U.S. patent application number 10/384826 was filed with the patent office on 2004-04-22 for plastic molding for inground swimming pool.
Invention is credited to Irgang, Myron Ed, Lambe, Troy.
Application Number | 20040074159 10/384826 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32095778 |
Filed Date | 2004-04-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040074159 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Irgang, Myron Ed ; et
al. |
April 22, 2004 |
Plastic molding for inground swimming pool
Abstract
A flexible rib for use in conjunction with a vinyl liner clip
track. The flexible rib has a clip extension which secures it to
the clip track after a cantilever coping is installed. The flexible
rib seals the gap created by the clip track and prevents injury by
preventing a swimmer from inserting fingers into the gap. The
flexible rib has a decorative facia that conceals the clip track.
The facia can take a variety of shapes, including conventional
shapes such as quarter round, cove, clam shaped, etc. The flexible
rib can be fabricated from any flexible material, such as plastic,
polyethylene, polypropylene, rubber, etc. The flexible rib can be
formed as a single continuous strip that extends around the entire
periphery of the swimming pool and sealed together with a single
joint. Alternatively, it can be made from precut standard size
segments of flexible rib which are installed and joined together at
the installation site. The flexible rib will preferably be dyed to
match or coordinate with the color selected for the vinyl lining.
An optional illumination device is provided for use with the
flexible rib. The illumination device can use fiber-optic leads to
distribute light throughout the flexible rib. The distributed light
may have a particular color, several colors, or periodically
changing colors. The illumination device may be an integral part of
the flexible rib, or alternatively, it may be secured to the
illumination device. When activated, the illumination device will
illuminate all or part of the edge of the swimming pool.
Inventors: |
Irgang, Myron Ed;
(Hollywood, FL) ; Lambe, Troy; (Jackson,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JOHN C. SMITH, ESQ.
4800 NORTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY
SUITE A-207
BOCA RATON
FL
33431
US
|
Family ID: |
32095778 |
Appl. No.: |
10/384826 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60363193 |
Mar 11, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/102 ;
52/169.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 2004/146 20130101;
E04H 4/142 20130101; E04H 2004/147 20130101; E04H 4/0018 20130101;
E04H 4/148 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/102 ;
052/169.7 |
International
Class: |
E02D 027/00 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A flexible rib for concealing a clip track in a vinyl lined
swimming pool, further comprising: a clip extension extending along
the length of the flexible rib and having a suitable size such that
when inserted within the void in a clip track, it is secured to the
clip track; and a facia extending along of the flexible rib and
attached to the clip extension, the facia further extending above
and below from the clip extension such that when the clip extension
is inserted into the void in the clip track, the clip track is
concealed from view; whereby the flexible rib conceals the clip
track.
2. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, wherein: the clip extension is
secured to the clip track via a pressure fit.
3. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, wherein: the clip extension is
secured to the clip track via adhesive.
4. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, wherein: the clip extension is
secured to the clip track via mechanical means.
5. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, wherein: the facia has a shape
which is substantially in the shape of cove molding.
6. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, wherein: the facia has a shape
which is substantially in the shape of quarter molding.
7. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, wherein: the facia has a shape
which is substantially the shape of clam molding.
8. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, further comprising: illumination
means integrated into the flexible rib such that, when activated,
the flexible rib is illuminated.
9. A flexible rib, as in claim 8, wherein: the illumination means
is a fiber-optic lamp.
10. A flexible rib, as in claim 8, wherein: the illumination means
is an electroluminescent lamp.
11. A flexible rib, as in claim 1, further comprising: securing
means in the flexible rib to secure an external lamp to the
flexible rib; means to provide power to the external lamp.
12. A flexible rib, as in claim 11, wherein: the external lamp is
battery-powered.
13. A flexible rib, as in claim 11, wherein: the external lamp
further comprises a chemical illumination source.
14. A method of concealing a clip track in a vinyl lined swimming
pool, including the steps of: securing a facia to the clip track in
a vinyl lined swimming pool such that the facia conceals the clip
track from view.
15. A method, as in claim 14, including the additional step of:
using a clip extension to secure the facia to the clip track.
16. A method, as in claim 14, including the additional step of:
illuminating the facia.
17. A method, as in claim 16, including the additional step of:
illuminating the facia with a fiber-optic lamp.
18. A method, as in claim 16, including the additional step of:
illuminating the facia with a battery powered lamp.
19. A method, as in claim 16, including the additional step of:
illuminating the facia with a chemical lamp.
20. A method, as in claim 14, including the additional step of:
color matching the facia such that it matches the color of the
vinyl lining of the swimming pool.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application which is
related to, and claims the benefit of, the commonly owned copending
provisional application entitled "Plastic Molding for Inground
Swimming Pool", filed Mar. 11, 2002, bearing U.S. Ser. No.
60/363,193 and naming Myron Ed Irgang and Troy Lambe, the named
inventors herein, as sole inventors, the contents of which is
specifically incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to in-ground vinyl liner
swimming pools with cantilever copings. In particular, it relates
to an apparatus and method for concealing the clip track between
the vinyl liner and coping, and a method for improving safety by
preventing contact between the clip track and the fingers of a
swimmer. The invention further provides, in addition to concealing
the clip track, a novel method of illuminating the edge of a
swimming pool.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Swimming pools are widely used for recreational and
therapeutic reasons in both residential and commercial settings.
Due to the substantial cost associated with the installation of the
swimming pool, a variety of alternate construction methods have
been devised in attempts to reduce the overall cost of constructing
a swimming pool and thereby increase market size. Typically,
inground swimming pools are fabricated with concrete walls that
provide the necessary strength to support the weight of the water
in the pool. Once the concrete sets, the next step in the
construction process is to finish the rough surface of the concrete
with an aggregate finish surface. The finish surface of the pool is
typically a smooth surface coat of material which provides a finish
that is visually attractive, comfortable to the touch, and suitable
for use with chemically balanced water such as that found in a
swimming pool. A variety of commercially available products (e.g.,
Marcite (.TM.), Diamond Brite (.TM.), etc.) are available for
finishing the surface of the concrete walls of a swimming pool in
this manner.
[0005] While these surface coatings provide a suitable method of
finishing the interior surface of a swimming pool, they are not
without serious drawbacks. One such drawback is its cost. This type
of surface finishing is a fairly expensive part of pool
construction not only due to the cost of the materials involved,
but also due to the fact that it requires a skilled craftsman to
carefully apply the surface coat to the concrete surface of the
pool wall and floor. Not only does this type of construction
require skilled labor to install, but the installation process is
relatively slow in order to provide the type of suitable uniform
finish desired by customers. It would be desirable to have a method
of finishing the interior surface of a swimming pool such that the
installation cost associated with cement finishes is reduced.
[0006] One such attempt to provide swimming pools with a lower
construction cost has been the development of vinyl liners as an
alternative to the cement based surface coatings discussed above.
Vinyl liners provide a number of advantages over cement based
surface coatings. For example, the vinyl linings can be installed
more rapidly, and as a result, they can be installed at a lower
labor cost. Further, in comparison to cement based surface
coatings, they are less likely to be affected by the chemicals in
the water after installation is completed. In addition, vinyl
linings will not leach chemicals into the water as cement based
surface coatings may, and as a result, the vinyl liner will not
affect the pH balance of the swimming pool water to the extent that
cement based surface coatings will.
[0007] While vinyl liners provide several benefits over cement
based surface finishes, they also have drawbacks of their own. One
such drawback relates to the manner in which the vinyl liner is
secured to the upper surface the pool wall. More particularly,
there are significant drawbacks relating to how vinyl liners are
used in conjunction with cantilever decks.
[0008] A substantial drawback related to swimming pool vinyl liners
is the manner in which they are installed in conjunction with a
cantilever coping. In particular, the top edge of the vinyl lining
is secured to the top of the concrete pool wall by metal strap
commonly referred to as a clip track. After the vinyl lining is
secured by the clip track, the cantilever coping the set in place.
Unfortunately, there is a gap between the top of the pool wall and
the cantilever coping which is created by the clip track. While the
gap is relatively small, it creates two problems. First, the gap
creates an unsightly appearance which detracts from the overall
appearance of the pool. It would be desirable to have a method of
concealing this gap in a manner which would improve the overall
appearance of the swimming pool. Second, the gap also creates a
safety hazzard. In particular, while the gap is relatively small,
it provides sufficient space for a finger to be inserted. It is
especially easy for a small finger, such as that of a child, to be
inserted into the gap created by the clip track. Since the clip
track is fabricated from metal, it provides sharp edges and the
potential for cutting the fingers of a swimmer. It would be
desirable to have method of preventing a swimmer from inserting
fingers into the clip track to prevent the possibility of injury to
the swimmer.
[0009] While the prior art has provided vinyl linings as an
alternative to cement based surfaces for swimming pool walls, and
as further provided a variety of copings to finish the upper edge
of a swimming pool, it has failed to provide a method of joining a
vinyl swimming pool wall to a cantilever coping (or cantilever
deck) such that there is no perceivable gap between the vinyl liner
and cantilever coping. It has failed to provide an aesthetic
treatment for the gap between the cantilever coping and the vinyl
swimming pool wall covering which is capable of performing
additional functions, such as illumination. Further, the prior art
has also failed to provide a method of avoiding injury to swimmers
by eliminating the gap between the vinyl liner and cantilever
coping such that a swimmer's finger cannot be inserted into the
gap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a flexible rib which has a
clip extension that is secured into the pre-existing track of a
vinyl swimming pool clip track after the cantilever coping is
installed. The flexible rib prevents access to the clip track by a
swimmer's fingers to prevent injury to the swimmer. The flexible
rib also has a facia that is connected to the clip extension and
extends between the lower surface of the coping and top surface of
the vinyl lining on the upper edge of the swimming pool wall. The
facia can take a variety of shapes, including conventional shapes
such as quarter round, cove, clam shaped, etc. The facia has a size
which is sufficient to conceal the clip track and its associated
gap.
[0011] The flexible rib is intended to be fabricated from flexible
material which can be cut at the installation site. The flexible
rib can be fabricated such that a single continuous strip of
flexible rib can extend around the entire periphery of a swimming
pool and sealed together at a single joint. Alternatively, precut
standard size segments of flexible rib can be installed and joined
together at the installation site. Preferably, the flexible rib
will be dyed to match or coordinate with the color selected for the
vinyl lining.
[0012] An alternative embodiment provides for a flexible rib which
can be illuminated. One variant of the illumination element uses
integral fiber-optic leads to distribute light throughout the
flexible rib. The fiber-optic leads can be used to distribute light
of a particular color, of several colors, or are periodically
changing colors. Another variant provides clamping means in the
flexible rib to secure an illumination device such as a lighting
strip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF TILE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective top view of a prior art concrete
swimming pool wall with a vinyl liner and clip track attached.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an end view of a prior art concrete swimming pool
wall with a vinyl liner and clip track attached. This view also
illustrates a mold used in the formation of the edge of a
cantilever deck.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of a prior art concrete
swimming pool wall with a vinyl liner and clip track attached. This
view illustrates the edge of a cantilever deck which has been
poured into the mold to form a rounded edge.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of a prior art concrete
swimming pool wall with a vinyl liner and clip track attached. This
view illustrates the position of the clip track after the
cantilever deck has been poured and the mold removed.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a front view of a prior art concrete swimming pool
wall showing sections of clip track which are exposed to view after
the vinyl liner is installed and a cantilever deck has been
poured.
[0018] FIG. 6 shows an end view of a preferred embodiment of a
flexible rib installed in a clip track after a cantilever deck has
been poured.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a front view of a concrete swimming pool showing a
preferred embodiment of a flexible rib installed into, and
concealing, a clip track.
[0020] FIG. 8 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of a
flexible rib installed into a clip track. This embodiment
illustrates a fiber-optic illumination system integrated with the
flexible rib.
[0021] FIG. 9A illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of
a flexible rib having a cavity to accept an electrical illumination
device.
[0022] FIG. 9B illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of
a flexible rib having a cavity to accept a chemical illumination
device.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
flexible rib having a cavity which holds a chemical illumination
device.
[0024] FIG. 11 is an end view of a preferred embodiment of the
flexible rib.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] Prior to a detailed discussion of the figures, a general
overview of the system will be presented. The invention provides a
flexible rib which is designed to snap into the clip track on a
vinyl sided concrete swimming pool with a cantilever deck. As
discussed above, this type of swimming pool has a drawback in that
the clip track which is used in the process of fabricating the
cantilever deck remains in the wall of the swimming pool after the
cantilever deck has been poured. Unfortunately, the clip track is
visible after the swimming pool has been completed and creates an
undesirable appearance. In particular, the clip track creates a
void (or cavity) which makes the wall of the swimming pool appear
to be incomplete. One of the purposes of this invention is to
provide a method of concealing the clip track and providing a more
aesthetically pleasing wall surface for the vinyl swimming pool.
This is accomplished by concealing the void created by the clip
track and making the vinyl swimming pool wall appear to be
complete.
[0026] The flexible rib is preferably the same color as the vinyl
used to cover the wall of the swimming pool. By matching colors,
the flexible rib will blend into the wall and become almost
invisible to the casual observer. Of course, those skilled in the
art will recognize that some individuals may decide to select a
contrasting color to achieve various aesthetic goals.
[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the flexible rib is fabricated
by extruding a continuous segment from a supply of pliable plastic.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that the length of flexible
rib can vary. For example, it can be fabricated into a long
continuous roll of material which will allow an installer to insert
a single extended length of flexible rib around the entire length
of the swimming pool. Alternatively, the flexible rib can be cut
into standard length segments. This approach provides some benefit
in that it allows distribution of the flexible rib to be
accomplished with a more uniform packaging structure.
[0028] While the preferred embodiment envisions the flexible rib
being fabricated from a pliant plastic material, those skilled in
the art will recognize that any suitable material can be used so
long as the resulting flexible rib performs suitably in the
environment for which is intended. For example, material such as
plastic, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc., can all be used. While
there's a wide variety of materials which would be suitable for
fabrication of the flexible rib, the materials should all be
suitable for use in an environment in which there would be frequent
contact with chemically treated water, and frequent exposure to
sunlight and other environmental factors. Due to the probability
that there will be a substantial amount of exposure to sunlight,
any material used to form the flexible rib should preferably the
treated such that it is resistant to ultraviolet radiation from
sunlight.
[0029] Once the flexible rib is installed in the clip track, the
seam which is created when the ends of adjacent flexible ribs meet
are preferably covered with a cosmetic seal. Of course, the number
of cosmetic seal's required are governed by factors such as the
size of the pool, the length of standard size flexible rib
sections, whether a single continuous rib is used, etc.
[0030] The flexible rib is formed with a clip extension that is
designed to be inserted into and securely held by the clip track.
During the installation process, the clip extension can be inserted
into the clip track and is held via a pressure fit. Likewise, the
clip extension can also be secured in the clip track via adhesive,
or even using a mechanical securing means such as a screw. In
addition to the clip extension, the flexible rib has an opposing
facia which is exposed to view when the flexible rib is installed.
The facia is intended to extend upward from the clip track where it
will rest against the bottom surface of the cantilever deck.
Likewise, the bottom of the facia will extend below the clip track
and rest against the vinyl wall of the swimming pool. As a result,
the clip track will be completely concealed from view.
[0031] In addition to providing a more attractive aesthetic
treatment for a swimming pool, the flexible rib also provides a
safety improvement. In particular, it eliminates the void created
by the clip track. The void creates a safety hazard because it is
large enough for some fingers, especially those of children, to fit
into and become stuck or injured. During the construction process
it is always possible that edges of the clip track may become
damaged and acquire sharp edges. As a result, it is also possible
for a finger inserted into the clip track to be scratched or cut.
The flexible rib eliminates this safety problem because the clip
track is no longer accessible by a swimmer's fingers once the
flexible rib is installed.
[0032] In addition to the basic structure of the flexible rib, it
is envisioned that the flexible rib may also incorporate other
functions. For example, due to its location, the flexible rib is
ideally suited to provide illumination for swimming pool. Preferred
alternative embodiments of the invention envision several methods
of providing illumination for a swimming pool. One such method
provides illumination by bundles of fiber-optic fibers which are
integrated within the flexible rib. These optical fibers can be
distributed along a portion of the flexible rib, or may even extend
the entire length of the flexible rib. An advantage of using
fiber-optic illumination is that there is no safety concern if the
fibers should somehow be exposed to water. In the preferred
embodiment, an optical connector would be installed prior to the
cantilevered deck being poured. In the event that the flexible rib
is fabricated from multiple standard sized segments, suitable
optical connectors would have to be provided for each segment of
flexible rib, or inter-rib optical connectors would be required to
transfer light directly from flexible rib to flexible rib.
[0033] Those skilled in the art will recognize that while fiber
optics provide one method of distributing light, other suitable
methods exist. For example, LEDs can be used, flexible tubes
containing incandescent or LED lamps can be used,
electroluminescent lamps can also be incorporated into the body of
the flexible rib, etc. For ease of discussion and illustration,
fiber optics are shown in the drawings and discussed in this
specification. However, it is understood that any suitable light
source can be used in conjunction with the flexible rib disclosed
herein. In addition to integrating illumination devices into the
flexible rib, the flexible rib can also be structured such that it
can hold a variety of external illumination devices. In fact, any
number of external illumination devices having a variety of shapes
and sizes can be attached to the flexible rib so long as the
flexible rib has a suitable cavity or means to secure the light
source. When using a cavity in the flexible rib to hold a light
source, the light source can be battery-powered to allow it to be
replaced or repaired as necessary. The light source does not even
have to be electrical in nature. For example, a light source can be
a chemical light source such as the commercially available Glow
Sticks (.TM.) typically found at amusement parks and other
events.
[0034] The advantage of integrating a light system into the
flexible rib is that it allows more options in terms of aesthetic
goals. In addition, it also allows lighting to be provided around
the edge of the swimming pool to facilitate swimming at night.
[0035] Having discussed the features and advantages of the
invention in broad terms, we turn now to a more detailed discussion
of the figures.
[0036] In FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a prior art vinyl lined
swimming pool wall is shown. The swimming pool wall has a concrete
wall 1 which provides the primary structural support for the
swimming pool. In addition, a vinyl liner 2 is also shown which
extends from the top of the concrete wall 1 downward into the
swimming pool. Also shown in this figure is a conventional clip
track 3 which is secured to the top of the concrete wall 1 and the
vinyl liner 2. In this figure, the swimming pool wall is shown as
it would appear prior to installation of a cantilever deck 5 (shown
below in FIG. 3).
[0037] In FIG. 2, an end view of a prior art vinyl lined swimming
pool wall is shown. In this view, a mold 4 is shown attached to the
clip track 3 and rests against the vinyl liner 2 of the swimming
pool wall. The purpose of the mold 4 is to provide a properly
formed edge of a cantilever deck 5 which is to be poured.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates an end view of a prior art cantilever
deck 5 which has been poured around the edge of the swimming pool.
The cantilever deck 5 has a rounded edge which is formed by mold 4.
In addition, this figure also illustrates how the clip track 3 is
secured between the camp deck 5 and the vinyl lining 2 such that it
cannot be removed.
[0039] FIG. 4 shows an end view of the prior art cantilever deck 5
after the mold 4 has been removed. As can be seen in this figure,
the clip track 3 creates a void (i.e., cavity) which extends around
the entire length of the swimming pool. It is this void which
creates both an unsightly appearance and a safety hazard. Due to
the sharp edges which may be found on the clip track 3, it is
possible for small fingers to be inserted into the clip track 3
where they may be scraped or cut.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the prior art cantilever deck 5
discussed above in regard to FIG. 4. This figure illustrates the
unsightly appearance of the clip track 3 which is used in the
fabrication of the cantilever deck 5. Also illustrated in this
figure is the fact that multiple clip tracks 3 are typically used
in prior art cantilever deck 5 construction. This provides
additional seams where injury can occur.
[0041] In FIG. 6, a cutaway end view of a preferred embodiment of
the invention is shown which illustrates a flexible rib 6 that is
secured to a clip track 3 by a clip extension 7. When the flexible
rib 6 is installed in the clip track 3, clip extension 7 may be
secured in any suitable matter. For example, it can be designed to
secure via a pressure fit, it can be secured with adhesive, and it
can even be secured via mechanical means such as with a screw (not
shown). The only requirement is that the flexible rib 6 should be
securely attached to the clip track 3 by the clip extension 7. Also
shown in this figure is the facia 8 portion of the flexible rib 6.
The facia 8 preferably extends from the lower surface of the
cantilever deck 5 to a point below the clip track 3. In this
manner, the clip track 3 will be entirely concealed from view. As a
result, the facia 8 eliminates the aesthetic problems created by
the clip track 3.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the facia 8 would preferably
have the same color as the vinyl lining 2. In this event, the facia
8 would visually blend into the vinyl lining 2 so that it would be
less noticeable to the casual observer. Of course it is possible
that the color of the facia 8 could intentionally be varied to suit
a particular design objective. As shown in this figure, the facia 8
has a shape which is generally similar to cove molding. However,
those skilled in the art will recognize that any suitable shape can
be used for the facia 8 so long as it fulfills its purpose which is
the concealment of the clip track 3, and the prevention of
injury.
[0043] FIG. 7 is a front view which illustrates a vinyl lined
swimming pool, with a cantilever deck 5, that has a preferred
embodiment of the flexible rib 6 installed in the clip track 3. As
can be seen in this figure, the flexible rib 6 extends from the
bottom of the cantilever deck 5 to a point on the vinyl lining 2
which is below the clip track 3. Thus, the flexible rib 6
completely conceals the clip track 3 from view.
[0044] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment in
which the flexible rib 6 has an integral illumination system. In
this embodiment, a series of optical fibers 9 are incorporated
into, and run through, the flexible rib 6. The optical fibers 9 can
be distributed to multiple points along the flexible rib 6 such
that when the optical fibers 9 are illuminated, light is
distributed along the length of the flexible rib 6 to the swimming
pool. Also shown in this figure is an optical light source 10 and
an optical coupler 11. Optical light sources 10 and optical
couplers 11 are well-known in the art.
[0045] FIG. 9A illustrates an alternative preferred embodiment in
which the flexible rib 6 is formed such that the facia 8 provides
means to grasp an external light source 12. The external light
source 12 can be any suitable light source including lights
embedded within a waterproof plastic tube, electroluminescent lamps
(EL lamps), LEDs, etc. The external light source may be
battery-powered, or alternatively may be wired to a power
source.
[0046] FIG. 9A illustrates another alternative preferred embodiment
in which the flexible rib 6 contains a cavity suitable for holding
a nonelectrical light source 13. The nonelectrical light source 13
may be and item such as a chemical tube which emits light for a
period of time while chemicals inside the tube react with one
another. Chemical tubes of this type are well-known in the art and
art commercially available as Glow Sticks (.TM.). An advantage
associated with this type of light source is that it is relatively
inexpensive, requires no wiring, and is easily replaceable. In
addition, colors can be easily changed to suit a tastes of an
individual, or to suit a particular occasion.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates an external light source such as a
nonelectrical light source 13 (e.g., a Glow Stick) which is secured
in a cavity 14 in the facia 8 of the flexible rib 6. Of course,
electrical light sources having a self-contained power source can
also be inserted into cavity 14.
[0048] FIG. 11 shows an end view of a preferred embodiment of the
flexible rib 6. The clip extension 7 can have any suitable size, so
long as it can be secured to a clip track 3. In addition, it should
not be so long as to prevent the facia 8 from coming in contact
with both the cantilever deck 5 and the vinyl lining 2.
[0049] As can be seen from the foregoing, the invention provides an
apparatus and method for concealing the unsightly appearance of the
clip track 3 when a cantilever deck 5 is installed a vinyl lined
swimming pool. In addition, it prevents injuries by reducing the
chance that fingers may be inserted into a clip track 3. The
invention provides improved aesthetic appearance for this type of
swimming pool construction, and improved safety. In addition, it
also provides a functional improvement for the swimming pool in
that it allows a variety of illumination devices to be used in
conjunction with the swimming pool.
[0050] While the invention has been described with respect to a
preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes in detail may be made
therein without departing from the spirit, scope, and teaching of
the invention. For example, the material used to construct the
flexible rib may be anything suitable for its purpose, the color,
size and/or shape of the flexible rib facia can vary. The optional
illumination device can vary in terms of the illumination
technology type, the color, the frequency of illumination, etc.
Accordingly, the invention herein disclosed is to be limited only
as specified in the following claims.
* * * * *