Ramped pontoon for retrieving a pool cleaner

Abstract

A floating platform dimensioned and configured to receive and transport an automated pool cleaner on the surface of the water is disclosed. For convenience, the floating platform is referred to as a pontoon. The pontoon is also configured to control the retrieval of the pool cleaner. The pontoon includes a buoyant housing having a first end and a second end. An inclined platform or ramp is positioned in the pontoon housing at an angle from the first end towards the second end. The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner to thereby selectively release and retrieve the cleaner.

1 . A pontoon for controlling the retrieval of a pool cleaner connected to the pontoon, comprising:
 a. a buoyant housing configured to float in water of a swimming pool and having a first end and a second end;   b. a ramped platform positioned in the housing and angled down from the first end towards the second end;   c. a winch adapted for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner.   
     
     
         2 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one driven wheel positioned near the first end. 
     
     
         3 . The pontoon of  claim 2 , wherein the driven wheel includes extendable paddle blades which extend when the wheel rotates in a given direction against the frictional force of the pool water. 
     
     
         4 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source for powering the winch. 
     
     
         5 . The pontoon of  claim 4 , wherein the power source includes a battery. 
     
     
         6 . The pontoon of  claim 5 , further comprising a solar panel positioned on the ramped platform for charging the battery. 
     
     
         7 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , further comprising a touch sensor positioned to sense when the pool cleaner has reached the pontoon. 
     
     
         8 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , further comprising a range sensor for detecting the distance between the pool cleaner and the pontoon. 
     
     
         9 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , further comprising a distance sensor for detecting the length of cable that has been retracted. 
     
     
         10 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one passive wheel positioned near the second end for supporting the buoyant housing while traversing a solid surface. 
     
     
         11 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , wherein the ramped platform includes a high-friction surface for preventing the pool cleaner from sliding down after docking. 
     
     
         12 . The pontoon of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one vertical side wall extending laterally between the first end and the second end. 
     
     
         13 . A method for controlling the retrieval of a pool cleaner while submerged in pool water comprising:
 a. providing a buoyant housing having a winch in a swimming pool;   b. attaching a cable between the winch and the pool cleaner; and   c. winding up the winch to retrieve the pool cleaner from the pool water.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the buoyant housing includes at least one driven wheel and the method further comprises the step of rotating the driven wheel for moving the buoyant housing along the surface of the pool water. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of winding out the winch to release the pool cleaner from the buoyant housing. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the buoyant housing includes at least one driven wheel and the method further comprises the step of rotating the driven wheel for enabling the buoyant housing to climb up a sidewall and out of the pool.