Corner molding for sealing vinyl liners to pool fixtures

Abstract

A sealing member for securing a vinyl pool liner to a stair system and including a first sealing component which is secured along a side wall defining the stairs; a bottom sealing component secured to the wall beneath the stairs and a corner assembly disposed between the two. All of the first and bottom sealing components and the corner assembly include an inner frame member and an outer frame member which are configured to snap-fittingly engage each other and clamp a portion of the liner between them. The corner assembly is curved and a cover is engaged over the outer frame member of the corner assembly to prevent accidental disengagement thereof. The cover extends for a distance along each of the first and bottom sealing components. The outer frame member defines a plurality of apertures in its upper surface which are configured to receive studs extending outwardly from the cover.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 572,749, filed Oct. 2, 2009.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]This invention generally relates to pool equipment and installation of the same. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for securing a pool fixture and pool liner together. Specifically, the invention relates to a sealing member that retains the pool liner between an inner and outer frame member in such a manner that the liner is not pierced.[0004]2. Background Information[0005]There are many in-ground swimming pools sold and used in North American that use a vinyl liner type of construction approach versus a traditional concrete molded system. The vinyl liners in these pools are typically in the range of 0.017″ to 0.03″ thick and generally have to be changed after around ten years of use. Additionally, a variety of plastic or fiberglass fixtures such as stairs, skimmers, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The present invention is a device used to seal a pool fixture and a vinyl pool liner together and a method of using the same. The sealing member includes an inner frame member which is mounted on the pool fixture or is integrally molded as part of the fixture. The outer frame is designed to interlockingly engage the inner frame member retaining the pool liner between the inner and outer frames. One of the inner and outer frame members includes a channel and the other includes a complementary projection that is receivable in the channel. A bead of sealing material is provided one of in the channel and on the projection. When the inner and outer frame members are engaged, the liner is pushed into the channel by the projection and is maintained in contact with the sealing material. The outer frame member is easily removed from the inner frame member to allow for periodic replacement of the pool liner.

[0013]A second embodiment of the invention includes a sealing member for securing a vinyl pool liner to a stair system and comprising a first sealing component which is secured along a side wall defining the stairs; a bottom sealing component secured to the wall beneath the stairs and a corner assembly disposed between the two. All of the first and bottom sealing components and the corner assembly include an inner frame member and an outer frame member which are configured to snap-fittingly engage each other and clamp a portion of the liner between them. The corner assembly is curved and a cover is engaged over the outer frame member of the corner assembly to prevent accidental disengagement thereof. The cover extends for a distance along each of the first and bottom sealing components. The outer frame member defines a plurality of apertures in its upper surface which are configured to receive studs extending outwardly from the cover.

Problems solved by technology

Installing a new liner is a time-consuming task that must be undertaken with care in order not to puncture the liner.

This, of course, results in perforation of the liner at each and every location that a fastener is used.

This method of installation is problematic for a number of reasons.

Firstly, it is a very time consuming and labor intensive because the installer has to physically install each and every fastener.

This can be quite difficult as it may require the installer to lie on their stomach and reach downwardly into the pool to screw in each and every fastener from an awkward angle.

This time consuming and labor intensive activity forms part of the cost of installation of the liner.

Consequently, the longer it takes to accomplish this task, the more it bites into the profit for the job.

Secondly, since this installation method involves repeated puncturing of the liner, this type of installation may lead to leaking problems if the installer is less skilled.

One of the regions of vinyl pool covers that is particularly problematic to install is the region surrounding stairs.

There is a tendency for the pool cover to wrinkle and fold, especially around the corners at either end of the bottom step.

Presently known installation assemblies can damage or even cut the pool cover in these corner regions, particularly if these assemblies include mitered corner pieces.

While this device is suitable for mounting wall coverings and the like it would not be suitable for securing pool liners.

Inserting the edge of a pool liner into the small channel structure and pushing the excess regions of liner into the slits would be difficult considering the thickness of the liner.

Additionally, the gripping teeth which retain the fabric within the channel structure could potentially puncture or damage the liner, causing it to leak.

The presence of the gap beneath the upper mounting element is also potentially problematic in that it provides a zone in which the liner would not be hugging either the pool wall or the mounting assembly.

Consequently, any accidental contact with the liner in this zone could lead to that region of the liner being stretched, wrinkled or even punctured.

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