1. Technical Field
Aspects of this document relate generally to cleaning nozzles for swimming pools.
2. Background Art
Conventional cleaning nozzles for swimming pools utilize water pressure generated by a pool pump to direct a stream of water across a surface of the pool to entrain and move contaminants from the surface toward a drain. Many conventional cleaning nozzles “pop up” from a surface of a pool as the heads, normally level with the surface, are extended under the influence of water pressure from the pump. When the water pressure from the pump ends, the heads retract downward until level with the surface, conventionally in response to bias from a spring element contained within the cleaning nozzle.
Implementations of a swimming pool cleaning head may utilize methods of cleaning a swimming pool. A first method may include the steps of intermittently raising a nozzle head and ejecting a stream of water under water, incrementally rotating the nozzle head in a clockwise direction, retracting the nozzle head, sliding a cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head with the cam reverser to counterclockwise.
The first method may also include one, all, or some of the following:
Incrementally rotating the nozzle head in the counterclockwise direction, sliding the cam reverser, and reversing the direction of rotation of the nozzle head to clockwise.
Repeating the steps of incremental rotation of the nozzle head in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, sliding of the cam reverser, and reversing of the direction of rotation of the nozzle head for a predetermined interval of time.
Repeating the steps of incremental rotation of the nozzle head in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction, sliding of the cam reverser, and reversing of the direction of rotation of the nozzle head according to a predefined pattern.
A second method of cleaning a swimming pool with a pool cleaning head may include the steps of rotating a stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through at least one channel in a cam, the stem configured to release a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include the step of reversing the direction of rotation of the stem by sliding a slidable section of the cam with the at least one pin.
The second method may include one, all, or some of the following:
The at least one pin may slide through the at least one channel, wherein the at least one channel is a first channel, when the stem is raised upward through water pressure force.
The at least one pin may slide through a second channel when the stem is retracted downward into a housing through bias from a spring element.
The raising and retraction of the stem may be repeated for a predetermined number of steps.
A slidable section of the cam may be slid as the at least one pin reaches a predetermined limit within the cam.
A third method of cleaning a swimming pool with a pool cleaning head may include the steps of extending a stem with water pressure force, rotating the stem by sliding at least one pin coupled to the stem through a first channel in a cam, and releasing a stream of water under water in a swimming pool. The method may further include the steps of retracting the stem through bias from a spring element, rotating the stem by sliding the at least one pin coupled to the stem through a second channel in the cam and repeating the steps of extending and retracting the stem a predetermined number of times. The method may also include the steps of reaching a predetermined limit within the cam and sliding a slidable section within the cam with the pin to reverse the direction of rotation of the stem.
The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:
This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Many additional components and assembly procedures known in the art consistent with the intended nozzle assembly and/or assembly procedures for a nozzle assembly will become apparent for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/or the like as is known in the art for such nozzle assemblies and implementing components, consistent with the intended operation.
A particular implementation of a recessed incrementally rotating nozzle assembly 10 for use in swimming pools and the like is illustrated in
A diametrically enlarged section 22 is supported by and extends from cylinder 18. Referring to the implementation illustrated in
A cam ring 40 is rotatably lodged within radially expanded section 42 of retainer 32. Rotation of the cam ring 40 relative to section 42 is prevented by a screw 44, or the like, threadedly inserted between cam ring 40 and section 42. A plurality of downwardly pointing saw tooth members 46 are disposed along the upper part of cam ring 40. A similar plurality of upwardly pointing saw tooth members 48 are disposed along cam ring 40. A ring-like cam reverser 50 is slidably lodged adjacent cam ring 40 and is circumferentially slidably captured between saw tooth members 46, 48. An arm 52 extends downwardly and radially inwardly from the cam reverser 50. Further details relating to the structure and operation of implementations of the saw tooth members 46, 48, the cam reverser 50, and the arm 52 will be described later in greater detail.
A sleeve 60 is vertically translatable upwardly within cylinder 18 in response to water pressure present within conduit 20. Such vertical translation is resisted by a coil spring 62 bearing against an annular lip 64 of the sleeve 60, a lip 81 associated with a pattern cam 80, and the retainer 32. Nozzle housing 12 is supported upon sleeve 60 and defines an outlet 14 through which a stream of water is ejected upon upward translation of the sleeve 60. In the absence of water pressure within conduit 20, coil spring 62 will draw sleeve 60 and nozzle assembly 12 downwardly to the retracted position illustrated in
A pattern cam 80 is positionally fixed upon radially extending shoulder 38 formed as part of retainer 32. It includes lip 81 extending around the interior edge of shoulder 38. The pattern cam 80 is configured to determine the angular extent of reciprocating rotation of nozzle housing 12. Particular implementations of a pattern cam 80 may define an angle of reciprocating rotation of 180 degrees or ninety degrees; however, for implementations utilized in specific locations within a swimming pool, a greater or lesser angle of reciprocating rotation may be selected to ensure washing/scrubbing of the swimming pool surface of interest.
Referring to
A disc 96 may be centrally located in the top of the nozzle housing 12 to close opening 98, that is formed primarily for manufacturing purposes. The disc 96 may include opposed lugs 100, 102 which slidably engage corresponding opposed slots, of which slot 104 is shown. A lip 106 is disposed at the top of each of the slots 104 to prevent ejection of disc 96. The four sets of channels 108 illustrated in the particular implementation of a nozzle housing 12 may have no functional purpose and may be employed primarily for manufacturing reasons to minimize the thickness of the plastic of the nozzle housing and avoid shrinkage after manufacture. In the implementation illustrated, pattern cam 80 includes a disc 82 representing approximately 180 degrees between edges 88, 89, which disc controls the angular excursion of nozzle housing 12. However, the angular excursion can be easily reduced to 90 degrees or set to any other value by simply substituting another pattern cam 80 having an annular extension such that the angular distance between edges 88, 89 corresponds with the angular rotation wanted of for the nozzle housing 12.
Referring to
Upon upward movement, the pin(s) 70, 72 will strike protrusion 110 and be deflected to the right, or in the clockwise direction, as indicated. Such deflection will incrementally rotate nozzle housing 12 clockwise. After the pin(s) 70, 72 passes protrusion 110, it will be guided to the right by the edge of saw tooth member 46 until it reaches the junction between adjacent saw tooth members 46. In particular implementations, the degree of rotation of nozzle housing 12 may be commensurate with the angular distance between the junction between adjacent saw tooth members 48 and the junction between adjacent saw tooth members 46. After water pressure within conduit 20 ceases, coil spring 62 causes retraction of sleeve 60 and nozzle housing 12. During such retraction, the pin(s) 70,72 moves vertically downwardly, as represented by arrow 116, until it strikes an edge of protrusion 112. This protrusion 112 will guide the pin 70,72 adjacent an edge of saw tooth members 48 until it comes to rest at the junction between the two adjacent saw tooth members 48.
In particular implementations, saw tooth members 46 may be offset from saw tooth members 48 by one-half of the width of the saw tooth members 46, 48, when saw tooth members 46, 48 have substantially identical dimensions. In other particular implementations, the degree of rotation of the nozzle housing 12 during each incremental rotation step may be governed by the dissimilarly between the relative dimensions of the saw tooth members 46, 48, e.g., the nozzle housing 12 may rotate more on its way down rather than on its way up.
As nozzle housing 12 rotates, sleeve 60 will rotate commensurately. Such rotation of the sleeve will cause pattern cam 80 (see
As illustrated, the pin(s) 70, 72 will move upwardly from in between saw tooth members 48 commensurate with upward movement of nozzle housing 12 upon the presence of water pressure within conduit 20. As the pin 70, 72 moves upwardly, it will contact protrusion 110 and be directed to the left, or counterclockwise, (not to the right as formerly described). Thereafter, the pin(s) 70, 72 will slide along the edge of saw tooth members 46 until reaching the junction between adjacent saw tooth members 46. Upon cessation of water pressure within conduit 20, sleeve 60 and nozzle housing 12 will retract and the pin(s) 70, 72 will move until it strikes the edge of protrusion 112. This edge will guide the pin(s) 70, 72 onto the edge of a saw tooth member 48 until it bottoms out at the junction between adjacent saw tooth members 48; this position corresponds with the retracted position of sleeve 60 and nozzle housing 12. The resulting incremental rotation of nozzle housing 12 will continue until the other edge of cam pattern 80 contacts and causes rotational movement of roundel 54 to relocate the cam reverser 50.
To limit the rotational movement of cam reverser 50, a tab 120 extends from retainer 32 into penetrable engagement with a slot 122 formed in cam reverser 50. The movement of the slot 122 with respect to the tab 120 controls the degree of angular excursion of the cam reverser 50 each time the rotational movement is changed; furthermore, the movement of the slot 122 from one side to the other precisely controls the repositioning of protrusions 110, 112 to ensure alignment with the respective saw tooth members 46, 48 and thereby accurately directs the engaging pin 70,72 to the corresponding edge of the respective saw tooth member 46, 48.
Referring to
It may be noted that the degree of total angular rotation of nozzle housing 12 is, as stated above, a function of the angular extent of disc 82 between edges 88, 89 of pattern cam 80. To change the degree of total angular rotation excursion of nozzle housing 12, an existing pattern cam 80 may be readily substituted with another pattern cam having an angularly differently configured disc 82 to increase or decrease the amount of total angular rotation of the nozzle housing 12.
In the past, the orientation of a stream of water emanating from a nozzle was set by carefully aligning the nozzle assembly as a whole in the desired direction. Such alignment was generally semi-permanent and adjustment was usually quite difficult. Because of such difficulty, workmen tended to have the attitude that “close enough was good enough”. Unfortunately, the cleaning capability was usually compromised. With implementations of nozzle assemblies 10, adjustment can be more readily and easily made by loosening screw 44 (see
Structure.
Referring to
A cap ring 136 may be coupled over the cam assembly 126 against the locking ring 134. Use of the cap ring 136 may allow, in particular implementations, for the lower and upper sections 130, 128 of the cam assembly 126 to be rendered substantially immobile in relation to the housing 132 during operation of the cleaning head assembly 124 while leaving the slidable section 131 capable of rotational sliding motion.
As illustrated in
Use.
Referring to
During operation of the cleaning head assembly, water pressure force is intermittently exerted on the stem 140, forcing it to extend upwardly. As the stem 140 moves upwardly, the pin 142 also travels upwardly in a first channel 158 formed to a side of the edges of the saw teeth 152, 154. When the water pressure force is removed, the bias of the spring element 148 withdraws the stem 140 into the housing 132 (see
Referring to
When the water pressure force is removed from the stem 140, the pin 142 travels back down channel 162. As the pin 142 does so, the angular position of the stem 140 begins to be incrementally and/or automatically adjusted in the counterclockwise direction just like it was previously in the clockwise direction. Under the influence of the intermittent water pressure force, and through the action of the engagement of the pin 142 within the cam assembly 126, the angular position of the stem 140 continues to incrementally travel in the counterclockwise direction until the pin 142 slidably rotates the slidable section 131 back by entering and widening channel 158, or through reaching a second limit position or predetermined limit. Through automatic positioning and reversal of the pin movement within the predetermined limits of the cam assembly, the cleaning head assembly automatically begins another cycle of movement in the clockwise direction after completion of a predetermined number of rotational steps. The ability of the slidable section 131 to slidably rotate with respect to the lower and upper sections 130, 128 enables the automatic reversal of the direction of rotation of particular implementations of cleaning head assemblies 124.
While the implementation of a cam assembly 126 illustrated in
Referring to
It will be understood that implementations are not limited to the specific components disclosed herein, as virtually any components consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for a nozzle assembly may be utilized. Accordingly, for example, although particular nozzle assemblies may be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intended operation of a method and/or system implementation for a nozzle assembly may be used.
In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of nozzle assemblies, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied to other nozzle assemblies. The accompanying claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosed implementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.
This application is a continuation application of the earlier U.S. Utility Patent Application to Goettl entitled “Cam Operated Swimming Pool Cleaning Nozzle,” application Ser. No. 11/924,400, filed Oct. 25, 2007, which application was a continuation-in-part application of the earlier U.S. Utility Patent Application to Goettl entitled “Method for Operating a Pop-Up Cleaning Nozzle for a Pool or Spa,” application Ser. No. 10/930,494, filed Aug. 31, 2004, now pending, which is a divisional application of a patent application to Goettl entitled “Cam Operated Pop-Up Swimming Pool Cleaning Nozzle filed Apr. 3, 2003, application Ser. No. 10/406,333, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,124, issued Feb. 1, 2005, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated entirely herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
1821579 | Rader | Sep 1931 | A |
1964269 | Munz | Jun 1934 | A |
2209961 | De Lacy-Mulhall | Aug 1940 | A |
2214852 | De Lacy-Mulhall | Sep 1940 | A |
3237866 | Lovell | Mar 1966 | A |
3247968 | Miller | Apr 1966 | A |
3247969 | Miller | Apr 1966 | A |
3408006 | Stanwood | Oct 1968 | A |
3449772 | Werner | Jun 1969 | A |
3486623 | Bosico | Dec 1969 | A |
3506489 | Baker | Apr 1970 | A |
3515351 | Costa | Jun 1970 | A |
3521304 | Ghiz | Jul 1970 | A |
3675252 | Ghiz | Jul 1972 | A |
3765608 | Lockwood | Oct 1973 | A |
3955764 | Phaup | May 1976 | A |
4114204 | Blach | Sep 1978 | A |
4114206 | Franc | Sep 1978 | A |
4188673 | Carter | Feb 1980 | A |
4193870 | Goodin | Mar 1980 | A |
4195371 | Goodin | Apr 1980 | A |
4200230 | Gould | Apr 1980 | A |
4202499 | Mathews | May 1980 | A |
4212088 | Goettl et al. | Jul 1980 | A |
4271541 | Mathews | Jun 1981 | A |
4276163 | Gordon | Jun 1981 | A |
4322860 | Gould | Apr 1982 | A |
4347979 | Mathews | Sep 1982 | A |
4371994 | Mathews | Feb 1983 | A |
4391005 | Goettl | Jul 1983 | A |
4462546 | Pitman | Jul 1984 | A |
4466142 | Gould | Aug 1984 | A |
4471908 | Hunter | Sep 1984 | A |
4520514 | Johnson | Jun 1985 | A |
4568024 | Hunter | Feb 1986 | A |
4592379 | Goettl | Jun 1986 | A |
4939797 | Goettl | Jul 1990 | A |
5135579 | Goettl | Aug 1992 | A |
5251343 | Goettl | Oct 1993 | A |
5333788 | Hadar | Aug 1994 | A |
5826797 | Kah, III | Oct 1998 | A |
6029907 | McKenzie | Feb 2000 | A |
6085995 | Kah, Jr. et al. | Jul 2000 | A |
6182909 | Kah, Jr. et al. | Feb 2001 | B1 |
6237862 | Kah, III et al. | May 2001 | B1 |
6301723 | Goettl | Oct 2001 | B1 |
6367098 | Barnes | Apr 2002 | B1 |
6393629 | Barnes et al. | May 2002 | B1 |
6438766 | Arnau | Aug 2002 | B1 |
20040217210 | Goettl et al. | Nov 2004 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10406333 | Apr 2003 | US |
Child | 10930494 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 11924400 | Oct 2007 | US |
Child | 13186313 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 10930494 | Aug 2004 | US |
Child | 11924400 | US |