Pool Cleaning Tool

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to spool equipment, and in particular to a pool cleaning tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing pool cleaning brushes typically consist of a main brush, often equipped with side brushes for targeting hard-to-reach areas. These side brushes are crucial for cleaning corners and angled wall sections close to the pool floor, areas that the main brush may not adequately reach.

However, a common issue with conventional pool cleaning brushes is the stability of the connection between the main brush and the side brushes. Traditional designs utilize locking pins and springs to attach the side brushes to the main brush. While this method allows for detachability, it often results in instability, with the side brushes becoming detached during use due to vibrations. Consequently, there is a need for an improved connection mechanism that ensures the stable attachment of side brushes to the main brush, enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of pool cleaning tools. The prior art also encompasses various extending assemblies designed to extend the reach of pool cleaning tools. These assemblies aim to provide adjustability and versatility in cleaning different pool sizes and configurations. However, existing extending assemblies may lack ease of use or robustness, limiting their practicality and effectiveness in real-world applications. Addressing these limitations in the related art, the present invention introduces a novel pool cleaning tool with an improved connection mechanism between the main brush and side brushes, as well as an innovative extending assembly for enhanced functionality and user experience.

As such, the connection between the main brush and side brushes needs to be more stable.

Furthermore, in many existing pool cleaning tool designs, the extending rod and main brush lack the necessary adjustability to accommodate the diverse configurations of pools encountered in both residential and commercial settings. This lack of adaptability not only restricts the tool's effectiveness in reaching all areas of the pool but also hampers its ability to provide thorough cleaning in spaces with unique shapes or dimensions. Consequently, certain regions may remain untouched by the cleaning process, allowing debris and contaminants to accumulate unchecked, thereby compromising the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the pool environment. To be specific, the rod cannot rotate relative to the brush, depriving users of the flexibility needed to address hard-to-reach areas and corners effectively. This limitation underscores the critical need for an innovative solution that integrates adjustable features into the design, enabling users to customize the tool's configuration according to specific pool layouts and cleaning requirements. Such advancements would not only enhance the tool's efficiency and performance but also contribute to a cleaner and healthier swimming environment for users.

Given these limitations, it becomes evident that there is a pressing need for an innovative pool cleaning tool that not only ensures a stable connection between the main brush and side brushes but also incorporates adjustable features for both the extending rod and main brush. By addressing these shortcomings, such enhancements would empower users to achieve comprehensive cleaning results across a wide range of pool layouts, regardless of their complexity or size. This, in turn, would significantly improve overall maintenance efficiency and user satisfaction, ultimately enhancing the enjoyment and longevity of pool ownership.

Additionally, it's worth noting that in some instances, the adjustment structure of the rod and the main brush may be accidentally triggered, potentially leading to unintended changes in the tool's configuration during operation. This unintentional adjustment can result in suboptimal cleaning performance or even equipment damage if not promptly rectified. Therefore, there is a need for robust locking mechanisms or safeguards to prevent accidental adjustments and maintain the desired settings throughout the cleaning process, ensuring consistent and effective pool maintenance. To be specific, there is just one button to trigger the adjustment structure, which may inadvertently lead to unintentional adjustments if pressed accidentally during use. This single-button design, while intended to facilitate ease of operation, also increases the risk of inadvertent activation, potentially disrupting the tool's intended configuration and compromising cleaning performance. Thus, careful consideration must be given to the design and placement of this button to minimize the likelihood of accidental triggers and ensure smooth and uninterrupted operation of the pool cleaning tool.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least some of the inconveniences present in the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present technology, there is provided a pool cleaning tool comprising: a pool cleaning tool comprising: a main brush comprising a main frame and bristles extending therefrom, wherein the main frame has at least a locking pin hole; at least a side brush comprising a side brush frame and bristles extending therefrom, wherein the side brush frame has a through hole; a locking element comprising a head and a pin shaft connected therewith, wherein the size of the end of the pin shaft far from the head is larger than the through hole, the pin shaft is made of elastic material, such that the pin shaft can pass through the locking pin hole and the through hole to detachably connect the main brush with the at least one side brush.

In some embodiments, the pin shaft has at least one groove at the end far from the head.

In some embodiments, the pin shaft has two grooves at the end far from the head and the two grooves are positioned in a cross manner.

In some embodiments, each side brush frame has a counterbore extending around the through hole and the counterbore is the same shape as the head.

In some embodiments, the end of the pin shaft far from the head is spherical or ellipsoidal.

In some embodiments, the shape of the counterbore and head is circular.

In some embodiments, the shape of the counterbore and head is square or rectangular.

In some embodiments, there are two side brushes, and the two side brushes are detachably connected to two opposite sides of the main frame.

In some embodiments, wherein the main frame has an extending portion.

In some embodiments, wherein there is an extending assembly adjustably attached to the extending portion.

In some embodiments, the extending assembly comprises an extending element attached to the extending portion, wherein the extending element has a threaded structure and a hollow elastic portion far from the main brush; and a threaded sleeve with a smaller size than the elastic portion at one end and a larger size than the elastic portion at the other end; wherein the threaded sleeve detachably connects to the extending element by the threaded structure, such that the connection between the threaded sleeve and the extending element causes axial pressure on the elastic portion by the smaller end of the threaded sleeve.

In some embodiments, the extending element comprises: two connecting elements, each connecting element has a first tooth structure and a second tooth structure, wherein the extending portion has two first internal tooth structures, the first internal tooth structures can be fitted with the first tooth structures respectively, wherein the extending element has a second internal tooth structure, the second internal tooth structure can be fitted with the second tooth structures, wherein the two connecting elements are configured to move between a first state and a second state, when the two connecting elements are in the first state, at least one of the first internal tooth structures is engaged with one of the first tooth structures, and when the two connecting elements are in the second state, the first internal tooth structures are disengaged with the first tooth structures respectively.

In some embodiments, the extending element further comprises an elastic element positioned between the two connecting elements, wherein the elastic element is configured to drive the two connecting elements from the second state to the first state.

In some embodiments, wherein the extending element further comprises two buttons connected to the connecting elements respectively.

In some embodiments, the two connecting elements are positioned coaxially and symmetrically with respect to each other.

In some embodiments, the connecting elements, the elastic element, and the second internal tooth structure are positioned between the two first internal tooth structures.

In some embodiments, the second tooth structures have a larger outside diameter than the first tooth structures, and the second tooth structures are closer to the plane of symmetry of the two connecting elements than the first tooth structures.

In some embodiments, wherein the two buttons protrude above the first internal tooth structures from two opposite directions.

In some embodiments, each of the connecting elements has a threaded through hole, each of the buttons has a threaded portion, and the threaded portions fit into the threaded through holes respectively.

In some embodiments, wherein two ends of the elastic element are connected to the two threaded portions respectively.

Embodiments of the present technology each have at least one of the above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy these objects and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The schematic embodiments of the present invention and the description thereof are used to explain the present invention, and do not form improper limits to the present invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of the present invention, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exploded view of the present invention, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the locking element, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the present invention taken from FIG. 2 within section line 3, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the connecting elements, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a side brush, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

Throughout the detailed description of the invention, various terms and phrases are utilized to describe the innovative features and functionalities. It is important to note that while specific terminology is employed for clarity and illustration, the invention is not limited to these particular words or expressions.

For instance, terms such as “pool cleaning tool,” “main brush,” “side brushes,” and “locking element” are used to describe components of the invention. However, these terms are not exclusive, and alternative words or phrases may also adequately convey the same concepts. Examples include “pool maintenance device,” “primary brush,” “auxiliary brushes,” and “attachment mechanism,” among others.

Similarly, descriptive phrases such as “detachably connected,” “locking mechanism,” and “adjustable assembly” are employed to elucidate the operation and functionality of the invention. Nonetheless, alternative language that conveys similar meanings, such as “removably attached,” “fastening system,” and “modular configuration,” may be equally applicable in describing the inventive features.

Therefore, it is essential to interpret the language used in the detailed description in a broad and inclusive manner, recognizing that the invention encompasses a range of terminology that effectively communicates its principles and functionalities. The choice of specific words or phrases does not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the illustrative pool cleaning tool 100 comprises a main brush 110, two side brushes 120 connecting with the main brush 110. The side brushes are used for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of pools. In some embodiments, there is only one side brush connecting with the main brush 110.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the side brushes are connected to the main brush 110 by two locking elements 130. The main brush comprises a main frame 111 and bristles extending from the main frame 111, each of the side brushes 120 comprises a side brush frame 121 and bristles extending from the side brush frame 121. In some embodiments, at least a part of the bristles on the side brush frame 121 extends towards an angle different from the bristles on the main frame 111.

In some embodiments, the bristle is interchangeable and can be replaced as needed to maintain optimal cleaning performance. This feature allows users to easily swap out worn or damaged bristles without the need for specialized tools or extensive maintenance procedures, ensuring the continued effectiveness of the pool cleaning tool over time. Additionally, interchangeable bristles offer the flexibility to adapt the cleaning tool to different pool surfaces or debris types, further enhancing its versatility and usability.

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the main frame 111 has two locking pin holes 112, and each of the side brushes has a through hole 122. Each of the locking elements 130 comprises a head 131 and a pin shaft 132 connected with the head 131. The pin shaft has a restriction portion 133 with a larger size than the through hole 122 at the end of the pin shaft 132 far from the head 131, and the pin shaft 132 is made of elastic material.

In some embodiments, the restriction portion 133 is spherical or ellipsoidal.

The pin shaft 132 can consecutively pass through the locking pin hole 112 and the through hole 122 due to the elasticity of the pin shaft 132. The main frame 111 and the side brush frame 121 are therefore firmly attached under the restriction of the head 131 and the restriction portion 133. The restriction portion 133 can be pressed axially inwards by users to remove the pin shaft 132 so that the main frame 111 and the side brush frame 121 can be detached.

In some embodiments, the distance between the restriction portion 133 and the head 131 is shorter than the total length of the locking pin holes 112 and the through hole 122. The restriction portion 133 and the head 131 provide sustained compression force so the connection between the main brush frame 111 and the side brush frame 121 is stable.

In some embodiments, each of the side brush frames 121 has a counterbore extending around the through hole 122 and the counterbore is the same shape as the head 131, such that the head 131 can be fitted with the counterbore. In some embodiments, the shape of the counterbore and head 131 is square or rectangular.

In some embodiments, the shape of the counterbore and head 131 is circular. By opting for a circular design, potential issues associated with irregular shapes, such as alignment difficulties or jamming, are mitigated. The users do not have to turn the head 131 while fitting the head 131 into the counterbore, ensuring a more straightforward and user-friendly experience.

In some embodiments, the pool cleaning tool 100 further comprises a second locking element, providing an additional layer of security and stability to the connection between the main brush 110 and side brushes 120. This second locking element, similar to the primary locking mechanism described earlier, may employ a head and pin shaft configuration made of elastic material to facilitate easy attachment and detachment of the side brushes. By incorporating a second locking element, the pool cleaning tool enhances its resistance to detachment and ensures consistent performance even under varying pool cleaning conditions.

Further, the pin shaft 132 has a groove 134 at the end far from the head. In some embodiments, the pin shaft 132 has two grooves 134 and the two grooves 134 are positioned in a cross manner.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the pool cleaning tool further comprises an extending assembly adjustably connected with the main brush 110. Further, the main frame 111 has an extending portion 113, and the extending assembly is adjustably attached to the extending portion 113. In some embodiments, the extending assembly is rotatably attached to the extending portion 113.

The extending assembly comprises an extending element 150 and a threaded sleeve 160. One end of the extending element 150 is adjustably connected with the extending portion 113, and the other end of the extending element 150 has a threaded structure 1512 and a hollow elastic portion 1513. The hollow elastic portion 1513 can be pressed axially inwards, such that the hollow elastic portion 1513 can clutch external extending parts such as a rod inwards. In some embodiments, the hollow elastic portion 1513 has at least a cut 1514, which enhances the elasticity of the hollow elastic portion 1513. In some embodiments, the hollow elastic portion 1513 has six cuts 1514.

In some embodiments, the extending element 150 may feature additional adjustment points or a telescoping design, providing users with enhanced flexibility in customizing the length and configuration of the extending element to suit their specific pool cleaning needs. The inclusion of additional adjustment points allows for finer control over the extension length, while a telescoping design enables smooth and easy expansion or retraction of the extending element to accommodate varying pool depths and contours. This increased adjustability ensures optimal reach and coverage during cleaning, enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the pool cleaning tool.

A near end 161 of the threaded sleeve 160 has a slightly smaller size than the hollow elastic portion 1513, while a distant end 162 has a smaller size than the hollow elastic portion 1513. From the distant end 162 to the near end 161, the threaded sleeve 160 shrinks smoothly. The threaded sleeve 160 detachably connects to the extending element 150 by the threaded structure 1512. Further, the threaded structure 1512 is closer to the middle of the extending element 150 than the hollow elastic portion 1513. Since the size of the near end 161 is smaller than the hollow elastic portion 1513, the hollow elastic portion 1513 is pressed by the near end 161 inwards so that the hollow elastic portion 1513 can clutch external extending parts such as a rod, tightly.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, the extending element 150 comprises two connecting elements 142, each connecting element 142 has a first tooth structure 1421 and a second tooth structure 1422 with a different outside diameter from the first tooth structure 1421. In some embodiments, the outside diameter of the first tooth structure 1421 and the second tooth structure 1422 is the same. The extending portion 113 has two first internal tooth structures 1131 which can be fitted with the first tooth structure 1421. The extending element 150 has a second internal tooth structure 1511 which can be fitted with the second tooth structures 1422.

With the second tooth structures 1422 fitted into the second internal tooth structure 1511, the two connecting elements 142 can move along the axis of the the second internal tooth structure 1511. The two connecting elements 142 are configured to move between a first state and a second state. In the first state, at least one of the first internal tooth structures 1131 is engaged with one of the first tooth structures 1421, such that the extending element 150 cannot rotate related to the main frame 111 of the main brush 110; In the second state, the first internal tooth structures 1131 are disengaged with the first tooth structures 1421 respectively, such that the extending element 150 can rotate related to the main frame 111 of the main brush 110.

Further, the extending element 150 comprises an elastic element 144. The elastic element 144 is positioned between the two connecting elements 142, pushing the two connecting elements 142 toward the first state. The users need to press the two connecting elements 142 at the same time to drive the connecting elements 142 from the first state to the second state, disengaging the first internal tooth structures 1131 and the first tooth structures 1421 respectively, so that the users can adjust the angle between main brush 110 and the extending element 150. In some embodiments, the elastic element 144 is a compression spring.

Further, the two connecting elements 142 are positioned coaxially and symmetrically with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the two connecting elements 142 are positioned in a V-shape manner. The elastic element 144 and the second internal tooth structure 1511 are positioned between the two first internal tooth structures 1131. The second tooth structures 1422 has a larger outside diameter than the first internal tooth structures 1131 so the movement of the two connecting elements 142 is restricted between the two first internal tooth structures 1131. The second tooth structures 1422 has a larger outside diameter than the first tooth structures 1421, and the second tooth structures 1422 are closer to the plane of symmetry of the two connecting elements 142 than the first tooth structures 1421.

The extending element 150 further comprises two buttons 143. The two buttons 143 are connected to the connecting elements 142 respectively, and the two buttons protrude above the first internal tooth structures 1131 from two opposite directions, such that the users need to press the button from two opposite directions to adjust the pool cleaning tool 100, to prevent the pool cleaning tool 100 from being adjusted accidentally.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, each of the connecting elements 142 has a threaded through hole 1423, each of the buttons 143 has a threaded portion 1431, and the threaded portions 1431 fit into the threaded through holes 1423 respectively.

In some embodiments, the two ends of the elastic element 144 connect to two threaded portions 1431 respectively. The elastic element 144 drives the threaded portions 1431 of the buttons 143 to drive the connecting elements 142.

Referring to FIGS. 6, each of the side brush frames 121 further has a groove 123 that fits the shape of the main frame 111, and the groove 123 is cuboid. In some embodiments, the groove 123 is cylindrical or irregular shape. The side brush frames 121 bend inwards near the groove 123, such that the side brush frame 121 can partly wrap the main frame 111.

The detailed description of the invention provided herein serves as exemplary embodiments intended to illustrate specific implementations of the inventive concepts. However, it is essential to recognize that these embodiments are not exhaustive and do not limit the scope of the invention. Instead, they represent particular instances chosen for clarity and understanding.

The embodiments disclosed herein are offered as embodiments for consideration, showcasing various features, components, and configurations of the invention. However, the invention encompasses a broad range of possible implementations, variations, and adaptations beyond those explicitly described. These variations may include alternative materials, designs, dimensions, or functionalities, all of which remain within the scope of the invention.

It is crucial to emphasize that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and extends to any modifications, alternatives, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described therein. Therefore, while the detailed description provides specific examples, it does not preclude other embodiments or variations that may arise within the scope of the claims.

Furthermore, it is acknowledged that the embodiments described herein may not encompass all potential implementations of the invention. As technology evolves and new insights emerge, additional variations and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such developments are intended to be included within the scope of the invention, provided they adhere to the fundamental principles disclosed herein and are consistent with the scope of the appended claims.

In summary, the embodiments disclosed in the detailed description serve as illustrations of the invention's principles and functionalities. They do not limit the invention to specific configurations or embodiments but instead offer guidance and examples for understanding the broader scope of the inventive concepts. As such, the invention remains open to various modifications, alternatives, and adaptations within the scope of the appended claims.