Water fountain - swimming pool combination, and kit

Abstract

A water fountain--swimming pool combination comprises a water fountain assembly and a water pump assembly. The water fountain assembly comprises a plurality of fountain water outlets interconnected by a common conduit, which common conduit and which water outlets are mountable in adjacency to an upper pool periphery. The water outlets are preferably equally spaced and positionable for directing discharging water toward a central pool region or elsewhere as the user may elect. The water pump assembly comprises a water pump and certain pump conduit for directing pumped water into the swimming pool to enhance the user's enjoyment thereof. The pump conduit comprises fountain-directed conduit and pool-directed conduit, each of which comprise conduit valves for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water therethrough for selectively discharging pumped water either through a pool water inlet or through any number of fountain water outlets.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a water fountain assemblage for use in combination with a swimming pool. More particularly, the present invention relates to a water fountain--swimming pool combination, wherein certain water fountain components may be provided in the form of a kit for outfitting any number of swimming pools. The combination and kit essentially function to enhance the user's enjoyment of certain swimming pool activities.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Swimmers or users of swimming pools find certain enjoyment in the use of pools as a source of water-based activity. When utilized in combination with a water fountain, the user's enjoyment of the swimming pool is often enhanced. In this regard, the prior art teaches or discloses numerous water fountain type assemblies for use in combination with a swimming pool. Some of the more pertinent prior art relating to water fountains and the like for use in combination with a swimming pool is described hereinafter.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,088,880 ('880 Patent), which issued to Walsh, discloses a Decorative Fountain. The '880 Patent teaches a decorative fountain especially adapted for use in a swimming pool, the fountain being adapted to float at the surface of the pool and incorporating a sealed beam light bulb for illumination of the fountain display, and further embodying a self-contained source of electrical current for the light bulb.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,808 ('808 Patent), which issued to Latin, discloses a Pool Fountain. The '808 Patent teaches a novel fountain device for a swimming pool, which features an adjustable jet pump for controlling the elevation of the water column as it is ejected from the fountain and the rise and fall of said column from a minima to a maxima.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,280 ('280 Patent), which issued to Lesikar, discloses a Waterfall Producing Unit for Use in Swimming Pools. The '280 Patent teaches a unit for producing a waterfall at the edge of a swimming pool, spa or the like. The unit is mounted in the side of the pool and produces a smooth sheet of water which is directed away from the side of the pool. The unit has a baffle in the interior thereof for directing the water evenly out through the throat of the unit.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,465 ('465 Patent), which issued to Sargent, discloses a Floating Fountain Device. The '465 Patent teaches a floating fountain device for a swimming pool comprising a fountainhead to create a water fountain and a lamp and generator to illuminate the fountain, the generator being sealed in an envelope and driven by a water turbine through a magnetic coupling.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,506 ('506 Patent), which issued to Ryan, discloses a Swimming Pool Fountain. The '506 Patent teaches a swimming pool fountain which can be installed in any existing pool, hot tub, spa or the like and is capable of adjustment to any water level height, variation in spray pattern, pinch and direction, and illumination of the fountain spray.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,974 ('974 Patent), which issued to Tobias et al., discloses an Apparatus for Providing a Waterfall or a Fountain. The '974 Patent teaches a device for creating a waterfall effect and a fountain effect in an adjacent swimming pool spa or the like. The device comprises a tubular manifold with spray orifices which produce streams of water. The manifold is positionable so that the streams of water can be aimed away from the housing at an inclined angle, thereby producing a fountain effect, or so that the streams of water can be directed to fill a reservoir located within the housing and adapted to discharge water in the form of a waterfall.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,957 ('957 Patent), which issued to Liu, discloses an Intermittent Artificial Fountain Apparatus. The '957 Patent teaches an intermittent artificial fountain apparatus to be installed in a water pool and including a spraying body formed as a waterproof structure having a sealed cavity, a light floating structure surrounding the spraying body, a spraying tube arranged in the spraying body co-axially therewith and having a spraying opening to be located above a water level of the pool, a piston formed of a ferromagnetic material and arranged in the spraying tube for a reciprocating movement therein to provide for filling of the spraying tube with water and for spraying the water received in the spraying tube outwardly upon movement of the piston in an opposite direction, an electromagnetic structure cooperating with the piston for effecting movement of the piston in one of the opposite directions, a pulse signal generator to be connected to an external power source and connected with the electromagnetic structure, and return element for moving the piston in another of the opposite directions.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,090 ('090 Patent), which issued to Beidokhti, discloses a Battery-Powered Remotely Controlled Floating Pool Fountain and Light Device. The '090 Patent teaches a housing defining a sealed interior cavity to provide buoyancy for floating the housing in water. Battery housing is secured to the buoyant housing and supports a rechargeable battery and maintains the vertical alignment of the buoyant housing. An upper plate on the buoyant housing supports a plurality of upwardly directed lights and fountain nozzles together with a plurality of manually actuatible switches. An internal battery-powered pump mechanism is operative within the buoyant housing to draw water into the buoyant housing and force it upwardly through the fountain nozzles to produce vertically directed fountain sprays. The fountain sprays may be illuminated by the light assemblies supported by the upper plate. A remote control receiver and control circuit is supported within the buoyant housing and receives operative control signals from a handheld remote control unit. A rotation valve is operatively coupled to the pump output and provides an optional laterally directed water spray component tending to rotate the entire fountain unit. The water spray height of the fountain sprays may be adjusted by a bypass valve supported within the buoyant housing. In an alternate embodiment, a tether and anchor are securable to the unit to fix its position within a swimming pool. In a still further alternate embodiment, an annular spacer ring is securable to the buoyant housing by a collar and plurality of spokes.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,342 ('342 Patent), which issued to Koren et al., discloses a waterfall illuminated by a plurality of optical fibers having their ends disposed along an underside of the edge of the waterfall and directing light downward from the fiber ends onto the surfaces under the waterfall. A fiber optic cable bundle is directed within a fiber conduit along the edge of a generally rectangular water conduit, with the individual fiber ends projecting through respective holes formed in an underside of the fiber conduit. The water and fiber conduits may be located between a wall of a pool or spa and the surrounding coping, with both water and fiber connections being made from the rear portion of the device.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,675 ('675 Patent), which issued to Dongo, discloses a Pool/Spa Waterfall Unit with Fiber Optic Illumination. The '675 Patent teaches an illuminated waterfall unit for a spa or pool comprises a manifold body with a water outlet that forms outflowing water into a waterfall. An optical probe is positioned within the manifold body to receive light from a light source, preferably an optical fiber, and to illuminate the waterfall by optical transmission through the outlet body. The probe is preferably positioned so that is also illuminates the waterfall directly.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,349 ('349 Patent), which issued to Beidokhti, discloses a Battery-Powered Remotely Controlled Floating Pool Fountain and Light Device. The '349 Patent teaches a housing sealed interior cavity to provide buoyancy for floating the housing in water. A rechargeable battery maintains the vertical alignment of the buoyant housing. The buoyant housing supports a plurality of upwardly directed lights and fountain nozzles together with a plurality of manually accountable switches. An internal pump mechanism draws water into the buoyant housing and forces it upwardly through the fountain nozzles to produce vertically directed fountain sprays. The fountain sprays may be illuminated by the light assemblies. A remote control receiver and control circuit within the buoyant housing receives operative control signals from a handheld remote control unit. A remotely controlled rotation valve is operatively coupled to the pump output and provides a laterally directed water spray component tending to rotate the entire fountain unit. A tether and anchor fix the unit position within a swimming pool. An ultra sound mechanism automatically spaces the unit from the pool edges. A remotely controlled boat unit may be used to move the unit.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,567 ('567 (Patent), which issued to Austin et al., discloses a Fountain Water Toy Utilizing a Batter-Powered Pump. The '567 Patent teaches a fountain water toy generally for use in a bathtub or pool. The toy generally comprises an at least partially submersible pump that is fluidly coupled with a fountain amusement assembly. The assembly includes one or more spouts through which water is streamed. Interchangeable characters heads or other fanciful representations are provided to place over the spouts such that when in operation water streams from the character heads. In one preferred embodiment, the amusement assembly comprises a faceplate assembly that removably mounts to a vertical surface such as the wall of a bathtub enclosure. The faceplate assembly of this preferred embodiment is fluidly connected to the pump through tubing. The pump is powered by a low voltage battery power source and as such there is no threat of shock or serious injury should the batteries that are normally sealed within the pump housing become exposed to the water.

[0017] It will be seen from an inspection of the above-referenced patents and other relevant prior art known to exist that the prior art does not teach a water fountain assemblage for use in combination with a swimming pool wherein the water fountain assemblage comprises selectively operable, peripherally positioned water discharge nozzles or valves mounted in adjacency to an upper pool periphery for directing discharged water toward a central pool region as a means to enhance the user's enjoyment of certain swimming pool activities. The prior art thus perceives a need for a water fountain assemblage for use in combination with a swimming pool wherein the water fountain assemblage comprises selectively operable, peripherally positioned water discharge nozzles or valves mounted in adjacency to an upper pool periphery for directing discharged water toward a central pool region as a means to enhance the user's enjoyment of certain swimming pool activities.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] To achieve the foregoing and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention provides a water fountain and swimming pool combination or water fountain kit for outfitting any number of swimming pools with an enjoyment-enhancing water fountain assembly. In other words, it is contemplated that the waterfall fountain components of the present invention may be separately packaged and supplied to users thereof for outfitting a swimming pool so as to enhance the enjoyment thereof. The combination water fountain and swimming pool of the present invention essentially comprises a swimming pool, a water fountain ring assembly, and a water pump assembly. Additionally, the water fountain--swimming pool combination may be used in further combination with certain water illuminating means to further enhance the swimming pool user's enjoyment.

[0019] The swimming pool of the combination essentially must comprise an upper pool periphery. Mounted in adjacency to the upper pool periphery is the water fountain ring assembly. The water fountain ring assembly essentially comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced, selectively positionable fountain water outlets and at least one length of ring conduit or fountain conduit in fluid communication with the fountain water outlets for directing pumped water therethrough. Cooperatively associated with each fountain water outlet is a (water) discharge valve or nozzle. The discharge valves enable the user to selectively direct pumped water through the fountain water outlets and may be of various valve or nozzle types for creating different discharging water effects.

[0020] Preferably, but not critically, the fountain water outlets are substantially equally spaced at intervals adjacent the upper pool periphery as a means to present a more uniform and thus more aesthetically appealing water fountain display or configuration. The fountain water outlets are further preferably selectively and collectively positionable for directing selectively discharged water toward a central pool region.

[0021] The water pump assembly comprises certain water-pumping means, certain pump conduit extending therefrom as connected to a pump water inlet and a pump water outlet. It will be seen from an inspection of the noted figures that the pump conduit assembly comprises fountain-directed conduit and pool-directed conduit. The fountain-directed conduit fluidly communicates the water fountain ring assembly with the pump water outlet and the pool-directed conduit fluidly communicates the pump water inlet with the pool water outlet and the pump water outlet with the pool water inlet. Essentially, the water pump assembly interconnects the swimming pool and the water fountain ring assembly for directing dischargeable water into either structure. The fountain directed conduit and the pool-directed conduit each preferably comprise conduit valves for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through at least one select water gateway thus resulting in selectively discharged water. The select water gateway is selected from the group consisting of the pool water inlet and any of the fountain water outlets. In other words, if the user so elects, the user may direct pumped water through the pool water inlet solely as a means to avoid any water fountain effect or may direct pumped water through any number of the fountain water outlets without any discharge via the pool water inlet. The user may also elect to direct pumped water through both the pool water inlet and any number of fountain water outlets.

[0022] The water fountain-swimming pool combination may further comprise, in combination a water illumination assembly for illuminating the selectively discharged water as a means to enhance the overall (visual) appeal of the disclosed combination.

[0023] Other objects of the present invention, as well as particular features, elements, and advantages thereof, will be elucidated or become apparent from, the following description and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following brief description of my patent drawings, as follows:

[0025] FIG. No. 1 is a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the combination fountain swimming pool of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. No. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a first alternative valve structure depicting a cylindrically-shaped body and a funnel-shaped head, with a handle cooperatively associated with the body for selectively directing pressurized water therethrough.

[0027] FIG. No. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a second alternative valve structure depicting a cylindrically-shaped body, a funnel-shaped head, and a ball valve, with a handle cooperatively associated with the body for selectively directing pressurized water therethrough.

[0028] FIG. No. 4 is a top plan view of a discharge ring of the present invention depicting flow routes and a single first alternative valve structure exploded from the discharge ring.

[0029] FIG. No. 5 is an enlarged perspective type depiction of a T-shaped elbow junction component of the discharge ring of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. No. 6 is a fragmentary exploded type depiction of a pump and conduit assembly for directing flow of the discharge medium through the discharge ring or alternatively to the main portion of the swimming pool.

[0031] FIG. No. 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the combination fountain swimming pool of the present invention depicting a first plumbing arrangement including a discharge ring, a pump and conduit assembly, and a swimming pool.

[0032] FIG. No. 8 is a fragmentary, partially exploded perspective view of the combination fountain swimming pool of the present invention depicting a second plumbing arrangement including a discharge ring, a pump and conduit assembly, and a swimming pool, wherein the pump and conduit assembly includes a dual valve junction assembly for selectively directing discharge medium into the discharge ring or into the swimming pool.

[0033] FIG. No. 9 is an enlarged perspective type depiction of the dual valve junction assembly depicted in FIG. No. 8.

[0034] FIG. No. 10 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a light assembly mountable on an upper rail of the swimming pool of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. No. 11 is a fragmentary side perspective view of a light assembly mountable on an upper rail of the swimming pool of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. No. 12 is a depiction of a low voltage, direct current power source.

[0037] FIG. No. 13 is a perspective view of a multiplicity of color lenses for use in combination with a light assembly of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. No. 14 is a top perspective type depiction of a water fountain kit of the present invention, illustrating certain water fountain assembly components and certain water pump assembly components for outfitting a swimming pool.

[0039] FIG. No. 15 is a side view depiction of a strap-hook assembly for interconnecting the water fountain ring assembly of the present invention to the upper pool periphery of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. No. 16 is a fragmentary perspective type depiction of a spacer assembly as assembled adjacent a length of conduit of the water fountain ring assembly.

[0041] FIG. No. 17 is a fragmentary top plan type depiction of an upper pool periphery as outfitted with a water fountain ring assembly showing a single strap-hook assembly and two conduit spacer assemblies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the present invention concerns a combination water fountain and (above-ground) swimming pool 10 as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 7, and 8. Also inherently taught by the disclosed combination is a water fountain kit 100 or water fountain system for outfitting any number of (above-ground) swimming pools as further generally referenced in FIG. No. 14. In this last regard, it is contemplated that the waterfall fountain components of the present invention may be separately packaged and supplied to users thereof for outfitting a swimming pool so as to enhance the enjoyment thereof. The combination water fountain and swimming pool 10 of the present invention preferably comprises, in relevant portion, a swimming pool 11 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 7, and 8; a water fountain ring assembly 20 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, and 14; and a water pump assembly 30 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 6-8, and 14.

[0043] Swimming pool 11 may preferably be of an above-ground type as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 7, 8, but may also be alternatively defined by an in ground type swimming pool. Typically, above-ground swimming pools typically comprise a continuously arced (circular or elliptical) upper pool periphery 12 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 7, 8, and 17; a continuously arced (circular or elliptical) lower pool periphery 13 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 7, and 8; a pool wall 14 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 7, and 8; a central pool region 15 as generally referenced in FIG. No. 1; a pool water inlet 16 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 7 and 8; and a pool water outlet as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 7 and 8. It will be seen from an inspection of the noted figures that the pool wall 14 extends intermediate the upper pool periphery 12 and the lower pool peripheries 13 and that the pool water inlet 16 and the pool water outlet 17 each extend through the pool wall 14. The pool water outlet may comprise certain water filtration means as depicted via certain box-like structure in FIG. Nos. 7 and 8.

[0044] Given a swimming pool with a circular, elliptical or continuously arced upper (and lower) periphery, it is contemplated that in the preferred embodiment, the combination of the present invention comprises a water fountain ring assembly 20 as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, and 14. The water fountain ring assembly 20 preferably comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced, selectively positionable fountain water outlets 21 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, and 17; and at least one length of ring conduit or fountain conduit 22 in fluid communication with the fountain water outlets as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, 14, and 17. Preferably cooperatively associated with each fountain water outlet 21 is a discharge valve 24 as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1-4, and 14. Discharge valves 24 are designed for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water (as referenced at 38) through the fountain water outlets 21 and may comprise any number of valve type assemblies, such as a common lever-actuated valve assembly 25 (as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 2, 4, and 14) or a ball type valve or nozzle assembly 26 (as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 3 and 14).

[0045] Preferably, but not critically, the fountain water outlets 21 are substantially equally spaced at intervals adjacent the upper pool periphery 12 as a means to present a more uniform and thus more aesthetically appealing water fountain display or configuration. The substantially uniform spacing of the fountain water outlets 21 is generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, and 14. The fountain water outlets 21 are further preferably selectively positionable for directing selectively discharged water toward the central pool region. Each fountain water outlet 21 and each length of outlet-interconnecting conduit (such as ring or fountain conduit 22) may preferably comprise an arc length given a continuously arcuate swimming pool. The combined arc lengths thus enable a user to form a continuously arced water fountain conduit ring assembly, mountable in adjacency to a continuously arced upper pool periphery.

[0046] It will be seen from an inspection of FIG. Nos. 1, 4, 7, 8, and 14 that the water fountain ring assembly 20 is preferably mountable and mounted in adjacency to the upper pool periphery 12. In this regard, it is noted that swimming pools such as swimming pool 11 typically comprise an upper pool periphery rail 18 as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 1, 7, and 8. Water fountain ring assembly 20 is designed to be mountable in radially inward adjacency to rail 18 and in superior adjacency to a water level surface 23 (as referenced in FIG. No. 1 as bounded by wall 14 and lower pool periphery 13 and a swimming pool bottom 19 as further generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 8). Notably, the selectively positionable fountain water outlets 21 may well function to create a select water-based effect, the select water-based effect being selected from the group consisting of a water fountain effect and a waterfall effect.

[0047] It is contemplated that certain mounting means function to connect or mount water fountain ring assembly 20 in adjacency to the upper pool periphery 12. In this regard, the reader is directed to FIG. Nos. 15-17. From an inspection of the noted figures it will be seen that the mounting means may be defined by a plurality of strap-hook assemblies 60 and a plurality of spacer assemblies 70. Two strap-hook assemblies and two spacer assemblies 70 are further illustrated in FIG. No. 14 as being includable in the fountain kit 100 of the present invention. Each strap-hook assembly 60 comprises a hook portion 61 for hooking onto rail 18 or upper pool periphery 12 as generally illustrated and in FIG. Nos. 15 and 17; and a strap portion 62 for encircling fountain conduit 22 adjacent fountain water outlets 21 as generally illustrated and depicted in FIG. Nos. 15 and 17. Each spacer assembly 70 comprises a conduit-engaging portion 71 for enveloping and holding fountain conduit 22 as illustrated and depicted in FIG. Nos. 16 and 17; and certain spacing means as may be defined by a threaded screw type member 72 cooperatively associated with the conduit-engaging portions 71 as generally illustrated and depicted in FIG. Nos. 16 and 17. It is contemplated that the spacer assemblies 70 may preferably be paired and mounted in adjacency to fountain water outlets 21 in enveloped relation about fountain conduit 22 as generally depicted in FIG. No. 17. The spacing means serve to properly space (i.e. via threaded adjustments of screw type member 72) water fountain ring assembly 20 and upper pool periphery 12 and the strap hook assemblies 60 hold the water fountain ring assembly 20 in elevated relation above the water surface 23. Notably, the inherent flexible nature of the strap portions 62 allow water fountain ring assembly 20 slight vertical movement if, for example, forces are directed thereagainst by surface waves and the like.

[0048] Water pump assembly 30 preferably comprises certain water-pumping means as preferably defined by any suitable water pump 31 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 6-8, and 14; certain pump conduit 32 as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 6-8, and 14; a pump water inlet 33 as referenced in FIG. Nos. 6-8, and 14; and a pump water outlet 34 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 6-8, and 14. It will be seen from an inspection of the noted figures that the pump conduit 32 preferably comprises a fountain conduit assembly 35 and a pool conduit assembly 36 as further referenced in FIG. Nos. 6, 7, and 14.

[0049] It will be seen from an inspection of the noted figures that the fountain conduit assembly 35 fluidly communicates the water fountain ring assembly 20 with the pump water outlet 34. Similarly, the pool conduit assembly 36 fluidly communicates the pump water inlet 33 with the pool water outlet 17 and the pump water outlet 34 with the pool water inlet 16. Essentially, the water pump assembly 30 communicates with the swimming pool 11 and the water fountain ring assembly 20 for directing dischargeable water into either structure. The fountain conduit assembly 35 and the pool conduit assembly 36 each preferably comprise conduit valves as generally illustrated and referenced by externally-mounted lever arms 37 in FIG. Nos. 6, 7, and 14. The conduit valves enable a user (via manually operable lever arms 37) to selectively direct pumped water (as generically referenced with vector arrows 38 in FIG. Nos. 6-8) through at least one select water gateway thus resulting in selectively discharged water. The select water gateway is selected from the group consisting of the pool water inlet 16 and any of the fountain water outlets 21. In other words, if the user so elects, the user may direct pumped water through the pool water inlet 16 solely or may direct pumped water through any number of the fountain water outlets 21 or may direct pumped water through both the pool water inlet 16 and any number of fountain water outlets 21.

[0050] The water fountain-swimming pool combination may further comprise, in combination a water illumination assembly 40 as generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 10 and 14. The water illumination assembly 40 may comprise any number of Light Emitting Diodes (LED's) or any number of low-voltage, low current-driven light sources 41, one of which has been generically and generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 10, 11, and 14. Necessarily, however, the water illumination assembly must comprise at least one light source 41, which light source 41 is positionable or mountable in adjacency to the upper pool periphery 12 for illuminating the selectively discharged water as a means to enhance the overall (visual) appeal of the disclosed combination.

[0051] In other words, if activated or actuated, the water illumination assembly 40 may function to illuminate the water as it is discharged from the fountain water outlets 21, or the pool water inlet 16, as the user may elect. As a safety or precautionary measure, it is contemplated that the power source of the current driven water illumination assembly may be a low voltage power source 42 such as a 12 or 6 Volt battery (as generically and generally depicted in FIG. Nos. 10, 12, and 14) for delivering minimized (direct) current to power (i.e. DC-powered) the light source 41. Preferably, the circuitry interconnecting the operative components is waterproofed so as to enhance the safety and/or precautionary features of the present invention.

[0052] Thus, it will be understood that the water illumination assembly 40 of the present invention comprises a low voltage, waterproof power source and at least one DC-powered light assembly. Each light assembly 41 preferably comprises certain periphery-mounting means, a selectively positionable illumination source and certain power source-communicating means. The water illumination assembly 40 may further preferably comprise a plurality of selectively colored light filters 47, one of which is generally illustrated and referenced in FIG. No. 10, and several of which are referenced in FIG. Nos. 13 and 14. The selectively colored light filters 47 are included in the design of the disclosed combination of elements so that users may illuminate the selectively dischargeable water in a variety of colors.

[0053] The periphery-mounting means may preferably be defined by a mounting bracket 43 of the type shown in FIG. Nos. 10, 11, and 14. The mounting bracket 43 as shown depicts certain upper periphery rail (such as rail 18)-receiving structure 44 as referenced in FIG. Nos. 10 and 11 and certain fastening means such as bolt-down type hardware assemblies 45 as further referenced in FIG. No. 10. The selectively positionable illumination source 46 (as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 10, 11, and 14) may preferably comprise certain light-aiming or light-positioning means for enabling the user to position the light source so as to direct light energy toward the discharging water. The power source-communicating means may simply be defined by certain circuitry such as outlet-engaging hardware and certain wiring for interconnecting electrically-driven components as generally depicted throughout the noted figures. It will thus be understood that the power source 42 functions to drive current to the illumination source 46 via the power source-communicating means and the illumination source 46 is selectively positionable for illuminating the selectively discharged water.

[0054] As earlier stated, it is contemplated that certain components of the present disclosure may be provided in the form of a fountain kit 100 for outfitting a swimming pool 11 with a water fountain type display and effect. In this regard, the fountain kit may comprise a water fountain conduit assembly and a water pump conduit assembly. The water fountain conduit assembly may comprise a plurality of fountain water outlets 21 and at least one length of fountain conduit 22. Conceivably, a number of lengths of fountain conduit 22 may be presented in kit form as a means to attach and/or space fountain water outlets 21 for mounted placement adjacent an upper pool periphery 12. As earlier stated, the length (or lengths) of fountain conduit 22 function to interconnect the fountain water outlets 21 so that pumped or dischargeable water may pass through the disclosed conduit systems.

[0055] The water pump conduit assembly comprises water pump 31, certain pump water conduit, and at least two conduit valves. The pump water conduit enables the user to form fountain conduit assembly 35 and pool conduit assembly 36. As earlier specified, the formed fountain conduit assembly 35 interconnects the water pump 31 and the water fountain conduit assembly (as may be defined by water fountain ring assembly 20). The formed pool conduit assembly 36 interconnects the water pump 331 and the swimming pool 11 via the pool water inlet 16, the pool water outlet 17, the pump water inlet 32, and the pump water outlet 34. The conduit valves are cooperatively associatable with the fountain conduit assembly 35 and the pool conduit assembly 36 for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through at least one select water gateway for selectively discharging pumped water, the select water gateway being selected from the group consisting of the pool water inlet 16 and the fountain water outlets 21.

[0056] Conceivably, the conduit valves may be housed in a single dual-valved junction assembly 50 as illustrated and referenced in FIG. Nos. 8, 9, and 14. The dual-valved junction assembly 50 minimizes the number of components required (compare FIG. Nos. 7 versus 8) and further minimized the user's work output by placing the selective water gateway at a single location (i.e. the dual-junction assembly 50). The user may thus open or close or adjust the valves to positions intermediate "open" and "close" for selectively directing pumped water to create certain water fountain or waterfall type effects (as, for example, water directed through pool water inlet 16).

[0057] Thus, while the foregoing descriptions provide much specificity, the same should not be construed as limiting the essence of the present invention, but rather as an exemplification of the present invention. For example, the spirit of the present invention is believed to disclose a combination water fountain and swimming pool, wherein the combination comprises a swimming pool, a water fountain assembly, and a water pump assembly. The swimming pool comprises an upper pool periphery, a central pool region, a pool water inlet, and a pool water outlet. The water fountain assembly comprises at least one, but preferably a plurality of selectively positionable fountain water outlets, each of which are mounted in adjacency to the upper pool periphery and interconnected by a common fountain conduit. The water pump assembly comprises a pump water inlet, a pump water outlet, pump conduit, and water-pumping means, the pump conduit comprising a fountain conduit assembly and a pool conduit assembly.

[0058] The fountain conduit assembly is in fluid communication with the pump water outlet and the water fountain assembly for directing pumped water to the fountain water outlet(s) and the pool conduit assembly interconnects the water pump with the swimming pool via the pump water inlet, the pump water outlet, the pool water inlet, and the pool water outlet. The fountain conduit and pool conduit assemblies each comprising conduit valves for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through a select water gateway for forming selectively discharged water, the select water gateway being selected from the group consisting of the pool water inlet and the fountain water outlet.

[0059] Notably, the pool water inlet may be superiorly located relative to the pool water outlet so that water being discharged from the pool water inlet may fall into the swimming pool or the water surface 23 thus creating a waterfall effect. If a plurality of pool water inlets is so outfitted in adjacency to the swimming pool, a number of waterfall type effects can cooperate with a number of water fountain type effects to enhance the user's overall enjoyment. Thus, the superiorly located pool water inlet may well function to create a waterfall effect when the selectively discharged water discharges into the swimming pool via the superiorly located pool water inlet.

[0060] Accordingly, although the invention has been described by reference to a preferred embodiment, it is not intended that the novel disclosure be limited thereby, but that modifications thereof are intended to be included as falling within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the following claims and the appended drawings.

Claims

1. In combination, a water fountain and swimming pool, the water fountain and swimming pool combination comprising: an swimming pool, the swimming pool comprising a continuously arced upper pool periphery, a continuously arced lower pool periphery, a pool wall, a central pool region, at least one pool water inlet, and a pool water outlet, the pool wall extending intermediate the upper and lower pool peripheries, the pool water inlet and the pool water outlet each extending through the pool wall; a water fountain ring assembly, the water fountain ring assembly comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced, selectively positionable fountain water outlets and at least one length of ring conduit in common fluid communication with the fountain water outlets, the water fountain ring assembly being mounted in adjacency to the upper pool periphery via mounting means; and a water pump assembly, the water pump assembly comprising a pump water inlet, a pump water outlet, pump conduit, and water-pumping means, the pump conduit comprising fountain-directed conduit and pool-directed conduit, the fountain-directed conduit being in fluid communication with the water fountain ring assembly and the pump water outlet, the pool-directed conduit being in fluid communication with the pump water inlet, the pump water outlet, the pool water inlet, and the pool water outlet, the fountain- and pool-directed conduit each comprising conduit valves, the conduit valves for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through at least one select water gateway thus resulting in selectively discharged water, the select water gateway being selected from the group consisting of the pool water inlet and the fountain water outlets.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein each fountain water outlet comprises a discharge valve, the discharge valves for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through the fountain water outlets.

3. The combination of claim 2 wherein the fountain water outlets are substantially equally spaced at intervals adjacent the upper pool periphery.

4. The combination of claim 3 wherein the fountain water outlets are selectively positionable for directing selectively discharged water toward the central pool region.

5. The combination of claim 4 wherein the pool water inlet is superiorly located relative to the pool water outlet, the superiorly located pool water inlet for creating a waterfall effect when the selectively discharged water discharges via the superiorly located pool water inlet.

6. The combination of claim 5 comprising a water illumination assembly, the water illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, each light source for illuminating the selectively discharged water.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein the water illumination assembly comprises a low voltage, waterproof power source and at least one DC-powered light assembly, each light assembly comprising periphery-mounting means, a selectively positionable illumination source and power source-communicating means, the power source for directing current to the illumination source via the power source-communicating means, the illumination source being selectively positionable for illuminating the selectively discharged water.

8. A water fountain system for use in combination with a swimming pool, the swimming pool comprising an upper pool periphery, at least one pool water inlet, and a pool water outlet, the water fountain system comprising: a water fountain assembly, the water fountain assembly comprising at least one selectively positionable fountain water outlet, each fountain water outlet being mounted in adjacency to the upper pool periphery via mounting means; and a water pump assembly, the water pump assembly comprising a pump water inlet, a pump water outlet, pump conduit, and water-pumping means, the pump conduit comprising fountain-directed conduit and pool-directed conduit, the fountain-directed conduit fluidly communicating the pump water outlet with the water fountain assembly, the pool-directed conduit fluidly communicating the water pump with the swimming pool via the pump water inlet, the pump water outlet, the pool water inlet, and the pool water outlet, the fountain- and pool-directed conduit each comprising water-directing means, the water-directing means for forming selectively discharged water via a select water gateway, the select water gateway being selected from the group consisting of the pool water inlet and the fountain water outlet.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the water fountain assembly comprises a plurality of fountain water outlets, the fountain water outlets being mounted at intervals adjacent the upper pool periphery.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the fountain water outlets are substantially equally spaced at intervals adjacent the upper pool periphery.

11. The system of claim 8 wherein each fountain water outlet comprises a discharge valve, the discharge valves for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through the fountain water outlet.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the fountain water outlets are selectively positionable for directing the selectively discharged water toward a central pool region.

13. The system of claim 8 wherein the pool water inlet is superiorly located relative to the pool water outlet, the superiorly located pool water inlet for creating a waterfall effect when the selectively discharged water discharges via the superiorly located pool water inlet.

14. The system of claim 8 comprising a water illumination assembly, the water illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, each light source for illuminating the selectively discharged water.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the water illumination assembly comprises a low voltage, waterproof power source and at least one DC-powered light assembly, each light assembly comprising periphery-mounting means, a selectively positionable illumination source and power source-communicating means, the power source for directing DC current to the illumination source via the power source-communicating means, the illumination source being selectively positionable for illuminating the selectively discharged water.

16. A fountain kit for outfitting a swimming pool with a water fountain, the swimming pool comprising an upper pool periphery, a pool water outlet, and a pool water inlet, the fountain kit comprising: a fountain conduit assembly, the fountain conduit assembly comprising a plurality of fountain water outlets and at least one length of fountain conduit, the length of fountain conduit for interconnecting the fountain water outlets; and a water pump conduit assembly, the water pump conduit assembly comprising a water pump, pump water conduit, and at least two conduit valves, the pump water conduit for forming fountain-directed conduit and pool-directed conduit, the fountain-directed conduit for interconnecting the water pump and the fountain conduit assembly, the pool-directed conduit for interconnecting the water pump and the swimming pool, the conduit valves being cooperatively associatable with the fountain-directed conduit and the pool-directed conduit for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through at least one select water gateway, the select water gateway being selected from the group consisting of the pool water inlet and the fountain water outlets.

17. The fountain kit of claim 16 wherein each fountain water outlet and each length of ring conduit comprise an arc length, the arc lengths for forming a continuously arced water fountain conduit ring assembly, the water fountain conduit ring assembly being mountable in adjacency to a continuously arced upper pool periphery.

18. The fountain kit of claim 16 wherein each fountain water outlet comprises a discharge valve, the discharge valves for enabling a user to selectively direct pumped water through the fountain water outlets.

19. The fountain kit of claim 16 the length of fountain conduit enables an installer to equally space the fountain water outlets at intervals adjacent the upper pool periphery.

20. The fountain kit of claim 16 wherein the fountain water outlets are selectively positionable for directing selectively dischargeable water toward the central pool region for creating a select water-based effect, the select water-based effect being selected from the group consisting of a water fountain effect and a waterfall effect.

21. The fountain kit of claim 16 comprising a water illumination assembly, the water illumination assembly comprising at least one light source, each light source for illuminating the selectively dischargeable water.

22. The fountain kit of claim 21 wherein the water illumination assembly comprises a low voltage, waterproof power source and at least one DC-powered light assembly, each light assembly comprising periphery-mounting means, a selectively positionable illumination source and power source-communicating means, the power source for directing DC current to the illumination source via the power source-communicating means, the illumination source being selectively positionable for illuminating the selectively dischargeable water.

23. The fountain kit of claim 22 wherein the water illumination assembly comprises a plurality of selectively colored light filters, the selectively colored light filters for illuminating the selectively dischargeable water in a variety of colors.

24. The fountain kit of claim 16 comprising a plurality of strap-hook assemblies and a plurality of spacer assemblies, the strap-hook assemblies and the spacer assemblies for mounting the fountain conduit assembly to the upper pool periphery.