Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: COVERED POOL STRUCTURE
FIELD
[0001] Disclosed herein are apparatus related to the general field of
pools and is more particularly to apparatus related to covered pool
structures.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Covering structures for swimming pools are well known in the
art. In addition to improving the safety of the pool by inhibiting accidental
falls
thereinto, covering structures tend to preserve water quality by reducing
chlorine evaporation and reducing water contamination from external
contaminants, such as bird droppings, that may fall into an uncovered pool.
[0003] Some known covering structures for swimming pools are
conceived for use with rigid swimming pools. However, non-rigid swimming
pools, either of the self-supporting type or of a type in which a membrane is
supported by a light structure made out of posts, have increasingly become
popular in recent years. Because of their flexibility, such swimming pools are
typically not usable with commonly used covering structures. Indeed, it can be
relatively difficult to attach such covering structures to a relatively
flexible
structure. Notably, attaching a covering structure to a flexible structure may
lead to the creation of shear stresses in the attachment used to attach the
covering structure. For example, in the case in which the attachment is a
zipper-type attachment, such shear forces may lead to damages to the
attachment.
[0004] Another problem encountered in existing covering structures
resides in that relatively waterproof covering structures may accumulate
water, such as rain water, on their top surface. In relatively rigid swimming
pools, this typically does not cause great problems, as the quantity of water
that may be accumulated can be kept relatively small due to the tension
applied to the covering structure when it is attached to the rigid structure
of
the swimming pool. However, in a flexible swimming pool, there exists a risk
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that a relatively large quantity of water may accumulate on the top surface of
the covering structure as the swimming pool may deform in response to the
accumulation of water and, therefore, allow a relatively deep puddle to form.
[0005] In turn, these puddles lead to increased risks that children,
babies or other animals could drown in puddles formed on the top surface of
the covering. Furthermore, the weight exerted by a child, baby or other animal
on the top surface of the covering structure may increase to the deformation
of the covering structure, thereby increasing the depth of any pools of water
formed thereon.
[0006] Another problem encountered in such flexible swimming pools,
and more typically in self-supporting swimming pools, is caused by the fact
that by their relatively small size and inexpensive nature, such swimming
pools, when they include a pump and a filter for filtering the water contained
therein, only include a single underwater inlet for drawing the water to
filter out
of the swimming pool. There have been many accidents in which hairs of a
child have been drawn into the inlet by the pump and in which the child has
been unable to remove the hairs from the inlet, which resulted in drowning of
the child.
[0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved covered pool
structure.
SUMMARY
[0008] According to one example, there is provided a covered pool
structure for containing a liquid. The liquid defines a liquid top surface.
The
covered pool structure includes a membrane for containing the liquid, the
membrane defining a bottom wall and a peripheral wall extending therefrom.
The peripheral wall defines a top edge. A rim extends from the peripheral wall
substantially adjacent the top edge. The rim has a substantially toroidal
configuration. An attachment flange extends from the peripheral wall
substantially adjacent the rim. The attachment flange is located peripherally
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relatively to the peripheral wall. A covering structure defines a
substantially
flexible covering section positional so as to extend across the liquid top
surface and an attachment section extending substantially peripherally and
outwardly from the covering section. An attachment flange-to-attachment
section releasable attachment extends between the attachment flange and
the attachment section for releasably attaching the attachment flange and the
attachment section to each other. The attachment flange and the attachment
section are both substantially resiliently deformable and have substantially
similar elasticity moduli.
[0009] For the purpose of the present description, the terminology
covered pool structure refers to any covered pool, such as, for example,
covered swimming pools, covered spas and any other suitable covered
structure that may contain a liquid. For example, the covered pool structure
is
either of the self-supporting type, or of the type supported by a relatively
light
structure including a rigid rim, posts supporting the rim, and reinforcing
members extending between the posts, but which does not include rigid walls.
[0010] Having the attachment flange and the attachment section with
substantially similar elasticity moduli causes the attachment flange and the
attachment section to deform substantially similarly when external forces are
exerted onto the covered pool structure. This reduces shear stresses in the
attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable attachment, which in turn
increases the reliability and durability of many types of usable attachment
flange-to-attachment section releasable attachments, such as attachments of
the zip-type.
[0011] For example, the external forces exerted onto the attachment
flange may be forces due to the hydrostatic pressure of the liquid contained
within the membrane, forces exerted by an intended user when attaching to
and detaching from the covering structure the remaining portion of the
covered pool structure, or forces exerted when the intended user of the
covered pool structure enters or leaves the liquid.
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[0012] In some examples, the covered pool structure includes a drain
positioned so as to be able to remove water accumulating onto the covering
section. This drain reduces the risk of a small child drowning in puddles of
water accumulating on top of the covering section. Such drains also reduce
the risk that the covering structure, or the membrane, becomes damaged due
to forces exerted thereonto by such accumulated water.
[0013] The proposed covered pool structure is relatively easily
manufacturable at relatively low costs using currently known materials and
techniques. Furthermore, the proposed covering structure is relatively easily
attachable to and detachable from the membrane using a relatively small
number of quick and ergonomic steps.
[0014] In some examples, the covered pool structure includes a pump
in fluid communication with two inlets formed into the membrane, for example
into the peripheral wall. In these examples, if an object or a part of a body
of
an intended user of the covered pool structure becomes stuck into one of the
pump inlets, the pump may continue circulating the liquid by drawing the
liquid
through the other pump inlet, which reduces the suction force exerted by the
pump onto the object or part of the body of the intended user and facilitates
removal of the object or part of the body of the intended user from the
blocked
pump inlet.
[0015] In some examples, a coverable pool structure comprises a
membrane for containing a liquid, the membrane having a bottom wall, a
peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall, and a top edge on the
peripheral wall, a rim connected to the peripheral wall proximate the top
edge,
a flexible covering member being positionable so as to extend between the
peripheral wall to inhibit access to the liquid, an attachment apparatus for
securing the flexible covering member to the rim, and a support member
positionable between a top surface of the liquid and the flexible covering
member and configured to bias at least a portion of the flexible covering
member away from the liquid.
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[0016] The support member may be configured to dispose the portion
of the flexible covering member above the rim. The support member may be
positionable generally concentric to the rim of the pool and away from the rim
of the pool. The support member may be releasably securable to the flexible
covering member.
[0017] The support member may comprise at least one inflatable
member, and may comprise a plurality toroidal inflatable members configured
in an ordered arrangement. The inflatable member may comprise an air
bladder. The support member may comprise a foam portion.
[0018] In some examples, the support member may be configured to
dispose the portion of the flexible covering member at least 5 cm above the
rim, or alternatively at least 15 cm above the rim.
[0019] The support member may be configured to bias the flexible
covering member away from the top surface of the liquid while supporting a
predetermined weight on the flexible covering member. The predetermined
weight may be at least 100 lbs, or alternatively at least 500 lbs.
[0020] The coverable pool structure may further comprise at least one
aperture defined in the flexible covering structure to allow fluid
communication
between an outer surface of the flexible covering member and the liquid within
the pool. The at least one aperture may be positioned intermediate the rim of
the pool and the support member.
[0021] According to another example, there is provided a covering
structure for a pool, the pool having a peripheral wall and a bottom wall for
receiving a liquid in the pool, the covering structure comprising a flexible
covering member being positionable so as to extend between the peripheral
wall to inhibit access to the liquid in the pool, an attachment apparatus for
securing the flexible covering member to the pool, and a support member
positionable between a top surface of the liquid in the pool and the flexibie
covering member and configured to bias at least a portion of the flexible
covering member away from the liquid.
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[0022] According to another example, there is provided a covering
structure for a pool, the pool having a peripheral wall and a bottom wall for
receiving a liquid in the pool, the covering structure comprising a flexible
covering member having a light-transmitting portion, and being positionable
so as to extend between the peripheral wall to inhibit access to the liquid in
the pool, an attachment apparatus for securing the flexible covering member
to the pool, and a heating member positionable below the flexible covering
member, and configured for using light passing through the light-transmitting
portion to heat the liquid.
[0023] The light-transmitting portion may comprise an open mesh
material, and the solar heating member may comprise a solar blanket
positionable proximate a top surface of the liquid.
[0024] According to another example, there is provided coverable pool
structure comprising a membrane for containing a liquid, the membrane
having a bottom wall, a peripheral wall extending from the bottom wall, and a
top edge on the peripheral wall, a rim connected to the peripheral wall
proximate the top edge, a flexible covering member, and an attachment
apparatus for securing the flexible covering member to the membrane, the
attachment apparatus having a releasable portion secured to the rim and
configured to allow the flexible covering member to move between a closed
position wherein the flexible covering member extends between the peripheral
wall to inhibit access to the liquid and an open position wherein access to
the
liquid is uninhibited, and a connecting member securing the flexible covering
member to the membrane to inhibit the flexible covering from being moved a
predetermined distance away from the membrane.
[0025] The attachment apparatus may comprise a zipper member
extending only partially around the peripheral wall of the pool, and the
connecting member comprises a flexible member provided between first and
second ends of the zipper member. The connecting member may comprise a
tether connected to the flexible covering member and at least one of the
membrane and the rim.
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[0026] According to another example, there is provided a covering
structure for a pool, the pool having a peripheral wall and a bottom wall for
receiving a liquid in the pool, the covering structure comprising a flexible
covering member being positionable so as to extend between the peripheral
wall to inhibit access to the liquid in the pool, an attachment apparatus for
securing the flexible covering member, and a securing apparatus positionable
on an exterior surface of the peripheral wall and configured to releasably
secure the attachment apparatus to the pool to secure the flexible covering
member to the pool.
[0027] The pool may comprise a membrane defining the peripheral wall
and the bottom wall and further includes a rim connected to the peripheral
wall proximate a top edge thereof, and the securing apparatus may comprise
a belt member positionable below the rim of the pool and a locking member
for locking the belt in a position below the rim.
[0028] According to another example, a coverable pool structure may
be provided incorporating any two or more features listed above.
[0029] According to yet another example, there is provided a covering
structure for a pool incorporating any two or more features listed above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Examples will now be disclosed in particular reference to the
following drawings, in which:
[0031] Figure 1, in a perspective view, illustrates a covered pool
structure in accordance with one example;
[0032] Figure 2, in a side cross-sectional view with portions removed
taken along the line II-II shown in Fig. 1, illustrates a portion of the
covered
pool structure shown in Fig. 1;
[0033] Figure 3, in a perspective view, illustrates a covered pool
structure in accordance with an alternative example;
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[0034] Figure 4, in a side cross-sectional view with portions removed
taken along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3, illustrates the covered pool structure
shown in Fig. 3;
[0035] Figure 5, in a perspective view, illustrates a covered pool
structure in accordance with yet another example;
[0036] Figure 6, in a side cross-sectional view with portions removed,
illustrates a covered pool structure in accordance with yet another example.
[0037] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a covered pool structure
according to yet another example;
[0038] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional elevation view of the covered pool
structure of Figure 7;
[0039] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a support member for use with
the covered pool structure of Figure 7;
[0040] Figure 10 is cross-sectional perspective view of the support
member of Figure 9;
[0041] Figure 11 is close-up cross-sectional view of the support
member of Figure 9;
[0042] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a securing member for use
with the support member of Figure 9;
[0043] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a covered pool
structure according to another example having a foam support member;
[0044] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a covered pool
structure according to another example having an air bladder support
member;
[0045] Figure 15 is perspective view of a covered pool structure
according to another example having drainage holes therein;
[0046] Figure 16 is perspective view of a covered pool structure
according to another example having a securing member;
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[0047] Figure 17 is perspective view of a covered pool structure
according to another example having a cover with a light-transmitting portion;
and
[0048] Figure 18 is perspective view of a covered pool structure
according to another example having a connecting member for securing the
cover to the pool.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0049] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a covered pool structure 10 in
accordance with one example. Referring more specifically to Fig. 1, the
covered pool structure 10 is provided for containing a liquid 12, the liquid
12
defining a liquid top surface 13.
[0050] The covered pool structure 10 includes a membrane 14 for
containing the liquid 12. The membrane 14 defines a bottom wall 16 generally
configured for resting on a ground surface, and a peripheral wall 18 extending
therefrom generally away from the ground surface. The peripheral wall 18
defines a top edge 20, better seen in Fig. 2.
[0051] Still referring to Fig. 2, a rim 22 extends from the peripheral wall
18 adjacent the top edge 20. The rim 22 may have a substantially toroidal
configuration with a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration, as
shown, or any other suitable cross-sectional configuration. The rim 22 shown
in Fig. 2 is an inflatable rim-part of a self-supporting swimming pool.
However,
in alternative examples, the rim 22 is any suitable rim, for example the rim
of a
rigid above-ground pool or an in-ground pool.
[0052] An attachment flange 24 extends from the peripheral wall 18
adjacent the rim 22. The attachment flange 24 is located peripherally
relatively
to the peripheral wall 18, on an outer surface of the peripheral wall 18.
[0053] As seen in Fig. 1, a covering member or structure 26 is also
provided. The covering structure 26 includes a substantially flexible covering
section 28 positional so as to extend across the liquid top surface 13 so as
to
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inhibit access the liquid 12. The covering structure 26 also defines an
attachment section 30 extending substantially peripherally and outwardly from
the covering section 28.
[0054] In some examples, as shown, for example, in Fig. 1, the
covering section 28 has a substantially disc-shaped configuration and the
attachment section 30 forms a generally annular structure extending
peripherally relatively to the covering section 28 and has an arcuate cross-
sectional configuration in a plane perpendicular to the covering section 30,
as
illustrated in Fig. 2. However, in alternative examples, the covering
structure
26 has any other suitable shape.
[0055] An attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable
attachment 32 extends between the attachment flange 24 and the attachment
section 30. The attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable
attachment 32 is provided for attaching the attachment flange 24 and the
attachment section 30 to each other.
[0056] In some examples, the releasable attachment 32 comprises a
zipper or another zip-type fastener.
[0057] In some examples, the attachment flange 24 and the attachment
section 30 are both substantially resiliently deformable and have
substantially
similar elasticity moduli, and the attachment flange 24 and the attachment
section 30 can deform substantially similarly when external forces are exerted
onto the covered pool structure 10. In turn, this tends to reduce shear
stresses in the attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable
attachment 32. Many typically used releasable attachments are sensitive to
such shear stresses, which may damage these releasable attachments.
Because of the relatively large labour involved in replacing such releasable
attachments, it advantageous that the attachment flange-to-attachment
section releasable attachment 32 used in the proposed covered pool structure
10 does not easily become damaged during normal use.
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[0058] Deformation of the covered pool structure 10 may occur for
many reasons. For example, when the covered pool structure 10 is first filled
with the liquid 12, the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the liquid 12 onto the
covered pool structure 10, particularly the peripheral wall 18, tends to
extend
radially the covered pool structure 10. Since the attachment flange 24 and the
attachment section 30 have substantially similar elasticity moduli, these two
elements extend substantially similarly under the action of the hydrostatic
pressure of the liquid 12, which tends to reduce the possibility that large
shear
stresses are induced into the attachment flange-to-attachment section
releasable attachment 32.
[0059] Furthermore, since the covered pool structure shown in Figs. 1
and 2 is of the self-supporting type, the intended user of the covered pool
structure may relatively easily deform the covered pool structure 10 either
during maintenance of the pool structure 10, during normal use of the covered
pool structure 10, or when attaching to or detaching the covering structure 26
from the attachment flange 24. All these operations may create forces that
may damage the attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable
attachment 32, Indeed, if the attachment flange 24 and the attachment
section 30 deform differently under the action of external forces, the
attachment flange 24 and the attachment section 30 will create shear forces
into the attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable attachment 32,
which may result in permanent damages to the attachment flange-to-
attachment section releasable attachment 32.
[0060] Referring to Fig. 2, in some examples, the rim 22 defines a rim
apex 34, a rim nadir 36 and a rim midplane 38 extending substantially mid-
way between the rim apex 34 and the rim nadir 36. For example, as shown
the rim midplane 38 is located between the attachment flange-to-attachment
section releasable attachment 32 and the rim apex 34. Because of the
substantially toroidal configuration of the rim 22, in these examples, the
attachment section 30 is at least partially wrapped around the rim 22. This
positioning of the releasable attachment 32 further helps in maintaining the
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structural integrity of the covered pool structure 10. For example, in this
configuration, forces exerted onto the covering section 28 towards the liquid
12 tend to be at least partially transmitted to the rim 22 instead of being
transmitted directly to the releasable attachment 32. Also, this configuration
tends to facilitate the attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable
attachment 32 operating mainly in tension when such external forces are
exerted onto the covered pool structure 10.
[0061] In a more specific example, the attachment flange-to-attachment
section releasable attachment 32 is located between the rim nadir 36 and the
rim midplane 38. This configuration ensures that the attachment flange 24 and
the attachment section 30 together wrap around the rim 22.
[0062] In some examples, typical values for an attachment-to-midplane
distance 40 between the attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable
attachment 32 and the rim midplane 38 are from about 50% to about 95% of
an attachment-to-nadir distance 42 between the rim nadir 36 and the rim
midplane 38. Indeed, these values have been found to lead to covering
structures 26 that are relatively well secured to the attachment flange 24,
while remaining relatively easily attached to and removed from the remainder
of the covered pool structure 10. However, other relationships between the
relative values of the attachment-to-midplane distance 40 and attachment-to-
nadir distance 42 are within the scope of some examples.
[0063] As best shown in Figure 2, the rim 22 may include a rim body 44
having a substantially toroidal configuration and a rim flange 46 extending
substantially radially outwardly from the rim body 44. For example, the rim
flange 46 may be attached to the peripheral wall 18 substantially adjacent the
top edge 20 through a sonic weld. In some examples the rim 22 may be
formed by folding over itself a membrane and attaching end sections of this
membrane to each other to form the rim body 44 and the rim flange 46.
[0064] In some examples, the attachment flange 24 and the attachment
section 30 are typically made out of the same material. In may be desirable
that this material be waterproof, have high tear strength, have high tensile
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strength, have high stretching resistance, and be resistant to deterioration
when exposed to elements such as chlorine, iodine and UV. For example, one
material such as the make 'Denier 210' sold by Datong Inc. could be used. It
has been found that this material is particularly well-suited, as it allows
for the
creation of relatively small deformations into both the attachment flange 24
and the attachment section 30 under external loads exerted onto the covered
pool structure 10 during normal use. However, it is within the scope of some
examples to include any other suitable materials in the attachment flange 24
and/or the attachment section 30.
[0065] Referring to Fig. 2, in some examples, the attachment flange 24
extends integrally from the membrane 14. For example, the attachment flange
24 may be a prolongation of the membrane 14 and extend generally upwardly
from the top edge 20. In other examples, as seen, for example, in Fig. 3, the
attachment flange 24' may be attached to the membrane 14 through a sonic
weld.
[0066] A type of attachment flange-to-attachment section releasable
attachment 32 particularly well suited to the some examples is a zip-type
fastener. For example, the zip-type fastener includes two zip bands 48 and 50
stitched respectively to the attachment flange 24 and the attachment section
30 and a slider 51 extending between the two zip bands 48 and 50 for
selectively attaching and detaching the zip bands 48 and 50 upon being slid
relatively thereto. Such zip-type fasteners are well-known in the art to be
relatively resistant to tension in a direction lateral to their longitudinal
axis.
Therefore, such a zip-type fastener is well-suited to the proposed covered
pool structure as forces exerted vertically onto the covering structure 26
tend
to be unlikely to lead to lead to permanent damages of the zip-type fastener.
[0067] Since in some examples the covering structure 26 is intended to
protect children from drowning into the liquid 12, the relatively large
resistance
of the zip-type fastener to forces exerted onto the covering structure 26
tends
to ensures that even if a child climbs onto the covering structure 26, it is
relatively unlikely that the attachment flange-to-attachment section
releasable
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attachment 32 will fail and lead to the child falling completely into the
liquid 12.
This unlikeliness of failure may be further enhanced by the equality of the
elasticity moduli of the attachment flange 24 and of the attachment section
30,
as shear stresses that could be induced into the zip-type fastener upon
deformation of the covered pool structure 10 will then tend to be relatively
small, which will contribute to the ruggedness of the proposed covered pool
structure 10.
[0068] Referring now specifically to Figs. 3 and 4, there is shown a
covered pool structure 10' in accordance with another example. The covered
pool structure 10' is substantially similar in many aspects to the previously
described covered pool structure 10 and reference numerals used in
describing the covered pool structure 10 will also be used when similar
structures are present in the covered pool structure 10'.
[0069] A difference between the covered pool structure 10' and the
covered pool structure 10 resides in that the covered pool structure 10' is
not
of the self-supporting type. Instead, a substantially rigid rim 22' of the
covered
pool structure 10' is supported in a spaced apart relationship relatively to a
ground surface unto which the covered pool structure 10' is disposed by
support members, such as posts 52. The posts 52 are typically
circumferentially spaced apart from each other and provide a surface against
which a membrane 14' of the covered pool structure 10' abuts against. To
prevent the posts 52 from being pushed radially outwardly by the hydrostatic
pressure created by the liquid 12 (not shown in Figs. 3 and 4), reinforcing
members 54 extend substantially circumferentially around the covered pool
structure 10 and link the posts 52 to each other.
[0070] As seen in Fig. 4, in this example, the membrane 14' is
suspended from the rim 22', for example by looping the membrane 14' around
the rim 22' and attaching the membrane 14' to itself so as to enclose the rim
22'. Also, the attachment flange 24' extends from the peripheral wall 18' and
is
sonically welded thereto.
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[0071] Fig. 5 illustrates another covered pool structure 10". The
covered pool structure 10" is similar to the covered pool structure 10, except
that it includes a filtration system 56 for circulating the liquid 12 present
in the
covered pool structure 10" through a conventional filter (not shown in the
drawings) and reintroducing the filtered liquid 12 into the covered pool
structure 10".
[0072] More specifically, in this example, the membrane 14 defines as
least two pump inlets 58 therein extending through the membrane 14. Also, a
pump outlet 60 extends through the membrane 14. The covered pool
structure 10" includes a pump 62 in fluid communication with each of the at
least two pump inlets 58 and with the pump outlet 60 for circulating the
liquid
12 by drawing the liquid 12 through the at least two pump inlets 58 and
pushing the liquid through the pump outlet 60. For example, two pump inlets
58 may be adjacent to each other and connected to the pump 62 through a
generally Y-shaped tube 61. For example, the two pump inlets may be spaced
apart from each other by a secured distance of about 1.5 meter.
[0073] The presence of at least two pump inlets 58 in the covered pool
structure 10" tends to reduce the vacuum force exerted by the pump 62 onto
objects that may become engaged into one of the pump inlets 58 and block,
either partially or totally, this pump inlet 58. This feature tends to
increase the
safety of the covered pool structure 10", as it tends to ensure that if a
small
child has body parts such as their hair engaged into the pump inlet 58, the
other pump inlet 58 will allow water to be drawn by the pump 62 without
creating a relatively large vacuum force, and thus will allow the child to
remove himself from the pump inlet 58, thereby inhibit drowning of the child.
[0074] Fig. 6 illustrates a covered pool structure 10"' in accordance with
yet another example. The covered pool structure 10"' is substantially similar
to
the covered pool structure 10, except that it includes an alternative covering
structure 26'. Also, the covered pool structure 10"' includes a drain 64.
[0075] As shown, the drain 64 extends from the covering section 28' of
the covering structure 26'. The drain 64 defines a drain inlet 68 located
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substantially adjacent to the covering section 28, a drain outlet 70 located
peripherally relatively to the peripheral wall 18 when the covering section
28'
extends across the liquid top surface 13 and a drain passageway 72
extending therebetween.
[0076] The covering structure 28' defines a draining aperture 74
leading to the drain inlet 68. Typically, the drain 64 is substantially funnel-
shaped substantially adjacent to the covering section 28' and tapers to a
section of substantially constant diameter extending towards the drain outlet
70. The drain 64 allows water accumulating on the top of the covering
structure 26' to be evacuated therefrom. Therefore, when rain falls onto the
covered pool structure 10, or when water becomes present on the covering
structure 26' for any other reason, the water may drain from the covering
structure 26' through the drain 64, which tends to reduce forces exerted onto
the covering structure 26' and onto the attachment flange-to-attachment
section releasable attachment 32, and tends to help in preventing small
children from drowning in puddles of water that could have formed on top of
the covering structure 26'.
[0077] As shown, the drain 64 extends through the peripheral wall 18
and the drain outlet 70 is located closer to the bottom wall 16 than the drain
inlet 68. This allows water to flow under the action of gravity through the
drain
64 and facilitates evacuation of the water from the top of the covered pool
structure 10.
[0078] To help in maintaining this relationship between the drain 64 and
the remaining portions of the covered pool structure 10"', in some examples,
the drain 64 is made out of a drain material that is buoyant in the liquid 12.
For
example, the drain material may be substantially buoyant in water. However,
in alternative examples, the drain 64 is made out of any other suitable
material.
<Scott: entirely new material commences here:>
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[0079] Turning now to Figure 7, illustrated therein is a covered pool
structure 110 for containing a liquid according to another example. Elements
of the covered pool structure 110 are similar to elements of the covered pool
structure 10, and where possible, like features have been identified by like
reference characters, incremented by 100.
[0080] As shown, the covered pool structure 110 includes a membrane
114 having a bottom wall 116, a peripheral wall 118 extending therefrom, and
a top edge 120 on the peripheral wall 118.
[0081] A rim 122 extends from the peripheral wall 118 proximate the
top edge 120. As shown, the rim 122 is inflatable and has a generally toroidal
configuration with a circular cross-sectional configuration, although any
other
suitable cross-sectional configuration could be provided.
[0082] The covered pool structure 110 also includes a covering
structure 126. The covering structure 126 includes a flexible covering member
128, and is generally positionable so as to extend across the pool and
between the peripheral wall to prevent access to liquid 112 within the pool.
The covering member 126 also includes an attachment section 130 extending
substantially peripherally and outwardly from the covering section 128 and
being configured for securing the flexible covering member 128 to the rim 122,
such as by an attachment flange 124 secured to a releasable attachment 132,
for example a zipper.
[0083] As will be described in greater detail below, the coverable pool
structure 110 also includes a support member 180 (shown in Figure 8) that is
positionable between a top surface 113 of the liquid 112 and the flexible
covering member 128 and is configured to bias at least a portion of the
flexible covering member 128 away from the liquid 112.
[0084] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the support member 180 provides
the covering structure 126 with a generally convex shape (away from the top
surface 113 of the liquid 112) with a center portion 129 of the flexible
covering
128 being positioned above the rim 122 by a distance D.
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[0085] The flexible covering member 128 slopes generally downwards
from the center portion 129 towards the rim 122. As such, rainwater and
other objects that would otherwise tend to collect on the top surface of the
covering structure 126 will tend to move outwards towards the rim 122 and, in
some examples, completely off of the covering structure 126. This tends to
decrease the risk that puddies or other pools will form on the top surface of
the flexible covering member 128, and decrease the associated risks of
drowning.
[0086] As best shown in Figure 8, the support member 180 can be
positioned generally concentric to the rim 122 of the pool, away from the rim
122. For example, when the rim 122 is presents a generally toroidal
configuration, the support member 180 can be positioned in the center of the
pool below the center portion 129. This tends to provide the flexible covering
member 128 with a homogenous surface profile, which encourages uniform
movement of water over the covering structure 126, and inhibit pools of water
from forming.
[0087] Alternatively, the support member 180 can be provided at
different locations relative to the rim 122. In particular, where the rim 122
of
the pool has a non-toroidal configuration, it may be advantageous to place the
support member 180 at various locations relative to the rim 122. Furthermore,
where the pool is particularly large or of a different configuration or shape,
more that one support member 180 could be used.
[0088] In some examples, the support member 180 is configured to be
releasably securable to one or more of the flexible covering member 128, the
rim 122 or the membrane 114. For example, as shown in Figures 8 to 10, the
support member 180 can include mounting members 182 secured thereto.
The mounting members 182 can be used to secure the support member 180
to the flexible covering member 128 via ropes 184 securable to mounting
points 185 on the flexible covering member 128. As shown in Figure 12, the
ropes 184 may include foldable locking members 181 on the ends thereof
suitable for passing through apertures 183 in the mounting members 182
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
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when folded, but configured to resist passing though the apertures 183 when
unfolded.
[0089] In other examples, the support member 180 can be permanently
secured to the flexible covering member 128.
[0090] In some examples, the support member 180 includes at least
one inflatable member. For example, as best shown in Figures 9 and 10, the
support member 180 includes four inflatable members 186a, 186b, 186c,
186d stacked in a vertical ordered arrangement. As shown, the inflatable
members 186a, 186b, 186c, 186d are generally toroidal in shape and are
secured together to provide a desired height H for the support member 180.
[0091] The uppermost inflatable member 186a can include an end
member 187 secured thereto that closes the upper end of the support
member 180.
[0092] The inner chambers 190 of the inflatable members 186a, 186b,
186c, 186d can be inflated for use with the flexible covering member 128 via
safety valves 188 positioned in the sidewalls of the inflatable members 186a,
186b, 186c, 186d and facing the interior of the support member 180. Safely
valves 188 could include any suitable valve apparatus known in the art
allowing the inflatable members 186a, 186b, 186c, 186d to be independently
inflated and the sealed to prevent leaking of the air therein.
[0093] As discussed above, the support member 180 is positionable
between the top surface 113 of the liquid 112 and the flexible covering
member 128, and operates to bias the flexible covering member 128 away
from the liquid 112. As shown in Figure 8, during use in the covered pool
structure 110, at least the lowermost inflatable member 186d of the support
member 180 float in the liquid 112 proximate the top surface 113, while the
uppermost inflatable member 186a and/or in some examples the end member
187 engage the bottom surface of the flexible covering member 128.
[0094] As shown, the height H of the support member 180 is selected
such that, during use, the support member 180 biases the flexible covering
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
member 128 away from the liquid 112. In some examples, the height H is
selected such that the center portion 129 of the flexible covering member 128
is above the rim 122 by the distance D.
[0095] In one example, the height H could be selected such that the
distance D is at least 5 cm. In another example, the height H could be
selected such that the distance D is at least 15 cm. It will be understood
that,
for the same support member 180 height H, the distance D may vary
according to the water level of the top surface 113 of the liquid 112 in the
covered pool structure 110. Accordingly, it may be desirable to select H such
that the distance D remains positive for a predetermined range of water levels
of the liquid. It may further be desirable to specify minimum and maximum
operating water levels for use with the support member 180.
[0096] In some examples, the support member 180 may be configured
support a predetermined weight, such as the weight of a child or other animal
that climbs onto the flexible covering member 128, without the flexible
covering member 128 collapsing into the liquid. This will tend to further
decrease the risks of a child or other animal falling into the liquid.
Furthermore, if the support member 180 supports a sufficient amount of
weight, this can tend to further decrease the risks of pools of water forming
on
the covering structure 126 even when a child or animal is present thereon,
further reducing the risks of drowning.
[0097] For example, the support member 180 could be configured to
support at least 100 Ibs, adequate to support the weight of a small child. In
another example, the support member could be configured to support at least
500 Ibs, such that multiple children could be on the flexible covering member
128 without the flexible covering member 128 collapsing into the liquid.
[0098] The inflatable members 186a, 186b, 186c, 186d can be made of
any suitable airtight material, such as a vinyl or rubber, such that the inner
chambers 190 will not leak or otherwise deflate during normal operating
conditions. In some examples, the inflatable members 186a, 186b, 186c,
186d may be permanently secured together, such as by sonic welding or
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
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adhesives, or alternatively they may be releasably secured together via
fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners (e.g. VelcroTM) or otherwise.
[0099] In some examples, a different number of inflatable members
could be secured together to form support members having different heights,
for example, for use with pools of different sizes. Furthermore, inflatable
members of different shapes and sizes could be used to provide support
members with different configurations. For example, oval-shaped inflatable
members could be used for an oval-shaped pool having an oval-shaped
covering member.
[00100] In some examples, as shown in Figure 10, the end member 187
of the support member 180 can comprise a generally flexible member
provided between the perimeter of the uppermost inflatable member 186a and
having a generally planar configuration. The end member 187 may operate to
more evenly distribute weight from the flexible covering member 128 acting on
the support member 180 to reduce the risk that the support member 180 will
collapse. In other examples, as shown in Figure 11, the support member 180
may include an end cap 189 that has a convex curved profile tending to
further bias the flexible covering member away from the support member 180.
This convex profile tends to further inhibit the formation of pools of water,
particularly in the center portion 129 of the flexible covering member 128. In
one example, the end cap may 189 itself be an inflatable member.
Alternatively, the end cap 189 may include one or more rigid or resilient
curved members therein to provide the desired convex profile.
[00101] As shown in Figure 8, in some examples, the flexible covering
member 128 may include a tensioning apparatus 191 for assisting in shaping
the flexible covering member 128. For example, the tensioning apparatus 191
may include an elastic rope 192 or other member secured to the flexible
covering member 128 via rope sleeves 194, for example fabric sleeves. The
elastic rope 192 can be provided in a generally continuous circular and
concentric relationship intermediate the support member 180 and the rim 122.
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
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[00102] During use, the elastic rope 192 can be tightened to draw an
intermediate portion 133 of the flexible covering member 128 inwardly. This
tends to further ensure that the flexible covering member adopts the desired
profile, and tends to ensure constant tension on the flexible covering member
128 to inhibit the formation of pools.
[00103] Turning now to Figure 13, a covered pool structure 210
according to another example is shown, having a support member 280
securable to a flexible covering member 228 via securing members 284. The
support member 280 comprises a foam portion 291, such as a polystyrene
foam, shaped for positioning between the flexible covering member 228 and
the top surface 113 of the liquid 112.
[00104] In some examples, the foam portion 291 can be made of a rigid
foam. In other examples, the foam portion 291 can be made of a resilient
foam. Being made of a foam material as opposed to having inflatable air
members tends to make the support member 280 less susceptible to leaks
and other damage when compared with the support member 180. However, it
tends to be bulkier and more difficult to store and transport since it may not
be
collapsable into a flat profile.
[00105] In yet another example, as shown in Figure 14, a covered pool
structure 310 can include a flexible covering member 328 supported by a
support member 380, the support member 280 included an inflatable air
bladder 396. The air bladder 396 may be defined between the lower surface
of the flexible covering member 328 and an upper surface of a lower flexible
member 398, as shown, and may be inflatable via a valve 399 positioned in
the flexible covering member 328. In such an example, the support member
380 may not be removable. In other examples, the air bladder 396 could be
defined by upper and lower flexible members independent of the flexible
covering member 328, and thus the support member 380 could be removable
from the flexible covering member 328.
[00106] Turning now to Figure 15, a covered pool structure 410 is shown
having a flexible covering member 428 supported away from the liquid therein
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
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by a support member (not shown). For example, one of support members
180, 280 380 could be used. The flexible covering member 428 includes a
plurality of spaced apertures 431 defined therein.
[00107] In some examples, the apertures 431 may be positioned
intermediate the rim 122 of the pool and the support member beneath the
flexible covering member 428. In other examples, the apertures 431 could be
provided at different locations in the flexible covering member 428, such as
in
a random pattern.
[00108] While the use of a support member (e.g. support members 180,
280 and 380) with the flexible covering members described above (e.g.
flexible covering members 128, 228, 328) tends to inhibit the formation of
pools, it can be difficult to obtain an entirely smooth surface of the
flexible
covering member and to ensure that the flexible covering member is
continuously angled downwards from the center portion towards the rim. In
fact, the curvature of the flexible covering members may still result in small
depressions or other irregular formations forming intermediate the center
portions of the flexible covering members and the rim. These depressions or
irregular formation can form small pools of water, which are generally
undesirable as even small pools of water can present a drowning risk to
children.
[00109] Flexible covering member 428 tends to reduce the occurrence of
such pools of water by allowing fluid communication between the outer
surface of the flexible covering member 428 and the liquid 112 within the pool
via the apertures 431. Any water that does collect in irregularities or
depressions in the surface may tend to flow towards the apertures 431, thus
draining into the pool and reducing the risks that small pools of water will
be
formed.
[00110] Turning now to Figure 16, a covering structure 626 for a
coverable pool structure 610 is shown according to another example. The
pool structure 610 has a membrane 614 with a bottom wall 616 and a
peripheral wall 618, and is shaped for receiving a liquid. The covering
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
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structure 626 includes a flexible covering member 628, an attachment
apparatus 630 for securing the flexible covering member 628 to the pool
structure 610, and a securing apparatus 637 connected to the attachment
apparatus 630.
[00111] The securing apparatus 637 is generally positionable on an
exterior surface of the peripheral wall 618 and is configured to releasably
secure the attachment apparatus 630 to pools such that the flexible covering
member 628 can be used to retrofit existing pools, or alternatively be used
without permanently affixing the attachment apparatus 630 to the pool
structure 610.
[00112] In the example shown, the pool structure comprises a rim 622
connected to the peripheral wall 618 proximate a top edge 620. The securing
apparatus 637 comprises a belt member 639 positionable below the rim 622,
and a locking member 641 for tightening the belt member 639 to the
peripheral wall 618 in a locked position below the rim 622. At least a portion
of
the belt member 639 is secured to the attachment apparatus 630.
[00113] When provided in the locked position by the locking member
641, the belt member 639 has a sufficiently small diameter such that it cannot
pass upwardly over the rim 622. In some examples, the belt member 639 is
sufficiently long that it can be partially loosened by the locking member 641
and can pass over the rim 622 without the belt member 639 being completely
removed from the locking member 641. In other examples, one end 639a of
the belt member 639 must be entirely removed from the locking member 641
to allow the belt member 639 can pass over the rim 622.
[00114] Turning now to Figure 17, a covering structure 726 for a covered
pool structure 710 is shown according to another example. The covering
structure 726 includes a flexible covering member 728 having a light-
transmitting portion therein 743, and an attachment apparatus 730 for
securing the flexible covering member 728 to the pool. The covering structure
726 also includes a heating member 745 positionable below the flexible
covering member 728.
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
[00115] The heating member 745 is configured to use light passing
through the light-transmitting portion 743 to heat liquid 713 in the pool.
[00116] In some examples, the light-transmitting portion 743 comprises
an open mesh material sufficiently strong to support the weight of a child or
other animal positioned on the flexible covering member 728, but which allows
a sufficient quantity of light to pass threrethrough to be used by the heating
member 745 in heating the liquid 712. In another example, the light-
transmitting portion 743 could be a translucent or transparent material, such
as a continuous sheet of clear plastic.
[00117] In some examples, the heating member 745 could be a solar
blanket positionable on or near a top surface 713 of the liquid 712. In some
examples, the heating member 745 can be secured to the flexible covering
member 728 via support straps 747 to ensure that the heating member 745 is
properly positioned beneath the light-transmitting portion 743 of the flexible
covering member 728.
[00118] Turning now to Figure 18, there is shown a coverable pool
structure 810 having a membrane 814 for containing a liquid, the membrane
having a bottom wall 816, a peripheral wall 818 extending from the bottom
wall, and a top edge 820 on the peripheral wall 818. A rim 822 is connected to
the peripheral wall 818 near the top edge 820. A flexible covering member
828 is attached to the rim 822 via an attachment apparatus 830.
[00119] The attachment apparatus 830 includes a releasable portion 832
secured to the rim 822 and configured to allow the flexible covering member
828 to be moved between a closed position (wherein the flexible covering
member 828 extends between the peripheral wall 818 to inhibit access to the
liquid 812) and an open position wherein flexible covering member 828 can
be positioned such that access to the liquid 812 is uninhibited. For example,
in
the open position the flexible covering member 828 can be flipped over
outwardly from the pool. The attachment apparatus also includes a permanent
connecting member 847 securing the flexible covering member 828 to the
membrane 814. The permanent connecting member 847 is configured such
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
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that the flexible covering member 828 cannot be entirely removed from the
pool structure 810. Thus, persons who are using the flexible covering member
828 will be unable to move the flexible covering member 828 away from the
pool (for example, by storing the flexible covering member 828 is a shed or
garage). As a result, persons tend to be more likely to close the flexible
covering member 828 over the pool to inhibit access to the liquid, rather than
leaving it open. This tends to make the covered pool structure 810 safer, as
persons are more likely to apply the flexible covering member 828 when it is
nearby, and not stored in a shed or garage, for example.
[00120] In some examples, the attachment apparatus 830 includes a
zipper member 832 extending only partially around the peripheral wall 818 of
the pool structure 810, and the connecting member 847 comprises a flexible
member 849 made of vinyl or another suitable material, and being provided
between a first end 832a and a second end 832b of the zipper member 832.
The flexible member 849 allows the flexible covering member 828 to be
flipped over, for example, away from the pool and into the open position.
[00121] What has been described is merely illustrative of the application
of some embodiments of the invention. Other systems, apparatuses and
methods may be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing
from the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the following
claims. In particular, various apparatus described above provide an example
of one or more embodiment of any claimed inventions. No embodiment
described limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover
systems, apparatus or methods that are not described above. The claimed
inventions are not limited to systems, apparatus or methods having all of the
features of any one apparatus or process described above or to features
common to multiple or all of the systems, apparatus or methods described
above. It is possible that systems, apparatus or methods described above are
not an embodiment of any claimed invention. The applicants, inventors or
owners reserve all rights that they may have in any invention disclosed in
systems, apparatus or methods described above that is not claimed in this
CA 02614799 2007-12-14
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document, for example the right to claim such an invention in a continuing or
divisional application and do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to
the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.
