Base for a pool cleaner

Abstract

A pool cleaner having a base is provided. The base includes one or more jet ports disposed about a bottom of the base and a fluid conduit system enclosed within the base having one or more flow paths. The pool cleaner includes an elongated connector is coupled to the base and configured to intake fluid into the fluid conduit system. A plenum coupled to the base for discharging fluid. The pool cleaner also includes a drive system having one or more drive units coupled to the base and configured to move the pool cleaner via the fluid.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pool cleaner, comprising:
 a base comprising:
 one or more jet ports disposed about a bottom of the base; and 
 a fluid conduit system enclosed within the base having one or more flow paths; 
   an elongated connector coupled to the base and configured to intake fluid into the fluid conduit system;   a plenum coupled to the base for discharging fluid; and   a drive system having one or more drive units coupled to the base and configured to move the pool cleaner via the fluid.   
     
     
         2 . The pool cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein each jet port of the one or more jet ports includes a venturi port for directing fluid toward the plenum. 
     
     
         3 . The base of  claim 1 , wherein each of the drive units of the one or more drive units of the drive system includes:
 a wheel;   a gear assembly mechanically connected to the wheel; and   an impeller operatively connected to the gear assembly and configured to be drive the wheel via fluid received from the fluid conduit system.   
     
     
         4 . The pool cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein the base includes one or more connection surfaces for coupling the one or more drive units to the base. 
     
     
         5 . The pool cleaner of  claim 1 , wherein each flow path of the one or more flow paths diverges into a drive unit flow path and a venturi flow path. 
     
     
         6 . The pool cleaner of  claim 5 , wherein the drive unit flow path is coupled to a corresponding drive unit of the drive system. 
     
     
         7 . The pool cleaner of  claim 5 , wherein the venturi flow path is coupled to a corresponding jet port of the base. 
     
     
         8 . A base for a pool cleaner comprising:
 a top housing having an opening;   a bottom housing having an outlet cavity; and   a fluid conduit system disposed between the top housing and the bottom housing, the fluid conduit system including a duct and an inlet for receiving a fluid into the base.   
     
     
         9 . The base of  claim 8 , wherein the opening of the top housing, the duct of the fluid conduit system, and the outlet cavity of the bottom housing are substantially aligned to receive a plenum that is positioned on the base. 
     
     
         10 . The base of  claim 8 , wherein the fluid conduit system includes one or more flow paths. 
     
     
         11 . The base of  claim 10 , wherein the inlet and the one or more flow paths of the fluid conduit system are coupled to the duct and in fluid communication therewith. 
     
     
         12 . The base of  claim 10 , wherein the bottom housing includes one or more jet ports coupled to the one or more flow paths. 
     
     
         13 . The base of  claim 12 , wherein each of the one or more jet ports includes a venturi port and a guide portion that are positioned to direct fluid to a plenum positioned in the base. 
     
     
         14 . The base of  claim 12 , wherein the one or more jet ports surround the outlet cavity. 
     
     
         15 . A drive system for a pool cleaner comprising:
 a wheel coupled to a drive shaft assembly;   a drive system member operatively coupled to the drive shaft assembly, wherein the drive system member includes a passageway;   a housing coupled to the drive system member, wherein the housing includes an inlet jet port for receiving a fluid;   a gear assembly rotatably coupled to the drive shaft assembly; and   an impeller rotatably coupled to the gear assembly, wherein the passageway directs fluid from the inlet jet port to the impeller to drive the wheel.   
     
     
         16 . The drive system of  claim 15 , wherein the wheel and the housing enclose the drive shaft assembly, the drive system member, the gear assembly, and the impeller. 
     
     
         17 . The drive system of  claim 15 , wherein the housing includes a connection surface for mounting the drive system to a base of the pool cleaner. 
     
     
         18 . The drive system of  claim 15 , wherein the drive shaft assembly includes at least one drive shaft. 
     
     
         19 . The drive system of  claim 15 , wherein the impeller is a Pelton wheel. 
     
     
         20 . The drive system of  claim 15 , wherein the housing includes one or more vents for discharging fluid.