Portable Swimming Pool Rail

Abstract

Described is a portable swimming pool rail to help users enter and exit in-ground swimming pools. The portable swimming pool rail includes a continuous, rectangular frame having a first section that rests flush against a pool deck, and a second section perpendicular to the first section that is parallel to a pool wall. The second section extends underneath the surface of the water in the pool, and provides a surface for a user to grasp while resting. Further, the second section can serve as a step to help users exit the pool. The first section of the frame is weighted and is heavier than the second section so as to help maintain the position of the frame on the pool edge. The swimming pool rail can be placed anywhere alongside of a pool to provide an easily grasped surface for a user to hold.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to swimming pool rails and ladders. More specifically, the present invention provides a portable swimming pool rail comprising a substantially rectangular frame that is bent at a ninety degree angle. A first section of the frame rests on a pool deck, while a second section of the frame is spaced from, and is parallel to, the pool wall. The second section of the frame extends into the water so that a user may hold onto the second section of the frame while resting at the side of the pool. Alternatively, the frame may be used to assist the user in entering or exiting the pool.

Many people enjoy swimming in swimming pools. Children may play games in a swimming pool or take swimming lessons. Adults swim laps in swimming pools for an aerobic workout or simply for leisure. Adults and children alike often rest within the pool and on the side of the pool once they have grown tired, or when they simply wish to relax. However, holding the edge of a swimming pool can be uncomfortable, and the edge of a swimming pool may be difficult for some users to grasp. Further, exiting the pool from the side of a pool is difficult for many users, as the smooth, flat wall of the swimming pool provides no support for the user and makes it difficult for users to pull their body out of the pool without the assistance of a ladder or similar support device.

Some swimming pools include rails alongside of the pool in order to help users enter and exit the pool, and to provide users with a surface that is easy to grip. However, permanently installed rails require expensive installation and cannot easily be removed if the user later decides that the rails are no longer needed. Further, many users may find that such rails decrease the aesthetic appearance of their swimming pool.

The present invention provides a portable swimming pool rail comprising a substantially rectangular, continuous frame. The frame comprises a first section that is substantially perpendicular to a second section. The first section is adapted to rest flush against a pool deck, and the second section is adapted to be positioned parallel to the pool wall. In this way, the second section can be used as a surface for a user to grasp or step on in order to enter or exit the pool. The first section may be weighted such that it is heavier than the second section in order to help maintain the position of the swimming pool rail once placed in the desired location. In this way, the first section serves as a counterweight in order to maintain the position of the swimming pool rail.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to portable swimming pool rails and supports. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. These devices generally relate to portable swimming pool chairs that can be removably positioned on the edge of a pool. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device is U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2011/0099708 to Freedman, which discloses a portable pool chair that allows a user to sit partially submerged in the pool. The portable chair comprises a water container that rests on the pool deck, a tubular seat support frame, a back support, and a seat member with a rotatable seat. The water container may have a resilient stop member on the bottom surface thereof to help secure the portable chair to the pool deck. Further, the water container can be filled with water in order to weigh down the water container and hold the chair in position alongside of a pool. The seat and the water container may be folded against the back support in order to provide portability to the device when not in use. Thus, Freedman discloses a portable chair with a water container used to hold down the device, whereas the present invention discloses a portable swimming pool rail having a rigid structure that does not need to be filled with water or unfolded in order to be used.

U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2008/0092285 to Petersen discloses a chair for use in a swimming pool. The chair comprises support arms that rest on the pool deck, and legs positioned below the chair that rest against the pool wall. The chair is composed of hollow tubing with drains thereon to allow water to enter and exit the chair. The chair comprises non-slip grip pads to help secure the device to the pool deck. Alternatively, suction cups could be used to secure the chair to the pool deck and pool wall. Thus, Petersen fails to disclose a portable pool rail comprising a frame with a first section that rests on the pool deck and that is weighted in order to maintain the position of the frame alongside of a pool. Further, Petersen does not disclose a device that secures to the pool deck surface by frictional engagement, without the use of additional fasteners.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,363 to Huff discloses a hanging wall table for use with swimming pools. The table engages the pool wall with a J-shaped hanging support and the table includes a shelf-like surface thereon. The lower ends of the frame of the table include suction cups thereon in order to provide stability for the table. Huff does not disclose a portable swimming pool rail that assists users in entering and exiting the swimming pool. Further, Huff does not disclose a device that is weighted and secures to a poolside by means of frictional engagement with the pool deck. Instead, Huff discloses the use of J-shaped hanging members and suction cups to secure the table alongside of a pool.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,075 to Brett discloses a portable ladder for swimming pools. Brett discloses a ladder device that facilitates entry and exit from portable and above-ground pools. The device includes an upright wall having a series of rungs that extends over the pool wall and extends downward into the pool. The ladder can be tethered to the pool by means of a strap anchored within the pool, in order to position the ladder within the pool so as to prevent unauthorized users, such as young children and trespassers, from using the ladder to enter the pool. Accordingly, Brett fails to disclose a portable pool grip that can be positioned along the side of an above ground pool to help users enter and exit the pool. In contrast, the present invention provides a simple construction that utilizes frictional engagement to stay securely in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,045 to Larsen discloses a portable poolside chair that allows a user to sit partially submerged in a pool. The chair comprises a frame with a pool deck portion placed on the deck surface, a backrest portion with armrests that contact the pool wall, and a seat portion at the lower end of the backrest that protrudes into the pool from the pool wall. The frame sections are pivotally coupled in order to allow the chair to be folded for transportation and storage. The pool deck portion has support bar members with friction-enhancing material to help prevent movement of the pool deck portion. Thus, Larsen fails to disclose a portable swimming pool rail having a rigid frame with a weighted section that is placed on the pool deck in order to maintain the swimming pool rail in position alongside of a pool.

Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,527 to Schober discloses a pool chair that can be partially submerged in water. The chair includes a frame with a seat and an upper cross bar member that rests along the pool deck. The frame is composed of a plurality of tubular members connected together by elbows and T-joints. The ends of the tubular elements may be threaded and the internal surfaces of the elbows and T-joints are threaded to allow the frame to be assembled or disassembled. Thus, Schober does not disclose a swimming pool rail having a first section perpendicular to a second section, wherein the second section helps a user to exit and enter a swimming pool.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. Many devices in the prior art disclose portable pool chairs for installation alongside of the pool such that a user can sit in the pool partially submerged. However, these chair structures are suited for allowing a user to sit in a pool, and may not allow for a user to easily enter and exit the pool. Further, some devices require the pool chair or table to be attached to the pool wall via attachment means such as suction cups, or by filling a container with water in order to act as a weight. However, these features are inconvenient as they require the user to undertake additional steps to secure the portable pool chair or table to the side of the pool.

In light of the devices disclosed in the prior art, the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing portable swimming pool rail or support devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of portable swimming pool rails now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new portable swimming pool rail wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when entering or exiting a pool.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved portable swimming pool rail device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a portable swimming pool rail device comprising a rigid, frame-like structure that can be easily placed and repositioned along the side of an in-ground pool as desired by a user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable swimming pool rail device that comprises a weighted section that helps to maintain the swimming pool rail in position alongside of the pool.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable swimming pool rail device that helps users to easily enter and exit a pool.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable swimming pool rail device that provides users with an easily graspable surface while resting within the pool and near the edge of the pool.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a portable swimming pool rail device that may be readily fabricated from materials that permit relative economy and are commensurate with durability.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the portable swimming pool rail of the present invention as positioned on the edge of a pool.

FIG. 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the portable swimming pool rail of the present invention as positioned on the edge of a pool.

FIG. 3 shows a section of the frame composed of a joint and straight sections of pipe.

FIG. 4 shows a view of an embodiment of the frame composed of a pair of U-shaped sections connected by joints.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the portable swimming pool rail device. For the purpose of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for helping users enter and exit a pool, and providing users with a gripping surface while resting near the edge of a pool. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the portable swimming pool rail of the present invention as positioned on the edge of a pool. The portable swimming pool rail 11 comprises a continuous frame 12 that is composed of a rigid, durable material that will not rust from exposure to water. In an exemplary embodiment, the frame 12 is composed of hard plastics such as poly-vinyl chloride (PVC). Further, the frame 12 may include a rubber coating thereon that helps to cushion the frame 12. The frame 12 is lightweight such that it can be easily transported to a desired location on the side of a pool. Further, the frame 12 may have a hollow interior in order to minimize the total weight of the portable swimming pool rail 11. In other embodiments, the frame 12 can be substantially solid.

Additionally, the frame 12 preferably has a circular cross-section in the exemplary embodiment, as users may find the circular cross-section to be easy to grab and hold. In other embodiments of the invention, however, the frame 12 may have a square cross-section. The square cross-section has the benefit of a greater surface area in contact with the pool deck 22 than does a circular cross-section, increasing friction and helping the swimming pool rail 11 to maintain its position. However, some users may find a circular cross-section to be easier to grab and hold than a square cross-section.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame 12 has a substantially rectangular shape. The frame 12 comprises a first end 17, a second end 18, a first side 15, and a second side 16, defining the perimeter of the frame 12. Further, the frame 12 is bent at a ninety degree angle so as to define a first section 13 that is perpendicular to a second section 14. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second sections 13, 14 are of equal proportion. However, in other embodiments of the present invention, the first section 13 comprises a greater proportion of the frame 12 than does the second section 14.

Accordingly, the first section 13 of the frame 12 can rest in a horizontal orientation on a pool deck 22, while the second section 14 of the frame 12 can rest in a vertical orientation spaced from, and parallel to, the pool wall 21. In this way, the first section 13 and second section 14 each resemble a U-shape, wherein the first and second sections 13, 14 are connected such that they are perpendicular to one another. Each U-shaped section comprises a pair of terminal ends, and the terminal ends of the first section 13 are connected to the terminal ends of the second section 14 such that said first and second sections 13, 14 define a continuous frame 12.

In use, the second section 14 of the frame 12 is partially submerged beneath the surface of the water 20 in the pool. This allows a user who has grown tired of swimming to rest on the edge of the pool using the portable swimming pool rail 11 of the present invention. The user can grasp a portion of the swimming pool rail 11 with his or her hands and the rail 11 provides the user with an easily grasped surface relative to the edge of the pool. Further, the user can step onto the second section 14 of the frame 12 in order to exit or enter the pool. More specifically, the user can step on the upper surface 19 of the second end 18 of the frame 12, allowing the user to support his or her weight in order to facilitate ingress or egress from the pool.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side-cross sectional view of the swimming pool rail of the present invention. A user can position the portable swimming pool rail 11 alongside any portion along the periphery of an in-ground swimming pool. Preferably, the swimming pool rail 11 is positioned such that the second section 14 is spaced from the pool wall 21, so that a user can grab and wrap his or her fingers around the frame 12. Once placed in a desired position, the swimming pool rail 11 is adapted to remain in place. Further, the swimming pool rail 11 is able to support a user's weight thereon such a user can step on the frame 12 to enter or exit the pool, and can hold onto the frame 12 in order to rest alongside the pool.

In order to maintain the frame 12 in position on the pool deck 22, the first section 13 of the frame 12 is weighted. In embodiments of the present invention having a hollow frame, the first section 13 of the frame 12 can be weighted by disposing dense or heavy filler material within the first section 13 of the frame 12, such that the first section 13 of the frame 12 is heavier than the second section 14 of the frame. In embodiments wherein the frame 12 is solid, and does not have a hollow interior, the first section 13 of the frame 12 may be composed of a heavy or dense material relative to the second section 14. The weighted first section 13 helps to counterbalance the weight of the user resting on the second section 14 of the frame 12. Thus, the first section helps to maintain the frame 12 in position on the pool deck 22 such that the frame 12 is not easily moved out of position, or pulled into the pool when the user rests his or her weight thereon. The second section 14 of the frame 12 includes sufficient weight that the second section 14 does not float on the water in the pool.

Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom surface of the frame 12 that is in contact with the pool deck 22 comprises a non-slip, high-friction material thereon. The frame 12 may comprise a non-slip coating, or can be composed of a high-friction, non-slip material. Thus, the non-slip material further helps to prevent the frame 12 from moving from a desired position. In this way, the frame 12 can be secured in position by frictional engagement with the pool deck 22. No fasteners are required in order to secure the swimming pool rail 11 to the pool edge, which facilitates portability of the device and the ease of which a user can install or remove the device.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the frame 12 is of unitary construction such that the frame 12 is a single structure. In other embodiments of the present invention, the frame 12 is composed of a plurality of tubular sections and joints. The joints include ninety degree bends so as to create the frame 12 of the present invention. The tubular sections can be removably secured together via press fit, bore attachment, or the like. Further, the tubular sections can have threading thereon such that the tubular sections can be secured together by means of the threading.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a view of a joint and tubular sections used to create a portion of the swimming pool rail of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame comprises tubular sections 24 that are substantially straight and that can be connected to one another by joints 23 in order to produce the swimming pool rail 11 of the present invention. The joints 23 are bent at ninety-degree angles, and the joints 23 have a first end 25 and a second end 26. To form the bent, rectangular swimming pool rail of the present invention, six tubular sections 24 and six joints 23 are required. Each end of the joints 23 is adapted to receive a tubular section 24 therein. The tubular sections 24 can be secured to the joints 23 by press fitting or by a threaded engagement. In this way, the frame can be disassembled for storage and can be easily assembled for use alongside of a pool. In such embodiments, the tubular sections 24 are able to be secured together to create a water-tight seal, so as to prevent water from entering the hollow interior of the tubular sections 24. Further, one or more of the tubular sections 24 may be weighted, or a filler material may be provided that can be disposed within a tubular section 24 in order to help maintain the assembled frame in position alongside of a pool.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a view of an embodiment of the frame having a pair of U-shaped sections connected by joints. In the embodiment shown, the frame 12 comprises a first section 13 comprising a single U-shaped member and a second section 14 also comprising a single U-shaped member. The first section 13 and second section 14 are secured together by means of a pair of ninety-degree joints 23. The joints 23 are adapted to position the first section 13 perpendicularly to the second section 14 and the joints 23 do not bend or flex. The first and second sections 13, 14 can be secured within the joints 23 by press fitting, threaded engagement, or various other means of fastening. In this way, the device can be disassembled for storage, and can be easily assembled by securing the first and second sections 13, 14 to the pair of joints 23.

In the embodiment shown, the portable swimming pool rail 11 further includes padding 27 disposed over the frame 12. The padding 27 is tubular so as to substantially enclose the frame 12. The padding 27 may be disposed only on the second section 14 of the frame 12 wherein the user may hold or grip the frame 12. The padding 27 may be disposed on the entirety of the frame 12, or only on a portion thereof. In the embodiment shown, the padding 27 is disposed only on the straight sections of the frame 12, and is not disposed on the corners or joints thereof. The padding 27 provides a comfortable surface for users to grip, and also provides cushioning for the otherwise hard and rigid frame 12. The padding 27 may comprise any suitable soft, durable material that can be exposed to water, including but not limited to, rubber.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A portable swimming pool rail, comprising a tubular frame comprising a first U-shaped section that is connected to, and is substantially perpendicular to, a second U-shaped section;wherein said first U-shaped section is connected to said second U-shaped section so as to form a continuous, rectangular frame;wherein said first U-shaped section is adapted to be positioned flush against a pool deck and wherein said second U-shaped section is adapted to be positioned flush against a pool wall.

2. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame is hollow.

3. The swimming pool rail of claim 2, wherein said first U-shaped section comprises a filler material therein such that said first U-shaped section is heavier than said second U-shaped section.

4. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame has a square cross-section.

5. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame has a circular cross-section.

6. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame further comprises a bottom surface that is adapted to directly contact said pool deck and said pool wall;wherein said bottom surface comprises a non-slip material thereon.

7. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame is a singular, unitary structure.

8. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame has padding thereon.

9. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said first U-shaped section is substantially equal in dimension to said second U-shaped section.

10. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said first U-shaped section of said frame comprises a greater proportion of said frame than said second U-shaped section.

11. The swimming pool rail of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a plurality of straight tubular sections that is connected to a plurality of joints having a ninety-degree bend.

12. The swimming pool rail of claim 11, wherein said plurality of straight tubular sections are removably connected to said plurality of joints by threading disposed on said plurality of straight tubular sections and on said plurality of joints.

13. The swimming pool rail of claim 11 wherein said plurality of straight tubular sections are removably connected to said plurality of joints via press fit.