Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is includes a support section and a punted section that has an underdrain mounting member. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.

Abstract: Improved strainer members for use with pump assemblies and/or fluid systems (e.g., fluid circulation systems) are provided. The present disclosure provides for advantageous strainer members that strain and/or filter fluids in fluid systems (e.g., recreational bodies of water). More particularly, the present disclosure provides for strainer members (e.g., strainer baskets) that include features that improve performance characteristics. Strainer members with an improved ability to resist degradation of pump hydraulic performance when loaded with debris, and/or an improved ability to remove air pockets trapped under the strainer cover at low flow rates are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steering system for a suction cleaning device, a locomotion system for a pool cleaner, and a turbine for use in an automatic cleaner. The steering system includes a fluid driven turbine that rotates a cam gear that is interconnected with a cam wheel for directing a drive pinion. The drive pinion is positionable in a plurality of positions to drive a nose cone that steers the suction cleaning device. The locomotion system includes first and second A-frame arms that respectively engage first and second bearings about first and second eccentrics of a turbine. Rotation of the turbine causes the first and second A-frame arms to rotate back and forth driving associated walking pod assemblies. The turbine includes a turbine rotor and a plurality of vanes connected to the turbine rotor. The plurality of vanes including lateral edges having lateral open regions to facilitate debris-removing efficiency.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is reinforced using multiple polymer layers that have been folded and/or pinched together. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to swimming pool cleaners, systems and methods that generally include a swimming pool cleaner and a docking station. Embodiments of the swimming pool cleaner can include a battery and a debris container. The docking station generally includes an opening configured and dimensioned to at least partially receive the swimming pool cleaner. Upon receipt of the swimming pool cleaner in the opening of the housing, the docking station can automatically recharge the battery of the swimming pool cleaner and/or automatically clean the debris container of the swimming pool cleaner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric top bottom cleaner for pools or spas that includes internal pumps for suction and propulsion purposes. The pool cleaner includes a housing having a front end, a rear end, a first side, a second side, a bottom wall, and a top wall, with a first aperture extending through the bottom wall and a second aperture extending through the top wall. A tube extends through the housing between the first aperture and the second aperture. A debris retention mechanism is connectable to the housing. A first pump, a second pump, and a third pump are positioned within the housing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a pool cleaner having a body and articulated cleaning member extending from the body. The articulated cleaning member can be pivotally and/or rotatably coupled to the body. The articulated cleaning member can be pivoted or rotated with respect to the body to accommodate changes in the terrain of a pool.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved swimming pool cleaner drive mechanisms and associated methods. More particularly, the present disclosure provides an improved pool cleaner drive mechanism that includes a motor that powers the: (i) wheel(s) and (ii) drive member of the pool cleaner. A pool cleaner having a housing, a drive mechanism, one or more wheels, and a drive member is provided. The drive mechanism includes a gear drive and a motor associated with the housing. The motor powers the one or more wheels to move in a forward direction or a reverse direction and provides steering of the wheels. The motor also powers the drive member (e.g., a rotating drive member such as a propeller, impeller, fan, rotor, suction fan) into an ON and OFF position/state to propel the swimming pool cleaner. Embodiments are also directed to systems/methods of driving a swimming pool cleaner.

Abstract: A drive system for a pool cleaner is disclosed, the drive system including a motor operatively connected relative to an axle for driving rotation of the axle. The axel in turn is connected to and drives the rotation of (i) a roller assembly including a roller for cleaning a target surface and (ii) a wheel drive assembly engaged with an idler gear for driving a wheel. Notably the axis of rotation of the roller assembly is different than the axis of rotation of the wheel. Thus, the wheel drive assembly may drive the wheel by interacting with a surface of a cylindrical flange of the wheel.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to modular electric hose swivels for reducing entanglement of a swimming pool cleaner power cable. The exemplary modular electric hose swivels generally include a swivel body that includes a first swivel half and a second swivel half. The first swivel half and the second swivel half are generally configured to receive a first cable and a second cable. The first swivel half and the second swivel half further provide a continuous electrical contact between the first and second cables. The exemplary swivel body can also be detachably secured to a skimmer. Exemplary embodiments are further directed to methods of reducing entanglement of a swimming pool cleaner power cable.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switching the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: Improved strainer members for use with pump assemblies and/or fluid systems (e.g., fluid circulation systems) are provided. The present disclosure provides for advantageous strainer members that strain and/or filter fluids in fluid systems (e.g., recreational bodies of water). More particularly, the present disclosure provides for strainer members (e.g., strainer baskets) that include features that improve performance characteristics. Strainer members with an improved ability to resist degradation of pump hydraulic performance when loaded with debris, and/or an improved ability to remove air pockets trapped under the strainer cover at low flow rates are disclosed.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is includes a support section and a punted section that has an underdrain mounting member. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a unitary pool filter tank and/or an underdrain for a pool filter unit. Embodiments of the unitary pool filter tank can have an integrally formed housing and base. The filter tank can be formed using a blow molding process in which the base of the filter tank is reinforced using multiple polymer layers that have been folded and/or pinched together. Embodiments of the underdrain can be formed by interlocking top and bottom components. The top and bottom components can be interlocked by inter-component locking structures.