to a motor block, a pump 18, a filter 20, one or more cleaning elements 22, an on-board power source (e.g., rechargeable batteries), a controller, sub-combinations thereof, and/or other features as desired. The APC 10 illustrated includes motive elements 28, which may be various suitable devices or structures suitable for enabling movement of the APC 10 along a surface of the pool, including but not limited to wheels, rollers. feet, tracks, combinations thereof, and/or other suitable motive elements 28 as desired. In the embodiment illustrated, the motive elements 28 are tracks 30. in FIGS. 3 and 4 the motive elements 28 are wheels 124.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the one or more cleaning elements 22 include a brush assembly 25 with one or more brushes 26 for cleaning a surface (e.g., wall of a pool, floor of a pool, step of a pool, etc.). In other embodiments, the one or more cleaning elements 22 may be other suitable devices and/or mechanisms suitable for cleaning a surface and/or directing debris into the APC 10 and/or towards the filter 20 of the APC 10 (e.g., through the first inlet(s) 14) or the second inlet(s) 33. In some cases, cleaning a wall or other surface of the swimming pool involves cleaning the wall or other surface to loosen debris that has accumulated along the wall or other surface using the one or more cleaning elements 22. With the APCs disclosed herein, this cleaning of the pool wall optionally can occur while the APC 10 is also skimming, although it need not in other embodiments.

The filter 20 may receive debris-laden water and filter the debris-laden water to separate the debris from the water. In various embodiments, the filter 20 may filter water received via the first inlet 14 and via the second inlet 33. Water may be received via the first inlet 14 during a surface-cleaning operation, and water may be received via the second inlet 33 during a waterline or skimming operation. Water received via the first inlet 14 may be a first path of water to the filter 20, and water received via the second inlet 33 may be a second path of water to the filter. In various embodiments, the first inlet 14 may be provided on a lower side of the APC 10 (e.g., the portion of the APC 10 proximate to the wall or other surface when cleaning); however, the specific location of the first inlet 14 should not be considered limiting other than it is at a location different from the second inlet 33. In some examples, an orientation of the first inlet 14 relative to the second inlet 33 may he determined based on the APC 10 being able to collect debris from the waterline and/or while on the floor or wall of the pool (or otherwise submerged). As non-limiting examples, an angle between the first inlet 14 and the second inlet 33 may be generally orthogonal, although it need not be in other embodiments. In some examples, the relative orientation between the first inlet 14 and the second inlet 33 may be variable and/or may be based on a position of the APC 10 (e.g., the orientation of inlet 14 and/or the second inlet 33 may be adjustable).

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the first inlet 14 may be on the body 12 of the APC 10. The second inlet 33 is at a location on the APC 10 different from the first inlet 14. As non-limiting examples, the second inlet 33 may be on the body 12, on the filter 20, and/or on various other sub-components of the APC 10 as desired. The specific location of the second inlet 33 should not be considered limiting. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, and as discussed in detail below, the second inlet 33 is defined by the filter 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4, and as discussed in detail below, the second inlet 33 is on the body 12.

Referring to FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the second inlet 33 is a filter opening 32 of the filter 20, and the filter opening 32 may selectively provide the second path for water to flow into the filter 20. In certain embodiments, the fitter 20 is positioned within the body 12 such that the filter opening 32 is at or proximate to an end of the APC 10 (e.g., near the front end 36 of the APC 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1). In certain embodiments, the filter 20 is positioned so the filter opening 32 is positioned at or proximate a waterline of a pool as the APC 10 reaches the waterline while climbing the wall.

The first inlet 14 and the filter opening 32 as the second inlet 33 together provide two different flow paths of water into the filter 20. The filter opening 32 is at a location different from the first inlet 32 and may be provided at various relative orientations as desired. As non-limiting examples, the first inlet 14 may be oriented relative to a side of the filter 20 and positioned to receive debris from the floor, wall or other surface of the pool when the APC 10 is positioned on the floor, wall or other surface, and the filter opening 32 as the second inlet 33 may be positioned on the front end 36 of the APC 10 for removing debris from a waterline of the pool. while the APC 10 is skimming and positioned on the wall or other surface. In this manner, the water flow to the filter 20 may be from two different directions relative to the body 12, depending on the cleaning mode.

In certain embodiments, the filter 20 may be movable relative to the body 12 between a.

stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. FIG. 1 illustrates the filter 20 in the deployed configuration. In various embodiments, in the stowed configuration, the filter 20 may be substantially positioned within the body 12 and/or the filter opening 32 (and thus the second inlet 33) is obstructed. Optionally, in the stowed configuration, the filter opening 32 and/or an edge at the end of the filter 20 proximate to the filter opening 32 is contained within the body 12, thereby closing the filter opening 32 (and thus the second inlet 33). In certain embodiments, in the deployed configuration, at least a portion of the filter 20 may be outside of the body 12 and/or the filter opening 32 is open to receive debris-laden water. In such embodiments, in the deployed configuration, the filter 20 may extend at least partially outwards from the body 12, which may allow for the filter opening 32 to be unobstructed such that water may flow through the filter opening 32. Optionally, in the deployed configuration, at least the portion of the filter 20 containing the filter opening 32 and/or the edge at the end of the filter 20 proximate to the filter opening 32 is outside of the body 12, thereby opening the filter opening 32.

In some examples, the APC 10 is configured so the second inlet 33 (e.g., the filter opening 32) is closed and/or the filter 20 is in the stowed configuration when the APC 10 is running along a surface of the pool (e.g., the floor of the pool and/or along a wall of the pool) below the waterline of the pool. Conversely, the second inlet 33 (e.g., the filter opening 32) may be open and/or the filter 20 may be in the deployed configuration when the APC 10 is skimming along and/or at the waterline of the pool. Closing the second inlet 33 and/or positioning the filter 20 in the stowed configuration when the APC 10 is not at the waterline optionally may maximize suction power on the floor or other surface for collecting debris through the first inlet 14. When the APC 10 is positioned at the waterline and the second inlet 33 is open, the APC 10 may skim along the waterline and direct debris from the waterline into the filter 20 through the filter opening 32.

As mentioned, when the second inlet 33 is open, the first inlet 14 may remain open or be closed and/or obstructed as desired. in some embodiments, the first inlet 14 optionally may be closed when the second inlet 33 is open, which may enhance the pressure of water flow through the second inlet 33 and into the filter 20. In the embodiment illustrated, a non-mesh portion/solid portion 50 of the filter 20 selectively may obstruct and/or otherwise close the first inlet 14. In other embodiments, the first inlet 14 may be selectively closed using other devices or mechanisms, such as but not limited to a valve or flap. As mentioned, in other embodiments, the first inlet 14 need not be closed or include means for closing the first inlet 14.

As illustrated by the above examples, the APC 10 thus may clean the pool by drawing in water through the first inlet 14, through the second inlet 33, and/or through both the first inlet 14 and the second inlet 33 as desired.

In certain embodiments, the APC 10 includes a filter displacement mechanism 34 for facilitating movement of the filter 20 between the stowed configuration and the deployed configuration. Optionally, the filter displacement mechanism 34 may bias the filter 20 towards a particular configuration. As non-limiting examples, in some embodiments, the filter displacement mechanism 34 may bias the filter 20 to be in the stowed configuration, while in other embodiments, the filter displacement mechanism 34 may bias the filter 20 to be in the deployed configuration. The filter displacement mechanism 34 may be provided at various locations on and/or within the APC 10 as desired. As one non-limiting example, the filter displacement mechanism 34 may be adjacent an end of the filter 20 opposite from the filter opening 32 to selectively displace the filter 20 relative to the body 12 (e.g., to create a pop-up or displaceable filter 20).

The filter displacement mechanism 34 may facilitate movement of the filter 20 by applying a displacement force on the filter 20. The filter displacement mechanism 34 may be various suitable devices and/or mechanisms suitable for applying the displacement force on the filter 20. As non-limiting examples, the filter displacement mechanism 34 may be opposing magnets, a spring or other biasing member, a float mechanism, a ballast, combinations thereof, and/or other combinations of features as desired. In non-limiting examples in which the motor causes the filter displacement mechanism 34 to function, the ballast can include an electrical ballast that can regulate an amount of electricity used to move the filter 20 out of the body 12. In other examples, the ballast can include other stability-enhancing components to cause the filter-displacement mechanism 20 to function.

In the embodiment illustrated, the filter displacement mechanism 34 is a spring 38 that is movable between an expanded state and a contracted state, and the spring 38 biases the filter 20 towards the deployed configuration. in this embodiment, in the expanded state, the spring 38 moves the filter 20 relative to the body 12 such that the filter 20 is in the deployed configuration and at least the filter opening 32 of the filter 20 is outside the body 12. In the contracted state, the spring 38 is compressed, thereby moving the filter 20 to the stowed configuration and closing the filter opening 32.

FIG. 2 illustrates the APC 10 within a pool 40 on a wall 42 and at a waterline 44. The filter 20 is illustrated in the deployed configuration in FIG. 2.

in various embodiments, when the APC 10 is submerged and running along a surface of the pool 40 (e.g., the wall 42 and/or a floor) away from the waterline 44, underpressure inside the body 12 of the APC 10 generated by the pump 18 compresses the spring 38 into the contracted state, thereby retaining the filter 20 in the stowed configuration. In other words, the force from the underpressure is greater than the displacement force from the spring 38, and the filter 20 is positioned in the stowed configuration closing the filter opening 32.

In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the APC 10 reaches the waterline 44 of the pool 40 (e.g., to begin skimming), the underpressure inside the body 12 is no longer sufficient to keep the spring 38 in its contracted state, and the spring 38 moves from its contracted state to its expanded state. In other words, the displacement force from the spring 38 is greater than the underpressure generated by the pump 18. In such cases, the spring 38 moving from its contracted state to its expanded state in turn moves the filter 20 from its stowed configuration to its deployed configuration where at least a portion of the filter 20 is outside of the body 12. In sonic embodiments, the spring 38 pushes at least the filter opening 32 of the filter 20 out of the body 12, thus opening the second inlet 33 (e.g., by opening the filter opening 32). Once the filter 20 is moved to the deployed configuration and pushed out of the body 12, the filter opening 32 of the filter 20 and the pump flow create water flow (represented by dashed lines with arrows 46) at the waterline 44, whereby debris 48 follows the water flow 46 through the filter opening 32 as the second inlet 33 and into the filter 20.

When the APC 10 submerges back into the water away from the waterline 44, underpressure from the pump 18 once again compresses the spring 38, pulling the filter 20 back into the body 12 such that the filter opening 32 is contained within the body 12 and thus closed to avoid allowing any floating or loose debris 48 into the filter opening 32 and/or through the second inlet 33. Such positioning of the filter opening 32 may further capture the debris 48 within the filter 20 such that the debris 48 does not float back out of the APC 10.

As illustrated by the above example, the APC 10 may clean the pool (e.g., remove debris or other unwanted items in the pool) using the first inlet 14 to direct the debris into the filter 20 while the second inlet 33 is pressured-shut. In certain embodiments, closing the second inlet 33 while the APC 10 is submerged may maximize suction power on the floor, wall or other surface for collecting debris through the first inlet 14. The APC 10 may also clean the pool when the APC 10 is positioned at the waterline 44 by using the second inlet 33 to direct the debris into the filter 20. As also mentioned above, while the filter 20 is out of the body 12, the first inlet 14 may remain open, or may close to enhance the pressure of the water flow. In some examples, the opening and closing of the second inlet 33, the first inlet 14, or a combination thereof may be determined based on an optimal performance of the second inlet 33, the first inlet 14, or a combination thereof.

Another example of an APC according to embodiments is substantially similar to the APC 10 except that the APC includes an end inlet as the second inlet 33. The end inlet may be provided at the front end of the body; however, the particular location of the end inlet should not be considered limiting. In embodiments with the end inlet as the second inlet 33, the filter 20 need not be movable relative to the body 12. instead, selective skimming using the APC may be controlled by the end inlet as the second inlet 33. As non-limiting examples, the end inlet at the front end 36 may collect debris at the waterline 44 and/or to perform a skimming operation and directing water to the filter 20. in such embodiments, an orientation of the end inlet optionally may be adjustable (e.g., by pivoting the end inlet, rotating the end inlet, etc.) to control an extent of skimming. As an example, an axis of the end inlet may be in the same direction as the waterline 44 for maximum skimming and/or may be at an oblique angle and/or non-parallel angle relative to the waterline 44 for reduced and/or no skimming. As another non-limiting example, the end inlet may include flow control devices or mechanisms (e.g., flaps, valves, ribs, fins, etc.) for controlling the flow of water through the end inlet.

In certain embodiments, similar to the filter opening 32 as the second inlet 33 of the. APC 10, the end inlet as the second inlet 33 of the APC may be selectively opened or closed depending on the position of the APC and/or a desired operation of the APC. In certain embodiments, the flow control device or mechanism (and/or other suitable devices or mechanisms) may selectively close the end inlet when the APC is not performing a skimming operation to retain the debris within the filter 20 and avoid the release a debris through the end inlet.

Exemplary concepts and combinations of features of this invention may include:

• • A. An APC configured to skim a waterline of a pool while the APC is on a surface of the pool.
  • B. The APC of statement A, wherein the APC is configured to clean the surface while skimming the waterline of the pool.
  • C. The APC of statement A or B, wherein the APC comprises a first inlet for receiving water during a skimming operation and a second inlet for receiving water during a surface-cleaning operation.
  • D. The APC of any of statements A-C, wherein at least one of the first inlet or the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
  • E. The APC of any of statements A-D, wherein the first inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on a position of the APC relative to the waterline.
  • F. The APC of any of statements A-E, wherein the APC comprises:
    • i. a body comprising a first inlet of the APC; and
    • ii. a filter positionable within the body, the filter movable between a stowed position and a deployed position while the APC is within the pool, the filter comprising a filter opening as a second inlet of the APC.
  • G. The APC of any of statements A-F, wherein the APC further comprises a filter displacement mechanism biasing the filter towards the stowed configuration or the deployed configuration.
  • H. The APC of any of statements A-G, wherein the filter displacement mechanism comprises a magnet or a spring.
  • I. An APC comprising a filter, a first inlet configured to collect water during a surface-cleaning operation of the APC, and a second inlet configured to collect water during a skimming operation of the APC.
  • J. The APC of statement I, wherein at least one of the first inlet or the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
  • K. The APC of statement I or J, wherein the APC further comprises a body, wherein the first inlet is on the body, and wherein the second inlet is on the body or on the filter.
  • L. The APC of any of statements I-K, wherein the second inlet is configured to collect water during the skimming operation and while the APC is on a surface of the swimming pool or spa.
  • M. The APC of any of statements I-L, wherein the APC is configured to simultaneously collect water via the first inlet and the second inlet.
  • N. The APC of any of statements I-M, wherein the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on a pressure within a body of the APC.
  • O. An APC comprising a filter, a first inlet for receiving water from a swimming pool and directing the water to the filter, and a second inlet for receiving water from a swimming pool and directing the water to the filter, wherein at least one of the first inlet or the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
  • P. The APC of statement 0, wherein the first inlet is configured to receive water during a skimming operation and wherein the second inlet is configured to receive water during a surface-cleaning operation, and wherein at least the first inlet is adjustable between the open configuration and the closed configuration.
  • Q. The APC of statement 0 or P, wherein the second inlet is adjustable based on a position of the APC relative to a waterline of the swimming pool.
  • R. The APC of any of statements O-Q, further comprising a body, wherein the first inlet is on the body, and wherein the second inlet is on the body or on the filter.
  • S. The APC of any of statements O-R, wherein the filter is movable relative to a body of the APC and between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein:
    • i. in the stowed configuration, the filter is substantially contained within the body; and
    • ii. in the deployed configuration, a portion of the filter comprising a filter opening extends outwards from the body, wherein the filter opening is the second inlet.
  • T. The APC of any of statements O-S, further comprising a filter displacement mechanism biasing the filter towards the stowed configuration or the deployed configuration.
  • U. The APC of any one of statements O-T, wherein the filter is in the stowed configuration when the APC is submerged beneath a waterline of a swimming pool and wherein the filter is in the deployed configuration when the APC reaches the waterline of the swimming pool.
  • V. An APC comprising a body and a filter, wherein the filter is movable relative to the body and selectively defines a flow path for water into the APC.
  • W. The APC of statement V, wherein the filter is movable based on a pressure within the body.
  • X. An APC optionally configured to clean at the same time both a wall of a pool and the waterline of the pool when the APC is positioned on the wall of the pool.
  • Y. An APC comprising means for causing the APC to skim a waterline of a swimming pool while the APC is on a surface of the pool.
  • Z. An APC comprising a body defining an inlet and a filter comprising a filter opening, wherein:
    • i. when the APC is positioned on a wall of the pool and at a waterline of the pool, the inlet and the filter opening are each open such that water flows into the filter via the inlet and via the filter opening; and
    • ii. when the APC is below the waterline of the pool, the filter opening is closed and the inlet is open such that water flows into the filter via the inlet.
  • AA. An APC comprising a body defining an inlet and a filter comprising a filter opening, wherein the filter opening and the inlet provide separate entrance paths into the filter.
  • BB. An APC comprising a body and a filter, wherein the filter is positioned within the body when the APC is submerged below a waterline of a pool and wherein at least a portion of the filter is outside the body when the APC reaches the waterline of the pool.
  • CC. An APC comprising a filter-displacing mechanism for applying a displacement force on a filter of the APC.
  • DD. An APC comprising a body, a pump, a filter. and motive elements, wherein, when the APC is submerged beneath a waterline of a swimming pool, underpressure inside the body generated by the pump retains the filter within the body, and wherein, when the APC reaches the waterline of the pool, the underpressure generated by the pump decreases and the filter is movable relative to the body.
  • EE. A method of cleaning a pool with an APC, the method comprising skimming a waterline of a pool while the APC is on a surface of the pool.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the described embodiments can be used separately or in any combination. In particular, it should be appreciated that the various elements of concepts from the figures may be combined without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive. exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with APCs, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other objects and in other manners. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation, training, or therapy and for which cleaning of debris is needed or desired.

Claims

1. An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) configured to skim a waterline of a pool while the APC is on a surface of the pool.

2. The APC of claim 1, wherein the APC is configured to clean the surface while skimming the waterline of the pool.

3. The APC of claim 1, wherein the APC comprises a first inlet for receiving water into a filter of the APC during a skimming operation and a second inlet for receiving water into the filter during a surface-cleaning operation.

4. The APC of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first inlet or the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

5. The APC of claim 3, wherein the first inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on a position of the APC relative to the waterline.

6. The APC of claim 1, wherein the APC comprises:

a body comprising a first inlet of the APC; and

a filter positionable within the body, the filter movable between a stowed position and a deployed position while the APC is within the pool, the filter comprising a filter opening as a second inlet of the APC.

7. The APC of claim 6, wherein the APC further comprises a filter displacement mechanism biasing the filter towards the stowed configuration or the deployed configuration.

8. The APC of claim 7, wherein the filter displacement mechanism comprises a magnet or a spring.

9. An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) comprising a filter, a first inlet configured to collect water during a surface-cleaning operation of the APC, and a second inlet configured to collect water during a skimming operation of the APC.

10. The APC of claim 9, wherein at least one of the first inlet or the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

11. The APC of claim 9, wherein the APC further comprises a body, wherein the first inlet is on the body, and wherein the second inlet is on the body or on the filter.

12. The APC of claim 9, wherein the second inlet is configured to collect water during the skimming operation and while the APC is on a surface of the swimming pool or spa.

13. The APC of claim 9, wherein the APC is configured to simultaneously collect water via the first inlet and the second inlet.

14. The APC of claim 9, wherein the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration based on a pressure within a body of the APC.

15. An automatic swimming pool cleaner (APC) comprising a filter, a first inlet for receiving water from a swimming pool and directing the water to the filter, and a second inlet for receiving water from a swimming pool and directing the water to the filter, wherein at least one of the first inlet or the second inlet is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

16. The APC of claim 15, wherein the first inlet is configured to receive water during a skimming operation and wherein the second inlet is configured to receive water during a surface-cleaning operation, and wherein at least the first inlet is adjustable between the open configuration and the closed configuration.

17. The APC of claim 16, wherein the second inlet is adjustable based on a position of the APC relative to a waterline of the swimming pool.

18. The APC of claim 15, further comprising a body, wherein the first inlet is on the body, and wherein the second inlet is on the body or on the filter.

19. The APC of claim 15, wherein the filter is movable relative to a body of the APC and between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein:

in the stowed configuration, the filter is substantially contained within the body; and

in the deployed configuration, a portion of the filter comprising a filter opening extends outwards from the body, wherein the filter opening is the second inlet.

20. The APC of claim 19, further comprising a filter displacement mechanism biasing the filter towards the stowed configuration or the deployed configuration.