U.S. patent application number 12/192227 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for collapsible container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cindex Holdings Limited (a Hong Kong corporation). Invention is credited to Chung Wai (Paul) CHENG.
Application Number | 20090044327 12/192227 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40361794 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090044327 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHENG; Chung Wai (Paul) |
February 19, 2009 |
COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER
Abstract
A portable swimming pool includes a base having a perimeter; a
side wall erected upright, the side wall including a top and a
bottom, and the bottom of the side wall coupled to the perimeter of
the base; and a floatation device coupled to the top of the side
wall, the floatation device adapted to cause the side wall to
remain approximately perpendicular relative the base in a generally
vertical orientation.
Inventors: |
CHENG; Chung Wai (Paul);
(Hong Kong, CN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TROUTMAN SANDERS LLP
600 PEACHTREE STREET , NE
ATLANTA
GA
30308
US
|
Assignee: |
Cindex Holdings Limited (a Hong
Kong corporation)
Hong Kong
CN
|
Family ID: |
40361794 |
Appl. No.: |
12/192227 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60956066 |
Aug 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/0025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/506 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00 |
Claims
1. A collapsible container comprising: a base; a side wall
extending upwardly from a perimeter of the base, such that a bottom
edge of the side wall is coupled about the perimeter of the base;
and a floatation device attached to a top edge of the side wall and
extending inwardly from the perimeter, the floatation device
enabling the side wall to be positioned in a generally vertical
orientation and approximately normal relative to the base.
2. The collapsible container of claim 1, the floatation device
comprising an inflatable ring.
3. The collapsible container of claim 1, the floatation device
comprising buoyant characteristics adapted to fall and rise based
on the amount of fluid contained within the container.
4. The collapsible container of claim 1, further comprising at
least one porthole device.
5. The collapsible container of claim 4, further comprising a pump
device to circulate fluid in the collapsible container.
6. The collapsible container of claim 5, further comprising a
drainage assembly integral with the side wall for draining the
fluid contained in the container.
7. In a collapsible container for containing a fluid, the
collapsible container comprising (i) a base having a perimeter,
(ii) a side wall coupled along the perimeter of the base, the side
wall having a top and a bottom, the improvement comprising a
floatation device coupled along the top of the side wall and the
floatation device positioned within the collapsible container
extending inwardly toward a center of the base.
8. The collapsible container of claim 7, the floatation device
comprising an inflatable ring and comprising buoyant
characteristics adapted to fall and rise based on the amount of
fluid contained within the container.
9. The collapsible container of claim 8, further comprising at
least one porthole device integral with the side wall.
10. The collapsible container of claim 9, further comprising a pump
device to circulate the fluid in the collapsible container.
11. The collapsible container of claim 10, further comprising a
drainage assembly integral with the side wall for draining the
fluid.
12. In a collapsible swimming pool for containing water, the
collapsible swimming pool comprising (i) a base having a perimeter,
(ii) a side wall coupled along the perimeter of the base, the side
wall having a top and a bottom and the side wall having an acute
angle relative to the base, the improvement comprising a floatation
device coupled along the top of the side wall, extending inwardly
toward the center of the base, and floatation device facilitating
the side wall to be positioned approximately perpendicular relative
the base.
13. The collapsible swimming pool of claim 12, the floatation
device positioned within the perimeter of the swimming pool.
14. The collapsible swimming pool of claim 13, the floatation
device comprising buoyancy characteristics to rise and fall
depending on the amount of water in the swimming pool.
15. The collapsible swimming pool of claim 14, the floatation
device comprising an inflatable ring that is composed of material
that comprises floating characteristics.
16. The collapsible swimming pool of claim 15, the inflatable ring
deflatable and foldable for storing purposes.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims benefit, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e), of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/956,066, filed
15 Aug. 2007, the entire contents and substance of which are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to collapsible
containers and, more particularly, to a ring swimming pool.
[0003] Portable swimming pools, or kiddie pools, are known. A first
conventional pool of this type is formed from molded plastic, which
permanently takes on the shape of a small, portable swimming pool.
These pools exist in a variety of shapes and sizes, and consumers
are able to choose the specific portable pool that suits their
particular needs.
[0004] One problem associated with these types of portable pools is
that they are cumbersome. Because the pools often have an awkward
size and shape, they are difficult to transport, as they can be
larger than many vehicles. Thus, to transport one of these items, a
consumer must typically strap it to the roof of a vehicle, or if
the pool is too large, the purchaser must make arrangements for
oversized vehicle transport. Moreover, such pools are difficult and
awkward to handle or carry even for short distances.
[0005] In addition to the problem with transporting these
conventional portable pools, they are generally so large that they
are difficult to store. In fact, among certain consumers, they have
become disposable due to the difficulties of storage. Oftentimes
consumers, for example, can purchase one of these portable pools at
the beginning of the summer swimming season, and simply discard it
during the colder months when it would otherwise need to be stored.
This practice, however, is viewed by many as wasteful, and is
preferably avoided.
[0006] Another problem with conventional molded plastic portable
pools is that they are easily breakable. Because of this problem,
the difficulty in storing such items is exacerbated as they can not
easily be bent or manipulated without the risk of breaking the
item. Additionally, because of the manner in which children play in
and around a portable pool, the fact that they are easily breakable
is highly undesirable because it could potentially cause or
contribute to injuries.
[0007] A conventional pool is illustrated in FIG. 1, which is a
side, cross-sectional view of a conventional quick-set swimming
pool. The conventional quick-set swimming pool 5 includes a base
10, a side wall 20, and a rising ring 30. The swimming pool 5 is
generally formed by joining the base 10, along its perimeter 12, to
the erected side wall 20 at or near a first edge or bottom 22 of
the side wall 20. The side wall 20 is angled, such that it is not
perpendicular to the base 10. Specifically, the side wall 20 slants
at an angle inwardly toward the center of the swimming pool 5,
i.e., the side wall 20 has an acute angle relative to the base
10.
[0008] To setup the conventional quick set swimming pool 5, the
edge of the side wall 20 that is not joined to the base 10 (i.e.,
the top) can have the rising ring 30 coupled thereto. The rising
ring 30 can comprise a variety of different elements capable of
aiding the transformation of the swimming pool from a collapsed
configuration to an expanded configuration by erecting the side
wall 20. For example, the rising ring 30 can be a floating device
that floats on the water in the swimming pool 5, causing the side
wall 20 to rise as more water is inserted in the swimming pool 5.
When the swimming pool 5 reaches fluid capacity, the ultimate shape
of the pool is that as shown in FIG. 1, such that the side wall 20
is slanted inwardly. Unfortunately, this angled side wall 20 can
compromise the integrity and stability of the side walls, and thus
is not desired.
SUMMARY
[0009] It would be desirable to develop a portable pool that
exhibits the portability of an inflatable pool, but which does not
require the same time and energy expenditure, or presents the same
storage difficulties, as an inflatable pool, and which possesses
the ability to be used immediately, such as a molded pool. It would
be desirable that such a portable, storable pool be relatively
robust, and not be easily broken, or otherwise damaged.
[0010] Briefly described, embodiments of the present invention
relate to a collapsible container, which are both portable and
robust, and which exhibit ease of use. Specifically, embodiments of
the invention provide a collapsible swimming pool that can also be
used as a different container and exhibits the portability and ease
of storage of an inflatable or portable pool without the need for a
great expenditure of time and/or energy prior to use, such as the
difficulties that might generally be associated with an inflatable
pool. Additionally, the swimming pool is configured to be used
immediately, without any need for appreciable set-up time or
significant energy. Moreover, the swimming pool is relatively
robust, and is not easily broken, punctured, torn, or otherwise
damaged, as is the case with conventional pools.
[0011] The pool will be described as incorporating a side wall, as
described in an exemplary embodiment comprises a circular-shaped
pool having but a single side, but it can be implemented to include
more than one side. Further, the side wall of the pool is
approximately perpendicular to a base, such that the side wall does
not slant inwardly.
[0012] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a floatation device (which can be inflatable) can be positioned at
the top rim of the collapsible pool. The floatation device can
provide padding for those entering and exiting the pool, and can
also provide a manner by which the pool changes from a collapsed to
an expanded configuration with the addition of water within the
pool. For instance, the floatation device can rise as the water
level rises due to its buoyant properties, extending the material
connecting the top of the pool, thereby erecting the side walls of
the pool.
[0013] The side wall of the pool, when compared to the conventional
quick set swimming pool, is inside-out. As a result, the floatation
device is positioned over the fluid in the pool, as well as within
the perimeter of the side wall, rather than outside the perimeter;
moreover, the side wall is preferably approximately perpendicular
relative the base and has a generally vertical orientation, rather
than being slanted.
[0014] The swimming pool further can comprise a plurality of
portholes in the side wall of the pool. A porthole is a
through-space window-like opening. The porthole enables one to see
the inside of the pool from outside the pool, and can include a
variety of shapes. The material of the porthole is transparent
enabling inside the pool to outside the pool, and/or inside the
pool to outside the pool viewing. Conversely, the material of the
side wall is opaque.
[0015] In accordance with yet another embodiment, supports such as
vertical rib supports or frames, can be coupled proximate to the
side wall of the pool. For example, the supports can be inserted
within the material making up the side wall. These support members
can comprise at least a portion of a floatation device or a support
member, and can have at least a portion coupled to the top of the
side wall and vertically along the side wall to provide buoyancy
and/or rigidity to the side wall. These support members can
comprise, for example, one or more inflatable bladders, collapsible
foam, removable support members, and the like.
[0016] Further features of the invention, and the advantages
offered thereby, are explained in greater detail hereinafter with
reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are indicated by like reference
designators.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of a conventional,
prior art collapsible container.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side, cross-sectional view of a collapsible
container, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a top view of the collapsible container, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a side, perspective view of the collapsible
container, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and
features of embodiments of the invention, they are explained
hereinafter with reference to their implementation in an
illustrative embodiment. In particular, embodiments of the
invention are described in the context of being a collapsible
swimming pool. Because of its collapsible nature, aspects of the
invention can be easily stored, and is readily portable.
[0022] Embodiments of the invention, however, are not limited to
its use as a portable, collapsible, and/or pop-up swimming pool.
Rather, embodiments of the invention can be used wherever a
collapsible and/or pop-up container that provides for convenient
storage is needed or desired. Thus, the container described
hereinafter as a portable swimming pool can also find utility as a
container for a variety of fluids, liquids, or other substances
that require or could make use of such a collapsible container.
[0023] Additionally, the materials described hereinafter as making
up the various elements of the container are intended to be
illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable materials that
would perform the same or a similar function as the materials
described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of
the invention. Such other materials not described herein can
include, but are not limited to, materials that are developed after
the time of the development of the invention, for example.
[0024] Embodiments of the invention provide several exemplarily
embodiments of collapsible containers that can be used as a
swimming pool. These collapsible containers are generally formed by
joining a base, along its perimeter, to an erected side wall at or
near one edge (i.e., a bottom) of the side wall.
[0025] Along the edge of the side wall not joined to the base
(i.e., a top), an upward force providing member or a shape
retaining member, or a combination thereof, can be positioned. The
upward force providing member or shape retaining member generally
has at least a portion coupled proximate to the end of the side
wall not joined to the base. The upward force providing member can
comprise a variety of different elements capable of aiding the
transformation of the collapsible container from a collapsed
configuration to an expanded configuration by erecting the side
wall. For example, the upward force providing member might be a
floatation device that floats on fluid in the container, causing
the side wall to rise as additional fluid is deposited in the
container. The floatation device can effectively cause the side
wall to be approximately normal the base or the surface upon which
the base sits. Additionally, the floatation device is positioned
within the interior of the container, as it extends inwardly toward
a center of the base.
[0026] A support member and/or shape retaining member can be formed
from one or more support members having at least a portion coupled
proximate to the side wall of the pool. For example, vertical rib
supports can be used as an upward force providing member, a
shape-retaining member, or both. Such vertical ribs can be formed
from individual inflatable portions, or can be a foam insert, or
the like. According to some embodiments, such vertical ribs can be
collapsible, being formed from collapsible inflatable portions,
collapsible foam portions, or other suitable compositions.
[0027] The pool can also incorporate at least one porthole in the
side wall. A plurality of portholes can be provided, each being a
translucent portion of the side wall, and being transparent. The
portholes provide a window-like mechanism permitting one to see
into the pool through the side wall. Similarly, the portholes
enable one within the pool to see outside the pool.
[0028] The pool can also include a pump device for cleaning and
filtration purposes. In some embodiments, if the pump device is
present a fountain device can be positioned in the pool to provide
decorative movement of the fluid, commonly water.
[0029] A container, or portable swimming pool, constructed in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention is
illustrated in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, a swimming pool 100 has
a base 110 and a side wall 120, which is made from a physical
material and is formed in a particular shape.
[0030] The pool 100 can be a frame pool or a pop-up type of pool,
both of which being collapsible in nature. The frame pool is
typically pre-fabricated and includes a plurality of external
vertical braces or frames for supporting the frame pool above the
ground. The vertical braces or frames can be made of plastic,
metal, and the like. The pop-up pool is adapted to rise with the
amount of water inserted into pool, and can also be outfitted with
external braces or frames for additional support. In an exemplary
embodiment, the pool 100 can be a combination of the frame and
pop-up pools having elements of both devices. As one skilled in the
art would appreciate, other types of pools can be used with
embodiments of the present invention.
[0031] The shape of the pool 100 can be circular, oval, and the
like. The pool 100 can be made in a variety of shapes, including,
but not limited to, rectangular, square, oblong, oval-shaped,
elliptical, rectangular with rounded corners, and the like.
Different shapes can result in the pool 100 having more than one
side wall 120 forming the perimeter of the pool 100. Additionally,
the pool 100 can be made in a variety of sizes, depending upon the
desired use.
[0032] The pool 100 is formed with the base 110 and side wall 120.
The base 110 and side wall 120 can be manufactured out of many
different materials and can be formed of the same materials or each
a different material. For example, the base 110 and side wall 120
of the swimming pool 100 can be formed from a textile (e.g.,
burlap, etc.) or synthetic material (e.g., plastics, polyurethane,
PVC, nylon, etc). Many materials (especially water-permeable
textiles, etc.) can be used to construct a pool; the materials,
however, are preferably treated to retain water. For example, such
materials could be adhered to, laminated with, coated with, or
bonded to a material impermeable to water. In accordance with the
embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the base 110 can be formed from a nylon
shell, which can be laminated or otherwise treated to hold water.
For example, the nylon shell might be bonded to another material,
such as a polyurethane, PVC, vinyl, or other suitable impermeable
lining to provide the desirable waterproof qualities, and to
provide a more pleasing tactile quality to the interior of the pool
100. Similarly, the wall 120 of the pool 100 can be constructed
from these materials, or other materials having similar suitable
qualities. Many of the materials that are used can be selected for
their durability.
[0033] For example, the base 110 can be formed from materials that
are more durable than the side wall 120, as this section of the
pool 100 would likely be subjected to more wear than that
experienced by the side wall 120. Also, as described, the base 110
and side wall 120 can be formed from a combination of materials,
which can be adhered or bonded together. The materials used for the
various portions of the pool 100, including, for example, the base
110 and the side wall 120, can be joined by way of a number of
commonly known suitable techniques, such as sewing, adhesives,
bonding, lamination, RF welding, other suitable joining techniques,
and the like. The connection of the base 110 to the side wall 120
can be along the bottom 122 of the side wall 120. The base 110
includes a perimeter 112, wherein the bottom 122 of the side wall
120 can be connected thereto.
[0034] The side wall 120 can comprise both an inner wall 126 and an
outer wall 128. The inner wall 126 can be sealable to the outer
wall 128. The side wall 120 is preferably non-inflatable and
non-spring activated.
[0035] In one embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be made of pliable
plastic, while the outer wall 128 is made of hard plastic. Then,
the inner wall 126 can limit leakage of fluid should the outer wall
128 crack. Likewise, the material of the inner wall 126 can be made
of hard plastic, and the material of the outer wall 128 can be made
of pliable material to protect from potential leakage should the
hard plastic crack.
[0036] In another embodiment, the inner wall 126 can be made of
hard plastic, while the outer wall 128 can also be made of hard
plastic.
[0037] The pool 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2 further includes a
floatation device 130, which is formed in the shape of the pool
100, attached to the top 124 of the side wall 120. According to an
exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the floatation device 130 can
be an inflatable ring. This floatation device 130, if inflated, can
provide some stiffness at the top 124 of the side wall 120, and can
help maintain the overall shape of the pool 100. Moreover, the
floatation device 130 can provide padding for those entering and
exiting the pool 100, and can also provide a manner by which the
pool 100 changes from a collapsed to an expanded configuration with
the addition of water within the pool 100. Additionally, as the
floatation device 130 can be buoyant, it can be made to rise with
the level of water within the pool 100, such that as water is
deposited in the pool 100 and the floatation device 130 rises with
the level of that water, the side wall 120 is automatically erected
as the pool 100 is filled.
[0038] The floatation device 130 can be made from a variety of
materials. For example, the floatation device 130 can be a standard
inflatable polyurethane casing, or similar casing that is suitable
for retaining air or other gas in an inflated state. Additionally,
the floatation device 130 can make use of a variety of chemical or
other reactions that would automatically inflate it. The floatation
device 130 can be inflated by conventional means, for example by a
valve configured for oral inflation or for inflation by a device
such as a pump, and the like.
[0039] The floatation device 130 can also be made from material
that does not require inflation, but provides adequate buoyancy and
floats on the water contained within the pool 100 (or other fluid
when the pool is used as a general container). For example, special
foams, polystyrene, or other materials can be used to create a
floatation device 130, which would float with the water line
contained in the pool 100, and cause the walls 120 to be erected as
the pool 100 fills. In this manner, the pool 100 can automatically
change from a collapsed to an expanded configuration. As the pool
100 is a collapsible pool, and adapted to be folded, the floatation
device 130 can be made of a material that can be subjected to
folding, without becoming damaged. Although some potential
materials from which the floatation device 130 can be formed have
been mentioned above, other materials including, but not limited
to, newly developed materials can be incorporated within the design
of the invention, and used to form the floatation device 130
without departing from the invention.
[0040] The floatation device 130 can be of a nature other than an
inflatable ring. For example, this floatation device 130 can be
made of a material that floats, and is bendable, such that it can
be folded or bent.
[0041] The pool 100 can be conveniently collapsed for storage
and/or transport by deflating the inflated floatation device 130
and folding onto itself along with the base 110 and side wall 120
material in a manner that is well known.
[0042] Conventional pool designs positioned the floatation device
directly over the top of the side wall 120. These conventional
designs were defective, and the pools 100 were unable to maintain
their shape. The floatation device 130 enables the side wall 120 to
be positioned in a generally vertical orientation, or approximately
perpendicular relative to the base 110. The generally vertical
orientation of the side wall 120 can result from the floatation
device 130 being positioned atop the side wall 120. In an exemplary
embodiment, the floatation device 130 is turned inside-out, with
respect to the conventional quick set pool, causing the side wall
120 to remain more upright. For instance, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
the side wall 120 of the floatation device 130 is disposed within
the perimeter of the pool 100, and this preferably approximately
within the perimeter of the base 110, while still maintaining the
generally vertical orientation of the side wall 120.
[0043] In the conventional solution, the floatation device 130
extends outwardly. In the present invention, however, the
floatation device 130 is positioned partially over the base 110
(see FIG. 2), rather than outside the perimeter of the base 110
(see FIG. 1) and hence extends inwardly. Accordingly, instead of
causing the side wall 120 from having an acute angle relative to
the base 110 (see a of FIG. 1), as was present in the conventional
solution, the present invention enables the side wall 120 to be
approximately normal thereto (see FIG. 2). The floatation device
130 by being "inside out" or positioned on the opposite side of the
side wall (interior rather than exterior) causes the side wall 120
to be erect in an approximately normal relationship relative the
base 110. As a result, the life span and functionality of the side
wall 120 is much improved.
[0044] Additionally, referring now to FIG. 4, the pool 100 can
further comprise a porthole 150, or a plurality thereof. The
portholes 150 are translucent sections of the side wall 120, either
integrally formed in/with the side wall 120, or separate elements.
The portholes 150 perform like a window permitting one to see into
the pool 100. Similarly, the portholes 150 enable one within the
pool to see outside the pool 100. The portholes 150 can further
enable determining the level of fluid within the pool 100.
[0045] The portholes 150 can have particular shapes. As illustrated
in FIG. 4, the shape of the portholes 150 can be oval. Other
embodiments provide that the portholes 150 can be round or
circular. As will, however, be apparent to one skilled in the art,
the configuration of the porthole 150 can be many shapes. In a
preferred embodiment, the locations of the portholes 150 can be
placed symmetrically about the side wall 120.
[0046] The portholes 150 can aid in safety, as the portholes 150
can enable viewing into the pool 100 through the side wall 120. If
the portholes 150 are removably designed by suitable means, a
porthole 150 can also be used as a drainage device, enabling quick
emptying of the fluid of the pool 100. The portholes 150 can be
integrally formed during manufacturing of the side wall 120, or
removable, wherein they are attached via a waterproof/leak
resistant means. The portholes 150 can also be included via a
non-removable method, wherein the portholes 150 are secured within
the side wall 120.
[0047] The portholes 150 can be secured in different ways within
the side wall 120. In one embodiment, the portholes 150 can be
flush with the side wall 120, such as enabling a drainage device.
In another embodiment, the portholes 150 can be insertable between
the inner wall 126 and the outer wall 128 of the side wall 120. The
portholes 150 are sealable between the inner wall 126 and the outer
wall 128, wherein there is a hole between the inner wall 126 and
the outer wall 128, whereby the porthole 150 seals the hole. The
porthole 150, thus, can be sandwiched between the inner wall 126
and the outer wall 128. The porthole 150 can be sealed by
conventional compression or heat sealed methods.
[0048] As also illustrated in FIG. 4, the pool 100 can further
include a pump device 140. The pump device 140 can be adapted as a
circulation system, and beneficially as a cleaning system. The pump
device 140 can be integral with the pool 100, or positioned nearby,
as shown in FIG. 4. The pump device 140 can comprise a first tube
142 coupling a suction port of the pump device 140 in fluid
communication with a main drain or mobile cleaning device (neither
shown) which draws water and settled debris from the bottom of the
pool 100. The pump device 140 can further comprise a second tube
144 to a coupling device which diverts a small portion of pool
"return" water pumped from an outlet port of the pump device 140.
Furthermore, the pump device 140 can be adapted to provide a jet of
air bubbles in the water, for a Jacuzzi or spa effect.
[0049] Fountains are aesthetically pleasing, and are often desired
to be positioned within the pool 100. A fountain device 155 or
fluid discharge device, can be positioned within the pool 100 for
controlling fluid supplied by the pump device 140 in a decorative
fashion. The pump device 140 can control the elevation of fluid as
it is ejected from the fountain device 155, as well as the rise and
fall of the fluid. The fountain device 155 is preferably positioned
in the pool 100, and can be in communication with the pump device
140 or other filtering device to control the rise and fall of
fluid.
[0050] The pool 100 can also have one or more braces or structural
supports 160. The support 160 can include vertical rib supports,
and can be coupled proximate to the side wall 120 of the pool 100.
The support 160 can be inserted within the material making up the
side wall 120. The support 160 can comprise at least a portion of
the floatation device 130 or a support member, and can have at
least a portion coupled to the top of the side wall 120 and
vertically along the side wall 120 to provide buoyancy and/or
rigidity to the side wall 120. The supports 160 can comprise, for
example, one or more inflatable bladders, collapsible foam,
removable support members, and the like.
[0051] The supports 160 can be used on a frame pool, as well as a
pop-up pool for supporting the pool above the ground. In an
exemplary embodiment, the support 160 is positioned outside the
pool 100. The support members 160 can be made of plastics, metals,
and the like.
[0052] The pool 100 can include a ladder 170 enabling one to enter
and/or exit the pool 100. The ladder 170 can be integral with the
brace 160, or not. The ladder 170 can be insertable into the pool
100, enabling one to exit the pool 100 from the inside. Because a
rim of the pool 100 is above the ground, the ladder 170 is
preferably flush with the rim for easy entry/exit from the pool
100.
[0053] Because the pool 100 is collapsible, the fluid in the pool
100 can be drained therefrom. Exemplarily, a drainage assembly 180
is integral with the pool 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the
drainage assembly 180 is a cork or like device, that is removeable
from the pool 100, such that, when removed the water from the pool
100 can be drained. The drainage assembly 180 can also be a valve
enabling control of draining the pool 100. The drainage assembly
180 can be many devices enabling easy draining of the pool 100,
safely and environmentally.
[0054] The pool 100 can also include a light source 190 for
illumination purposes. The light source provides light when
energized. The light source can be many types of light sources,
including a light bulb, light emitting diode (LED), incandescent
lamp, halogen lamp, fluorescent lamp, and the like. In an exemplary
embodiment, the light source 190 is an LED, as they can last longer
than a halogen lamp or conventional light bulb, and LEDs can be
controlled to emit various color patterns. In an exemplary
embodiment, the light source 190 can be secured to or embedded in
either the side wall 120 or the floatation device 130. The light
source can be powered by either an electrical outlet near the pool
100, or by a temporary power source, such as a battery, positioned
within the pool 100.
[0055] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the invention
provides a number of different collapsible containers with
generally vertical side walls and a floatation device positioned
atop the generally vertical side wall, which can be used as
swimming pool. The various embodiments of the invention described
above provide collapsible swimming pool that are foldable, enable
easy storage, and increase portability when compared with prior
approaches. Additionally, according to various embodiments of the
invention, the collapsible swimming pool of the invention can be
provided with a pop-up mechanism that automatically erects the pool
to its full-sized, expanded configuration. Thus, unlike prior
approaches, the swimming pool of the invention combines portability
and storability with ready access for immediate use. Additionally,
the swimming pool of the invention can be constructed from durable,
lightweight, foldable materials which are not easily damaged, and
therefore contribute to their long life.
[0056] Embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in
other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics thereof. For example, while embodiments of the
invention have been described in the context of swimming pool the
concepts described herein need not be limited to these illustrative
embodiments. For example, swimming pools of larger sizes can be
constructed using the same methods, and would enjoy the same
benefits as the kiddie pool described above. Additionally, other
types of containers, which can be used to contain fluids or other
substances could be constructed using the principles of the
invention and enjoy similar advantages as those described
above.
[0057] Additionally, the specific configurations, choice of
materials, and the size and shape of various elements can be varied
according to particular design specifications or constraints
requiring a container constructed according to the principles of
the invention. Such changes are intended to be embraced within the
scope of the invention.
[0058] The presently disclosed embodiments are, therefore,
considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.
The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims,
rather than the foregoing description, and all changes that come
within the meaning and range of equivalents thereof are intended to
be embraced therein.
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