Swimming Pool Liner Hanger Assembly

Abstract

A hanger assembly for securing a pool liner to the deck of a swimming pool including a rigid hook secured to the pool deck, a second hook adapted to be secured to the pool liner engaging the rigid hook, and a coping means substantially covering both hooks and aiding in retaining the hook engagement is disclosed. The assembly, when the coping means is in place, presents a relatively smooth rounded exterior transition surface between the pool deck and pool liner.

Parent Case Text

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a divisional application of our earlier application Ser. No. 689,886 filed Dec. 12, 1967, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,546,720.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to improvements in swimming pools and, in particular, it relates to an improved swimming pool which is assembled from prefabricated panels and frame members.

The use of above-ground swimming pools constructed from prefabricated parts is becoming increasingly popular. However, the problem of providing an above-ground pool which is easily assembled, strong and durable, has continued to be a problem in industry. It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved above-ground pool which is easy to assembly, structurally sound, durable and designed in such a manner that no reinforcing rods or straps pass across the inside bottom of the pool. In addition, it is an object to provide a swimming pool having an elevated deck extending entirely around the upper periphery of the pool, which has decorative side panels to conceal the filter system and pumps of the pool, as well as the outer surfaces of the pool sidewalls. Roll-away steps are also utilized in the pool of the present invention which can be stored and locked in place under the deck when not in use so that small children cannot gain access to the pool.

In accordance with the above objects, the rectangular swimming pool of the present invention comprises four walls which are joined together at right angles in such a manner as to assure maximum strength. The corners of the pool are provided with corner cove members to prevent water stagnation and the walls are made up of a plurality of panels having integral channel or L shaped lower portions, which overlie a block or concrete foundation. The channel or L shaped portions maintain the lower portions of the walls in position when internal pressures are exerted on the walls by water within the pool and also provide a safety ledge around the perimeter of the pool.

Extruded hanger elements, for anchoring the peripheral edges of the pool liner in place, extend around the inner edge of the pool deck and are secured by bolts to the deck and outwardly extending flanges of the wall panels. Coping elements are provided which both cover the hanger assembly and help retain the peripheral edge of the liner on the extruded hanger elements.

The elevated deck, which is provided with leveling jacks, extends around the upper peripheral edges of the pool, is supported by a lower pool enclosure assembly and held down by adjustable torsion cables which are connected to the deck structure so as to exert a downward and inward force on the deck. The torsion cables are anchored to the corners of the pool at their ends and passing around the outer edges of deck frame members intermediate their ends. The frame members extend along the joints of adjoining deck panels or sections and are secured to the panels so that the forces exerted on the frame members by the torsion cables are transmitted to the deck.

The lower pool enclosure assembly has struts which not only support the elevated deck, but also carry lower decorative panel assemblies that hide the outer surface of the pool sidewalls, the pump and the filter equipment utilized with the pool. Roll-away stairs are provided at one end of the deck with the upper ends of the stairs being mounted on tracks which extend beneath the deck so that the stairs may be stored and locked in place under the deck when not in use.

Other unique features and advantages of the present invention will be more thoroughly understood from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the rectangular swimming pool of the present invention with a tubular frame assembly used to form a hopper;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the rectangular swimming pool with some of the lower decorative sidewalls removed to better illustrate the pool's construction and showing a tubular frame assembly used to form a hopper in the pool;

FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the rectangular swimming pool and the tubular frame assembly used to form a hopper in the pool;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rectangular swimming pool with a level or concave sand floor and with the filtering equipment, roll-away stairs, lower decorative side panels and part of the elevated deck removed to better illustrate the support frame and torsion cables;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view partly in section showing frame members and the sidewall embodiment with the L shaped anchoring extension;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view partly in section showing the elevated deck and the sidewall embodiment with the channel-shaped anchoring extension;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side view of the rectangular swimming pool illustrating the manner in which the torsion cables are mounted on the pool;

FIG. 8 is fragmentary plan view of one side of the pool illustrating the manner in which the torsion cables are secured to the pool;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of one of the corners of the pool illustrating the corner cove panels;

FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line 10--10 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a H shaped diagonal frame member and deck leveling jack assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a T shaped diagonal frame member and deck leveling jack assembly;

FIG. 13 is a side view partially in section of the roll-away stairs assembly;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the liner hanger and coping assembly taken substantially along lines 14--14 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the coping prior to installation;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the jack assembly utilized on the sides and one end of the deck;

FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic view of a second torsion cable assembly; and

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of a third torsion cable assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, the swimming pool is generally designated by reference character 20. The pool comprises sidewalls 22, 24, end walls 26, 28, a level or concave sand floor 30 or a floor with a hopper 32 and an elevated deck 34 which extends entirely around the tank of the pool.

The sidewalls 22, 24 and end walls 26, 28 of the pool are made up of metallic panels 36 or 36' which, as best illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, are mounted on a cinder block, cement or similar foundation. In the preferred form of the invention, a trench about the depth and width of a standard cinder block is dug around what will be the inside perimeter of the pool side and end walls. When the trench has been leveled, a cinder block or cement foundation 38 is placed therein and the wall panels 36 of the pool can be put in place.

To anchor the wall panels 36, 36' to the cinder block or cement foundation 38, the lower portion of each panel 36, 36' is provided with an inwardly extending, downwardly opening, channel or L shaped extension 40 or 40' which overlies the cinder block or cement foundation.

As shown in FIG. 5, L shaped extension 40' comprises an intermediate horizontal web 44' about the width of a cinder block and a vertical 3-inch flange 46' extending downwardly from the inner end of web 44'. Flange 46' engages the inner surface of foundation 38 while the lower terminal portions of vertical channel members 48 engage the outer surface of foundation 38. With this arrangement, inner flange 46' maintains the lower portions of the panels, and consequently, the sidewalls in a fixed position when the sidewalls are subjected to internal pressure from water within the pool. In addition, the L shaped extension 40' along with the lower terminal portions of frame members 48 provide means for properly aligning and positioning adjacent wall panels 36' of the assembly. The panels 36' of sidewalls 22, 24, and end walls 26, 28 are bolted or otherwise secured to the webs of vertical channel frame members 48 which extend along the joints formed by the abutting or overlapping edges of the wall panels from the upper edges of the panels to 3 inches below the juncture of terminal extensions 40' with the upper vertical portions of panels 36'.

As shown in FIG. 6, the channel-shaped extension 40 comprises an outer vertical flange 42, an intermediate horizontal web 44 about the width of a cinder block and an inner vertical 3-inch flange 46. The inner flange 46, which engages the inner surface of foundation 38, maintains the lower portions of the panels, and consequently, the sidewalls in a fixed position when the sidewalls are subjected to internal pressure from water within the pool. In addition, the channel-shaped extension 49 provides means for properly aligning and positioning adjacent panels of the assembly, The panels 36 of the sidewalls 22, 24, and end walls 26, 28 are bolted or otherwise secured to the webs of vertical channel frame members 48 which extend along the joints formed by the abutting or overlapping edges of the panels from extensions 40 to the upper edges of the panels.

Horizontal braces 47 extend between adjacent channel frame members 48 along the outer surfaces of panels 36 or 36' to strengthen the middle panels 36 or 36' of the side and end walls. Braces 47 are not provided for the corner panels of the side and end walls where the additional bracing is not needed. As shown in FIG. 4, which has some of the braces 47 removed to better illustrate the construction, and FIG. 5, the webs of horizontal braces 47 extend beyond the flanges at each end of the brace to form tongues which are received in slots 49 of channel frame members 48. During assembly of the pool, one of the tongues is inserted in a slot 49 of a frame member 48 already secured to panels 36 or 36' and the other end is inserted in the slot of an adjacent frame member 48 prior to securing the frame member 48 to the wall panels.

Pool sidewalls 22 and 24 extend perpendicular to pool end walls 26 and 28 with the tank of the pool thereby being rectangular in horizontal cross section. The rectangular configuration of the pool with the resulting right angle corner joints, FIG. 9, enables the pool corners to be constructed so as to provide for maximum strength. The corner panels at each of the corner joints are bolted to vertical angle or W shaped support frame members 50 or similar angle members which lend great strength and rigidity to the pool structure. While this construction is very strong and durable, it is not desirable to have a pool with right angle corners since the water within the pool tends to stagnate in such corners resulting in an accumulation of dirt. To eliminate stagnant water and dirt accumulation in the sharp corners and to reduce burbling of the water circulation, thereby improving filtration, corner cove panels 52 are provided at each corner of the pool. The corner cove panels 52 extend from channel or L shaped extensions 40, 40' which are mitered at the corners to insure a proper fit, to the upper edges of the wall panels 36, 36'. The inner surfaces of panels 52 are generally smooth and concave thereby rounding out the corners of the pool so that there are no places for the water within the pool to stagnate. These panels 52 are bolted or otherwise secured to corner panels 36, 36' and as can be readily appreciated, not only improve the circulation of water within the pool, but also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The sidewalls 22 and 24 of the pool are provided with external torsion cables 54, 56, respectively, which hold the deck panels or sections in and down. As best shown in FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, the cables are secured at each end of the vertical corner support frame members 50 at points spaced below the upper edges of the pool walls by means of brackets 58, 58', which are bolted, welded or otherwise secured to the corner frame members. The brackets 58, 58' are made up of legs 60, 60' and 62, 62', which extend perpen-dicular with respect to each other, and diagonal extensions 64, 64' that diverge outwardly from the pool sidewall and which are integral with legs 62, 62'. The cables 54 and 56 are mounted on the brackets by means of cable clevis or yokes 66 having pins which pass through apertures in the diagonal extensions 64, 64' of the brackets. Turn buckles 67 and 67' are provided in each cable so that the tension in the cable can be adjusted as necessitated.

Center deck and cable support struts 68 and 70 are positioned midway along the upper edges of sidewalls 22 and 24, respectively, and extend perpendicular to the sidewalls 22, 24 in a generally horizontal plane. The struts are bolted to the undersides adjacent deck panel sections with the struts extending along the joints formed by the middle deck panel sections of sides 22, 24. The inner ends of struts 68 and 70 do not abut frame members 48 and the outer ends are engaged by the torsion cables 54 and 56. In the preferred form of the invention, a horizontally extending notch 71 is provided in the outer edge of each center deck and cable support strut within which is mounted tube 72 or some similar element which prevents the torsion cable from chafing.

As can be readily seen from FIGS. 4 and 7, the center deck and cable support struts 68 and 70 are mounted on the undersides of abutting deck panels of the swimming pool at a greater height than the ends of the torsion cables 54 and 56 which are secured to the brackets at the corners of the pool. As a result of this assembly, the lines of force acting on the center deck and cable support struts 68 and 70 not only are directed inwardly, but also downwardly so that the cables help to hold deck 34 in and down.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrammatic views illustrating modifications of the torsion cable assembly to be utilized on pools of greater width and length than the one illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 17 illustrates a pool which is of such a width that torsion cable assemblies 200, 200', similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, are required along the ends of the pool as well as the sides. The brackets 202, struts 204 and cables 206 utilized in the assembly of FIG. 17 can be the same as those of FIGS. 7 and 8 or, if desired, along the end of the pool having the wide deck, the cables can be secured to the cable support struts at points spaced inwardly from the outer end of the struts. FIG. 18 illustrates a second modification of the torsion cable assembly for use on a pool of greater width and length than the pool illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4. The torsion cable assemblies along the ends of the pool are the same as those illustrated in FIG. 17. However, due to the length of the pool, torsion cable assemblies 208, 210 and 212 are not only secured on each side of the pool to the center deck and cable support strut 214, but also deck and cable support struts 216, 218 on either side of the center deck and cable support strut. Support struts 216, 218 are secured to deck at the joints between the middle panel sections 220, 222 and panel sections 224, 226 respectively, while strut 214 is secured to the deck at the joint between the middle panel sections in the same manner that struts 68 and 70 are joined to the deck 34. With the above arrangement, the outer edges of a pool deck of great length and width can be securely held down and in place.

The floor of the pool can be flat, level or concave as shown by floor 30 in FIG. 4, or, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the pool can be provided with a hopper at one end which extends below the surface of the ground. When it is desired to have a pool with a flat, level or concave floor such as 30, a flexible liner 73 of water-proof material is laid over sand or suitable fill enclosed by the sidewalls and end walls of the pool and the liner is secured to hangers on deck 34 and adjacent the upper edges of sidewalls 22, 24 and end walls 26, 28 as will be fully explained hereinafter. Of course, a suitable drain can be provided in the floor of the pool which, in combination with outlet 74 in end wall 26, connects the tank of the pool with the conventional pump and filtration system 75.

When it is desired to construct a pool with a hopper, a tubular frame assembly 32, such as the one shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, is utilized. Frame assembly 32 is laid within an excavation at one end of the pool and is made up of a lower square center framework 76, a larger upper square framework 78 and connecting members 80 which extend from the corners of framework 76 upwardly and outwardly to the corners of framework 78. The tubular frame members of the assembly are bolted, welded or otherwise secured to each other along their abutting edges. As in the embodiment utilizing a flat, level or concave floor, the interior of the pool is lined with a flexible liner 73 of water-proof material. The liner is laid over sand or other suitable fill at the shallow end of the pool and over the tubular frame assembly 32 at the deep end of the pool with the liner being so shaped as to conform to the contours of the tubular frame assembly 32. As in the previous embodiment, a drain 81 can be provided in the liner which is mounted on strap 82 extending between tubular frame members of lower framework 76.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, the peripheral edges of liner 73 is heat sealed or otherwise secured to vertical extensions 83 of extruded vinyl hooks 84. Hooks 84 are retained on hangers 85 which extend around the inner edge of deck 34. Hangers 85 are preferably made of extruded aluminum members and comprise base portions 86 that are secured to deck 34 by bolts which pass through deck panels 94 and into nuts mounted in upper flanges 100 of the vertical wall panels 36 or 36'. Hanger members 85 have vertical web portions 87 extending upwardly from the inner ends of base portions 86 and horizontal flanges 88 which extend outwardly from the upper end of web 87 to form hooks which retain hooks 84 of liner 73.

An extruded vinyl coping 89 is provided to cover the hanger assembly and help retain the complementary hooks of the hanger assembly (members 84, 85) in place. Coping 89 has a hollow section 90 with a convex inner surface that extends below extensions 83 to cover the upper edges of the liner 73 and give the inner rim of the pool an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Hook portion 91 extends outwardly from the upper end of hollow section 90 and when the coping 89 is in place, FIG. 14, hook portion 91 overlies hook 84 and is retained on hangers 85. A resilient extension 92, which, as shown in FIG. 15, is normally curved, merges with hook portion 91. Extension 92 covers the outer ends of hangers 85 and due to its resilience, maintains hook portion 91 on hanger 85 thereby insuring that the coping 89 is firmly anchored in place.

The elevated deck 34, which extends around the upper edge of the swimming pool tank, is approximately 2 feet wide along sidewalls 22, 24 and end wall 28 and 6 feet wide along end wall 26. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the deck comprises a series of plywood panels 94 which have complementary alignment dowels 96 and apertures 98 along their abutting edges; while the outer edges of the panels have molding strips 99 secured thereto which hide horizontal deck frame members 102 and strengthen the outer perimeter of the deck. The inner edges of panels 94 extend along and are supported by the upper flanges 100 of the vertical wall panels 36. The bottom surfaces of panels 94, adjacent their abutting edges, have wood nuts 104 mounted therein that are aligned with apertures in the horizontal deck frame members 102 which extend part of the way along the joints of the deck panels 94 from the outer edge of the deck to points spaced from the side or end walls. Bolts passing up through the webs of the channel-shaped horizontal deck frame members rigidly secure the deck 34 to these members. In addition, a series of holes are provided in panels 94, which are aligned with apertures in the upper wall flanges 100 of the vertical sidewall panels 36 so that the inner ends of the deck panels can be rigidly secured to the side and end walls by the same bolts which secure hangers 85 to the deck. With the use of coping 89 around the inner perimeter of the deck along with wood nuts 104, the deck has a smooth upper surface completely free of obstructions.

The outer edge of deck 34 along sidewalls 22, 24 and end wall 28 is supported by diagonally extending frame members 106. Members 106 are bolted, pinned or otherwise secured at their lower ends to the vertical frame members 48 adjacent the lower ends of the vertical frame members and have plates 108 welded to or fabricated as part of the upper ends of the diagonal frame members 106. As best shown in FIG. 16, plates 108 are secured to the outer edges of the deck panels 94 by jack assemblies 150. Jack assemblies 150 comprise studs 152, railing base members 154, plates 108, nuts 156, 158, 160 and plates 162 or extensions of the webs of frame members 68, 70 or 102 when the jack is located at a joint between deck panels 94. The heads of studs 152 are mounted within railing base members 154 and extend downwardly through apertures in panels 94, plates 162 or the web extensions and plates 108. Nuts 156 are tightened against plates 162 or the web extensions to rigidly secure the base members 154 and plates 162 or web extensions as well as studs 152 to the deck. Nuts 158 and 160 engage the upper and lower surfaces of plate 108 so that by loosening and tightening nuts 158, 160, the level of the outer edges of deck 34 along sides 22, 24 and end 28 can be adjusted.

Unlike the diagonal support frame members 106 along sides 22, 24 and end 28, no jack assemblies interconnect the upper ends of diagonal support frame members 112 to the deck along end 26 of the pool. Instead plates 114 of the diagonal frame members are rigidly secured to the deck in a fixed position by studs passing down from railing base members 154. Diagonal support frame members 112, instead of extending from the lower end of the vertical end wall frame members 48, extend upwardly from and are bolted to 1-inch-diameter extension tubes 116 which are, in turn, secured at their inner ends to the lower portions of vertical wall support frame members 48. These extension tubes are, in turn, linked together by a series of frame members 118 which run parallel to end wall 26.

As shown in FIG. 11, the outer ends of extension tubes 116 are provided with deck leveling jack assemblies 120 which each comprise a stud 122 that is mounted on a plate 124 and passes through a pair of apertures in one of the extension tubes 116. Nuts 126 are provided on either side of the extension tube 116 so that by loosening and tightening the nuts 126, the level of the outer ends of extension tubes 116 can be altered, thereby altering the elevation of the outer edge of the deck.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the diagonal support frame members 108, 114 are preferably made from either H shaped frame members or T shaped frame members. These frame members 108, 114 not only support the elevated deck, but also carry decorative panels 128 which extend from the lower ends of frame members 108, 114 to the upper ends of these members to give the outside of the pool an aesthetically pleasing appearance. These panels 128, which are preferably either the coiled type, awning type or narrow panel type, are made of plastic, aluminum, wood or similar materials and are slid into position between adjacent diagonal deck frame members.

When using the H shaped frame members, the decorative panels are maintained in place between the pairs of flanges 130, 130' on each side of the web so that there is no need for using screws, bolts or other types of fasteners to keep the panels in place. In the preferred form of the invention, approximately 6 inches of the rear flange 130' of the H member is cut away at the top to permit the panels 128 to be slid into place. However, it is contemplated that the amount of flange 130' which is cut away can be varied as required by the type of decorative panel used.

When a T shaped frame member is utilized, the lateral edges of the outer surfaces of the decorative panels 128 rest on flanges 132; while the inner surfaces of the decorative panels adjacent their lower and upper edges engage vertical sidewall frame members 48 and/or a stop means 133 on extensions 116 and horizontally extending plates 108 or 114, respectively, which thereby maintain the decorative panels 128 in place.

Roll-away stairs 134 (FIG. 13) are mounted at one end of the pool to provide access to and from the deck 34. The upper end of the stairs are provided with a pair of outwardly extending roller 136 which are received in spaced-apart roller tracks 138 mounted on the underside of the deck and secured by bolts or similar means to the flanges of two of the horizontal deck support members 102. The spaced-apart pair of tracks 138 extend parallel with regard to each other from the outer edge of the deck to points adjacent the vertical end wall 26 and are provided with stops or protrusions 140 at the inner and outer ends to keep the rollers 136 of ladder 134 from rolling off the tracks. While in the preferred form, the tracks 138 are generally C shaped with each track having a slot extending longitudinally along one side through which the support axles for rollers 136 pass, it is contemplated that tracks 138 can be of any suitable cross-sectional configuration. With this arrangement, the stairs can be stored (as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2) under deck 34 simply by raising the lower end of the stairs and pushing the stairs inwardly until rollers 136 engage the inner stops 140. Apertures 141 can be provided in one of the tracks so that a lock, similar to a bicycle lock, can be utilized to prevent the stairs from being pulled out of storage by unauthorized persons.

For the safety of those using pool 20, the pool has a railing 142 that extends entirely around and is secured to the outer perimeter of deck 34. The railing has a gate 144 directly above stairs 134 and, as discussed above, base members of the railing form an integral part of the deck leveling assemblies along sides 22, 24 and end 28.

While the preferred form of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A hanger assembly for securing a pool liner to the deck of a pool comprising:

a first hook having a base portion adapted to be parallel to and secured to the deck of a pool, said first hook being rigid;

a second hook, said second hook having a vertical extension at one end adapted to be secured to the upper peripheral edge of the pool liner;

said first and second hooks being complementary with respect to each other whereby said second hook tightly engages said first hook, and

coping means adapted to substantially cover both said first and second hooks and to engage portions of both said first and second hooks to help retain the complementary engagement therebetween.

2. The hanger assembly of claim 1 wherein said coping means is adapted, when in place, to present a relatively smooth rounded exterior transition surface between said pool deck and said liner.

3. The hanger assembly of claim 1

said coping means including resilient extension overlying that portion of the deck adjacent to the first hook, and a hollow section having a convex inner surface overlying that portion of the pool liner adjacent to the first hook, whereby the coping means defines the inner rim of the pool.