Patent Application
20090127368
The present invention relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for reeling and storing swimming pool lane lines.
In swimming pools, lane lines are often utilized to provide boundaries at the water's surface between the number of lanes within the pool. When a pool is divided into lanes, it can be used for competitive swimming or an exercise activity for swimming laps. Many pools, however, are also used for other purposes where it may be desirable to remove the lane lines from the pool. For example, when pools are used for recreational or enjoyment purposes, it is often desirable to not have the lane lines within the pool. Additionally, pool lane lines are often removed daily or with some other frequency from the pool to protect the lines from overexposure to the chemicals in the pool. Exposure to chemicals within a pool can break down the materials that make up the pool lane lines and ultimately result in having to replace the pool lane lines. It may also be desirable to remove pool lane lines to facilitate cleaning the pool. Removal of pool lane lines, however, is not a quick and easy process. Thus, there is a need for improved apparatuses, systems, and methods for reeling and storing swimming pool lane lines.
Various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to apparatuses, systems, or methods of using an apparatus for reeling and storing swimming pool lane lines.
In some embodiments, an apparatus can comprise a frame, an axle, a manipulandum, and a lane line guide. The axle can be rotatably coupled to the frame. In some embodiments, the axle can be configured to receive a pool lane line therearound, and the manipulandum can be in communication with the axle such that upon manipulating the manipulandum, the axle can be rotated. In some embodiments, the lane line guide can be movably coupled to the frame. The lane line guide can, for example, define a path which is configured to allow passage of the pool lane line and thereby guide the position of the pool lane line along an axis of the axle.
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can comprise a frame, an axle, and a manipulandum. The axle can be rotatably coupled to the frame. The manipulandum can be rotatably coupled to the frame and in communication with the axle. In some embodiments, the axle can be configured to rotate by less than one full rotation upon the rotation of the manipulandum by one full rotation.
In some embodiments, a kit can comprise an elongated line guide member, a lane line guide, and a bracket configured to mount the elongated line guide member to a pool lane line reeling apparatus. The lane line guide member can be configured to be moved along the elongated line guide member.
These embodiments are mentioned not to limit or define the invention described herein, but to provide examples of embodiments of the invention to aid understanding thereof. Additional uses, advantages, and features of pool lane line reeling apparatuses, systems, and/or methods of using an apparatus are set forth in the illustrative embodiments discussed in the detailed description herein and will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following.
a is a view of an embodiment showing the pool lane line attaching to an attachment point.
b is a view of an embodiment showing the pool lane line attaching to an attachment point.
The description herein relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for reeling pool lane lines out of and into swimming pools. Some embodiments described herein can provide a more efficient, easier, safer, or longer-lasting means to reel in, unwind, move, or store pool lane lines.
To remove lane lines from a pool, the lines are often reeled onto a large reel. Reels can consist of two discs connected by an axle that can be rotated to reel the lines out of the pool. Often at least two people, and up to four people, are required to effectively reel the pool lane lines when using a reeling device.
The discs of some pool lane line reels are often made of fiberglass, stainless steel, or aluminum. A significant amount of rotational force must often be applied to the discs to use the device. A reel must withstand numerous winding and unwinding cycles of the pool lane lines, sometimes as frequently as two times a day for a total of four daily operations of the reel. A typical pool contains two to twelve pool lanes which can be 25 or 50 meters in length, or 25 or 50 yards in length. As the lanes are reeled in, a considerable amount of mass accumulates on the reel device as the entire lanes are wound. Additionally, a reel is often used to hold more than one lane line. Some reels can hold up to 300 meters of lane lines, depending on the diameter of the lane lines.
Not only does this increased weight apply stress to a reel and its discs, the user who manually rotates the disc must exert a significant amount of force upon the discs in order to effectively reel in the lane lines. Due to the increased forces, at least a portion of a disc can separate from the axle connected thereto due to the stresses applied to the device. Also due to the amount of force and stress applied to the reel system, breaks or damage may occur to a disc itself, the support frame or base, the attachment point of the casters and the support frame or base, and/or the casters. This increased force and resulting damage may cause a reel to become inoperable or unsafe, which may ultimately require the user to purchase a new reel device.
To effectively reel the lines onto the reel, often at least three people are needed: one person positioned on each side of the reel rotating a disc, and the third guiding the positioning of the lane line on the axle. The third person guides the lines as they are reeled up to distribute the line along the width of the axle. If the line is not distributed evenly along the width of the axle, additional stress due to the unbalanced weight can be applied to certain parts of the reel device thus causing higher chances of failure or injury. Further, undistributed weight may add difficultly in transporting a conventional reel device where the operation of the wheels of the reel are hindered.
Further, a user can be exposed to a risk of injury when operating a lane line reel device. The significant weight of the reel disc and the lane lines can require a significant amount of force to rotate the large discs of a reel, which ultimately can cause muscle strain of the user. A danger of slipping may exist when exerting a large amount of force to rotate the disc on a wet pool deck. Also, as a lane line being reeled in is guided manually along the width of the axle, a greater risk of injury may exist for pinched fingers or hands. Additionally, users of lane line reel devices are often children or young adults who can be more prone to the risk of injury. Thus, some embodiments described herein can address and reduce such risks.
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can be configured to store multiple lane lines. In other embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can be configured to store a single pool lane line. For example, in some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can be configured to store between two and twelve lane lines at one time. In one such embodiment, the pool lane line reeling apparatus can store as many as five lane lines at one time. In another embodiment, the pool lane line reeling apparatus can be configured to store as many as three lines at one time. One or more of the diameter of an included containing member, the length or diameter of an axle, the size or configuration of a manipulandum, or the size of a motor used with a pool lane line reeling apparatus can vary depending upon the desired number of lane lines to be stored and the cross-sectional diameter of the lane lines to be stored.
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can comprise a frame. The frame can be made from fiberglass, plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable material or combination of materials. The frame can comprise a plurality of support members assembled to provide a structure to which one or more components of the apparatus may attach. The frame can provide a stable structure during use of the apparatus and/or transport of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of support members that may be joined and affixed together using techniques such as welding, brazing, casting, molding, fastening, and other techniques known to those skilled in the art.
In some embodiments, a frame may comprise a plurality of support members extending in substantially vertical direction. In some embodiments, the frame can comprise a panel positioned above the axle, for example forming a roof-like structure. The roof may protect the apparatus from exposure to weather. In some embodiments, the roof can provide a surface to support one or more other objects. For example, in an embodiment, one or more solar panels may be affixed to a roof structure in order to collect and store energy in a battery. As another example, the roof structure can provide a surface to display advertising information, marketing information, sponsorship information, and/or other decorative graphics or materials
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can comprise an axle. The axle can be configured to receive a pool lane line. For example, upon rotation of an axle, pool lane lines can be reeled out of the pool and stored around the axle. The apparatus can then be moved and stored with the pool lane lines in a reeled position. In some embodiments, the axle can be rotatably coupled to the frame.
In some embodiments, the axle can be fabricated from, for example, fiberglass, plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, the axle can be substantially cylindrical having a circular cross sectional diameter of sufficient size and thickness to facilitate reeling and storing of one or more lane lines. In some embodiments, the axle can comprise a diameter between about 3 inches to about 6 inches. For example, in one embodiment, the axle can comprise a diameter of about 4.5 inches. In some embodiments, the axle can comprise a length of between about 55 inches to about 80 inches. For example, in one embodiment, the axle can comprise a length of about 62.5 inches as measured from an inside surface of one containing member to an inside surface of a second containing member. For example, in one embodiment, the axle can comprise a length of about 72 inches from an outside surface of one containing member to an outside surface of a second containing member. In other embodiments, one or both of the diameter or length of an axle can comprise a larger or smaller dimension.
In some embodiments, the pool lane line reeling apparatus can comprise a manipulandum. A manipulandum comprises to a physical object or device that can be moved or displaced in space. The manipulandum can be in communication with the axle. For example, the axle can be configured to be rotated when the manipulandum is manipulated. In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise more than one manipulandum in communication with the axle. In some embodiments, the manipulandum can be a wheel or a captain's wheel. In other embodiments, the manipulandum can be a crank.
In yet other embodiments, the manipulandum can be a slider mechanism configured to be moved in a lateral direction, and in communication with a rotational pinion gear in order to convert a linear force into a rotational force, for example similar to a rack and pinion. The pinion can be in communication with the axle such that upon lateral motion of slider and attached rack, the axle can rotate.
In some embodiments where the manipulandum comprises a rotating manipulandum, such as a wheel or captain's wheel, the rotating manipulandum can be attached to a containing member or directly to an axle. In other embodiments, the rotating manipulandum can be attached to the frame. In some embodiments, the rotating manipulandum can be attached along the same axis as the axle. In other embodiments, the rotating manipulandum can be attached offset from the axis of the axle. For example, one or more gears may be in rotational communication with a rotating manipulandum and an axle to facilitate easier reeling in of a lane line. Upon rotation of the rotating manipulandum, the axle can rotate in direct or indirect relation thereto.
In some embodiments where the manipulandum comprises a crank, the crank can be attached to a containing member or an axle. In other embodiments, the crank can be attached to the frame. In some embodiments, the hub of the crank can be attached along the same axis as the axle. In other embodiments, the hub of the crank can be attached offset from the axis of the axle. For example, one or more gears may be in rotational communication with both the hub of a crank and an axle to facilitate easier reeling in of a lane line. Upon rotation of the crank, the axle can rotate in direct or indirect relation thereto.
In some embodiments, a manipulandum can be positioned permanently upon a reeling apparatus. In other embodiments, a manipulandum can be removably attached to a portion of a reeling apparatus, for example a support member using a lock pin mechanism to removably attach the manipulandum.
The manipulandum can be made from fiberglass, plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable material or combination of materials. In some embodiments, a manipulandum can reduce the amount of stress applied to specific components of the reel apparatus and thus preserve the life of the reel apparatus. For example, in an embodiment comprising a manipulandum and a containing member, less stress will be applied to the included containing member and thus preserve the structural integrity of the containing member for a longer period of use.
In some embodiments, the manipulandum can provide a mechanical advantage in reeling pool lane lines. For example, in one such embodiment, a drive belt or gear train may be used to provide a mechanical advantage to the user of the apparatus. For example, in one such embodiment, for each full rotation of a rotating manipulandum, an axle in communication therewith may rotate less than one full rotation.
In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise an electric motor configured to provide assistance with reeling or unwinding a pool lane line off of a reeling apparatus. In one such embodiment, an output shaft of a motor may comprise a gear or pulley coupled thereto, and may be positioned to provide torque (directly or indirectly) to a gear or pulley shaped manipulandum in direct or indirect communication with the axle. Upon provision of torque (directly or indirectly) by a motor used to manipulate the manipulandum, an axle in communication with the manipulandum can thereby be rotated.
In some embodiments, a motor can be operably connected to the manipulandum to facilitate power-assisted reeling of the lane lines. In some embodiments, the motor can be configured to operate in both a forward and reverse direction such that the apparatus may be used to electrically reel the lane lines into a reeled position or aid in the unwinding of the lane lines for use in the pool.
In some embodiments, a motor can comprise a battery-operated DC motor, for example using a rechargeable NiMH or lithium ion battery. In one such embodiment, the battery pack can be attached to the apparatus. In some embodiments, the battery pack can be coupled to a solar panel attached to the device and used as an energy source for recharging the battery. In other embodiments, the motor can comprise an AC motor. In one such embodiment, the AC motor can be plugged into an electrical power outlet using a power cord.
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus comprising a motor can additionally comprise a second manipulandum configured to be manually manipulated. In the event the motor was inoperable, a manual means of reeling the pool lane lines using the second manipulandum can thus be provided. In some such embodiments, the second manipulandum may be removably attached to the apparatus.
In some embodiments, at least one gear or pulley in communication with at least one of a manipulandum or an axle can be rotationally connected to an elongated line guide member, as described in further detail below. In some such embodiments, upon manipulation of the manipulandum, the elongated line guide member can rotate, providing a force configured to move a line lane guide.
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reel apparatus can comprise a lane line guide. In some embodiments, the lane line guide can be movably coupled to the frame. For example, a lane line guide can be configured to slide along the axis of an axle. The lane line guide defines a path configured to allow passage of the pool lane line. The path can guide the position of a pool lane line being reeled or unreeled along an axis of the axle. In some embodiments, the path can comprise an opening. In some such embodiments, the opening can comprise complimentary dimensions to a pool lane line such that the pool lane line can pass through the opening without interference. For example, the diameter or width of an opening in a line guide member can be greater than the cross-sectional diameter of a substantially cylindrical pool lane line used therewith.
The lane line guide can be fabricated from a material that provide sufficient strength and structural integrity to withstand the forces during passage of the pool lane line through the opening. In some embodiments, the lane line guide can be fabricated from plastic, rubber, fiberglass, metal, or another suitable material or a combination of materials.
In some embodiments, a lane line guide can be movably positioned about an elongated line guide member. In some embodiments, an elongated line guide member can comprise a threaded shaft. Upon rotation of such an elongated line guide member, a lane line guide configured to receive the threads of the elongated line guide member can traverse along the length of the elongated line guide member. For example, in one such embodiment, upon the manipulation of a manipulandum, the elongated lane guide member comprising a threaded shaft rotates. A lane line guide configured to receive the threads of the threaded elongated lane guide member, can thus be driven along a plane substantially parallel to the rotating threaded elongated line guide member. In other embodiments, a manual force can be applied to the lane line guide to move the lane line guide with respect to the elongated line guide member.
The elongated line guide member can be fabricated from a material that provides sufficient strength to withstand the forces during operation of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the elongated line guide member can be fabricated from fiberglass, plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable material or a combination of materials.
In some embodiments, the elongated line guide member can be in communication with the manipulandum. In some embodiments, the elongated line guide member is configured to move the lane line guide when the manipulandum is manipulated.
In some embodiments, one or more elongated lane guide members can comprise a worm gear, a screw-like structure, or an auger-like structure. In some such embodiments, upon rotation of a screw-like or auger-like elongated lane guide member, the lane line guide can be configured to move back and forth along the elongated lane guide member such that the pool lane line can be distributed along the entire length of the axle as it is reeled. As such, a lane line guide can serve to reduce the number of users needed to wind or unwind a lane line, reduce the amount of time needed to reel or unreel a lane line, reduce chances for injuries such as pinched fingers to a user, and help to reduce labor costs associated with the tasks of reeling or unreeling lane lines. In some embodiments, at least a portion of a lane line guide and elongated line guide member can comprise a protective cover to minimize exposure to sharp edges or pinching hazards.
In some embodiments, an apparatus can comprise a containing member. The containing member can be positioned with relation to the axle to define a boundary for the pool lane line along the axle. In one such embodiment, the axis of the axle can be substantially perpendicular to a structure of a containing member. In some embodiments, the containing member can be configured to rotate with the axle. In some such embodiments, the containing member can rotate about a central axis shared with the axle. In other embodiments, the containing member can be stationary relative to the rotation of the axle. For example, in some such embodiments, one or more containing members can be part of a frame or attached thereto, either removably or permanently. Upon reeling of the pool lane line, the containing member can provide a physical obstruction such that the pool lane line is guided to the proper position along the axle.
In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a plurality of containing members. Each containing member can define at least one boundary. In some embodiments, the pool lane line can be reeled around a section of the axle between multiple boundaries defined by two or more containing members. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, the apparatus can comprise a first containing member and a second containing member. The first containing member can define a first boundary and the second containing member can define a second boundary. In some embodiments, the first containing member can be positioned in proximity to a first end of the axle. The second containing member can be positioned in proximity to a second end of the same axle.
In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise more than two containing members, for example, three, four, or more containing members. In some embodiments, the number of containing members can correlate to the number of pool lane lines to be reeled. As an illustrative embodiment,
In some embodiments, a containing member can comprise a substantially planar surface. In other embodiments, a containing member can comprise a substantially concave or convex surface. In some embodiments, a containing member can comprise a substantially circular shaped structure. In other embodiments, a containing member can comprise a different shape or configuration. For example in one such embodiment, a containing member can comprise a substantially square-shaped structure. In yet other embodiments, a containing member can comprise any other configuration, for example, a suitable polygon-shaped structure such as a pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon.
In some embodiments, the containing member can comprise a hub, a plurality of spokes, and a rim connecting ends of the spokes. The spokes can extend from a central hub position of the containing member to the rim at the outer perimeter of the containing member. In other embodiments, the containing member can comprise a solid structure, or a structure with one or more cavities provided therein. In some embodiments, the containing member can comprises a hub, spokes, and rim structure in combination with a solid structure. For example,
The containing member can be fabricated from a light weight material that provides sufficient strength to withstand the forces during operation of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the containing member can be fabricated from fiberglass, plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, or another suitable material or a combination of materials.
In some embodiments, the apparatus can include a plurality of wheels configured to allow the apparatus to be moved. In some embodiments, one or more of the wheels can swivel. In other embodiments, the orientation of one or more wheels can be fixed with respect to the frame. In some embodiments, an apparatus can comprise a combination of swiveling and stationary wheels. In some embodiments, one or more of the wheels can comprise a brake or a locking mechanism to prevent or slow any unintended movement. In some embodiments, the wheels comprise an all-terrain material such that the wheels can provide a sufficiently stable structure when moving across a wet pool deck, bumps, terrain, landscaping, hoses, drain covers, or other obstructions.
The wheels can comprise, for example, one or more wheels of diameter and material sufficient to roll over a hose. For example, in some embodiments, the wheels can comprise a diameter of greater than about 5 inches. In some embodiments, the wheels can comprise a diameter of at least about six (6) inches, at least about seven (7) inches, at least about eight (8) inches, at least about nine (9) inches, or at least about ten (10) inches. In some embodiments, the wheels can comprise pneumatic rubber tires. In other embodiments, the wheels can comprise solid rubber or plastic tires.
When referring to the Figures, the numbers used within each figure are consistent with every other figure. When a specific feature is labeled in one figure with a specific numeral, the same numeral will be used in other figures when denoting that specific feature.
Referring to the drawings,
In
A first gear 17 is positioned in proximity to an end 34 of the elongated line guide member 15. A second gear 18 is in direct communication with the axle 11. The first gear 17 is in communication with the second gear 18 via a chain 19. Upon rotation of the axle 11, the first gear 18 rotates, driving the chain 19, which in turn drives the first gear 17 in the same direction as the second gear 18 and the axle 11. The rotation of the first gear 17 rotates the threaded elongated line guide member 15 to drive the lane line guide 14. The lane line guide 14 is configured to receive the threads of a threaded elongated line guide member 15 and thereby be moved along a longitudinal axis of the elongated line guide member 15. The elongated line guide member 15 comprises a thread configuration such that upon the lane line guide 14 reading the end 33 or the end 34, the lane line guide 14 is automatically redirected in a direction opposite the direction immediately traveled. The thread configuration of the elongated line guide member 15 and the mateable receiving structure of the lane line guide 14 can permit the traversing of the lane line guide member in both directions as the elongated line guide member 15 rotates in a single direction.
Similar to
In
In
In
A first gear or pulley can be positioned in proximity to either end 133 or 134 of the elongated line guide member 115. A second gear or pulley can be in communication with the axle 11. The first gear or pulley can then be in communication with the second gear or pulley via a chain 119 or a belt. In the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, the lane line guide can be utilized without being in communication with the manipulandum. In some such embodiments, the lane line guide can be positioned about an elongated line guide member comprising a smooth surface, permitting a user to manually position a pool lane line as it is reeled in along an axle without having to touch the lane line itself, thereby helping to avoid pinched fingers or hands. In some embodiments, the lane line guide can be positioned about one or more elongated line guide members. In some embodiments a lane line guide and the elongated line guide member may be a component of a kit. In one such embodiment, the kit can comprise, for example a lane line guide, an elongated member, and a bracket, and can be used to retrofit an existing reel with a lane line guide system. The elongated line guide member can be attached to an existing reel using brackets and techniques known to those of ordinary skill in art, for example, using clamps, screws, bolts, or adhesives. In some embodiments, the kit can comprise one or more elongated line guide members. In some embodiments, the elongated line guide member of the kit can comprise a shape having a generally cylindrical cross-sectional dimension. In other embodiments, the elongated line guide member of the kit can comprise a shape having a generally rectangular or square cross-sectional dimension.
Upon the rotation of an axle, a pool lane line can be reeled in from a placement in a pool to a stored position wound around the axle, or unwound from a reeled-in, stored position. A pool lane line can comprise two ends. In some embodiments, a first end of a pool lane line can be attached to an attachment point on a reeling apparatus. An attachment point can comprise, for example, a spoke, a clamp, a closed hook, a clasp, a pin, a clip, an eye hook, an opening in a spoke or an axle itself, a retractable chain or cable, a permanently attached chain or cable, or another suitable fastening device. For example as shown in
In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise a plurality of attachment points. The plurality of attachment points can provide anchoring for a plurality of pool lane lines such that a plurality of lane lines can be reeled simultaneously around a single axle. For example, referring to
In other embodiments, the attachment point can be positioned on or proximate to the exterior of a lane line guide system. In such an embodiment, a user may be able to access the attachment point located in proximity to the exterior of the lane line guide system. In some embodiments, the attachment point can be positioned at the end of a retractable or non-retractable tether, cable, or chain. The other end of the tether, cable, or chain can be fastened to, for example, a spoke of the containing member or an axle. In one such embodiment, the attachment point of a cable or chain can be secured to a portion of a lane line guide when the lane lines are not wound up in the reel apparatus. In such an embodiment, a user may be able to more easily locate and access the attachment point, without having to reach into the interior of a reeling apparatus.
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can comprise a spring system. A spring can be coupled to the axle to store energy to assist with one or more of a winding or unwinding of a lane line. For example, in one such embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tensioned spring made of steel and configured to store energy as a lane line is unwound from a stored position, and to release at least a portion of the stored energy during the next winding process, lessening the force required to reel in a lane line. In one such embodiment, a locking mechanism can be included to help store energy in the spring. In some such embodiments, a user can use a spring system to adjust the recoil speed of a lane line.
In some embodiments, the pool lane line reeling apparatus can be operated with the aid of a motor. In one such embodiment, the motor can be configured to directly or indirectly manipulate a manipulandum, such as a gear or pulley-shaped manipulandum. Upon manipulation of the manipulandum by action of the motor, the axle can be rotated. In some such embodiments, the motor can be configured to operate in both a forward and reverse direction such that the apparatus may be used to automatically reel the lane lines into a reeled position or aid in the unwinding of the lane lines for use in the pool. In such embodiments, inclusion of a motor can serve to reduce the number of users needed to wind or unwind a lane line, and can decrease the amount of time required to wind or unwind a lane line.
In some embodiments, the motor can be enclosed, for example with a case made from a waterproof material. In some embodiments, an enclosure for a motor can comprise a waterproof sealant to minimize any mechanical or electrical components exposure to water. Referring to an embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reel apparatus can be permanently or temporarily positioned in proximity to a pool wall. For example as seen in
In some embodiments, a removable manipulandum can be used to reel the pool lane line reeling apparatus 310. In some embodiments, the removable manipulandum can be positioned above the pool deck 311 and can be in communication with an axle positioned below the pool deck 311. For example, in some embodiments, the removable manipulandum can comprise a crank. In some such embodiments, the crank having a male end can be positioned in a mateable female end of a gear or other component. The gear or other component can be in communication with the axle of pool lane line reeling apparatus 310. Upon manipulation of the crank, the axle can be rotated. In some embodiments, the mateable female end can be positioned such that it does not project above the surface of the pool deck 311. In some embodiments, the mateable female end can be positioned beneath a flap or door. The flap or door can be opened and closed to provide access to the mateable female end.
In other embodiments, the pool lane line reeling apparatus can be positioned in a reel well within a moveable pool bulkhead structure.
In some embodiments, a pool can comprise a plurality of reel wells that correlate to the number of pool lanes. Each reel well can be configured to store one or more pool lane lines. The dimensions of a reel well can correspond to the dimensions of an apparatus used to store one or more pool lane lines. The depth and width of the reel well can vary, for example, in an inverse relationship, where as the depth of the reel well increases, the required width can decrease.
In some embodiments, a pool lane line reeling apparatus can be permanently or temporarily positioned on or about a pool deck surface, for example under a starting block. A pool lane line reeling apparatus can be oriented horizontally or vertically such that the apparatus does not materially impact the height of a standard starting block. In one such embodiment, one or more pool lane lines can be reeled around a central vertical axle under the starting block for each lane. As shown in
Some embodiments of a pool lane line reel apparatus can reduce the number of users needed and/or the amount of time needed to reel in and unwind a lane line. Some embodiments of a pool lane line reel apparatus can eliminate the need of multiple users to operate the reel apparatus. A reduction in number of users can result in a savings of time or labor costs associated with operating a pool lane line reel apparatus. For example, instead of paying for the time required for two to four users to operate a reel apparatus, some embodiments can allow a single user to operate a reel apparatus to perform a reeling or unreeling function. In some embodiments, the stress applied to specific components of the reel apparatus may be reduced, thus preserving the useful life of the reel apparatus.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an apparatus and system for reeling and storing swimming pool lane lines may be constructed and implemented in other ways and embodiments. Accordingly, the description herein should not be read as limiting the present invention, as other embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The present application claims priority under 35 USC 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/988,463, filed Nov. 16, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60988463 | Nov 2007 | US |
