U.S. patent application number 11/643383 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for pool having curvable wall.
Invention is credited to Paul Kantor.
Application Number | 20070144082 11/643383 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38191970 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kantor; Paul |
June 28, 2007 |
Pool having curvable wall
Abstract
A curvable panel for swimming pools and the like includes a
panel that is flexible to form concave or convex surfaces. At least
one elongated reinforcing member is secured to the panel to retain
the panel in the desired shape. Locating features such as notches
or the like in the elongated reinforcing member and the panel
ensure that the panel retains the desired shape. The panel can be
readily formed into a variety of shapes, thereby reducing the
tooling, inventory, and other such costs that would otherwise by
incurred if a plurality of rigid curved panels were utilized.
Inventors: |
Kantor; Paul; (South Haven,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt & Litton, LLP
695 Kenmoor, S.E.
Post Office Box 2567
Grand Rapids
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
38191970 |
Appl. No.: |
11/643383 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60753070 |
Dec 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/169.7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/0043
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/169.7 |
International
Class: |
E02D 27/00 20060101
E02D027/00 |
Claims
1. A panel for swimming pools, comprising: a panel having generally
vertical first and second side faces, the first side face being
suitable for forming a sidewall of a swimming pool of the type
having a liner, the panel defining upper and lower peripheral
edges, and side edges extending between the upper and lower
peripheral edges, the panel including a plurality of structural
ribs projecting transversely from the side face and extending
generally vertically along the first side face and defining an
outer edge surface, the panel comprising a flexible material such
that the first side face can be formed into a plurality of
non-planar curved shapes; at least two of the outer edge surfaces
of the structural ribs having a rib notch therein with opposed
inner side surfaces; and at least one support member extending
horizontally along the second side face of the panel, at least a
portion of the support member being positioned in the rib notches
in the outer edge surfaces of the ribs between the opposed inner
side surfaces to vertically position the support member relative to
the panel, wherein the support member is connected to the panel in
at least two locations and holds the panel in a curved
configuration with the first side face having a non-planar curved
shape.
2. The panel of claim 1, wherein: the support member comprises an
elongated strap-like member having opposite side edges, at least
one side edge having first and second strap notches therein, and
wherein the opposed inner side surfaces of the rib notches are
received in the strap notches to horizontally position the
strap-like member relative to the panel.
3. The panel of claim 2, wherein: the strap-like member is made of
a flexible material.
4. The panel of claim 1, wherein: the rib notches include base
surfaces extending between the opposed inner surfaces; and
including: threaded fasteners extending through the support member
into the base surfaces of the rib notches.
5. The panel of claim 1, wherein: at least a first one of the ribs
includes a main rib section extending along a side edge of the
panel, the first one of the ribs including an offset portion
forming a rib notch, the offset portion being spaced horizontally
from the side edge of the panel and from the main rib section.
6. The panel of claim 5, wherein: the first one of the ribs
includes angled portions extending between the main rib portion and
the offset portion.
7. The panel of claim 1, wherein: the panel comprises a vertically
enlarged web, and the structural ribs are integrally formed with
the web.
8. The panel of claim 7, wherein: the web and the structural ribs
are made of a polymer material.
9. The panel of claim 1, wherein: the support member is made of a
polymer material.
10. A swimming pool, comprising: a plurality of upright wall panels
that are interconnected to form a pool sidewall; at least one of
the wall panels comprising generally vertical inner and outer
opposite side faces, and including a plurality of horizontally
spaced apart retaining structures extending outwardly form the
outer side frame and defining first engagement surfaces, wherein
the inner side face has a gently curved shape in plan view; at
least one horizontally extending elongated support member connected
to the retaining structures and retaining the one wall panel in the
curved shape; and wherein: the elongated support member defines
second engagement surfaces in contact with the first engagement
surfaces and restricting vertical movement of the elongated support
member relative to the one wall panel.
11. The swimming pool of claim 10, wherein: the retaining
structures comprise flange-like structures.
12. The swimming pool of claim 11, wherein: the flange-like
structures define outer edges, and the first engagement surfaces
comprise notches in the outer edges, and wherein: portions of the
elongated support member are received in the notches.
13. The swimming pool of claim 12, wherein: the elongated support
member defines opposite edges; and the second engagement surfaces
comprise notches in the opposite edges that receive portions of the
flange-like structures.
14. The swimming pool of claim 11, wherein: the one wall panel
defines upper and lower edge portions, and the flange-like
structures extend from the upper edge portions to the lower edge
portions.
15. The swimming pool of claim 10, including: mechanical fasteners
connecting the elongated support member to the one wall panel.
16. The swimming pool of claim 11, wherein: the one wall panel
includes a vertically and horizontally enlarged web having an inner
surface forming the inner side face, and an outer surface, and
wherein: the flange-like structures are integrally formed with the
web and extend transversely outwardly from the outer surface.
17. The swimming pool of claim 16, wherein: the web is
substantially uniform in thickness.
18. The swimming pool of claim 10, wherein: the inner side face is
concave.
19. The swimming pool of claim 10, wherein: the inner side face is
convex.
20. The swimming pool of claim 10, wherein: the inner side face is
curved solely about a vertical axis.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
patent application Ser. No. 60/753,070, filed on Dec. 22, 2005, the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to pools, especially larger
pools typically referred to as swimming pools. However, the
invention could be used to produce so-called swim spas, wading
pools or the like.
[0003] A major breakthrough in pool construction occurred in about
1993, when Polynesian Pools, Inc. introduced the pool disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,555. This pool includes a segmented wall having
a plurality of wall panels that are interconnected end-to-end to
form a plurality of joints. Adjacent each joint of the segmented
wall is one vertical support such as a post. A hanger plate having
at least two rows of holes interconnects the vertical support and
segmented wall. A first row of holes are elongated in a first
direction, and a second row of holes are elongated in a direction
at a right angle to the first. The elongated holes provide for
vertical and horizontal adjustment of the hanger plate and wall
panels relative to the posts. The segmented wall is capped by an
extruded coping which retains the upper edge of a vinyl liner
fitted to the walls and floor of the pool.
[0004] Others have since emulated this design. Some employ braces
which project further away from the pool wall, i.e. a full two or
three feet, in order to give greater support to a concrete or other
deck placed above the braces around the perimeter of the pool.
These wider braces are difficult to work with, however, since one
normally does not want to have to "overdig" more than about two
feet beyond the nominal edge of the pool where the walls are
placed. If the braces extend two or three feet from the wall, one
has to dig further at least in the area of the braces in order to
accommodate the greater length.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One aspect of the present invention is a swimming pool
having a plurality of panels forming a pool wall. A liner is
secured to an upper edge of the pool wall, and provides a
waterproof barrier for retaining water in the pool. At least one of
the panels is a flexible panel having generally vertical first and
second side faces. The first side face is suitable for forming a
sidewall of a swimming pool having a liner. The panel defines upper
and lower peripheral edges, and side edges extending between the
upper and lower peripheral edges. The panel also includes a
plurality of structural ribs projecting transversely from the
second side face. The structural ribs extend generally vertically
along the first side face and define an outer edge surface. The
panel is made of a flexible material such that the first side face
can be formed into a plurality of non-planar curved shapes. At
least two of the outer edge surfaces of the vertical ribs have a
rib notch therein with opposed inner side surfaces. A support
member such as an elongated strip extends horizontally along the
second side face of the panel, and a portion of the support member
is positioned in the rib notches between the opposed inner side
surfaces to thereby vertically position the elongated strip
relative to the panel. The elongated strip may include notches
along opposite side edges that receive portions of the structural
ribs of the panel to thereby horizontally position the elongated
strip and provide for predetermined spacing between the structural
ribs. The spacing between the outer edge surface of the vertical
ribs can be set to provide the degree of curvature desired for a
particular application. The flexible panel can be configured in a
variety of convex or concave curved shapes for inner and outer
corners, respectively of a pool wall. Also, the curvature may be
chosen to have a constant radius to thereby form a segment of a
circle in plan view. Alternately, the degree of curvature may vary
along the length of the panel. Still further, the panel may be
curved to include both concave and convex portions.
[0006] These and other features, advantages, and objects of the
present invention will be further understood and appreciated by
those skilled in the art by reference to the following
specification, claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a partially fragmentary perspective view of a
swimming pool including a curvable panel according to one aspect of
the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a curvable panel wherein the
panel is configured to have a concave curvature on the inner panel
surface;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a curvable panel wherein the
panel is configured to have a convex curvature on the inner panel
surface;
[0010] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the curvable
panel of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a flexible panel in an
unflexed state;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a side view of the flexible panel of FIG. 5;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flexible panel positioned
in a fixture for assembly; and
[0014] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a reinforcing member
taken along the line VIII-VIII; FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0015] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations and step
sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is
also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following
specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive
concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions
and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments
disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the
claims expressly state otherwise.
[0016] With reference to FIG. 1, a swimming pool 1 includes a
plurality of rigid wall panels 2 that are interconnected to form
straight wall sections as described in more detail in the
above-identified U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,010, and a
liner 3 provides a waterproof barrier to retain the water in the
pool 1. Swimming pool 1 also includes one or more curvable panels
10 that can be formed into an inner corner 11 or an outer corner
12. One or more buttresses 13 provide support for the panels 2 and
10. The buttresses 13 are described in more detail in the
above-identified patent application Ser. No. 10/982,010.
[0017] With further reference to FIG. 2, curvable panel 10 includes
a generally vertical sidewall or web 14 forming an inner side
surface 15 of curvable panel 10. A plurality of flanges 16 extend
transversely away from the vertical web 14, and provide
reinforcement for the curvable panel 10. Upper edge 17 of curvable
panel 10 includes a plurality of integrally-formed web sections 19
that extend transversely away from vertical web 14 at the upper
ends 20 of flanges 16. A plurality of integrally-formed smaller web
sections 21 also extend inwardly from the vertical web 14 between
the flanges 16. A plurality of tapered notches 22 are formed
between the web sections 19 and 21. The notches 22 permit flexing
of vertical web 14 to form a concave inner side surface 15, or a
convex inner surface 15A (FIG. 3). A lower edge 18 of curvable
panel 10 also includes a plurality of integrally-formed web
sections 19 and 21, and tapered notches 22. Vertical web 14,
flanges 16, and web sections 19 and 21 comprise a polymer material
having sufficient flexibility to permit deformation into a variety
of shapes.
[0018] Integrally-formed end flanges 23 of curvable panel 10 are
somewhat similar to the flanges 16, and further include offset
portions 24 to permit attachment of elongated reinforcement members
25 to the curvable panel 10 with the ends 26 of the reinforcing
members 25 positioned at or inwardly of the side surface 27 of end
flange 23. One or more inner flanges 29 also include offset
portions 24. The panel 10 can be cut or otherwise separated
directly adjacent the inner flanges 29 to create a smaller panel
wherein the inner flanges 29 become end flanges 23. The end flanges
23 and inner flanges 29 include a plurality of elongated apertures
30 that receive a peg and wedge connector or other suitable
fastening arrangement. The peg and wedge connector is described in
detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,010, and will not
therefore be described in detail herein. It will be understood,
however, that the curvable panel 10 can be readily interconnected
with one or more rigid wall panels 2 (FIG. 1), or a plurality of
various size curvable panels 10 may be interconnected utilizing the
peg and wedge connector arrangement or other suitable fastening
arrangement.
[0019] As described in more detail below, the curvable panel 10 can
be used to form a concave inner corner 11 (FIG. 2) or a convex
outer corner 12 (FIG. 3).
[0020] With further reference to FIG. 4, each of the flanges 16, 23
and 29 include a distal edge 31, 31A, and 31B, respectively having
a shallow notch 32 in which the elongated reinforcing member 25 is
received. Each notch 32 includes a base surface 33, and upper and
lower side surfaces 34 and 35, respectively. Elongated reinforcing
member 25 includes a plurality of upper notches 35 along the upper
edge 36, and a plurality of lower notches 37 in the lower edge 38.
The upper and lower notches 35 and 37 receive a portion of the
flanges 16, 23 and 29. A plurality of threaded fasteners 40 extend
through openings in reinforcing member 25, and are received in
openings 41 (see also FIG. 5) in base surfaces 33 of notches 32.
The notches 32, 35 and 37 position the reinforcing member 25 both
vertically and horizontally, and the threaded fasteners 40 securely
interconnect the reinforcing member 25 to the curvable panel 10.
The spacing between the notches 35 and 37 can be chosen to provide
the desired degree of curvature and thereby form either a convex
inner wall surface (FIG. 3), or a concave inner wall surface (FIG.
2). Also, the spacing between the notches 35 and 37 in elongated
member 25 can be varied to thereby provide a curve having a radius
that is not constant, such that the curvable panel does not have
the shape of a segment of a circle in plan view.
[0021] End flange 23 includes an upper transverse portion 42 and
lower transverse portion 43 that extend inwardly from side surface
27, and upper and lower vertical sections 44 and 45, respectively
form a notch 32. The offset portion 24 permits the end portion 46
of elongated reinforcing member 25 to be secured to the flange 23,
without positioning the end 26 of reinforcing member 25 such that
it projects beyond side surface 27 of curvable panel 10.
[0022] With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, a curvable panel 10
is initially formed in a flat, uncurved configuration, and the
elongated reinforcing members 25 are installed to the panel 10 to
provide the desired degree of curvature.
[0023] With further reference to FIG. 8, elongated flexible members
25 comprise strap-like members having elongated raised portions 55
and relatively thick end portions 56 that provide bending stiffness
to ensure that the elongated members 25 do not buckle or flex
excessively when a compressive force is applied. A central web
portion 57 of reinforcing member 25 is relatively flat and thin to
provide for threaded fasteners 40. It will be understood that
elongated flexible members 25 could have a variety of
configurations.
[0024] With reference back to FIG. 7, during assembly the curvable
panel 10 is positioned in a fixture 50 having curved support
surfaces 51, and a plurality of clamps 52 are used to secure the
panel 10 against the curved surfaces 51. Curved surfaces 51 support
and retain panels 10 in the proper shape. The elongated flexible
members 25 are initially fabricated without notches 35 and 37 or
openings for fasteners 40. The spacing between the notches 35 and
37 along the length of the reinforcing members 25 can be calculated
to provide the desired curvature for the curvable panel 10. The
notches 35 and 37 and fastener openings 53 are then formed in the
elongated flexible members 25, and the elongated flexible members
25 are cut to the proper length. In a preferred embodiment, the
elongated flexible members 53 are made of a polymer material that
is somewhat flexible, yet stiff enough to provide strength for the
panel 10. The fastener openings 53 and notches 35 and 37 are formed
using a punch press machine (not shown) or other suitable
device/method. The threaded fasteners 40 are then installed to
secure the elongated reinforcing members 25 to the panel 10 to
thereby retain the desired degree of curvature.
[0025] The curvable panel 10 of the present invention can be
readily configured to provide a variety of shapes, including
concave and convex surfaces. Furthermore, the flexible panel can be
formed to include both concave and convex surfaces to thereby
provide a S-shape in plan view (not shown). Because a single panel
can be utilized to provide a variety of corners or curves, the
amount of tooling and related expenses is greatly reduced.
Furthermore, the need to provide a large number of panels in
inventory is also reduced. Still further, a variety of custom
shapes can be formed to provide for individual customers. The
flexible panels can be readily secured to wall panels of the type
disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/982,010, utilizing
the peg and wedge fastening system disclosed in the '010
application. Alternately, virtually any other suitable arrangement
may be utilized to interconnect adjacent panels.
[0026] In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated
by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the
invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.
Such modifications are to be considered as included in the
following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *