AU610444B2 - Improvements in or relating to pools - Google Patents

Description

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61044 At COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA The Patents Act 1952 a 9, ft.

Name of Applicant(s): Address of Applicant(s): Actual Inventor(s): DAVID JOHN ROSSITER MARY ELIZABETH ROSSITER 25 BEACH ROAD, PIALBA, QUEENSLAND, 4655, AUSTRALIA DAVID JOHN ROSSITER MARY ELIZABETH ROSSITER Address for Service: 9* ft4 .4 *4 9 9.

S S S 9 9 9,9 G.R. CULLEN COMPANY, Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, Dalgety House, 79 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Qld. 4000, Australia.

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR THE INVENTION ENTITLED: IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO POOLS The following statement is a full description of the invention including the best method of performing it known to us:

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To: The Commissioner of Paten ts ignature of Declarant(s) Maiy Elizabeth Rossiter 2 V t THIS INVENTION relates to bathing pools and in particular to floating bathing pools which are suitable for :1 1 7 use in relatively deep water locations such as in billabongs, rivers, and the open sea. However, they have most applicability as inserts for larger swimming pools and will be described primarily in this context.

Home swimming pools have the disadvantage that they are generally not designed to accommodate toddlers. That is, they are usually too deep or they include a shallow section 1O' which leads into a deep section. As a consequence, toddlers usually have to be content with their own paddling pool away S. from the swimming pool area. This usually means constant supervision by an adult and can be quite inconvenient during hot weather spells when the adult would rather be in the pool also.

Another disadvantage of home swimming pools is that they do not usually cater for the disabled who are unable to swim or stand.

It is therefore an object of the present invention t t to obviate or at least minimise these disadvantages of home l and public swimming pools.

SIt is also an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement which enables toddlers and the disabled to enjoy bathing in locations which would otherwise S 25 be too dangerous or not possible because of the depth of the water.

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t o* 1 r According to the present invention there is provided a bathing pool comprising a float defining an upper rim section of the pool, a support platform, and a flexible wall connecting the float to the support platform; the construction and arrangement being such that, in use, the float floats on a water surface and the flexible wall depends downwardly therefrom to the support platform below the water surface.

The bathing pool can be of any desired shape such 1" as rectangular, square, octagonal, triangular, circular, I. elliptical and so on, but will generally be rectangular as #:49 this is the most convenient shape for use in larger swimming pools as it can be more readily secured to the side of such t¢ o pools. Furthermore, such a shape is useful for individual therapeutic use as it can be dimensioned to snugly ~accommodate a person lying supine within its boundaries, with tC C the sides acting as additional supports.

The float may consist of one or more members joined

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I 0 together to form a continuous perimeter which defines the shape of the bathing pool. Alternatively, it may consist of C C It SC one or more separate members arranged to define sections of S' the pool perimeter. The float will be of sufficient buoyancy to not only float when the pool is unoccupied, but to also float on the water surface when occupied by the number of people which the pool is designed to accommodate. The float may be fabricated from solid or tubular material which is i i r.

preferably corrosion resistant or at least coated with a corrosion resisting material. Suitable materials are plastics and rubber materials such as polyvinylchloride, nylon 66, polybutylene, polyurethane, polystyrene, butadiene polymers, neoprene, isoprene polymers and the like. In the case where the float material is more dense than water, the float will need to incorporate one or more chambers which contain a material which is less dense than water, or air.

One preferred form of float is a large diameter pipe, e.g. of 10" the order of 100 mm, of polyvinylchloride or the like which contains air. Preferably, however, the interior of the pipe 9 S. o will be filled with a low density foam such as polyurethane so that any leakage into the pipe is minimal and does not

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affect the floating characteristics of the pipe or bathing pool as a whole. Such foam may be blown in situ by methods which are well known and available to the trade. The utility of large diameter PVC pipe also resides in the fact that it is a stock standard plumbing product which is readily available, thereby reducing the overall cost of the bathing pool. Additionally, standard fittings are available in the form of elbow bends and the like which enable such pipe to be readily joined together in the desired shape. Once again, the preferred shape from this point of view is a rectangular or square shape.

Another suitable float comprises an inflatable tube or tiibes, of plastics or rubber material. Preferably there i ;1 IL-r I: are a plurality of tubes or a single tube with a multiplicity of chambers so that if any puncturing occurs, the possibility of the pool sinking is minimised.

The flexible wall depending from the float is suitably fabricated from sheet material which may be of solid impermeable structure, such as sheet nylon or plastic, or of open mesh or woven structure such as BREEZEWAY (Trade Mark) (a fibreglass mesh with plastic coating) or VISTAWEAVE (Trade Mark), which permits water to freely flow from one side to C 1't the other. The wall should be flexible to permit folding of ge t C* the pool when not in use but also, and more importantly, to enable adjustment of the height to suit the user as hereinafter described. The manner of connection of the wall to the float will be predicated upon the nature of the float and the material of the wall. Thus, the connection may be effected by means of mechanical fasteners, by adhesive or ,t welding. Suitable mechanical fasteners include press-studs, nylon or polybutylene cord, strands or ribbon, sewed seams and the like. Suitable adhesives include glues, thermoplastic and thermosetting resins and epoxy materials.

I l Welding may be effected ultrasonically with plastics Smaterial in a known manner. The preferred manner of connection is to stitch the top of the flexible wall into a wide loop so that straight lengths of PVC pipes or the like can be easily passed through the loop allowance being made to take account of the corners where thee elbows are to be ki r:

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ii.i 6 fitted. Another form of connection comprises nylon lines which pass around the float at required intervals and loop through a reinforced edge of the flexible wall. Such reinforcement may be effected by the use of eyelets with metal or stitched surrounds, or by the use of a strip of reinforcing material fixed by adhesion, welding or sewing to the upper edge of the wall.

When the flexible wall is a non-pervious sheet material, it may include a plurality of perforations to allow iO0 water to pass from ohe side to the other. Such perforations 4 9 may take the form of holes, slots or the like preferably t,e located in the lower region of the wall. If no such perforations are formed in the wall, then it will generally be preferred to incorporate such perforations in the platform.

The platform provides the support for the user of t the floating pool. It will, generally comprise a flat rigid surface which is more dense than water so that it will tend rt4 1 ~to pull the side of the pool downwardly away from the float.

For this reason, the platform is suitably dimensioned SC4 it similarly to the shape defined by the upper edge of the pool.

SThus, a rectangular area defined by the upper edge of the pool will suitably have a rectangular platform, and so forth.

Since the support platform must be of sufficient strength to support the user of the pool, the material of construction must have adequate strength characteristics to 7 meet this requirement. Suitable materials include molded fibreglass, high density plastics materials such as polybutylene and high density woods which have been adequately sealed to prevent degradation by the water.

The support platform may be constructed as a single continuous base or it may comprise a plurality of segments which are interconnected in such a manner as to form a rigid structure. Such segments may be slotted or hinged together, or may be bolted or held by straps, sections of pipe, or the lo- like.

'L i In addition, the platform may include a *6* multiplicity of perforations to permit the water to pass into 1 4 0 and out of the pool. Such perforations may be slots, holes or the like formed over the entire platform or in any desired pattern or in any region thereof.

Connection of the platform to the flexible wall may j be effected in a like manner to the connection of the 4 4' flexible wall to the float as described above. Additionally, the fabric of the wall may pass right under the platform and connect with the opposite side wall as a single continuous membrane. In yet another embodiment, the flexible wall may c be attached to the under-surface of the platform by the use of nylon or stainless steel nuts and bolts. For added security nylon eyelets may be attached to the lower border of the flexible wall.

The bathing pool of the invention is primarily for 3 Fiq. 3. 8 use in larger swimming pools but may also be used in open water situations such as in a river, at the seaside, and so forth. Accordingly, in order to ensure that it does not float away from the edge of the larger swimming pool, river or whatever, ties are provided for anchoring it in place.

Such ties may comprise ribbons, cords or the like which are preferably fitted to one side of the pool in the region of the float. The simplest fitment comprises a strap which loops around the float and includes a peg for inserting into S1t". the ground. Two such fitments are generally preferred for safety reasons should one of them become dislodged or disconnected for some unforeseen reason. Where there is no soil surface nearby, such as in swimming pool areas which have a large paving surround, then securement to fixed bolts or such permanent nearby fixtures will be necessary.

As mentioned previously, a rectangular or straight Stedged bathing pool is preferred since this enables the bathing pool to be aligned with the side of the larger swimming pool, enabling easy access to and egress from the bathing pool from the edge of the larger swimming pool.

p i' Means may be provided to enable adjustment of the E% C height of the flexible walls to enable accommodation of children of different ages and heights. Such means may comprise straps or cords passing between the float and platform, which can be shortened or lengthened by toggle connections or the like, thereby enablin. the flexible wall i 9 to be extended to its full width or withdrawn to an intermediate width.

If required, side rails may be included in the structure to stop very young children from falling or climbing over the float into the main pool. Such side rails may comprise small diameter plastic pipe which screws, slots, or clamps onto the float to form uprights which are interconnected by one or more hand pieces extending the perimeter of the pool.

10 The floating bathing pool of the invention may be

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constructed from a kit of elements so that it may be readily 0 0 Stransported in a small package from the point of manufacture 00o Sto the point of use.

The pool has the advantage of being usable in o* connection with a main larger swimming pool so that toddlers are, in effect, in the same pool as the adults and can be kept under close supervision. The pool also has the advantage that handicapped persons can lie down in it and be a, fully supported at all times. Molded head rests and handles may also be included on the float to assist in this regard.

a Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a floating bathing pool and accessory fence enclosure constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; c- r rsr

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Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a float according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a segmented platform according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of a flexible wall connection to a float according to the present invention; Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of a connector according to the present invention; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of another 10 flexible wall connection to a float according to the present t S* invention; Sc. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the floating c, t bathing pool illustrated in Fig. 1 in use in a large swimming C C t t a :2 pool; and Fig. 8 is a plan view of an alternative platform arrangement. i Referring to the drawings, in all of which like rr tparts are designated by like reference numerals, the floating bathing pool comprises a float 10 made up of four lengths of 100 mm polyvinylchloride pipe 11 connected together by right c angle elbow couplings 12 to form a rectangular shape (see Fig. 2 in particular). The pipes are l'<*ably filled with t L L polyurethane foam by pouring the pri ymer' and catalyst constituents into the pipes prior to *<tion, and foaming in situ. If no filler material is included in the pipes, it is essential that water-tight joints be made by careful 11 gluing of the joints during assembly.

A reinforced plastics mesh 13 of fibreglass coated with plastic BREEZEWAY) is connected along an upper V' edge to the float by means of nylon ties 14 at equispaced distances therealong. The ties loop around the float and include hinged end connectors 15 (see Fig. 5) which enable their ends to pass through eyelets 16 in the mesh. The connectors 15 are such that they can be manipulated by hinged rotation to prevent withdrawal back through the eyelets 16.

The upper edge of the mesh in which the eyelets 16 are c c r located includes a reinforcing edge strip 17 of similar high density polybutylene bonded thereto. The eyelets themselves C may be sewn around their edges to prevent fraying or preferably, include metal inserts such as brass or stainless

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steel rings or the like as illustrated.

The lower edge of the mesh also includes a bonded c C reinforcing edge strip 18. This lower edge is bonded to the bottom surface of a platform 19 Y'ich is of sufficient weight to pull the flexible walls down from the float 10. Bonding of the mesh 13 to the platform 19 may be effected by a high strength adhesive such as an epoxy resin adhesive. The t platform is fabricated from fibreglass and is configured similarly to the shape defined by the float. The thickness of the platform is about 1 or 2 cm for very young children and will be appropriately increased for older children and people.

12 In Fig. 3, the platform comprises four interlockable segments 20. The segmented form is provided for minimising the size of the package when the pool is sold i in a knock-down form.

In Fig. 8, the platform comprises two segments 36 constructed from sheet fibreglass to each of which has lengths of 20 mm PC pipe 37 are fixed. The segments are illustrated in partially exploded view to show connecting elements 38 which are 15 mm PVC pipe which extend a sufficient length along the interior of the wider pipes 37 to G t provide adequate bracing. Both the smaller and larger pipes may be fixed together by screws or the like. The pipes are C conveniently located on the bottom surface of the platform and as well as providing a means for connecting two halves of the platform together, also act as strengtheners.

Cords 21 are provided on opposite sides of the pool to enable the platform 19 to be raised or lowered by a predetermined amount relative to the float, thereby enabling usage of the pool by children of different heights and by adults, particularly handicapped adults. These cords are illustrated in detail in Fig. 4. They comprise nylon cordage S !,having a friction lariat-type connector 22 through which the 0. to: cordage is threaded, on each end thereof. The cordage loops around the float on one side of the pool, through a connector and then threadingly through the platform, on the underside I thereof. The cordage then passes up over the float on the i* i i 1 f: v r s i 1

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1 opposite side of the pool by way of a second connector.

Adjustment of the height to effect shortening is achieved by pulling the free ends of the cordage through the connector by the desired amount. To increase the wall height, the cordage is pulled in the opposite direction. Additional clips or the like may also be provided (not illustrated) to prevent the cordage from accidentally pulling through the connector due to the weight acting on the platform 19.

In an alternative arrangement illustrated in Fig.

0 7, the flexible wall 13 is attached to the pipe float 11 by a S loop 30 sewn into the upper edge of the flexible wall. In

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S this arrangement, adjustment straps 31 are provided on the rC outside of the pool, in place of the cords 21, to enable the S platform 19 to be raised or lowered. These adjustment straps 5 include a shortened section 32 attached to the top edge of the flexible wall, a plastic locking buckle 33 and a longer section 34 attached to the platform end of the flexible wall.

c The floating bathing pool is completed by straps 23 (see Fig. 7) for tying the pool to a fixed location. In the 0, illustrated embodiment there are three straps which encircle r one side of the float. These are fixed at their free ends to the ground beyond the swimming pool surround by means of "tent" pegs.

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tC An accessory safety fence is depicted in Fig. 1.

This includes a rail 40 of small diameter plastics tubing or the like with a plurality of bars 41 depending from its lower ~r-l

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11 I; surface. The lowermost portions of the bars include snap-on clasps 42 for fitting on and being retained by the polyvinylchloride pipe 11. The snap-on clasps 42 are such that they may be readily removed by deformation of the clasps in emergency situations.

Finally, for reasons of safety and security of feeling for the user of the floating bathing pool, all parts of the pool should preferably be coloured so that the true depth of the main swimming pool, or surrounding water, cannot 0 be seen.

i:: I iii 14 1 Ct l £tt£t C While the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the invention, many modifications and variations may be made thereto by persons skilled in the art without departing from the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth in the following claims.

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Claims (10)

1. A bathing pool comprising a float defining an upper rim section of the pool, a support platform, and a flexible wall connecting the float to the support platform; the construction and arrangement being such that, in use, the float floats on a water surface and the flexible wall depends downwardly therefrom to the support platform below the water surface.

2. A bathing pool as defined in Claim i, wherein the float extends the entire perimeter of the pool. S

3. A bathing pool as defined in Claim 2 and including a fence which, in use, projects substantially vertically from Sthe upper facing surface of the float.

4. A bathing pool as defined in any one of Claims 1-3, wherein the flexible wall is an open mesh or woven structure which permits water to freely flow from one side to the other.

5. A bathing pool as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible wall is connected to the float by a plurality of ties which pass around the float and loop through eyelets formed in the upper edge of the flexible wall.

6: A bathing pool as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support platfcorm is a substantially flat rigid surface.

7. A bathing pool as defined in Claim 6, wherein the peeigcamweenteftil ali once o| 16 support platform comprises a plurality of segments which are slotted or hinged together.

8. A. bathing pool as defined in any one of the V preceding claims and wherein flexible straps or cords connect the float to the support platform for the purpose of enabling adjustment of the height of the flexible walls.

9. A bathing pool as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the float comprises a plastics pipe containing low density foamed plastics material, or an inflatable tube or tubes. S"o'

10. A bathing pool substantially as herein described *sl, with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings. t DATED this 23rd day of November 1989 DAVID JOHN ROSSITER and MARY ELIZABETH ROSSITER By their Patent Attorneys G.R. CULLEN CO. t t ,t 1 C Ft t 1 I t: I i, CC 'C V: *I I