Pool cleaner filter bag with zipper closure

Abstract

An improved filter bag is provided for use with a pool cleaner particularly of the type designed for travel over submerged pool surfaces to dislodge and collect debris. The filter bag is generally constructed according to U.S. Patent 4,618,420, to include a primary flow chamber for receiving a flow of water and water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner, and a secondary collection chamber for trapping and collecting the water-entrained debris. A zipper closure on the filter bag can be opened for disposal of debris captured within the collection chamber, followed by re-closure and re-use of the filter bag for a subsequent debris collection cycle.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 492,664, filed Aug. 4, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to improvements in filter bags for use with automatic pool cleaning devices, particularly of the type designed for travel within a swimming pool or the like to dislodge and collect debris. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved filter bag of the general type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,420, wherein the filter bag incorporates a zipper closure for facilitated access to debris collected within the filter bag in the course of normal pool cleaner operation. The zipper closure is adapted to be opened quickly and easily to permit disposal of collected debris, followed by re-closure and resumed use of the filter bag in the course of subsequent pool cleaner operation. [0003] Automatic swimming pool cleaners are generally well known in the art for use in maintaining a swimming pool in an overal...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] In accordance with the invention, an improved filter bag is provided for use with a pool cleaner particularly of the type designed for travel over submerged pool surfaces to dislodge and collect debris. A zipper closure on the filter bag is provided for quick and easy opening to define a relatively large discharge passage through which collected debris can be emptied from the bag for appropriate disposal, followed by quick and easy re-closure for resumed use of the filter bag on the pool cleaner.

[0010] In the preferred form, the improved filter bag is constructed generally according to U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,420, to include a hollow interior in combination with an open bag mouth associated with suitable mounting means for mounting the filter bag into an upper or discharge end of a pool cleaner suction mast or the like. The bag mouth thus accommodates flow of water and water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner into the hollow interior of the filter bag. This hollow interior is subdivided into a primary flow chamber disposed generally in-line or above the bag mouth for receiving the flow of water and water-entrained debris from the pool cleaner, and a secondary collection chamber for trapping and collecting the water-entrained debris within the filter bag. The zipper closure is mounted on the filter bag in a position lining the debris collection chamber. A preferred zipper closure comprises a zipper having relatively large and preferably noncorrosive zipper teeth, such as plastic zipper teeth, and a relatively large zipper slide with associated zipper tab or pull tab for facilitated manual zipper operation.

[0011] In use, the zipper closure is normally closed during pool cleaner operation with the filter bag thereon to collected debris. When desired or required, the filter bag can be disassembled from the pool cleaner and taken to a suitable debris disposal location, such as a trash receptacle, whereat the zipper closure can be opened quickly and easily to form the relatively large discharge passage through which the collected debris can be dumped into the trash receptacle. The zipper closure can then be re-closed, and the filter bag re-installed onto the pool cleaner for resumed operation.

Problems solved by technology

Although such filtration systems function efficiently to collect suspended particulate, it has been recognized that some particulate tends to settle onto submerged pool floor and wall surfaces and thus is not removed by the standard filtration system.

The Velcro-type releasible seam includes interengageable hook-and-loop fastener strips which are difficult for some persons to manipulate.

In addition, following repeated opening and re-closure over a period of time, the fastener strips can develop wear which may provide an undesirable frayed or fuzzy appearance.

Moreover, the fastener strips are relatively porous structures and thus can become embedded with small debris that is unsightly, can become malodorous, and can interfere with secure re-closure following disposal of the captured debris.

Satisfactory cleaning of debris embedded within the fastener strips can be difficult.

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