U.S. patent application number 17/307744 was filed with the patent office on 2021-11-11 for joint for swimming pool and swimming pool.
The applicant listed for this patent is BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP.. Invention is credited to Xiaobo Chen, Zhipeng Dai, Feng Ye, Zhichao Zhao.
Application Number | 20210348409 17/307744 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005569150 |
Filed Date | 2021-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210348409 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Xiaobo ; et
al. |
November 11, 2021 |
JOINT FOR SWIMMING POOL AND SWIMMING POOL
Abstract
A joint for a swimming pool frame, and a swimming pool including
the joint are provided. The joint includes a joint body including a
leg pipe holder configured to have a leg pipe of the swimming pool
frame inserted into the leg pipe holder. The joint also includes a
side pipe holder configured to have a side pipe of the swimming
pool frame inserted in the side pipe holder. A locking hole is
formed through the side pipe holder. The joint body also includes a
locking part including a locking pin configured to extend through
the locking hole and through a corresponding connecting hole in the
side pipe, thereby holding the side pipe to the side pipe
holder.
Inventors: |
Chen; Xiaobo; (Jinhua City,
CN) ; Zhao; Zhichao; (Jinhua City, CN) ; Dai;
Zhipeng; (Jinhua City, CN) ; Ye; Feng; (Jinhua
City, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BESTWAY INFLATABLES & MATERIAL CORP. |
Shanghai |
|
CN |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005569150 |
Appl. No.: |
17/307744 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 7/042 20130101;
E04H 2004/0068 20130101; E04H 4/0056 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 4/00 20060101
E04H004/00; F16B 7/04 20060101 F16B007/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 8, 2020 |
CN |
202020747119.6 |
Claims
1. A joint for a swimming pool frame, the joint comprising: a joint
body comprising: a leg pipe holder configured to have a leg pipe of
the swimming pool frame inserted therein, and a side pipe holder
configured to have a side pipe of the swimming pool frame inserted
therein, and comprising a locking hole formed therethrough; and a
locking part comprising a locking pin configured to extend through
the locking hole and through a corresponding connecting hole in the
side pipe, thereby holding the side pipe to the side pipe
holder.
2. The joint according to claim 1, comprising two of the side pipe
holders and two of the locking parts, each of the two locking parts
holding a respective side pipe to a respective one of the two side
pipe holders.
3. The joint according to claim 1, wherein: the locking hole is
formed through a lower half of an outer circumferential wall of the
side pipe holder, and the connecting hole is formed through a lower
half of an outer circumferential wall of the side pipe.
4. The joint according to claim 1, wherein: the side pipe holder
further comprises a clearance groove formed in an outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder and in communication
with the locking hole, and the locking part further comprises an
extended portion extending from and integrally formed with the side
pipe holder, the locking pin being disposed at a distal end of the
extended portion.
5. The joint to claim 1, the locking part further comprising: a
positioning ring configured to fit within a distal end of the side
pipe holder, an arc-shaped positioning plate extending from the
positioning ring, the arc-shaped positioning plate configured to
fit within the side pipe, and a locking bar extending from the
positioning ring, the locking pin disposed at a distal end of the
locking bar, and the locking bar configured to fit within the side
pipe.
6. The joint according to claim 1, further comprising: a connecting
sleeve disposed on an outer circumferential wall of the side pipe
holder around the locking hole, wherein the locking part further
comprises a barrel-type cap having an open end and a closed end,
the locking pin being attached to the closed end within the
barrel-type cap and extending out of the locking part.
7. The joint according to claim 1, the locking part further
comprising: an extended portion hinged to an outer circumferential
wall of the side pipe holder, the locking pin disposed at a first
end of the extended portion, and a positioning spring mounted
between a second end of the extended portion and the outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder.
8. The joint according to claim 1, the locking part further
comprising: a C-shaped structure configured to be clamped on an
outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder, the locking pin
disposed on an inner wall of the C-shaped structure.
9. The joint according to claim 1, the locking part further
comprising: a mounting ring configured to fit within the side pipe
holder and an end of the side pipe, the locking pin being mounted
on the mounting ring, and a locking spring disposed between the
mounting ring and the locking pin and biasing the locking pin
outward from the mounting ring.
10. The joint according to claim 1, wherein the joint body is made
of a plastic material.
11. The joint according to one of claims 1-10, further comprising:
a metal pipe disposed within an inner circumferential wall of the
leg pipe; and a plastic sleeve tube disposed within an inner
circumferential wall of the metal pipe and configured to have the
leg pipe of the swimming pool frame inserted therein.
12. A swimming pool, comprising: a liner; and a frame configured to
support the liner, the frame comprising: a plurality of side pipes,
a plurality of leg pipes, and a plurality of joints, the plurality
of side pipes and the plurality of joints being alternately
connected and thereby forming an annular swimming pool border, each
of the plurality of joints comprising: a joint body comprising a
leg pipe holder configured to have a leg pipe of the plurality of
leg pipes inserted therein, and a side pipe holder configured to
have a side pipe of the plurality of side pipes inserted therein,
the side pipe holder comprising a locking hole formed therethrough,
and a locking part comprising a locking pin configured to extend
through the locking hole and through a corresponding connecting
hole in the side pipe, thereby holding the side pipe to the side
pipe holder.
13. The swimming pool according to claim 12, the joint comprising
two of the side pipe holders and two of the locking parts, each of
the two locking parts holding a respective side pipe to a
respective one of the two side pipe holders.
14. The swimming pool according to claim 12, wherein: the locking
hole is formed through a lower half of an outer circumferential
wall of the side pipe holder, and the connecting hole is formed
through a lower half of an outer circumferential wall of the side
pipe.
15. The swimming pool according to claim 12, wherein: the side pipe
holder further comprises a clearance groove formed in an outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder and in communication
with the locking hole, and the locking part further comprises an
extended portion extending from and integrally formed with the side
pipe holder, the locking pin being disposed at a distal end of the
extended portion.
16. The swimming pool according to claim 12, the locking part
further comprising: a positioning ring configured to fit within a
distal end of the side pipe holder, an arc-shaped positioning plate
extending from the positioning ring, the arc-shaped positioning
plate configured to fit within the side pipe, and a locking bar
extending from the positioning ring, the locking pin being disposed
at a distal end of the locking bar, and the locking bar configured
to fit within the side pipe.
17. The swimming pool according to claim 12, the joint further
comprising: a connecting sleeve disposed on an outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder around the locking
hole, wherein the locking part further comprises a barrel-type cap
having an open end and a closed end, the locking pin being attached
to the closed end within the barrel-type cap and extending out of
the locking part.
18. The swimming pool according to claim 12, the locking part
further comprising: an extended portion hinged to an outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder, the locking pin
disposed at a first end of the extended portion, and a positioning
spring mounted between a second end of the extended portion and the
outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder.
19. The swimming pool according to claim 12, the locking part
further comprising a C-shaped structure configured to be clamped on
an outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder, the locking
pin disposed on an inner wall of the C-shaped structure.
20. The swimming pool according to claim 12, the locking part
further comprising: a mounting ring configured to fit within the
side pipe holder and an end of the side pipe, the locking pin being
mounted on the mounting ring, and a locking spring disposed between
the mounting ring and the locking pin and biasing the locking pin
outward from the mounting ring.
21. The swimming pool according to claim 12, wherein the joint body
is made of a plastic material.
22. The swimming pool according to one of claims 12-21, each of the
plurality of joints further comprising: a metal pipe disposed
within an inner circumferential wall of the leg pipe; and a plastic
sleeve tube disposed within an inner circumferential wall of the
metal pipe and configured to have the leg pipe of the plurality of
leg pipes inserted therein.
23. A joint for a swimming pool frame, the joint comprising: a
joint body comprising: a leg pipe holder means for attaching to a
leg pipe of the swimming pool frame; a side pipe holder means for
attaching to a side pipe of the swimming pool frame; and a locking
means for locking a locking hole formed in the side pipe holder
means to a connecting hole formed in the side pipe.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Application claims priority from Chinese patent
Application CN202020747119.6 filed on May 8, 2020 in China, the
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0002] Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary
embodiments relate to a frame swimming pool, and in particular, to
a joint for a swimming pool and a swimming pool including the
same.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] Above-ground pools generally include inflatable pools and
frame pools, among other types, and are widely loved due to
convenient installation and use. One example of a current
above-ground, detachable swimming pool includes a frame and a
liner. The frame supports the liner and may be formed by assembling
side pipes, leg pipes, and support joints. A support joint may
include three directional interfaces which are respectively
connected to corresponding side pipes and a corresponding leg pipe.
A number of such support joints are connected to the side pipes and
the leg pipes, thereby forming an integral frame. No additional
mechanical connecting structure or fitting for fixing is used in
conjunction with the leg pipes, the side pipes, and the support
joints of the frame, and a size of a space defined only by an outer
perimeter of the frame is greater than a diameter of a pool cavity
formed by the liner supported by the frame. In this way, the side
pipes and the leg pipes are inserted into and fixed to the support
joints by virtue of a contraction pulling force generated by a
weight of water in the cavity formed by the liner. Such a
structure, however, is relatively unsafe due to impact by waves on
connections between the side pipes and the support joints. The
resultant risk of disconnection between the side pipes and the
support joints is relatively high without the use of additional
mechanical connection structures or fittings for fixing, causing
potential safety problems.
SUMMARY
[0004] Example embodiments may address at least the above problems
and/or disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above.
Also, example embodiments are not required to overcome the
disadvantages described above, and may not overcome any of the
problems described above.
[0005] One or more example embodiments may provide a joint for a
swimming pool which provides reliable connection after the joint is
assembled to form a frame.
[0006] According to an aspect of an example embodiment, a joint for
a swimming pool frame comprises a joint body comprising a leg pipe
holder configured to have a leg pipe of the swimming pool frame
inserted therein, and a side pipe holder configured to have a side
pipe of the swimming pool frame inserted therein, and comprising a
locking hole formed therethrough; and a locking part comprising a
locking pin configured to extend through the locking hole and
through a corresponding connecting hole in the side pipe, thereby
holding the side pipe to the side pipe holder.
[0007] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
joint may further comprise two of the side pipe holders and two of
the locking parts, each of the two locking parts holding a
respective side pipe to a respective one of the two side pipe
holders.
[0008] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
locking hole may be formed through a lower half of an outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder, and the connecting
hole may be formed through a lower half of an outer circumferential
wall of the side pipe.
[0009] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
side pipe holder may further comprise a clearance groove formed in
an outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder and in
communication with the locking hole, and the locking part may
further comprise an extended portion extending from and integrally
formed with the side pipe holder, the locking pin being disposed at
a distal end of the extended portion.
[0010] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
joint may further comprise a positioning ring configured to fit
within a distal end of the side pipe holder, an arc-shaped
positioning plate extending from the positioning ring, the
arc-shaped positioning plate configured to fit within the side
pipe, and a locking bar extending from the positioning ring, the
locking pin disposed at a distal end of the locking bar, and the
locking bar configured to fit within the side pipe.
[0011] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
joint may further comprise a connecting sleeve disposed on an outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder around the locking
hole, wherein the locking part further comprises a barrel-type cap
having an open end and a closed end, the locking pin being attached
to the closed end within the barrel-type cap and extending out of
the locking part.
[0012] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
locking part may further comprise an extended portion hinged to an
outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder, the locking pin
disposed at a first end of the extended portion, and a positioning
spring mounted between a second end of the extended portion and the
outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder.
[0013] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
locking part may further comprise a C-shaped structure configured
to be clamped on an outer circumferential wall of the side pipe
holder, the locking pin disposed on an inner wall of the C-shaped
structure.
[0014] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
locking part may further comprise a mounting ring configured to fit
within an end of the side pipe, the locking pin being mounted on
the mounting ring, and a locking spring disposed between the
mounting ring and the locking pin and biasing the locking pin
outward from the mounting ring.
[0015] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
joint body may be made of a plastic material.
[0016] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, the
joint may further comprise a metal pipe disposed within an inner
circumferential wall of the leg pipe; and a plastic sleeve tube
disposed within an inner circumferential wall of the metal pipe and
configured to have the leg pipe of the swimming pool frame inserted
therein.
[0017] According to an aspect of another example embodiment, a
swimming pool may comprise a liner; and a frame configured to
support the liner. The frame may comprise a plurality of side
pipes, a plurality of leg pipes, and a plurality of joints
according to one or more of the aspects described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and/or other example aspects will become apparent
and more readily appreciated from the following description of
example embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic view of a frame swimming
pool, according to an example embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a structural schematic view of a joint according
to a first example embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a structural schematic view of a joint according
to a second example embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a structural schematic view of a joint according
to a third example embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 8 is a structural schematic view of a joint according
to a fourth example embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 7;
[0028] FIG. 10 is a structural schematic view of a joint according
to a fifth example embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a connection of a
locking part and the joint of FIG. 10;
[0030] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 10
invention;
[0031] FIG. 13 is a structural schematic view of a joint according
to a sixth example embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the joint of FIG. 13; and
[0033] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a joint according to a
seventh example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this
regard, the example embodiments may have different forms and may
not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth
herein.
[0035] It will be understood that the terms "include," "including",
"comprise, and/or "comprising," when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0036] It will be further understood that, although the terms
"first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe
various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,
these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections may not
be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish
one element, component, region, layer or section from another
element, component, region, layer or section.
[0037] As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all
combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Expressions such as "at least one of," when preceding a list of
elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the
individual elements of the list.
[0038] Various terms are used to refer to particular system
components. Different companies may refer to a component by
different names--this document does not intend to distinguish
between components that differ in name but not function.
[0039] Matters of these example embodiments that are obvious to
those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which these
example embodiments pertain may not be described here in
detail.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a structural schematic view of a swimming pool
including a frame and a pool liner according to one or more example
embodiments described herein. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate one of a
plurality of joints making up the frame according to a first
example embodiment. The joint of FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a joint
body 1, including a leg pipe holder 3, for a leg pipe 2 to be
inserted therein, and two side pipe holders 5, for side pipes 4 to
be inserted respectively therein, and locking parts 6 for locking
the side pipe holders 5 to the side pipes 4. An outer
circumferential wall of each side pipe holder 5 has a locking hole
7 therein, and an outer circumferential wall of each end of each
side pipe 4 has a connecting hole 8 therein. The locking part 6
includes a locking pin 9 configured to extend through the locking
hole 7 and the connecting hole 8. At least one reinforcing rib
plate 21 extends is between the outer circumferential wall of each
of the two side pipe holders 5 and the outer circumferential wall
of the leg pipe holder 3. As shown in FIG. 3, Two reinforcing rib
plates 21 may extend between each of the side pipe holders 5 and
the leg pipe holder 3. However, this number is an example and there
may be one reinforcing rib plate 21 at each side of the leg pipe
holder 3, or another number, as would be understood by one of skill
in the art. The locking hole 7 may be formed in a lower half of the
outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder 5, and the
connecting hole 8 may be formed in a corresponding lower half of
the outer circumferential wall of the side pipe 4. In this example
embodiment, the locking hole 7 is formed in the lowest position of
the outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder 5, the
connecting hole is formed in the lowest position of the outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe 4, and one locking pin 9 is
provided to lock the side pipe 4 to the side pipe holder 5.
[0041] The joint body 1 may be made of a plastic material.
According to an example embodiment, the joint body 1 made of the
plastic material may be connected between two adjacent side pipes 4
of a swimming pool frame, such that any problem due to the rusting
of a metal support may be avoided.
[0042] The outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder 5 has
a clearance groove 10 formed therein in communication with the
locking hole 7. The locking part 6 is arranged in the clearance
groove, with one end of the locking part 6 being integrally formed
with the side pipe holder 5, and the locking pin 9 arranged at the
other end of the locking part 6 and integrally formed with the
locking part 6. The locking part 6 has an elongated shape and is
moveable within the clearance groove 10. A gap is provided between
an outer surface of the locking part 6 and an inner surface of the
clearance groove 10. Upper and lower ends of the locking pin 9
extend out from the locking part 6. During assembly, after the side
pipe 4 is inserted into the side pipe holder 5, the locking pin 9
pops into the connecting hole 8 in the side pipe 4 to fix and lock
the side pipe 4 to the side pipe holder 5.
[0043] A swimming pool as shown in FIG. 1 includes a frame and a
liner 22 supported by the frame. The frame includes a plurality of
side pipes 4, a plurality of leg pipes 2, and a plurality of joints
1. The side pipes 4 and the joints connect together to form the
border 23 of the frame. The ends of the side pipes 4 are inserted
into side pipe holders 5 of the joints, and the side pipes 4 and
the side pipe holders 5 are locked together by the locking parts 6.
The swimming pool liner 22 has a substantially cylindrical shape
with an open upper end and a closed lower end formed by a bottom
portion of the liner 22. An upper, outer circumference of the liner
22 is connected to the border 23. A fixing belt 24 is connected to
connected portions of the outer wall of the liner between adjacent
leg pipes 2, and the leg pipes 2 are fed through a gap between the
outer wall of the liner 22 and the fixing belt 24 between adjacent
ones of the connected portions.
[0044] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate one of a plurality of joints
included in a frame according to a second example embodiment. The
joint of FIGS. 4 and 5 includes a joint body 1, including a leg
pipe holder 3, two side pipe holders 5, and locking parts 6. The
joint of the second example embodiment also includes locking holes
7, connecting holes 8, a locking pin 9, and reinforcing rib plates
21, similar to those discussed above with respect to the first
example embodiment.
[0045] The locking part 6 of this second example embodiment is
distinct from that of the first example embodiment discussed above.
The locking part 6 of the second example embodiment includes a
positioning ring 11, a positioning plate 12, and a locking bar 13.
The positioning ring 11 has an annular structure, and the
positioning plate 12 has an arc-shaped structure and is connected
to the positioning ring 11. An end of the locking bar 13 is
connected to the positioning ring 11, and the locking pin is
disposed at the other end of the locking bar 13. The positioning
ring 11 is adapted to be mounted inside the side pipe holder 5, and
the positioning plate 12 and the locking bar 13 are adapted to be
mounted inside the side pipe 4. The locking bar is obliquely
arranged with respect to the positioning ring 11 and the
positioning plate 12. The arc shape of the positioning plate has
substantially the same radius of curvature as that of the
positioning ring 11, and the locking bar 13 is biased to slant
radially outward from the positioning ring 11, such that a distance
between the locking bar 13 and a central axis of the positioning
ring 11 gradually increases with distance of the locking par 13
from the positioning ring 11. An outer end of the locking pin 9 may
be V-shaped or may have a spherical crown-shaped structure. The
positioning ring 11, the positioning plate 12, the locking bar 13,
and the locking pin 9 may be integrally formed. The positioning
ring 11 is mounted in the side pipe holder 5, the positioning plate
12 and the locking bar 13 are inserted into an open end of the side
pipe 4, and the locking pin 9 at the end of the locking bar 13 is
biased to extend out of the connecting hole 8 in the side pipe 4
and into the locking hole 7 in the side pipe holder 5 to fix and
lock the side pipe 4 to the side pipe holder 5.
[0046] As discussed above with respect to the first example
embodiment, the swimming pool of FIG. 1 includes the frame and the
liner 22. The frame may include a plurality of joints as described
with respect to the second example embodiment.
[0047] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate one of a plurality of joints
included in a frame according to a third example embodiment. The
joint of FIGS. 6 and 7 includes a joint body 1 including a leg pipe
holder 3, two side pipe holders 5, and locking parts 6. The joint
of this third example embodiment also includes locking holes 7,
connecting holes 8, a locking pin 9, and reinforcing rib plates 21,
similar to those discussed above with respect to the first and
second example embodiments.
[0048] The locking part 6 of this third example embodiment is
distinct from those of the first and second example embodiments
discussed above. In this example embodiment, a connecting sleeve 14
fixedly connected to the outer wall of the side pipe holder 5, at a
position corresponding to the locking hole 7, and the locking part
6 includes a barrel-type cap 15 that fits over the connecting
sleeve 14. The connecting sleeve 14 is coaxial with the locking
hole 7. The barrel-type cap 15 has one open end and an opposite
closed end, and the locking pin 9 is arranged at the bottom of the
barrel-type cap 15 and extends upward out of the barrel-type cap
15. The locking pin 9 and the barrel-type cap 15 may be integrally
formed. The connecting sleeve 14 and the side pipe holder 5 may be
integrally formed. The barrel-type cap 15 of the locking part 6 may
be connectable to the connecting sleeve 14 via corresponding
threaded portions on an inner circumference of the barrel-type cap
15 and on the outer circumference of the connecting sleeve 14.
Alternately, the barrel-type cap may be connectable to the
connecting sleeve 14 by a friction fit and a plurality of
arc-shaped anti-slip strips which disposed on the at least one of
the outer circumference of the connecting sleeve 14 and the inner
circumference of the barrel-type cap 15. After the side pipe 4 and
the side pipe holder 5 are assembled in place, the connecting hole
8 is aligned with the locking hole 7, the locking part 6 is fixedly
connected to the outer wall of the connecting sleeve 14, and the
locking pin 9 is inserted into the locking hole 7 and the
connecting hole 8 to fix the side pipe 4 to the side pipe holder
5.
[0049] As discussed above with respect to the previous example
embodiments, the swimming pool of FIG. 1 includes the frame and the
liner 22, and the frame may include a plurality of joints as
described with respect to the second example embodiment.
[0050] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate one of a plurality of joints
included in a frame according to a fourth example embodiment. The
joint of FIGS. 8 and 9 includes a joint body 1 including a leg pipe
holder 3, and two side pipe holders 5, and locking parts 6. The
joint of this example embodiment also includes locking holes 7,
connecting holes 8, a locking pin 9, and reinforcing rib plates 21,
similar to those discussed with respect to the above-described
example embodiments.
[0051] The locking part 6 of this fourth example embodiment is
attached to the outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder
5 via a hinge. The locking pin 9 is arranged at one end of the
locking part, and a positioning spring 16 is mounted between the
other end of the locking part and the outer circumferential wall of
the side pipe holder 5. Hinge lugs 17 are arranged on two sides of
the locking part 6 on the outer circumferential wall of the side
pipe holder 5, and the two hinge lugs 17 may be respectively
integrally formed with the two reinforcing rib plates 21. The
locking part 6 is hinged between the two hinge lugs 17 by a hinge
shaft. Thus, the locking part 6 extends between the locking pin 9
at one end thereof and the positioning spring 16 at the other end
thereof, and is attached to the outer circumferential wall of the
side pipe holder 5 via a hinge disposed between the two ends of the
locking part 6. A mounting sleeve 18 is disposed at the other end
of the locking part 6 and is configured to hold the positioning
spring 16 therein. A mounting groove 19, and a positioning column
20 arranged on a bottom surface of the mounting groove, are
arranged in a position on the outer circumferential wall of the
side pipe holder 5 in a position corresponding to that of the
positioning spring 16. The positioning spring 16 is thus mounted on
the positioning column 20 in a sleeved manner, with one end mounted
in the mounting groove 19 and the other end mounted in the mounting
sleeve 18. During assembly, the locking part 6 and a connecting end
of the positioning spring 16 may be pressed by hand, such that the
locking pin 9 is separated from the locking hole 7 in the joint for
a swimming pool, the locking part 6 is released after the side pipe
4 is inserted into the side pipe holder 5, and under the action of
the positioning spring 16, the locking pin 9 is sprung biased into
the locking hole 7 and the connecting hole 8 to fix and hold the
side pipe 4 to the side pipe holder 5.
[0052] As discussed above with respect to the previous example
embodiments, the swimming pool of FIG. 1 includes the frame and the
liner 22, and the frame may include a plurality of joints 1 as
described with respect to the fourth example embodiment.
[0053] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 illustrate one of a plurality of joints
included in a frame according to a fifth example embodiment. The
joint of FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 include a joint body 1 including a
leg pipe holder 3, two side pipe holders 5, and locking parts 6.
The joint of this fifth example embodiment also includes locking
holes 7, connecting holes 8, a locking pin 9, and two reinforcing
rib plates 21, similar to those discussed with respect to the
above-described example embodiments.
[0054] The locking part 6 of this fifth example embodiment has a
C-shaped structure and is clamped to the outer circumferential wall
of the side pipe holder 5. The locking pin 9 is arranged on an
inner wall of the locking part 6. The length of the C-shaped
locking part 6 is greater than half of the circumference of the
outer circumferential wall of the side pipe holder 5, and the
C-shaped locking part 6 is reliably fastened to the outer
circumferential wall of the side pipe holder 5. During assembly,
after the side pipe 4 is inserted into the side pipe holder 5, the
locking pin 9 on the locking part 6 may be aligned with the locking
hole 7 and clamped on the outer circumferential wall of the side
pipe holder 5, and the locking pin 9 is inserted into the locking
hole 7 and into the connecting hole 8 to fix and lock the side pipe
4 to the side pipe holder 5.
[0055] As discussed above with respect to the previous example
embodiments, the swimming pool of FIG. 1 includes the frame and the
liner 22, and the frame may include a plurality of joints as
described with respect to this fifth example embodiment.
[0056] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate one of a plurality of joints
included in a frame according to a sixth example embodiment. The
joint of FIGS. 13 and 14 includes a joint body 1 including a leg
pipe holder 3, two side pipe holders 5, and locking parts 6. The
joint of this example embodiment also includes locking holes 7,
connecting holes 8, a locking pin 9, and two reinforcing rib plates
21, similar to those discussed with respect to the above-described
example embodiments.
[0057] The locking part 6 of this sixth example embodiment includes
a mounting ring 25 and a locking spring 26, wherein the mounting
ring is shaped and fit to be inserted into the side pipe 4, the
locking pin 9 is mounted on the mounting ring 25, the locking
spring 26 abuts between the mounting ring 25 and the locking pin 9,
and the locking pin 9 extends radially outward from the mounting
ring 25. The mounting ring 25 includes two oppositely arranged
connecting lugs 27, wherein one connecting lug 27 includes a spring
connecting column 28, and the other connecting lug 27 includes an
insertion hole 29. An end of the locking pin 9 includes a
positioning flange 30, the locking spring 26 is configured to be
mounted onto the spring connecting column 28, the locking pin 9 and
the insertion hole 29 are movably inserted together, and the
positioning flange 30 abuts against the connecting lug 27. An end
of the mounting ring 25 includes a flange ring 31, and the flange
ring 31 is configured to abut and be attached to an end surface of
the side pipe 4. During assembly, the mounting ring 25 may be
arranged within the side pipe 4, the locking pin 9 extends out of
the connecting hole 8 in the side pipe 4 under the bias of the
locking spring 26, and the side pipe 4 is then inserted into the
side pipe holder 5, so that the locking pin 9 is inserted into the
locking hole 7 to fix and lock the side pipe 4 to the side pipe
holder 5. Alternately, the locking part 6, including the mounting
ring 25 and the flange ring 31 may be mounted within the side pipe
holder 5, with the outer circumference of the flange ring 31
abutting against an inner circumferential wall of the side pipe
holder 5. The side pipe 4 may then be inserted into the side pipe
holder 5, around the mounting ring, such that an end of the side
pipe 4 abuts against the flange ring 31.
[0058] As discussed above with respect to the first example
embodiment, the swimming pool of FIG. 1 includes the frame and the
liner 22. The frame may include a plurality of joints as described
with respect to the sixth example embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 15 illustrates one of a plurality of joints in a frame
according to a seventh example embodiment. The joint of FIG. 15
includes a joint body 1 including a leg pipe holder 3, two side
pipe holders 5, and a locking part 6. The locking part 6, as
illustrated in FIG. 15, is the same as that of the sixth example
embodiment, discussed above with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14.
Alternately, the locking part 6 could be the same as or similar to
the locking part 6 of any of the other example embodiments as
discussed herein.
[0060] The joint of this seventh example embodiment additionally
includes a metal pipe 301 disposed within the inner circumferential
wall of the leg pipe holder 3. The metal pipe 301 increases a
strength of the joint as compared to a joint without the metal pipe
301. The joint of this example embodiment also includes a plastic
sleeve tube 302 disposed between the leg pipe 2 and the metal pipe
301. The plastic sleeve tube may limit the generation of rust on
the leg pipe 2, the metal pipe 301, and the leg pipe holder 3.
[0061] As discussed above with respect to the first example
embodiment, the swimming pool of FIG. 1 includes the frame and the
liner 22. The frame may include a plurality of joints as described
with respect to the seventh example embodiment.
[0062] It may be understood that the example embodiments described
herein may be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within
each exemplary embodiment may be considered as available for other
similar features or aspects in other example embodiments.
[0063] While example embodiments have been described with reference
to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in
the art that various changes in form and details may be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by
the following claims.
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