IMPROVED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POOL BEAMS

Abstract

A frame for a swimming pool (100) is provided, a first beam (104) and a second beam (106) may be configured to connect to a frame member (102) to form a portion of the frame of the swimming pool, devices may be provided on the first beam and the second beam for attaching to the frame member, the orientation of the first beam may be adjusted relative to the second beam such that a circumference of a swimming pool is formed when the series of beams and frame members are each connected. In some embodiments, the frame member may include a receptacle, an insert, and a pin. The receptacle may include a first protruding portion for a first beam and a second protruding portion for a second beam. One or more pins may be used to attach the beams to the insert and the receptacle.

Description

Title of Invention: IMPROVED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR POOL BEAMS

[0001] RELATED REQUESTS

[0002] The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 198,006 filed on September 23, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] SCOPE OF APPLICATION

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to pool beams, including apparatus, systems, and methods for installing pool beams. State of the art

[0005] An above ground swimming pool is constructed from various pool structures. These pool structures include a pool frame that supports a pool liner and contains the water within and / or around the pool frame and provides the support to hold the water against the weight of the water, the liner, and any apparatus associated with the maintenance and use of the above ground pool. The above ground pool, in particular, avoids the cost and effort of digging or excavating a space for a pool. In addition, above ground pools may have the advantage of being installed in locations where digging or excavating is impossible or impractical. Pool frames for above ground pools are heavy and difficult to transport efficiently.Thus, it is desirable to have a pool frame that is easy to install, that will withstand the weight of water and / or other devices associated with the maintenance and / or use of the pool, and whose installation is efficient and repeatable.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] One aspect of an exemplary disclosure relates to a frame for a swimming pool that may be installed as a series of beams and generally vertical frame members. One or more beams may be configured to connect to one or more generally vertical frame members to form the frame of the swimming pool. A frame member may be configured to connect to a first beam and a second beam. Provision may be made to secure the beam to the frame member. The frame member may include a receptacle, an insert, and a pin. In some embodiments, the receptacle may include a first protruding portion for a first beam and a second protruding portion for a second beam. One or more pins may be used to secure the beams to the insert and the receptacle. The pin may include a threaded portion, a locking device, and / or a clip.

[0008] One aspect of an exemplary disclosure relates to a pool frame comprising a frame member including a receptacle, a first beam including a first connecting end, a second beam including a second connecting end, an insert that fits against the receptacle and includes a first protruding portion that connects to the first connecting end and a second protruding portion that connects to the second connecting end, a first pin that couples the first beam against the receptacle via the insert, and a second pin that couples the second beam against the receptacle via the insert.

[0009] One aspect of an exemplary disclosure relates to a pool frame comprising a frame member including a receptacle, a first beam including a first connecting end, a second beam including a second connecting end, an insert that fits against the receptacle and passes through the first connecting end and the second connecting end, a cap that contains the first connecting end and the second connecting end in a position external to the insert.

[0010] One aspect of an exemplary disclosure relates to a pool frame comprising a frame member, a first beam, a second beam, an upper joint that connects to the first beam, a lower joint that connects the second beam to the upper joint and the second beam, a pin that locks the upper joint in an orientation relative to the lower joint via receipt in a first hole in the upper joint and a second hole in the lower joint, wherein the upper joint fits against the lower joint. In some embodiments, the upper joint may include a first flat surface and the lower joint may include a second flat surface, and the first flat surface may mate with the second flat surface.

[0011] It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are given only as explanatory examples and are not restrictive of the invention. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to set forth the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] [Fig. 1] and

[0013] [Fig.2] illustrate exemplary embodiments of a swimming pool frame.

[0014] [Fig.3] and

[0015] [Fig.4] illustrate exemplary embodiments of a swimming pool frame.

[0016] [Fig.5] and

[0017] [Fig.6] illustrate exemplary embodiments of a swimming pool frame.

[0018] [Fig.7] and

[0019] [Fig.8] illustrate exemplary embodiments of a swimming pool frame.

[0020] [Fig.9],

[0021] [Fig. 10],

[0022] [Fig. 11],

[0023] [Fig. 12] and

[0024] [Fig. 13] illustrate exemplary embodiments of a swimming pool frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments, some examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Exemplary embodiments described include apparatuses, systems, and methods for a swimming pool frame. The swimming pool frame may include a beam and a frame member. The beam may be connected to the frame member by a connector. The connector may be configured to support the weight of water, the pool liner, and / or apparatus for maintaining or operating the pool. For example, in some embodiments, a swimming pool liner may be installed in a volume within a frame. The liner may include a polymer that extends under and around a volume of water. The liner may be connected to the frame to contain the water. The water may be used for various reasons, including, for example, recreation. The frame may form a shape to contain the water within the shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the frame may be circular.The disclosed embodiments allow for secure and repeatable installation of the pool frame. The disclosed embodiments may include one or more features including indicators or locating features, such that the pool beams may be installed in a radial orientation relative to each other to form a circumference of a pool.

[0027] Although vertical frame members are described herein, several frame members are contemplated that are not limited to strictly vertical orientations. For example, frame members may be angled relative to the vertical and connect to beams in a number of orientations. It is contemplated that frame members may be triangular. It is contemplated that frame members may include diagonal supports. It is contemplated that frame members may be circular or elliptical.

[0028] Figures 1 to 13 illustrate non-limiting examples of a swimming pool frame according to the present description. It is understood that the examples and embodiments described represent simplified descriptions used to facilitate understanding of the principles and methods of the present description.

[0029] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the pool frame 100. [Fig.l] shows an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 100. In some embodiments, the pool frame 100 may include a frame member 102, a first beam 104, and a second beam 106. The frame member 102 may include a generally or substantially vertical frame for transferring a portion of the weight of a pool to the ground. The frame member 102 may stand upright, with support from other frame members, or it may be connected to a floor surface by being buried, bolted to a floor connection member, or embedded in concrete.

[0030] The frame member 102 may connect to the first beam 104 and the second beam 106. The first beam 104 and the second beam 106 may be configured to connect to an upper portion of the frame member 102 so as to transfer weight through the frame member 102 to the ground surface. Additional frame members and beams may be used to form the circumference of a swimming pool. The number of frame members and beams may be adjusted to increase or decrease the size of the swimming pool, and the frame members and beams may be interchangeable to allow for repeatable installation.

[0031] [Fig. 2] shows an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 100. The pool frame 100 may include an insert 108, a first pin 110, a second pin 112, and a receptacle 114. The first beam 104 and the second beam 106 may be connected to the frame member 102 via the insert 108. The insert 108 may include a protruding portion that mates with a recessed portion of a mating beam (e.g., the first beam 104, the second beam 106). For example, as illustrated, the insert 108 may include a first protruding portion that mates with the first beam 104 and the insert 108 may include a second protruding portion that mates with the second beam 106. The protruding portion may be rounded so that the coupling beam may be mounted in a number of orientations relative to another coupling beam.The insert 108 may be configured to attach to at least one of the substantially vertical frame member 102 and the receptacle 114. The insert 108 may be sleeved or press-fitted into at least one of the frame member 102 and the receptacle 114. In some embodiments, the insert 108 may include detent portions that correspond to the detent portions of the receptacle 114. The receptacle 114 may be configured to receive the first pin 110 and the second pin 112. In some embodiments, the first pin 110 and the second pin 112 may include a threaded portion and may be screwed into the receptacle 114. In some embodiments, the receptacle 114 may include a plate that is welded to the frame member 202, the plate including at least one of a slot or a threaded portion for receiving the pins 110, 112. In some embodiments, the first pin 110 and the second pin 112 may be pressed into the receptacle 114. In some embodiments, the insert 108 may connect to the frame member 102 and / or the receptacle 114 by an interference fit connection.

[0032] Figures 3-4 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the pool frame 200. Certain features of the pool frame 200 are not shown or discussed in these examples where those features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments.

[0033] [Fig. 3] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 200. The pool frame 200 may comprise a frame member 202, a first beam 204 and a second beam 206.

[0034] [Fig.4] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the swimming pool frame 200. The first beam 204 may include a first connecting end 205. The second beam 206 may include a second connecting end 207. The first and second connecting ends 205, 207 may include a hole on each connecting end for connecting to the frame member 202. The pool frame 200 may include an insert 212, a receptacle 214, a cap 208, and a pin 210. The connecting ends 205, 207 may be configured to mate with the insert 212. The connecting ends 205, 207 may include a number of flat interior surfaces for mate with a number of flat exterior surfaces of the insert 212. The connecting ends 205, 207 may each include an indicator such that the connecting ends 205, 207 may be oriented relative to another indicator on the frame member 202. insert 212.The indicators on the connecting ends 205, 207 and / or the insert 212 may be aligned such that the flat interior surfaces align such that the first beam 204 may be positioned relative to the second beam 206 to form a portion of a desired circumference of a pool. The indicators may include a screen print, a tempo print, a decal, or an engraving. The indicators may indicate an angle, a circumference of a pool in distance (e.g., feet, meters, etc.), or a setting number that corresponds to a circumference of a pool (e.g., 1, 2, 3).

[0035] The angle of the first beam 204 may be adjusted relative to the second beam 206 through the connection of the outer and inner surfaces of the connecting ends 205, 207 and the insert 212. The cap 208 may mate with an upper portion of the insert 212 and / or the connecting end 207. The pin 210 may pass through the cap 208, the insert 212 and into the receptacle 214.

[0036] Figures 5-6 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the pool frame 300. Certain features of the pool frame 300 are not shown or discussed in these examples where those features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments.

[0037] [Fig.5] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 300. The pool frame 300 may comprise a frame member 302, a first beam 304 and a second beam 306.

[0038] [Fig. 6] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 300. The pool frame 300 may include a locking cap 310 and a pin 308. The first beam 304 may include a first connecting end 305. The second beam 306 may include a second connecting end 307. The first and second connecting ends 305, 307 may mate with a corresponding end portion of the frame member 302. The first and second connecting ends 305, 307 may be flat such that the surfaces of the ends 305, 307 may be aligned against each other and / or against the cap 310. The first and second connecting ends 305, 307 may include one or more connecting holes for receiving the pin 308.The connecting holes of the ends 305, 307 may be configured to allow for a specific circumference of a pool frame when all of the beams (e.g., beam 304, beam 306) are aligned and secured.

[0039] The connecting ends 305, 307 may each include an indicator so that the connecting ends 305, 307 may be oriented relative to each other. The indicators on the connecting end 305 and / or the connecting end 307 may be aligned so that the first beam 304 may be positioned relative to the second beam 306 to form a portion of a desired circumference of a pool. The indicators may indicate where to place the pin 308 to achieve the desired circumference of the pool. The indicators may include screen printing, tempo printing, a decal, or engraving. The indicators may indicate an angle, a circumference of a pool in distance (e.g., feet, meters, etc.), or a setting number that corresponds to a circumference of a pool (e.g., 1, 2, 3).The indicators may be visible through a hole, window, or opening in the upper connecting end (e.g., connecting end 305). The pin . receiving member 308 may fix an orientation of the first beam 304 relative to the second beam 306. The locking cap 310 may include a locking portion for coupling to a pin inserted into the frame member 302. In some embodiments, the locking cap 310 may couple to the first member 302 by a threaded, adhesive, welded, and / or press-fit connection. In some embodiments, the locking cap 310 may clip onto a clip portion of the first member 302, where the locking cap 310 may be released by pressing on a portion of the clip.

[0040] Figures 7-8 illustrate exemplary embodiments of the pool frame 400. Certain features of the pool frame 400 are not shown or discussed in these examples where those features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments.

[0041] [Fig. 7] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 400. The pool frame 400 may include a frame member 402, a bottom beam 404, a top beam 406, and a cap 408. The cap 408 may be attached to an upper portion of a connection of the frame member 402, a portion of the bottom beam 404, and / or a portion of the top beam 406.

[0042] [Fig. 8] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 400. The pool frame 400 may include an upper joint 414, a lower joint 410, and an axle 412. The lower joint 410 may connect to the lower beam 404 and the frame member 402. The lower joint 410 may include pin connections that connect when a first tube of the lower joint 410 passes over the lower beam 404 and when a second tube of the lower joint 410 passes over the frame member 402. The upper joint 414 may connect to the upper beam 406. The upper joint 414 may include a pin connection that connects when a tube of the upper joint 414 passes over the second beam 406. The joints 410, 414 may each include an indicator so that the joints 410, 414 can be oriented relative to each other.The indicators on the upper joint 414 and / or the lower joint 410 may be aligned so that the lower beam 404 may be positioned relative to the upper beam 406 to form a portion of a desired circumference of a pool. The lower beam 404 and the upper beam 406 may be positioned radially relative to each other. The indicators may be visible through a hole, window, or opening in the upper connecting end (e.g., the upper joint 414). The indicators may show an alignment of a portion of the upper joint 414 with the lower beam 404. The indicators may indicate where to place the pin 412 to achieve the desired circumference of the pool. The indicators may indicate an angle, a circumference of a pool in distance (e.g., feet, meters, etc.), or a . setting number that corresponds to a circumference of a pool (e.g., 1, 2, 3). The pin connections described herein may include a spring that urges the pin outward from an adjacent structural member. A mating hole for pin connections may include a slot to allow rotation of joints, frame members, and / or beams.

[0043] The angle of the upper beam 406 may be adjusted relative to the lower beam 406 by means of an indicator located on an outer surface of the upper seal 414, the lower seal 410 and / or the insert 212.

[0044] The pin 412 may pass through the upper seal 414 to connect the upper seal 414 to the lower seal 410. The pin 412 may be threaded or may include a locking pin to secure the pin 412 in a secure position. The axle 412 may pass through a top plate of the upper seal 414. The upper seal 414 may include a cutout for receiving a seal portion of the lower seal 410. A sidewall of the cutout may be adjustable to allow different orientations of the first beam 404 relative to the upper beam 406. The top plate of the upper seal 414 may mate with a top plate of the lower seal 410. The top plates of the upper seal 414 and the lower seal 410 may have a number of holes for receiving the pin 412 which may be used to orient the lower beam 404 relative to the upper beam 406.The upper beam 404 and the lower beam 406 may be relatively level when the upper joint 414 and the lower joint 410 are connected.

[0045] [Fig. 9] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 500. Certain features of the pool frame 500 are not shown or discussed in these examples, where these features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments. The pool frame 500 may include a frame member 502, a first beam 504, a second beam 506, a cap 508, and a positioner 510. The cap 508 may be attached to an upper portion of a connection of the frame member 502. An insertion portion of the cap 508 may be press-fitted inside and / or outside a portion of the member 502. The cap 508 may be attached to a portion of the positioner 510, a portion of the first beam 504, and / or a portion of the second beam 506. The first beam 504 may include an end 505. The second beam 506 may include an end 507.The ends 505, 507 may include a hole for an insertion portion of the element 502 and / or a lower portion of the cap 508. The ends 505, 507, respectively, may include a slot, a positioning hole, and / or a protrusion for connecting to a corresponding portion of the positioner 510. The positioner 510 may include positioning portions, . including a protrusion, a slot, and / or a positioning hole, for fitting into corresponding portions of the ends 505, 507, respectively. One or more pins and / or a cap 508 may fit into slots and / or positioning holes of the positioner 510 and / or the ends 505, 507. In some embodiments, the positioner 510 may include a first protrusion that fits into a first slot of the end 505 and a second protrusion that fits into a second slot of the end 507.

[0046] The positioning portions of the positioner 510 and the ends 505, 507 may correspond when the first beam 504 is in a desired orientation relative to the second beam 506. The desired orientation may be an angle that corresponds to a certain circumference of the pool. The positioner 510 may include coupling portions for a specific circumference. In such embodiments, the positioner 510 may include a marking that indicates the specific circumference. The positioner 510 may be replaced with another positioner of a different circumference of the pool. The ends 505, 507 and / or the positioner 510 may each include an indicator so that the ends 505, 507 and the positioner 510 may be oriented relative to each other.The end indicators 505, 507 and the positioner 510 may be aligned so that the first beam 504 may be positioned relative to the second beam 506 to form a portion of a desired circumference of a pool. The indicators may indicate how to position the ends 505, 507 and / or the positioner 510 to achieve the desired circumference of the pool. The indicators may indicate an angle, a circumference of a pool in distance (e.g., feet, meters, etc.), or a setting number that corresponds to a circumference of a pool (e.g., 1, 2, 3). In some embodiments, the positioner 510 may include an adjustable pin that locks at a location corresponding to a desired circumference.

[0047] [Fig. 10] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 520. Certain features of the pool frame 520 are not shown or discussed in these examples where these features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments. The pool frame 520 may include a cap 522, a battery 524, an enclosure 526, and a positioner 528. The cap 522 may be attached to the enclosure 526 by gluing, press fitting, fastening, and / or threading. The battery 524 may be placed within the enclosure 526. The battery 524 may include a rechargeable battery and / or a disposable battery. The enclosure 526 may include a conductive portion to conduct power from the cap 522 to the positioner 528. The enclosure 526 may be sealed against moisture or debris. In some embodiments, the enclosure 526 may fit within a portion of the element of vertical frame 502. In such embodiments, the enclosure 526 may be press-fitted into the vertical frame member 502. The positioner 528 may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for aesthetic and / or illumination purposes. The positioner 528 may include contacts on an inwardly facing portion. The positioner 528 may include contact clips that are biased for connection with a corresponding one of the mating contact portions of the contactor 526, for example. The housing 526 may be sealed against the positioner 528 using a grommet or sealant.

[0048] [Fig. 11] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 540. Certain features of the pool frame 540 are not shown or discussed in these examples, where these features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments. The pool frame 540 may include a cap 542 and a positioner 544. The cap 542 may include a conductive portion for conducting power from the cap 542 to the positioner 544. The cap 542 may include a solar panel for generating power.

[0049] [Fig. 12] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 560. Certain features of the pool frame 560 are not shown or discussed in these examples where these features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments. The pool frame 560 may include a cap 562. The cap 562 may include LEDs for aesthetic and / or illumination purposes. The cap 562 may include a solar panel to power the LEDs and / or a battery. The cap 562 may include a sealed battery. The cap 562 may include a rechargeable battery and / or a disposable battery.

[0050] [Fig. 13] illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the pool frame 580. Certain features of the pool frame 580 are not shown or discussed in these examples where these features may be similar to those discussed for other embodiments. The pool frame 580 may include a cap 582 and a bracket 584. The cap 582 may be attached to at least one of the following: end 507, positioner 510, end 505, or upright 502. The cap 582 may be attached by a press or interference fit, an adhesive, and / or a threaded connection. The bracket 584 may be attached to at least one of the cap 582, the end 507, the positioner 510, the end 505, or the vertical member 502. The bracket 584 may be press-fitted into the vertical member 502. In some embodiments, the bracket 584 may be attached by a press-fit, an adhesive, and / or a threaded connection.The holder 584 may hold the cap 584 against an upper portion of the end 507. The holder 584 may be used for a number of pool devices or accessories, alone or . in combination, including an umbrella, screen, loudspeaker, goal, or ladder.

[0051] It is understood that, although certain embodiments are discussed to facilitate understanding of various principles and aspects of the present disclosure, the embodiments are not described in isolation and the disclosures are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Thus, it is contemplated and understood that the described features of the principles of any embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments.

[0052] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the pool, pool liner, frame members, and connections shown. Although illustrative embodiments have been described herein, the scope of the invention includes all embodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., aspects of various embodiments), adaptations, and / or alterations that would be appreciated by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein. The limitations of the claims are to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and are not limited to the examples described herein or in the course of prosecution, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.It is therefore intended that the description and examples be considered as examples only, the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims and the scope of their equivalents.

Claims

Claims

1. A swimming pool frame (200) comprising: a frame member (200) including a receptacle (214), a first beam (204) including a first connecting end (205), a second beam (206) including a second connecting end (207), an insert (212) that fits against the receptacle (214) and passes through the first connecting end and the second connecting end, a cap (208) that holds the first connecting end and the second connecting end against the insert (212).

2. The pool frame (300) of claim 1, further comprising a pin (308) that holds the cap (310) against the insert.

3. The pool frame (200) of claim 1, wherein the insert (212) comprises a flat surface that fits against a first corresponding surface of the first beam (204) and a second corresponding surface of the second beam (206).

4. A pool frame (400) comprising: a substantially vertical frame member (402) comprising an opening, a first beam (404) comprising a first connecting end, a second beam (406) comprising a second connecting end, a cap (408) which fits within the opening and passes through the first connecting end and the second connecting end, a pin (412) which passes through an alignment hole in the first connecting end and in the second connecting end, wherein the pin (412) maintains the first connecting end in a radial position relative to the second connecting end.

5. The pool frame (400) of claim 4, further comprising an indicator on the first connecting end that provides an indication of alignment of the first connecting end with the second connecting end when the pin passes through the alignment hole.

6. The pool frame (400) of claim 4, wherein the cap (408) attaches to the substantially vertical frame.

7. A swimming pool frame (400) comprising: a substantially vertical frame member (402), a first beam (404), a second beam (406), an upper joint (414) configured to connect to the first beam, a lower joint (410) configured to connecting to the second beam, wherein the lower joint (410) connects to the upper joint (414) and the substantially vertical frame member, a pin (412) that locks the upper joint in an orientation relative to the lower joint by the pin passing through a first hole in the upper joint and a second hole in the lower joint, wherein the upper joint (414) partially surrounds the lower joint (412).

8. The pool frame (400) of claim 7, further comprising an indicator on the upper joint (414) that provides an indication of alignment of the first connecting end with the second connecting end when the pin (412) passes through the alignment hole.

9. The pool frame (400) of claim 7, wherein the upper seal (414) at least partially surrounds the lower seal.

10. The pool frame (400) of claim 7, wherein the upper joint (414) is configured to snap onto the first beam.

11. The pool frame (400) of claim 7, wherein the lower joint (410) is configured to snap onto the second beam.

12. The pool frame (400) of claim 7, wherein the lower joint (410) is configured to snap onto the substantially vertical beam.

13. The pool frame (400) of claim 7, wherein the upper seal (414) comprises a first flat end, wherein the lower seal (410) comprises a second flat end, and wherein the first flat end of the upper seal fits against the second flat end of the lower seal.

14. The pool frame (580) of claim 7, wherein the upper seal is configured to attach to a substantially vertical support (584) configured to attach a pool accessory.

15. The pool frame (400) of claim 11 further comprising a cap (408) that attaches to the top seal.

16. The pool frame (560) of claim 15, wherein the cap (562) comprises an LED.

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