AU2021101940A4 - Transportable enclosed swimming pool module - Google Patents

Abstract

DCC ABSTRACT A swimming pool and integrated housing structure adapted for transportation from one location to another comprising internal flooring within the swimming pool, said internal flooring being 5 selectively movable to adjust the effective depth of the swimming pool. 1/8 U|ME |7|

Description

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TRANSPORTABLE ENCLOSED SWIMMING POOL MODULE

FIELD This invention relates to a pre-fabricated, transportable enclosed (indoor) swimming pool module.

BACKGROUND There are a number of options available in home swimming pools such as in-ground (permanent), above-ground (permanent or temporary), outdoor or covered. Temporary swimming pools offer some advantages insofar as they can be emptied, disassembled and removed from the premises once their purpose has been served (for example, once the children have moved out from the family home). However, temporary swimming pools (i.e. above-ground) are typically uncovered (i.e. 'outdoor') since the covering structure would necessarily be temporary also. Thus, even if heated, temporary swimming pools rarely see use during the colder months of the year when the cool air temperature is prohibitive. This tends to restrict known temporary swimming pools (and many permanent outdoor pools) to a short season of use in parts of the country.

Outdoor, uncovered swimming pools, particularly those of a temporary nature, are subject to some other issues such as debris collecting in the water, maintenance of the exposed pool structure, and compliance with safety regulations such as child-proof fencing.

The present invention looks to address one or more of the issues outlined above, or at least provide a useful alternative to currently available swimming pool options.

SUMMARY In accordance with the present invention there is provided a swimming pool and integrated housing structure adapted for transportation from one location to another comprising internal flooring within the swimming pool, said internal flooring being selectively movable to adjust the effective depth of the swimming pool.

The internal flooring may comprise a support frame and at least one perforated flooring panel supported by the support frame.

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The support frame may comprise at least one elongate bearer running parallel to a length of the pool and connected at each end to a winch via winch cable, wherein the winch cable is arranged to run parallel to the depth of the pool, and wherein the support frame is movable within the pool by winding or unwinding the winch cable from the winch.

The integrated swimming pool and housing structure may comprise two said elongate bearers spaced apart from each other along a width of the pool.

o The housing structure may include a mezzanine floor arranged at least partially around the swimming pool but below an edge height of the pool, wherein the housing structure has a subfloor structure upon which the housing may rest directly on the ground or on suitably prepared foundation surfaces, and wherein the mezzanine floor together with upright walls and a roof form an enclosure around the pool-top.

The or each winch may be located below the edge height of the pool within the space defined by the mezzanine floor and the subfloor structure, and the winch cable may pass through a pulley located at or adjacent the edge height of the pool.

o The integrated swimming pool and housing structure may further comprise a wheelchair lift and/or a wheelchair access ramp providing access between ground level and the mezzanine floor.

The integrated swimming pool and housing structure may be prefabricated at a manufacturing facility with construction techniques, materials and dimensions enabling the integrated structure to be transported from the manufacturing facility to a site for use.

One or more of the walls may be provided with a door for access to the pool enclosure from the outside, and/or window for light and/or ventilation. The door may open to an outside deck and the deck may be surrounded on its open sides with a safety fence.

The swimming pool may be supported by and affixed to the subfloor structure.

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The integrated structure may be furnished with pump and filtration apparatus and plumbing.

The integrated swimming pool and housing structure may further include solar water heating with panels installed on the housing roof.

The integrated swimming pool and housing structure may further include electrical wiring and fittings for lights, ventilation fans and the like, and power outlet sockets, supplied from an externally mounted connector.

o The pool may be a hydrotherapy pool.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various advantages and aspects of the present invention may be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and thus not limitative of the present invention, and in which: Figure 1 is an overhead view, floor plan, of a pre-fabricated, transportable enclosed (indoor) swimming pool module according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the module of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an end sectional view of the module of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an end sectional schematic view of the swimming pool according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a plan schematic view of the swimming pool; Figure 6 is a front elevation view of a pre-fabricated, transportable enclosed (indoor) swimming pool module according to another embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is an overhead view, floor plan, of the module of Figure 6; and Figure 8 is an end sectional view of the module of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention as shown in the Figures are in the form of a swimming pool with integrated housing that is pre-fabricated and transportable from the place of manufacture to the

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installation site as well as from one site to another. A preferred embodiment comprises a transportable stand-alone autonomous module for use as a fully enclosed heated swimming pool.

The swimming pool module 10, 10' as seen in the Figures has a generally rectangular shape with four upright walls 12 and a sloped roof 16. The base of the module 10 has two longitudinally extending steel beams 14 on which the structure rests, in use. A plurality of steeljoists 15 extend between the two beams and support the swimming pool 30. The walls 12 are attached to and supported by the beams and/or joists and form an enclosure around the swimming pool.

o The area of the swimming pool is, naturally, smaller than the size of the module overall, and in the example illustrated the swimming pool is located in one corner of the structure. A mezzanine floor 20 extends around the rest of the interior of the housing, between the swimming pool 30 and the walls 12. Beneath the mezzanine floor 20 is a space 28 enclosed at the bottom by a utility floor 25 that may be used to contain operating equipment such as a pump, filter and the like. At least one of the walls is provided with one or more access doors and/or windows. In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, one wall adjacent the mezzanine floor has three glass sliding doors 18. In the example illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, one wall adjacent the mezzanine floor has a door 17 and two windows 19.

The module 10, 10' is prefabricated and then transported to an installation site, typically by road using a tilt-tray truck for example. At the installation site the module is unloaded from the truck onto pre-prepared footings 5, or simply onto the ground where suitable. Once the module is in position a deck 40 can be installed against the wall adjacent the doors 18, level with the mezzanine floor. Attachment points may be provided on the wall 12 for this purpose. Fencing that meets relevant standards for child protection and the like is preferably arranged around the perimeter of the deck, although not shown in the drawings. Leg struts 45 support the other edges of the deck 40, and a staircase 50 can be attached at one end. It is of course possible to operate the module 10 without the deck 40 simply by providing a stairway, ladder or other accessory leading to one of the doors 18.

The integrated structure including the swimming pool can be augmented with all manner of additions rendering it suitable for use by children, the elderly or people undergoing rehabilitation

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where swimming is a useful therapy. The module can be quickly transported by tilt tray truck and delivered or removed from site with ease.

As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, an internal floor 70 within the pool 30 that is able to be selectively moved (ie elevated or lowered) could be employed to vary the effective depth of the pool, catering for a variety of potential users. That is, the internal flooring 70 is configured to support the weight of the user(s) when it is suspended above the floor 60 of the pool. This will enable the pool depth to be set to 400mm or other suitably shallow depth for children. Other users with compromised mobility may select a depth best suited to their needs. The shallower depth provided by the internal floor 70 may be set for the entire duration of the use, or the internal floor 70 may be elevated at the start and end of each session to assist ingress and egress by users with compromised mobility.

In one embodiment, the internal flooring 70 comprises a support frame and at least one perforated flooring panel supported by the support frame. Water moves freely through the support frame and the perforated panel, enabling the internal floor 70 to be raised and lowered within the pool. In one example, the internal flooring 70 comprises a plurality of perforated flooring panels manufactured of a suitably durable polymer. The panels are detachably connected to each other endwise, and may be individually removed for replacement/maintenance and to enable cleaning of the pool floor 60. The panels may be attached to each other and to the support frame via any suitable connection means. The perforated panels span substantially the entire length and width of the pool, and idler wheels 95a, 95b, 95c, 95d may be provided at each comer of the internal flooring 70 to ensure that the flooring remains centred within the pool. The idler wheels may be made of a suitably durable polymer such as nylon.

In one example, the support frame comprises two elongate bearers 75a, 75b spaced apart from each other, each running parallel to and spanning the length of the pool. Each bearer 75a, 75b is connected at each end to a winch 80a, 80b via winch cable 85. From the end of each bearer, the winch cable 85 is arranged to run parallel to the depth of the pool, ie vertically, against the pool wall. The support frame, and thereby the internal floor 70, is movable within the pool by winding or unwinding the winch cable 85 from the winch 80a, 80b. The winches 80a, 80b are operated in tandem to ensure the internal floor 70 remains level when lifted and lowered within the pool. It

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will be appreciated that more than two bearers (and, if required, more than two winches) may be suitable, eg for wider swimming pools.

In the example schematically illustrated in Figure 4, the winches 80a, 80b are located outside the pool 30 and below the edge height of the pool, within the space 28 defined by the mezzanine floor 20 and the subfloor structure 25. Each winch cable 85 passes through a series of pulleys 90, 92 to reduce the load on the winch. The following description applies to examples in which there are any number of elongate bearers and corresponding winches, but for succinctness, reference will be made to only one of the winch-pulley arrangements, the one that is visible in Figure 4. The winch cable 85 passes through two sets of pulleys, 90a, 90b, each set located at or adjacent the edge height of the pool. Each set 90a, 90b comprises two pulleys to change the direction of the winch rope by 180 degrees. Specifically, the winch cable 85 runs vertically upwards from one end of the bearer 75a through the set of pulleys 90a located adjacent the top edge of the pool. The cable 85 then runs downwardly through the mezzanine floor 20 to the winch 80a located within the space 28 below the mezzanine floor. At the other end of the bearer 75a, the winch cable runs through a set of pulleys 90b located adjacent the opposite top edge of the pool. The cable 85 then runs downwardly through the mezzanine floor 20 to another pulley 92 located within the space 28 below the mezzanine floor, and adjacently below and parallel to the floor 60 of the pool to the winch 80a.

The space 28 adjacent the pool and beneath the mezzanine floor 20 is particularly suited for locating such mechanisms as the pulleys, winches, etc., concealing them away from sight, preventing tampering and protecting them from water. The pulleys in each set 90a, 90b located above the mezzanine floor 20 are preferably housed in a safety shield to prevent fingers and other objects from being caught in the pulleys.

In one example, the winch 90a is a 12V electric winch, selectively activated via a waterproof switch (eg housed in waterproof casing) positioned at a location convenient to be operated by the user as they enter or exit the pool. Additional or alternative arrangements of pulleys may be utilised as required, depending on the load of the internal flooring 70 to be lifted, the output of the winches, etc.

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In the lowest position, the internal flooring 70 will abut or be adjacent to the pool floor 60. In the upper-most position, the internal floor may be just below the surface of the water in the pool. Microswitches or other control elements prevent the internal flooring from being lifted higher than the upper-most position.

Figures 6 to 8 illustrate another embodiment of a swimming pool module 10' comprising a wheelchair lift 110 to provide access between ground level and the mezzanine floor 20. The lift 110 is located within the module 10' behind the door 17. In this example, the module 10' is positioned on footings 5, so that the floor 25 of the module is raised slightly above ground level. Once the module is in position on site, wheelchair landing 115 is installed adjacent the wall 12 and outside of the door 17, with ramps 112 as required to enable the wheelchair user to enter the module and position themselves on the platform of the wheelchair lift 110. Internal door 120 separates the lift platform (in its elevated position) and the mezzanine level. Also illustrated in the example of Figures 6 to 8 is a bathroom/changing room provided in the module - this may be particularly advantageous where the module is to be used by a multiple users at the same time.

Additional or alternative means of disability access between ground level and the mezzanine level may be provided. For example, the wheelchair lift may be located outside the module, an external ramp up to a deck at the same level as the mezzanine floor may be constructed outside the module, or an internal ramp from the subfloor 25 to the mezzanine floor 20 may be prefabricated within larger modules.

It will be appreciated that pre-fabricated pool modules such as those described above incorporating disability access and including a pool with user-customisable depth would be particularly suited for rehabilitation purposes. Hydrotherapy/aquatic rehabilitation therapy provides many known benefits over land-based therapy, especially with regard to safety, comfort and compliance of the user. The provision of a pre-fabricated and transportable rehabilitation pool module would make such facilities more accessible to users in need. That is, the ability to transport suitable rehabilitation facilities to these users for use in their own "backyard" would address the reduced mobility of such users, and may cater for other potential requirements such as the need for more space and privacy, the ability to have long and/or frequent rehabilitation sessions and the ability to remove the pool module once rehabilitated.

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In one form, the dimensions of the pool itself may 6m length, 2.4m width and 1.5m maximum depth (with water level at 1400mm). This is just an example, however, as the pool can in practice be supplied in a variety dimensions, although there are constraints as described below. The pool can be installed in a variety of module sizes from, say, 8m long x 3.4m wide up to 1Im x 4m. External height of the housing may typically be around 3300mm to 3400mm with a skillion roof of 2% fall. Further details of a particular embodiment of the swimming pool and housing structure are disclosed hereinbelow.

o Chassis and subfloor The chassis consists of two H beam bearers (skids) utilizing 250 UB 252mm x 146mm, 31.4kg/m. These are set 700mm in from the front and back outer chassis edge. The bearers have a centre to centre spacing of approximately 2000mm. The perimeter of the chassis consists of Bluescope steel RHS measuring 65mm x 65mm x 3mm. 5.66kg/m.

The chassis is filled in around the base of the swimming pool with floorjoists at 450mm centres. These are BlueScope steel 65mm x 35mm x 2mm RHS. 2.93kg/m. The subfloor will be filled in with a suitable non-rusting material that will let water pass through but prevent rodent ingress. The chassis is painted with DuraGal aluminium rich paint. This subfloor will support the pump and filtration hardware.

Mezzanine floor (for a 1500mm deep pool) Set at approximately 1200mm above the subfloor will consists of a perimeter frame with floor joists at 450mm centres. These are BlueScope steel 65mm x 35mm x 2mm RHS. 2.93kg/m. This mezzanine floor will be filled in with suitable boards (for example Modwood) creating a deck that will allow water to drain through it.

External walls All external walls and the roof consist of 75mm BondorPanel EPS-FR. The height of which would be about 3300mm with a 1200mm mezzanine floor (1500mm pool). The panels are bonded to the floor and the chassis with polyurethane adhesive. The exterior panels are also fixed to the chassis with galvanised tech screws at 200mm intervals.

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Internal walls where required are 50mm BondorPanel EPS-FR

Roof The roof panels are fixed to the external walls with polyurethane adhesive and 100mm galvanised tech screws at 200mm intervals. A folded metal flashing adds further strength

Electrical Electrical fittings may consist of double pole power outlets, LED internal and external lights, exhaust fans. Waterproof power outlets under the mezzanine floor can be provided for pumps and filtration. The module may be supplied with power through an externally mounted conventional caravan connector. Preferably the module will be fitted with a First Alert Photoelectric & Carbon Monoxide Smoke Alarm.

To facilitate fully autonomous operation the module may include a generator and battery/inverter/solar panel installation supplementing the pumping equipment could be optioned. This would mean access to an external power source would not be necessary. Fitted with suitable solid state programming the module could self-regulate lighting, heating, depth and filtration. Further, a pre-programmed code could tailor the pool for child or adult use. For example, a coded gate access would mean children accessing the pool with their specific code would be greeted with a pool of a certain depth while adults with a different code would have use of full depth.

Entrance External conventional aluminium sliding doors are located at the height of the mezzanine floor e.g. 1200mm above the subfloor. These sliding doors open to a removable external deck that creates a child proof barrier.

Swimming pool The pool unit is preferably constructed from steel as this integrates with the steel chassis and steel framed mezzanine. For example, the pool unit may comprise a cut shipping container, most likely cut creating a 1500mm deep pool although a unit could be supplied with a pool of lesser depth. This container may be welded into place sitting directly on the 250mm UB skids. The

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internal draining subfloor may then be constructed around the base of the container. Note, with these dimensions there is an approximate 300mm step up to access the pool from the mezzanine floor.

The container creating the pool can be lined with either a suitable pool membrane or a custom built fiberglass drop-in vessel.

Water heating Solar water heating panels mounted on the roof of the module for use in modulating the temperature of the water in the pool. A conventional suitably sized pump and filtration system for (20,000-litre in the 1500mm deep size) the pool can be located between the subfloor and the mezzanine floor.

Pool filling water replenishment may be catered for by a conventional tap fitting located on an outside wall. This supply can also service showers/kitchenettes/toilets etc. where applicable.

The configuration of each separate module may be customized to suit the specific needs of the corresponding customer. The housing structure can be augmented with all manner of inclusions, for example B-B-Q facilities, showers, toilets, kitchenette, lunchrooms, offices, gym facilities, o high dependency and rehabilitation infrastructure.

The term "swimming pool" is generally used herein to refer to the structure provided for the purpose of containing water within which a person may swim, rather than the body of water itself.

The structure and implementation of embodiments of the invention has been described by way of non-limiting example only, and many additional modifications and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention described.

Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the

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material forms part of the prior art base or common general knowledge in the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (15)

: \Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\PLW\20689299_I.docx-2109/2020 CLAIMS

1. A swimming pool and integrated housing structure adapted for transportation from one location to another comprising internal flooring within the swimming pool, said internal flooring being selectively movable to adjust the effective depth of the swimming pool.

2. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 1 wherein the internal flooring comprises a support frame and at least one perforated flooring panel supported by the support frame.

3. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 2, wherein the support frame comprises at least one elongate bearer running parallel to a length of the pool and connected at each end to a winch via winch cable, wherein the winch cable is arranged to run parallel to the depth of the pool, and wherein the support frame is movable within the pool by winding or unwinding the winch cable from the winch.

4. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 3, comprising two said elongate bearers spaced apart from each other along a width of the pool.

o 5. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing structure includes a mezzanine floor arranged at least partially around the swimming pool but below an edge height of the pool, wherein the housing structure has a subfloor structure upon which the housing may rest directly on the ground or on suitably prepared foundation surfaces, and wherein the mezzanine floor together with upright walls and a roof form an enclosure around the pool-top.

6. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 5, wherein the or each winch is located below the edge height of the pool within the space defined by the mezzanine floor and the subfloor structure, and wherein the winch cable passes through a pulley located at or adjacent the edge height of the pool.

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7. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a wheelchair lift and/or a wheelchair access ramp providing access between ground level and the mezzanine floor.

8. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to any one of the preceding claims that is prefabricated at a manufacturing facility with construction techniques, materials and dimensions enabling the integrated structure to be transported from the manufacturing facility to a site for use.

9. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 5 wherein one or more of the walls is provided with a door for access to the pool enclosure from the outside, and/or window for light and/or ventilation.

10. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 9 wherein the door opens to an outside deck and the deck is surrounded on its open sides with a safety fence.

11. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 5 wherein the swimming pool is supported by and affixed to the subfloor structure.

12. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the integrated structure is furnished with pump and filtration apparatus and plumbing.

13. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to claim 12 further including solar water heating with panels installed on the housing roof.

14. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to any preceding claim further including electrical wiring and fittings for lights, ventilation fans and the like, and power outlet sockets, supplied from an externally mounted connector.

15. An integrated swimming pool and housing structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the pool is a hydrotherapy pool.