Adaptable nozzle attachment for pool cleaner

Abstract

An adjustable nozzle attachment for a pool cleaner includes a planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface with an orifice formed through the planar member adapted for coupling to a vacuum suction source. A plurality of attaching means are formed on the lower surface of the planar member, each of which is adapted to interchangeably or selectively receive at least one of a plurality of rollers and a plurality of brushes that extend from the lower surface and support the nozzle attachment during movement over a surface being cleaned. When installed, the plurality of rollers and brushes change the nozzle attachment's flexibility characteristics, thereby permitting a user to adjust the overall flexibility of the nozzle attachment, based upon the type of surface to be cleaned.

1 . An adjustable nozzle attachment comprising a flexible planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface; an orifice formed through the planar member and adapted for coupling to a vacuum suction source; and a plurality of attaching means formed at said lower surface, each attaching means adapted to interchangeably receive at least one of a roller assembly and a brush support, said roller assembly and brush support being of substantially rigid construction.  
   
   
       2 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 1 , wherein at least a first portion of said plurality of attachment means are formed proximate a perimeter of said planar member.  
   
   
       3 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 2 , wherein a second portion of said plurality of attachment means are arranged in a pattern suitable for directing matter towards said orifice as the planar member is advanced over a surface being cleaned.  
   
   
       4 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 1 , wherein said orifice is positioned at a centralized location on said nozzle attachment, and said second portion of said plurality of attachment means encompass at least a portion of said orifice.  
   
   
       5 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 2 , wherein each of said first portion of attachment means is sized to interchangeably receive a respective roller orientated in a common direction.  
   
   
       6 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 5 , wherein each of said first portion of attachment means is sized to interchangeably receive a brush.  
   
   
       7 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 5 , wherein said planar member retains substantial flexibility while said rollers are coupled to said first portion of attachment means.  
   
   
       8 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 6 , wherein said planar member retains substantial flexibility while said brushes are coupled to said first portion of attachment means.  
   
   
       9 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 6 , wherein said planar member becomes substantially inflexible while said brushes are coupled to said first portion of attachment means.  
   
   
       10 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 3 , wherein each of said second portion of attachment means is sized to receive a brush.  
   
   
       11 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 10 , wherein said planar member retains substantial flexibility while said brushes are coupled to said second portion of attachment means.  
   
   
       12 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 10 , wherein said planar member becomes substantially inflexible while said brushes are coupled to said first portion of attachment means.  
   
   
       13 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 1  further comprising a nozzle adapter coupled to the upper surface and over said orifice.  
   
   
       14 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 1 , wherein said planar member is formed from a flexible material selected from at least one of a synthetic polymer, natural rubber, and synthetic rubber.  
   
   
       15 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 1 , wherein each attachment means comprises a recess formed in the lower surface of the planar member.  
   
   
       16 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 15 , wherein said recess is substantially rectangular in shape.  
   
   
       17 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 15 , wherein at least a portion of said attachment means further comprises a wheel well.  
   
   
       18 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 15 , wherein each attachment means further comprises a projecting element formed over each recess.  
   
   
       19 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of attachment means comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is sized to receive said at least one of a roller and a brush.  
   
   
       20 . The nozzle attachment of  claim 1 , wherein the planar member comprises a shape including at least one of a rectangle, polygon, circle, semi-circle, oval, ellipse, triangle, wing, and combinations thereof.