Self propelled pool cleaner

Abstract

A self propelled pool cleaner is of compact narrow construction and comprises a diaphragm for propulsion and may be provided is a kit of parts for retrofitting a pool cleaner of the hammer type, the pool cleaner ( 10 ) having a hollow body ( 12 ) formed with a fluid inlet end ( 16 ) and a fluid outlet end ( 18 ) opposite to said inlet end, a divider ( 34 ) forming two separate flow passages in said hollow ( 14 ), and a hammer valve member ( 32 ) arranged to pivotally reciprocate about a pivot point to cause fluid to flow alternately in the flow passages. The kit has a tubular diaphragm member ( 50 ) for replacing the hammer valve member, an inner tube member ( 54 ) for replacing the divider and one end of which being adapted for connection to the diaphragm member, a diaphragm holder ( 52 ) adapted for fixing in said hollow adjacent to said inlet end to hold the diaphragm member in position in said hollow, a tube holder ( 56 ) adapted for fixing in said hollow adjacent to said outlet end to hold said tube in position in said hollow. A process for retrofitting the pool cleaner is also disclosed.

1 . A kit of parts for retrofitting a pool cleaner having a hollow body formed with a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end opposite to said inlet end, a divider forming two separate flow passages in said hollow, and a hammer valve member arranged to pivotally reciprocate about a pivot point to cause fluid to flow alternately in the flow passages, the kit comprising a diaphragm member for replacing the hammer valve member, an inner tube member for replacing the divider and one end of which being adapted for connection to the diaphragm member, a diaphragm holder adapted for fixing in said hollow adjacent to said inlet end to hold the diaphragm member in position in said hollow, a tube holder adapted for fixing in said hollow adjacent to said outlet end to hold said tube in position in said hollow. 
   
   
       2 . A process of retrofitting a pool cleaner having a hollow body formed with a fluid inlet end and a fluid outlet end opposite to said inlet end, a divider forming two separate flow passages in said hollow, and a hammer valve member arranged to pivotally reciprocate about a pivot point to cause fluid to flow alternately in the flow passages. The process comprising the steps of:
 (a) opening said hollow body;   (b) removing said hammer valve member from said hollow;   (c) removing said divider from said hollow; and   (d) fixing a diaphragm member and an inner tube in position in said hollow with respective diaphragm holder and tube holder so that the diaphragm member is adjacent to said inlet end and the inner tube extending through said outlet end.   
   
   
       3 . The invention according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the diaphragm holder is formed with an apertured face which is substantially vertical or at an angled when fixed in said hollow, and where said apertured face is angled the diaphragm is formed with a compatible angled end section. 
   
   
       4 . The invention according to any one of  claims 1  to  3  wherein a swivel tube is adapted for connection to a top cap positioned at said outlet end, and the swivel tube is dimensioned to extend outwardly from said top at a substantially distance from the top cap. 
   
   
       5 . The invention according to any one of  claims 1  to  4  wherein a solidifying floatable material is applied in said hollow or a space in said body. 
   
   
       6 . A self propelled pool cleaner having a head adapted to hold a disc, the head having an inlet, the head being coupled to a main body extending longitudinally, the main body having a chamber, a tubular diaphragm valve having an inlet adjacent the inlet to the main body and an outlet connected to a longitudinally extending tube, the diaphragm being separated from an interior wall of the main body by a chamber, an outlet hose being secured to the main body and being adapted to rotate with the tube from the tubular diaphragm valve, the tube from the tubular diaphragm valve being located within the rotatable outlet tube and there being suction communication between the outlet tube and the chamber surrounding the tubular diaphragm valve and also to the interior of the tubular diaphragm valve for flow through thereby creating periodic changes in the differential pressure across the diaphragm valve from its exterior in the chamber to its interior to provide a pulsing action to drive the self propelled pool cleaner across the surface to be cleaned, the head having a foot connectable to the disc and being connected to the main body by mating flanges, the main body having an inlet and, an adaptor inserted into the main body and connectable to one end of the tubular valve member. 
   
   
       7 . A self propelled pool cleaner having a head adapted to hold a disc, the head having an inlet, the head being coupled to a main body extending longitudinally, the main body having a chamber, a tubular diaphragm valve having an inlet adjacent the inlet to the main body and an outlet connected to a longitudinally extending tube, the diaphragm being separated from an interior wall of the main body by a chamber, an outlet hose being secured to the main body and being adapted to rotate with the tube from the tubular diaphragm valve, the tube from the tubular diaphragm valve being located within the rotatable outlet tube and there being suction communication between the outlet tube and the chamber surrounding the tubular diaphragm valve and also to the interior of the tubular diaphragm valve for flow through thereby creating periodic changes in the differential pressure across the diaphragm valve from its exterior in the chamber to its interior to provide a pulsing action to drive the self propelled pool cleaner across the surface to be cleaned, the head having a foot connectable to the disc and being connected to the main body by mating flanges, the main body having an inlet and, the main body having a detachable pivoting float on one side opposite a counter weight on the other side, a coupling with an outlet into the main body comprising a threaded end, a clamp, a bearing and a hand nut rotatable on the threaded end to cause the clamp to press against the ridges in the central tube to secure the rotatable outlet tube and engage it with the bearing. 
   
   
       8 . A self propelled pool cleaner according to  claim 6  wherein the inlet adaptor is insertable into the head and is one of two interchangeable adapters each used to adapt the body to match a tubular diaphragm valve member having an oblique inlet or a straight across inlet. 
   
   
       9 . A self propelled pool cleaner according to  claim 6  or  claim 7  wherein the main body has a top portion and an enlargement, the top portion being of a size and dimension which is marginally greater in cross-section than the central tube along a major portion of the length of the main body, the main body terminating at the head end with the enlargement which is marginally greater in cross-section than the top portion, giving an overall appearance of being relatively narrow.