Flotation device for automatic swimming pool cleaners

In an automatic swimming pool cleaner of the type which automatically traverses in a random manner across the floor and walls of the pool, said cleaner having (a) a pair of elongated drive tubes connectable via a hose to a suction source, (b) a flow valve means to alternately divert flow first to one tube and then to the other, and (c) a flotation device coupled with the cleaner to keep said cleaner submerged and prevent it rising above the water surface of the pool, said flotation device comprising:

• a pair of buoyant float members;
• said float members being interconnected by a pair of spaced yokes attached to said float members adjacent the top and bottom thereof;
• lever arms extending from the bottom of each of said float members;
• a bracket coupled with one of said drive tubes;
• said lever arms being pivotally attached to said bracket to enable said float members pivot toward and away from said drive tubes depending upon the spatial orientation of the cleaner within the pool water;
• the improvement which comprises:
• motion limiting means removably connectable with flotation device to limit the degree of pivotal movement of said float members toward said drive tubes while permitting pivotal movement of said float members away from said drive tubes;
• said motion limiting means assuring that said float members cannot move into a position parallel to said drive tubes.