U.S. patent application number 10/439783 was filed with the patent office on 2004-11-18 for tray for above-ground pools and hot tubs.
Invention is credited to Simpson, Terry L..
Application Number | 20040226486 10/439783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33417892 |
Filed Date | 2004-11-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040226486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Simpson, Terry L. |
November 18, 2004 |
Tray for above-ground pools and hot tubs
Abstract
The mountable tray for aboveground pools is a tray for holding
beverages that is specially designed to be mounted on the standard
edges of aboveground pools. Aboveground pools commonly have a
peculiar shape, which the present invention is designed to fit in
order to maximize security for the tray. Also included in the
present invention are several features designed for holding
beverages and loose items. Furthermore a structure is disclosed by
the present invention that may be mounted to the tray in order to
store ice.
Inventors: |
Simpson, Terry L.; (Newalla,
OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Anthony Edw. J Campbell
6721 Northridge Drive
Dallas
TX
75214-3156
US
|
Family ID: |
33417892 |
Appl. No.: |
10/439783 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/47 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/14 20130101; A47B
13/16 20130101; A47B 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/047 |
International
Class: |
A47B 005/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A pool tray comprising: a plurality of hooks wherein said hooks
comprise a C-shaped member and wherein said hooks further comprise
a first finger and a second finger wherein the first ends of said
first and second fingers are attached to the ends of said C-shaped
member on either side of the gap defined by said ends of said
C-shaped member and wherein said fingers project downward from said
circular member; a platform attached to said C-shaped member.
2. The pool tray of claim 1 further comprising a first cover
enclosing the second end of said first finger and wherein said
first cover is formed to define a slit.
3. The aboveground pool tray of claim 1 further comprising a second
cover enclosing the second end of said second finger.
4. The pool tray of claim 2 further comprising a strut wherein the
first end of said strut is attached to the lower surface of said
platform and the second end of said strut passes through said slit
defined by said first cover and is attached to said second end of
said first finger.
5. The pool tray of claim 1 further comprising a case wherein said
case is formed to define a chamber and wherein a first side of said
case is attached to the lower surface of said platform and wherein
said first side of said case is formed to define an opening passing
from said chamber to the exterior of said case and wherein said
platform is formed to define an opening passing from the top
surface of said platform to said opening in said first side of said
case and wherein a second side of said case is perpendicular to
said first side of said case and is formed to define an opening
passing from said chamber to the exterior of said case.
6. The pool tray of claim 5 further comprising a drawer wherein
said drawer comprises the shape of said chamber defined by said
case and wherein said drawer passes through said opening defined by
said second side of said case and is removably housed in said
chamber defined by said case.
7. The aboveground pool tray of claim 1 wherein said platform is
formed to define a plurality of holes.
8. The aboveground pool tray of claim I wherein the top surface of
said platform is formed to define a recess.
9. A pool tray comprising: a plurality of hooks wherein said hooks
comprise a C-shaped member and wherein said hooks further comprise
a first finger and a second finger wherein the first ends of said
first and second fingers are attached to the ends of said C-shaped
member on either side of the gap defined by said ends of said
C-shaped member and wherein said fingers project downward from said
circular member; a platform attached to said C-shaped member
wherein said platform is formed to define a plurality of holes.
10. The pool tray of claim 9 further comprising a first cover
enclosing the second end of said first finger and wherein said
first cover is formed to define a slit.
11. The aboveground pool tray of claim 9 further comprising a
second cover enclosing the second end of said second finger.
12. The pool tray of claim 10 further comprising a strut wherein
the first end of said strut is attached to the lower surface of
said platform and the second end of said strut passes through said
slit defined by said first cover and is attached to said second end
of said first finger.
13. The pool tray of claim 9 further comprising a case wherein said
case is formed to define a chamber and wherein a first side of said
case is attached to the lower surface of said platform and wherein
said first side of said case is formed to define an opening passing
from said chamber to the exterior of said case and wherein said
platform is formed to define an opening passing from the top
surface of said platform to said opening in said first side of said
case and wherein a second side of said case is perpendicular to
said first side of said case and is formed to define an opening
passing from said chamber to the exterior of said case.
14. The pool tray of claim 13 further comprising a drawer wherein
said drawer comprises the shape of said chamber defined by said
case and wherein said drawer passes through said opening defined by
said second side of said case and is removably housed in said
chamber defined by said case.
15. A pool tray comprising: a plurality of hooks; a platform
attached to said hooks; a case wherein said case is formed to
define a chamber and wherein a first side of said case is attached
to the lower surface of said platform and wherein said first side
of said case is formed to define an opening passing from said
chamber to the exterior of said case and wherein said platform is
formed to define an opening passing from the top surface of said
platform to said opening in said first side of said case and
wherein a second side of said case is perpendicular to said first
side of said case and is formed to define an opening passing from
said chamber to the exterior of said case; a drawer wherein said
drawer comprises the shape of said chamber defined by said case and
wherein said drawer passes through said opening defined by said
second side of said case and is removably housed in said chamber
defined by said case.
15. The aboveground pool tray of claim 14 wherein said hooks
comprise a C-shaped member and wherein said hooks further comprise
a first finger and a second finger wherein the first ends of said
first and second fingers are attached to the ends of said C-shaped
member on either side of the gap defined by said ends of said
C-shaped member and wherein said fingers project downward from said
circular member.
16. The pool tray of claim 15 further comprising a first cover
enclosing the second end of said first finger and wherein said
first cover is formed to define a slit.
17. The pool tray of claim 15 further comprising a second cover
enclosing the second end of said second finger.
18. The pool tray of claim 16 further comprising a strut wherein
the first end of said strut is attached to the lower surface of
said platform and the second end of said strut passes through said
slit defined by said first cover and is attached to said second end
of said first finger.
19. The pool tray of claim 15 wherein said platform is formed to
define a plurality of holes.
20. The pool tray of claim 15 wherein said platform is formed to
define a recess.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to devices for providing a
poolside support for refreshments. In particular the design of the
present invention is tailored for aboveground pools and for hot
tubs.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The above-ground pool is one of the most common recreational
accessories on the market. These structures consist of large
containers that may be filled with water. The water contained in
these pools provides an excellent environment for fun and
relaxation. They are also more economical than the standard in
ground pool. While in these pools it is desirable to have access to
refreshment such as cold beverages or food. Thus the need for a
device designed to hold refreshments so that bathers in the pool
can easily access them without leaving the pool.
[0005] A feature common to many of these aboveground pools is that
the edges of the pool are rounded and form a rim around the pool.
Thus a device designed to take advantage of this feature in order
to mount a platform for holding refreshments would provide an
economical and easily removed enhancement for most pools. The
design should provide secure support for holding the weight of
refreshments and be easy to mount and remove. An additional feature
that might be added is a removable storage container that can be
filled with ice.
[0006] There are devices existing in the prior art for attaching
platforms to edges so that refreshments may be accessible. Most of
them are food trays or tables that are attached to a mounting
mechanism. These mounting mechanisms however are not particularly
suited for the unique shape of many above ground pools, in
particular the rounded edge that is prevalent. This is a deficiency
that greatly reduces the security of poolside trays provided by
prior art. Additionally, none of these previous arrangements
includes a means for storing ice. This is a major deficiency since
it would be very convenient to have ice available to enjoy cold
drinks poolside.
[0007] The present invention comprises a plurality of holes that
are suited for seating glasses and ensuring that they will not be
knocked over. There are also recesses in the surface of the tray
that will hold loose items and prevent them from falling off of the
tray. There are trays that exist in the prior art that comprise
features such as these but they are flotation devices. These
devices are not attached to mounting mechanisms for the side of
pools.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 1,630,889 to R. E. Clarke is a tray that is
attached to a pair of mounting mechanisms that are designed for
mounting on a car door. The mounting mechanism that the Clarke '889
patent discloses is well suited for a squared edge. The device
comprises two arms that are connected by a loop, which allows for
the arms of the mounting mechanisms to be pulled apart to fit over
doors and then pull the arms together. The present invention
discloses arms that extend from the loop which depart greatly from
the shape of the arms of Clarke '889 design. The arms of the Clarke
'889 patent would not be well suited to the common curved edge of
above ground pools. The Clarke '889 patent does not incorporate a
strut support to allow for supporting large weights such as might
be used in a pool.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,282 to Stephen Postic, U.S. Pat. No.
4,893,363 to Harold E. Huff, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,178 to Louis
Huczka disclose trays that are attached to a mounting mechanism
that employs a squared hook. This type of hook would perform poorly
on curved edges since the hook would tend to slide down over the
curved surface. Additionally, the connection between the arms of
these patents would not be a resilient member that would allow
these arms to hug the sides of the structure upon which it is hung.
The Huczka patent '178 does disclose an adjustable hook but this
would not supply the snug fit that the present invention is
designed to provide.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,493 to Donald A. Kanehl, Jr. and U.S.
Pat. Des. 401, 214 disclose trays mounted to a mounting mechanism
that employs a curved hook. The curved shaped of these hooks do not
provide a shape that would enable them to surround the curved edge
of an above ground poll. Furthermore these patents do not disclose
a pair of arms that would hug the straight lower surface of the
wall of the aboveground pool.
[0011] As mentioned above, a storage feature for ice would greatly
enhance the utility of these devices. None of the abovementioned
devices includes a feature that accommodates such a need.
[0012] Therefore a need exists for a novel and enhanced mountable
tray that may be mounted on the side of a pool. This device should
comprise a mounting mechanism that would maximize the security of
the tray. It should also provide features designed to securely hold
items such as drinks and ice. In this respect, the mountable tray
for aboveground pools according to the present invention
substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of
the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily
developed for mounting a storage tray to the side of above ground
pools that will hold refreshments and ice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known
types of mountable trays now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides an improved combination of convenience and
utility, and overcomes the abovementioned disadvantages and
drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the general purpose of the
present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater
detail, is to provide a new and improved mountable tray for above
ground pools which has all of the advantages of the prior art
mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a
mountable tray for above ground pools which is not anticipated,
rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art,
either alone or in combination thereof.
[0014] In furtherance of this objective, the mountable tray for
above ground pools comprises a rectangular platform 26. This
rectangular platform 26 is attached to a plurality of hooks and
extends horizontally there from. The hooks comprise a C-shaped
member. Attached to each end of the C-shaped member is an arm.
These arms extend downward from the C-shaped member. The C-shaped
member comprises a diameter similar to the diameter of the average
rounded edge of an above ground pool and comprises a resilient
material so that it may be flexed to encircle this edge. The arms
of the hooks extend downward and hug the wall of the pool below the
rounded upper edge.
[0015] There has been outlined, rather broadly, the more important
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
[0016] The present invention may in addition comprise a chamber
mounted to the lower surface of the tray. Passing through the side
of this chamber is an opening. The present invention also comprises
a drawer in which ice may be placed. This drawer may be slid
through the opening on the side of the chamber and remain seated
therein. There is an opening passing from the top surface of the
tray into the interior of the chamber. Through this opening ice may
be removed form the drawer.
[0017] To protect the surface of the pool and to provide a
frictional resistance to motion, each end of the arms may be
covered with a material such as rubber.
[0018] The platform may comprise several holes. These holes will
have an adequate diameter so that cups may be inserted therein and
remain seated until further use.
[0019] The platform may also include a storage compartment. In this
compartment may be stored loose items so that they will not be
knocked into the pool.
[0020] Attached to between the hooks and the platform may be a
strut. This strut will ensure that the platform will remain
horizontal while holding the weight of the abovementioned
items.
[0021] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of
presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of
the present invention when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the
current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited in its application to
the details of construction and to the arrangements of the
components set forth in the following description or illustrated in
the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0022] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0023] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved mountable tray for above ground pools
that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the
disadvantages.
[0024] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved mountable tray for above ground pools that may be
easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0025] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved mountable tray for above ground pools
that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials
and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices
of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such mountable tray
for above ground pools economically available to the buying
public.
[0026] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new mountable tray for above ground pools that provides in the
apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages
thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages
normally associated therewith.
[0027] These together with other objects of the invention, along
with the various features of novelty that characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention will be better understood and objects other
than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration
is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such
description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment
of the mountable tray for above ground pools of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the mountable tray for
above ground pools of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a front view of the mountable tray for above
ground pools of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the mountable tray for
above ground pools of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the mountable tray for
above ground pools with an ice storage container of the present
invention.
[0034] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts
throughout the various figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS.
1-5, a preferred embodiment of the mountable tray for above-ground
pools and hot tubs of the present invention is shown and generally
designated by the reference numeral 10. Hereinafter, the invention
shall refered to as a "pool tray" or shall be discussed solely for
use in connection with above-ground pools; however, it should be
readily recognized that the invention may be used in connection
with hot tubs as well.
[0036] In FIG. 1, a top perspective view of a new and improved
mountable tray for above ground pools 10 of the present invention
is illustrated mounted to the side of a typical above ground pool
and will be described. A common design feature of aboveground pools
is a rounded edge 12 mounted on its base to the wall of the pool.
The exterior surface of said feature defines a C-shape about the
rounded portion and two downward lines that extend vertically
downward from the mouth of said C-shape. The present invention
comprises a plurality of hooks 14 that are designed to conform
generally to this unique shape in order to provide optimum
security. Said hooks 14 comprise a C-shaped member 16 that may be
constructed from an easily molded material that has resilient
properties. The ends of said C-shaped member 16 may be stretched
apart when outward force is applied on either side and will return
to their original position when the force is released. Potential
materials for said C-shaped member 16 are lightweight metals such
as aluminum or tin. Said C-shaped member 16 should be made of a
rectangular strip of said materials so that it will flex easily
when installing, but will not bend easily from side to side. Said
hooks 14 further comprise an inner arm 18 and an outer arm 20. The
first ends of said arms are attached to the ends of said C-shaped
member 16 and extend downward there from. Said inner arm 18 extends
further then said outer arm 20. Said arms may be made as one unit
with said C-shaped material and may be made of the same material.
The second ends of said arms may be enclosed in a cover 22. Said
cover 22 serves two purposes. Firstly, it provides a protective
layer between said arms of said hook 14 so that the surface of said
pool would not be damaged. Secondly, it may be made of a material
such as rubber that will provide a frictional interface with the
surface of said pool to prevent slipping of said hook 14. The
installation of said hook would begin with force applied to each of
said arms to pull them apart. The installer may grasp each of said
arms and pull them apart until the gap defined by said ends of said
C-shaped member 16 is adequate to pass around said rounded edge 12
of said pool. The installer will then pull said hook 14 downward
until said ends of said C-shaped member 16 pass the bottom of said
rounded edge 12. Said arms are then released allowing said hook 14
to return to its original shape. Said C-shaped member will surround
said rounded edge 12 and said arms will hug against said wall of
said pool. If force is applied to said hook 14 in the upward
direction then the arms of said hook will engage with the base of
said rounded edge 12 and said hook will be prevented from
moving.
[0037] Also shown In FIG. 1 is a tray 24. Said tray 24 may be used
for holding refreshments and loose items while said pool is in use.
Said tray 24 comprises a rectangular platform 26. Extending
downward from the sides of said rectangular platform 26 are walls.
Said tray 24 may be made of a material such as plastic that would
be waterproof and would be strong enough to hold the weight of
several beverages and additional items. Said platform 26 could be
made in other shapes such as an oval if so desired. The surface of
said platform may be formed to define a plurality of rectangular
platform 26. The standard design for cups is circular with the
diameter gradually increasing form the bottom of the cup to the top
of the cup. The holes 28 defined by said platform would be circular
and have a diameter greater then the base of said cups but smaller
then the top of said cups. Thus said cups may be inserted into said
holes 28 and will rest in said holes at the point where the
diameter of said cups equals the diameter of said holes. This will
prevent said cups from being spilled when said tray 24 is knocked.
Said tray 24 may also be formed to define a rectangular recess 30.
Loose items may be placed in said recess 30 and will not slide off
of the surface of said tray 24. If further security is desired a
lid may be included with said recess 30. The wall of said tray 24
that abuts against said pool may be shaped to conform to the shape
of particular pools. Said wall abutting said pool 32 is fastened to
said C-shaped member 16 of said hooks 14. In the illustrated
embodiment said wall 32 is formed to define a hole. Said C-shaped
member 16 is also shaped to define a hole. A bolt passes through
said holes and holds said tray 24 to said hooks 14. Said tray 24
extends horizontally from said hooks 14. Other mechanisms for
fastening said tray 24 to said hooks 14 may be used. For example it
might be desirable to attach said tray 24 to said hook by a hinge.
Said hinge could employ a locking mechanism to secure said tray 24
in a horizontal position and to allow said tray to be collapsed
upon release. The present invention further comprises support
struts 34. Said struts 34 are attached on one end to the bottom
surface of said platform. The other end of said struts 34 are
attached to the second end of said outer arms 20 of said hooks
14.
[0038] In FIG. 2 is illustrated the cross section of said tray 24
at a point passing through said holes 28 defined by said platform.
Said holes 28 defined by said platform have a diameter adequate to
receive the bottom of a cup and to hold said cup in place.
Extending downward from said holes 28 defined by said platform is
circular walls 36. Said walls 36 act to hug the sides of said cups.
Extending downward from the sides of said platform are walls.
Plastic is an ideal material for constructing said tray 24 since it
would be easily molded and would be capable of holding ample weight
for the desired use.
[0039] Said tray 24 comprises a rectangular platform 26 with walls
extending downwards on the sides of said platform. The wall shown
in FIG. 3 is the wall attached to the front side of said platform.
On the opposite side of said tray 24 are attached said hooks 14.
Said support struts 34 are not shown in FIG. 3 to illustrate the
front surface of said outer arm 20 of said hooks 14. Said covers 22
enclose said outer arms 20. However said covers 22 of said outer
arms 20 are formed to define an opening. Said struts 34 pass
through said opening in said covers 22 and are attached to said
outer arm 20 of said hooks 14. Said inner arms 18 extend further
down then said outer arms 20. This is to create a juxtaposition of
force that enhances the grip between said outer arms 20 and said
inner arms 18. The ends of said inner arm 18 are fully enclosed by
said covers 22.
[0040] The sectional view of FIG. 4 illustrates the fastening
mechanism between said tray 24 and said hooks 14 in the preferred
embodiment. Said wall 32 of said tray 24 that abuts against said
pool is formed to define a plurality of holes. Said C-shaped
members 16 are also formed to define a hole. A bolt passes through
said holes and widens on either end to hold said tray 24 and said
hooks 14 together. As suggested earlier, other fastening mechanisms
may be used if so desired. Also illustrated by FIG. 4 is the design
and orientation of said support strut 34. Said strut 34 comprises a
rectangular member. Attached to the bottom surface of said platform
is a mount 38. Said mount 38 is formed to define a passage. Said
passage of said mount receives the first end of said strut 34. The
second end of said strut 34 may be attached to said second end of
said outer arm 20. Said struts 34 may be made of the same material
as said hooks 14. If this material is metal then said struts 34 may
be welded to said second ends of said outer arms 20. If this
material is plastic then the struts 34 and hooks 14 may be molded
as one solid unit.
[0041] FIG. 5 illustrates an additional feature that may be
included in the present invention that would allow for the storage
of ice. Attached to the bottom surface of said platform 26 is a
case 40. Said case 40 may be made of a material or a combination of
materials that would provide insulation. Perhaps the exterior of
said case 40 can be made of plastic molded to the lower surface of
said platform 26 and may be filled with Styrofoam. Said case 40 is
formed to define a chamber 42. A hole 44 is defined by said
platform 26 and passes through to said chamber 42 of said case 40.
The front side of said case 40 is formed to define a hole 46
passing into said chamber 42. The present invention may also
include a drawer 48. Said drawer 48 comprises a second case 50
comprising an exterior shape that matches the shape of said chamber
42 of said first case 40. This shape is rectangular in the
illustration. Said second case 50 is formed to define a chamber 52.
The top of said second case 50 is formed to define a hole passing
into said chamber 52. A handle 54 is attached to the front side of
said drawer 48. Said drawer 48 might be made of a material such as
metal which would act as a good insulator. Said drawer 48 may be
slid into said chamber 42 of said first case 40 through said hole
46 defined by the front side of said first case. Ice may be
inserted into said drawer 48 and may be accessed by reaching in to
said chamber 52 through said hole 44 defined by said platform 26.
To remove said drawer 48 said handle 54 may be grasped and pulled
to slide said drawer from said chamber of said first case.
[0042] While a preferred embodiment of the mountable tray for above
ground pools 10 has been described in detail, it should be apparent
that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of
which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 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. For example, metal or fiberglass may be used
for said tray instead of the plastic that has been described. And
although the holes for cups have been described, there are slight
variations, such as shape and size that would make the invention
appropriate for other liquid containers such as bottles.
[0043] 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.
* * * * *