AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANER SYSTEMS WITH BRUSH HOLDER REMOVAL

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/657,278, filed on Jun. 7, 2024, and entitled AUTOMATIC SWIMMING POOL CLEANER SYSTEMS WITH BRUSH HOLDER REMOVAL, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to self-propelled swimming pool cleaners for cleaning water-containing vessels such as swimming pools and spas and more particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, to brush holders for such swimming pool cleaners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous cleaning devices capable of self-propelled (e.g., autonomous or semi-autonomous) movement within swimming pools and spas currently exist. The most common of these devices are self-propelled pool cleaners, which often are either hydraulic or robotic in type. Hydraulic cleaners vary water flow for movement, while robotic cleaners typically employ electric motors to cause motion. Hydraulic self-propelled pool cleaners, furthermore, subdivide into “pressure-side” and “suction-side” cleaners, with pressure-side cleaners being fluidly connected to outputs of pumps of pool water circulation systems and suction-side cleaners being fluidly connected to inputs of such pumps.

Pool cleaners commonly include one or more cleaning devices (e.g., brushes, pressurized jets, etc.) for dislodging debris from pool surfaces so that the dislodged debris may be removed from the water (e.g., by being drawn into a filter). Brushes are effective cleaning devices, but during a cleaning cycle, elongated debris such as hairs, straw, branches, rope, string, and the like may accumulate on gears and bearings of the brush. Such accumulation increases the motor current, slows the surface brushing speed of the brush, and decreases the cleaner displacement speed. Traditionally, to remove such entangled hairs and/or other debris from the gears and bearings of the brush, relatively significant disassembly of the self-propelled pool cleaner is required. In particular, to remove the brush, wheels of the self-propelled pool cleaner overlapping and covering the brush must first be removed and additional screws must be unscrewed.

SUMMARY

Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various embodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain embodiments, a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a brush assembly and a plurality of wheels. The brush assembly is removable from the self-propelled pool cleaner without removing the plurality of wheels.

According to some embodiments, a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a brush holder for supporting a brush, a brush support, and a brush coupler secured to the brush support. The brush coupler may connect the brush holder with the brush support, and the brush holder is detachable from the brush coupler.

According to certain embodiments, a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a brush holder for supporting a brush, a brush support, and a brush coupler connecting the brush holder and the brush support. In various embodiments, the brush coupler is supported by the brush holder and is configured to selectively engage and disengage the brush support such that the brush holder and the brush coupler are detachable from the brush support.

According to certain embodiments, a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a brush holder for supporting a brush, a brush support, a mechanical fastener securing the brush holder to the brush gear, and a wheel for moving the self-propelled pool cleaner along a surface. The wheel may include a removal aperture configured to align with the mechanical fastener such that the mechanical fastener is accessible through the wheel.

According to some embodiments, a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a brush holder for supporting a brush and a brush coupler configured to couple the brush holder with a brush support. In various embodiments, the brush holder is attachable to and detachable from the brush coupler in a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation of the brush holder.

According to various embodiments, a self-propelled pool cleaner includes a brush assembly, a brush support on the cleaner configured to enable rotation of the brush assembly, and at least one wheel for moving the self-propelled pool cleaner along a surface, where the brush assembly is removable from the brush support without removing the at least one wheel.

A method includes removing a brush assembly from a self-propelled pool cleaner without removing a wheel from the self-propelled pool cleaner.

Various implementations described herein can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, in which use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended to illustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a pool cleaner according to embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a brush assembly of the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates examples of a brush support for the brush assembly of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates the brush assembly of FIG. 1 with engagement features for attaching the brush assembly to the pool cleaner according to embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates the brush assembly of FIG. 1 with engagement features for attaching the brush assembly to the pool cleaner according to embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the brush assembly of FIG. 1 with engagement features for attaching the brush assembly to the pool cleaner according to embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates the brush assembly of FIG. 1 with engagement features for attaching the brush assembly to the pool cleaner according to embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a view of a portion of the brush assembly of FIG. 1 with the engagement features of FIG. 7 according to embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates the brush assembly of FIG. 1 with the engagement features of FIG. 7 with the pool cleaner of FIG. 1 according to embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates the pool cleaner and the brush assembly of FIG. 1 with engagement features for attaching the brush assembly to the pool cleaner according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein are systems and methods for improved brush holder assembly and removal compared to traditional approaches. In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described herein enable removal of the brush of the self-propelled pool cleaner without requiring removal of a wheel and/or a screw of the self-propelled pool cleaner. The systems and methods described herein may allow for easy removal of hairs and/or other debris accumulated on brush gears and/or brush bearings without requiring the disassembly of many parts of the self-propelled pool cleaner as required with traditional approaches.

In certain embodiments, the brush holder assemblies described herein include one or more couplers allowing for removal of brush assemblies from the pool cleaner. Couplers may include, but are not limited to, spring clips, sliding couplers, dovetailed couplers, other clip couplers, friction fit couplers, snap-fit couplers, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired.

In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein include a brush coupler connected to a brush support (collectively referring to a brush gear assembly, brush bearing, and/or other structure or device on the self-propelled pool cleaner) and from which the brush holder may be released without removing a wheel of the self-propelled pool cleaner. In certain embodiments the brush holder may selectively engage the brush coupler in a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation. Optionally, the brush holder and the brush coupler include one or more locking features for controlling (e.g., allowing or preventing) radial movement of the brush holder relative to the brush coupler. Locking features include but are not limited to a dovetail, a radial fastener, a clip, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired.

Additionally, or alternatively, the systems and methods described herein include a removal aperture defined in the wheel and aligned with a screw or mechanical fastener connecting the brush support with the brush holder. In such embodiments, a tool such as but not limited to a screwdriver may access the mechanical fastener through the removal aperture, thereby allowing for the removal of the brush support from the brush holder without requiring removal of the wheel.

Additionally, or alternatively, the systems and methods described herein include the brush coupler supported on the brush holder. The brush coupler may be movable relative to the brush holder between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The brush coupler in the retracted configuration may allow for detachment of the brush holder and brush coupler from the brush support. Optionally, the brush coupler may be biased into the extended configuration by a biasing member applying a biasing force, such as but not limited to a spring.

The systems and methods described herein may improve the efficiency of assembling and/or disassembling of the brush holder from the self-propelled pool cleaner compared to traditional approaches. Optionally, the improved assembly and/or disassembly may be realized without requiring additional components. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems, devices, and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a self-propelled pool cleaner 10 according to embodiments. The self-propelled pool cleaner 10 may be a robotic cleaner using electrical power for movement and cleaning. However, in other embodiment, the pool cleaner 10 may be a hydraulic pool cleaner and/or as otherwise as desired. The pool cleaner 10 generally includes a housing 12 having a nominal front end 22 and back end 24 in a direction of travel, one or more motive elements 14 (e.g., wheels 16, tracks, combinations thereof, etc.) enabling movement of the pool cleaner 10 along a surface, and one or more cleaning devices 18 (including but not limited to one or more brush assemblies 20). A motor, pump, filter, controller, and/or various other features or combinations of features may be provided on or within the self-propelled pool cleaner 10 as desired. In certain embodiments, the self-propelled pool cleaner 10 includes an on-board power source, such as but not limited to one or more on-board batteries. Non-limiting examples of self-propelled pool cleaners 10 may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 10,316,534, 9,488,154, 8,578,538, and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0303810, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, each brush assembly 20 may include a brush 26 supported on a brush holder 28. While two brush assemblies 20 are illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in other embodiments, a single brush assembly 20 may be utilized with a pool cleaner 10 and/or a plurality of brush assemblies 20 may be utilized with a pool cleaner.

The brush supports 30 may be various devices suitable for supporting the brush assembly 20 on and/or relative to the pool cleaner, such as on the housing 12 of the pool cleaner 10. In some embodiments, the brush supports 30 may include one or more brush gear assemblies 32 (see, e.g., FIGS. 3 and 10) and/or one or more brush bearings supported on the housing 12 of the self-propelled pool cleaner 10.

Traditionally, a mechanical fastener such as a screw, connects each end of the brush holder 28 to a brush support 30. As an example, one end of the brush holder 28 may be connected the brush gear assembly 32 and an opposite end of the brush holder 28 may be connected to the brush bearing. However, as illustrated in FIG. 1, one or more of the wheels 16 (or other motive elements 14) may overlap the brush assemblies 20 in a lateral direction. Thus, to access the mechanical fastener connecting the brush holder 28 to the brush supports 30, traditional approaches require removal of the wheels 16 before the brush assemblies 20 can be removed from the self-propelled pool cleaner 10. Compared to traditional approaches, and as described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3-10, the self-propelled pool cleaners 10 described herein allow for selective removal of the brush assemblies 20 from the self-propelled pool cleaner 10 without requiring removal of the wheels 16.

In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3-9, the self-propelled pool cleaners 10 include a brush coupler 32 connecting the brush holder 28 to the brush support 30. The brush couplers 32 may allow for attachment of the brush assembly to the pool cleaner 10 and removal of the brush assembly from the pool cleaner 10 without requiring the removal of a wheel. Brush couplers 32 may include, but are not limited to, spring clips, sliding couplers, dovetailed couplers, other clip couplers, friction fit couplers, snap-fit couplers, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired. FIGS. 3-9 illustrate examples of brush couplers 32, but the particular brush couplers 32 should not be considered limiting and a pool cleaner 10 may include various devices or mechanisms (or combinations thereof) as the brush couplers 32. In one non-limiting example, the brush couplers 32 may include spring clips, such as generally U-shaped spring clips. Other couplers may be utilized as desired.

In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3-6, the brush coupler 32 may be secured to the brush support 30, and the brush holder 28 is attachable to and detachable from the brush coupler 32. In such embodiments, the brush holder 28 may be releasable from the brush support 30.

In some embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 3 for example, the brush coupler 32 may be secured to the brush support 30 or a component thereof (e.g., the brush gear assembly 32 or brush bearing) using a mechanical fastener 34 and/or other suitable mechanism or device as desired. In these embodiments, the brush coupler 32 and the brush holder 28 may include complementary engagement features 36, 38 allowing for selective engagement and disengagement between the brush coupler 32 and the brush holder 28. As a non-limiting example, one engagement feature (e.g., engagement feature 36 on the brush holder 28) may include a groove 40 and the other engagement feature (e.g., engagement feature 38 on the brush coupler 32) may include a rib 42, ridge, or other suitable features. In other embodiments, the groove 40 may be provided on the brush coupler 32 and the rib 42 may be provided on the brush holder 28. Other engagement features may be utilized as desired.

In various embodiments, the engagement features 36, 38 may be configured to sliding and/or linear engagement. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the engagement features 36, 38 may be radial engagement features. As used herein, radial engagement features refer to the engagement features 36, 38 being movable into or out of engagement via radial movement relative to a rotation axis 44 of the brush support 30. In various embodiments, radial engagement features may allow for release of the brush holder 28 from the brush coupler 32 (and thus the brush support 30) without requiring access and/or movement along the axis 44. In another non-limiting example, radial engagement features may include a spring clip as one engagement feature 36, 38 and a complimentary feature as the other engagement feature 36, 38, and the engagement features 36, 38 may be moved into and out of engagement with each other. Other radial engagement features may be utilized as desired.

Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, one or more locking features 46 may be included to control radial movement of the brush holder 28 relative to the brush coupler 32. In some non-limiting examples, the locking features 46 may control radial movement of the brush holder 28 by preventing and/or limiting radial movement, providing resistance to radial movement in one or more directions, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired.

As one non-limiting example, FIG. 4 illustrates a dovetail locking feature 46 where a dovetail portion 48 may be received by a dovetail slot or groove 50. In this embodiment, engagement between the dovetail portion 48 and the dovetail slot or groove 50 may provide resistance to radial movement. The shape, number, location, and type of the components of the dovetail locking feature 46 should not be considered limiting. Moreover, the particular components including the dovetail portion 48 and the dovetail slot or groove 50 should not be considered limiting. As a non-limiting example, while the dovetail portion 48 is illustrated on the brush coupler 32 and the dovetail slot or groove 50 is illustrated on the brush holder 28, in other embodiments, the dovetail portion 48 may be on the brush holder 28 and the dovetail slot or groove 50 may be on the brush coupler 32.

As another non-limiting example, FIG. 5 illustrates a fastener locking feature 46 where a mechanical fastener 52 selectively engages apertures 72, 74 (or other suitable features) of the engagement features 36, 38 in a radial direction. In this embodiment, the mechanical fastener 52 optionally may prevent radial movement and/or secure the engagement until the mechanical fastener 52 is unscrewed or otherwise disengaged.

As another non-limiting example, FIG. 6 illustrates a clipping locking feature 46 where a clip 54 may engage grooves 56 and/or other features or components. In this embodiment, engagement between the clip 54 and the grooves 56 may provide resistance to radial movement. In a non-limiting example, a spring clip may be utilized as the clip 54, although it need not be a spring clip in other embodiments. The particular components including the clip 54 and the grooves 56 should not be considered limiting. As a non-limiting example, while the grooves 56 and/or other engagement feature is illustrated on the brush coupler 32 and the clip 54 is illustrated on the brush holder 28, in other embodiments, the grooves 56 and/or other engagement feature may be on the brush holder 28 and the clip 54 may be on the brush coupler 32.

While FIGS. 3-6 illustrate the brush coupler 32 secured to the brush support 30, in other embodiments the brush coupler 32 may be supported on the brush holder 28. As a non-limiting example, FIGS. 7-9 illustrate the brush coupler 32 optionally supported on the brush holder 28. In these embodiments, the brush coupler 32 may selectively engage or disengage the brush support 30 such that the brush holder 28 and brush coupler 32 are releasable from the brush support 30.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, in some embodiments the brush coupler 32 may be supported on the brush holder 28. Optionally, the brush coupler 32 is supported on the brush holder 28 such that the brush coupler 32 and brush holder 28 define ends 58, 60 of the brush assembly 20.

In certain embodiments, the brush coupler 32 is slidable and/or linearly movable relative to the brush holder 28 between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the brush coupler 32 in the extended configuration. A distance between the ends 58, 60 when the brush coupler 32 is in the extended configuration may be greater than a distance between the ends 58, 60 when the brush coupler 32 is in the retracted configuration. In certain embodiments, in the extended configuration, the brush coupler 32 may be engaged with the brush support 30, and in the retracted configuration, the brush coupler 32 may be disengaged from the brush support 30, thereby allowing removal of the brush coupler 32 and the brush holder 28.

Optionally, a biasing member 62 may be provided between a portion of the brush coupler 32 and a portion of the brush holder 28 for applying a force or pressure to the brush coupler 32 and the brush holder 28 and controlling movement and/or maintaining a specific positioning of the brush coupler 32 relative to the brush holder 28 in the absence of an external force. Various devices or mechanisms may be utilized as the biasing member 62, such as but not limited to a spring, compression member, pneumatic cylinders, elastic material, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired. In embodiments with the biasing member 62, the biasing member 62 may bias the brush coupler 32 toward the extended configuration (e.g., by applying a force or pressure). In addition to facilitating removal of the brush assembly 20 from the self-propelled pool cleaner 10, the sliding brush coupler 32 with the biasing member 62 may further facilitate installation of the brush assembly 20. As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, the brush couplers 32 may be compressed into the retracted configuration (represented by arrows 1) (e.g., by a user and/or by engagement of the couplers 32 with portions of the body 12 of the pool cleaner 10 or as otherwise desired) and then positioned within the self-propelled pool cleaner 10 (represented by arrow 2), after which the biasing members 62 bias the brush couplers 32 into the extended configuration and into engagement with the brush supports 30 (e.g., due to the absence of an external force or pressure provided by the user and/or disengagement of the couplers 32 with the portion of the pool cleaner 10 previously compressing the couplers 32).

The brush couplers 32 illustrated in FIGS. 3-9 may facilitate removal of the brush assembly 20 from the self-propelled pool cleaner 10 without requiring removal of the wheels 16.

In other embodiments, and as illustrated in FIG. 10, a separate brush coupler 32 may not be required to allow for removal of the brush assembly 20 without requiring removal of the wheels 16.

Referring to FIG. 10, in certain embodiments, a mechanical fastener 64 may connect the brush support 30 and the brush holder 28. In these embodiments, one or more removal apertures 66 are defined in the wheel 16 and axially align with the mechanical fastener 64. The removal apertures 66 may be defined in various parts of the wheel 16 as desired and suitable for alignment with the mechanical faster 64 (or a location on the brush holder 28 for the mechanical fastener), such as but not limited to a hub 68 of the wheel 16. In certain embodiments, the one or more removal apertures 66 may be offset from an axis of rotation of the wheel 16.

The wheel 16 with the one or more removal apertures 66 thus allows a removal tool 70 to access the mechanical fastener 64 through the removal aperture 66 without requiring removal of the wheel 16. As a non-limiting example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the removal tool 70 may access the mechanical fastener 64 through the removal aperture 66 to cause disengagement of the mechanical fastener 64 from the brush holder 28 (step 1). In certain embodiments, where the brush holder 28 and brush support 30 are optionally nested (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 10), disengagement of the mechanical fastener 64 from the brush holder 28 may cause axial movement of the brush support 30 (step 2), which may further result in disengagement of the brush holder 28 from the brush support 30 (step 3). The brush support 30 decoupled and detached from the brush holder 28 allows for removal of the brush holder 28 (step 3).

As illustrated in FIGS. 3-10, the self-propelled pool cleaners 10 described herein allow for removal of brush assemblies 20 without requiring removal of wheels 16 of the self-propelled pool cleaner 10. In certain embodiments, a single type of mechanism or technique may be utilized to facilitate removal of the brush assemblies 20. As non-limiting examples, couplers allowing for removal of brush assemblies 20 may include, but are not limited to, spring clips, sliding couplers, dovetailed couplers, other clip couplers, friction fit couplers, snap-fit couplers, combinations thereof, and/or as otherwise desired. As a non-limiting example, opposing ends of a brush assembly 20 both utilize the sliding brush coupler 32 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9. As a further non-limiting example, opposing ends of a brush assembly 20 both utilize the brush couplers 32 secured to the brush supports 30 and with the dovetail locking feature 46 as illustrated in FIG. 4. In other embodiments, a combination of mechanisms or techniques may be utilized for removal of the brush assembly 20 from the self-propelled pool cleaner 10. As a non-limiting example, one end of the brush assembly 20 may include the sliding brush coupler 32 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, and the opposite end of the brush assembly 20 may include the mechanical fastener 64 accessible through a removal aperture 66 in the wheel 16. As a further non-limiting example, opposing ends of a brush assembly 20 both utilize the brush couplers 32 secured to the brush supports 30, but one end includes the clipping locking feature 46 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and the other end includes the fastener locking feature 46 as illustrated in FIG. 5. Various other combinations of features may be utilized as desired, and the aforementioned examples should not be considered limiting.

Exemplary concepts or combinations of features of the invention may include:

• • A. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising a brush assembly and a plurality of wheels, wherein the brush assembly is removable from the self-propelled pool cleaner without removing the plurality of wheels.
  • B. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising:
    • i. a brush holder for supporting a brush;
    • ii. a brush support; and
    • iii. a brush coupler secured to the brush support, wherein the brush coupler connects the brush holder with the brush support, and wherein the brush holder is detachable from the brush coupler.
  • C. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the brush holder and the brush coupler each comprise an engagement interface such that the brush holder is detachable from the brush coupler via radial movement.
  • D. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the engagement interface further comprises a locking feature configured to control radial movement of the brush holder relative to the brush coupler.
  • E. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the locking feature comprises at least one of a dovetail, a radial mechanical fastener, or a clip.
  • F. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising:
    • i. a brush holder for supporting a brush;
    • ii. a brush support; and
  • iii. a brush coupler connecting the brush holder and the brush support, wherein the brush coupler is supported by the brush holder and is configured to selectively engage and disengage the brush support such that the brush holder and the brush coupler are detachable from the brush support.
  • G. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the brush coupler is slidably supported on the brush holder.
  • H. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the brush coupler is slidable on the brush holder between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration, and wherein the brush holder and brush coupler are removable from the self-propelled pool cleaner when the brush coupler is in the retracted configuration.
  • I. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the brush coupler defines an end of a brush assembly comprising the brush holder and a brush.
  • J. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the brush coupler is linearly movable relative to the brush holder.
  • K. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a biasing member applying a biasing force positioning the brush coupler relative to the brush holder.
  • L. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the biasing member is between a portion of the brush holder and the brush coupler.
  • M. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising:
    • i. a brush holder for supporting a brush;
    • ii. a brush support;
    • iii. a mechanical fastener securing the brush holder to the brush gear; and
    • iv. a wheel for moving the self-propelled pool cleaner along a surface, wherein the wheel comprises a removal aperture configured to align with the mechanical fastener such that the mechanical fastener is accessible through the wheel.
  • N. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the removal aperture is offset from an axis of rotation of the wheel.
  • O. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising:
    • i. a brush holder for supporting a brush; and
    • ii. a brush coupler configured to couple the brush holder with a brush support, wherein the brush holder is attachable to and detachable from the brush coupler in a radial direction relative to an axis of rotation of the brush holder.
  • P. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the brush holder is linearly movable in the radial direction to detach the brush holder from the brush coupler.
  • Q. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, further comprising a locking feature for controlling radial movement of the brush holder relative to the brush coupler.
  • R. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein the locking feature comprises at least one of a dovetail, a radial screw, or a clip.
  • S. A self-propelled pool cleaner comprising a brush assembly, a brush support on the cleaner configured to enable rotation of the brush assembly, and at least one wheel for moving the self-propelled pool cleaner along a surface, wherein the brush assembly is removable from the brush support without removing the at least one wheel.
  • T. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding statement wherein the brush support comprises at least one of a brush gear assembly or a brush bearing.
  • U. The self-propelled pool cleaner of any preceding or subsequent statement or combination of statements, wherein at least one wheel of the plurality of wheels overlaps a side of the brush assembly
  • V. A method comprising removing a brush assembly from a self-propelled pool cleaner without removing a wheel from the self-propelled pool cleaner.

These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive in any way, and the invention is not limited to these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of any claims ultimately drafted and issued in connection with the invention (and their equivalents). For avoidance of doubt, any combination of features not physically impossible or expressly identified as non-combinable herein may be within the scope of the invention. Further, although applicant has described devices and techniques for use principally with self-propelled pool cleaners, persons skilled in the relevant field will recognize that the present invention conceivably could be employed in connection with other objects and in other manners. Finally, references to “pools” and “swimming pools” herein may also refer to spas or other water containing vessels used for recreation, training, or therapy and for which cleaning of debris is needed or desired.