Patent Application
20140237713
1. Field of the Invention
This application relates to the field of swimming pools, hot tubs or spas, and other recreational, exercise and therapeutic water devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Swimming has long been used for recreation, for health benefits, and for a variety of other purposes. In more recent times, swimming pools have been created to allow swimming in a controlled environment. A typical swimming pool has walls and a bottom that define a volume in which water is filled. While a swimming pool is useful for holding water for swimming and creating an artificial and relatively safe environment for a swimmer, a typical swimming pool has several disadvantages. These disadvantages include, for example, an open top that allows debris and insects to come into the pool, that allows the possibility of people falling into the pool or people using the pool without the knowledge of the pool owner. Frequently, pools are provided with a pool cover to prevent the accumulation of debris in the pool, and to prevent insects and animals from accessing the pool water. While such pool covers are useful in maintaining the cleanliness of a pool, they provide only minimal safety benefits.
While such a pool cover could be improved by making it rigid so as to prevent a person from falling through the pool cover, such a rigid pool cover would provide several drawbacks including, for example, the difficulties inherent in storing a rigid pool cover when not in use, the difficulties in putting the pool cover on and removing the pool cover, and the cost that would be associated with creating a sufficiently strong rigid pool cover to span a pool. Because of these shortcomings and disadvantages of swimming pools, new technologies are required to increase the usability and safety of swimming pools.
Some embodiments generally relate to swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, cold baths, therapeutic and training pools, and the like, and apparatuses related to the same. Initially, while the term pool/spa is used throughout herein, it should be understood that the methods and devices described herein can be applied to other types of water bodies, including without limitation, swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, swim spas, ice baths, cold pools, therapeutic and training pools, and other artificial recreation, therapeutic and training water devices.
In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can include a bottom, a movable deck, and first and second angularly displaceable pool legs that can, for example, connect the bottom of the swimming pool/spa to the movable deck. In some embodiments, for example, the first and second angularly displaceable pool legs can be angularly displaced from a first vertical position to a second position. In some embodiments, for example, the first vertical position can comprise a substantially vertical position such as, for example, within 15 degrees of vertical, within 10 degrees of vertical, within 5 degrees of vertical, within 1 degree of vertical, within ½ degrees of vertical, or any other intermediate angle relative to vertical. In some embodiments of the swimming pool/spa, the angular displacement of the first and second angularly displaceable pool legs can, for example, correspond to a vertical movement of the movable deck relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa.
In some aspects of the swimming pool/spa, the first and second angularly displaceable pool legs can be, for example, an H-member. In some embodiments, the swimming pool/spa can further include, for example, vertical walls cooperating with the bottom of the swimming pool/spa to the final volume. In some embodiments of the swimming pool/spa, for example, the movable deck can seal with the vertical walls of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the seal between the vertical walls of the swimming pool/spa and the movable deck can be sufficiently tight to prevent debris, animals, insects, children or both parts to access the area between the vertical walls of the swimming pool/spa and the movable deck or between the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, the swimming pool/spa can further include a first arm connected at a first end to the first angularly displaceable pool leg. In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can further include a second arm connected at a second end to the second angularly displaceable pool leg. In some aspects, the first arm and the second arm can be dynamically connected to each other. In some embodiments, for example, this dynamic connection between the first arm and the second arm can be such that a movement of the first arm results in a corresponding movement of the second arm. In some embodiments, for example, the dynamic connection between the first arm and the second arm can be achieved in a variety of ways including, for example, via a gear, via a plurality of gears, via a gear box, or via any other desired feature. In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can further include a drive. In some embodiments, for example, the drive can apply a force to the angularly displaceable pool leg. In some embodiments, for example, the drive can apply a force to the second angularly displaceable pool leg. Some embodiments with a swimming pool/spa can include a plurality of drives. In some embodiments, for example, the plurality of drives may apply a force to one or both of the angularly displaceable pool legs.
Some embodiments relate to another version of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can have a bottom, a movable deck, and flow features. In some embodiments, for example, the movable deck can be vertically displaceable relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the flow features can control the flow of water from above the movable deck to between the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the flow features are positioned to facilitate the cleaning of the portion of the pool/spa located between the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, these flow features can be configured to control the flow of water from above the movable deck to between the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa when the movable deck is moved from a first vertical position relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa to a second vertical position relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa.
In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can further include a vent and a drain that can be, for example, located at the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the vent can cooperate with the flow features to push water towards the drain.
In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can further include first and second angularly displaceable pool legs. In some embodiments, for example, each of the angularly displaceable pool legs can be rotatingly connected at a first end to the movable deck and can be, for example, slidingly connected at a second end to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can further include a first arm connected at a first end to the first angularly displaceable pool leg. In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can further include a second arm connected at a second end to the second angularly displaceable pool leg. In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can further include a drive. In some embodiments, this drive can apply a force to the first angularly displaceable pool leg. In some embodiments, for example, this drive can apply a force to the second angularly displaceable pool leg. In some embodiments, for example, the swimming pool/spa can include a plurality of drives that can, for example, apply a force to one or both of the angularly displaceable legs. In some embodiments, for example, the drive can be a hydraulic cylinder attached to the first angularly displaceable leg. In some embodiments, the drive can be a hydraulic cylinder attached to the second angularly displaceable leg. In some embodiments, for example, the drive can be a first hydraulic cylinder attached to the first angularly displaceable leg, and a second hydraulic cylinder attached to the second angularly displaceable leg.
In some embodiments of the swimming pool/spa, the first arm and the second arm can be dynamically connected. Thus, in some embodiments, the first arm and the second arm can be connected such that a movement of the first arm results in a corresponding movement of the second arm. In some embodiments, the dynamic connection between the first arm and the second arm can synchronize movement of the first and the second angularly displaceable legs.
Some embodiments relate to a method for moving a movable deck of a swimming pool/spa from a first position relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa to a second position relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, this method can include applying a force to a first folding leg and to a second folding leg. In some embodiments, the first and second folding legs each can include, for example, a first end that is rotatingly connected to the movable deck and a second end that is slidingly connected with the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the method can further include rotating the first and second folding legs relative to the moveable deck from a first position to a second position. In some embodiments, the method can further include sliding the first and second folding legs from a first position relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa to a second position relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the rotating of the first and second folding legs relative to the movable deck and the sliding of the first and second folding legs relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa can result in a vertical displacement of the moveable deck relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa.
In some embodiments, for example, the second ends of the first and second folding legs can, for example, terminate in a first and second track portion that can be, for example, affixed directly and/or indirectly to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the method can further include applying a second force directly to the movable deck. In some embodiments, for example, this second force can be directly applied to the movable deck via a hydraulic assist cylinder lift. In some embodiments, for example, this second force can partially assist in vertically displacing the movable deck relative to the bottom of the swimming pool/spa.
The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes and/or other subject matter described herein will become apparent in the teaching set forth herein. The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 3.1-3.4 show aspects of some embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool/spa.
FIGS. 4.3-4.4 depict a front and end view of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, in the almost top position, including a vertical assist lift cylinder.
FIGS. 5.1-5.3 are views of one embodiment of a synchronizing drive.
FIGS. 6.1-6.5 show views of one embodiment of a curved rack with gear teeth that will synchronize with a geared drive system.
FIGS. 8.1-8.2 depicts a front and end view of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, in the fully raised position, including synchronizing arms and a synchronizing drive, two hydraulic cylinders, wedge shaped blocks, in a flat bottom pool or spa.
FIGS. 8.3-8.4 show a front and end view of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, in the lowered position, including synchronizing aims and a synchronizing drive, two hydraulic cylinders, wedge shaped blocks, in a flat bottom pool or spa.
FIGS. 9.1-9.2 depict a front and end view of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, in the fully raised position, including synchronizing arms and a synchronizing drive, two hydraulic cylinders, with an angled and contoured base pool/spa floor.
FIGS. 20.1-20.1A depict a front and view of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, in the fully raised position, including a synchronizing drive, a left and right hand lead screw synchronizing drive, universal joint and center drive.
FIGS. 20.2-20.2b show perspective views of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, with a lead screw synchronizing drive system.
FIGS. 30.1-30.1b show top views of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, depicting an assembled, five piece walls and floor system, and a zoomed in view of the liquid epoxy fill cavity.
FIGS. 30.2-30.2b show a perspective cut-away view of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, depicting an assembled, five piece wall and floor system, and a sectional zoomed in cut view of the connection from wall to floor and liquid, epoxy fill, cavity.
FIGS. 40.2-40.3 show a perspective view of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool/spa, depicting a five piece wall and floor, with the four walls and floor assembled and a zoomed in view of the assembled corner.
FIGS. 50.1-50.2 show a perspective view, end view and zoomed in of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool/spa, including a flange piece and tubes directing the suction flow to the drains.
FIGS. 60.1-60.3 show a perspective view, and zoomed in views of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool/spa, depicting a cable, pulley and tensioning block.
FIGS. 70.1-70.5 depict different views of a flat-ship modular pool and methods for assembling such a pool.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and made part of this disclosure.
Embodiments described and disclosed herein relate generally to swimming pools, training pools, therapeutic water devices such as hot tubs, spas, cold and ice baths, etc. and methods and apparatuses related to the same. For example, some embodiments relate generally to mechanisms for covering or sealing one of the above-mentioned water devices. Some embodiments relate generally to variable depth water apparatus, such as pools and spas that include deck or floor that can be adjusted to varying depths, and that can function, if desired as a cover or deck over the pool/spa.
Advantageously, the apparatuses, methods and water devices described herein can provide a number of non-limiting benefits. For example, they can provide one environmental benefits, including, for example, preservation of water by reducing or minimizing water evaporation from the swimming pool/spa; reduction in the use of chemicals and decrease in the need for pest control measures because debris and insects can be more effectively sealed off from the swimming pool/spa such that fewer chemicals and cleanings are required to maintain the swimming pool/spa; reduction in energy usage by providing improved thermal isolation and insulation rom the surroundings so that less energy may be required for temperature control; and other environmental benefits. Further, embodiments having a movable deck or cover located above the water can thereby eliminate or minimize the accessible portion of the swimming pool/spa and provide safety advantages by securely covering the water. Thus, the risk of accidental drowning in the variable depth swimming pool/spa can be minimized when the movable deck is positioned above the water of the swimming pool/spa.
A variable depth swimming pool/spa can be configured to include an accessible portion of the swimming pool/spa whose depth can be varied. In some embodiments, this accessible portion of the variable depth swimming pool/spa can be bounded at its lower edge by a movable deck. In some embodiments, the movable deck can be moved from a first position, also referred to as a fully raised position, in which the movable deck is positioned above the water of the variable depth swimming pool/spa such that there is no accessible portion of the variable depth swimming pool/spa.
In some embodiments, for example, the positioning of the movable deck can be adjusted through the use of a mechanical device and/or mechanical system that connects the movable deck to the bottom of the variable depth swimming pool/spa. Some embodiments herein related to improved apparatuses for varying the position of the movable deck or cover. In some aspects, for example, this mechanical device and/or mechanical system can comprise easily manufactured components that can be used in a wide range of swimming pools/spas. Advantageously, such features capable of widespread application can decrease the cost of manufacturing the variable depth swimming pool/spa. Further, through efficient design of the mechanical components of the variable depth swimming pool/spa and the depth of the required excavation for the variable depth swimming pool/spa can be minimized. The following disclosed devices and features advantageously minimize the cost of manufacturing the variable depth swimming pool/spa as they can be applied to a wide range of pool/spa sizes and as they can be adapted to an even wider range of pool/spa sizes by multiplying the number of components used in the variable depth swimming pool/spa. The following disclosed devices, components and features present further advantages in that they minimize the depth of excavation required to install a variable depth swimming pool/spa.
Some embodiments relate to a variable depth swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, the variable depth swimming pool/spa can include sides and a bottom that together define a water-holding volume. In some embodiments, the variable depth swimming pool/spa can further include a movable deck that can be moved from a first vertical position to a second vertical position. In some embodiments in which the variable depth swimming pool/spa is located below ground level, the first vertical position of the movable deck can be at ground level and the second vertical position of the movable deck can be below ground level. In some embodiments, for example, the movable deck can be made from a plurality of panels. In some embodiments, for example, these panels can be configured to allow mass manufacturing. These configurations can include, for example, constant dimensions between panels, and other features such as constant positioning of bolts and/or bolt holes.
In some embodiments, the panels can be protected from the sun. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing the panels with a protective surface such as tile, including, for example, porcelain tile. However, past attempts to use tile have failed due to the necessity of cutting the tile. Advantageously, by molding the panels to a specific size, such as, for example, the size of four 18-inch slandered tiles, with a slandered grout joint, the finished panel precisely matches the tile size, and thus eliminates the need for cutting of the tile.
Further advantages can be achieved, by sizing the panels to correspond to the spacing of the beams underlying the panels. In some embodiments, further use of the panels can be achieved by, for example, the creation of inserts that can, for example, produce surface plug-ins that allow for the attachment of new surfaces to the panels, such as, for example, a sports court, putting green, and or any other desired surface. In some embodiments, these plug-in surfaces can be interchangeable, and can be configured for use indoors or outdoors.
In some embodiments, the panels can be molded with features configured to receive a perimeter seal or a slip-in flexible grout seal between panels. In some embodiments, the panel molds can include reinforcement ribs cast in the mold. In some embodiments, the mold may be injected with foam. Advantageously, this can provide, for advantage, insulative benefits, structural strength, in that the foam acts as an 1-beam, giving tremendous strength to the panel by adhering the two opposing surfaces and thereby causing them two interact as an I-beam, and the expense and/or complexity of the mold is insignificant as a single mold can be used to produce a large number of panels.
In some embodiments, for example, the movable deck can be moved between a first vertical position and a second vertical position by a mechanical device and/or mechanical system connecting the movable deck with the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, the features and components of the mechanical device and/or mechanical system connecting the movable deck with the bottom of the swimming can include one or several legs, one or several arms, one or several drives, one or several synchronization drives, and/or any other desired features. In some embodiments, for example, the number of these components can be matched to the desired size and other desired parameters of the swimming pool/spa. Thus, for example, in some embodiments in which a larger swimming pool/spa is desired, the variable depth swimming pool/spa can include more legs, more arms, more drives, more synchronization drives, more panels or more of any other desired component that allows the expansion of the size of the variable depth swimming pool/spa.
Some embodiments relate to a variable depth swimming pool/spa that includes features that facilitate the maintenance of a clean swimming pool/spa environment. In some embodiments, for example, these features can include flow features that can be located, for example, in the movable deck of the swimming pool/spa, in the walls of the swimming pool/spa, in the bottom of the swimming pool/spa, or in any other desired portion or component of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, these flow features can control the flow of water from above the movable deck to between the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. Advantageously, these flow features can, by controlling the flow of water, facilitate in cleaning the swimming pool/spa and particularly can facilitate in cleaning the portion of the swimming pool/spa located between the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa. In some aspects, this portion of the swimming pool/spa located between the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa can be very difficult to reach, and these flow features can provide significant advantages in creating currents that sweep debris toward drains located at the bottom of the swimming pool/spa and that direct cleansing currents around the portion of the swimming pool/spa between the bottom of the movable deck and the bottom of the swimming pool/spa.
The variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can comprise a natural material, a manmade material, a synthetic material, a polymer, a composite material, and/or any other desired material. In some embodiments, for example, the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can comprise, for example, concrete, tile, mortar, plastic, fiberglass, resin, and/or any other desired material. In some embodiments, for example, the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can be made using a variety of techniques. In some embodiments, the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can be created at the desired end location of the swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, for example, the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can be created at a location different from the final location of the swimming pool/spa.
As seen in
The moveable deck 102 can be an insulated, foam-filled, fiberglass box or any other material capable of withstanding pool water and capable of functioning as a patio, floor, driveway, and/or pool-bottom. In some embodiments, the moveable deck 102 can be, for example, multi-dimensional to allow for use in different sized-placement areas, and can be multi-colored based on customer preference. In some embodiments, the moveable deck 102 can be configured to hold a decorative surface such as, for example, tile, stone, or specialized, snap-on flooring such as a sport court or golf turf or decorative surface. In some embodiments, the moveable deck 102 can be scalable using the same size panels having the same bolt configuration by adding another unit row to the length or width.
The movable deck 102 can be configured for vertical displacement within the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100. In some embodiments in which the movable deck 102 is level with the ground surrounding the pool/spa, or as shown in
In some embodiments, the pool coping 126 can be, for example, in-line with the pool walls 106. In some embodiments, the pool coping 126 can overhang the pool walls 106 by, for example, approximately ⅛th of an inch to 1.5 inches, and in some embodiments, by 0.5 inches. Advantageously, this can facilitate the flow of water around the moveable deck 102 as the moveable deck 102 travels through the water.
The movable deck 102 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can comprise a variety of sizes and shapes. In some embodiments, for example, the size and shape of the movable deck 102 can match the size and shape of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100.
The movable deck 102 can comprise a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, all or portions of the movable deck 102 can comprise a natural, or a manmade material. In some embodiments, for example, the movable deck 102 can include a polymer, a composite, a metal, or any other desired material.
In some embodiments, and as shown in
The panels 104 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, for example, the panels 104 can be rectangular shaped, triangular shaped, circular, ovular, hexagonal, pentagonal, regularly shaped, irregularly shaped, or have any other desired shape. In some embodiments, the panels 104 can have a length, a width, and/or a thickness of approximately ¼ inch, 1/2 inch, 1 inch, 3 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches, 18 inches, 24 inches, 36 inches, 48 inches, 60 inches, 100 inches, 200 inches, 500 inches, or any other or intermediate dimension. In some embodiments, the panels 104 can be identical. Advantageously, the creation of identical panels 104 can facilitate in the rapid manufacture of panels and in the creation of variable depth swimming pools/spas 100 having different dimensions.
The variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 shown in
In some embodiments of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100, the movable deck 102 can be configured to move from a first vertical position relative to the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 to a second vertical position relative to the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa. In some embodiments, this movement of the movable deck 102 can be facilitated by a mechanical device and/or mechanical system connecting the movable deck 102 with other portions or another portion of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100. In some embodiments, and as depicted in
As specifically seen in
Advantageously, the angled member 110 can allow the moveable deck 102 to move from its lowest position to its highest position while occupying the least amount of pool/spa space. Further, any debris accumulating near the angled member 110 will fall from the angled member 110, and can be directed towards a suction drain, which can be, for example, located in the center of the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100.
In some embodiments, for example, the angled member 110 can provide a surface with which other portions of the mechanical device and/or mechanical system connecting the movable deck 102 with the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can interact. As specifically seen in
In some embodiments, for example, the angled surface 111 can be flush with the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100, can be 30 inches above the bottom 108, 6 inches above the bottom 108, 12 inches above the bottom 108, 18 inches above the bottom 108, 24 inches above the bottom 108, 36 inches above the bottom 108, or offset from the bottom 108 by any other or intermediate distance.
In some embodiments, for example, the angled member 110 can comprise a length of, for example, 1 inch, 3 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches, 3 feet, 6 feet, 9 feet, 12 feet, 24 feet, 36 feet, 50 feet, 100 feet, 1000 feet, and/or any other or intermediate length.
In some embodiments, for example, the angled member 110 can comprise a variety of widths. In some embodiments, for example, the angled member 110 can comprise a width of 1 inch, 3 inches, 6 inches, 12 inches, 3 feet, 10 feet, 25 feet, 50 feet, 100 feet, 1000 feet, or any other desired or intermediate width.
In some embodiments, for example, the angled member 110 can be made from any desired material. The angled member 110 can be, for example, made from a material capable of withstanding the pool/spa environment, and capable of withstanding the loads applied to the angled member 110. In some embodiments, for example, the angled member 110 can comprise a low friction material.
As seen in
In some embodiments, the track 112 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, the track 112 can comprise a U-shaped member, a C-shaped member, an L-shaped member, and/or a member having any other desired shape.
In some embodiments, for example, the track 112 can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, the track 112 can be made from a natural material and/or a synthetic material. In some embodiments, for example, the track materials can be selected to withstand the pool/spa environment and/or to withstand the loads applied to the track 112.
In some embodiments, the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can comprise a dimple 114. In some embodiments, and as depicted in
Advantageously, the use of a dimple 114 in the angled member 110 and/or in the track 112 can facilitate in locking the movable deck 102 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 in a desired position. Such locking can increase the safety of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 and increase the ability of the movable deck 102 to resist movement from a desired position.
Some embodiments of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can further include a leg 116. In some embodiments, for example, the first end of a leg can be connected to the movable deck 102 and the second end of the leg can contact the angled member 110 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100. In some embodiments, for example, the leg 116 can transfer the gravitational forces from the movable deck 102 to the angled member 110 and/or to the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100. In some embodiments, for example, the leg 116 can be configured to move from a first position to a second position and/or to a number of intermediate positions to change the position of the movable deck 102 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100.
The leg 116 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. A person of skill in the art will recognize the dimensions of the leg 116, as well as the materials from which the leg 116 is made, can depend on the weight of the movable deck 102, load conditions of the leg 116, and the environment in which the leg 116 operates. In some embodiments, for example, the leg 116 can be made from a natural and/or a manmade material. In some embodiments, for example, the leg 116 can comprise metal such as, for example, steel.
The second end of the leg 116 can, for example, contact the angled member 110 via a sliding member 118. In some embodiments, for example, the sliding member 118 can be located at the second end of the leg 116. In some embodiments, for example, the sliding member 118 can facilitate the sliding movement of the second end of the leg 116 relative to the angled member 110 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100. In some embodiments, for example, the sliding member 118 can comprise a wheel, a roller, a ball, a skid plate, and/or any other feature or configuration that allows the sliding movement of the second end of the leg 116 relative to the angled member 110. Advantageously, for example, some embodiments of the sliding member 118 can comprise features and/or be made from a material and/or have geometry to facilitate the sliding movement of the leg 116 relative to the angled member 110.
As seen in
As specifically seen in
As also seen in
The rollers 124 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the shape and size of the rollers, as well as the materials used to create the rollers 124 is predicated on the load conditions that the rollers are exposed to, as well as the environmental conditions found in the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100.
The H-member depicted in
In some embodiments, and as seen in
In some embodiments, for example, the lateral support member 128 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, the lateral support member 128 can comprise a solid and/or a tubular member extending at a left end from the left support member 117a to a right support member 117b connected at the right end of the lateral support member 128.
As further depicted in
In some embodiments of the first connecting feature 130 and/or the second connecting feature 132 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. A person of skill in the art will recognize the size and shape of materials of the first connecting feature 130 and the second connecting feature 132 can be based on the loads that must be withstood by the first connecting feature 130 and/or the second connecting feature 132 and the pool/spa environment in which the first connecting feature 130 and the second connecting feature 132 operate.
As further seen in
The gasket 134 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, the gasket 134 can comprise a natural material, a manmade material, a synthetic material, a composite, a polymer, a metal and/or any other desired material. In the specific embodiment depicted in
In some embodiments of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 can include features to move the movable deck 102 from a first vertical position relative to the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100 to a second vertical position relative to the bottom 108 of the variable depth swimming pool/spa 100.
Referring now specifically to
As further seen in
The drive member 138 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made from a variety of materials. In some embodiments, for example, portions of the drive member 138 are made from natural materials, synthetic materials, polymers, plastics, metals, and/or any other desired material.
The drive member 138 can comprise a variety of drive types. As depicted in
In some embodiments, the low pressure drive can use, for example, water, such as the pool/spa water, or any other fluid as the working fluid. In some embodiments, the low pressure drive includes, for example, antifreeze and/or other chemicals to protect the operation of the low pressure drive. In some embodiments, the low pressure drive can comprise a recreational vehicle pump configured to generate, approximately 40 psi.
In some embodiments, for example, the connection of the drive member 138 to one or all of the legs 116 can result in a disparity of forces applied to the one or more legs 116. In some embodiments, for example, as depicted in
As specifically depicted in
The synchronizing anus 140 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and have a variety of dimensions. In some embodiments, for example, the synchronizing arms 140 can comprise a dimension at least equal to the greatest distance of separation between the leg 116 and the synchronizing drive 142. In some embodiments, for example, the synchronizing arms 140 can be straight, curved, or comprise a compound or irregular shape.
In some embodiments, for example, the synchronizing arms 140 can comprise features configured to facilitate interaction with the synchronizing drive 142.
In some embodiments, and as depicted in
In some embodiments, for example, the first gear 144 and the second gear 146 of the synchronizing gear 142 can be the same size, have the same geometry, and/or the same number of teeth. In some embodiments, these aspects of the first gear 144 and of the second gear 146 can be different. Similarly, in some embodiments, for example, the first meshing gear 150a can be the same and/or different size, geometry, materials, and/or number of teeth as the second meshing gear 150b. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first arm gear 152a can comprise the same and/or different numbers of teeth, geometry, size, materials, and/or any other property as the second arm gear 152b.
As further depicted in
A person of skill in the art will recognize that the synchronizing drive 142 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes and features, and that the synchronizing drive 142 is not limited to the specific embodiment depicted herein.
As further depicted in
FIGS. 6.1-6.5 depict different embodiments of synchronizing arms 140. In some embodiments, the synchronizing arms 140 are linear, slotted, interlinked, horizontally moving, synchronous, lightly-curved racks. In some embodiments, for example, the purpose of the racks is to provide identical movement in opposing directions to extend and retract the synchronizing arms 140.
In some embodiments, the synchronizing arms 140 can comprise, for example, a jet-cut ribbon of stainless steel gear teeth cut from a large sheet of stainless steel plate. The bottom cut produced by the initial cut is the second set of gear teeth. In some embodiments, the synchronizing arm teeth 148 can be formed on the synchronizing arm by, for example, pushing a flat piece of stainless steel bar through a set of gears powered by a motor. This will allow for very easily produced inexpensive gear-toothed rack.
As also seen in
The hydraulic assist cylinder lift 164 can comprise a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be made from a variety of materials. A person of skill in the art will recognize that the hydraulic assist cylinder lift 164 is not limited to any specific sizes, shapes, materials, manufacturers, and/or other limitation. A person of skill in the art will further recognize that the hydraulic assist cylinder lift 164 can be sized and shaped to meet the design requirements of any desired pool system.
FIGS. 30.1-30.2b show top views of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, depicting an assembled, five piece walls and floor system, and a zoomed in view of the liquid epoxy fill cavity.
FIGS. 50.1-50.2 show a perspective view, end view and zoomed in of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, flange piece and tubes directing the suction flow to the drains. When the moveable deck 102 is lowered to its lowest position it shuts off the flow of water from the main pump to the bottom drain and filter. When it comes in close contact (limiting the amount of space or flow) or resides on a block or pop-out or cut-out or molded part it then allows the suction from the main drain in the bottom center of the pool to redirect the flow of water. Advantageously, this allows the redirecting, via hoses or cavities, removal of sediments via vacuum action from the existing pool pump. The functionality is of great value and is only possible due to the unique design of this pool; because the volume of water is reduced when the platform is in its lowest position we can utilize the flow around the platform to remove sediment that can typically build-up. This is a common problem in all pools which can be eliminated in this design. These figures further depict a standard main-pool drain 150.2 that provides suction to filter, and tubes, hoses, or slots 150.3 that allow water flow to be directed. The features depicted in these figures are described in other portions of the application.
FIGS. 60.1-60.3 show a perspective view, and zoomed in views of one embodiment of a variable depth swimming pool or spa, depicting a cable, pulley and tensioning block. FIGS. 60.1-60.3 contain an embodiment similar to the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 70.1-70.5 depict different views of a flat-ship modular pool and methods for assembling such a pool. A modular flat-ship pool can include panels that, when assembled, create a sealed swimming pool, reservoir or vessel of water or liquid. Some aspects of a flat-ship pool can include a method of joining multiple panels of fiberglass or fiberglass-type material in order to make a completely sealed vessel capable of holding water, other liquid or sewage material. In some embodiments, the method can include joining five or more panels. In some embodiments, the assembled flat-ship pool can include one bottom panel and four side panels with optional sealed lid.
In some embodiments, a flat-ship pool can provide advantages, including, for example, that unit components stack flat for efficient, cost effective shipping and that the panels are easily mass produced. In some embodiments, flat-ship pools can be used to form, a swimming pool, a spa, a water receptacle, a liquid container, a pond, a sewage container, an in-ground container, an above-ground container, and/or a variety of other containers.
A flat-ship pool can facilitate mass-production as the components can be interchangeable. The flat-ship pool can facilitate installation as a flat-ship pool does not require craning for the installation, but can rather be truck delivered and installed piece by piece. Because of the ease of installation, no destructive measures are required (removal of fences, landscaping, etc.), and assembly does not require special skills or tools and takes only hours to complete. Advantageously, the use of the techniques disclosed herein can create connections between the panels that result in a stronger completed pool than current pre-formed fiberglass designs. This is accomplished as, after assembly, the connections function as reinforcement beams, both at the seams and running vertically and horizontally along the sides and bottom of the vessel.
In some embodiments the sealing epoxy can be, for example, substituted with a non-permanent rubberized material. The vessels can then, for example, have value to end users that require temporary fluid storage, such as, for example, the military, construction companies, mining operations, or similar operations. In such an embodiment, when the vessel is no longer needed, the unit can be dis-assembled and reused. In some embodiments, the wall or floor pieces can be molded into any contour for any shaped end-product. For example, curved shaped pieces can be connected together to form a circular vessel. Likewise, a convex bottom can be substituted for a flat bottom piece to allow for above-ground use. In some embodiments, the flat-ship pool can be used in conjunction with the a moveable deck 102 as discussed above. In such an embodiment, the walls of the flat-ship pool can be vertical. The use of flat-ship pools provides further advantages of current pre-formed fiberglass, in that such pre-formed fiberglass pools cannot be stacked if the walls are vertical, making transportation very expensive and inefficient. Vertical walls are also very problematic to build using pre-formed fiberglass methods due to the master molds and properties required to release the final product from the mold.
In some embodiments of a flat-ship pool, the bottom shape can be configured to optimize the performance of raising and lowering the moveable deck 102.
The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the systems, devices, and methods can be practiced in many ways. As is also stated above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the described technology. Such modifications and changes are intended to fall within the scope of the embodiments. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that parts included in one embodiment are interchangeable with other embodiments; one or more parts from a depicted embodiment can be included with other depicted embodiments in any combination. For example, any of the various components described herein and/or depicted in the Figures may be combined, interchanged or excluded from other embodiments.
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting.
This application is claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/498,123 filed Jun. 17, 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/526,198 filed Aug. 22, 2011, the entirety of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US12/43003 | 6/18/2012 | WO | 00 | 4/22/2014 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61498123 | Jun 2011 | US | |
| 61526198 | Aug 2011 | US |
