Abstract: According to the embodiments illustrated herein, is an apparatus for cleaning and skimming debris on, about and below a surface of a body of water. The apparatus comprising a handle connected to a pole, a frame configured in a generally circular shape having a center point where the handle is attached to the frame. Attached to the frame is a mesh, in the shape of a net to collect debris from at or about the surface of the body of water. A float assembly comprising a float attachment rod and a float, that is attached to either the pole, the handle or the frame so that the center of the float is positioned at the center point of the frame at a collinear point along a central axis line that runs through the frame, the float, the handle and the pole.

Abstract: A pool cleaning system for use in cleaning pools. The pool cleaning system contains a pool cleaning cart, a pool vacuum head, and a vehicle mounting bracket. The pool cleaning cart is designed to easily move various pool cleaning equipment from site to site. The pool vacuum head is configured to be attachable to a pole and be used to clean one or more surfaces of the pool located under the surface of the water. The mounting bracket is configured to allow the pool cleaning cart to secure to a vehicle.

Abstract: The base plate of a robotic or manually propelled tank or pool cleaning apparatus includes a transverse conduit positioned on the interior surface of the base plate and is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water that is also located within the pool cleaner's housing, which pressurized water is discharged from the bottom or lower portion of the transverse conduit through a plurality of openings that extend along a line that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pool cleaner's direction of travel, to produce downwardly-directed water jets that are discharged through and below the base plate towards the surface of the pool or tank over which the pool cleaning apparatus is moving to dislodge and suspend dirt and debris that is then drawn into and retained by the pool cleaner's filter.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a biodegradable, disposable debris bag for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes biodegradable fabric filtration media stitched together to form an opening capable of being coupled to an outlet of the pool cleaner and a hollow interior portion to capture debris from the pool cleaner. The biodegradable fabric filtration media is folded over and stitched together to create the opening and the hollow interior portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pool cleaner including a supply mast, a distributor manifold, and a venturi vacuum assembly. The distributor manifold receives water from the supply mast and the venturi vacuum assembly is in fluid communication with the distributor manifold. The venturi vacuum assembly includes a suction mast, at least one first stage jet nozzle directed upward and into the suction mast, and at least one second stage jet nozzle positioned vertically above the at least one first stage jet nozzle and directed upward and into the suction mast.

Abstract: An improved pool cleaning vehicle with the ability to clean and sanitize pool water includes a housing having an interior. The vehicle includes a chemical dispenser member connected to the housing. The chemical dispenser member has a hollow interior suitable for storing chemicals for sanitizing pool water. The chemical dispenser member includes an inlet for allowing pool water to contact the chemical dispenser member. The chemical dispenser member includes a dissolvable seal and upon continued contact with water, the seal dissolves. The chemical dispenser member also includes an outlet facilitating communication between the chemical dispenser member and the pool water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a housing, a bottom frame and a filter bag between the housing the bottom frame and attached to the bottom frame. The vehicle includes an intake system for causing water to enter the vehicle housing and to trap dirt and debris in the filter bag. The intake system includes more than one intake, which are typically mounted front and aft of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an outlet for flowing water passing through the filter bag back into the pool. Of course, both of the intake and outlet ports are in communication with the filter bag. The housing typically includes a bottom frame. Both the housing and the bottom frame have side openings defining vents, which serve as side intake ports. In an exemplary embodiment, the intake ports include a duct attached thereto. The duct has an open duct intake. In another exemplary embodiment, the front and/or aft intake port include a duct.

Abstract: A debris-capturing apparatus for a cleaner device having an outflow port through which debris-laden liquid flows. The debris-capturing apparatus has an entry annulus and a debris cavity to receive flow of debris-laden liquid. A collapsible elongate back-flow restrictor, which is substantially erect in the flow direction during inflow, has an annular proximal-end portion secured about the entry annulus and a free-end portion within the debris cavity. The free-end portion has at least one discontinuity along the length thereof to relieve resistance to debris-laden fluid flow into the cavity and to facilitate collapse of the restrictor for back-flow restriction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a housing, a bottom frame and a filter bag between the housing the bottom frame and attached to the bottom frame. The vehicle includes an intake system for causing water to enter the vehicle housing and to trap dirt and debris in the filter bag. The intake system includes more than one intake, which are typically mounted front and aft of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an outlet for flowing water passing through the filter bag back into the pool. Of course, both of the intake and outlet ports are in communication with the filter bag. The housing typically includes a bottom frame. Both the housing and the bottom frame have side openings defining vents, which serve as side intake ports. In an exemplary embodiment, the intake ports include a duct attached thereto. The duct has an open duct intake. In another exemplary embodiment, the front and/or aft intake port include a duct.

Abstract: A debris collection bag made of a water permeable material is adapted for removable attachment to a self-contained swimming pool vacuum head that uses a motor driven propeller to generate thrust for picking up debris and forcing it into the collection bag. The bag includes a main upper portion that encloses a collection chamber, and a truncated lower portion with an open end. A sleeve between the upper and lower portions surrounds the bag and contains a releasable cinch cord for securing the bag over an annular rim on the vacuum head. The truncated lower portion tucks upwardly within the collection chamber to provide a frustoconical intake that increases thrust pressure entering the bag, while providing greater self cleaning circulation at the top of the collection chamber and a low pressure area surrounding the truncated lower portion to allow leaves, dirt and other debris to settle without escaping the collection chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a biodegradable, disposable debris bag for a pool cleaner. The debris bag includes biodegradable fabric filtration media stitched together to form an opening capable of being coupled to an outlet of the pool cleaner and a hollow interior portion to capture debris from the pool cleaner. The biodegradable fabric filtration media is folded over and stitched together to create the opening and the hollow interior portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a housing, a bottom frame and a filter bag between the housing the bottom frame and attached to the bottom frame. The vehicle includes an intake system for causing water to enter the vehicle housing and to trap dirt and debris in the filter bag. The intake system includes more than one intake, which are typically mounted front and aft of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an outlet for flowing water passing through the filter bag back into the pool. Of course, both of the intake and outlet ports are in communication with the filter bag. The housing typically includes a bottom frame. Both the housing and the bottom frame have side openings defining vents, which serve as side intake ports. In an exemplary embodiment, the intake ports include a duct attached thereto. The duct has an open duct intake. In another exemplary embodiment, the front and/or aft intake port include a duct.

Abstract: A debris collection bag made of a water permeable material is adapted for removable attachment to a self-contained swimming pool vacuum head that uses a motor driven propeller to generate thrust for picking up debris and forcing it into the collection bag. The bag includes a main upper portion that encloses a collection chamber, and a truncated lower portion with an open end. A sleeve between the upper and lower portions surrounds the bag and contains a releasable cinch cord for securing the bag over an annular rim on the vacuum head. The truncated lower portion tucks upwardly within the collection chamber to provide a frustoconical intake that increases thrust pressure entering the bag, while providing greater self cleaning circulation at the top of the collection chamber and a low pressure area surrounding the truncated lower portion to allow leaves, dirt and other debris to settle without escaping the collection chamber.

Abstract: An adjustable hose clip is provided for use with a pool cleaner debris bag, including a first member having a retaining arm and a second member having a retaining arm. The hose clip also includes means for connecting the hose clip to a pool cleaner debris bag and resilient means for resiliently biasing the retaining arms towards each other such that at least a portion of a pool hose can be retained between the retaining arms. In one example, the resilient means is adapted to automatically adjust the distance between the retaining arms to accommodate various pool hoses having various diameters within the range of a minimum diameter to a maximum diameter at least 50% larger than the minimum diameter. In addition or alternatively, an arrangement for cleaning a swimming pool can include an automatic pool cleaner, a debris bag, a hose and an adjustable hose clip.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a housing, a bottom frame and a filter bag between the housing the bottom frame and attached to the bottom frame. The vehicle includes an intake system for causing water to enter the vehicle housing and to trap dirt and debris in the filter bag. The intake system includes more than one intake, which are typically mounted front and aft of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an outlet for flowing water passing through the filter bag back into the pool. Of course, both of the intake and outlet ports are in communication with the filter bag. The housing typically includes a bottom frame. Both the housing and the bottom frame have side openings defining vents, which serve as side intake ports. In an exemplary embodiment, the intake ports include a duct attached thereto. The duct has an open duct intake. In another exemplary embodiment, the front and/or aft intake port include a duct.

Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag is provided having an open end adapted to receive debris from the pool and a closable end defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. The pool cleaner further comprises a securing apparatus disposed along at least a portion of the closable end. For example, the securing apparatus can have at least two separable members selectively movable between an unsecured position to permit opening of the discharge passage, and a secured position having at least a portion of the first end is disposed between the at least two separable members to permit closing of the discharge passage. In addition or alternatively, the debris bag can comprise a seam disposed at a location spaced apart from the open end for defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. In addition or alternatively, the securing apparatus can comprise a clasp.

Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag is provided having an open end adapted to receive debris from the pool and a closable end defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. The pool cleaner further comprises a securing apparatus disposed along at least a portion of the closable end. For example, the securing apparatus can have at least two separable members selectively movable between an unsecured position to permit opening of the discharge passage, and a secured position having at least a portion of the first end is disposed between the at least two separable members to permit closing of the discharge passage. In addition or alternatively, the debris bag can comprise a seam disposed at a location spaced apart from the open end for defining at least one discharge passage for the bag. In addition or alternatively, the securing apparatus can comprise a clasp.

Abstract: A pool cleaner debris bag (18) having an access opening (24) and a closure means (25) operable to close the access opening (24) for collecting debris or open the access opening (24) for emptying debris from the bag (18). The closure means (25) includes a clamp member (50) having clamping edges (56) for squeezing together bag layers (28, 29) to close the access opening (24). The closure means (25) is buoyant in water for orienting the bag to avoid impeding cleaner body (6) travel.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner configured to be powered by a supplied positive pressure water flow including an improved propulsion subsystem for propelling the cleaner body through a swimming pool along a substantially random travel path. The subsystem includes a hydraulic valve actuator configured to use water pressure to switch a valve element mounted for reciprocal linear movement from a default state (e.g., redirect travel state) to an active state (e.g., forward travel state) and to then restore the valve element to the default state. The water pressure for controlling the actuator is selectively supplied by a direction controller which responds to regular periodic occurrences and/or irregularly occurring events such as the interruption of cleaner body motion.

Abstract: An improved hose clasp for supporting a filter bag in a generally upright orientation on a pool cleaner as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The hose clasp includes a generally cylindrical split collar having separable free ends including a pair of radially outwardly extending clasp arms. The clasp arms are springably separable to permit placement of the split collar onto a supply hose or the like coupled to the pool cleaner. The clasp arms are notched to accommodate movement to an interlocked cross-over position, with a boss on one of the clasp arms protruding through a lock port in the other clasp arm. A leash member such as a ported tab carried by the filter bag is fitted over the boss in a position interposed between the interlocked clasp arms to support the filter bag relative to the supply hose.

Abstract: A debris bag for a swimming pool cleaning device includes a body having a debris collection cavity, an upper end and a lower end. The lower end engages the pool cleaner to receive debris from the pool ejected by the cleaner into the bag. The debris bag also includes a float coupled to the body. The float is positioned outside of and adjacent to the debris collection region of the bag so as to be separate from the lower end.

Abstract: A Pool Sweep Filter Adapter provides connection between the inlet to a swimming pool leaf catcher basket and the pool vacuum hose, said hose is also attached to a pool vacuum head with an attached long tubular handle to move the head around the pool surfaces manually, or said hose is connected to an existing automatic pool sweep mechanism, for collection of leaves, hair and dirt into an existing said leaf catcher basket; in contrast to present methods that require the removal of the leaf catcher basket during vacuum cleaning of the pool that allows the leaves and debris to go directly to the pool pump and then to the pool main filter, said Pool Sweep Filter Adapter includes an option for a fine mesh filter bag to collect smaller leaf particles and dirt.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner discharges water jets under the cleaner body, directed toward its center from its sides, to agitate and lift debris toward one or more vacuum intake openings, to greatly enhance the cleaning ability of the cleaner. The suspended dirt and debris become semi-buoyant under the force of the jetted water which is preferably moving in the same direction as the cleaner, so that the relative speed between the cleaner and the suspended dirt and debris is reduced, thereby enabling the cleaner to move at a relatively faster rate and still clean with equivalent or even greater efficiency than a pool cleaner that is not equipped with directional cleaning water jets. In addition, displaced front and back orientations of the intake ports allow for longer time for any dirt and debris to be picked up.

Abstract: An improved disposable filter bag for use with a pool cleaner of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The filter bag is formed from a porous filter material having marginal seams formed by direct welding to form a reinforced cuff defining an open bag mouth leading to a hollow bag interior. The cuff is configured for removable mounting on a pool cleaner suction mast, as by removable connection to a mounting collar as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; D409,341; and D468,067. A divider seam defined by a spaced-apart array of welds subdivides the bag interior into a primary flow chamber for receiving flow of water and water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner, and a secondary collection chamber for trapping and collecting the water-entrained debris.

Abstract: An improved disposable filter bag for use with a pool cleaner of the type disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; 4,558,479; and 3,822,754. The filter bag is formed from a porous filter material such as a non-woven spunbond polymer having marginal seams formed by direct welding, in the absence of additional adhesive material, to form a reinforced cuff defining an open bag mouth leading to a hollow bag interior. The cuff is configured for removable attachment to a downstream end of a pool cleaner suction mast, as by removable connection to a mounting collar as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,863,425; D409,341; D468,067; and 6,740,233. The filter bag incorporates a ported tab formed generally at an upper end thereof for facilitated removable coupling to a pool cleaner supply hose or the like which supports the filter bag in a generally upright orientation.