Guiding apparatus for guiding the movement of a pool cleaner

Abstract

A guiding apparatus ( 10 ) for guiding movement of a pool cleaner (not shown) of the kind set forth in a pool includes a fluid flow passage ( 12 ) having an inlet ( 14 ) and an outlet ( 16 ) to which portions ( 18 ) and ( 20 ) of a pool cleaner hose are connected in use and during which the hose portion ( 20 ) connected to the outlet ( 16 ) is connected to a suction side of a pump system of a swimming pool. A turbine wheel ( 22 ) is arranged to in use be driven by fluid flow through the fluid flow passage ( 12 ) into the pump system. Pivot members ( 24 ) are in use connected to each other and are operatively connected to the hose portions ( 18 ) and ( 20 ).

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A guiding apparatus for guiding movement of a pool cleaner of the kind set forth in a pool, the apparatus including:
 a fluid flow passage having an inlet and an outlet to which portions of a pool cleaner hose are connected in use, during which the hose portion connected to the outlet of the apparatus is connected to a suction side of a pump system of a swimming pool;   a turbine wheel arranged to in use be driven by fluid flow through the fluid flow passage into the pump system;   first and second pivot members that are in use connected to each other and free ends of which are operatively connected to the hose portions connected to the in- and outlets of the apparatus; and   a transmission arrangement for transmitting rotational motion of an axle of the turbine wheel to the pivot members causing them to pivot relative to each other, thereby pivoting the portions of the hose connected to the in- and outlets relative to each other.   
     
     
         21 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the turbine wheel is located in a casing having an inlet and an outlet, which outlet joins into the fluid flow passage so that during operation of the pool cleaner, fluid is drawn into the inlet of the casing under influence of a suction force exerted on the fluid flowing through the fluid flow passage by the pump system, thereby causing the turbine wheel to rotate. 
     
     
         22 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein the casing extends into the fluid flow passage, thereby creating a narrowed zone in said passage. 
     
     
         23 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein the transmission arrangement includes:
 a gear train connected to the axle of the turbine wheel;   a worm drive associated with a gear of the gear train, wherein an axle of said gear acts as a worm; and   a driven member arranged to be driven by a worm wheel of the worm drive, the driven member being arranged to impart a pivoting motion to the pivot members.   
     
     
         24 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein, in an operative condition, the axle of the turbine wheel is located below the fluid flow passage and the axle of the gear acting as the worm is located above the fluid flow passage. 
     
     
         25 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 23 , wherein the driven member is in the form of a wheel mounted on an axle of the worm wheel. 
     
     
         26 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein the driven member includes a stub extending substantially parallel to the axle of the drive member from an operatively upper surface of the driven member. 
     
     
         27 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein the stub is spaced apart from the axle of the driven member. 
     
     
         28 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein the first and second pivot members are in the form of first and second arms, each arm being connected to the stub and thereby to the other arm as well as being operatively connected to the portions of the pool cleaner hose connected to the in- and outlet of the fluid flow passage, respectively. 
     
     
         29 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein sleeves are provided for encasing a section of the hose portions extending from the fluid flow passage and wherein free ends of the arms are connected to brackets extending from said sleeves. 
     
     
         30 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the arms are hingedly connected to the brackets at opposing sides of the brackets. 
     
     
         31 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the first arm is hingedly connected to the stub. 
     
     
         32 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the second arm includes a slot having a circular central zone for receiving the stub therein, thereby connecting the arm to the stub and holding the stub captive in the central zone. 
     
     
         33 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein the slot extends away from said central zone in opposing directions in a flared manner. 
     
     
         34 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein, in use, the apparatus is at least partially submerged in the fluid contained in the swimming pool. 
     
     
         35 . A guiding apparatus as claimed in  claim 29 , wherein the fluid flow passage, turbine wheel, pivot members, and transmission arrangement are enclosed by a flexible sleeve that forms a continuous surface with the sleeves located at either end of the fluid flow passage, thereby protecting the moving parts of the apparatus and rendering it aesthetically pleasing.