U.S. patent application number 12/247913 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-08 for fixture support system for above ground pool.
Invention is credited to Wing-kin Hui.
Application Number | 20100083437 12/247913 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41846033 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100083437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hui; Wing-kin |
April 8, 2010 |
FIXTURE SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR ABOVE GROUND POOL
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a fixture support. The structure, in
accordance with the present invention, is a support for mounting
various fixtures on an above ground pool. The support is adapted to
be secured to the rails or posts of such a pool without causing
damage to the pool liner or the pool frame. The fixture support
includes a support member, which in an exemplary embodiment is
parallel to the pool posts. The support member includes a clamp for
connecting the fixture with either one of the rails or the posts of
the pool frame. The clamp is fixed to one end of the support
member. On the other end of the support member is a receptacle
adapted for connection to various fixture modules. The fixture
support in accordance with the instant invention allows each of the
modules to be mounted on the water side of the pool and provide
electrical connection thereto.
Inventors: |
Hui; Wing-kin; (Hong Kong,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PENINSULA IP GROUP
26150 BUCKS RUN
CORRAL DE TIERRA
CA
93908
US
|
Family ID: |
41846033 |
Appl. No.: |
12/247913 |
Filed: |
October 8, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
4/506 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 4/14 20130101; F21W
2131/401 20130101; F21V 27/00 20130101; F21V 21/088 20130101; E04H
4/148 20130101; F21S 8/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
4/506 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/14 20060101
E04H004/14 |
Claims
1. A fixture support for an above ground pool, the pool including a
frame supporting the pool above ground, the frame comprising a
series of posts and rails, all of which are generally perpendicular
to one another and a liner supported by the frame for holding
swimming water, the fixture comprising: a support member, including
attachment means for mounting the support on the pool frame;
fixture receptacle means connected to the support; and a fixture
module adapted for connection with the fixture receptacle.
2. The fixture support of claim 1, wherein the fixture module is an
electrical device and wherein the support includes electrical
conduit means for accommodating an electrical power cord.
3. The fixture support of claim 1, wherein the attachment means
includes a top clamp defining a U-shaped clamp.
4. The fixture support of claim 3, wherein the U-Shaped clamp is
deformable for shaping to the rail or post of the pool.
5. The fixture support of claim 4, wherein the deformable U-Shaped
clamp is attachable to the top of the pool post with the clamp over
the post and bolts through both parts of the U-shaped clamp.
6. The fixture support of claim 1, wherein the attachment means
includes a side clamp defining a C-Shaped clamp.
7. The fixture support of claim 6, wherein the C-Shaped clamp is
deformable for shaping to the rail of the pool.
8. The fixture support of claim 7, wherein the deformable C-Shaped
clamp is attachable to the side rail of the pool with the clamp
over the rail and bolts through both parts of the C-shaped
clamp.
9. The fixture support of claim 1, wherein the fixture receptacle
includes an electrical outlet and wherein the support includes an
electrical conduit for an electrical power cord and the power cord
is connectable to the electrical outlet.
10. The fixture support of claim 9, wherein the fixture receptacle
includes more than one outlet.
11. The fixture support of claim 9, wherein the fixture receptacle
is adapted for connection to at least one add-on module.
12. The fixture support of claim 9, wherein the fixture receptacle
is adapted for connection to more than one add-on module.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to the field of pool
products. More particularly, this invention relates to products
designed to work cooperatively with an above ground pool and
provide rigid connection of add-on modules with the pool.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As shown in FIG. 1, an above ground pool includes a frame
having a series of posts 100 and rails 102 at right angles to one
another. Typically the pool is in a round-like or rectangular-like
shape. The frame, namely, the rails and posts are typically made
from metal. However, the construction while strong enough is far
from being rigid.
[0003] A liner 104 for holding the water of the pool is then
affixed to the pool frame. As will be appreciated, the liner 104
forms the side walls and bottom of the pool. Unlike a ground pool,
the above ground pool has flexible side walls. As a result, it is
not really possible to attach pool equipment to the side walls
without permanently damaging the pool and running the risk of
leaks.
[0004] In some installations of an above ground pool, water return
hose is connected to the pool by punching a hole in the pool liner
104. This of course, leads to potential leakage and permanent
damage to the pool. Installing a fixture such as a light further
leads to potential damage and leakage since there is presently no
way to attach the fixture to the flexible liner without damaging
it.
[0005] What is needed is a support that allows various fixtures,
such as light fixtures to be attached to the above ground pool
without causing damage to the pool or promoting the potential for
leaks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The structure, in accordance with the present invention, is
a support for mounting various fixtures on an above ground pool.
The support is adapted to be secured to the rails or posts of such
a pool without causing damage to the pool liner or the pool frame.
The fixture support includes a support member, which in an
exemplary embodiment is parallel to the pool posts. The support
member includes a clamp for connecting the fixture with either one
of the rails or the posts of the pool frame. The clamp is fixed to
one end of the support member. On the other end of the support
member is a receptacle adapted for connection to various fixture
modules. The fixture support in accordance with the instant
invention allows each of the modules to be mounted on the water
side of the pool and provide electrical connection thereto.
[0007] Thus, It is an object of this invention is to provide a
fixture support which securely attaches to the above ground pool,
particularly the frame, while leaving the pool and its liner and
frame undamaged.
[0008] It is an additional object of this invention to provide such
a support that allows various fixture modules to be attached to the
above ground pool, including module requiring electrical power.
[0009] In accordance with the objects set forth above and as will
be described and as will become herein, the fixture support in
accordance with this invention, comprises: [0010] a fixture support
for an above ground pool, the pool including a frame supporting the
pool above ground, the frame comprising a series of posts and
rails, all of which are generally perpendicular to one another and
a liner supported by the frame for holding swimming water, the
fixture comprising: [0011] a support member, including attachment
means for mounting the support on the pool frame; [0012] fixture
receptacle means connected to the support; and [0013] a fixture
module adapted for connection with the fixture receptacle.
[0014] In another exemplary embodiment, the fixture support
includes a fixture module which is from a family of pool products
defining an electrical device and wherein the support includes
electrical conduit means for accommodating an electrical power cord
and wherein an electrical power cord is run through the support
into the receptacle for powering the fixture module.
[0015] In another exemplary embodiment of the fixture support
includes a U-shaped clamp on one for fitting over the top of the
post, where the frame makes a T-intersection. The U-shaped clamp is
secured to the top of the post by a plurality of bolts which are
inserted into the opposed leaves of the U-shaped clamp. In an
exemplary embodiment, the clamp is deformable to conform to the
shape of the pool frame.
[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the clamp includes curved
ribs, which together with the frame define an electrical conduit so
that an electrical power cord can be threaded through the defined
conduit.
[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, the fixture support is
mounted on the rail of the pool frame. In this embodiment, the
support member includes a C-shaped clamp for side mounting. The
clamp of this embodiment, in various exemplary embodiments follows
the same functionality of the U-shaped clamp.
[0018] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the attachment means of
the support member is at the top of the support when the fixture
support is connected to the pool. In that embodiment, the
receptacle is at the other end of the support member of the bottom
when the fixture support is connected to the pool.
[0019] In a specific exemplary embodiment in accordance with this
invention, the fixture module comprises a light fixture. In the
specific embodiment, the module includes at least one electrical
outlet. Thus, for example, a pool cleaning vehicle could be plugged
into the outlet without having to run over the ground electrical
cords.
[0020] It is an advantage of the fixture support in accordance with
this invention which allows, electrical connection of various pool
apparatus without damage to the pool, and specifically the pool
liner.
[0021] It is an additional advantage of the instant invention to
provide such a support fixture, which provides underwater
electrical outlets, so that above ground electrical cords on the
pool decking or similar surfaces are unnecessary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0022] For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of
the present invention, reference should be had to the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawing, in which like parts are given like reference numerals and
wherein:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a typical above ground pool, illustrating the
generally round embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the fixture support
being mounted to the T-section of the pool frame.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the fixture support
being mounted to the T-section of the pool frame illustrating the
addition of a power cord to the fixture support.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective plan view of one exemplary
embodiment of the fixture support in accordance with this
invention.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective plan view of another exemplary
embodiment of the fixture support in accordance with this
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] An exemplary embodiment of the fixture support in accordance
with the present invention, generally denoted by the numeral 20
will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2-5.
[0029] With particular reference to FIGS. 2-4, there is illustrated
the first exemplary embodiment of the fixture support 20 having the
U-shaped bracket 50. The fixture support 20 includes a support
member 22. The support member 22 is an elongated member having
first end 24 with the U-shaped bracket 50.
[0030] The support member 22 has a second end 26. At the second end
26 of the support member 22 is a fixture receptacle 28. The fixture
receptacle 28 is adapted to provide a connection location for the
fixture itself as will be more fully appreciated hereinafter.
[0031] In the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, the
fixture illustrated comprises an electrical fixture or a fixture
that requires electrical energy to be powered. In particular,
electrical fixture illustrated is a light fixture 40.
[0032] An electrical power cord 42 powers the electrical fixture or
light fixture 40. In order to run the cord 42 from an outside power
supply to the fixture 40, the fixture support 20 is specifically
adapted to provide an electrical conduit throughout the fixture
support 20.
[0033] The first portion of the conduit comprises a ribbed channel
52 in the U-shaped member 50. The support member 22 further defines
another portion of the conduit by providing interior opening 54
through the body of the support member 22 as is best illustrated in
FIG. 3.
[0034] The cord 42 runs down to the receptacle 28. Once the power
cord is loaded into the receptacle, it can be split and sectioned
as needed to provide electrical power to the various fixtures or
outlets 44. As will be appreciated, one or more electrical outlets
44 or fixtures 40 can be connected to the receptacle 28.
[0035] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-4, the U-shaped
bracket 50 comprises the means for attaching the fixture support to
the pool. The U-shaped bracket 50 defines a clamp member and has a
set of openings 54. Additionally, there are provided a set of bolts
56 for threading through the openings 54.
[0036] The U-shaped bracket 50 is deformable. As shown most clearly
in FIG. 4, the U-shaped bracket 50 deforms to conform to the shape
of the frame of the pool. In the embodiment shown, the U-shaped
bracket 50 is connected at a T-intersection of the pool frame.
[0037] The support member 22 is adapted for securing the attachment
member or U-shaped bracket 50 to the fixture support by providing
an adapter member 30 having openings 32 When the bolts 56 are
threaded through the U-shaped bracket 50 and the adapter member 32,
the U-shaped bracket 50 deforms, conforming to the shape of the
pool frame, notably, the T-intersection of the pool frame.
[0038] In another exemplary embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the
fixture support is attached to the pool frame through a side
support instead of the top support of FIGS. 2-4. In this
embodiment, the attachment member comprises a C-clamp 60. The side
C-clamp 60 has a pair of ears 62. The ears 62 have openings 64. The
connecting bolts 56 are threaded through the openings 64 and into
the adapter member 30 and openings 32. It will be appreciated that
whether the C or U-shaped bracket 50 is used, the adapter 30
remains the same. This provides the fixture support with additional
utility and flexibility. It also provides the consumer with an
option for mounting. Additionally, the consumer has added
flexibility because whatever over ground pool used can be readily
adapted to either the C or U-shaped brackets.
[0039] As with the U-shaped bracket 50, the C-shaped bracket 60 is
deformable to conform to the frame of the pool. As the bolts are
tightened into the adapter, the clamp deforms, conforming to the
pool frame shape.
[0040] In the exemplary embodiments shown, various modules are
attached to the receptacle 28. For example, in addition to the
light fixture previously described, other modules are easily
attachable to the support member 22. For example, a skimmer or
chlorinator is attachable to the receptacle 28.
[0041] Upon attachment to the pool frame, it will be appreciated
that no holes or punctures in the liner are necessary. The fixture
support 20 connects readily to the pool frame itself and neither
the liner nor the frame are damaged in any way. And, it will be
appreciated that more than one module can be connected to the
receptacle 28. For example, the light fixture and a skimmer may
well be attached to the fixture support 10 at the same time.
[0042] While the foregoing detailed description has described
several embodiments of the fixture support in accordance with this
invention, it is to be understood that the above description is
illustrative only and not limiting of the disclosed invention.
Particularly, there are variety of different modules that may be
used in connection with the receptacle and even multiple of modules
may work simultaneously with a single fixture support. It also will
be appreciated that there are various modifications to the fixture
support within the spirit and scope of the invention herein and
that of particular interest is the ability of the fixture support
to be attached to the pool frame without damage to either the frame
or the liner. Thus, the invention is to be limited only by the
claims as set forth below.
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