In-pool docking station and associated methods

Abstract

A docking station for a self-propelled swimming pool cleaner and associated methods provide a sturdy, in-pool docking station which does not require a mechanical anchor or device other than the weight of the base. Additionally, or alternatively, the in-pool docking station may be adapted for charging and/or supplying power to the self-propelled pool cleaner without requiring external power cables. Additionally, or alternatively, the docking station may allow for horizontal docking between the self-propelled pool cleaner and the dock.

That which is claimed: 
     
         1 . A docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner, the docking station comprising a solar panel. 
     
     
         2 . The docking station of  claim 1 , wherein the solar panel is configured as a base of the docking station. 
     
     
         3 . The docking station of  claim 1 , wherein the solar panel comprising a gripping member or friction member. 
     
     
         4 . The docking station of  claim 1 , wherein the solar panel comprises a human-machine interface. 
     
     
         5 . The docking station of  claim 1 , wherein the solar panel comprises means for controlling the temperature of the solar panel. 
     
     
         6 . The docking station of  claim 1 , wherein the solar panel comprises means for wireless communication. 
     
     
         7 . The docking station of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the docking station comprises a support connecting the base and the dock of the docking station. 
     
     
         8 . The docking station of  claim 1 , wherein the solar panel is a walk-on solar panel. 
     
     
         9 . A docking station for a self-propelled pool cleaner comprising a support connecting a base and a dock of the docking station, wherein the dock is positionable in water of a pool or spa. 
     
     
         10 . The docking station of  claim 9 , wherein the support is rigid. 
     
     
         11 . The docking station of  claim 9 , wherein the support is flexible. 
     
     
         12 . The docking station of  claim 9 , wherein the support is articulated. 
     
     
         13 . The docking station of  claim 9 , wherein the support is adjustable to (i) a shape of coping and (ii) an angle of a wall of the pool. 
     
     
         14 . The docking station of  claim 9 , wherein the support is flexible such that a shape of the support is adjustable and/or such that an orientation of the dock relative to the base is adjustable. 
     
     
         15 . The docking station of  claim 9 , wherein the dock is an in-pool dock, and wherein the docking station is configured to supply power to a self-propelled pool cleaner and without external power cables. 
     
     
         16 . A docking station for a swimming pool or spa, the docking station comprising a dock (i) positionable in water of a pool or spa and (ii) configured to engage a self-propelled pool cleaner in a horizontal orientation. 
     
     
         17 . A pool system comprising the docking station of  claim 16  and a self-propelled pool cleaner, wherein the dock is a wall-mounted dock, wherein the wall-mounted dock comprises an upward-curving hook and wherein the self-propelled pool cleaner comprises a downward-curing hook, wherein the automatic cleaner is configured to dock with and deploy from the dock while in the horizontal orientation. 
     
     
         18 . The docking station of  claim 16 , wherein the docking station is adjustable to (i) a shape of coping and (ii) an angle of a wall of the pool. 
     
     
         19 . The docking station of  claim 16 , further comprising a base positionable on a surface above a pool or spa and a support connecting the base and the dock, wherein the support conforms to coping of the pool or spa. 
     
     
         20 . The docking station of  claim 16 , further comprising a base positionable on a surface above a pool or spa and a support connecting the base and the dock, wherein the support is flexible such that a shape of the support is adjustable and/or such that an orientation of the dock relative to the base is adjustable