Adjustable Pool Cleaning Tool

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/045,955, titled ADJUSTABLE POOL CLEANING TOOL, filed on Oct. 12, 2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/262,467, titled ADJUSTABLE POOL CLEANING TOOL, filed on Oct. 13, 2021. Each of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

This disclosure relates generally to pool equipment, and more specifically to pool cleaning brushes.

Pool cleaning brushes typically include a brush head attached to a distal end of an elongate pole and a handle positioned at a proximal end of the pole. The handle can be manipulated by a user in order to cause the brush head to pass along a pool wall and/or floor in order to clean the pool. Typical pool brushes can be inefficient and tiring to use, however. As such, there is a need for improved pool brushes designed to be more effective and less tiring to use.

The disclosure herein presents cleaning tools for use in cleaning the walls and floor of a swimming pool, the cleaning tools including one or more adjustable bristle pressure generation mechanisms. For example, some embodiments comprise two adjustable bristle pressure generation mechanisms, with one positioned at either end of a brush head frame member. Each of the adjustable bristle pressure generation mechanisms can comprise a rotatable member that is shaped to generate a force that forces the bristles of a brush against a surface being cleaned as the brush is passed through the water. The rotatable member can be configured to be retained or locked in a plurality of orientations relative to the brush head frame, with each orientation corresponding to a different magnitude of force generated on the bristles.

According to some embodiments, a pool cleaning tool comprises: a brush head comprising an elongate frame and bristles extending therefrom, the elongate frame extending from a first end to a second end, and the elongate frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, the bristles extending from the lower surface; a first corner brush removably attached to the first end of the elongate frame; and a second corner brush removably attached to the second end of the elongate frame, wherein each of the first corner brush and the second corner brush comprises: a body having additional bristles extending therefrom; a cavity for receiving one of the first end or the second end of the elongate frame; and an adjustable pressure generation member for forcing the bristles of the brush head against a surface being cleaned, wherein the adjustable pressure generation member comprises: a forward end pivotally coupled to the body such that the adjustable pressure generation member can pivot with respect to the body about a pivot axis; a locking member configured to selectively retain the adjustable pressure generation member in each of a plurality of positions with respect to the body; and a pressure generation surface positioned above the upper surface of the elongate frame, wherein each of the plurality of positions of the adjustable pressure generation member with respect to the body corresponds to a different orientation of the pressure generation surface with respect to the body.

In some embodiments, the locking member comprises a protrusion configured to selectively mate with each of a plurality of recesses in the body. In some embodiments, the plurality of recesses in the body are aligned along an arc shaped path. In some embodiments, the arc shaped path comprises a center of rotation that is aligned with the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the pressure generation surface comprises an s-shaped profile. In some embodiments, the pressure generation surface is angled inward toward a center of the brush head.

According to some embodiments, a pool cleaning tool comprises: a brush head comprising an elongate frame and bristles extending therefrom, the elongate frame extending from a first end to a second end, and the elongate frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, the bristles extending from the lower surface; a first repositionable member attached to the first end of the elongate frame; and a second repositionable member attached to the second end of the elongate frame, wherein each of the first repositionable member and the second repositionable member comprises: a forward end pivotally coupled to the elongate frame about a rotation axis; an upper surface configured to be rotatable about the rotation axis, the upper surface configured to force the bristles against a surface being cleaned as a result of the brush head being pushed through water in a direction perpendicular to a direction at which the bristles extend; and a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain the upper surface in each of a plurality of positions with respect to elongate frame.

In some embodiments, the first repositionable member and the second repositionable member are each attached directly to the elongate frame. In some embodiments, the first repositionable member and the second repositionable member are each attached to the elongate frame through a separate body that is attached to the elongate frame. In some embodiments, the separate body is part of a removable corner brush. In some embodiments, the upper surface comprises an s-shaped profile. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises at least one protrusion configured to selectively engage each of a plurality of mating recesses.

According to some embodiments, a removable corner brush for a pool cleaning tool comprises: a body extending along a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end; a plurality of bristles extending from the second end of the body; a cavity for receiving an elongate member of a pool cleaning tool, the cavity comprising an opening through the first end of the body, the cavity extending within the body along the longitudinal direction; and a repositionable member, the repositionable member comprising: a forward end pivotally coupled to the body such that the repositionable member can pivot with respect to the body about a pivot axis; a locking mechanism configured to selectively retain the repositionable member in each of a plurality of positions with respect to the body; and an upper surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal direction, wherein each of the plurality of positions of the repositionable member with respect to the body corresponds to a different orientation about the pivot axis of the upper surface with respect to the body.

In some embodiments, the pivot axis extends along the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises at least one protrusion configured to selectively engage each of a plurality of mating recesses. In some embodiments, the at least one protrusion is located at a distal end of an elongate curved member of the repositionable member, and wherein the plurality of mating recesses are part of the body. In some embodiments, the plurality of mating recesses are aligned along an arc shaped path. In some embodiments, the arc shaped path comprises a center of rotation that is aligned with the pivot axis. In some embodiments, the upper surface comprises an s-shaped profile. In some embodiments, the upper surface comprises a curved profile.

For purposes of this summary, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the inventions are described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventions may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Although several embodiments, examples, and illustrations are disclosed below, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inventions described herein extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and illustrations and include other uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Embodiments of the inventions are described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. These drawings are considered to be a part of the entire description of some embodiments of the inventions. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the inventions. In addition, embodiments of the inventions can comprise several novel features and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or is essential to practicing the inventions herein described.

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of cleaning tools, such as for use in cleaning swimming pools, which include a number of benefits. For example, some embodiments comprise one or more adjustable pressure generation mechanisms that are configured to force the bristles of a pool cleaning brush against the surface being cleaned, such as a swimming pool wall or floor, as the pool cleaning brush is passed through the water. The one or more adjustable pressure generation mechanisms may comprise, for example, a movable and/or rotatable member that is shaped and/or oriented such that passing the brush through water in a direction generally perpendicular to the bristles of the brush will cause water to flow over a surface of the movable member and force the brush head toward the surface being cleaned. In some embodiments, the movable or rotatable member may be referred to as a wing, foil, angled member, and/or the like.

Such a cleaning tool can be desirable for a number of reasons. For example, a pool cleaning brush head is typically attached to an elongate pole, such as a telescoping pole, with the brush head attached to a distal end of the pole, and the proximal end of the pole including a handle. When the cleaning brush is used to clean a pool surface, such as a wall or a floor, it can be awkward, difficult, and/or tiring to apply sufficient force to force the bristles of the brush against the surface being cleaned simply by manipulating the handle of the pole. This is because the person using the pool cleaning brush needs to apply forces to the brush head in multiple directions; namely, a first direction generally perpendicular to the direction of brush bristle extension (e.g., the direction that moves the brush head along the wall or floor of the pool), and a second direction generally parallel to the direction of brush bristle extension (e.g., to force the bristles against the wall or floor of the pool). By adding pressure generation mechanisms as disclosed herein to the brush head, simply moving the brush head through the water (e.g., applying force in the direction that moves the brush head along the wall or floor of the pool) will result in the water causing the pressure generation mechanisms to also force the bristles against the wall or floor. This can make the job less awkward, difficult, and/or tiring.

Needing to apply forces to the brush head in multiple directions applies both to when one is cleaning the wall of the pool and when one is cleaning the floor of the pool. Due to the different angles involved and that the person using the brush is typically standing in the same or similar position when cleaning the wall or floor, however, cleaning the vertical wall of a pool may be more awkward, difficult, and/or tiring than cleaning the floor of the pool. Further, various users may pass the brush through the water at different speeds, and some users pass the brush head along a vertical wall at a different speed than they pass the brush head along a horizontal floor. Accordingly, for each of these reasons, it can be desirable to have the pressure generation mechanisms be adjustable. By being adjustable, the amount of force generated by the water to force the bristles against the surface being cleaned can be variable for any particular speed of passing the brush head through the water.

In some embodiments, the one or more adjustable pressure generation mechanisms includes two adjustable pressure generation mechanisms, with one being positioned at each end of an elongate brush head frame. In some embodiments, the adjustable pressure generation mechanisms are incorporated into removable end caps or removable brushes that are removably attached to the ends of the brush head frame. In other embodiments, the adjustable pressure generation mechanisms may be incorporated into the brush head in a non-removable configuration.

In some embodiments, the one or more adjustable pressure generation mechanisms each comprises a rotatable member that is pivotally coupled to the brush head frame at a forward side (either directly or through another component, such as a removable brush body) such that a pitch or angle of the rotatable member is adjustable with respect to the brush head frame by pivoting the rotatable member about a pivot axis. Further, in some embodiments, a locking mechanism is included that is configured to lock or retain the rotatable member in one or more of a plurality of positions or orientations with respect to the brush head frame. In some embodiments, the position or orientation of the rotatable member is infinitely adjustable, while in some embodiments, the position or orientation of the rotatable member is configured to be locked or retained in one or more of a plurality of discrete positions with respect to the brush head frame.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes one or more protrusions coupled to the rotatable member and configured to mate with a plurality of corresponding recesses in the brush head frame, in a body of a removable corner brush, and/or in another component coupled to the brush head frame. The plurality of corresponding recesses may be positioned or laid out along an arc shape that is centered on the pivot axis of the rotatable member. In other embodiments, various other locking mechanisms may be utilized, such as a friction lock, a ball detent mechanism, and/or the like. Further, although some embodiments include a pivot shaft or member at a forward end of the rotatable member and the locking mechanism at a rearward end of the rotatable member, some embodiments may reverse that positioning, may include the pivot axis and locking mechanism at a same end of the rotatable member, may position the pivot axis in a central region of the rotatable member, and/or the like.

illustrates an embodiment of a cleaning toolthat can be used, for example, for cleaning the walls and floors of swimming pools. It will be appreciated, however, that the inventive features of various embodiments disclosed herein can have applications outside the pool cleaning and maintenance field. The following description describes various beneficial features of the cleaning tool. Any of these features may be included in other embodiments, such as the cleaning tooldescribed below with reference to. Further, the cleaning toolmay be modified to incorporate any features of the cleaning tool, including, for example, the removable brushesand/or the adjustable pressure mechanismsillustrated in.

The cleaning toolis adapted to couple with a standard elongate handle such as a telescopic pole used for various pool cleaning implements. As will be described in greater detail below, the cleaning toolis designed to reduce breakage while substantially eliminating the need for a metal back reinforcement that is normally required for pool brush assemblies. The cleaning toolis also designed with removable corner brushes having built-in magnets adapted to picking up magnetic debris such as hair pins while the brush is applied across a pool floor, which advantageously eliminates the need to use a separate tool for picking up such debris. In some embodiments, the cleaning toolis considered to be a modular cleaning tool, since, for example, the cleaning tool can be used with or without the removable corner brushes.

As shown in, the cleaning toolgenerally comprises a brush head, a stem assemblyextending outwardly from the brush head, and a reinforcement memberconfigured to provide sufficient reinforcement so that the cleaning toolcan withstand greater force and stress than conventional pool brushes with metal backing. As illustrated in, the brush headcomprises an elongate support basehaving an upper surface, a lower surface, and interior and exterior side surfaces,. Bristlesextend from the lower surfaceof the support baseat an angle relative to the stem assemblyto form a brush for scrubbing and removing dirt from walls and floors of swimming pools and the like. The stem assemblyhas a generally tubular bodywith one or more buttonsextending through openingsformed on the tubular body. As will be described in greater detail below, the buttonsare adapted to engage with corresponding openings on an elongate handle, such as a telescopic pole, to removably attach the handle to the cleaning tool.

As illustrated in, the reinforcement memberis configured to be positioned in the neck areaof the toolwhere the support baseand the stem assemblyare joined. In one implementation, the reinforcement memberis configured with a collar portionand an adjoining shell. The collar portionis sized to circumscribe the tubular bodyof the stem assemblyand has an apronforming an annular spacearound the tubular body. The annular spaceis configured to receive a proximal endof the elongate handle. As further illustrated in, the shellof the reinforcement memberis preferably configured to conform to the general contour of the neck areaof the tool. In one embodiment, the shellcomprises two sidewalls,extending laterally from the collar portionand disposed at an angle relative to each other forming a L-shaped channeladapted to receive a portion of the upperand inner side surfaceof the support base. As shown in, one sidewallcomprises two downwardly sloping surfaces,extending from opposing sides of the collar portion. Each of the two downwardly sloping surfaces,are preferably between about 1 mm to 4 mm wide.

In certain implementations, the reinforcement memberis configured with an opening, indentation, or protrusionconfigured to facilitate installation or removal of the reinforcement member. In certain preferred implementations, the configuration and dimension of the reinforcement member is designed to improve the stress and force resistance and substitute the metal backs. When the reinforcement memberis coupled with the brush head, the reinforcement memberabsorbs a certain amount of the force and stress applied to the brush head during use. Additionally, the first sidewallof the reinforcement member is adapted to exert force against a span of the upper surfaceof the support baseand the second sidewallis adapted to exert force against a span of the interior sidewallof the support baseso that the force and stress is diffused over a larger area. In one embodiment, the reinforcement member has a length of approximately 100 mm-150 mm and the shell has a thickness of between 1 mm to 10 mm, more preferably between 3 mm to 5 mm. In another embodiment, the reinforcement member has a length that is between 20% to 40% of the length of the support base. In another embodiment, the height of the reinforcement member is between about 50 mm to 100 mm.

As further shown in, the reinforcement memberis disposed in the neck areaof the tooland adapted to receive the distal endof the elongate handle. In one embodiment, the distal endis inserted into the annular spacedefined by the apronof the reinforcement member and the stem assembly by about 1 mm-10 mm, more preferably between 2 mm-5 mm. In some embodiments, inserting the elongate handleinto the apron causes the force applied from the handle to be transferred to the reinforcement member as opposed to the brush head or neck portion. This in turn significantly reduces breakage of the brush head or neck portion. In one embodiment, a shoulderis formed in the interior of the collar portionat a point slightly below the apron, which serves as a stopper guide for insertion of the handle.

In some embodiments, as shown in, the cleaning toolfurther comprises removable corner brushesthat slidably engages with the end portions of the base support. In one implementation, each corner brushcomprises a U shaped trackand a upwardly curving support surfacefrom which bristles extend as shown in. In some implementations, each corner brushcomprises one or more built-in magnetic attachmentsadapted to pick up magnetic debris in water. Preferably, the magnetic attachmentsare disposed on an exterior sidewallof the corner brush. In some embodiments, magnetic attachments can also be disposed on the base supportof the brush head. In certain preferred implementations, a notchor other location indicator is formed on the track of the corner brushto engage with a corresponding notchor other location indicator formed on the brush supportto secure the corner brush to the brush head at the desired location.

Additional details of cleaning tools that may be modified to incorporate any features disclosed herein are shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,200, titled MODULAR DESIGNED POOL CLEANING TOOL, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Any embodiments disclosed herein may also be modified to incorporate any features of the embodiments disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,188,200.

Example Pool Cleaning Tool with Adjustable Pressure Generation Mechanisms

illustrate partial perspective views of another embodiment of a cleaning tool. The cleaning toolhas a variety of similarities to the cleaning toolof, and the same or similar reference numbers are used to refer to the same or similar features. For example, the cleaning toolcomprises a brush headattached to a stem assemblyand a reinforcement member. Further, although FIGS.A-C only illustrate one half of the cleaning tool, the other half of the cleaning toolmay be essentially a mirror of the first half, similar to as shown in.

One difference in the cleaning toolfrom the cleaning toolis that the elongate support base or frameof the cleaning toolis straight or substantially straight, whereas the elongate support baseof the cleaning toolis shaped to curve upward at its ends. The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to any particular shape of the elongate support base, however, and the concepts disclosed herein, such as related to adjustable pressure mechanisms, may be used with any shape of support base.

Similar to the cleaning tool, the brush headof the cleaning toolcomprises an elongate support basethat has an upper surface, lower surface, exterior side surface, and interior side surface. The brush headfurther comprises a plurality of bristlesextending downward from the lower surface. In this embodiment, the bristlesextending from the elongate support baseextend in a direction that is generally parallel to the exterior and interior side surfaces,, and in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces,. The disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, however.

Another difference in the cleaning toolis that the cleaning toolcomprises removable corner brushesat each end of the elongate support base or framethat comprise different features and functionality than the removable corner brushesof the cleaning tool. Althoughonly show one removable corner brushat one end of the elongate support base, a similar removable corner brush (e.g., the same design but mirrored) may be positioned at the opposite end of the elongate support base(for example, as discussed below with reference to). The removable corner brushesmay have a plurality of bristles extending therefrom, similar to the bristles that extend from the removable corner brushesof. Those bristles are not shown in, but they are shown in. Various figures for cleaning toolillustrate a plurality of holesin a lower surfaceof a main bodyof the removable corner brush. Those plurality of holesmay have bristles coupled thereto (as shown in) in order to provide additional bristles, some of which may be oriented parallel to the plurality of bristles, and some of which may be oriented in different directions (as shown in, and similar to as shown in).

The removable corner brushesfurther comprise an adjustable pressure mechanism or adjustable force generation mechanism. The adjustable pressure mechanismis desirably configured to adjust an amount of downward force generated to force the bristles(and/or bristles of the removable brush) against a surface being cleaned as the cleaning toolis passed through water. To do so, the adjustable pressure mechanismcomprises a movable or rotatable pressure memberthat is rotatably coupled to the main bodyof the removable corner brush. As is described in greater detail below, the movable pressure memberis desirably pivotally coupled to the main bodyat a forward end of the main body(e.g., the end that includes exterior sidewall), in order to allow a rearward end of the movable pressure member(e.g., the end positioned adjacent interior sidewallof the main body) to move up and down with respect to the main bodyand the upper surfaceof the elongate support base, thus altering or adjusting a pitch or angle of the movable pressure memberwith respect to the rest of the cleaning tool.

With reference to, the movable pressure membercomprises an upper surfacethat is desirably generally aligned with an upper surfaceof the main bodywhen the movable pressure memberis in a lowermost or closed orientation (e.g., the orientation shown in). In the lowermost or closed orientation, the movable pressure memberis desirably positioned to generate the lowest amount of pressure on the bristlesas the cleaning toolis passed through the water. In some embodiments, the lowermost or closed orientation may be configured such that the movable pressure membergenerates no force on the bristlesas the cleaning toolis passed through the water. In some embodiments, however, at least some force is generated even in the lowermost or closed orientation (e.g., force directed generally perpendicular to the upper surfaceof the elongate support base, and generally in line with the direction of extent of the bristles).

For example, the movable pressure membercomprises a recessed areathat is recessed below the upper surface. The recessed areaand/or the upper surfacemay be shaped in a shape that will cause force to be generated as the cleaning toolis passed through the water even when the movable pressure memberis in the lowermost or closed position. In this example, the shape or profile of the upper surfaceand the recessed areais generally an S-shaped profile (as can be seen, for example, in). Other shapes or profiles may be utilized, including, for example, curved, concave, convex, flat, and/or the like. Further, some embodiments may not include the recessed area, and/or may include more than one recessed area. Additionally, in this embodiment, the upper surfaceof the main bodyis shaped to generally follow the same profile as the upper surfaceof the movable pressure member, such that the upper surfacesandare aligned or substantially aligned in the lowermost or closed position. Other embodiments may not include such a configuration, however.

With reference to, which shows the movable pressure memberin a raised or open position, the main bodyof the removable corner brushfurther includes an opening, cutout, or locationfor insertion therein or attachment thereto of a magnet. This may be similar to the configuration described above with reference tothat include magnetic attachments. Such a feature is not a requirement, however, and some embodiments may include an adjustable pressure mechanismwithout such magnetic attachments.

It should be noted that, although the adjustable pressure mechanismis illustrated inas being part of a removable corner brush, the concepts of such an adjustable pressure mechanismmay be utilized in configurations other than a removable corner brush. For example, in some embodiments, the corner brushmay be permanently affixed to the elongate support base, instead of being removable. Further, in some embodiments, the adjustable pressure mechanismmay be incorporated into or attached to the elongate support base(removably or not removably) without being part of a corner brush (for example, as discussed below with reference to). For example, the elongate support basemay be modified to include features that allow the movable pressure memberto be pivotally coupled to the elongate support base, a different main body may be used than the main body, such as a main body that does not include bristles or bristle holes, and/or the like.

Turning now to, these figures illustrate perspective views of the removable corner brushofremoved from the elongate support baseof the brush head. These figures also illustrate the movable pressure memberof the adjustable pressure mechanismin the raised or open configuration or position, similar to as shown in. Also, similar to as shown in, the removable corner brushis shown without any bristles in the bristle holes.

further illustrate that the adjustable pressure mechanismincludes a pivot mechanismat a forward or exterior end of the corner brush, and a locking mechanismat a rearward or interior end of the corner brush. Further details of the features of the movable pressure memberand main bodythat form the pivot mechanismand locking mechanismare described below.

further illustrates that the main bodycomprises a U-shaped track, which may be similar to the U-shaped trackof the corner brushof. Various other embodiments may attach the corner brushto the elongate support basedifferently.

illustrate various views of the movable pressure memberof the adjustable pressure mechanismof the removable corner brushof.are perspective views thereof,are exterior and interior side views thereof, respectively,are end views thereof,are top and bottom views thereof, respectively, andis a cross-sectional view thereof.

With reference to, the movable pressure membercomprises an upper memberthat extends from a front end or exterior endto a rear end or interior end. The upper memberis shaped in a generally S-shaped profile, as can be further seen in, although other shapes or profiles may be used. Further, the upper membercomprises a recessed areathat is recessed with respect to the upper surface. In some embodiments, the upper membercomprises a transition areathat smoothly transitions from the upper surfaceto the recessed area. Such a smooth transition can be desirable, for example, to reduce or avoid generating turbulence in the water as the movable pressure memberis passed through the water during a cleaning procedure.

The front endof the upper membercomprises a connecting memberextending generally downward from a lower surfaceof the upper member(see). At a distal end of the connecting memberis a hinge pin, shaft, or memberhaving round tapered protrusionsextending from each end thereof. The hinge pindesirably defines the pivot axis or rotation axis of the movable pressure memberwith respect to the main body. For example, the protrusionsmay be configured to mate with and rotate with respect to corresponding concave or curved hinge surfacesshown in.

With continued reference to, the movable pressure memberfurther comprises an elongate curved memberextending downward from the lower surfaceof the upper memberat the rear endof the upper member. At a distal end of the elongate curve memberare two rounded protruding membersand another protruding member or extension limiting member. The protruding membersmay be configured to mate with corresponding recesses, notches, detents, and/or the likeof the main body(shown in). By including a plurality of recessespositioned adjacent to one another, the protruding memberscan be positioned within and/or engaged with any pair of recessesto retain or lock the upper memberin a particular orientation with respect to the main body.

The protruding member or extension limiting membercan be configured to, for example, limit the upward rotation of the upper memberwith respect to the body. For example, the protruding membermay be configured to engage an extension stop surfaceof the main body(see) when the upper memberis rotated to or beyond a fully open or uppermost position with respect to the main body. Although such a feature is not required, such a feature can be beneficial, for example, such as to avoid a user accidentally rotating the upper membertoo far and completely disengaging the locking mechanism(see).

With continued reference to, in some embodiments, the protruding membersdesirably extend along an axis that is parallel to an axis along which the hinge pinextends. In other embodiments, the protruding membersmay extend along a different direction and/or may take a different form. It can be desirable, however, for the protruding membersto be rounded, inclined, and/or the like, such as to make it easier for a user to slide the protruding membersinto and out of the various recessesof the main body. It is not necessarily required in some embodiments that the protruding memberscomprise a rounded, inclined, and/or the like surface, however. For example, some embodiments may be configured such that the elongate curve memberhas enough flexibility in it that a user can relatively easily pull the protruding memberssufficiently away from the recessesto pivot the movable pressure memberwith respect to the main body. It can be desirable, however, to use a rounded and/or inclined surface of the protruding membersthat cooperates with a corresponding rounded or inclined surface of the recessesto eliminate the need of a user to hold the distal end of the elongate curve memberaway from the recesses(e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the hinge pin), or at least to reduce the amount of outward pulling needed by the user.

Turning now to, it can be seen in these figures that the upper memberis oriented at an angle A to the rotational axis defined by the hinge pin. In this embodiment, the angle A is such that an outer endof the upper memberis positioned higher than an inner endof the upper member. Specifically, in this embodiment, the angle A is approximately 8°. Other embodiments may utilize a different angle, such as approximately, at least, or no more than 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 13°, 14°, or 15°. In some embodiments, the angle A is desirably within a range of 5° to 10°. Such a configuration may be desirable, for example, to help control the force generated by the adjustable pressure mechanisms as the brush is passed through the water. For example, due to manufacturing tolerances, minor differences in assembly, and/or the like, the amount of force generated on the bristles by the adjustable pressure mechanisms at each end of the brush head may not be identical as a user passes the brush head through the water. By angling the upper membersinward (e.g., the upper surfaces of the upper membersare each oriented at least partially toward a center of the brush head defined by the stem assembly) any such small variations in force generated by the two adjustable pressure mechanisms may be relatively easy to control and/or may not even be noticeable to the user of the cleaning tool. On the other hand, if the upper memberswere not positioned at an angle with respect to the elongate support base, or were angled oppositely (e.g., angled outwardly) with respect to the elongate support base, any such small variations in force generated by the two adjustable pressure mechanisms may be harder to control and/or may result in the cleaning tool tending to move the left or right while passing through the water, requiring more correction by the user. Accordingly, it can be desirable for the upper membersto be angled inward, as shown in, although such a configuration is not a requirement. This concept can be analogized to the toe alignment of the front wheels of a vehicle, where it is often desirable to have at least a slight inward toe alignment, instead of having the front wheels be perfectly parallel to one another.

Turning now to, these figures illustrate inner and outer end views of the movable pressure member, respectively. These views are oriented perpendicular to the pivot axis or rotation axis defined by the hinge pin. Desirably, the elongate curved memberextends along an arc shape. The arcdesirably comprises a radius that positions the center point of the arcat or near the pivot axis defined by hinge pin. Such a design can be desirable, for example, to create a compact and easy to use assembly, and/or to conform to the similar arc shape of the main body, as discussed below with reference to. Other embodiments may utilize a different radius for the arc shape, and other embodiments may not utilize an arc shape.

Turning now to,is a cross-sectional view of the movable pressure member, taken along the section plane shown in. This cross-section illustrates more detail of the shape of the recessed area, which, as discussed above, is desirably generally S-shaped. Other shapes may be used, such as flat, curved, convex, concave, and/or the like. Desirably, the shape of the recessed areais configured to reduce or minimize turbulence in the water as the cleaning tool is passed through the water.

illustrate various views of the main bodyof the removable brushof.are perspective views thereof,are exterior side and interior side views thereof, respectively,are inner and outer end views thereof, respectively,are top and bottom views thereof, respectively,is another perspective view thereof, andis a cross-sectional view thereof.

With reference to, the main bodycomprises a recess or recessed areapositioned between the upper surfaces. The recessed areacan be shaped to have the upper memberof the movable pressure memberpositioned substantially therein in the lowered or closed position (as shown in). The main bodyfurther comprises an openingfor positioning therein of the hinge pinand connecting memberof the movable pressure member(see). The main bodyfurther comprises a recess or openingfor positioning therein of the elongate curve memberof the movable pressure member(see).